1. Explore the perfect Pantheon
The Pantheon has been called the world’s most perfect buildings because of its awe-inspiring and harmonious architecture. It was built as a temple to all the gods, hence ‘Pantheon’, in the first Century BC, then altered by Hadrian in around 125AD. Its dome has long proved baffling to modern architects who were stumped as to how it was constructed. The open-eyed oculus faces upwards so when it rains, (which it’s known to do quite a bit in Rome!) the rain falls onto the indoor marble pavement. It’s a popular site though so expect queues.
Opening times: 8.30am through 7.30pmEntry: Free
2. Taste the best pizzas in Rome
You can’t really go wrong with the pizzas in Rome so we challenge you to find your favorite! Sforno is thought to be one of the best pizzerias, as is Dar Poeta in the center of the city. The latter is a good choice for travelers who like to sit outside and eat al fresco. If you’ve experienced Rome’s nightlife we recommend you stop off at La Boccaccia which sells traditional pizza slices until 1am. You’ll feel better for it in the morning!
3. See the Dying Gaul at the Capitoline Museum (Mesei Capitolini)
Also known as The Dying Gladiator, this is one of the most incredible statues in Rome, and possibly the world. The sculptor depicts the dreadlocked man (dreadlocked hair was used to depict foreigners) and captured slave (indicated by his necklace) with dignity in a strong anti-war statement. It’s a statue that has been copied many, many times by other artists who admire it for its strong emotion. When you’ve admired him for long enough, head to the museum’s cafe for a coffee and wonderful view.
Opening times: 9.30am through 7.30pmEntry: €7.80 (Dh33) for adults
4. Escape the city at Villa Medici
This stunning building (we’re not exaggerating) sits high above the Spanish Steps on the Pincio. It’s home to the French Academy in Rome which usually has a packed diary of interesting events such as concerts, exhibitions, film screenings and tours. Its walled garden has a panoramic view towards Janiculum Hill, a large green expanse that provides refuge away from the city’s noisy streets. It’s a wonderful spot to enjoy a sunset.
Address: Viale della Trinità dei Monti, 1, 00187 Roma, ItalyOpening times and entry: 10am through 6pm. General entry is free but exhibits are paid.
5. Gaze in awe at St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican
Inside the Vatican City sits the enormous and mesmerizing St Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world. It’s rich in treasures including Michaelangelo’s Pieta sculpture of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. Climb the narrow crawl space in between the two domes to witness the ornamentation and architecture up close. You’ll need to set aside a couple of hours; taking the elevator will save you walking 320 steps, but there’s still another 551 to go. There are three viewpoints you don’t want to miss: the inside rim of the cupola (the dome) and the view of the interior, the outdoor terrace, and the lantern at the summit with a 360˚ view.
Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican CityOpening times and entry: 9am through 6pm, closed on public holidays. Entry is included in the price of a Vatican Museum ticket which costs €15 (Dh63) per person.
6. Gorge on gelato
One of Rome’s – and maybe even the world’s – best ice cream stores sits close to the spot where Julius Caesar was assassinated. Gelateria Corona is the real deal with none of the puffed-up stuff filled with artificial coloring. It’s a father-and-daughter store that has fun with its flavors, while sticking to the traditional methods of making the refreshing desert. Favorite creations include saffron-ricotta, celery-mint, nutty pistachio and mango.
Address: Largo Arenula, 27, 00186 Roma, ItalyOpening hours: 12pm through 2am
7. Catch a movie at Cinema Farnese
While revelers congregate at Campo de’ Fiori in the evening, Cinema Farnese, one of the oldest cinemas in Rome, entertains Romans. It’s family-run with balcony seating and has been lovingly restored by its owners. Check the website for a usually busy program of festivals, special events and premiers.
Address: Piazza Campo de’ Fiori, 56, 00186 Roma, Italy
8. Savor foods at the Campo de’ Fiori Market
Food is about as intertwined with Italian culture as it’s possible to be. It’s the topic of many a conversation in the streets, on buses, anywhere. And in many neighborhoods – rich or poor – the food market is the hub of morning activity. If you want to get the best from an Italian meal in a restaurant, make sure you’ve done your homework in the market and know what the seasonal foods are. If you don’t spot Roman artichokes for sale, chances are the restaurants that are serving them are more likely serving imported or frozen carciofi.
Address: Piazza Campo de’Fiori, 00186 Roma, ItalyOpening times and entry: Early morning through 2pm, entry is free
9. Relax with an aperitivo
This tradition signals the end of the work day for the Romans. Sparkling drinks such as prosecco, produced in Italy’s Veneto area, or franciacorta, made in Lombardia, are very popular choices to celebrate with. A lot of bars will also serve finger food as part of the drink cost. Enjoy your aperitivo or sparkling water on a rooftop, in a grand piazza, or along the Tiber River at the Bistrot del Giu da Ballerinao’s summer tavern.
Address: Albergo Bernini Bristol, Piazza Barberini, 23, 00187 Roma, ItalyOpening times and entry: 12:30pm through 3pm, 7pm through 11pm; entry is free
10. Step back in time at the Palatine
This is the legendary place where Rome was born in 753BC, and went on to become the home of many an emperor. It offers wonderful views of Aventine Hill and Circus Maximus. There’s a museum with displays of Iron Age huts where colorful fragments of marble and frescos hint at the bright colors of Ancient Rome. The gardens were restored beautifully in 2012 and a year later the Stadium opened its doors for the first time in many decades.
Opening times and entry: Enter between 8.30am and an hour before sunset, entry costs €12 (Dh50) per adult
This article was adapted from a piece written by Judy at Tripbod for Skyscanner.net.
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*Published July 2017. Prices correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change and/or availability.
