01. Colosseum

“When the Colosseum falls, Rome will fall. When Rome falls, the world will fall”. How many monuments inspire such reverence? The world’s most famous amphitheater has never stopped to inspire awe and lately more parts have become accessible for tourists.

02. Vatican City

The Vatican City contains Saint Peter’s Basilica and Square, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. There is probably no other place on earth which such a density of artistic masterpieces. Expect to spend an entire day sightseeing here.

03. Trastevere

Although there are older areas in Rome, Trastevere is the quintessential Roman neighborhood. Especially the part close to the river Tiber with its narrow, winding alleys and intimate, picturesque squares is a must-see. The family-run trattorie in Trastevere are famous for their hospitality and the Sunday flea market at Porta Portese is famous for its chaos.

04. Piazza Navona

Every big city has one: A square where pseudo-artists overcharge you for their caricatures and tacky tourist attraction drawings. Of course they wouldn’t be there if Piazza Navona wasn’t such a gorgeous square, with Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers in the middle and the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone facing it.

05. Pantheon

The Pantheon is the oldest religious building still being used for its original purpose. Built more than two thousand years ago, architects still marvel at the perfection of its spectacular dome. The official name of the Pantheon is Chiesa di Santa Maria ad Martyres, but “Temple of All Gods” does sound better.

06. Trevi Fountain

We recommend visiting Trevi Fountain twice: Once during daytime and once after midnight, when the throngs have disappeared and it is possible to have an idea of the real grandiosity of the monument. Anita Ekberg has by now given up on getting Marcello Mastroianni to join her, but also without movie stars the Trevi Fountain remains a unique sight to behold.

07. Spanish Steps

Although it is now forbidden to sit on the Spanish Steps, the atmosphere here is still unique. Towering over the Piazza di Spagna and the Fontana della Barcaccia and in turn being towered over by the Trinita dei Monti church and obelisk the Spanish Steps are amongst Rome‘s most romantic hangouts. Walking straight down the steps you will enter the Via Condotti and your shopping spree may commence. In spring big pots with azaleas are placed on the steps.

08. Via Veneto

Faded glory, but beautiful faded glory. In the 1950’s and 1960’s the Via Veneto paparazzi cam here to take pictures of movie stars. Aspiring movie stars came here hoping to have their pictures taken by paparazzi. Still one of Rome’s most prestigious streets with big luxury hotels and prestigious restaurants, but remember that a cup of coffee here costs the same as a full meal elsewhere. The Santa Maria della Concezione “church of the bones” vainly attempts to counteract Via Veneto‘s vanity.

09. Castel Sant’Angelo

The Castel Sant’Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum and later functioned as both a fortress and a prison. Nowadays it is a mere museum, but from its roof you will be able to enjoy one of the most beautiful views Rome has to offer.

10. Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

The Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill are both included in the ticket to the Colosseum. The Palatine Hill is full of ruins of past emperors’ dwellings, while the Roman Forum used to be the center of Rome‘s political and social life. After you have visited these ruins we recommend a climb up the Capitoline Hill (Campidoglio). The view from here shows you more of how the Forum was structured at the time.

Rome and surroundings