Why Should You Visit Rome
Walking in Rome is magical and involves considerable time travel. Only in Rome can you walk from the Baroque Trevi Fountain to Ancient Roman Pantheon, from medieval Santa Maria Sopra Minerva to a perfect example of an Ancient Roman Basilica at San Paolo.
It is also a special place for its art, history, culture and cuisine. Italy has 53 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than any other country.
Roma Centro (centre) is filled with evocative ruins, Renaissance piazza (squares), and Baroque churches with Italians strolling, shopping, and sipping cappuccino. It is a vibrant, living city filled with old things, even ancient column fragments embedded in the palazzo walls. Everywhere you look, you will be amazed.
Author & Photographer: George Mitchell
Our recommendations are not influenced by affiliate links – we have none. Our advice is derived from our personal experience and knowledge based on living in Rome for four years and studying its art and architecture. All the places recommended in this post are pinned on our Roman Itineraries Map. The place names are appended with the Google Maps Rating (G0 to G5).
Living in Rome
We lived in Rome for more than four years, and our son was born there. And let’s not forget the warm Italian people who just love bambini (kids).
When we would go sightseeing, we would try to admire the amazing art and architecture. Meanwhile all the Romans were admiring our very cute baby boy sitting in his baby backpack, grinning ear to ear with all the attention he was getting. When we told them he had an Italian name because he was born in Rome, they would get very excited saying “un vero Romano“. As a true Roman, he still loves eating pizza, pasta, and gelato.
We spent a lot of time learning about the art, architecture, culture and history of Italy. Back at home, we also gave a course at the University of Alberta on Discovering Our Ancient Routes in the Mediterranean.
Amazing Rome Walks
Only in Rome can you travel in time from Ancient Rome to Christian Rome, from Medieval Magic to Baroque Blowout. The Seven Best Walks are shown on our custom Roman Itineraries Map. We discuss some options for selecting walks in the section Can I see everything in 2 or 3 days?
Walk 1 – The Secrets of Ancient Rome covers Piazza Campidoglio: Capitoline Hill, a great Forum view, Temple of Saturn, Saturnalia — the most famous festival in the world. It then goes on a tour of the Forum, Palatine Hill, the Arch of Constantine and the Colosseum.
Walk 2 – Baroque Fountains to Ancient Temples involves considerable time travel from Baroque Fontana di Trevi to the Ancient Roman Pantheon (the must-see of all of Rome), from the medieval Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, to the amazing Baroque trompe l’oeil ceiling of Chiesa di San Ignazio di Loyola.
Walk 3 – Ancient Hidden Gems includes Chariots (Circo Massimo), Superstitions (Bocca della Verità), Theatres, Jewish ghetto, and the last intact Ancient Roman temples and bridge (Ponte Fabricio)!!
Walk 4A – Vintage Vatican Museum – You can see the highlights of the Vatican Museums in a morning but this really needs a whole “Day at the Museum”: don’t miss the Octagonal Court (Laocoön…), Sala Rotunda, Augustus of Prima Porta statue, Etruscan Museum, Raphael Stanze (Rooms); and — last but not least — the Sistine Chapel. OMG, will you survive this day?
Walk 4B – Vibrant Vatican — if you are not exhausted from the Vatican Museums 4A “walk” above, then spend the afternoon in Piazza di San Pietro, St. Peter’s Basilica (Baroque masterpiece), Castel Sant’Angelo (Ancient Rome), and Ponte Sant’Angelo adorned with angel statues. Alternatively, split walk 4 into two days.
Walk 5 – Escape the Crowds with these Hidden Gems – Do you want to get away from all the tourists while still seeing interesting sights in Rome? This classic walk promises golden mosaics, twisted columned cloisters, Mithraic mysteries, Ancient Roman columns and masterpieces by Michelangelo — in a church.
Walk 6 – Best Baroque Blowout is a Bernini Blowout at the Galleria Borghese, one of our favourite galleries with sculpture masterpieces by Bernini and Canova; Spanish Steps; Santa Maria della Vittoria with renown Bernini sculptures; Santa Maria dei Francesi church that doubles as a Caravaggio museum; and Villa Giulia, a superb Etruscan museum.
Walk 7 – Amazing Eternal Rome travels from Piazza Eustachio for cappuccino, Baroque Sant’ Ivo alla Sapienza; Piazza Navona with Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Rivers); Renaissance Chiesa San Luigi degli Francesi with Caravaggio paintings; Renaissance Chiesa di Sant’ Agostino; Marcus Aurelius Column; to Baroque Trevi Fountain — see it during the day as well as lit up at night! It is close to the Spanish Steps.
Can I see everything in 2 or 3 days?
The short answer is no! There is a saying “Roma, una vita non basta”, a lifetime is not enough. You need at least 4 to 8 nights in Rome!
If you have less than a week you have a tough decision on which walks to do. I have organized the walks according to your potential interests.
What are the must-sees in Rome?
If you have 3 full days, then do the following walks:
- Walk 1 – The Secrets of Ancient Rome;
- Walk 2 – Baroque Fountains to Ancient Temples;
- Walk 4A – Vintage Vatican Museum + Walk 4B – Vibrant Vatican;
Where can you see Ancient Rome
- Walk 1 – The Secrets of Ancient Rome;
- Walk 2 – Baroque Fountains to Ancient Temples;
- Walk 3 – Ancient Hidden Gems;
- Ostia Antica (mentioned in the Secrets of Ancient Rome Walk 1)
Where can you see Christian Rome
- Walk 4A – Vintage Vatican Museum + Walk 4B – Vibrant Vatican;
- Walk 2 – Baroque Fountains to Ancient Temples;
- Walk 5 – Escape the Crowds with these Hidden Gems;
Where can you see the Baroque Era in Rome
- Walk 6 – Best Baroque Blowout;
- Walk 7 – Amazing Eternal Rome;
Where can you get off the Beaten Track in Rome
- Walk 3 – Ancient Hidden Gems;
- Walk 5 – Escape the Crowds with these Hidden Gems;
- Ostia Antica (mentioned in the Secrets of Ancient Rome Walk 1)
Final Comments
Rome is over-touristed. But we hope you have learned that these are the best places to experience quintessential Italy. We trust you now understand why the places are significant and how they have had such a great influence on the history and culture of the world.
Subscribe
Please subscribe to Terra Encounters because we offer valuable insights to improve your understanding and enhance your travels. We offer itinerary-based guides packed with the best sights and hidden gems. Let our knowledge help you fully appreciate every moment of your amazing journey.
Get travel tips and advice delivered directly to your inbox. The best part is that it is free.
This was only a taste of Rome. What questions do you have? If you have been to Rome, share your experiences with us. How long is/was your trip?
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Itinerary Map & Resources
Roman Itineraries Map — our custom Google Map
Google Maps Ratings
Google Maps provides a rating from 0 to 5 for all sights, hotels and restaurants (but not cities). All of our recommendations are appended with the rating (prefixed with a G) from Google Maps. As it is based on feedback from tourists and locals, it is much more reliable than travel booking websites. We consider a score of 4 to 4.39 to be Very Good; 4.4 to 5 to be Excellent.
Roma Pass
The 48-hour pass costs €32 and is probably not worthwhile. The 72-hour pass costs €52 and includes two museums and free metro/bus. Public transit ticket costs €1.50 per trip. After you use the two free tickets, you will get discounts on additional museums, so always use the pass for the more expensive fees. The passes start at whatever time you first use them; e.g. bus or metro triggers it too.
The Roma Pass lets you skip the very long line (for buying tickets). But you can also skip the line by buying your tickets online. Most major museums in Rome are included, except the Vatican Museums! Note that some places like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill are two sites, but they count as one.
Understanding Italy
The Italy FAQ post answers questions such as:
- When should I go?
- What is the best season for travel?
- Where should I go?
- Can I see everything in a week?
- How much time do I need for Italy?
- How much cash should you take to Italy?
- Should I pay in Euros or my own currency?
- How safe is Italy?
- Should I rent a car? Take a Taxi?
Terra Encounters 
Leave a comment