In 80 AD, Titus officially opened the Colosseum’s gates to the throngs of jostling spectators hungry for the sight of beasts, battle, and blood. Although now, two-thirds of the Colosseum crumbled away during earthquakes and fires, it remains one of Italy’s most striking attractions. So, if you are wondering what to do in Rome, a trip to the Colosseum is a must. Book a tour, stroll the arena floor and imagine the iron on steel of gladiatorial combats. Or, navigate your way through the underground Hypogeum, where prisoners, gladiators, and animals awaited their fate. The Colosseum is, without a doubt, one of the best places to see in Rome.
A trip to the Centro Storico is a must if you visit Rome. In fact, most of the top attractions in Rome sit among the densely populated piazzas. An unruly tangle of its cobblestone streets and alleys guards Roman treasures. Dealing with Rome’s heat and the hordes of tourists who flock to the historic center can be overwhelming. To explore the Centro Storico by night is to avoid all this. Instead, you experience the romance of the best places to visit Rome as never before. See the Piazza Navona and the illuminated waters of its four impressive fountains. Or, admire the striking size of Pantheon’s backlit columns. All that under a starry Roman night sky.
When you’ve exhausted all the places to visit in Rome, or maybe the hustle and bustle of Rome has exhausted you, jump on a train for a day trip. From Rome, you can head to Tivoli. Here, you can roam around the grounds of Hadrian’s Villa. Or, you can head for the magnificent Renaissance gardens at the Villa d’Este. Cerveteri is also close by, and here you will find the “city of the dead,” an Elaborate tomb complex built by the mysterious Etruscans. If you’re feeling up to it, go a little further afield and make your way to Florence. Or, you could also head south to Naples and grab a slice of pizza in the city where it was born.
If you’re the adventurous type and want to explore all the top sights in Rome in a different way, then a Segway tour is just what you’re after. A Segway is a two-wheeled, self-balancing scooter. They’re tons of fun and super easy to use. With all the things to see in Rome and all the walking that goes with it, that’s definitely a win. Segway tours in Rome are no different than walking tours. Except on a Segway, you have the added benefit of being able to scoot everywhere quicker and with a third of the effort. All major Segway tour operators will offer tours through the Centro Storico, the Colosseum, and even the Vatican.
While in Rome, forget about diet and make devouring Roman dishes part of your travel experience. Taking your time to explore the tastes of the local cuisine is a great way to learn a bit more about local culture. Make sure to sample Bucatini all’amatriciana pasta, probably the most Roman of all Roman pasta shapes. Spaghetti cacio e pepe and Spaghetti alla carbonara are both simple but also bound to blow your mind. Taste Carciofi (artichokes) alla romana (Roman-style) or alla giudea (Jewish-style). Meat lovers will appreciate the lamb dish Abbacchio alla scottadito or alla romana. Take your tastebuds on journey of a lifetime!
