Things to do when in Rome – learn to enjoy yourself and have a great time!

If you want to experience la dolce vita, you have to visit one of the greatest capitals in the world – Rome. More than that, you have a lot to learn from the Italians and their culture – how to appreciate the small things in life, beauty, fashion, good food, good wine and great company.

So, if you are planning a relaxing and delightful vacation, but don’t know yet where to go, we recommend you this city. We’ve also made a list of things you could do while in Rome, so that you can fully enjoy your trip, learn and build some fascinating memories.

Keep in mind that Rome is full of amazing attractions and historical sites, but we’re only going to tell you a list of things good for the mind and soul

Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain

Fontana di Trevi

This is the largest and most spectacular of Rome’s fountains and was designed to glorify the three different Popes – Clement XII, Benedict XIV and Clement XIII.

It was built in 1730 on the site of Renaissance fountain by Leon Battista Alberti. The central figure is Oceanus, the personification of all the seas and oceans and is surrounded by Tritons and Sea Nymphs.

Of course, this place is seriously touristy, but you can’t go to Rome and not throw a coin in the water, while making a wish (right hand over left shoulder, remember!).  According to the legend, a foreigner who tosses a coin into the Fontana Trevi ensures his return to Rome.

Explore the spectacular views from up top

If you don’t have time or simply not enjoy visiting all the historic buildings in Rome, how about gazing down at some views instead?

Great view of Rome

You can either climb the 320 steps to the top of the dome of St Peter’s Basilica or take the lift at the Vittoriano, a huge white monument. In both cases, you will be marveled by the magnificent frescos and glorious surroundings.

Sit down and have an espresso

Like we said in the beginning, Italians invented the expression <il dolce far niente> – sweet without nothing – and follow it like an unwritten rule.

That’s why you will always see them relaxed and smiling, like they don’t have a worry in the world. So, now that you are on holiday, forget about work, noisy environments and deadlines and simply enjoy a good espresso.  For the record, you are in a country celebrated for its great coffee.

Learn all about the legend of the wolf

Lupercal is a cave discovered by the first Roman emperor Augustus beneath his home at The Palatine. The monument was consumed by the ravages of time, and only came to light again in 2008.

Italian gelato is the best

The legend says that here, the she-wolf nursed the twin brothers Remus and Romulus after they were found in a basket by the Tiber. Romulus climbed this hill to found the city, so the emperor decorated the cave to charm the populous.

Pizza, pasta, wine and gelato – Indulge all of them

If you are in Rome, you are in a city where you should celebrate food and spoil your senses.  Moreover, you are in a country where pizza was born, and that is well known for the parties that great emperors used to throw.

Therefore to experience the authentic Pizza Romana – made with freshly tossed thin crusts in wood-fired ovens – visit the Testaccio institution of Remo and for great wine, go to Al Vino Al Vino, friendly hostelry with a range of over 500 wines or the cosy bar Il Goccetto.

You can’t go to Rome and not eat a pizza

However, if you’re only craving sweets, remember that nothing compares with an amazing gelato – many consider the best ice cream in the city at Il Gelato di San Crispino – or some exquisite chocolate, one of Rome’s sinful indulgences.

Shop in the fancy boutiques and visit the antique markets

Rome is also the Capital of Fashion, so according to timeout.com, here are some places where you can spend some money for your own pleasure – the Arsenale is the perfect place to find Bohemian chic, Le Gallinelle stocks reworked vintage threads and Le Tartarughe cultivates classic easy-to-wear clothes with a twist.

Anyway, if you are only looking for a souvenir you can always go to flea markets like Porta Portese and Via Sannio, where you can find clothes, furniture, CDs and many other interesting things.

Walk through the city’s best piazzas

This amazing Capital has a unique artistic heritage. For example, Piazza Navona used to be a Roman circus and has an amazing Bernini fountain at its center.

In Piazza del Popolo, designed in the shape of an oval Rome’s leading neo-classical architect Giuseppe Valadier in the 19th century, you can find the church of Santa Maria Del Popolo, with a chapel by Raphael, and an Egyptian obelisk, brought to Rome by the emperor Augustus.

Piazza Navona

Surely, you should also visit the Colosseum – most famous Roman arena, Vatican City – where the Pope lives, the Pantheon or the Roman Forum.

But, if you want to be a special tourist and embrace as much as you can of the Italian culture, take into consideration our tips. We are sure you will not regret it and you’ll have tons of fun.

So, if you go to Rome, send us a postcard or simply leave us a comment and tell us how your trip was.