Things to Do in Rome

Vatican City

The monumental Vatican is a convergence point for Catholics worldwide and it even has its own newspaper and radio station. The first pope, St Peter was martyred and buried. To visit there is a dress code: clothes must cover the shoulders and ankles as a mark of respect to be allowed entry. Visit the Vatican Museum as it is is one of the greatest museums in the world. Highlights are Michelangelo's famous Creation of Adam, the stunning frescos in the Sistine Chapel and Raphael's Rooms.

Within the Vatican you'll find St Peters Basilica. Christians pour in from afar to one of the world's holiest places. St Peters is the final pilgrimage destination and it is the largest church in the world. Challenge yourself to climb the 320 steps to the Cupola or for a Euro more you can take the elevator (7 Euros) to see the opulent Basilica beneath you. There is an impressive looking Swiss Guard who loyally protects the building - a century-old tradition. The Renaissance masters have left behind a true work of art such as the dome designed by Michelangelo. On Sundays at noon, catch Pope Benedict XVI when he appears at the second window from the right of the Apostolic Palace, to pray and bless the crowd in the Square.

Forum Romanum and Colosseum

If you've never been then this is a must-see. This is Gladiator territory where you can just see Russell Crowe striding through the balustrades.  See where gladiators and animals once fought to the brutal death in the Colosseum for the entertainment of the Roman Emperor. The amphitheatre is massive and can seat over 50,000 people and a ticket will cost €15.50 (and is valid for two days).  Once a marsh, the Roman Forum houses temples, basilicas and was previously a political and social hub. To get a view of the entire thing, trek up the ancient Palatine Hill where remnants of former grandeur can be found in the beautiful ruins that litter the hill.

Galleria Borghese

Not far from the Stadio Flaminio lies the Park Villa Borghese. The large green has an open air bar and having grown an English constitution the weather should feel positively balmy. There is a beautiful lake surrounded by ancient, knotted trees where you can hire a rowing boat. Spot the odd statue dotted amongst the foliage and if you're feeling game, make a trip to the zoological park inside the green. On the edge is one of Italy's major museums - The Borghese Gallery so there is a host of options to choose from.

Palatine

The Palatine was once the residence of emperors and aristocrats of Rome. According to legend twins Romulus and Remus were brought up on the Palatine by a wolf. Today you can visit the remains of the Palace of Septimius Severus, fountains, gardens and Cryptoporticus, an underground gallery which was built by Emperor Nero.

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is Rome's largest and most famous fountain. Legend has it, if you wish to return to Rome, then you must toss coins into the water over your shoulder. The beauty of the fountain makes it a popular attraction for tourists, making it very busy at times, but it is definitely worth a visit to come and make a wish.

The Spanish Steps

A sweeping staircase takes you from Rome's most famous square - the Piazza de Spagna to a French church, Trinità dei Monti where you may find the odd romantic-stricken guitarist strumming away. To the south is the famous street Via Veneto, the stamping ground of luxuriously-dressed women and dapper men. It's fun to window-shop and dawdle in the designer boutique shops. The closest metro is Spagna. Some great tourist spots are the Trevi Fountain, west of the steps. Here you can get wonderfully lost down the maze of alleys that twist off the main roads but take a good map to find your way back.

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the centre of life in Imperial Rome. Today remains the ruins of temples, basilicas and arches which were once such an integral part of the city. The Antiquarium Forense is a small museum which displays artifacts found in the Forum, which gives an insight into activities which took place within this area which just remains as a collection of ruins.        

Santa Maria del Popolo

There are so many beautiful churches in Rome. But one definitely worth a visit, which displays examples a vast range of styles of different paintings, sculptures, decoration and architecture, is the Santa Maria del Popolo. Here you'll find works of the Early and High Renaissance and Baroque.     

The Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museums are two impressive museums, found on top of Capitoline Hill. Here you can immerse yourself in ancient Roman history through some of the city's treasures. The museums are connected by an underground tunnel which also leads to the ancient Tabularium.

Museo Nazionale Romano

The National Museum of Rome with its impressive art collection grew too vast for its original home in 1981, so in 1998 the collection was split between different sites. Highlights of the collections include mosaics, incredible frescoes, and the statue of Emperor Augustus.