European city breaks are often full of excitement, sightseeing, and delicious food. If you've been updating your travel bucket list lately, you must include Rome in Italy. As well as being an ancient city full of art, culture, and history, Rome has many iconic attractions to explore.
To ensure you enjoy your next solo or family vacation in Rome, create a detailed plan and itinerary to help you navigate it all. The capital of Italy is one of the most popular cities in Europe for many good reasons. There's much to enjoy and explore, whether you're interested in prominent churches, art galleries, or Italian cuisine.
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Top Logistics Tip When in Rome
Before beginning your day with classic Roman sightseeing, you'll need to take care of your backpacks or luggage. Likely, your hotel room check-in won't open until later in the day, and you don't want to waste a single moment, nor do you want to be burdened with all of your bags while walking around the cobblestone streets of Italy! This is where luggage storage steps in and saves the day.
You can leave your bags in a secure place while you begin your adventure. This will give you peace of mind that your luggage, carry-on bags, and other bulky belongings will be taken care of while you kick off your dream vacation. Now that your luggage is all taken care of let's delve into the 11 stunning sights you'll want to add to your Italian itinerary.
Roman Attractions
1. Villa Farnesina
If you want to peek inside the residence of one of the wealthiest men from the Renaissance, Villa Farnesina is the place to go. This is a truly authentic Italian experience where you can view art from this period in its natural setting without big tourist crowds. Learning about mythological themes and Roman gods is a bonus for this spot.
2. Villa Doria Pamphilj
The Villa Doria Pamphilj is the ideal spot for a full day outside, where you can experience nature, a delicious meal, and a delightful stroll in the open air. With vast stretches of forests and wild plants, this Rome attraction allows you to experience a touch of country life in the middle of a busy European capital.
3. Testaccio Market
The Testaccio Market is a must-see in Rome, especially if you're a keen foodie who wants to try all the best Italian delicacies. Here, you'll find the freshest bakeries, produce, delectable fish, deli foods, and more. Plenty of stores also sell homeware, clothing, and accessories if you're looking for a token souvenir to take home.
4. The Colosseum
The Colosseum is one of the most famous attractions in Rome, and it'd be outlandish to miss out on its stunning architecture and history. You've probably seen it in many pictures, and it most certainly lives up to expectations. Two thousand years ago, the Colosseum was the primary space in Rome for public executions, gladiator fights, and wild beast hunts. The building still stands so beautifully today and is a must-see if you're in Rome.
5. Palazzo Massimo
The Palazzo Massimo became a state-owned museum in the 1980s and is next to Rome's busiest train station. If you're an ancient art enthusiast, you must visit the Palazzo Massimo.
6. The Tiber River
The Tiber River is the ideal place to stop for an authentic Italian coffee and rest your tired feet after a day of sightseeing. You can even book supper cruises that will take you across the Tiber River at sunset. They often feature live music, making for a truly memorable experience.
7. MAXXI
If you're looking to spend an afternoon in one of Rome's most beautiful modern museums, MAXXI is the place to go. For all things contemporary, MAXXI showcases the best of the best, from cinema to fashion. The artwork is incredible, and you can easily spend several hours casually strolling through this incredible and memorable building.
8. Domus Aurea
The design of the Domus Aurea is a sight to behold, so be sure to get a guided tour through this picturesque pavilion created by Emperor Nero in the 1st Century.
9. Jubilee Church
Designed by American architect Richard Meier, the Jubilee Church is just a short six-mile journey from the center of Rome. It's free of charge to enter the church and well worth a visit to learn more about the history behind this astounding building.
10. The Piazza Venezia
One of the most famous piazzas in Rome is the Venezia, where you can find amazing traditional Italian foods and authentic structures. If you're interested in visiting the Piazza Venezia, you may want to consider a Rome bus tour to get you from A to B quickly and efficiently. As you will experience, Rome involves a lot of walking, so it may be a welcome break to sit down on a bus and soak in the sights with an audio tour guide.
11. The Caracalla Baths
The Baths of Caracalla were built in the 3rd Century and used as a bathing area by the general public. During the day, you can walk through the old ruins and see the stunning architecture in all its glory. The lighting in this high-profile spot is particularly inspiring during the summer months.
Conclusion
As you can see, Rome has many attractions that will leave you longing for a longer vacation. Whether you hop on a bus tour and roam around the most famous piazza or spend a day at a stunning church surrounded by Roman history, there's much to see and do.
To get the most from your Italian vacation, tailor your itinerary to your family's interests. Once you've begun exploring, stay open and curious. Go off-script as you feel inspired. Hopefully, your upcoming Rome trip will be full of fun, fascination, and fantastic food.
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This story is brought to you in partnership with Radical Storage.
