Rome is a spectacular, historic city filled with thousands of years of history, medieval buildings, classical antiquities, Renaissance palaces, and Baroque churches.  There is a reason why it is known as the “Eternal City.”  Furthermore, there is even another country inside of Rome, Vatican City.  The opportunities here are endless.  Meaning, this bucket list will grow and grow.  But, for now, enjoy my Rome Bucket List.

1. Appreciate Michelangelo’s Work

Michaelangelo is one of the most famous Renaissance artists.  Naturally, you can see his most of his famous works in the Vatican City (see below for more points on the Vatican City), you can also appreciate his other works (from art to designs to statues) of art all over Rome.

2. Drink Wine

Italians take their wine seriously.  So, order a glass or two of Italian wine!

Recommendation: To best understand the wine in Italy, go on Wines of Italy: An Introduction by Context Travel.

3. Eat Gelato

Yum.

4. Eat Pasta

Delicious.

5. Eat Pizza

Mouthwatering.

6. Okay, just Eat EVERYTHING!

Italian food… It is just amazing!

Recommendation: Take a food tour on all the amazing Italitan food!  I recommend the Savoring Rome Food Tour by Context Travel.

7. Explore the Catacombs

The Catacombs of Rome are underground burial grounds.  The Catacombs contain burials of Jewish, pagan, and early Christan Roman citizens from the second to the fifth century.  There are more than sixty catacombs, but only five of them are open to the public.

Recommendation: In the company of an archeologist or histoiran, take the Catacombs Excursion by Context Travel to get a full glimpse an understanding of the catacombs.

8. Explore the Piazza del Popolo

Piazzo del Popolo, meaning “the people’s square,” is the largest urban square in Rome. There are plenty of things to look at and explore — an Egyptian obelisk, twin churches Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto, Santa Maria del Popolo, etc….

Recommendation: If you want to tour Santa Maria del Popolo and/or learn about Michelangelo Merisi (1573-1610), better known as Caravaggio (where two of his works are displayed in Santa Maria del Popolo), take the Caravaggio’s Mean Streets by Context Travel.

9. Find the Secret View through the Keyhole at Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta

Peek through the keyhole and you will get a surprising view of Rome!  The view of Vatican City, especially St. Peters Basilica, is truly stunning.

10. Gaze at the Views of Rome from Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo is a grand castle located on the Tiber across from Vatican City.  Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrain and his family.  Since it was built, it has gone through many transformations from a military building to a fortified building for the pope to a museum.  Take some time to visit the museums and the views of Rome.

11. Marvel at the Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the center of Ancient Rome and, for a while, Western civilization.   This was the place for elections, political speeches, parades, religious processions, monuments, and commercial trading.   There is so much to see and learn about the Roman Forum.  Plan on spending a couple of hours here.

Recommendation: Take the Roman Forum Tour: Roma Antica by Contex Travel to get a wonderful understanding of the history of the “the rise of the Roman empire, the political intrigues of emperors, and the daily life of commoners.”

12. People watch at the Piazza Navona

The Piazza Navona was another central area in Ancient Rome.  An extremely famous fountain is in the center of the square — the Four Rivers Fountain.  This fountain was designed by Bernini with four river gods to represent the quarters of the world.  At night, this square comes alive with street music, street performers, and more.  Grab an espresso or a gelato from a cafe and enjoy the day/evening while people watching.

Recommendation: Take the Rome Night Tour: Evening Passeggiata by Context Travel where you will “discover the city at its most glorious time, but we’ll get a solid, broad introduction to life in Rome.”

13. Perfect your Italian Accent… Ciao Bella!

Admit, you just read that in your Italian Accent 😉

14. Place Your Hand in the Mouth of Truth (Bocca de la Verita)

Located in the Santa Maria in Cosmedin Church, this world-famous marble mask is said to bite the hand of those who lied.  Dare you tempt fate and place your hand in the Mouth of Truth???

15. Pretend to Bathe in the Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla was one of the most impressive and largest thermal baths in ancient Rome.  Despite only the ruins left, you can imagine the splendor and grandeur of the baths.

16. Pet the Kitties at the Area Sacra di Largo Argentina

The ruins of the oldest temples in Rome are located in the Area Sacra.  However, there is something else interesting here.  Hundreds and hundreds of cats have now made this area their home.

17. Rent a Vespa

Okay, I will admit that I have been to Rome twice and have not had the courage to rent a Vespa.  But, it is still on the bucket list!

18. Run Around the Circus Maximus

Circus Maximus was the arena where chariot races were once held. It was the first and largest stadium in ancient Rome. Nowadays, it is a large public park.

Recommendation: Did you know that there is something under Circus Maximus?  In the company of an archaeologist, you can take the Buried Under Rome by Context Travel where you will explore “the mithraeum—that is, the subterranean Mithras place of worship—buried under the Circus Maximus.”

19. Stand where the Gladiators Stood in the Underground of the Colosseum

The Colosseum is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.  This 2,000-year-old building (can you imagine them building this colosseum thousands of years ago) was used as a stadium for entertainment.  In the underground area, you can see where the gladiators, animals, prisoners, etc. came in.  From there, there were elevators (there is a replica) that lifted them up to the arena.  Standing where the gladiators stood in the underground was one of the most amazing, memorable, inspiration, awe-striking moments.

Insider Tip: The public cannot access the underground of the Colosseum.  Only certain tour companies are able to access the underground of the Colosseum.  Contact Us to help arrange you a tour.

Recommendation: Although this tour does not go to the underground of the Colosseum, I highly suggest the Roman Colosseum Tour: Understanding Imperial Rome by Context Travel.  Or, if you want a tour of the Colosseum AND the Roman Forum, I suggest to take the Roman Forum Tour: Roma Antica by Context Travel.

20. See the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument

Built as a tribute to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy after the country’s unification, the Vittorio Emanuele II is an imposing and grand building located in the Piazza Venezia.  You can’t miss it 😉

Recommendation: Want to learn more about this monument in relation to art and propaganda?  Take Power and Propaganda by Context Travel.  Or, you can take the Garibaldi and the Making of Italy by Context Travel to learn more about “the political and social movement to create a united Italy in the 19th century.”

21. See the Fountain of Four Rivers

The Four Rivers Fountain is located in the center of the Piazza Navona.  This fountain was designed by Bernini with four river gods to represent the quarters of the world.  See #6 for more information about the Piazza Navona.

22. See the Arch of Titus

When in Rome… See as many ruins as you can.  Fun fact, the Arch of Titus was the inspiration for the Ard de Triomphe in Paris!

23. See the Arch of Constantine

Erected as a commemoration of a victory of Constantine, the Arch of Constantine is located between the Colosseum and Palatine Hill.  While in the area, take a gander of the Arch of Constantine!

24. See the Piazza del Campidoglio

The Piazza del Campidoglio was initially established on Capitoline Hill (the most important of Rome’s seven hills).  In the 1500’s, Michaelango designed the square, becoming the first modern square in Rome.  This square is beautiful and worth a stop!

25. See Another Piazza — Piazza Barberini

There are so many Piazzas and fountains to see in Rome!  The Piazza Barberini is famous due to the two famous statues built by Bernini.

Recommendation: Want more Bernini? Take the Bernini & Borromini, Battle in Baroque by Context Travel where you learn the history of the Baroque period and explore the work of Bernini and Borromini.

26. Shop on the Via Condotti

Located close to the Spanish steps, the Via Condotti is filled with designer, high-end, luxury shopping.  Admire those beautiful Italian designs.

27. Shop for Fruits and Flowers at the Campo de Fiori

Every morning on Monday through Saturday, there is a famous market known for its fresh flowers and fruits and vegetables.  At night, people flock here for the restaurants, bars, and terraces.

28. Stroll around Tiber Island

The Tiber Island is the only island in Rome on the Tiber River.  Actually, the island is associated with medicine and healing.  Spend a little time just strolling around the island and enjoying the beautiful Tiber River and city of Rome!

Recommendation: Since the Tiber Island was an important source for Ancient Rome, take the Daily Life in Ancient Rome Tour by Context Travel to learn about how Rome began and flourished.

29. Spend Time in Villa Borghese

Villa Borghese is one of the largest urban parks in Europe and filled with many things to do and see! Fill a day with visiting the Borghese Gallery, the Roman Zoo, Pincio’s Water Clock, and Silvano Toti Globe Theatre.

Recommendation: If you want to explore the and learn about the Borghese Gallery, take the Borghese Gallery Tour by Context Travel.

 30. Throw a Coin into the Trevi Fountain

Built to celebrate Rome’s aqueducts, this is perhaps one of the most famous fountains in the world.  According to ancient tradition, if you throw a coin over your shoulder, it will guarantee your return back to Rome.  Yes, it is crowded with tourists, but it is still fun to see and toss a coin into the fountain.

Recommendation: For a wonderful introduction tour of Rome and some of the major sites, take the Introduction to Rome Tour by Context Travel.

31. Take a Cooking Class

While in Italy, you definitely need to take a cooking class!  You can impress your family and friends back at home with your excellent Italian cooking skills 😉

Recommendation: Take Context’s half-day Italian Cooking class where you will go “into the home and kitchen of a local chef, where we’ll learn the basics of Italian cooking, then indulge in a feast of our creation.”  Yumm!

32. Take a Day Trip

Since Rome is centrally located, there are so many options — day trip to Tuscany, Tivoli, Naples, Pompeii, the choices are endless!

Recommendation: My favorite tour company, Context Travel, offers several wonderful day excursions to Pompeii Full Day Excursion and Tivoli.

33. Tour Rome’s Underground City

Much of ancient Rome is still being excavated today.  But, there are so many places all over Rome that showcases the ruins of Rome.  There is an entire city under modern Rome!

Recommendation: Take the Underground Rome Tour by Context Travel for an ” for an in-depth exploration of Rome’s underground, including sewers, crypts, and buried temples” with an expert archaeologist.

34. Visit Palatine Hill

Palatine Hill consists of the remains of a huge Imperial Palace with a view of Circus Maximus and located above the Roman Forum.  Although there is just rubble left, you can get an idea of the grandeur and luxury of the imperial Palatine.

Insider Tip: There is not much information here, so it is best to have a guide and expert to bring the history to life.  See my Roman Forum point for tour recommendations.

35. Visit Vatican City

The State of Vatican City deserves its own Bucket List!  It is the center of authority over the Roman Catholic Church.  Despite it being the world’s smallest country, there is so much to see and do at the Vatican, it is a must visit while in Rome!

• 36. Admire the Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is one of the most famous treasures inside of the Vatican.  The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel was painted by Michaelangelo from 1508 to 1512.  Visiting the Sistine Chapel should be on your top priorities in Rome!

• 37. Climb up (or down) the Bramante Staircase

Climb up or down the famous Bramante Staircases.

• 38. See St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is the heart of the Catholic Church and the holiest and most important church in Christendom.  The apostle Saint Peter is believed to be buried here.  It also contains impressive pieces of art and statues as well as impressive architecture.

Recommendation: For an in-depth look at the church of St. Peter’s, the seat of the Vatican, take the St. Peter’s Tour by Context Travel.  If you want to tour St. Peter’s and the Vatican Museums together, I suggest to take the Vatican Art Tour: Arte Vaticana with Skip-the-Line Tickets by Context Travel.

• 39. Visit the Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums are filled with the finest art of Western civilization.  There are so many different museums inside of the Vatican Museums from the Gallery of Maps to the Apartment of Pius V to the Egyptian Museum to the Pio-Christian Museum to name only a few.

Insider Tip: The lines to get into Vatican and the museums are terrible. If you can, splurge on a private tour that can get you to the top of the line. Or, just contact us to book your Vatican Museums Tour!

Recommendation: For you plan-it-yourself types, I have several Vatican Museum tour recommendations. As mentioned above, if you want to tour St. Peter’s and the Vatican Museums together, I suggest to take the Vatican Art Tour: Arte Vaticana with Skip-the-Line Tickets by Context Travel. For an in-depth tour of the Vatican Museums only, led by an art historian, take the Vatican Collections by Context Travel.  Ocassionaly, this tour company offers two other amazing, unique Vatican Museum tours.  First, there is the After Hours Vatican Museum Visit by Context Travel, “an exceptional opportunity for an intimate look at the Vatican’s collection, including an extended period in the Sistine Chapel, without the chaos of the crowds.”  Second, there is the Evening Vatican Tour by Context Travel, where from “late April until the end of October, the Vatican Museums run extended hours on Friday evenings until 11 pm. This is a great time to visit, as the crowds are lighter, and the Museums have a magical, evening glow to them.”

• 40. Walk Around St. Peter’s Square

Designed by Bernini, St. Peter’s Square is your first impression of Vatican City.  This spectacular square can hold up to 300,000 people!

41. Visit the Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museum is the world’s oldest public museum made up of two buildings — the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo.  These museums have an impressive collection of Roman art and sculptures.

Recommendation: Take the Gazing at Greatness: Treasures of the Capitoline Museums by Context Travel “to trace the entire history of Rome through eclectic art collections and artifacts.”

42. Visit Trajan’s Market

Trajan’s Market is believed to be the first covered shopping mall in history.  Built between 100 and 110, Trajan’s Market is a very interesting visit!  It also the location of the Imperial Forum Museum.

43. Visit the Trionfale Market

Want another market option?  The Trionfale Market is a cornerstone of food culture in Rome.  It has been operating for over 200 years!

Recommendation: Take the Rome Market Walk by Context Travel for a fabulous tour with the “immersion both in Roman culinary tradition and the changing face of Italian cuisine today.”

44. Visit the Pantheon

The Pantheon is one of the most famous sites in Rome. Originally built as a pagan temple, it was turned into a church in 609 AD (and it is still an operational church today).  Now, it is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.  One cool fact — the dome is the largest, unreinforced concrete dome in the entire world.  Pretty snazzy for those ancient Romans.

Recommendation: If you want to learn more about Roman architecture, take the Building Rome: Evolution of a City by Context Travel, which, led by a local architect, is a broad exploration of the architecture of Rome.

45. Visit the Theater of Marcellus

Originally conceived by Julius Caesar but built by his nephew Augustus, the Theater of Marcellus is the largest Roman theaters still standing.

Recommendaiton: Want to learn more about the rise and fall of Julius Caesar?  Take Caesar and Empire by Context Travel to learn all about Caesar and how “under the influence of the first emperors, Rome rapidly developed into one of the greatest capitals of the ancient world.”

46. Venture to Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica is one of the best preserved ancient Roman city.  Ostia is a quick 25-minute train ride from Rome.

Recommendation: Take the Ostia Antica Archaeology Tour by Context Travel to see the ruins and learn about the daily life of regular, working class Romans.

47. Walk Up and Down the Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps (135 steps, in case you were wondering) is one of Rome’s most iconic sights.  At the bottom of the Spanish Steps is the Piazza di Spagna, one of Rome’s most renowned squares, with the famous Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the ugly boat)!

48. Walk across the Bridge of Angels

The Bridge of Angels, aka the Ponte Sant’Angelo, is the bridge that connects Rome to the Castel Sant’Angelo.  This purely pedestrian bridge has 10 beautiful angels designed by Bernini.

49. Walk the Appian Way

Appian Way was Ancient Rome’s most important military and economic road. It connected Rome to some of its distant settlements.  Nowadays, it starts at the Porta San Sebastiano, 2 miles south of the Coliseum.  Take a leisurely stroll and end up at the Coliseum.  It is another awesome surviving testament to the mighty empire of Rome!

Recommendation: Take the Appian Way, Queen of Roads by Context Travel that “explores the importance of the Appian Way as well as the meaning and function of the monuments along its path.”

50. Wander around Trastevere

Trastevere is a charming neighboorhood in Rome.  Just wander around this area and get some yummy Italian food!

Recommendaiton: If you want to learn more about the Trastevere neighborhood or about Jews in Rome, take the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere Neighborhood Tour by Context Travel.