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As one of the most popular tourist destinations on earth, Rome tends to rank pretty high on most peoples’ travel bucket lists. Since there are so many things to see and do in this amazing historic city, however, it can be difficult to decide exactly what to do during your stay, especially if you’ll only be spending a few days here. Before you go anywhere, be sure to learn some basic Italian words and phrases so that you can communicate easily with the locals, and enjoy an authentic travel experience.
When it comes to planning a short trip to Rome as a first-time visitor, here are a few landmarks and attractions to be sure to include on your itinerary.
Opera
Italy is the home of opera, so a trip to Rome is the perfect time to experience an authentic opera performance. A trip to the opera in Rome is a particularly fantastic idea if you’re on a romantic trip and you’re looking for unforgettable date night ideas. To book your tickets in advance, visit the Opera Tickets Italy website for the best deals.
The Colosseum
If you’re visiting Rome, then you simply have to see the Colosseum. Arguably the most iconic sight in the city, the Colosseum (also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre) is an extremely popular tourist attraction, so you should book tickets beforehand if you don’t want to be stuck in a massive queue. The Colosseum was the site of gladiator battles during the Roman Empire, so if you love Roman history, this is definitely one for you.
Roman Forum
Often, when you purchase a ticket to see the Colosseum, this will also include a visit to the iconic Roman Forum nearby. Again, if you’re a history buff, this is arguably the best place to visit if you want to see original architecture from the Roman Empire. The space comprises a rectangular plaza surrounded by the ruins of ancient government buildings. It’s definitely an impressive sight!
Italian food
In addition to visiting all of these amazing historical sites, you have to try out some authentic Italian food during your visit to Rome. Naturally, there’ll be plenty of delicious pizza and pasta around the city, and you can also grab some Italian gelato to help you cool down in the midday heat.
However, don’t miss out on the opportunity to sample some of the lesser known local delicacies and independent Italian restaurants too. Rome has a sterling reputation for its street food scene and some of the must-try Italian street food dishes to sample when in Rome include suppli (deep-fried rice balls filled with ragu and mozzarella), filetto di baccala (fried cod fish), pinsa (an oval-shape Roman pizza) and caldarroste (roasted chestnuts).
Trevi Fountain
Once you’ve had a bite to eat, take a stroll over to the Trevi Fountain to see this magnificent 18th-century structure in all its glory. This awe-inspiring fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome – not to mention one of the most famous fountains in the world – so be sure to add it to your sightseeing itinerary.
Vatican City
When travelling to Rome, you’ll have the unique opportunity to visit the smallest state in the world, the Vatican City. This is an extremely important religious destination, so if you love visiting religious sites and exploring different cultures, then Vatican City is the ultimate place to visit.
Among the most popular attractions are the Vatican Museums and, in particular, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
If you’ll be visiting Rome as a first-time visitor, these are just a few recommendations on what to do and see during your trip. However, this is by no means an exhaustive list and, if you have a couple of weeks or more to spend in Rome, you certainly won’t struggle to find other things to see and do in Rome to fill your itinerary.
What experiences would you recommend for a first-time visitor to Rome? Share your recommendations in the comment box below.
This is a collaborative post.