9 Popular Sights To See In Rome This Summer
When in Rome…make sure to hit these popular sights to see in Rome! Also known as the “Eternal City,” given modern day Rome is literally built on top of old Rome. There is so much to see and do!
In the spirit of keeping my blog 100% real with you; I did not absolutely love Rome. I had a fun time, but I’m not sure I would go back to Rome. That being said, there are a ton of people who love the city and its unique history so don’t let my personal opinion discourage you from visiting!
Keep reading for 9 sights I enjoyed getting to see in the city. And don’t forget to click the button below to save all these spots and more to your Google Maps!
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Starting off with perhaps the most iconic spot in Rome, the Colosseo. Fun fact: the Colosseum is half its original mass as a result of Rome’s 16th century construction. As they began to construct new churches and other buildings, they were allowed to take the marble, stones and other materials right out of the Colosseum!
I actually did not end up going into the Colosseum. I forgot to book tickets online in advance, so definitely make sure you do this early enough if you want to go inside! I don’t feel like I really missed out on anything not going inside, but I understand this is a huge attraction coming to Rome!
I later learned that a lot of the ticket resellers will buy a ton of online tickets beforehand, basically selling it out so they can resell at a higher price. So, if you’re like me and forget to book but want to go inside, you can wait in line outside the Colosseum and buy your ticket in person. They only let you buy one ticket per person, so make sure your whole group is there to buy their own ticket.
2. Pantheon
Another iconic spot, the Pantheon! This is free to enter, until 2024, so no need to reserve tickets if you go this year! You will need to cover your knees and shoulders though to enter, so make sure to pack appropriately.
3. Trastavere
Trastavere is a super cute area with a lot of good restaurants, bars and shopping. We spent a good amount of time here! I also recommend checking out Piazza di Santa Maria and the church in the plaza. It was really pretty. I also visited a thrift store here and bought a long skirt to be able to go into the churches!
The view of Rome when walking back over the bridge was really pretty too. We didn’t time this on purpose, but being here at sunset was really nice!
4. Trevi Fountain
If you want to visit the Trevi Fountain before the crowds, get there by 7:30 AM! We got there around 9 AM and it was still pretty open, which was nice. We also came by at night, when it was all lit up with different colors!
5. Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are a must when you go to Rome, Italy. Fun fact that I did not realize beforehand: Vatican City is actually its own country, also know as the Holy See! For more information and tips for visiting the Vatican, check out my blog post on uncommon advice for visiting the Holy See!
6. St. Peter's Basilica and Square
While you are in Vatican City, be sure to enter St Peter’s Basilica! It is absolutely stunning inside. And be sure to check out my Vatican City tips beforehand so you know how to get on top of the Basilica! You can see here too the famous Pietà sculpture by Michelangelo.
7. Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio di Loyola
So, I actually saw this spot on Instagram before I came to Rome and am so glad I did! They have a huge mirror when you walk in so that you are able to see the ceiling better. And yes, you can take a super cool selfie here! But it was also a really nice switch up from constantly staring up at all the ceilings.😂
8. Spanish Steps
Have you ever seen The Talented Mr. Ripley? These are the same steps in the movie, where Tom and Meredith walk across Rome and down the steps! They are so stunning. Also, if you go up to the top, the stairs are in the shape of a butterfly.
Leading up to the Spanish Steps is Via dei Condotti, a famous shopping ave with all of the high-end, luxury brands. It is really fun to walk down this street and window shop!
9. Piazza Navona
Can you see the shape of the track? Centuries ago, this used to be the Stadium of Domitian. You can also tour the remains of the old stadium underground. This is a great way to see more of Ancient Rome and escape the heat for a bit!
Any spots I missed? Comment below! If you’re planning to go to Rome soon and want more recs, feel free to DM or email me!
mariss
