Top 10 Things to do in Rome

We’ll start with the wild card. The Capuchin Crypt is not for everybody and if you’re travelling with children then I would think twice. However, the macabre nature of this museum had me intrigued and I had to see it. The museum at the beginning of the self guided tour doesn’t ease you into what you’re about to behold. You can see and read all about the Capuchin Friars and Monks which does give you a little insight into their lives, but not a real reason as to why there are 3,700 skeletal remains being used to decorate a small chapel. If you’re looking for something different, then this is the place. Overall, the experience can leave you somewhat exhausted, but nothing that a large gelato wouldn’t cure. Score 8/10

2. CARAVAGGIO HUNTING

There are many famous works of art in Rome and depending on your preferred artist, you can easily change this to Michelangelo hunting, Da Vinci Hunting and so on. I chose Caravaggio (as you can deduce from my first recommendation I have a more macabre taste in art). I have made a post on where to find Caravaggio’s art here. Score 7/10

3. CINECITTÀ STUDIOS

The largest film studio in Europe has been the setting for many popular movies including Ben-Hur, Gangs of New York, Cleopatra, Passion of the Christ, and many more in its long history. Founded by Mussolini in 1937, it was originally used to make propaganda movies, as well as to boost the Italian film industry. You can visit some of the studios with a guided tour and finish with a walk around the two museums and the garden. If you’re a film buff, then I can’t recommend this enough. You will get to see some real props from the movies above as well as an insight into how the movies were made. Score 10/10

4. THE COLOSSEUM

Of course the Colosseum is on this list and for good reason too, it’s incredible. However, there’s one down side to this, and that is the ticket touts that hound you the moment you step out of the Metro. I don’t mind a little hounding but this was beyond anything I’ve experienced before and I wasn’t expecting it. I found myself getting a little angry with the situation and I decided to leave. However, I went back the next day knowing what was to come and I managed to brush it off with a polite “no thank you” 100 times. My point is you are going to get hounded by anyone with a badge, and they will follow you and you may get annoyed. Just look past that and know that you are in for a real treat as you walk through the doors of the Colosseum like a Roman Gladiator. Score 9/10

5. ST PETERS BASILICA

The Granddaddy of all churches is St Peters in The Vatican. It’s only until you’re at the door when you realise the sheer scale of it. The interior is home to some fine artwork from the likes of Michelangelo and Bernini. Expect queues to get in. When I was there in February we had the luxury of waiting for about 20 minutes (which is short). There is no way to judge it really as it’s busy most of the time. Be aware that every Wednesday, the pope holds a public Mass in the square which attracts some 15,000 people. Score 6/10

6. SISTINE CHAPEL

The most famous Chapel in the world, and rightly so. Most people visit just to see Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam, but there is so much art here that you have to take a step back to take it all in. Be aware that photography is not permitted and the guards are very strict about this. Score 9/10

7. VATICAN MUSEUMS

Comfortable shoes are needed here as this place is huge. Most people visit Vatican City and see everything in one day including St. Peters and the Sistine Chapel. The amount of art here is phenomenal. Ancient Egyptian artifacts, medieval tapestries, Renaissance paintings, and Baroque sculptures. It can be a little overwhelming and tiring to some and after walking around Rome for a few days before, you may have had enough of all of the above. However, the key here is just to take a steady stroll around the museum and look at things that catch your eye. There is enough variety here to keep anyone intrigued. Score 10/10

8. THE PANTHEON

Wow. My review here is going to be a little biased, as I had always wanted to visit this place since I was a child. It did not disappoint. No pictures can really give this place justice. It’s grand, it’s stunning, and all I can say is that if you’ve never had a reason to visit Rome before, then this is it! (BONUS – around the corner you can find Bernini’s Elephant Obelisk outside Santa Maria sopra Minerva) Score 10/10

9. GET LOST

Simple but you will be surprised at what you’ll find just by taking a few hours to wander the streets of Rome without any end goal. It also helps to leave the tourist spots too and find a genuine Roman cafe that doesn’t charge you a small fortune for a coffee. I did this a few times on my trip and nine times out of ten I found myself walking down some beautiful streets on my own without the nuisance of sales reps and ticket touts. Score 10/10

10. TREVI FOUNTAIN

No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the most famous fountain in the world. A popular past time for visitors is to throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder. This ensures that you will return to the Eternal city in the future. It’s a great way to spend your last evening in Rome. Score 8/10

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