Explore the City: Our Guide to the Best Piazzas in Rome

Take things easy with our guide to the top piazzas in Rome

There's a sculpture, church and pasta place on every corner in Rome - and the same rings true for its many piazzas. Lined with restaurants and filled with fountains, there's a number scattered around the capital nearby some of the biggest tourist attractions or in quieter areas perfect for city break. Here's our guide to the top piazzas in Rome.

This town 💜#balconyview #sunset #rome #travel

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Piazza Campo de'Fiori

This atmospheric piazza thrives with energy and culture. This rectangular square is home to one of the best street markets in Rome, where you'll be able to grab everything from fresh produce to street food. In the evenings, it becomes a massive hang out area for people from all walks of life and there's a number of fantastic restaurants for ideal date nights.

City of many fountains. #rome #vsco #latergram

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Piazza Navona

An ancient Roman stadium once stood where this piazza does now. This large area retains the general shape of the arena and is filled with interesting statues and architectural marvels, including the Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Obelisk of Domition. With restaurants and benches scattered around the piazza, it's a fantastic place to chill out with a cold glass of white wine.

Пьяцца дель Пополо или «Народная площадь" В центре площади стоит обелиск Фламиния – 24-х метровая каменная колонна возрастом 3400 лет, которая была вывезена из Египта как военный трофей. Вначале колонну поставили в Большом цирке. Там он простоял долгие годы, разрушился и рухнул. Архитектор Доменико Фонтана по распоряжению Папы соединил обломки, и установил восстановленный обелиск посреди Пьяцца дель Пополо. Каждый шаг в Риме - это возможность увидеть своими глазами историю, прикоснуться к прекрасному. Единственное, что меня под конец стало раздражать - это торговцы цветами, подходят предлагают цветы и говорят, что это бесплатно. Начинаешь отказываться, пытаются всунуть их тебе в руки, в платье, вообщем лишь бы цветы оказались у тебя 😤 Настырные такие, слов не понимают, так и хотелось им уже 👊🏼 А так Рим прекрасен💓 Ставьте 💗, вам несложно, мне приятно😊 #travelnotes_Mfamily

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Piazza del Popolo

As one of the larger squares in Rome, this piazza is named after the nearby church Santa Maria del Popolo. Located within throwing distance of the Borghese Gardens which houses the Borghese Gallery, it draws on neoclassical elements while incorporating fun sculptures such as an Egyptian obelisk and a tall arched gateway into the central area. A number of fountains add natural elements to the square and it's worth dipping into the three churches ringing the piazza.

#wedding #boda 1 año y 7 meses después #instagood #instapic #roma #rome #roma🇮🇹

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Piazza del Campidoglio

This breathtaking square was designed by the Italian master himself - Michelangelo. Trace the charcoal and cream oval pattern on the ground and pose alongside the intimidating bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius, a former Roman Emperor. Once you've finished basking in the sun, head into the Capitoline Museums nearby to get your fill of ancient Roman art and architecture.

Mijn buitenverblijfje. #vaticaan #vatican #vaticano #vaticancity #basilica #italy #rome #zweten

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Piazza San Pietro

If you're keen on seeing the pope, this large Vatican City piazza is the place to be. On select dates, the pope appears in a window of St Peter's Basilica - the gigantic cathedral that dominates the square - and addresses those below with blessings. It functions as the spiritual heart of the deeply religious state and it's worth passing through on your way to the rest of the Vatican's attractions.

Spanish Steps 👣 #Rome #italy #NasaEuropeSia #europalma #europetraveldiaries #beautifuldestinations

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Piazza di Spagna

Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and head to the Spanish Steps on your Roman holiday. Piazza di Spagna, the large square at the base of the famous staircase, is a charming place to cool off and grab an espresso after running round the sights. Grab a picture of Bernini's ivory fountain before heading into the English poet John Keats' former home, where he and his fellow literary celebrity Percy Shelley are celebrated.
Megan Hills
Rome Travel Expert

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The Ultimate Rome Bucket List: Top 50 things to do in the City

When in Rome, do as the Romans do with our top things to do in and around the city. Time to start planning your Rome Bucket List! The Eternal City is a beautiful place to visit, but what’s on your Rome bucket list? Check out our ultimate list of the top 50 things to do in Rome, courtesy of the team behind the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card. Roma. #italia A post shared by Tatiana Belisário (@tatibelisario) on May 25, 2017 at 6:09am PDT 1. The Colosseum is an ancient gladiatorial arena and one of the most recognised symbols of Rome. Head back in time and discover the history of this impressive building. 2. Drink an espresso (un caffè) or a caffè macchiato if you want some milk in it. Don’t order a latte though – you’ll just get milk! 3. Take a stroll through the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum, which is also visible from the Capitoline Museums. 4. Soak up the atmosphere in one of the restaurants which line one of Rome’s most popular public spaces, Piazza Navona. #rome🇮🇹 #sanpietrobasilica A post shared by Vanessa (@vanessa.vanderput) on May 25, 2017 at 5:36am PDT 5. Spend some time at St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican, home to the Sistine Chapel. 6. Cross the river and explore the hip and bohemian area of Trastevere. 7. Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain which has a marble statue of Neptune at its centre. Visit early in the morning or late at night to avoid the tourists. 8. Wander the cobbled streets around the Colosseum and get lost in Centro Storico. 9. Shop in style at the beautiful Galleria Alberto Sordi with stained-glass skylights and mosaic floors. On the neighbouring streets, you’ll find plenty of designer boutiques. Самое главное - правильно мыслить и постоянно это осуществлять в деле, не поддаваться суете и сомнениям: Я выстрою и сделаю то, что другим не под силу, Я буду самым лучшим в мире мужчиной, Идя только вперед, несмотря ни на что, Мною движет настойчивость и редкая смелость, Целеустремленность и жажда к победам. Талант быть устойчивым и умелым, Подходя с решением к любым делам и проблемам. Реализовать все свои идеи, точно по плану, как черным по белому, За это сейчас хочу поблагодарить свою маму, До встречи на следующем жизненном раунде. Наступила ночь, но уже недалеко до финала. P.S Важно ценить своих родителей, ведь это они нам дали жизнь, и теперь все в наших руках. Если бы не моя мама, которая поддержала меня, я не уехал бы за границу получать образование и жизненный опыт. Если бы не одобрение отца, то не ушел бы с работы и не начал заниматься любимым делом. A post shared by Eugene (@eugenephotos) on May 23, 2017 at 3:00pm PDT 10. Marvel at the architecture of the Pantheon, the former temple and best-preserved monument of Imperial Rome. 11. Take a break from ancient and Baroque art, and indulge in some from the modern era. Locals say MAXXI, the Museum of 21st Century Art, is the best place to see modern and contemporary art in Rome. 12. Walk up Gianicolo at dusk for a spectacular panoramic view of Rome. If you’re there at midday, you’ll hear the cannon which has fired every day since the battle of Rome was won there! Read up on our favourite Instagram Spots in Rome for some of the city's best views. 13. Sample the delights of Roman cuisine. Although traditionally simple, the dishes are delicious. Try the fried artichoke starter and pig’s cheek pasta. Find out more in Our Guide to the Top Rome Foods you should try! Koskaan ei tiedä mitä avaimenreiästä näkyy.. 📷:@marielisahan #tb #tirkistelijätRoomassa #paaviastalkkaamassa #forbiddenyard #oispaolluparempiobjektiivi A post shared by Sami Rojo (@sami_rojo) on May 24, 2017 at 4:16pm PDT 14. Find the nondescript door to the Priory of the Knights of Malta on Aventine Hill, just past the orange grove. Look through its keyhole: locals love the perfect view of St Peter’s Basilica. 15. Visit the spectacular Capitoline Museums. Read our Guide to the 10 sculptures you can’t miss. 16. On the second Sunday of every month, explore the antique market on the River Tiber which starts just under the ancient Ponte Milvio Bridge. Soak up the local culture and wander around some of Rome's best street markets. 17. Hire a bike and ride through the Appia Antica Regional Park. Located along one of the oldest and important Roman roads, it’s brimming with ancient ruins. 18. Take a stroll through the city centre and look out onto Galleria Spada. You’ll be amazed by the magic of Borromini’s masterpiece. 19. Relax in the Villa Borghese Park, one of the largest parks in the city centre, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Pe ttutta Roma cuant’è llarga e stretta nun poterai trovà ccosa ppiú rrara. È una faccia de pietra che tt’impara chi ha ddetta la bbuscía, chi nnu l’ha ddetta..” (G.G.Belli) A post shared by Rosy&Giusy (@giusyrosy_) on May 12, 2017 at 10:55pm PDT 20. Legend has it the Bocca della Verità or the Mouth of Truth, outside the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin, bites off the hand of anyone who is not telling the truth. Try it! Movie-lovers will recognise this city hotspot after seeing it in Audrey Hepburn's "Roman Holiday". 21. Fancy a cocktail with an Italian twist? Visit Barattolo and sample one of the famous tiramisù cocktails served in a jar. 22. For jazz music lovers, visit the Casa del Jazz (House of Jazz) and watch famous and lesser-known Italian and international jazz musicians. 23. There are more than 60 catacombs in Rome. Venture underground and join a guided tour and learn about the rites and customs of the early Church years. 24. Make time in the early evening for an aperitivo. Most bars offer some snacks to accompany your drink, check out some of our favourites around the city! What else? #rome #bestplace #villatorlonia #nowords #architecture #skyline #thebigbeauty A post shared by Giulia Zambon 🐾 (@giulia__zambon) on May 23, 2017 at 11:26am PDT 25. On the Rome bucket list of history-buffs, the underground bunker in which Mussolini and his family lived during the Second World War is hidden under Villa Torlonia. 26. For music concerts, exhibitions, plays and festivals, visit Rome’s greatest concert hall, the Auditorium Parco della Musica. 27. Bioparco, Rome’s Zoo, is home to a wide variety of animals. It’s great for kids of all ages. 28. Take a tip from locals and visit the Palazzo delle Esposizioni. It has some of the best exhibitions in the city and sometimes hosts cinema evenings. 29. Visit a traditional tavern (fraschetta) for good local wine and food that’s budget-friendly. Nel blu dipinto di bbbblu ☀️ A post shared by martina vivani (@livinginthegardenofevil) on May 24, 2017 at 2:45am PDT 30. Watch the world go by on Piazza del Popolo where there’s always something going on. 31. If you’re in Rome in the summer, take in the magic of the open-air theatre in the Villa Borghese Park . 32. Enjoy a relaxing break in the Terme di Trastevere This spa evokes the beauty rituals of ancient Rome and you can unwind in a bath of wine, citrus fruits and herbs, or donkey milk, just as Cleopatra did! 33. Want to escape the tourists? Visit the Abbazia delle Tre Fontane. The Trappist monks who live here recently began making and selling their own beer. 34. Check out the work by artists around the world displayed across the fronts of the buildings in the Tor Marancia district, as part of a regeneration project. Rim :) #roma #rome #rim #vatikan #vaticancity #basilicadisanpietro #stpeterschurch #stpeterscathedral #pontesantangelo #tiber #rivertiber #vatican #sky #italia #italy #europe A post shared by Dragan Gulic (@dragangulic) on May 24, 2017 at 11:27pm PDT 35. Stroll along the river banks or take a scenic cruise along the River Tiber which runs through the heart of Rome. 36. The little Borgo Pio neighbourhood just behind the Vatican is amazingly quiet. The streets in this traditional area are lined with trattorias and bars. Keep your eyes open for the small fountain in the middle of Piazza del Catalone. 37. In Rome for a romantic trip? Visit the romantic Roseto Comunale near the Circo Massimo at the foot of the Palatine Hill where over 1000 varieties of roses grow. 38. Love pop surrealism? The Dorothy Circus Gallery is for you! This was the first art gallery in Rome to specialise in the genre. 39. A secret top tip: the Centrale Montemartini displays classical sculptures in the middle of an old power plant. It’s a combination that works surprisingly well! Favorite gelato in Rome 🍦😋 A post shared by teresa (@teresaliao) on May 25, 2017 at 7:47am PDT 40. Visit the city’s best gelateria, Giolitti, which is near to the Pantheon. 41. Are you a film lover? Join a guided tour and wander around film sets and studios at Cinecittà. Or create your own tour with our Movie-Lovers' Guide to Rome. 42. Want to know what life was like in ancient Rome? Enrol in Gladiator School and you’ll see for yourself! 43. Take a Vespa Tour by night and recreate your own Roman holiday scene! 44. Apparently the best chocolate in Rome, the chocolate factory at SAID is nestled in the San Lorenzo district. Ochutnaj Rím - najlepší spôsob ako spoznať krajinu, mesto, kultúru, život je jednoznačne prostredníctvom jedla 😇 #musttry #niecoakopizza #baklazanvovnutri #parmezannavrchu A post shared by Eduarda Krázelová (@eda_lumturi) on May 16, 2017 at 2:28am PDT 45. Take a food tour with an expert local guide and titillate your tastebuds. Don't forget to sample some of the most delicious hand-held goodies with our guide to Rome's best Street Food! 46. A short 15-minute drive out of Rome, Monte Mario is Rome’s highest peak and offers stunning views of the city, particularly in the evening. 47. Indulge in a ballet or opera at the Teatro dell’Opera and follow it with a hearty bowl of pasta at one of the nearby restaurants. 48. The legendary tomb of Remus, the Pyramid of Cestius, is the only pyramid in Europe. 49. People-watch on the Spanish steps leading up from Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church. 50. Fanatical about pasta? Visit the National Pasta Museum on the Via Flaminia and be sure to check out our Guide to the Best Pasta Restaurants in Rome! Did we miss out something? What's on your Rome Bucket list? Let us know in the comments!
Megan Hills
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Celebrate the Roma Europa Festival this November

Rome is synonymous with ancient monuments, sculptures and exquisite art of the Empire; so for a city that’s steeped in such archaic cultural history, competing with any other form of cultural expression, let alone contemporary, is hard to imagine. Rivalling the art of its heyday, the contemporary scene has exploded in Rome and is celebrated with the annual Roma Europa Festival, which runs from 25th September to the 24th November this year. Displaying exhibitions ranging from digital to dance, theatre and photography, the festival promises new visions and innovative approaches to aesthetic expression. Set in the contemporary space of the Telecoms Italia factory, it couldn’t have a more apt location to help shape and structure the ideologies of the festival within its contemporary, glass structure. NB: don’t be put off by the residential street view – it’s what is inside that counts! Having teamed up with patrons and various ministries of culture within Europe, it is a heavily invested event within the contemporary art world and takes pride on its innovation and value as a creative crossroads. So much so that Wall Street Journal even ranked it as one of the top four best festivals in Europe (2006). Since its conception in 1986, the festival has attracted hoards of culture vultures from around the world; from veterans of artistic thought to new, young fresh minds. Now, heralded as one of Italy’s best festivals, it is a must-do for anyone looking to open their minds and challenge the boundaries of high, mass and popular culture while visiting the capital. Location: Ostiense area OPIFICIO TELECOM ITALIA Via dei Magazzini Generali 20/A 00154 Roma tel +39 06 45553000 / +39 06 45553050
Go City Expert
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Blogger's Best Gelaterias in Rome

If you’re spending the summer in Rome, you’ll quickly find yourself searching for ways to cool off in the heat and in desperate need of refreshment. There’s no better way to tackle those needs and celebrate the Rome’s thriving culinary scene than with an ice cold creamy gelato. Gelato is one of Rome’s most iconic gourmet staples and is not to be missed, especially after a long hot day on the tourist trail. Forget waiting until after dinner, have dessert first and make a beeline for some of the best haunts in town during the day. There’s no better way to cool off than with a scoop (or three) of homemade ice cream – trust us. We asked some of the best food, travel and city bloggers where to order the best gelato in Rome. Take it from the professionals and read on... Best Gelato in Rome Именно здесь Грегори Пек угощал мороженым Одри Хепберн в фильме "Римские каникулы"🍦 _____________ Побывать в Италии и не попробовать gelato- непростительно) Giolitti — самое старое кафе-мороженое в Риме. Это историческое заведение было внесено в список Forbes, как одно из самых вкусных морожениц мира. Здесь можно попробовать мороженое со вкусом сицилийской кассаты, шампанского, марсалы и риса Настоящим удовольствием будет выстоять очередь в кафе возле Пантеона и насладится рожком мороженого у фонтана напротив исторического здания. И после встать в очередь опять 💛 A post shared by Dance teacher (@likaqn) on Aug 10, 2018 at 1:54am PDT Best Gelato near the Pantheon We spoke with Alida, the food blogger behind MyLittleItalianKitchen, who suggested Gelateria Giolitti. Located on Via Uffici del Vicario, this family-run business has been in the business of gelato for over a hundred years and has a prime spot on the tourist trail. She said, ‘“The Gelateria Giolitti is barely a stones throw from the Pantheon and the Trevi fountain and is a family run business which has been producing ice cream since 1890. The salon of Gelateria Giolitti has an attractive decor styled in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco style and which is very elegant with the 1930’s furnishings.” As for what they serve? They’ve had a few years to figure out their flavour range and it’s an endless list of both traditional Italian favourites and international influences. Alida continued, “Their tremendous selection of ice cream flavours range from figs, dried fruit, champagne, rice, zabaione, sicilian cassata, nutella and cookies and many others which will leave you craving for more. Their ice cream is simply fantastic! Just the place to go for a creamy and first class ice cream indulgence in stylish surroundings.” #sgnomsterinrome Care for some gelato in the cold cold weather? • 4 scoops with chocolate cone €4.00 A post shared by SG Food | Travel | Lifestyle (@sgnomster) on Apr 17, 2018 at 4:35am PDT Best gelato near St Peter’s Basilica Gelarmony - Via Marcantonio Colonna, 34 With four locations and an avid fan base, Gelarmony is a local favourite and travel blogger Valeria of Rome, New York, London, World insists it's one of the best scoops in Rome. For those poring over their guidebooks and figuring out the day’s route, make time to stop off at their branch situated just fifteen minutes from St Peter’s Basilica for a cold treat. Valeria said, “Their gelato comes in sixty different and delicious flavors, all made of natural ingredients imported from Sicily. You can’t go wrong by picking the more common flavors like chocolate or pistachio, but you should also try their specialties such as cassata and my personal favorites: tiramisù and amaretto. Gelarmony also offers tasty soya-based options. Enjoy!” Let her know what you think on Twitter @RomeNYLondWorld Hotly contested on the streets of Rome, but in this 32 degree heat it has to be gelato from... #Rome #gelato #food #foodie A post shared by Lisa Helmanis (@daystudiolondon) on Jul 6, 2018 at 6:17am PDT Unique gelato in Rome Gelateria del Teatro – Via dei Coronari, 65 (Navona Square) & Lungotevere dei Vallati, 25 (Campo dei Fiori Square /Lungotevere area) For those bored of the standard chocolate and vanilla, head to one of Gelateria del Teatro’s two branches for a more experimental bite. It’s one of local Rome blogger Antonio of Romeing’s favourite spots to cool off on a hot summer’s day with a scoop of some of the best gelato in Rome. Antonio said, “Gelateria del Teatro is so confident about their quality that in each of their two charming locations you can even watch them make their gelato. Flavours include lavender with white peach and pumpkin with chocolate and there is a variety of cone sizes to choose from, including the giant, five-scoop cone monster. We recommend the specialty: rosemary and lemon, a refreshing, cleansing, light yet satisfying flavor.” Let Antonio know which flavours you’ve tried at @Romeing Venchi Gelato, Rome! 🇮🇹 ☀️ . . . . #aegeuswatches #aegeuswatch #klockor #watchesofinstagram #elegance #simplicity #timepiece #watch #watches #klocka #aegeusklocka #wristwatch #aegeus #elegantblacksilver #blacksilver #menwatches #minimalistwatch #minimalistwatches #mensstyle #fashion #watchaddict #vatican #italy #rome #venchi #venchigelato A post shared by Aegeus Watches 🇸🇪 (@aegeuswatches) on Jul 11, 2018 at 2:57pm PDT Best traditional gelato in Rome Venchi – Via degli Orfani, 87 Why dispute the classics? A gelateria named Venchi takes the prize for the best traditional gelato in the city according to food blogger Beverley of Beverley Glock, sticking to all natural ingredients and classic Italian flavours that will really hit the spot. As with the earlier Gelateria Gillotti, it’s also situated nearby the Pantheon in case you have room for more than one sweet treat on your travels. She said, “I’ve never had a poor ice cream in Rome so why would it start here? Venchi make their ice cream with natural ingredients; fresh milk, cream, eggs, fresh fruit and their own chocolate. Only fruit and nuts are used to colour and flavour their ice cream, so there’s no artificial colouring. “Venchi pride themselves on the variety of traditional Italian flavours they offer and situated in an idyllic location right next to The Pantheon, you can tick the ‘culture’ box as you sit down to enjoy the best ice cream in Rome. Do you agree? Let her know on @BeverleyGlock Breakfast, lunch or dinner , hot summer days or rainy cloudy afternoons - in Rome it’s always time for #icecream !! Wearing my beautiful @yalchypapa bracelet 💌 #WeInRoma A post shared by Travel Blog • בלוג טיולים (@ila.na.na) on Jan 26, 2018 at 6:09am PST Best gelato in Trastevere La Fonte della Salute – Via Cardinal Marmaggi, 2-4-6 A day spent wandering the colourful neighbourhood of Trastevere never goes unwasted, as there’s always something new to discover in one of Rome’s most charming areas. Slip past the old men drinking espresso and the trattoria to grab a table at La Fonte della Salute, which serves an unforgettable gelato that caters to people from all walks of life. Blogger Tiziano of Rome Local Friend said, “La Fonte della Salute, which may be translated to “fountain of health” is definitely the best ice cream maker of Trastevere. The shop has been open since 1981. Then after a change in management, it came back stronger than before. Now they sell organic, vegan and gluten free ice cream. This is definitely what one would call the ‘Gelateria of the 21st century’. I love to pop in for a tasty ice cream whenever I am around. They still offer a very wide variety of flavours, from cream to fruit, so I invite you to come too during your strolls in the neighborhood. They also provide some free tables outside.” What’s your favourite flavour? Start a conversation with @RomeLocalFriend
Megan Hills
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