Top 10 Things for your Rome Bucket List

By Go City Expert

Be adventurous, put the guidebook down and think outside the box with this bucket list of top things to do in Rome. Aside from the popular Rome attractions like the Coliseum and Vatican – which are a given – there are so many more places to go and see. So we’ve spoken to the locals and got some recommendations for you to make your trip to Rome even better.

  1. Have an ice cream at Fatamorgana
Rome is one of the best places to go for good food and good wine. Among the many options to suit everyone you can’t miss the delicious organic and authentic gelateria Fatamorgana in the uber trendy Monti district. Just a 5-10 minute walk up from the Coliseum and Roman Forum it’s a great place to go to cool off and get a sugar hit. From sweet sorbets to creamy chocolates it’s well worth a visit.
  1. Toss a coin into Trevi Fountain and make a wish
One of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, Trevi Fountain is undeniably bucket list worthy. In these selfie stick days at least it makes getting a picture in the crowds that bit easier! Did you know that throwing a coin into the fountain is meant to bring you good luck and ensure you will return to Rome? You may as well throw in a handful to raise your odds! We also recommend visiting Trevi Fountain after dark when the baroque marble is lit up, plus it's normally a lot quieter.
  1. Walk around the Orange Garden
A hidden gem, the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) is a quiet sanctuary right in the middle of the bustle of Rome. You wouldn’t know it but just a few streets up from the busy road circulating the Circus Maximus you’ll find this orange tree filled garden. It’s a great place to watch the sun go down, especially if you've planned with a bottle of wine for a romantic picnic.
  1. Have a selfie with a Gladiator
One of the main symbols of Rome are the Gladiators stationed outside the Coliseum and Roman Forum 24/7. Dressed up in their Spartan gear, a selfie is mandatory before you leave the Eternal City. Don’t forget with the Roma Pass you can skip the lines and visit the Coliseum and Roman Forum for free!
  1. Views at the top of St Peter’s Dome
Undeniably one of the best views of Rome is from the top of the dome of St Peter’s Basilica. Nothing can quite prepare you for the breathtaking panorama over Rome from this unrivalled vantage point at the centre of the Vatican, overlooking the rooftops of Rome in the distance and the iconic piazza underneath. With 360 degrees of uninterrupted city it really is a non-mover on the bucket list.
  1. Walk around the ruins at Appia Antica
Not many people think to venture that far out of Rome but there is so much more to discover outside the city centre – if you just dare! Vast ruins lie waiting to be explored, such as Appia Antica, one of Rome’s historic attractions, an archaeological site that was built back in 312 BC to connect the road to the south. Stroll through the Appia historic park and you’ll see tombs, ruins and catacombs that will unlock Rome’s rich past.
  1. Hire a go cart around Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is a must-visit during your trip to Rome as it’s one of the most accessible parks in the city. In the summer you’ll find it busy with sunbathers, picnickers and roller-bladers, but what’s even more fun though is if you hire a go-kart and have a go at pedalling your way around yourself. You can hire these at various locations around the park, usually for one hour or even half a day. It’s great fun and definitely not something you’d do every day! Make sure the more confident driver is at the wheel as there are a few bumpy bits and steep inclines!
  1. See the dome in Sant’Ignazio
One of Rome’s best hidden gems is the church of Sant’Ignazio just around the corner from the Pantheon. From the outside this church doesn’t look anything out of the ordinary, in fact it looks a lot like every other city church. However, when you step inside and look up at the ceiling you’ll be taken aback by the optical illusion painted on the roof. Don’t be fooled into thinking the church’s dome is actually concave; the painter, Andrea Pozzo, painted it on a flat surface with the 3D effect! Very clever...
  1. See the traditional guards at the Vatican
London’s Tower of London has its Beefeaters, but at the Vatican, visitors can see the (semi-equivalent) Papal Swiss Guard in all their finery. At St Peter’s Basilica you will see them stationed at various posts in their yellow and purble robes. Their institution dates back to the 15th when and they traditionally served as guards to foreign European courts, now, the Swiss Guard's role is like a bodyguard to the Pope and they have to match a certain criteria such as having completed basic training with the Swiss military.
  1. Campagna Amica Market
The Forum Boarium, the oldest Roman Forum, is home to two ancient temples and was once Rome’s ancient cattle market. It’s now a selling point of the most exclusive neighbourhoods with unparalleled views over the Forum, Circus Maximus and the Capitoline Hill. On the weekend, we recommend you head down to the Campagna Amica market to sample some locally sourced delicacies from smooth olive oil to fresh prosciutto. If you want to make a morning of it, why not have a coffee at Cristalli dello Zucchero first to get your caffeine hit.
Go City Expert
Rome Travel Expert

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Celebrate New Year's Eve in Rome

Celebrate New Year’s Eve, Capodanno, in Rome and wave goodbye to 2014 as you welcome what 2015 will bring. If you’re going to be in Rome for this special time, read on; we’ve got a list of things to do in Rome to help you celebrate the 31st December into the 1st January. In true Roman style, there are historic traditions and both contemporary culture to appreciate – so take your pick, and buon anno to you! Coliseum Celebrate in one of the oldest parts of Rome, at one of the oldest attractions, the Coliseum. Dating back over 2,000 years it’s one of the most iconic backdrops to spending New Year’s Eve and you’re guaranteed a great photo moment. At midnight, you’ll be able to enjoy views over the city’s fireworks display and can continue the street party at your leisure. Imperial Forum Slightly down the way from the Coliseum, the Imperial Forum is featuring its very own Vintage Party this year to celebrate 2014/2015. Expect everything themed from the '30s to '60s – from music to decorations. You’re invited to dress up, too! Hosted by Swing Circus, there will be an orchestra, DJ, dancers and Linda Hop the swing performer. Not least, a marching band and a clown for the kids. Definitely worth a visit! Circus Maximus This year Rome is pulling out all of the stops and visitors and locals alike can enjoy plenty of historic backdrops for their New Year’s celebrations. Another venue to head to is Circus Maximus to enjoy a real knees-up. With a full blown concert, starting with the Italian one-to-watch Mannarino, followed by local rappers and artists, it’s after midnight that it all kicks off. With a break for the impressive annual fireworks, the early hours of 1st January 2015 will see a DJ set by Daddy G and Grant from Massive Attack. Names not to be sniffed at. St Peter’s Basilica If you are looking for something slightly more quiet and reflective, why not head over to St Peter’s Basilica. Starting earlier than the evening revellers, the Pope will be hosting the Feast of Mary, Mother of God, at St Peter’s Basilica at 5pm. Here, the Pope will celebrate the First Vespers of the Solemnity of the Mother of God, followed by the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the traditional singing of the “Te Deum”, and the Eucharistic Benediction. You will need to pre-book tickets as it’s a highly sought after event. Alternatively, the following day (1st January 2015) you can attend a Mass at 10am (tickets are also required). Gianicolo As Rome is such a romantic place, spending New Year’s with your loved one in this historic city can be a special moment. We suggest you head up to the Gianicolo, a hill that starts in Trastevere. Climb this winding summit and you’ll reach one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the city. Overlooking the city, you can see the iconic domes from St Peter’s Basilica to Piazza Victorio Emmanuele II not to mention you'll get a great panorama of all the firework displays around the city, illuminating the sky line. Don’t forget your camera as you’re guaranteed a breath-taking New Year’s Eve. Don't forget you can make great savings if you explore Rome with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card. Granting you free entry into the Vatican City and sights, as well as free entry into the Coliseum and many other historic attractions with the Roma Pass. Click here to find out how you can save.
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Visit Rome for the Festival of the Immaculate Conception

There’s no escaping the spiritual presence in Rome. With close to 1,000 churches in the city, not to mention being home to the leader of the Catholic church, Rome channels an undeniable undercurrent of solid beliefs and charming traditions that are widely followed and applied to this day. The Festival of the Immaculate Conception (Immacolata Concezione) is one of the most sacred celebrations in the month of December, falling on the 8th of the month every year. Originally it was a feast day, as declared by Vatican in 1708, but now it has taken on a slightly different form. As a celebration of the Virgin Mary who was granted a life without sin, it is celebrated with elaborate church masses led by the Pope at the Piazza Mignanelli, followed by street performances, fireworks, processions and cultural festivities. Although it equates to a public holiday, don’t worry if you’re a visitor to the city – by no means are these celebrations exclusive to the church or Roman people; everyone is encouraged to join in with the revellers through the ancient cobbled streets. Most shops stay open should you wish to buy a souvenir or duck into a café for refuge and refreshments but banks and post offices are closed for the day.
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St Peter’s Basilica; a brief history

With such an iconic silhouette, St Peter’s Basilica is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Italy – not only for its breath-taking skyline, but for the huge role it played in supporting the Roman Catholic Church and inspiring art and architecture for centuries. As a visitor to Rome it would be a crime not to visit the Basilica so before you do, here’s a brief history of the impressive building and its patrons to help you get ahead. Saint Peter and the original Basilica St Peter was believed to have been the first Pope, chief apostle and a martyr. Legend has it he died on the Vatican Hill where he was entombed – so it makes sense that this Basilica was dedicated to him as a sort of shrine. The early basilica was constructed by Emperor Constantine and was completed around 349 AD. Much smaller than how it stands now, it was a mere 85m in length with four aisles, a central fountain and bell tower. To put that into perspective, its nave now measures 211.5m alone – that’s over four Olympic swimming pools. St Peter’s Basilica gets a revamp The Basilica was falling into ruin in the middle of the fifteenth century but it wasn’t until the early 1500s that work began to restore it. Pope Julius II commissioned Bramante as chief architect who designed the high dome. After Bramante’s death in 1514 he was succeeded by a number of other architects; including Michelangelo Buonarroti, Giacomo della Porta and Carlo Maderno, all of whom altered and personalised the design. In 1626 it was finally re-venerated and was on its way to becoming the centre of Christianity; attracting pilgrims and visitors from around the world. Bernini’s Square St Peter’s square was created in the mid seventeenth century by Lorenzo Bernini, in front of the Basilica. Surrounded by imposing colonnades, the square itself is almost as impressive as the building it leads up to. 140 hand-sculpted statues look down onto the paved square with its two fountains and tall Egyptian Obelisk, which was brought to Rome in 37 AD. If you look up to St Peter’s Basilica from the square, you can admire Maderno’s 45.5m façade, lined with religious statues of the apostles, crafted by Giuseppe Valadier. The wealth of the Catholic Church in the 1500s The interior of the Basilica is a testament to the wealth of the Catholic Church in the sixteenth century and Bernini was commissioned to create many of the statues and monuments that adorn its vast 15,160 square metres. The Baroque bronze Baldachin is perhaps one of the most notable monuments, standing at 26m high, made from bronze taken from the roof of the Pantheon. You can also admire the intricate detail of the painted dome ceiling, the statues of St Peter and Michelangelo’s famous marble Pietà. The Dome The Romans aren’t ones to do things in half; the dome at St Peter’s Basilica is also one of the world’s largest, measuring 42 meters in diameter, with a height of 132.5 meters. Winding up the dome is a slanted narrow staircase that leads up to a spectacular viewpoint where you can walk all the way round for stunning panoramic views of Rome. As you can see, nothing was left unplanned or without years of intricate design. From the supportive outer structure of the façade and square, to even the most minute of decorations within the church itself, St Peter’s is a true example of the wealth of the Catholic Church, the brilliance of the esteemed Italian Renaissance artists and sculptors of the fifteenth and sixteenth century, and the underlying belief in creating a centre for Christianity. What Emperor Constantine set out to achieve over 1600 years ago is so far from what he must have envisaged. St Peter’s is now regarded as one of the most famous landmarks in the world and receives over 4 million visitors a year – it has even starred in films and books! So from its humble beginnings as a martyr’s shrine, to the iconic religious monument as it stands today – we’d recommend a quick visit; at least pop your head through the door. NB: You have to adhere to a strict dress code and women need to cover their shoulders and legs. Make your trip to Rome that extra bit easier and invest in a OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass. Not only can you visit the top attractions and monumental landmarks for free and with discounted entry, but you can travel round the city with a Travelcard and experience the sites from the comfort of a hop-on, hop-off bus tour.
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