Ever since its inception, the eternal city of Rome has been a home for rich culture, legendary art, fascinating mythology, and mouth-watering cuisine. As time progressed, Rome still stands to be one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why. With its glorious past, few cities can rival Rome's astonishing heritage. There’s enough to do, see, and explore there to keep you busy for days, or even years, on end. Here are Things You Definitely Should Do While In Rome.

Things You Definitely Should Do While In Rome

1. Visit the Infamous Colosseum

No trip to Rome is complete without visiting the Colosseum. Located in the Historic Center, the mighty arena is Rome’s most renowned and iconic landmark. With a capacity to seat around 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was once an entertainment arena for the Roman Emperors were gladiators came to combat, and animals were brought to fight. Today, it’s one of the biggest tourist attractions in the world. 

With millions of visitors each year, your best bet is to purchase your ticket in advance if you’re going during high season, or else, be prepared to stand in line for a very long time. You can skip the line and save yourself long hours of waiting by buying tickets online. With these tickets, you can skip the queue and directly enter the arena. In other words, you have a priority entrance. But even if you have to brave the long queues, it’ll be totally worth it once you step inside and marvel at the enormity of this historical site.

2. Wander Through the Ancient Ruins at the Roman Forum

Originally a burial ground, in time, the Roman Forum grew to become the social, political, and commercial hub of the ancient Roman Empire. To this day, it remains one of the most important places in Italy. Some of the most prominent sights there include the Arch of Septimius Severus and the temple of Saturn.

When strolling through the ruins, you’ll almost be to see the citizens of ancient Rome walking through the cobblestoned streets and watch them offer their sacrifices in the temple. Whether you choose to wander through the vast archeological site and take in the beauty of the ruins on your own or opt for a guided tour that can bring the historical stories of this site to life, take the time to learn about the fascinating history of the Roman Forum.

3. Marvel in the Wonder of the Vatican Museums

Whether you’re in Rome for the weekend or the summer, the Vatican Museums are a wonder that you must witness at least once. This treasure trove of classical and historical artwork features some of the world’s greatest art collections, from Egyptian mummies and Etruscan bronzes in the Raphael Rooms and hundreds of old and modern master paintings.

The Vatican Museums are some of the largest in the world, and it’s practically impossible to cover them all in one day, so if you don’t have enough time to see everything, it pays to be selective. When setting an itinerary for the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel is an absolute must-see so, make sure to dedicate enough time to see this astounding structure and the wonders it holds within.

The Sistine Chapel is one of the most prominent sites in the Vatican museum complex and one of the most renowned chapels worldwide. Famous for its extensive and intricate decorations, the chapel is a proud home to two of the world’s most famous works of arts; Michelangelo’s Last Judgement and his breathtaking ceiling frescoes.

4. Throw a Coin in the Trevi Fountain

There are few other fountains in the world as lavishly decorated and sculptured as the Trevi fountain. With its flamboyant Baroque combination of different mythical figures, the Trevi Fountain is a true work of art. Legend has it that anyone who tosses a coin into the water will return to Europe, so be sure to toss that coin because even if you might not know it yet, you’ll definitely want to return to Rome.

There is, however, one possible unpleasant aspect of visiting the Trevi fountain; the place tends to be overrun by tourists, all trying to take that perfect picture. To truly appreciate its beauty, visit super early in the morning or late at night when the crowds disperse. Who knows, you might just experience your own magical La Dolce Vita moment.

5. Have a Proper Roman Feast

Eating is one of the many pleasures that Romans revel in. The combination of romantic settings and mouth-watering food is a guarantee of good times. For a superlative fine dining experience and excellent wine, there are a number of five-star restaurants that you can eat at, but if you want to dine like a true Roman, head to an authentic pizzeria or a cozy neighborhood trattoria. After a thin crispy pizza, or a rich, creamy pasta, top it off with a refreshing gelato followed by a shot of world-renowned coffee. This is how locals indulge their passion for food.

6. Have an Authentic Roman Experience at Trastevere

Trastevere is becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists looking to experience Rome in its simplest, most authentic form. Despite the hip and bohemian vibe it has acquired, Trastevere still retains its original charm. Ancient houses line the winding streets, and a baffling number of bars, restaurants, and cafes can be found there too.

During the day, take a stroll through the cobblestoned streets. You’ll definitely stumble upon some extraordinary findings among the various boutiques selling jewelry, perfumes, and unique handicrafts. At night, you won’t have any trouble finding a pub where you can unwind and enjoy the lively Roman nightlife.

It may be a cliché, but when visiting the Eternal City, there’s no better advice than the old proverb “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” So wherever you go and whatever you do, be present at the moment and savor every minute of it. With so much history to soak up, so many delights to revel in, and enough architectural and natural beauty to overload your senses, Rome is a city you’ll definitely fall in love with, one that you’ll likely want to visit more than once.