39 Best things to see & do in Rome

The capital of European gastronomy, Rome’s cuisine is reputed for its ancient recipes made of fresh, local ingredients. From Michelin-starred restaurants to family-friendly trattorias to earthy farmers’ markets, there’s no shortage of wonderful places to eat in Rome.

The world-famous, spectacular Baroque fountain, where gods, goddesses and tritons mix with cascades of water, immortalised in Fellini’s La Dolce Vita.

This tremendous series of squares (fora) were among the greatest works of the Romans. Trajan’s includes library, Trajan’s Column and the well-preserved Trajan’s Market – the ‘world’s first shopping mall’.

A lavish treasure-filled palazzo housing paintings and furniture assembled since the 16th century by the Doria, Pamphilj, Landi and Aldobrandini families. Works by Titian, Guercino, and Caravaggio.

A stunning 17th-century Palazzo Villa, designed by Bernini and Maderno, packed with old masterpieces – a wealth of art by Filippo Lippi, Raphael, Tintoretto, Titian, Caravaggio and Holbein.

Adjacent to Capitoline Hill, this enormous, gleaming white marble was built in 1935 to honour the first king of Italy. It houses the Museum of Reunification, and Italy’s Tomb of the unknown soldier.

An archaeological treasure map packed with Rome’s most ancient shrines, temples, and landmarks – the Forum was the heart, soul and nerve centre of the ancient Roman Empire.

Three museums on one complex, founded in 1471, packed with ancient Roman, Greek and Egyptian statues. Look out for the Capitoline Wolf and the statue of Marcus Aurelius.

A theatrical masterpiece, the Spanish Steps were designed by Francesco de Sanctis in 1725 and paid for by the French. At the top is Villa Borghese; at the bottom lies the boat-shaped Fontana della Barcaccia (by Bernini’s dad).

A superbly preserved Roman shrine under an astonishing 43m dome, housing the tomb of Raphael. The Pantheon was originally a temple to the Gods, rebuilt by Hadrian in AD 118.