Things to do in Rome, Lazio: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks

October 6, 2021 Frederic Celentano

Rome wasn't built in a day--and you'll need much more than a day to take in this timeless city. The city is a real-life collage of piazzas, open-air markets, and astonishing historic sites. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, contemplate the Colosseum and the Pantheon, and sample a perfect espresso or gelato before spending an afternoon shopping at the Campo de’Fiori or Via Veneto. Enjoy some of the most memorable meals of your life here, too, from fresh pasta to succulent fried artichokes or a tender oxtail stew.
Restaurants in Rome

1. Centro Storico

00185 Rome Italy 06 6710 3238 [email protected] http://www.sovraintendenzaroma.it/i_luoghi/sito_unesco/unesco_united_nations_educational_scientific_and_cultural_organization/l_iscrizione_di_roma_nella_lista_del_patrimonio_mondiale
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 6,069 reviews

Centro Storico

This section of Rome is filled with a tangle of narrow streets, which offers some of the finest examples of Roman classical and Baroque architecture and style.

Reviewed By AndreaB1169 - London, United Kingdom

It’s always amazing visiting Rome and if you also enjoy the heat, August is a good month to visi. But for the best light and cooler weather October in Rome is wonderful!

2. Piazza Venezia

Piazza Venezia, 00187 Rome Italy +39 06 0606 http://www.turismoroma.it/cosa-fare/piazza-venezia
Excellent
57%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 3,370 reviews

Piazza Venezia

Close to many tourist attractions such as the Roman Forum and Capitol Hill, this large sunny square is the true hub of Rome, which features the impressive monument of King Vittorio Emmanuele II.

Reviewed By MissEmilyMc - London, United Kingdom

Piazza Venezia doesn’t just serve as a central hub in Rome as there’s several intersections and it’s close to nearby attractions such as the Roman Forum, The Colosseum and Capitol Hill. Regardless of it serving as a central hub, there is one landmark that dominates Piazza Venezia which is a monument called Il Vittoriano (Victor Emannuel II) - the first King of Italy. Not only is this landmark one of the largest in Rome as well as being one of the most majestic but a very recent addition to Rome’s scenery as it was built during the 20th century. The unmissable centrepiece is the bronze equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel II riding a horse, it’s so large that when it was completed there was a celebratory dinner held in the horse’s stomach (fitting approximately 20 people). Even though this landmark in itself is a magnificent work of art many Romans would disagree and refer to it as “The Wedding Cake” since they dispute the marble clashes with existing architecture. Not only is the architecture a problem for Romans but the history behind it with churches and homes being demolished in way for it as well as a place where Mussolini and Hitler were pictured. Mussolini took over the monument for political use which has left bad memories for Romans. There’s even more symbolism found when looking closer at Victor Emmanuel II such as the two fountains at either side of the monument representing the seas surrounding Italy - Adriatic Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The friezes at the top of Victor Emmanuel II represents the different regions of Italy being personified as statues, an incredible idea and sight adding to the incredible architecture. The most spectacular features are the everlasting flame, eternally shining and burning in front of the altar, which are always guarded by two soldiers - representing and marking the grave of the “Unknown Soldier” who died during World War I. The same principle applies to those who were never identified but died during the war, they’re given a tribute as well as everyone being given a symbolic reminder of the deaths during this war. Overall, the monument was constructed to represent and celebrate the unification of Italy and furthermore the power of Rome as the capital of the country. There are countless buildings surrounding Piazza Venezia such as The Via del Corso, Palazzo Bonaparte and most famously Michelangelo's House. Before leaving Piazza Venezia our tour guide brought us to Trajan’s Column which was built by Emperor Trajan in 113 AD - hence the name. The triumphal column commemorates and represents the Trajan’s victory over the Dacians to which can be seen on the column itself explains the entire campaign. The Trajan Column doesn’t proudly show the Emperor Trajan in all his glory but one of Rome’s patron saints there - St Peter, since during the 19th century Pope Sixtus V changed the statue. The great influence and reach that numerous Pope’s had throughout Rome during all eras, with such a large influence still standing today.

3. Santa Maria Sopra Minerva

Piazza della Minerva, 00186 Rome Italy +39 06 699 0672 http://www.basilicaminerva.it/
Excellent
68%
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4.5 based on 1,861 reviews

Santa Maria Sopra Minerva

Reviewed By JonathonGreen

Little remains of original 13th century church.Michelangelo sculpture inside.Superb 15th century frescoes including some by Lippi and the tomb of Pope Paul the 4th.Body of St Catherine of Siena (minus the head) lies under the high alter.

4. Roma dal Cielo Terrazza delle Quadrighe

Piazza Venezia, Rome Italy http://www.060608.it/en/cultura-e-svago/beni-culturali/beni-architettonici-e-storici/ascensori-panoramici-e-terrazza-del-complesso-del-vittoriano.html
Excellent
63%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
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2%
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4.5 based on 546 reviews

Roma dal Cielo   Terrazza delle Quadrighe

Reviewed By the_Devilyn - Surrey, United Kingdom

It's well worth paying for the lift (which is all glass-encased so consider that if you have motion sickness or aren't comfortable with heights) which takes you to the top of the Vittoriano. the views are fantastic, no annoying netting blocks your view so perfect for photography

5. Elephant and Obelisk

Piazza della Minerva, 00186 Rome Italy http://www.turismoroma.it/it/luoghi/obelisco-minerveo
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4.5 based on 365 reviews

Elephant and Obelisk

6. Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary

Largo di Torre Argentina In corner take iron steps down, 00000001 Rome Italy +39 06 6880 5611 [email protected] http://www.romancats.com/index_eng.php
Excellent
71%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
8%
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2%
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4.5 based on 909 reviews

Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary

Reviewed By Lexy111

Another Tripadvisor found gem, this beautiful cat sanctuary is set amongst some fabulous ancient ruins, where 130 lovely feline friends are living their best life, cared for by huge hearted volunteers. The entrance isn't immediately visible from the street, but if you turn to your right from the stairs that go down, you'll find your way into the lovely wee indoor area where countless kitties are ready for shmoozing. There is no charge, so this is a great free activity in a very expensive city.. but if you have the change to spare, please consider donating to a very worthwhile cause. There are a few items to purchase such as bags, t shirts, cat toys etc (obviously a little expensive, but the money goes straight back into the place). A must for any cat lover!

7. Palazzo Bonaparte

Piazza Venezia, Rome Italy +39 06 0608 http://www.mostrepalazzobonaparte.it
Excellent
63%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
11%
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1%
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4.5 based on 76 reviews

Palazzo Bonaparte

Reviewed By Zozozoe

Perfect visit for a rainy day. Charming palazzo - museum is only on one floor. But so charming and intimate. Excellent Impressionist exhibit. You have probably not seen any of these paintings before as most of them are in private collections. The descriptions/commentaries on the painters and paintings were very insightful and enlightening. Don’t miss this. Almost enjoyed this more than the Galleria Borghese.

8. Palazzo Valentini

Piazza Venezia, Rome Italy +39 06 2276 1280 http://www.palazzovalentini.it
Excellent
65%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
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4%
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4.5 based on 26 reviews

Palazzo Valentini

Reviewed By Ria831 - Cardiff, United Kingdom

From the outside this attraction seems innocuous but inside opens a window into Ancient Rome. The site has been well excavated and their use of projection onto the ancient walls really brings this place to life. Don’t walk past it!

9. Largo di Torre Argentina

Largo di Torre Argentina, 00186 Rome Italy +39 06 6880 5611 http://www.sovraintendenzaroma.it/i_luoghi/roma_antica/aree_archeologiche/area_sacra_di_largo_argentina
Excellent
39%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
3%
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4.0 based on 990 reviews

Largo di Torre Argentina

The ruins of Torre Argentina, a tower that was erected on the site where Burckard, papal master of ceremonies, had his house built, is today the home of a large volunteer cat shelter.

Reviewed By Noraatc - Sudbury, United States

Hard to believe that the ruins of the Roman temples of Largo di Torre Argentina date back to the 3rd century BC. This vast site known as the place of Julius Caesar’s assassination is located in the heart of Rome, on the intersection of two busy streets very close to the Jewish Ghetto, so it is really easy to visit it. Nothing much is left from the Ancient Rome days and you cannot browse there, but you can walk around and see the ruins from the street level. It is s very special place in Rome: the cat sanctuary, where strayed cats live their happy lives, they are well fed, neutered and taken care of by the small group of volunteers. When I walked around the site, three friendly and good looking cats gave me the warmest welcome. The furry gray kitty on the photo I posted was especially affectionate though she looks very serious on the picture????. Lovely!!!

10. Chiesa di San Pantaleo

P. Zza Dei Massimi Ang. Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 00186 Rome Italy +39 06 684 0741 http://www.060608.it/it/cultura-e-svago/luoghi-di-culto-di-interesse-storico-artistico/chiese-cattoliche/san-pantaleo.html
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4.0 based on 28 reviews

Chiesa di San Pantaleo

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