Location: Rome
Top Things to do in Rome
What to do and see in Rome, Lazio: The Best Architectural Buildings
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. Villa Borghese
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,870 reviews
Famous villa constructed at the beginning of the 17th century for Cardinal Scipione Caffarelli Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V, which is surrounded by one of the largest and most beautiful public parks in Rome.
Reviewed By FunFilledFamily - Tulsa, United States
My fourth trip to Rome and I decided to try something new that I hadn't heard of before and that was Villa Borghese. Besides the awesome art on display, the property in this area is incredible. We walked and walked enjoying the truly beautiful park and other attractions - Villa Medici, garden, fountains, zoo - it was truly picturesque and incredible. For Americans, it was like Central Park. There were bikes and golf carts to rent to drive around the grounds. Loved my afternoon here and wished I had allowed more time to explore more. Go!!
2. Palazzo Barberini
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,057 reviews
Roman palace worth visiting for its splendor and collection of art, especially its gigantic ceiling fresco of clouds and swirling figures by Italian painter-architect Pietro da Cortona.
Reviewed By AndreaF_11
The place offers an extended timetable. The building itself is made by famous Italian artist. The pictures2 collection is a must for any Italian art lover. Pictures are allowed and picture2s display is very attractive and done with charm. Guercino and Piero di Cosimo pictures as Medieval display are quite attractive. Do not miss if you love Italian art.
3. Chiesa del Gesu
4. Palazzo Doria Pamphilj
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,619 reviews
Stunning palace located in a central location. Full of galleries of gorgeous paintings. Make sure to ask for the audio guide to get the full experience.
Reviewed By PattiGB - Brisbane Region, Australia
One of my favourite destinations when visiting Rome. The villa is full of magnificent art and sculptures. The complimentary audio guide is a very personalized glimpse into the world of one of Rome’s most important aristocratic families, their colorful lives, and their sense of duty to maintain their rich history for all. The audio guide is narrated by Prince Jonathan Doria-Pamphilj who shares personal memories, stories of his ancestors, and details about various works of art including famous works by Caravaggio. It is one of the very few Italian palaces which have their original art collections still in tact.
5. Chiesa di Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By dapper777 - Monaco, null
This Baroque marvel is very hard to spot from the outside. Hidden in the porticoed courtyard of Palazzo della Sapienza, this extraordinary church is a masterpiece of baroque architecture. However, once you peak inside the entrance located very close to the Senate of Italy, in Corso Rinascimento, you are amazed by what you see. This Baroque church dates back to 1660, when Rome was at its height between the rivalry of the great master Bernini and his everlasting antagonist Borromini. Throughout the city, Borromini and Bernini’s work can be spotted quite close to one another. The church of Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza was built by Borromini from 1642 through 1660. Borromini redesigned the courtyard of Giacomo della Porta surrounding three sides with porticoes and the back with the magnificent curved facade and glowing white drum, dome, and lantern of Sant'Ivo church. The church rises in the little courtyard of the Palazzo della Sapienza (where it gets its name from), home of the antique university of Rome until 1935 and now home to the Italian state archive. Very particular are the original multifoiled dome and the daring clerestory with a spiral cusp. What makes Borromini’s church a marvel is definitely the ecstatic dome of the church. The swirling and dancing lantern on top of the dome might be the only little sign that helps passerby’s recognize or realize the existence of the church. The interior space is filled with natural light that surrounds you with its geometric play. Not to be missed the magnificent canvas by Pietro da Cortona, representing "Sant'Ivo" and other splendid frescoes. Located very close to Piazza Navona, Sant’Ivo is a hidden gem of Baroque history in Rome. Unfortunately, the church is very rarely open to be visited (only on Sunday morning). You should visit the church if you are in Rome. If it is not open, you can enjoy at least the exterior and the beautiful porticoed courtyard: the best part really is that facade and its unique dome lantern. It is well-worth popping into the courtyard just for a minute to marvel at it.
6. Basilica di Sant'Andrea della Valle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 421 reviews
Reviewed By antomusme_catania
Bellissimo monumento della cristianità. Una chiesa ricca di storia ed arte, con la seconda cupola più alta di Roma. E' stato un tuffo nella bellezza! Beautiful experience in Sant' Andrea della Velle. Inside you can find an interesting audioguide that the volunteers give you for a visit this beautiful church. The audioguides are given to you gratis, and you can give them an offer to help! Really suggest
7. Villa Torlonia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 462 reviews
Reviewed By Antoinevilain69
A sort of Neverland. The place was invented as a Walt Disney land for adults, mini casino, mini Theatre, mini palace, folie ruins of bygone Ancient Rome, a wintergarden based upon Kew Gardens, then Musolini took it over in the 20's and rented it for 1 Lire a year ( atneth of a cent). It was abandoned after the war but recently overhauled and even more recently recenved an upgraded trim and conditioning of the gardens. Truly magic and slightly off the beaten track. Wonderful. A lot of people train here, sports wise, but not too many.
8. Villa Doria Pamphili
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 474 reviews
Reviewed By GoLucky
A huge area to relax in with plenty space for jogging etc.Some beautiful old statues and gardens to admire.The villa itself looked magnificent although we couldn't find the entrance so didn't go in.Water available at lots of fountains so easy to keep hydrated
9. Teatro di Marcello
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 517 reviews
Reviewed By lauraguu - Lithuania, null
We searched something to have an Italian evening experience and found Concerti del Tempietto. It started with a short guided tour to Teatro di Marcello and ended with a magical piano concert surounded by old buildings, blue sky, birds and piano sounds! It was truly a magical experience! Our guide was very excited to explain everything in details, even when we were only two english speaking people in the group. We are very thankful for a great guideded tour!
10. Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,722 reviews
Reviewed By B3075TRpauls - Hauts-de-France, France
The price of this attraction is included in the Roma pass (two free attractions for the 72 hour pass). It is a bit hidden away, not far from the colosseum and not as famous as the other attractions in the area. However, it is definitely worth the visit, when we first got to the reception desk we didn’t expect much, the visit takes the form of a virtual guided history of a roman villa in the foundations of the existing villa ( we are French / English speakers ) we had the guide in French. The animations bring to life how the villa was in roman times. People who are afraid of the dark be aware that some parts of the visit start with little light available but there is always a member of the museum on hand to help. I would recommend going to this museum as it gives an fascinating insight into roman villa life.
