101 Things to do in Rome

See also some useful Rome web sites and suggested Rome itineraries.

The saying is that a lifetime is not long enough to see Rome - there is just too much to see. We have taken a few highlights of Rome and things that one should experience in order to get to know and enjoy this remarkable city. It is also a great excuse to keep returning to "the eternal city". We recommend that you always check opening times.

You will find an Index at the foot of this page.

1. Archaeological Bus Tour - Take the archeobus from the Termini Station and go on a tour of the Roman ruins including the Catacombs of San Callisto and San Sebastiano, the Circo Massimo and the Terme di Caracalla. More details.
   
   
2. Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) - The stairway of 137 steps is located between Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti at the top. It is one most popular meeting places in Rome both for tourists and the citizens of Rome. More details.
   
   
3. Keats-Shelley Memorial House - the museum houses exhibits, which belonged to Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary Shelley and Lord Byron. In other words many memorabilia of the English Romantic generation. More details.
   Address: Piazza di Spagna 26
   
   
4. Antico Arco - On a busy corner behind Porta San Pancrazio, this Gianicolo restaurant has a good Italian menu. It is hugely popular, so book at least a couple of days in advance. Average cost €50. More details.
   Address: Piazzale Aurelio 7; Bus 44, 75, 710, 870
   
   
5. Villa Adriana (Hadrian's Villa) - Strewn across a gentle slope, the Villa Adriana (Hadrian's Villa) was built between 118 and 134 and has some fascinating architectural spaces and water features. Hadrian was an amateur architect and is believed to have designed many of the unique elements in the villa himself. More details.
   Transport: Bus to Tivoli or train to Tivoli station and then local bus 4
   
   
6. St Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro) - The open space before St. Peter's Basilica was redesigned by Bernini from 1656 to 1667 so that the greatest number of people could see the Pope give his blessing. Bernini had been working on the interior of St. Peter's for decades before gracing this outside space with his renowned and awesome colonnades. More details.
   Address: Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City
   
   
7. Villa Torlonia - With its verdant palm-filled park, this was the elegant home from 1797 of the aristocratic Torlonia family. In the 1930s it was used by Mussolini as his suburban HQ and his bunker beneath the house can be visited by appointment. The interior's frescoes and mouldings have now been restored to their former glory. More details.
   Address: via Nomentana 70; Bus 90 from Termini Station
   
   
8. Il Gelato di San Crispino - serves what many consider to be the best ice-cream in Rome! The secret is the makers' obsessive control over the whole process. The flavours on offer change according to what is in season. As cones would interfere with the purity of the product, only tubs are allowed. It also offers exquisite Jamaican coffee. In summer on Fridays and Saturdays it remains open until 1.30am. More details.
   Address: Via della Panetteria 4; Bus 52, 53, 61, 62, 63, 71, 80Exp, 95, 116, 119, 175, 490, 630
   
   
9. Capitoline Hill - Between the Forum and the Campus Martius, the Capitoline Hill is one of the smallest and most popular of the seven hills of Rome. In Ancient Rome, the hill represented the centre of religious life, where the city's first and holiest temples stood, including the Temple to Jupiter and the Capitoline Triad (Jupiter, Juno, and their daughter Minerva). More details.
   Address: Piazza del Campidoglio 1; Metro: Colosseo (Line B), Bus: 44, 89, 92, 94, or 716
   
   
10. Piazza del Popolo - one of the most popular places for foreigners in Rome. The oval square is located near the Borghese Park and features an authentic obelisk from Heliopolis in Egypt. In December this famous Baroque square is transformed into a huge Christmas market. More details.
    
    
11. Caffè Canova-Tadolini - The sculptor Antonio Canova signed a contract in 1818 to ensure that this property in the heart of the old artists' quarter would remain a studio for sculpture. Now refurbished as a museum-atelier, Canova's workshop has café tables among its sculpture models and a refined and elegant old-world feel. More details.
    Address: Via del Babuino 150A; Metro Spagna, Bus 117, 119
    
    
12. International Wine Academy of Rome - Runs courses and wine tasting events but registration as a member is necessary. Refine your palate on one of the wine courses or just booze on local wines at a bar. More details.
    Address: Vicolo del Bottino, 8 (off Piazza di Spagna)
    
    
13. Castel St Angelo - Originally the tomb of the emperor Hadrian. It was erected in 130AD as a mausoleum for himself and his family. The castle later became a stronghold linked to the Vatican Palace. The building is nearly 50m high and Puccini had Tosca hurl herself to her death from the ramparts here. More details.
    Address: Lungotevere Castello 50; Bus 80, 87, 280 and 492
    
    
14. Palatine Hill (Mons Palatinus) - the centremost of the Seven Hills of Rome. It is one of the most ancient parts of the city standing 40 metres above the Forum Romanum looking down upon it on one side, and upon the Circus Maximus on the other. More details.
    Address: Via di San Gregorio 30 / Piazza di Santa Maria Nova 53; Metro Colosseo, Bus 60Exp, 75, 85, 87, 117, 175, 271, 571, 673, 810, 850
    
    
15. Vatican City - The city was created in 1929 by the Lateran Treaty and is solely governed by the Pope. It is located on the Vatican hill on the right bank of the Tiber River within the city of Rome. It is the smallest sovereign state in the world with a surface of 0.44 square kilometers. More details.
    
    
16. Santa Maria Degli Angeli - Using the design by Michelangelo, this church was built around 1560. He ingeniously transformed the existing area of the ancient Tepidarum (lukewarm water room). Passing through the famous 'Aula Ottagona' (eight sided) vestibule, there is an enormous nave containing huge statues as well as eight monolithic, ancient, red granite roof supports. More details.
    Address: Via Cernaia, 9; Metro Repubblica
    
    
17. Villa dei Quintili - The wealthy, cultured and militarily gifted Quintili brothers, who were consuls under the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, built this splendid villa with a large bath complex and nymphaeum. However the Emperor Commodus became jealous and had them killed. He then took over the villa for himself, and essentially ruled from there. More details.
    Address: Via Appia Nuova 1092
    
    
18. Tuttifrutti - Behind an anonymous frosted-glass door, this friendly, artsy trattoria is Testaccio's best-value dining experience. There is a daily changing menu of creative pan-Italian fare, very much determined by whatever happens to be in season. Finish up your meal with good desserts or great chunks of convent-made chocolate and sweet wine. Average cost €30. More details.
    Address: Via Luca della Robbia 3A; Bus 23, 30Exp, 75, 95, 170, 280, 716, 781
    
    
19. Pincian Hill (Pincio) - this hill forms a part of the Villa Borghese near the Spanish Steps. One can look over the piazza del Popolo and see the spectacular view of St Peter's and the Victor Emanuel Monument. More details.
    
    
20. Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla) - these were second largest baths in ancient Rome and were built between 212 and 219AD by the emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, who was nicknamed Caracalla due to the Gallic tunic he used to wear. It has been calculated that these baths used 15 to 20,000 cubic meters of water per day. The baths also contained a library with two sections, one for Greek language texts and one for Latin language texts, which were located on the east and west sides, More details.
    Address: Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
    
    
21. Domus Aurea (Nero's Palace) - The ruins of the Emperor Nero's legendary 'Golden House', which in its day took up one-third of the city of Rome. In 1999 the site was finally reopened to the public after 25 years of restoration work. More details.
    Address: Via della Domus Aurea
    
    
22. Piazza Navona (or Circo Agonale) - This was the most famous square of Baroque Rome. It was constructed on the remains of the Circus Domitianus (Domitian's stadium) and contains three magnificent fountains and an old church. More details.
    
    
23. Catacombs of St Callixtus - located just outside Rome on the Appian Way. These ancient Jewish and Christian underground burial places were used in the second century AD. It is believed that the catacombs also served as a hiding place for the Christian populations during the persecution. More details.
    Address: Via Appia Antica
    
    
24. Terme Di Diocleziano - Part of the Museo Nazionale Romana, the remains of these thermal baths are a testimony to its ancient grandeur. It extended to 13 hectares allowing a maximum capacity of 3000 people. The interior area houses the Basilica of Maria degli Angeli. More details.
    Address: Via le E. de Nicola 78
    
    
25. Colosseum (Il Colosseo) - Undoubtedly the greatest amphitheatre in antiquity and proof of the grandeur of the Roman Empire, the Roman Colosseum was built by Vespasian about 1900 years ago. Originally capable of seating 45,000 to 50,000 spectators, it held gladiator contests and shows involving simulations of naval battles and fights with lions. More details.
    Address: Piazza del Colosseo; Metro Colosseo (Line B)
    
    
26. City of Water (Città dell'acqua) - A stone's throw from the Trevi fountain, excavations during some modern reconstruction revealed the remains of an Imperial-age apartment building, part of a Roman street and a holding tank for the waters of the Acqua Vergine, which can be heard rushing by underneath. More details.
    Address: Vicolo del Puttarello 25
    
    
27. Pantheon - Due to the building's conversion to a Christian church in 608, The Pantheon is the best-preserved ancient building in Rome. It was built (and possibly designed) by Hadrian in AD 119-128 as a temple to the 12 most important classical deities. More details.
    Address: Piazza della Rotonda; Metro: Fontana del Tritone, then walk SW, Bus: 46, 62, 64,170, or 492 to Largo di Torre
    
    
28. Armando al Pantheon - A simple, no-frills trattoria just a few yards from the Pantheon. It has all the hallmarks of authenticity; cork walls, indifferent artworks, a pretty, stained-glass entrance and friendly service from the family that has run it for the last couple of generations. Average cost €35. More details.
    Address: Salita de' Crescenzi 31; Bus 30Exp, 40Exp, 46, 62, 63, 64, 70, 81, 87, 116, 492, 628, 780
    
    
29. Fontana delle Tartarughe - Built for the Duke of Mattei during the 1580's, this is one of Rome's loveliest fountains. Four adolescent boys cavort around the base gently hoisting tortoises up to the waters above them. More details.
    Address: Piazza Mattei
    
    
30. Arch of Constantine (Arco di Costantino) - Standing beside the Colosseum and erected in AD 315 to commemorate the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, Constantine's triumphal arch was one of the last great Roman monuments. In front of the arch, the round foundation sunk in the grass is all that remains of an ancient fountain called the Meta sudans ('sweating cone'). More details.
    Address: Piazza del Colosseo; Metro Colosseo (Line B)
    
    
31. Trattoria Monti - This tiny, upmarket trattoria just south of Santa Maria Maggiore is more difficult to get into than many top restaurants so book well in advance, especially for a Friday or Saturday evening. The reasons for its popularity are simple; friendly service and ambience, excellent, good-value food, and a surprisingly extensive wine list with very reasonable markups. Lunch is generally the only time you can walk in without a booking and be fairly sure of a table. Average cost €35 More details.
    Address: Via di San Vito 13A; Metro Vittorio, Bus 16, 70, 71, 75, 84, 360
    
    
32. Column of Marcus Aurelius (Colonna di Marco Aurelio) The 30m (100ft) column of Marcus Aurelius was built between AD 180 and 196 to commemorate the victories on the battlefield of that most intellectual of Roman emperors. In 1589 a statue of St Paul replaced that of Marcus Aurelius on top of the column. More details.
    Address: Piazza Colonna
    
    
33. Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) - This is one of the most famous and most appreciated fountains of Rome. The fountain is the final part of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct built in 19BC. The fountain was built by the architect Salvi in 1735 in the time of Clement XII although finished in 1762 by Giuseppe Pannini. Toss a coin in the fountain at sunrise and don't forget to make a wish to return to Rome. More details.
    Address: Piazza di Trevi
    
    
34. Great Synagogue (Tempio Maggiore) - Shortly after the unification of Italy in 1870, Victor Emmanuel II dismantled the Roman Ghetto and granted the Jews of Rome full citizenship. The building that had previously housed the ghetto synagogue was demolished and the present Great Synagogue was built between 1901-1904 on the banks of the Tiber River overlooking the former ghetto area. More details.
    Address: Lungotevere Cenci 15,
    
    
35. Catacomb of Domitilla - Named after the owner of the land in which the catacomb was dug. Domitilla was a member of the Roman imperial family and was not a Christian; nor does the catacomb date from her lifetime. In the 2nd century her descendents built a series of pagan catacombs on the land inherited from her and in the 4th century they were reused by Christians. Linked with an existing Christian catacomb, the whole complex become known as the Catacomb of Domitilla. More details.
    Address: Via delle Sette Chiese
    
    
36. Mamertine Prison (Carcere Mamertino or San Pietro in Carcare) - is an ancient prison at the foot of the Capitoline Hill. It consists of two gloomy underground cells where Rome's vanquished enemies were imprisoned and usually died of either starvation or strangulation. Famous prisoners here include the indomitable Gaul Vercingetorix and according to legend, St. Peter. More details.
    
    
37. Sora Margherita - This spit-and-sawdust, hole-in-the-wall trattoria offers one of Rome's great local dining experiences. Wooden tables are crammed into a couple of narrow rooms where classic pasta and meat dishes are on offer. More details.
    Address: Piazza delle Cinque Scole 30; Bus 23, 63, 280, 630, 780
    
    
38. Palazzo Massimo - Part of the Museo Nazionale Romana, the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme houses one of the world's greatest collections of ancient art. It provides a magnificent showcase for some of the most beautiful paintings, mosaics and sculptures of the Roman age. More details.
    Address: Piazza dei Cinquecento 67 (near Termini Station)
    
    
39. Palazzo Altemps - Part of the Museo Nazionale Romana, the Palace of Altemps is one of the most interesting examples of the Renaissance architecture in Rome. More details.
    Address: Piazza di Sant'Apollinare, 46
    
    
40. Crypta Balbi - Part of the Museo Nazionale Romana, the Crypta Balbi displays one of Rome's more interesting recent archaeological finds. It is packed with displays, maps and models that explain (in English) Rome's evolution from its bellicose pre-Imperial era to early Christian times and on through the dim Middle Ages. More details.
    Address: Via delle Botteghe Oscure 31
    
    
41. Roman Forum - located in a valley that lies between the Palatine hill and the Capitoline hill, the Roman Forum was the political and economical centre of the Roman Republic. Dream of the ancient glories of Rome, where you can see amongst others the remains of the Temple of Saturn. More details.
    Address: Via dei Fori Imperiali; Metro: Colosseo, Bus: 60, 75, 85, 87, 95, or 175
    
    
42. Church of Saint Charles at the Four Fountains (San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane) - Carlo Borromini's first solo composition (1631-41) and the one of which he was most proud. San Carlo, which is often called Carlino due to its diminuitive scale, is one of the star pieces of the Roman Baroque. The most remarkable feature is the dizzying oval dome. More details.
    Address: Via del Quirinale 23; (Metro Barberini)
    
    
43. Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo) - the oldest and largest of Rome's ancient arenas, the Circus Maximus hosted chariot races from at least the fourth century BC. It was rebuilt by Julius Caesar to hold as many as 300,000 people. Sadly, seen up close today, it is a scrubby dog park but from the Palatine hill it's still possible to visualise the flat base of the long, grassy basin as the race track and the sloping sides as the stadium stands. More details.
    Address: Via del Circo Massimo (Metro Circo Massimo)
    
    
44. Museo e Galleria Borghese - The Borghese Gallery is a famous art gallery located in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana. The art collection contained in the gallery is renowned all over Europe. Napoleon even bought a large part of the collection in 1807 and transferred it to the Louvre. After new pieces were added in the 19th century, the collection was bought by the Italian state along with the entire property. More details.
    Address: Piazzale del Museo Borghese 5
    
    
45. Il Pagliaccio - Having gained a first Michelin star in 2007, Anthony Genovese's restaurant offers one of the best-value gourmet dinners in Rome. The chef actually studied in Japan and successfully incorporates oriental influences in his fusion cuisine. Average cost €70. More details.
    Address: Via dei Banchi Vecchi 129; Bus 23, 46, 62, 64, 116, 280
    
    
46. Chiostro del Bramante - Urbino-born architect Donato Bramante constructed the beautiful Chiostro in 1500-4. The monumental complex of Santa Maria della Pace consists of the cloister, convent and church. Now used for art exhibitions. More details.
    Address: Arco della Pace 5
    
    
47. Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna - is located in the Villa Borghese gardens. The gallery specialized in 19th- and 20th-century Italian art. More details.
    Address: Piazzale del Museo Borghese 5
    
    
48. La Pergola - The restaurant is situated on top floors of the Cavallieri Hilton Hotel in Monte Mario overlooking Rome. It undoubtedly has the most talented chef in Rome and was awarded its third Michelin star in 2006. Clearly expensive but the ideal spot for that special dinner. Average cost €140 More details.
    Address: Via Cadlolo 101; Bus 907, 913, 991, 999
    
    
49. Santa Maria in Cosmedin - was built in the 6th century, over the remains of an ancient Roman temple. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Church was originally looked after by Greek monks. Best known for the 'Mouth of Truth' (Bocca della Verità) in the porch, it is one of the most interesting churches in Rome, with important medieval art, an unusual crypt, a Romanesque bell tower and an atmosphere of antiquity. More details.
    Address: Piazza della Bocca della Verità 18; Metro: Circo Massimo
    
    
50. La Gatta Mangiona - Perhaps Rome's best pizzeria. Small but filling, the pizzas are rather more gourmet than the Roman average. They also do reasonable pasta dishes and salads, and some simple but effective home-made desserts. On Wednesdays and Thursdays there are wine and pizza tastings for groups of at least four. Book ahead as it is hugely popular. Average cost €20 More details.
    Address: Via Ozanam 30, Bus 44
    
    
51. Stadio Olimpico - The main and largest sports facility of Rome. It is located within the Foro Italico sports complex in the north of the city. It is the home stadium of AS Roma and SS Lazio as well as the Italian National Team. More details.
    Address: Viale dei Gladiatori, 2
    
    
52. Ostia Antica - this under-visited archaeological site is not far from the centre of Rome and makes a pleasant half-day trip but allow longer if you want to lunch there or are particularly interested in archaeology. Ostia was originally developed as a sea port and increased in importance from the fourth century BC becoming a major naval and trading base although it is now 4 km inland due to the silting up of the Tiber's estuary. You can get there with a suburban train. More details.
    
    
53. Qube Disco - Only open Thursday to Saturday, it is Rome's biggest underground disco, where bodies mix and mingle like a rugby game. Friday night hosts the Muccassassina, Rome's most popular gay event. It has paid a price for its fame, and is now more straight than gay. More details.
    Address: Via di Portonaccio 212
    
    
54. Aventine Hill (Aventino) - One of the seven hills of ancient Rome, the Aventino retains a certain detached and peaceful quality despite its central location. Within a radius of 500 yards of the hill you can find the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Roman Forum, Monte Testaccio, the Tiber River and Isola Tiberina. This, along with the beautiful villas and temples that occupy its streets and squares, makes the Aventino one of the most sought after residential neighborhoods in Rome. More details.
    
    
55. Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II (National Monument of Victor Emmanuel II) - built to honour the first king of a unified Italy. It is also known as the Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland) and occupies a site between the Piazza Venezia and the Capitoline Hill. The monument was designed by Giuseppe Sacconi in 1895 but finally completed in 1935. More details.
    Address: Piazza Venezia
    
    
56. Galleria Doria Pamphilj - housed in the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, which is probably the largest palazzo in Rome still in private ownership, the Gallery has a large collection of paintings, furniture and statuary assembled since the 16th century. Velazquez's portrait of Innocent X, who rose to the papacy as cardinal Giovan Battista Pamphilj in 1644, is considered the collection's masterpiece. More details.
    Address: Via del Corso, 305
    
    
57. Porta Portese - a vast, open air flea market that takes place every Sunday morning. Here you will find everything from antique bric-a-brac and vintage clothing to delicious 'porchetta' sandwiches. Situated in the Trastevere district. More details.
    Bus 75 to Porta Portese and then a short walk to Via Portuense
    
    
58. Gregorian Etruscan Museum - One of the Vatican Museums, it was founded in 1837 by Pope Gregory XVI and mostly contains objects that were discovered in the excavations of the ancient Etruscan cities. The museum contains material from between the 9th and the 1st century BC. More details.
    
    
59. Pinacoteca - One of the Vatican Museums, the building was commissioned by Pius IX (1922 -1939), expressly to house a collection of paintings, belonging to various popes. Many of the paintings on exhibit were taken to Paris by Napoleon in 1797, but returned to Italy after the Congress of Vienna in 1815. There are eighteen rooms. More details.
    
    
60. Missionary-Ethnological Museum - One of the Vatican Museums, it contains Greek original works, Roman copies and sculptures dating from the 1st to the 3rd century AD together with artworks and historical remnants from missions all over the world. More details.
    
    
61. Stanze di Raffaello (Raphael's rooms) - One of the Vatican Museums, they form a suite of four reception rooms - the public part of the papal apartments in the Palace of the Vatican. They are famous for their frescoes, painted by Raphael and his workshop. More details.
    
    
62. Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina) - was completed in 1481 for Pope Sixtus IV. The walls are decorated with frescoes. However the chapel is most famous for the ceiling. In 1508 Pope Julius II hired Michelangelo to decorate the ceiling, a task which took four years. In 1536 Michelangelo was again called upon. This time it was Pope Paul III who hired the master to make a fresco of the Last Judgment on the rear wall behind the altar. This was finished in 1541. More details.
    Address: Viale Vaticano, Vatican City
    
    
63. Campo dei Fiori - Centuries ago this was just a flowery meadow as suggested by its name, which literally means 'field of flowers'. Later it became an execution spot during the Inquisition. Today it is filled with people and activity round the clock. During the day, Campo dei Fiori hosts an open-air food market from Monday to Saturday, where you can find seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as fresh meat and fish. Lining the square are food shops, restaurants and plenty of outdoor cafes. More details.
    
    
64. Trastevere - The name literally means 'over the Tiber' because this ancient neighborhood is located on the opposite side of the Tiber River from the historic centre. Traditionally working-class in nature, it is claimed to be the authentic quarter of Rome with its narrow streets and artisan shops. The neighborhood has become increasingly commercialized as souvenir stores and pubs started sprouting up alongside some of the more traditional shops and restaurants. More details.
    
    
65. Palazzo Corsini - a prominent late-baroque palace which was completed in approximately 1740 in the Trastevere section of the city for the Corsini family. During the Napoleonic occupation of Rome, the palace housed Joseph Bonaparte. Today, the palace contains some offices of the National Academy of Science and also the Galleria Corsini, which has works of art mainly collected by the Corsini family. Outside gardens rise up the Janiculum Hill. More details.
    Address: Via della Lungara, 10
    
    
66. Société Lutèce - Despite being fiendishly difficult to find, this outpost of a popular bar/café in Turin has caught on quickly with the eclectic Roman hipsters. The cramped quarters cause a spillover into the small piazza. The employees are as playful as the customers and the vibe is decidedly laid back. More details.
    Address: Piazza di Montevecchio 17; Bus 30Exp, 40Exp, 46, 70, 81, 87, 116, 492, 628
    
    
67. Galleria Spada - The Galleria Spada is situated behind the majestic sixteenth century Palazzo Spada and contains a superb collection of works primarily from the 17th and 18th centuries, which belonged to the Spada family. Artists include Bruegel the Elder, Caravaggio, Carracci, Durer, Domenichino, Guercino, Parmigianino, Passarotti , Guido Reni, Salvator Rosa, Rubens, del Sarto and Solimena. In the General Council Chamber of the Palazzo is a massive statue of Pompey. It is said that Julius Caesar was murdered at the foot of this statue. More details.
    Address: Piazza Capo di Ferro, 13
    
    
68. Freni e Frizioni - Rome's hippest early evening spot, frequented by arty types and a creative, student crowd. The bar's name means 'brakes and clutches'. The riverside square outside becomes an extension of the bar, filling up with the overspill of chatting drinkers. More details.
    Address: Via del Politeama 4-6
    
    
69. Palazzo Barberini - This is another Roman palace worth visiting for its splendour and collection of art, which represents half the National Gallery of Art. The other half remains in the Corsini Palace on the far side of the Tiber. The collection will be united when the army officers' club vacates the ground floor of the Barberini, a move that has been pending for some 50 years. The paintings range from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, and include masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Pietro da Cortona, who also painted the spectacular ceiling fresco 'The Triumph of Divine Providence'. More details.
    Address: Via delle Quattro Fontane, 13
    
    
70. Quirinale Palace (Palazzo del Quirinale) - Having been a Papal and then a Royal residence, this is now the official residence of the President of the Republic of Italy. Visit the Quirinal Stables which once housed over one-hundred and twenty horses. Watch the Changing of the Guard, which takes place every day at 3.15 pm. (4.00 pm on holidays). More details.
    Address: Via del Quirinale
    
    
71. Palazzo Venezia - This is one of the most prestigious buildings in the capital. In the mid-16th century, Cardinal Paolo Barbo began work on the construction of his residence, which incorporated a medieval tower called 'Torre della Biscia'. In 1924 the palace became a museum of Art and Archaeology. It was also the seat of the Fascist government of Mussolini from 1929 to 1944. More details.
    Address: Via del Plebiscito, 118 (Piazza Venezia)
    
    
72. Dagnino - This is a corner of Sicily in the heart of Rome. If it's Sicilian and edible, it's here - from ice-cream in buns to lifelike marzipan fruits. More details.
    Address: Galleria Esedra, via VE Orlando 75; Metro Repubblica, Bus 40Exp, 64, 70, 170, H.
    
    
73. Capitoline Museums - Based on an architectural sketch by Michelangelo, the museums were built in the 17th century. The museum complex consists of two separate galleries that stand across the square from each other in the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazza Nuovo. The former has the larger and more varied collection. More details.
    Address: Piazza del Campidoglio 1; Metro: Colosseo (Line B), Bus: 44, 89, 92, 94, or 716
    
    
74. Arch of Titus (Arco di Tito) - The Arch stands in a slightly elevated position on a spur of the Palatine Hill at the entrance to the Roman Forum. Its religious significance lies in its depiction of the sacking by the Romans of Jerusalem and its sacred temple in 70AD. More details.
    Address: Foro Romano
    
    
75. Chiesa di Santa Maria in Palmis - It is better known as Chiesa del Domine Quo Vadis (The Church of "Lord, Where Are You Going?"). A small church on the Appian Way, it is located on the spot where tradition says Saint Peter had a vision of the risen Christ while fleeing persecution in Rome. More details.
    
    
76. St Peter's Basilica (San Pietro in Vaticano) - It stands on the traditional site where Peter the apostle, who is considered the first pope, was crucified and buried. St. Peter's tomb is under the main altar and many other popes are buried in the basilica as well. Originally founded by Constantine in 324, St. Peter's Basilica was rebuilt in the 16th century by Renaissance masters including Bramante, Bernini, and Michelangelo, who was responsible for designing the magnificent Dome. More details.
    Address: Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City
    
    
77. Gino in vicolo Rosini - in a hard-to-find lane around the back of the parliament building, off piazza del Parlamento, this rustic osteria with its Arcadian murals is always filled to bursting with MPs and accompanying political hacks and hangers-on. Come early or be prepared to wait for one of the hotly contested tables. Average cost €30. More details.
    Address: Vicolo Rosini 4; Bus 52, 53, 61, 62, 63, 71, 80Exp, 95, 116, 119, 175, 490, 630
    
    
78. San Pietro in Vincoli (St Peter in Chains) - The basilica was first built in the middle of the 5th century to house the relic of the chains that bound Saint Peter while imprisoned in Jerusalem. It houses the famous statue of Moses by Michelangelo. More details.
    Address: Piazza San Pietro in Vincoli 4A; Metro: V. Cavour.
    
    
79. Villa Giulia - Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia was a splendid Renaissance villa, built for Pope Julius III and houses an important collection of Etruscan treasures found mainly in graves and tombs. More details.
    Address: Piazzale di Villa Giulia 9; Metro: Flaminio. Tram: 2, 3, or 19
    
    
80. Castel Gandolfo - Castel Gandolfo is 15 miles from Rome, which in the summer becomes quite warm. However, towns in the hills around Rome are cooler. For this reason, the Pope traditionally comes to his palace in Castel Gandolfo every year in late July and stays for about 6 weeks. Visit the the papal summer residence in the Albani Hills and the 13 towns including Frascati, renowned for its famous white wine. More details.
    Transport: Bus from Anagnina Metro station, or Train from Rome's Termini station.
    
    
81. Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) - Between around 300BC and 450AD this was the most important of Roman roads, originally connecting Rome with Capua. In 71BC six thousand slaves rebelling under Spartacus, who after his final defeat had himself been captured and executed, were crucified along this road by Marcus Licinius Crassus. More details.
    
    
82. Art Studio Cafe - Located in central Rome, the Art Studio Café is a place where you can eat, have a coffee and also learn about the art of mosaic making and ceramic painting. Try your hand at creating your own mosaic. More details.
    Address: Via dei Gracchi, 187
    
    
83. Ara Pacis - was commissioned by the Roman Senate on 4 July 13 BC to honour the triumphal return from Hispania and Gaul of the Roman emperor Augustus and was consecrated on 30 January 9 BC to celebrate the peace established in the Empire after Augustus's victories. A new museum was opened in the spring of 2006. It was designed by the international architect Richard Meier and has been subject to much controversy and criticism. More details.
    Address: Viale Regina Margherita, 192
    
    
84. Bioparco - One of Europe's oldest zoos, which opened in 1911 on the northern edge of Rome's Villa Borghese Park. It has had something of a mixed reputation over the years. More details.
    Address: Piazzale del Giardino Zoologico, 1
    
    
85. Time Elevator - The 'Time Elevator Rome 3D Movie and Simulated Ride' combines education and entertainment in such a unique way that you will not see Rome the same way again. This is an amazing multi-sensory attraction where you will voyage in just 45 minutes through 3000 years of Roman history from Romulus and Remus up to the present day. More details.
    Address: Via dei Santi Apostoli 20
    
    
86. Via Condotti - This street owes its name to the channels that carried water to the Agrippa thermal spa baths but today it is one of the most elegant streets in the world. It is lined with the shops of the most famous fashion labels such as Bulgari, who opened his "atelier" here in 1905, Hermés, Cartier, Ferragamo, Battistoni, Gucci, and Prada. More details.
    
    
87. Ponte Sant'Angelo - Originally named the Aelian Bridge or Pons Aelius (Bridge of Hadrian), it was completed in 134 AD by the Emperor Hadrian in order to span the Tiber from the city centre to his newly constructed mausoleum, now the towering Castel Sant'Angelo. The elaborate bridge is now lined with baroque Statues created by the Bernini. More details.
    Transport: Bus: 23, 28, 28b, 34, 41, 42, 46, 46b, 62, 64.
    
    
88. Villa d'Este, Tivoli - A masterpiece of the Italian Garden included in the UNESCO world heritage list. With its impressive concentration of fountains, nymphs, grottoes, waterworks, and music, it constitutes a much-copied model for European gardens in the mannerist and baroque styles. Located 34 km east of Rome. More details.
    
    
89. Anglo American Bookshop - Located near the Spanish steps, it has a great many novels, books on art and architecture, and also academic books detailing the history and culture of Rome. It is an established bookstore with more than 45,000 books and has been in business in Rome for more than 25 years. More details.
    Address: Via delle Vite,102
    
    
90. Gruppo Storico Romano - Try your hand as a Gladiator. Take a one day fun course, or go the whole hog and do the full two month course. The Scuola Gladiatori Roma teaches how to fight with the same real weapons handed by the gladiators of the ancient Rome, namely the Gladius, Trident, Net and whole Armors. More details.
    Address: Via Appia Antica, 18
    
    
91. Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo) - Rising above Trastevere, south of the Vatican, is a long ridge paralleling the Tiber, which is famously not one of the Seven Hills of Rome. There are a few sights up here, but the most attractive feature is simply the sweeping view of Rome across the river, taking in everything from the Pincio gardens of the Villa Borghese on the left past the domes of the city centre beyond the curve of the Colosseum on the right. More details.
    
    
92. Arsenale - A large and stylish shop where Patrizia Pieroni's wonderful designs make for great window displays. Her design preferences include lots of ultra-rich fabrics. Expensive but very chic gowns and accessories on display. More details.
    Address: Via del Governo Vecchio 64, (Close to Piazza Navona)
    
    
93. Auditorium Parco della Musica - The Parco della Musica is a large public music complex designed by Renzo Piano on the north side of Rome, exploiting a spacious site that was part of the 1960 Olympic area. It is composed of three separate halls whose forms are inspired by musical instruments. Why not book a concert given by the Santa Cecilia Orchestra? More details.
    Address: Viale Pietro de Coubertin 15
    
    
94. Ponte Milvio - One of the oldest bridges of Rome, it dates back to 109 BC, although there is evidence showing that there was a timber bridge there at least a century earlier. In 2006, as a sign of their love, couples began locking padlocks to the lamppost then throwing the key behind them into the Tiber. After April 13, 2007 couples had to stop this habit because that day the lamppost partially collapsed owing to the weight of all padlocks. More details.
    
    
95. Art of Paper at Fabriano - Fabriano Boutique is a luxury stationer's. High quality paper from Fabriano is combined with materials such as leather and linen to create objects that are for every day use while being notable for their elegant and innovative design. Diaries, bags, wallets, notebooks, photo albums, cards etc. All products are made in Italy from Italian raw materials and the quality is guaranteed. More details.
    Address: Boutique Roma, Via del Babuino, 173
    
    
96. Vatican Post Office - The Vatican has its own stamps and postal system. When visiting Vatican City you can buy stamps and send a postcard from there. The post office on St. Peter's Square is open year-round Monday to Saturday from 08:30 to 18:30. More details.
    
    
97. Castroni - If you have an interesting recipe that calls for special ingredients from an unusual place in the Mediterranean or in fact anywhere in the world, this is the shop where unique international ingredients are stocked from floor to ceiling. More details.
    Address: Via Cola di Rienzo, 196; (Piazza del Risorgimento), Bus: 32 or 81
    
    
98. EUR District - Few tourists get as far as EUR, but if you are spending more than a few days in Rome or are interested in architecture, it's worth spending a few hours visiting the museums and marvelling at Mussolini's new imperial dreams. Later it was used for the 1960 Rome Olympics. Don't forget your camera, as EUR is full of unusual photo-opportunities. More details.
    Metro (Linea B): Fermi
    
    
99. Piper - If you fancy going clubbing then try Piper. A Rome institution since the 1960's, it has now been remodelled with state-of-the-art sound and lights. The exciting mix of house and happy house music targets its appeal to a modern crowd and will keep you on the dance floor until the early hours. On Friday nights it is the happening spot! More details.
    Address: Via Tagliamento 9 (Parioli)
    
    
100. Tiber Island (Isola Tiburtina) - Despite its location in the heart of Rome, this calm and sun-flooded island has always been a refuge for the sick. One of the oldest bridges in Rome, the Ponte Fabricio, constructed in 62 B.C., connects the island to the Tiber's eastern bank. The church at the island's eastern end, San Bartolomeo, was built during the 900s by Holy Roman Emperor Otto III, although dozens of subsequent renovations have removed virtually everything of the original structure. More details.
     
     
101. Remember the saying - "All roads lead to Rome", so start planning your next trip now!

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