Colosseum and other Rome, Italy Things to Do Tips

Your first sight of the Colosseum will stop you in your tracks.

Whether you are walking down the road and see it in the distance or if you pop out of he metro station across the road you will stop and be awed by this magnificent arena.

Just looking at in from the outside is great, but take a look inside and you will want to learn more about the awesome ampitheatre that dates back to AD80.

You can do a guided tour, or a self-guided audio tour. I have done both, and found them equally good.

It is a good idea to arrive early, else you may be greeted by a long queue.

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Phone: 067004261
Address: Piazza del Colosseo - 00184 Roma
Directions: B line Metro station Colosseo
Website: http://www.the-colosseum.net

The Roman Forum is the heart of ancient Rome.

It was the political, religious and commercial heart of the city as far back as 6 BC.

Today it is a valley of ruined buildings and temples, which you can wander around and amaze at the history and imagine the grandeur that was lost long ago.

They are still working on uncovering and restoring parts of the Forum

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Directions: Between the Capitoline Hill on the west and the Palatine Hill on the south.

Access via Via dei Fori Imperiali
Website: http://sights.seindal.dk/sight/4_Forum_Romanum.html

My favourite Piazza in Rome is Piazza Navona.

It is a large pretty oval Piazza, lined by with beautiful buildings including a church and lots of cafes, perfect for people watching.

There are 3 fountains, artists, street entertainers and plenty of tourists.

On a sunny day, grab a gelato from one of the numerous options and relax by one of the fountains.

Or why not take a seat at an outdoor table at the famous Tre Scalini and indulge in their sinful Tartufo.

The streets surrounding Piazza Navona are filled with interesting shops, cafes and bars. So take a wander and explore.

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Directions: In the historic centre of Rome, west of the Pantheon.
Website: http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/piazzanavona.htm

The Pantheon is the best preserved of the ancient Roman buildings and it is amazing.

Its dome is more than 40 metres high, and it was the largest dome in the world until 1436 when the Florence Cathedral was constructed.

At the top of the dome is a large opening, the oculus, which is the only source of light.

When you enter the Pantheon (free entry) you will find yourself standing in the centre, neck craned looking up to the sky in awe.

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Phone: 06 6830 0230
Address: Piazza della Rotonda
Directions: In the centre of Rome, not far from Piazza Navona
Website: http://www.romeguide.it/MONUM/ARCHEOL/pantheon/the_pantheon.htm

Piazza di Spagna is a triangular shaped piazza in the heart of Rome.

It is home to one of Rome's top tourist attractions - the Spanish Steps. This beautiful sweeping staircase dates back to 1723.

The steps are always covered with people, and at some times of the year it is also covered with flowers.

The view from the top of the steps looking down into the Piazza is excellent.

The Piazza is also home to a fountain designed by Bernini and plenty of tourists.

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Address: Piazza di Spagna
Website: http://www.piazzadispagna.it/

The Trevi Fountain must be one of the most famous fountains in the world.

When I first saw it I was amazed at how such a large fountain could be located in such a small piazza - it seems to be a little squashed in between the buildings, which probably just makes it all the more impressive.

This large fountain appears to be carved out of marble that juts out of the back of one of the buildings.

It is impressive.

It is also pretty crowded here. Keep a tight hold on your belongings.

If you get the chance to sit on the edge of the fountain (for the obligatory photo) take the time to throw a coin in over your shoulder - this is said to guarantee that you will return to Rome one day....

I also heard once that if you throw 3 coins into the fountain that not only will you return to Rome one day, but you will marry an Roman.....I wanted to test this theory, but my husband wasn't keen on the idea!! ; ))

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Address: Piazza di Trevi
Website: http://goitaly.about.com/cs/rome/a/trvi.htm

Vatican City is the worlds smallest nation, headed by the Pope. It houses some amazing sights.

One of these is St Peters Basilica. It is the largest church in the world, and its dome, designed by Michelangelo, is the largest dome in the world measuring 42m in diameter and reaching 138m high.

You can visit the Basilica for free. It is very impressive and opulently decorated, but the best part is a visit to the dome (which is not free).

The Pope still makes an appearance on a Wednesday morning, when he is in Rome.

Get there early to avoid the tour groups.

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Address: Piazza San Pietro
Website: http://www.romaclick.com/Pages/Rome/Tosee/Rome-guide-Vatican-St-Peter.htm

For fabulous views over Rome, you can climb to the top of the dome of St Peters Basilica.

This was the highlight of my visit to the Basilica.

You have the option of taking the elevator or the stairs, the stairs being a bit cheaper.

If you take the elevator, it brings you to the bottom of the dome from where you still need to climb a long and mostly spiral staircase to reach the top of the dome.

If you take the stairs all the way, good luck! We did - it helped to justify all the gelato we had been eating!!

From the top there is a magnificent view of Rome and of Piazza San Pietro.

Well worth the climb!

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Directions: St Peters Basilica, Piazza San Pietro.
Website: http://www.romaclick.com/Pages/Rome/Tosee/Rome-guide-Vatican-St-Peter.htm

Castel Sant'Angelo or Hadrian's Mausoleum dates back to AD 123.

It became a fortress and prison in the Middle Ages and then a papal residence in the 16th century. Since then it has remained under the control of the popes and there is a long passageway linking it to St Peters.

We came across the Mausoleum on my 3rd visit to Rome and I couldn't believe I had not visitied it previously.

It was very interesting to walk through some of the old rooms and exhibitions.

But the main draw card for me was a climb to the top of the building, timed to co-incide with a spectacular sunset over St Peters Basilica and the city of Rome.

Just beautiful!

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Phone: 06 681 9111
Address: Lungotevere Castello 50
Directions: Close to the Vatican, on the banks of the river.
Website: http://www.romeguide.it/MONUM/STORICI/castel/castel_eng.htm

Piazza Barberini is located in a busy traffic area, not to far from the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.

The central Piazza has a prominent fountain - the Fountain of Triton, which was made by Bernini in 1643.

There are some fancy old cafes across the road from the Piazza which are touristy, and expensive, but good for a spot of people watching.

The first 2 times I was there I saw this crazy man who stood on the street corner yelling at traffic and passerbys - turned out he had been in the same spot for years - a regular tourist attraction!!

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Address: Piazza Barberini
Directions: Located where Via Vittorio Veneto meets Via del Tritone.