Rome, Italy

Rome, Italy

Visit the Eternal City

Italy’s capital city is the third most visited city in Europe after London and Paris and attracts over seven million tourists a year. Its history spans more than two thousand years and in the same city you can see next to each other roman ruins and modern architecture. Innovative projects and initiative are in addition a central point of the city where you can visit one of the biggest faire on innovation of the world.

Rome is a city with something for everyone, if you’re looking for history, art, and culture, the city has more than enough to offer with art galleries, museums, and well-preserved ancient ruins. It’s also one of the cities with the highest number of green spaces thanks to its parks and villas spread all around the city.

Please, read our guide about how to get in and around Rome.

10 Reasons to visit Rome

1. A city of innovation

Rome is not only a historical city but also a city of innovation. It is home to many start-ups and tech companies changing the way we live and work and some of the world’s most famous brands have their headquarters here.
Examples of innovation are everywhere in Rome, such as the “E-District” project, which is transforming the way public services are delivered using digital technology, and the “Smart City” initiative, which uses analytics to make the city more efficient.
Every year in Rome you can visit the “Maker Faire” one of the biggest faire on innovation where everybody can share their ideas and projects and network with people from all around the world.

2. Taste some of the most famous Italian dishes

From pizza and pasta to gelato and coffee, you can find all your favorite dishes in Rome. Be sure to sample some local specialties, such as saltimbocca alla Romana (veal with prosciutto and sage) and carciofi alla Romana (stuffed artichokes with herbs).
Rome has an impressive selection of restaurants to suit every budget, you can simply take a stroll through one of Rome’s many restaurant districts and you will find the perfect place to cater to your needs.

3. The breathtaking Cappella Sistina and the Vatican museums

The Cappella Sistina, or Sistine Chapel, is one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s the largest chapel in the Vatican City and is renowned for its incredible Renaissance frescoes, including Michelangelo’s world-famous ceiling painting.
A visit to the Vatican Museums is a must for anyone interested in art and history. Approximately 20,000 great works of art are on display, including Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment, Caravaggio’s The Entombment of Christ, and Raphael’s The School of Athens.

4. Dive into ancient history

Rome is a city with a rich and fascinating history. You can explore this history at the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and the Vatican Museums.
The Roman Forum was the center of public life during the height of the Roman Empire. Its large archaeological site includes the ruins of the Temple of Julius Caesar. The Colosseum is one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, with a huge amphitheater built in AD 70 for gladiatorial battles and executions. Today, it is one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions and the symbol of the city.

5. Historical markets

Rome is home to several historical markets, including Campo de’ Fiori and the Testaccio market.
Campo de’ Fiori market, which has been in operation since 1869, sells a wide range of goods, including fruit, fish, meat, bread, flowers, and souvenirs. The market is located in the center of Rome, near the Pantheon. The Testaccio market dates back to ancient times, and it’s still possible to see the ruins of the Roman baths once located there. The market sells a variety of goods, including fresh produce.

6. Right in the center of Italy

Rome is a great base for exploring everything that Italy has to offer. If you want to travel to other cities the train is the best option, in just a couple of hours you can reach cities like Florence and Pompeii.
If you fancy a trip to the beach instead, you can be at Lido di Ostia in thirty minutes. The beach here is ideal for sunbathing and swimming.

7. Parks and villas everywhere

Rome is a green city with parks and villas scattered throughout. The Villa Borghese is one of the largest parks in Rome and is home to several museums, including the Galleria Borghese. Here you can admire some of the best artwork of Rome. Other parks like Villa Doria Pamphili and Villa Ada are mainly used by locals to jog or simply have a picnic.

8. The biggest University in Europe

Rome is home to the largest European university, the Sapienza University of Rome. It was founded in 1303 and currently has over 140,000 students. The university has a wide range of faculties, including medicine, engineering, and science.
Famous alumni and professors include Enrico Fermi, Nobel Prize-winning physicist famous for his studies on radiations and nuclear energy and Maria Montessori, the physician and educator best known for the philosophy of education that bears her name.

9. A mix of renaissance and modern architecture

Rome’s older buildings include the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, which was designed by Donato Bramante and completed in 1626.
If you are interested in modern architecture, visit the EUR complex, built to host the Universal Exposition of 1942 to the Flamino Stadium, originally built for the 1960 Summer Olympics and now used for football matches and concerts. For twenty-first-century architecture, check out the MAXXI museum of contemporary art, constructed in 2010.

10. Perfect for an evening walk

Rome is a great city to explore on foot. Its streets are lined with cafes, bars, and restaurants, and you can also explore the city’s many parks and gardens.
Visit the Spanish Steps, a staircase of 135 steps that leads up to the church of Trinita dei Monti or Piazza Navona public square. Or why not take an evening stroll to the Trevi Fountain? According to legend, if you throw a coin into the fountain, you will be guaranteed to return to Rome.