On the Radar: Rome

Steeped in history yet dazzling with food and fashion, Rome is an incredible city that should be on everyone’s must visit list. Whether you’re following the tracks of past emperors, brushing up on your art knowledge or just simply trying to find the best possible slice of pizza, there’s something to suit all kinds of tastes.

10 things to do in Rome…

#1 Piazza Navona

With its impressive fountains, extravagant mansions and energetic street artists, hawkers and tourists, Piazza Navona is undoubtedly one of the most famous and stunning Piazza squares in Rome that just can’t be missed.

 

#2 Colosseum

Explore the gory history of the Colosseum, one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions. Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheatre in the Roman world standing almost 50 meters tall with a capacity of 50,000 people. It was used for hundreds of years as a stadium for large events such as gladiatorial battles and fights that involved ferocious animals to entertain Roman citizens and represent the power of Rome and its emperors.  

Travel Tip: When purchasing your ticket for the Colosseum, make sure to check your ticket includes entrance into the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill areas. That way you can plan to spend more time in the heart of Ancient Rome, not just the Colosseum grounds alone.

 

#3 Pantheon

Rome’s Pantheon is a former Roman temple and is the most preserved and influential building of ancient Rome, built between AD 118 and 125. Undoubtedly one of the most fascinating features of the Pantheon is the architecture – the structure of the building boasts mathematical genius and simple geometry that today still impresses architects and amazes those who visit.

Travel Tip: The Pantheon is open to the public daily and the admission is free, which is ideal if you're visiting on a budget! Apart from Sundays, standard opening times are 8:30 a.m - 7:30 p.m but we recommend visiting during midday when the sun is highest in the sky.

 

#4 St Peter’s Square

St Peters Square is a large plaza located directly in front of St Peters Basilica in the Vatican City, built by Gian Lorenzo Bernini between 1656 and 1667 and a must-see sight for any first time visitor to Rome. From above, it resembles a giant keyhole with two semi-circular colonnades, each consisting of four rows of Doric columns, encircling a giant ellipse that straightens out to funnel believers into the basilica, intentionally designed to represent ‘the motherly arms of the church’.  

 

#5 Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums are Christian and art museums located within the city boundaries of the Vatican City. Not only can you find extensive collections of art, archaeology and Ethno-anthropology gathered by Popes over the centuries, but also some of the Apostolic Palace’s most extraordinary and artistically significant rooms. So, if you’re looking to brush up on your art knowledge, the Vatican Museums are a must-see!

Travel Tip: Unless you're travelling on a budget, avoid the free entry days and purchase a tour that allows you quicker entrance and avoidance of the long queues for the best experience. 

 

#6 Roman Forum

The Roman Forum (Latin: Forum Romanum) was once the scene of public meetings, law courts and gladiatorial combats lined with shops and open-air markets. Today, it can look like a disorderly collection of ancient ruins but those with imagination will see the Roman Empire come back to life. Remains from different periods are still visible; littered with temples, basilicas and triumphal arches it’s definitely a sight to see.

 

#7 Teatro Palladium

The historic Teatro Palladium, with its beautifully renovated 1920s interior, stages a rich range of cinema, cutting-edge theatre, classical music concerts and art exhibitions. It’s one of the venues of choice for the exciting, eclectic RomaEuropa Festival in the autumn and a great place to catch a show before heading out for cocktails afterwards.

 

#8 La Pergola

For breathtaking views of the Eternal City visit one of the world’s most beautiful restaurants that is historically the first and still today, the only three-star Michelin in Rome - La Pergola.

#9 La Pratolina

 Open late, La Pratolina is the place to go for Italian pizza with a twist! As the place is very popular and relatively small, we recommend booking in advance to guarantee a table at this hidden gem.

 

#10 Gelato Fantasia

A visit to Rome just isn’t complete without a pit stop at a traditional ice cream parlour. We recommend Gelato Fantasia where you can try a variety of adventurous flavours or traditional yet scrumptious options before taking a stroll around the iconic Circus Maximus.

 

Book your next city break to Rome today with Blue Air, find the best flights here.

Alternatively, see where else you can fly to from LJLA by visiting our destinations page.