By Dana Perkiss
It may be tempting to travel around by metro or taxi, but really, the best way to experience some place is by walking – especially when you travel to Rome. On the streets you'll smell sizzling roasted pine nuts and marvel at chefs flipping pizza through a window, plus stumble upon some of the most beautiful attractions in the city!
Tie up your sneakers and get ready, because we're about to walk you through some of the best things to do in Rome for the perfect self-guided walking tour!
Walk from the Colosseum through the Roman Forum
As one of the most renowned monuments in the world and best things to do in Rome, you must see the Colosseum when in Rome. The mighty oval amphitheater is a spectacular site from the outside, and from within, you’ll get intimate glances at the lives gladiators once lived. When you’re done viewing the Colosseum, walk about two minutes to the Roman Forum.
This expansive space was once the center of daily life for ancient Rome; marketplaces, gladiator fights, and political elections filled the streets. Now, you can roam through and see the many temples, arches, and luxurious gardens that fill the forum. You can easily spend hours exploring, so be sure to bring comfortable shoes, water, and maybe a selfie stick for those panoramic photos.
Head up towards Palatine Hill
According to Roman mythology, a she-wolf lived in the Lupercal cave of Palatine Hill. It is there where she raised Romulus and Remus, the abandoned sons of Mars, who later founded Rome — well, after some disagreements and fratricide, but that’s a story for another time.
Anyways, at about 170 feet above sea level, Palatine Hill will give you some of the most beautiful views in all of Rome. Leading political figures and wealthy citizens erected houses and temples in ancient Rome, and the emperor Augustus was even born there! You can still visit his private residence and other well-preserved buildings, as well as the Palatine Museum and the Farnese Botanical Gardens.
Walk from the Pantheon to the Trevi Fountain
The Pantheon is a marvelously preserved ancient Roman temple believed to be dedicated to all the gods, which now holds the tombs of many kings, poets, and even the renowned artist Raphael. Take some time to walk around one of the most influential buildings in all of Italy, and when you’re ready for fresh air, take a 10-minute walk to the Trevi Fountain.
It’s usually super crowded, but totally worth it. The fountain glistens with crystal blue water and is decorated with sculptures of Roman mythology and waterfalls. Plus, legend says that those who toss a coin in the fountain are destined to return to Rome!
Hike up the Spanish Steps
A few minutes' walk from the Trevi Fountain, you’ll find this 135-step staircase dedicated to the Spanish Embassy close by. Before you brush these off as just another staircase, take a moment to consider the breathtaking view from the top as you look at the ancient city below. At the bottom, you’ll see the Fontana della Barcaccia — literally, the Fountain of the Ugly Boat – even though it's beautiful!
Walk through Vatican City and the Vatican Museums
Firstly, you’ll either want to book ahead of time or go really early, as attractions in Vatican City get crowded quickly. Secondly, you’ll probably want to reserve at least half a day to walk around there. Vatican City is an entire city-state inside Rome and is home to the Roman Catholic Church (as in, the Pope), so there’s ton to see!
Depending on your interests, you might first want to head to the Vatican Museums to view ancient sculptures, famous artwork, tombs, and the renowned Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo. When you’re back outside, walk through the luxurious Vatican Gardens with ancient sculptures surrounded by fountains, flowers, and tall trees. Next, walk through St. Peter's Square to view the ancient Egyptian obelisk presumed to be built in 2500 BC, and then visit St. Peter's Basilica, a massive Renaissance church believed to be the burial site for St. Peter.
