A fool is one who admires other cities without visiting Rome.”
-Francesco Petrarca
Your dream vacation is finally about to become a reality? Congratulations! Now, it’s time to dig deeper and prepare your Rome bucket list.
The eternal city of Rome has a magical and dreamy vibe that will enchant your soul and hold it forever.
I can’t wait to share my Rome bucket list with you. Feel free to take whatever you want or even copy the whole thing. I can guarantee that completing it will be an adventure like no other!
Rome Bucket List: 21 Things you Must do when Visiting Rome
1. Explore the Roman Colosseum
Famous, massive, stunning, and historically significant… Having the Colosseum on your Roman itinerary is a no-brainer.
2. Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain
Legend has it that if you throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, you will return to Rome. If you throw 2, you’ll fall in love with a Roman girl/guy. If you throw 3, you’ll marry him/her.
Dropping a coin in this famous fountain is undoubtedly a Rome bucket list experience.
3. Relax under some trees at Parco del Celio
Just a short walk away from the Roman Colosseum, this park offers plenty of shade, picnic areas, and a place to kick your feet up after a long day of wandering around the city.
4. Drink from a natural water fountain
These fountains, also known as “Nasoni” provide the city with fresh, clean, and free drinking water day and night. There are over 2,500 scattered around the city of Rome!
5. Discover the Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is the best place in Rome to literally walk through history. Situated next to the Colosseum, it consists of a vast area of ruins that include ancient temples, political buildings, a marketplace, and the legendary Palatine Hill. It’s an unmissable place full of history and great photo ops.
6. Look out over the Tiber River
The Tiber River is one of the most legendary rivers in Europe. Find yourself a nice spot on or under the bridge and capture the magic of Rome.
7. Visit Pincio Hill
One of the most romantic and picturesque places in the capital, Pincio Hill offers a breathtaking view of the city.
8. Enjoy a Roman pizza
By the slice, Roman, or Naples style? I prefer Roman, and I would definitely suggest finding a pizza place away from all the tourist sites unless you want to pay double.
9. and pasta
Those Italian sauces taste twice as good when they’re made in Italy!
10. Witness the Vatican
Yes, I know this is a Rome bucket list, and the Vatican is a whole different country, but there’s no way I’m leaving it out.
11. See the Pope
You can’t truly experience Rome without seeing the Pope. And doing so is actually easier than it sounds! There are open masses in St. Peter’s Square every Wednesday and Sunday.
12. Be amazed by the Sistine Chapel
The Pope’s private church is one of the most stunning buildings in the world.
Expensive to visit, but the pristine experience is worth it!
13. Check out Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo doesn’t appear on everyone’s bucket list – and good thing because that means it is usually less crowded than the other items on the list. But it is still just as beautiful!
14. Chill out at Piazza Navona
One of the most beautiful, monumental squares in Rome. Housing 3 beautiful fountains, tons of vendors, and street performers galore, it is a perfect place for people watching and a cup of homemade gelato.
15. Go inside the Pantheon
Another one of the most famous buildings in town. The Pantheon was built over 2,000 years ago, and converted into a Catholic church in 609 AD.
16. Hang out at the Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are another popular place to sit down and relax for a bit. Honestly, the best way to visit them is to wander around the area and allow the view of them to surprise you as you turn a corner.
17. Put your hand into the Mouth of Truth
The legend says that if you put your hand in its mouth and tell a lie, your hand will be bitten off.
18. Check out the Pyramid of Cestius
Rome is typically not the city where you go expecting to see a pyramid, but this one is totally authentic and worth checking out.
19. Roam around the Capitoline Hill and see the museums
One of Rome’s famous original 7 hills (Capitoline Hill, Palatine Hill, Quirinal Hill, Viminal Hill, Esquiline Hill, Caelian Hill, and Aventine Hill).
20. Get creeped out at Santa Maria Della Concezione’s crypt
There are over 900 churches in Rome. This church, in specific, is not your average church. It’s crypt is decorated with the bones of monks.
If you’re into weird attractions – go for it; Otherwise, you can safely leave this one off of your Rome bucket list.
21. Ride a Vespa
Riding a Vespa is the most Italian form of transportation. If you get tired of walking, this is an inexpensive and fun way to zip around the city.
I hope you enjoyed reading my Rome bucket list and it gave you ideas on what places and experiences to seek out while in Rome. Safe travels!
Enlightened Escape 