Is Rome worth visiting? That is a question I get asked a lot when I talk about my solo trip to Italy. Most people I talk to get excited about visiting Venice, and art lovers go ga-ga about Florence. Rome however, has something a little different to offer. Known as the eternal city because of its ancient history, Rome has perfectly preserved crazy old historical buildings.
As you walk around the city, it is not hard to imagine how it would have looked two thousand years ago. Back when people rode on horseback, the forums were “roads” and the common folk from the fabled Roman empire. It obviously helps that Rome has done an incredible job preserving the traces of its ancientness all over the city and particularly around the Colosseum area. Additionally, Romans take great pride in their history and are very welcoming toward tourists. All in all, here are 26 reasons why Rome is worth visiting for all types of visitors!
Is Florence on your Italy itinerary? Be sure to check out this post on how you can spend 24, 48 or 72 hours in that incredible city!
Is Rome worth visiting – 26 Incredible Reasons
Here are 26 incredible reasons to answer the question “Is Rome worth visiting”. At the end of this post, I hope you will have enough information to decide that for yourself :).
1. History comes alive right in front of your eyes
It is no surprise that history tops this list. The Eternal City definitely lives up to its name. You see for yourself how ancient the history of this city is as you travel to Pantheon. The Pantheon is one of the oldest buildings in Italy with an age of about 1900 years. Since the time it was built, the Pantheon contains the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome!
Another place where you can feel history come alive is the Roman Forum. You can literally see the old structures and columns with engravings in Roman letters and numerals that have survived thousands of years. It’s fascinating.
2. The Colosseum
Speaking of history, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, the Colosseum is rightfully at the top of the list of things to see. Whether you’re in Rome for just one day or several days, you must visit this fascinating place. The Colosseum is an ancient amphitheater from the Roman Empire times where gladiators would fight each other for fame and glory.
Make sure you get a skip-the-line ticket or a Roma Pass that will give you a skip-the-line privilege. Go early in the day to the Colosseum to get the most out of exploring the monument before the crowds descend. Multiple guided tours also exist if you want to hear commentary on life thousands of years ago.
While at the Colosseum, you will get to stand on spots where gladiators fought each other, and where they awaited their turn. Additionally, you can stand on the amphitheater steps as a spectator and imagine a gladiator fight in front of your eyes.
3. Learn all about the old, old Roman empire
In Rome, you can walk on paths and inside buildings trodden by people for 2 millennia. In the Roman Forum, you can actually walk the same paths that Romans used to 2000 years ago. From the temples to the government buildings, normal citizens like us tread these paths. How cool is that?! Take a few steps to the Farnese Gardens, the first private botanical gardens in Europe. I love the fact that Rome has some of the best-preserved ancient monuments still accessible to the public. That alone makes it worth visiting.
4. Marvel at the aqueducts built hundreds of years ago - think sustainability and engineering
The aqueducts in Rome supply clean, potable water to all residents and the public free of charge. While such modern water management systems also existed in ancient civilizations in India and Egypt, the Roman empire’s scale was greater. The first one was constructed in 312 BC (!) and still works perfectly. Take a moment to think about that. The engineering and water system designed 2000 years ago is still functional. Little things like this blow my mind and add to why I think Rome is so worth visiting.
In fact, Rome has 11 aqueducts, some of which supply fresh water to this day. The water in the Trevi Fountain and the fountains of Piazza del Popolo is supplied by one such aqueduct, the Aqua Virgo (later known as Acqua Vergine).
5. Incredible art free of charge in public locations
Rome feels like a large, well-spaced, art museum. Every part of the city boasts incredible art, architecture, and history. In fact, one of the coolest things about Rome is the fact that you could walk into a small church or a piazza, and find Renaissance art and sculpture, sitting right there, open to the public! Be it Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, or the Church of St. Louis of the French, these free spots must be visited for their incredible work. Such spots allow budget travelers multiple spots to explore without burning a hole in their pockets.
6. Incredible art and architecture that you can pay to visit
In addition to the free art you get to visit, Rome is completely worth visiting to see the art in museums with an entry fee. There is just so much mesmerizing art and architecture in Rome, that it would take you several months (maybe more!) to see it all! Be it the Borghese Gallery, the Vatican museums, the Museo Nazionale Romano, and uncountable museums, I could easily spend weeks viewing the beautiful art alone!
7. Borghese Gallery
Is Rome worth visiting – whenever I hear this question, generally the Borghese Gallery deserves a standalone mention here since the art on display is breathtaking. I could not stop raving about this museum to all my friends.
The Borghese Gallery or Villa Borghese houses the immense art collection amassed by Pope Paul V Borghese’s nephew, Scipione Caffarelli Borghese. Although the paintings created by masters such as Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, and Correggio alone will make any art-lover go gaga! The most notable pieces are the sculptures by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (famous also as the creator of the Fountain of the Four Rivers in the bustling Piazza Navona, Rome). The way that the pieces appear so, very lifelike, in the details and movement depicted in the sculpture, is a testament to Bernini’s mastery of technique. You can truly see the ultimate figure come alive in front of your eyes.
To visit the Borghese Gallery, advanced reservations are required. However, tickets are available two weeks in advance. You can visit for up to two hours at your preferred time slot made at the time of booking. If you purchased the Roma pass, this gallery is a part of it, and you don’t need to pay for entry. But, you still need to make a reservation by calling them.
8. Stay at a historic hotel
With the incredible history that is part and parcel of Rome, it is not surprising to find that a lot of old buildings from centuries ago are still standing. And in fact, they are now converted into hotels. If you’re a history enthusiast, you can even book a historic hotel and experience it for yourself.
9. People-watch at the piazzas
The piazzas are one of the best things about Rome. By the way, a piazza is a city square. Whenever I stumbled across a wide expanse of open space in the city, it was a welcome scene. They added a breather from the narrow cobbled streets. Another reason for loving the piazzas is that they have resting areas, a fountain (typically) to fill up your water bottle, and most importantly, people watch. You will see a lot of people in the piazza, each enjoying their own Roman holiday, making a wish, and throwing a penny in a fountain. Be it kids, lovers, family, or friends hanging out, people-watching remains one of my favorite activities while traveling.
Watch tourists make a wish and toss a penny into the fountains, as you savor your gelato or gobble down a pizza. Check out the rambunctious kiddos running away from their parents. Catch a glimpse of elderly folks enjoying a moment of rest and solitude.
10. The food
Speaking of pizzas, it is highly acceptable to travel to Rome (in fact, highly recommended) for its pizza alone. The pizza there is to die for. Since I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Italian food is not so great (save for a handful of restaurants in SF City). So, I relished all the pizzas I could eat in pretty much every corner of the city. And as Julia Roberts says in the movie Eat, Pray Love “I’m having a relationship with my pizza.”. Same, same.
But not just pizza, all types of Italian dishes taste incredible. Don’t worry about the carbs that inevitably will show up on your plate. Because the amount of walking you’ll do in the city will more than even out the calories. As a matter of fact, I spent my Italy trip walking more than 8 miles each day!
11. The wine
Can a list of reasons to visit Rome be complete without naming wine? I don’t think so! So, here it is. The wine is locally sourced and is obviously delicious. If you like your wine, you are in for a treat on your Rome sojourn. One of the best parts is also you can opt for house wine which is usually a couple of euros to go with your dinner. Rest assured that it will likely be very good.
12. Gelato
Enough said. Well, could there ever be enough said about gelato? Indulge to your heart’s content in the myriad gelato offerings that Rome has to offer. Plus, if you’re traveling with kids, this will undoubtedly win you major parent points. Even as an adult, you will enjoy gelato as it is absolutely awesome. Now, enough said. 😉
13. The fashion and shopping
Rome has something beyond art, history, and food. Shopping! Fashion lovers rejoice as Rome offers incredible fashion and shopping choices. When you’re at the famed Spanish Steps, walk along the historic Via Dei Condotti which is lined with luxury stores. Pop into an Italian luxury house such as Prada, Bottega Veneta, Moncler, or Gucci — and you can buy a souvenir for yourself!
Not just for luxury fashion lovers, Rome also has plenty of independent artists and shops that create incredible leather pieces. Since the leather sourced from Italy is of superior quality, local affordable leather ware is both beautifully designed in typical Italian aesthetic and well made with high-quality materials.
14. The opera and music scene
If art, history, architecture, food, and shopping are not enough to pull you to Rome, there’s also opera. And the music scene in general. The opera originated in Italy at the end of the 16th century. While in Rome, enjoy an opera by an Italian master at the famed Teatro dell’Opera di Roma (Rome Opera House). Another option is the large Teatro Sistina that seats a whopping 1565 guests!
15. Vatican City
Whether you are of the Catholic Christian faith or not, you should visit the Vatican City. The smallest country in the world has a lot to offer in terms of beautiful museums, squares, and sculptures. To speak the truth, I would go back to the Vatican museums alone!
When walking towards the Vatican, combine it with your visit to Castel Sant’Angelo. On your way towards the castle museum, stop for photos on the iconic Ponte Sant’Angelo (Saint Angelo Bridge) from where you can get those cool photos flooding your IG.
In the Vatican, take your time strolling around St Peter’s Square. This is where thousands of people visit every day to catch a glimpse of the Pope. Next, make a beeline to the Vatican museums (make sure to grab a ticket ahead of time).
16. Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms
The Vatican museums are an absolute goldmine for any art lover. I had a blast there and looking back, I was likely that tourist gawking at each surface of every room. The Vatican Museums is a collection of museums including the world-renowned Sistine Chapel and the enchanting Raphael Rooms. Other museums include the Gallery of Maps, Vatican Necropolis, and Braccio Nuovo.
The Sistine Chapel requires its own special mention because who wouldn’t want to go there to gaze up at the world-renowned Creation of Adam by Michelangelo?
To book tickets to the Vatican museums, you can pick a tour and type of tour online. I highly recommend getting a “Skip the Line” ticket and paying a little bit more. You will not regret it. Once you enter the museum, be sure to grab an audio guide to have an interactive experience there.
17. Spectacular photo ops
It’s not at every travel destination that you get to pose with so many 1000-year-old monuments — in a single day! Well, in Rome, you will be able to take photos in front so, so many buildings that have outlived you and your family by dozens of generations! Stop to marvel at the sheer genius of the ancient Roman empire. Imagine how much attention and care went into creating Renaissance masterpieces. And click photos to your heart’s content with that perfect background!
Looking for the best photo spots in Italy? Be sure to check out this article that covers the best viewpoints!
18. Trace your roots
Quite a few people from the US travel to Italy each year to trace their roots. If your family history traces back to Italy, and you want to know about your ancestry and meet family, if possible. I have read quite a few stories of families making it to Italy to meet their distant cousins and relatives and overall, having a wonderful time. And, you will have a reason to go back!
19. Meet the friendly locals
I had plenty of pleasant conversations and interactions with the locals. Almost all of them were curious about me, asked me questions about where I was from, where I lived, and how I was enjoying myself in Italy. They offered helpful tips on where to go and shop within the city. This was not just in Rome, but also in other parts of Italy where locals were super friendly and helpful. And it totally makes me want to travel back to Italy sometime!
Want to learn more about how it was for me to travel in Italy solo for 2 weeks? Check out this post.
20. The vibe of the city is so mellow
Unlike cities in France or Germany or even the US, which have a lot of energy and buzz, Rome is quite laid back. This is probably a testament to the Italian way of life, but I enjoyed this vibe immensely. Seeing locals stopping at a piazza to relax, or enjoy a gelato; seeing the restaurant server take his time to walk me through their wine list; observing families shopping at a market at a relaxed pace – the whole vibe was about “getting to it when I get to it”. Such an approach appealed to me a lot. So much so that I decided to take it slow in Rome and not rush through each day checking off places from my list. Dare I say slow travel (even if it was just for 5 days)? It was the best feeling!
21. The magnificent fountains
Italy, in general, and Rome, in particular, made me fall in love with elaborate fountains. Who would have thought of creating such masterpieces to adorn a water source? Well, the Italians did. Throughout the ages, the leaders of Rome and the papacy had plenty of money to sanction these beautiful works of art to ornament the city. My favorite was undoubtedly the Trevi Fountain that I visited twice! And made a wish with a penny that I knew would get removed by the city officials in just a day or two. Still… it was cool to follow the tradition of making a wish at the fountain. A close second is the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi which resides in Piazza Navona.
22. Experience the crazy traffic!
Coming from someone who’s lived over half her life in India with its insane traffic, the traffic in Rome appeared kind of tame at first. Especially, since I had heard a lot about the crazy traffic in Rome and seen it caricatured in so many Hollywood movies. That is, until I went to Piazza Venezia and saw firsthand the traffic merging from 5+ lanes into 2, and that too without lane markings! It was both quite funny to see the scene, and also to think “Ah, there it is!”. 🙂
Also, while on the topic of roads, notice how most of the streets, particularly around the Colosseum are not in a grid pattern. That is typical for old cities – as small towns that grew in all directions with the increase of their population. Additionally, you will see that circular patterns show up around a single point of importance (eg. a palace). Such a circular pattern also allowed for better defense in the event of an enemy attack.
23. Rome has awesome weather
Now, if you’re craving a European holiday with sunny weather, Rome is a safe bet. The weather is hot during the summer and is pleasantly warm even in October. Rain is uncommon except during April and the winter months. The Mediterranean sun does its job well, and chances are, you will come back home sporting a gorgeous tan.
24. Rome is safe for female solo travelers
I traveled across Italy solo for 2 weeks and will say that I felt completely safe. In fact, if you are planning to travel solo for the first time, Italy is an excellent option. The people are nice, the cities are safe, and so is transportation. Read all about the lessons I learned from traveling solo in Italy here.
As I always advise, be mindful of your surroundings at all times, particularly after sundown. As with other big European cities, Rome has its fair share of pickpockets. But, as long as you practice vigilance and are mindful, you will be fine.
25. Days trips to Pompeii or Amalfi
Want to explore Southern Italy? Set yourself up in Rome and use it as your base to make day trips to nearby places. At the top of the day trip list would be the Amalfi Coast, Positano, and Pompeii. You can rent a car for a day or two and check out these famous locations without changing hotels multiple times or worrying about parking. On the way to Pompeii, also make a pit stop at the city of Naples and try Neapolitan Pizza.
Note that you can also get guided tours for small groups that start in Rome, and take you to these places. This is an ideal option if you don’t wish to tackle the crazy traffic (see point # 22 above 😉 )
26. Live life dolce vita
I realize this sounds cliched, but traveling to Rome will make you understand what dolce vita life is all about. You will come back with a healthy appreciation that life is for living, loving, and spending time doing what you love. Not other things. And that it is possible to have a good balance in life. As you sip on a glass of wine, or tuck in some gelato and look at these architectural marvels, you will know that life is for living well.
Inadvertently, you may find yourself embracing the slower pace of life (like me). 🙂
So, is Rome really worth visiting? Final Verdict
Well, with these 26 reasons, I hope that I have been able to convince you that Rome is indeed worth visiting. If you are dreaming of a perfect Italian vacation, you must include Rome in your itinerary. As for me, I would absolutely go back to Rome in a heartbeat!
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