Ancient Rome has many historical locations, beautiful fountains, and a modern way of life. The Italian capital attracts many visitors that enjoy strolling the streets and admiring its beautiful scenery. If you can visit this magnificent place, we are sure you'll enjoy it. Thus, here are our top 10 things to see in Rome, Italy.

10. Shopping

Rome is one of the world's high fashion capitals, but of course, you can still find many bargains and regular clothes at the shopping malls. However, like Madrid, Rome is famous for its extravagant shopping streets with many designer boutiques that you can't just walk in. The personnel will check if you fit a potential buyer's description, so you'll need to dress up for the shopping spree.

The most famous street for shopping is Via del Corso. However, if you wish to buy designer stuff, you should check out Via Condotti. There you'll find luxury brands such as Gucci, Tiffany, Hermes, Cartier, etc.) 

9. Drinking Coffee

Drinking coffee in Rome and the rest of Italy, in general, is a serious business. Italians are proud of their espresso, cappuccino, and café latte and have some unusual rules about it. For example, it isn't polite to drink a cappuccino after 11 AM. According to Italians, coffee with milk is a breakfast drink. 

After that, you can only drink espresso and coffee without milk. So remember this when you sit at some gorgeous piazza and do as Italians do by drinking espresso in the afternoon.

8. Eat Something!

There is much to eat in Rome, including pasta, pizza, and cannoli. You surely won't be hungry, as the variety of Italian pasta is incredible. Although there are various combinations, all Roman pizzas have one common ingredient - a delicious crusty dough.

Italian pasta is famous worldwide. The secret is its simplicity, as the most renowned pasta is usually made with two or three ingredients. Ultimately, complete your meal with a tiramisu cake, a creamy, refreshing coffee-based delight. Alternatively, you can refresh yourself during summer with a scoop of excellent Italian gelato.

7. Pantheon

The famous temple is the most preserved structure from ancient Rome, dating from around 125 AD. The primary mission of the Pantheon was and still is religious. However, it has one more purpose in modern Rome as one of the most popular attractions in the city.

The ancient temple has a rotunda on top with an oculus (an opening to the sky). Hence, Rome's birthday on the 21st of April is the perfect occasion to visit Pantheon. Then you'll see the incredible lightning created by the sun rays dropping at a certain angle through the oculus. The best time to view the Pantheon's exterior is when the temple is lit up as it looks glorious.

6. Castel St Angelo and Tiber River

Built as The Mausoleum of Hadrian, Castel Sant'Angelo is a beautiful fortress from 139 AD on the Tiber Riverbank. Today this stunning castle is a major tourist attraction and a museum with the bridge Ponte Sant'Angelo connecting it with the city center. Moreover, the fort has spectacular panoramic views of the city.

Like Budapest, Rome offers lovely river cruises and a view from the water as the Tiber River flows through the city. This is an excellent way to explore the Italian capital because the river cruise has stops at the major attractions. Therefore, you can hop back on the boat for the next adventure.

5. Spanish Steps

Lovely Spanish Steps lead from Piazza di Spagna (hence the name) to Piazza Trinità dei Monti at the top. At Piazza di Spagna, you'll find the pretty little old boat fountain or Fontana Della Barcaccia. Also, at the top, after climbing 138 marble steps, is the charming church Trinità dei Monti and Obelisco Sallustiano.

Spanish Steps attract many visitors and artists every year and are also the set of numerous movies. Yet, sitting isn't allowed since 2019, as you may pay a fine. Still, there are other fun things to do in Rome.

4. Piazza Navona

Beautiful Square Navona is the perfect place to rest and enjoy coffee while watching the lovely fountains. This was the location of the former Stadium of Domitian from the 1st century AD, hence the Square's oval shape.

A charming piazza surrounded by cafes and restaurants is a favorite place for street artists. Moreover, it's a delightful location to rest a bit. Besides this stunning atmosphere, Piazza Navona has three spectacular fountains. The most famous one is the Fountain of Four Rivers (La Fontana Dei Quattro Fiumi) by Bernini, with the Obelisk in its middle.

3. Colosseum

The Colosseum's primary purpose was a bit morbid. The arena was used for gladiator games for the Emperor's amusement and the rest of the population. It looks like they had a bit different understanding of the word fun.

Nevertheless, the ruins of the Colosseum are an impressive and well-preserved amphitheater from 70 AD. This was the favorite entertainment arena as the Colosseum could accept 80000 visitors. Today the remains of the Colosseum are a major attraction, drawing over six million visitors each year. Make sure to book your visit or buy a Roma city card and skip the lines.

2. The Vatican

The Vatican is a monarchy and a state within Rome and the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Dominating place on St Peter's Square has a beautiful St Peter's Basilica, which, among other precious artworks, holds the famous Michelangelo statue Pietà. 

The most exciting locations in the Vatican, if you aren't religious, are Vatican Museums and the impressive Sistine Chapel, as the museums hold remarkable artworks. The dome of the Sistine Chapel has the most beautiful frescoes, including The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo from the 16th century.

1. Fontana di Trevi

One of the most charming fountains in the world, the gorgeous Fontana di Trevi draws numerous visitors to admire its beauty. This is the biggest Baroque fountain in Rome, settled in Piazza di Trevi, with a Neptune sculpture as a central figure surrounded by mythological creatures.

There are many restaurants and bars near the Di Trevi Fountain. Still, we recommend finding another place, as these dining options are mostly a rip-off. Also, one more thing, remember to throw a coin into the fountain to ensure you'll return to Rome. Of course, toss it over your shoulder with your backs toward the fountain.

These were our top ten must-sees in Rome, enough to intrigue your mind. This romantic ancient city welcomes and fascinates many different visitors. Rome is a place you'll wish to come back to, and it will always embrace you with open hands offering something new and exciting. So no matter why you visit Rome, the city will make you fall in love with it.

Have you ever visited magical Rome? What did you like the most? Please write to us in the comments, as we would like to hear your thoughts.

Cover photo: TopTens.fun/Midjourney