Advice

We'd like to take a moment to introduce you to other points of interest that we weren't able to squeeze into our itineraries. Rome is truly an open-air museum, and it would take a lifetime to admire all its works. So time is of the essence. A word of advice? Get up early! It's the only way to see the Trevi Fountain without crowds or enjoy St. Peter's Square in peace. If you're planning to visit several museums and archaeological sites, consider buying combined tickets or skip-the-line passes. Remember, you're not the only one with Rome on your bucket list! The city welcomes around 16 million tourists per year! As you've realized, Rome is built on hills – which is just perfect if you're looking for beautiful panoramic views of the Eternal City. Be sure to stop by the terraces of the Janiculum Hill; the views from there are just beautiful, especially at sunset. On the way up, you'll spot the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola, one of the most impressive fountains in Rome. On the way down, you'll see the entrance to the Botanical Gardens. There's an entrance fee, but it's the perfect spot if you're looking to escape the crowds for a bit. It's a peaceful oasis away from the city's hustle and bustle, with a bamboo forest, a Japanese garden, and a beautiful rose garden. Rome is famous for its world-class museums. They're big, beautiful and they all have quite a history and the richest collections. If you must choose just a few, I suggest you visit the famous Capitoline Museums, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, and of course the Borghese Gallery. At the Capitoline Museums, you'll see classics like the original Capitoline She-wolf, the bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, and the sculpture of Cupid and Psyche kissing. The Vatican Museums are easily among the most impressive in the world, housing treasures collected by the popes over the centuries. Remember to book tickets in advance, as there are limits on visitors per hour. Must-sees include the famous Sistine Chapel ceiling, the incredible Gallery of Maps, and the Raphael Rooms. Don't miss the Borghese Gallery, one of the world's greatest private art collections. It once belonged to Cardinal Borghese, and today houses a collection of works displayed in some twenty rooms. You'll get to admire Bernini's famous statue of Apollo and Daphne, as well as masterpieces by Rubens, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Caravaggio. The Gallery is housed in the Villa Borghese Gardens which are also worth a visit; it's the biggest and most beautiful park in Rome. Today, this 80-hectare space is open to the public and it’s home to a host of monuments, pavilions, aviaries, orangeries, fountains and statues. Must-sees here include the lakeside Temple of Asclepius, dedicated to the god of medicine, the Villa Medicis, housing the French Academy, the Villa Giulia, home to a museum of Etruscan art, that is, of a period predating the Roman Empire, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and Rome's century-old zoo. We've been over this already, but the Basilica of St John Lateran is a must-see. It's the most important church in Rome. Not much remains of the original structure, founded by Constantine in the 4th century, but it's still the city's oldest religious building. It's also the cathedral of the diocese of Rome. Here, you can admire the statues of the 12 apostles, created by Bernini's disciples, ceiling frescoes designed by Michelangelo and painted by Giacamo della Porta, and the treasured relics of St Peter and St Paul behind the gilded bars of the papal altar. For those with extra time after exploring central Rome and the Vatican, there are some hidden gems a bit further out. The Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls is one of Rome's 4 major basilicas, built over the tomb of St Paul. For those not faint of heart, the Capuchin Crypt is a one-of-a-kind attraction! Back in 1626, Cardinal Barberini, a former Capuchin monk and brother of Pope Urban VIII, had the remains of thousands of Capuchins dug up and artfully arranged along this crypt. You'll get to visit five chapels, decorated with the bones, skulls and in some cases entire skeletons of some 3,600 monks who died between 1500 and 1870. In the last chapel, you'll be greeted by a startling inscription which reads: “We were once in your place, and you will one day be in ours." You can also visit the less touristy Domus Aurea, the Golden House of Emperor Nero. After the great fire of Rome in 64 AD, Nero built what was then the city's biggest and most luxurious palace. Rumor has it that he was the one who started the fire precisely to make room for his palace. Nero wasn't exactly well-liked and his successors made sure to erase every last trace of him from the city. But you can still put on 3D glasses and discover what's been unearthed of his palace and what it might have looked like back then. I know, we've already taken you to many beautiful squares during these two city tours. But what's the harm in seeing one more? The Campo dei Fiori is a must-see! It literally means “field of flowers,” as it was a meadow back in the Middle Ages! Fun fact: It's the only square in Rome without a church! Here, you'll also find the statue of the philosopher Giordano Bruno, who was accused of heresy and burned at the stake on this very spot. Today, the square is as popular as ever and, since 1869, it's been home to a big market that's open every day except Sunday! In the evening, it's the perfect spot to people-watch and relax with a drink on one of the many terraces. Well, with all this, you've got plenty of things to do, if you feel like staying in the area for a while.