The capital city of Italy hardly needs an introduction. If cities can be lucky, then the Eternal City is full-on blessed. This remarkable place is home to outstanding arts, unique sights, stunning architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, excellent wines, and incredible people. It beckons travelers worldwide, and every person has their own list of reasons to visit Rome, Italy’s most famous city. Clearly, it’s impossible to name all possibilities, but there are several universal constants that can be found on almost every list. Let’s have a look at them, shall we?
Top Reasons to Go to Rome
Take a Trip Down History Lane
Once upon a time, the city was the heart of the mighty Roman Empire, enclosing the lion’s share of modern Europe. Its importance and influence are almost impossible to exaggerate. Today, Rome is famous for the legendary leaders of the ancient world, including the one-and-only Julius Caesar, stunning ancient architecture, and incredible Renaissance art. The city offers you a chance to stand where gladiators once fought in the arena in front of tens of thousands of spectators, fall in love with the majestic Pantheon, built almost 1,900 years ago (and looking just as spectacular as it did back then), and enjoy a stroll along the Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by the great Michelangelo himself.
And the best part is that you don’t even have to go to a museum to explore the historical side of Rome. The monuments of ancient times weren’t just carefully preserved to be proudly displayed as precious but soulless exhibits. No, they are still very much alive, and walking along the cobbled streets of the Eternal City is like stepping into a history book. To see a 12th-century church next to a modern shopping center is quite a common occurrence, and a high-end modern hotel housed in a 14th-century building will hardly make anyone bat an eyelid. So, make sure to pack a pair of comfortable shoes. The chances are that you will walk a lot during your Rome tour.
Admire World-Class Art
Donatello, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, Sandro Botticelli… All these men have several things in common. For example, all of them gave the world some of the most treasured masterpieces, displayed in the world’s best galleries. Another similarity is that all of them were born and worked in Italy. And what is a better place to get to know the artistic background of this remarkable place than the capital city?
For over 2000 years, sun-kissed Rome has been considered one of the most influential art capitals of the world. It houses dozens of art museums – from world-famous galleries to humbler local collections. Not in the mood for a museum? Not a problem. The city itself is an infinite art exhibition. Beautiful statues, ancient churches, almost-forgotten ruins, and splendid fountains are not rare gems scattered around Rome – they are an essential part of every neighborhood and an infinite source of Instagram-worthy pictures.
Enjoy Authentic Italian Cuisine (and Wine!)
There is no arguing that Italy is a foodie’s paradise. Seriously, finding a person who is not at least a little bit in love with Italian cuisine is not easy, to say the least. Pizza, pasta, ravioli, tiramisu, gnocchi, risotto – pretty much every Italian classic is known and loved in every corner of the world. Even Garfield is a huge fan of lasagna! Every region of the country has its own specialties, and Rome is no exception. Make sure to try the Roman classics: carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and supplì, crispy fried rice balls with a heart of melted mozzarella.
And let’s not forget about the Italian wines! Wine has been made in Italy for thousands of years and has become an essential part of the Italian cultural heritage. The locals appreciate good wine and know how to enhance any dining experience with a glass of good wine. With that in mind, make sure to add a wine tasting to your Rome tour program and never forget that famous saying: “In wine, there is truth.”
Try La Dolce Vita Lifestyle
The core of the Italian culture, the “Sweet Life” approach, is felt most acutely in Rome. You don’t need to make a conscious decision to start following the local way of life, and the city leaves you no other chance but to embrace the spirit of Dolce Vita.
Although there is no strict set of rules in this philosophy – the general idea is that life is too short not to live it to the fullest. Italians also believe everyone should take their time to enjoy the finest things however small they might be. It’s about savoring a good meal and good company, making an unplanned stop to enjoy the views, dedicating time to your passions, and concentrating on what’s really important to you. Italians don’t strive to be as productive as possible but find the perfect life/work balance.
Explore Shopping Opportunities
Although the title of the Italian fashion capital of the world goes to Milan, Rome has a lot to offer in this regard. If you are in the market for some high-end fashion brands like Prada and Armani, head to the Spanish Steps. The Monti neighborhood is your go-to place if you are looking for something more casual. The area is one of the oldest in Rome. Its cobblestone streets are lined with cozy cafes and charming little shops selling handcrafted and bespoke items. Bright and imposing chain shops would feel terribly out of place there. If you prefer indoor shopping, Rome boasts plenty of shopping malls for you to choose from. We recommend having a look at Galleria Alberto Sordi, Euroma2, and Porta di Roma.
Helpful tip: the Termini train station might not be the most obvious choice for shopping, but this is an excellent option. The railway hub houses countless shops, from fashion chains to bookstores and food shops. So, if you have a train trip planned, feel free to arrive a little early and check out the on-site venues. You won’t be disappointed.
Meet Amazing People
Italian culture is famous for its warmth, passion, and, to be fair, disregard for personal space. It’s like locals have a bright fire inside, fueling their passion for life and making everyone around them feel very warm. They speak with conviction and enthusiasm. They are always ready to listen to what you have to say. If you need anything during your trip, just ask. No one will bite.
However, all people are unique, and it would be unfair to say that all Italians possess a certain quality as a shared national trait. What can be said for sure is that having a local guide is the best way to get to know the real Italy and avoid certain tourist traps.
Set Off on a Memorable Day Trip
Of course, Rome is self-contained, and you could spend your whole trip in the city and never be bored. But if you feel like a change of scenery, a day trip is a fantastic choice. Luckily, the capital city boasts an excellent location, and there are more than enough travel destinations to consider for a daycation.
For example, you can take a high-speed train to the capital of Tuscany. The two cities are about 1.5 hours apart by high-speed train, leaving you plenty of time to explore Florence and get back to your hotel in time for dinner. Or you can treat yourself to a guided tour to historic Pompeii and climb the imposing Vesuvius (driving almost to the top is also an option). And what about the city of Tivoli, home to the world-famous Villa d’Este and its breathtaking gardens?
As you can see, the proud capital of Italy indeed has it all. Even the most spoiled traveler will find something to love about the remarkable place. Making a list of why it’s a great idea to make Rome your next holiday destination is not a difficult task. Finding a reason why one wouldn’t want to go there – that is a real challenge. Much has been said about the Eternal City, so let’s get down to basics: Is Rome really worth it? Yes. Yes, it is.
