Here are 10 of my favorite things about Rome:
- The view from the Cupola of St. Peter's Basilica
It has the best view of the city, and it's such a reward after climbing the winding staircase. We counted at one point, but I can't remember how many there were. It's really neat to look at all the people within the arms of the piazza, behind the sculptures on the roof. - The Colosseum at night
The Colosseum is such a spectacular sight in the daytime, but it's really a surprise at night. It looks so majestic, lit from the inside with a yellow glow. It surprisingly wasn't as busy when we went to see it, so if you can see it in both day and night, do it! - The Roman Forum
You don't necessarily have to go through the ruins, but seeing the view of them from the top of the stairs before the entrance is quite the sight. It's really crazy to think you're standing where ancient Romans used to stand thousands of years ago. Julius Caesar's tomb is within the ruins! - The Trevi Fountain at night
Another highly recommended sight for night viewing. It's just indescribable. All the figures are lit up and the water glows. The Trevi Fountain is another huge tourist sight, so it will be busy at night as well. I think it's worth throwing a coin in and making a wish! - Bernini sculptures at Santa Maria della Vittoria
My absolute favorite sculpture is here, the Ecstasy of St. Teresa. The way Bernini can make marble seem so fluid and like fabric is incredible. Her cloak unfolds into a waterfall of cloth beneath her. The alabaster is placed perfectly so the light shines through and becomes part of the sculpture. If you are a Bernini fan, you must go to the Borghese Gallery. It will change your life. - The Vatican Museum/Sistine Chapel
This is an obvious choice - it's like the Louvre of Rome. So many timeless, incredible pieces here, especially if you fancy Italian Renaissance art. As a lover of maps, I was really drawn to the Gallery of Maps. You could easily spend a day here, and the frosting on the cake is ending in the Sistine Chapel. It's breathtaking. My advice is to purchase a ticket ahead of time, and you can skip the dreadful line that forms around the entire establishment. I'd also go as early as you can, to avoid the crowds and be able to enjoy the museum. - The Pantheon
The reveal of the Pantheon coming from the narrow streets is my favorite part of Rome. You're wandering throughout shops and restaurants and it leads you to a piaza, and there it is! It almost catches you by surprise. The large Roman pillars make an impression, such a contrast from all the other modern buildings around it. The dome is remarkable. And the painter Raphael is buried there, among others. Definitely worth seeing. - Museum and Crypt of Capuchins
I didn't visit this museum on my most recent trip, but I think it's a really interesting site. It's a crypt of several tiny chapels, but it's rather morbid, in a cool way. All the chapels are decorated with the bones of 3,700 Capuchin friars, believed to have been originally buried in Jerusalem. The way they used the bones in the chapel is stunning, but it might not be a stop for everyone. - St. Paul outside the Wall / Keyhole
This is off the beaten path of the normal tourist sites. We had a tour guide, Alessandro, that was really amazing. If you are hoping to see a lot of sites in a day, I highly recommend using a private tour guide. It's really not that expensive, and you can tailor to the sights you want to see. Alessandro suggested this sight, it's outside of the main wall in Rome. It's massive and has a beautiful courtyard in the front. Not far from here is the Keyhole of Aventine Hill. It takes only a few minutes. There's a keyhole in the entrance to a garden, and it perfectly frames St. Peter's Basilica. - Gelato
Eat it. Lots of it. When in Rome!
Keyhole (photo from redbubble.com) / Halfway up the climb to the Cupola / Pantheon via Steph Kelly
Gelato Galore! / Laocoön and His Sons, Vatican Museum / Gallery of Maps, Vatican Museum / St. Paul outside the Wall, via Steph Kelly
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