In spring and summer, the Eternal City is bustling with life, and a route through the center of Rome becomes especially popular. We offer you a simple, yet informative itinerary that will allow you to visit the main sights of the city. Prepare yourself properly, you are in for an exciting time!
Where the Route Through the Center of Rome Begins
So, the walk through the center of Rome we suggest you start early in the morning. The starting point will be the park of Villa Borghese. At sunrise, the panoramic platform, which you can visit here, looks great, because the light lies on the awakening city like gilding.
Needless to say, what impressions you will get, looking from here at the center of Rome and the People’s Square! Naturally, you can get such impressions from here at any time, but it is in the morning that the city acquires its exquisite charm.
We continue our route by descending the stairs. It leads directly to the square, which will greet you with a mass of architectural sights of Rome. These are:
- the obelisk of Flaminio surrounded by four fountains.
- the twin fountains of the Goddess of Roma and Neptune, which can be seen on the sides of the square.
- twin churches.
On the left side is the Basilica Santa Maria in Montesanto, and the Basilica Santa Maria-dei-Miracoli on the right. Remarkably, these churches in the center of Rome are just twins. Their external harmony was achieved thanks to the fact that they were designed with some differences from each other.
Further, behind the “backs” of the churches, Piazza Popular divides into three streets:
- Via del Babuino on the left side
- on the right, Via di Ripetta
- in between, in the center, Via del Corso
It is the last street that we need to follow the planned route. This place is a real find for shopping lovers, in fact, in Rome it is the main place for such a purpose. Take advantage of the situation and don’t deny yourself the pleasure of shopping in brand name stores such as:
- H&M
- GAP
- Zara
- Miss Sixty
- Lush, etc.
Not getting lost in the center of Rome will help you to perceive the Via del Corso as a big “tree”. Sometimes on your way to the sights you will have to move away from the “trunk” to the “branches”, sometimes, on the contrary, you will have to return to it to continue your walk.
Piazza di Spagna/Piazza Espana and Shopping
The next stop on the itinerary will be Piazza di Spagna and one of the most popular spots in Rome is the Spanish Steps.
Once you are on Via dei Condotti you will be able to reach both of these goals freely, this street is on the left side. You just have to walk forward and you will find yourself on Piazza di Spagna. Don’t miss the opportunity in your itinerary through the center of Rome to take pictures when you find yourself at the Spanish Steps. You can quench your thirst during your walk at the Boat Fountain, the crystal clear water of this place is available at its side opening.
Once on Via dei Condotti in the heart of Rome, you can have a VIP shopping experience, as there are dozens of branded boutiques.
Trevi Fountain
Now back on Via del Corso, turn onto Via del Sabini on the right and continue onward. A couple of minutes and you will find yourself near no less famous landmark on your itinerary, the Trevi Fountain. You can follow tradition and throw a coin into the fountain. It is believed that this is the way to fulfill your dream of being in Rome again. See if it is true!
Here’s a little secret. If you want to catch a good angle of the Trevi Fountain, you can photograph it from above, thus avoiding the huge crowds. To do this, visit the Benetton store, which is located in Piazza Trevi in the center of Rome. Once you are on the second floor of this store, you will have an excellent view for the best photo of this fountain.
Pantheon
The route through the center of Rome does not end here. The Pantheon (Temple of All Gods) will be the next destination. To get here, you need to be back on Via del Corso, cross the road towards Via del Caravita. From the latter there will be a gradual transition to Via del Seminario. Going straight ahead, you will reach the Pantheon and the Rotonda.
It’s hard to believe, but the temple of the Pantheon period of antiquity was erected in 128 AD!
Practically next to the Pantheon itself in the center of Rome is the Tazza D’Oro bar. Don’t miss the opportunity to have a coffee in one of the most famous establishments in Rome!
Want to visit the Pantheon in Rome? Follow the link to the official ticket platform to buy tickets to visit it with an audio guide and avoid queues at the entrance.
Vittoriano at Piazza Venezia
Back on the Via del Corso we take the landmark to the next place, which should definitely be included in the itinerary of the center of Rome. Especially since the future goal of this route is practically in front of you. We are talking about the Vittoriano Monument, located on Piazza Venezia:
- The side part is presented in the form of an art gallery, in which all kinds of exhibitions are constantly held.
- The roof of this building deserves special attention. It offers a simply gorgeous view of the center of Rome. To get here, it is enough to pay 7 euros for an elevator ride.
It is noteworthy that the Romans are not very fond of Vittoriano. The fact is that it covers the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. In addition, the building is jokingly called “typewriter” or “dentures” because of its resemblance to them.
Next, a walk through the center of Rome will lead you to the Roman Forum. Follow the Via dei Fori Imperiale to this destination. The modern ruins formerly represented an iconic place in Rome. A true center of political and social life for the city’s inhabitants.
PRO TIP: If you are planning to visit the Colosseum and other attractions in Rome, consider the Rome City Pass tourist card to save time and money. The card includes no-frills tickets to Rome’s major attractions, airport transfers, a tour bus ride, and discounts to many of Rome’s museums and other attractions. More information here.
The Colosseum – Rome’s Pearl
The final goal of our route through the center of Rome should undoubtedly be the main attraction of this city – the Colosseum. The ancient amphitheater, despite its considerable age, has been here for more than two thousand years. The majesty, as well as the magnificent condition of the arena, where gladiatorial fights used to take place, are simply impressive.
To avoid long lines at the entrance to the Colosseum, buy tickets in advance online here.
To top it off, we suggest you visit Oppio Caffè. This bar is located right next to the amphitheater, in the heart of Rome. From 4 pm it serves aperitifs, which includes a cocktail with appetizers. The specialty is the “all you can eat” style of serving. After paying 12 euros, you can choose a cocktail and any number of so-called mini-meals.
