Rome has been a popular travel site for centuries. This beautiful city is where ancient ruins stand right by bustling piazzas, and where Renaissance art co-exists with cutting-edge fashion, and where the smell of a fresh espresso can be smelt while walking the cobblestone streets.

Travel to Rome offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and modern life. Whether you are travelling there for the history, ancient ruins, artwork, or simply looking for an incredible travel experience, Rome has something for everyone. Here are the top nine reasons to travel to Rome.

1. Ancient and Archaeological Sites

Rome is an open-air museum, where some of the world’s most famous ancient ruins are right outside. The most iconic of them all is the Colosseum, a large and iconic amphitheater where gladiators once fought, and continues to be a popular tourist site. Close to the Colosseum is the Roman Forum, where you can walk along the temples, basilicas, and arches that were once part of Roman social and political life.

The Pantheon is one of the most well-preserved ancient Roman ruins, featuring a massive dome as its roof and showcasing the Roman engineering genius. These ancient wonders make it clear why so many people travel to Rome for history and archaeology.

2. The Vatican

It is essential to visit the world’s smallest country, Vatican City, when you travel to Rome, which is the seat of the Catholic Church. This place is home to the Pope and contains incredible religious art and architecture. Make sure to check out the impressive St. Peter’s Basilica, Michelangelo’s famous dome, and the Sistine Chapel, renowned for its legendary ceiling.

The Vatican Museums also have some of the best art collections in the world, including antiquities and Renaissance masterpieces. Whether you are there for religious reasons or to admire artwork and history, the Vatican has an impressive cultural and spiritual experience.

3. Art and Architecture

Beyond the Vatican, Rome boasts an abundance of artistic brilliance. The city has Renaissance palaces, Baroque churches, and impressive foundations. The most famous are the Trevi Fountain and Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers.

If you are an art lover, go to the Galleria Borghese, where there are famous works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bernini. Walking through Rome feels like stepping into centuries of creativity. If you travel to Rome for art and architecture, every piazza, facade, and sculpture will tell you a story.

4. Piazzas and Vibrant Street Life

Rome is home to many piazzas, which are places for gathering. One of the most famous is Piazza Navona, featuring fountains, artists, and relaxing spots to sit, while Campo de’Fiori goes from a morning market to a vibrant nightlife spot. The Spanish Steps invite travellers to roam and immerse themselves in the city’s atmosphere. The point of experiencing Rome’s street life is having a slow-paced day, where you can savour a cappuccino at a cafe and enjoy a bite while the sun sets. These spots bring locals and tourists together in a unique way.

5. Excellent Food and Wine

Italian cuisine is popular around the world, but in Rome and throughout Italy, it is the best. The city is home to beloved pasta dishes, such as carbonara, amatriciana, cacio e pepe, and alla gricia. There are also delicious pizzerias that serve wood-fired pizza, and some trattorias offer more casual and laid-back vibes.

For dessert, indulge in some tasty gelato, fresh espresso, and domestic wines. For an immersive experience, consider attending a cooking class, taking a food tour, or exploring the bustling markets, such as Campo de Fiori. Dining in Rome is not solely about the food, but about experiencing an iconic part of Italian culture.

6. Many Layers of History

While many travel to Rome to see the ancient ruins, the city’s history goes back many eras. There are many medieval churches, Renaissance palaces, and fascist-era monuments that tell different parts of Rome’s history. You can go to Castel Sant’Angelo, a mausoleum that was built initially for Emperor hardien and later converted to a fortress and papal residence.

You can also explore the Catacombs of San Callisto, which are underground burial sites that date back to early Christianity. Finally, you can wander the Trastevere, a beautiful neighbourhood that has medieval streets and a great nightlife. . When you travel to Rome, you walk through centuries of history layered into every corner.

7. Iconic Shopping and Fashion Scene

There is no need to travel to Rome just for its history; that city is renowned for its modern Italian fashion and style. The Via Condotti and nearby streets are home to luxury brands, such as Gucci, Valentino, and Prada. There are also gorgeous outdoor markets, such as Porta Portese, that sell souvenirs like vintage treasures and local crafts. There are also artisan shops and boutiques throughout the city to check out. Whether you’re there for the shopping or to purchase local goods, Rome has a unique blend of tradition and modern flair.

8. Gateway to Day Trips and Other Fabulous Wonders

Rome’s central location makes this city the perfect base to visit other close-by destinations. For example, it is only a short train ride to Tivoli, which has the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa. Also, there is Orvieto, which has a breathtaking hilltop setting and a Gothic cathedral. Not far is also Pompeii and Naples, which are also great day-trip spots to explore. For a more laid-back escape, go to the countryside to see the vineyards, olive groves, and unique medieval towns. Having these options makes your travel to Rome the perfect place to explore other Incredible sites outside of this city.

I should note that Rome has seen an increase in petty crime, so make sure you secure your valuables and watch out for pick pocketers. Like any city, Rome has crime, but it is still a safe city overall with a few common sense precautions.

Rome is not just a city; it is a living and breathing museum, a culinary paradise, and a cultural hub that has had a fantastic effect on the world for more than two millennia. Whether you’re there to visit the ancient ruins of the Roman Empire, Renaissance masterpieces, Christian monuments, Italian cuisine, vineyards, or as a base for excursions, traveling to Rome delivers it all and makes for a spectacular experience. This city truly lives up to the hype, so consider making your next journey a travel to Rome.

Before your next trip to my favourite European city, ensure you purchase insurance coverage for easy access to essential medical services, including emergency health care, hospital stays, doctor’s visits, and treatment for injuries or illnesses. Having travel health coverage means you can enjoy your travel to Rome without worrying about expensive medical bills and these plans can also give you fast access to medical care, but make sure you also bring your travel medical card in your wallet. If you plan to live in Rome as an expatriate for a year or more, you should consider a global healthcare policy.

Written by Mark T. – Mark is an avid traveler and lives in Vancouver, Canada. He has travelled the globe and is studying history.