A Romp in Rome - Top 5 Best Places to Visit in Rome, Italy

By: Luke Baum

Above: Trevi Fountain at sunset in Rome, Italy. 2019 by Luke Baum

If you could choose three cities to tour in Europe, where would you go? Barcelona? Paris? Of course, Rome has to be on that list! Though I visited Europe almost six years ago, there's evidence of Roman civilization dating back to 1200BC and beyond. It's no surprise Rome is packed with over three millennium of refined, human creation, which is what drew me to this spectacular city.

Embracing the cohered vibrancy and bustle of life, a tour through Rome left me searching for more signs of artful, Italian culture in my everyday life. The following article is a personal list of my top five favorite destinations while touring Rome way back in 2019AD.

5. Pantheon

Constructed in the first century AD, the Pantheon is a temple to the Gods. Since it's creation, this place has served the people of Rome as a holy place.

Above: The Pantheon, Rome, Italy. 2019 by Luke Baum

On my first night in the city, I stumbled upon this historic monument along the streets of Rome. Though well after dark, everyone was still clamoring to catch a glimpse at the beautiful architecture inside.

Close-by...

Above: Dessert at Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy. 2019 by Luke Baum

At the plaza to the west of the Pantheon, we stopped for dessert in Piazza Navona at Cafe Barocco. My mom and I had a spectacular view in front of St. Agnese in Agone and Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (or the Fountain of Four Rivers, in English), built in 1651. I felt immersed in fine culture.

4. Roman Forum

Above: Roman Forum. 2021 by Paige Baum

Next on my list is the Roman Forum. In ancient times, the Roman Forum served as a gathering place for individuals to share information and wares, similar to the Grecian Agora. Here, for over a century, people were hard at work maintaining Rome and her empire.

Above: Roman Forum cont. 2021 by Paige Baum

Follow the paths near the Colosseum, and you'll be drawn to the Roman Forum from that ancient arena.

Above: Approaching the Roman Forum in Rome, Italy. 2019 by Luke Baum

Along the way...

Above: A view of Domus Aurea from the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. 2019 by Luke Baum

You'll see Domus Aurea on your way to the Roman Forum. I caught sight of this crumbling estate in plain view from a balcony of the Colosseum. First occupied by Emperor Nero in the early first century AD, now you can tour inside this ancient site.

3. Trevi Fountain

At #3, visit the Trevi Fountain, found along the footpaths northwest of the Roman Forum. Built in the early 1700s, this fountain serves as a monument to the artful nature of Rome.

Above: First night at Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy. 2019 by Luke Baum

I found myself at the Trevi Fountain promptly after arriving in Rome. This made for a sublime first destination in this beautiful city and set the tone for a great Roman holiday.

2. Vatican City - St. Peter’s Basilica

Next on my list: Vatican City (not "technically" in Rome, but Roman, all-the-same). Serving as the capital for the Catholic Church, Vatican City’s beauty and wealth is a sight to behold.

Above: From the entrance of St. Basillica in Vatican City. 2019 by Luke Baum

Alcoves and arches, angels and gods, on its facade, the Vatican tells a story of its grandeur. Principally designed by Michelangelo in the 1500’s, the adornment on every square inch of St. Peter’s Basilica will strike you with awe. Beholding this church merely hints at the might and span of the Catholic Church.

Above: Artful architecture inside St. Peter's Basilica Vatican City. 2019 by Luke Baum

Inside, be sure to tour the anti chambers commemorating past Popes and bask in the history of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Above: My mom and I at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. 2019 by Luke Baum

Although we’re not Catholic, to experience the living history of the Catholic Church was hauntingly amazing.

Honorable Mentions

Above: Collage from strolling the streets of Rome, Italy. 2019 by Luke Baum

Wander the streets of Rome; enjoy the architecture, gardens, art, and food; and embrace the vibrant culture of Rome. No matter how prepared you are, you may never know what you’ll find!

Specifically pictured above, you'll see Piazza Venezia and the equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel as well as Castel Sant’Angelo and its accompanying pedestrian bridge.

1. Colosseum

Above: The Colosseum in Rome, Italy. 2019 by Luke Baum

Named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, it should be no question as to why the Colosseum sits at #1 on my list of the top 5 best places to visit in Rome. This iconic, ancient arena was built in the first century AD and continues to stand the test of time, hosting 5 million visitors annually.

Above: Preservation of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. 2019 by Luke Baum

Our tour of the Colosseum exceeded all expectations. It’s truly surreal to add your tread the halls of this monument, honoring entertainment and architecture. Don’t miss the exhibits in one wing — upstairs, above the entrance of the Colosseum — showcasing original statues and plans from thousands of years ago!

Afterward

Above: My mom and I at the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. 2019 by Luke Baum

We had a wonderful time experiencing Rome. Because of the beauty and vibrancy of this marvelous city, it was a challenge to narrow down my top five favorite destinations but a lot of fun to reflect on this incredible trip. Thank you, mom, for traveling Europe, and the world, with me!