A Weekend in Rome: Must-See Sights and Hidden Gems

Photo by Chris Czermak on Unsplash

Italy remains one of the most popular destinations for travellers in 2024, and it’s easy to see why. With its world-class cuisine, warm Mediterranean charm and cultural treasures, the country is a perennial favourite.

At the heart of this enduring appeal is Rome, the Eternal City, where ancient history and modern life intertwine seamlessly. More than 32 million people are expected to visit in 2025 and a weekend here offers a captivating mix of essential landmarks and lesser-known gems waiting to be discovered.

Essential landmarks

Rome holidays are never complete without visiting its iconic landmarks. Start your journey at the Colosseum, where tales of gladiators and roaring crowds bring history to life. Just a short walk away is the Roman Forum, the political and social hub of its ancient people, now a sprawling complex of ruins that evoke the imperial past. From here, head to the Pantheon, a feat of incredible engineering with its majestic dome and open oculus.

Of course, tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain should be done as well, ensuring, as tradition dictates, your return to the city. If you’re an art and architecture enthusiast, the Vatican City is a must-see. Allow yourself to be awestruck by Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes—a masterpiece that defies time.

Hidden gems in Trastevere

Cross the Tiber River to the bohemian neighbourhood of Trastevere, where cobblestone streets and ivy-covered buildings create an enchanting backdrop. Unlike the bustling tourist centres, this area retains a distinct local charm. Begin your exploration at the Basilica of Santa Maria, one of the oldest churches in Rome and renowned for its stunning gold mosaics.

Take a stroll through Piazza Santa Maria after for street performers, artisan shops and cosy cafes. For an authentic dining experience, find a small trattoria—they often serve the best cacio e pepe or amatriciana, dishes that define the culinary scene.

Go underground

Few visitors realise that beneath the streets of Rome lies a hidden world waiting to be discovered. The Catacombs of San Callisto and San Sebastiano provide a glimpse into early Christian life, with intricate frescoes and labyrinthine tunnels that were once burial sites.

Another subterranean marvel is the Basilica of San Clemente, a multi-layered site that takes you from a 12th-century basilica down through a 4th-century church to a 1st-century Mithraic temple.

Sunset at the Aventine Keyhole

End your weekend on a magical note by visiting Aventine Hill. At the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, a small keyhole in an unassuming door offers a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica. The surrounding Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) is equally stunning, providing sweeping views of the city bathed in golden light as the sun sets.