Suppose that you have an opportunity to visit Rome, but for one day only. Given the massive amounts of attractions in the city, you must choose carefully which places you'll visit and plan for any inconveniences on your trip.
Tourist Congestion
Rome is crowded for the majority of the year. If you intend to avoid the crowd, the winter months are the best time to go there. February through October are the most popular times of the year for tourism due to the pleasant weather, so plan accordingly!
Transit
As you approach the center of Rome, walking will be the most reliable source of travel. Public transportation will be necessary if you intend to travel across the city, and for that there is several modes of transportation. Public bus stops are littered throughout the area for the convenience of tourists. If that does not satisfy your needs, Rome has an efficient subway system that costs roughly the same as a bus ticket, about 1.50 Euros.
Main Attractions
- Vatican City
Vatican City contains many elegant buildings, many of which are mentioned below. For the sake of convenience, you should visit as many places inside the Vatican City as time and funds will allow, such as the Sistine Chapel. While there is much more to see across Rome, a full tour of the Vatican City would likely take more than a day.
- St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica are near to one another, but might as well be different attractions. St. Peter's Square is a massive courtyard that is home to impressive fountains and a towering obelisk as its centerpiece.
St. Peter's Basilica is a building with rich history dating back to roughly 350 AD. Many artists and architects played a role in creating this imposing structure. The most famous artist of all was Michelangelo, who painted the dome of the Basilica.
- The Pantheon
The Pantheon is across the River Tiber from Vatican City and its history contrasts greatly with that of the Vatican. The Pantheon was originally a temple for Pagan gods. However, it has long been converted into a church. Like much of Rome, the Pantheon is an artwork inside and out. The floors are geometrically themed and the large dome is patterned as well. Outside, there are sixteen massive columns supporting the roof.
- The Colosseum
The Colosseum in Rome is not far from the Pantheon and is one of the great wonders of the world. In its glory days, this massive amphitheater housed games that were open to the public for free. Gladiators, slaves, and criminals often fought each other inside its walls.
