Top 21 must-see attractions in Rome

It would take too long to list all the culinary wonders in the Rome area, but here are a few specialties you should try at least once during your trip to Rome:

• Primi piatti, authentic Roman pasta, served in all chargrilled or lamb pasta restaurants
• Pizza alla Romana, a thin and crispy pizza seasoned with olive oil and served without any toppings as an aperitif. This is undoubtedly one of the best pizzas in Rome!
• Antipasti, based on cold meats (pancetta, Parma ham, etc.) or cheeses (Parmesan, mozzarella, burrata, etc.), is best served as an appetizer at the beginning of a meal.
• Tiramisu, a must-try dessert, originates from Veneto but can be found anywhere in Rome.
• Gelato is a true traditional delicacy in Rome. You can find vendors selling gelato on almost every street corner, and the most famous one is the historic gelato shop Giolitti near the Pantheon. If you have a sweet tooth and want to know the best gelato shops in Rome, check out my column.

21. Attractions around Rome

During your visit to Rome, you can spend a day or half a day exploring the city. From Rome, you can easily reach other cities and attractions that will surely leave you with unforgettable memories:

• In Pompeii and Vesuvius you can take a bus tour of Europe’s most famous active volcano and the remains of the mythical city of Pompeii, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. From mid-November to March, the Vesuvius National Park is inaccessible and this tour will be replaced by a tour of the historic center of Naples.
• Florence and Pisa are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy and you can visit both cities in just one day from Rome. You can visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, as well as the most beautiful squares in the historic center of Florence.
• From Rome, you can reach Venice by TGV. You will have the opportunity to cruise the canals by vaporetto, visit the famous Piazza San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs and other emblematic sights of the city, and even taste a typical aperitif.
• Ostia Antica, one of the greatest ports of ancient Rome, is an extremely well-preserved archaeological site that was once home to more than 100,000 people.
• Tuscany: the ideal region to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital and enjoy a local lunch and wine tasting.