Weekend in Rome, visits and activities

Spend an unforgettable weekend in Rome: discover 8 ideas of activities and visits for a tourist stay in the Eternal City.

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8 ideas for an unforgettable weekend in Rome

A must-see destination in Italy, Rome is renowned for its ancient remains, monuments and museums.

The Eternal City is also appreciated for its liveliness, its gastronomy and its unique atmosphere. You want to spend a weekend in Rome as a couple, with your family or with friends, and you are wondering what to do, which visits to focus on and which places to discover? With Lyon Airports, board a direct flight from Lyon to Rome! We suggest that you set off together to discover a city with an unequalled wealth of heritage.

1. Visit the Colosseum

This ancient amphitheatre could hold up to 55,000 spectators at its inauguration and remains one of the most spectacular ancient monuments in the world. Built in the first century A.D. by Emperor Vespasian, the Colosseum once hosted spectacular gladiatorial battles, as well as wild animal encounters and reenactments of famous battles (including naval battles). A visit to the Colosseum in Rome provides an insight into how far the Romans had progressed in their knowledge of building construction. The ingenuity of the ancient builders will surprise you many times during your visit.

Why visit the Colosseum? This ancient amphitheatre is located in the heart of Rome, in a lively tourist area. You can make the most of your stay to take a photo with a real Roman legionary or gladiator, for a delightfully kitschy souvenir.

2. Stroll through the remains of the Palatine Hill

Tradition says that Remus and Romulus, the twin brothers who founded Rome, were taken in by a mother wolf. Located near the Colosseum, the site contains the ruins of some of the most important buildings of the ancient world: the House of Augustus, the Temple of Apollo Palatine, the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Aula Isiaca (underground hall) and the Domus Severiana, an extension of the imperial palace that was occupied until the end of the Roman Empire. Mount Palatine plunges you into the heart of one of the most brilliant and sumptuous civilizations in history, which ruled the entire Mediterranean, North Africa, parts of Asia and the Middle East, and much of Europe.

Why explore the Palatine Hill? The various remains can be discovered in a green park with trees. The visit thus offers you a pleasant interlude in the middle of nature in the heart of one of the busiest metropolises in Europe.

3. Go to the Vatican, heart of the Catholic Church

As you pass through the gates of the Vatican, you leave Rome and enter the smallest state in the world with an area of only 0.44 km². St. Peter's Basilica bears witness to the pomp of the Catholic Church, with its ornaments, paintings, sculptures, mosaics and religious objects. The most courageous can climb the steps leading to the top of the dome, to admire an exceptional view of Rome. You can complete your discovery of St Peter's Basilica with a visit to the Vatican Museums. The tour will take you to the Sistine Chapel, whose ceiling was painted by Michelangelo Buonarroti during the Renaissance. The Creation of Adam, one of the nine frescoes inspired by the book of Genesis, is certainly one of the most famous art works in the world.

Why go to the Vatican? The Vatican has a unique aura and evocative power. The residence of the pontiffs is always protected by the famous Swiss Guards. Everyone, believers and non-believers alike, should spend several hours visiting it.

4. Crossing the walls of the Castel Sant'Angelo

This ancient funerary mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian was integrated into the defences of Rome and transformed into a fortress at the end of Antiquity. Completely altered during its history, particularly in the 17th century, the Castel Sant'Angelo has gradually taken on its current appearance. Today it houses a National Museum whose collections are devoted to art and history. Sculptures, paintings, marble objects, weapons, furniture and objects of various origins await you.

Why visit the Castel Sant'Angelo? The building seems to blend into the rock, and its massive yet elegant silhouette is surprising. Curiosity will only encourage you to enter and discover it from the inside.

5. Explore the neighbourhood of Trastevere

Trastevere is a lively district with a unique atmosphere that reflects the deepest soul of the Eternal City. As you stroll through its narrow streets, you will discover the Fountain Dell'Acqua Paola, the Piazza di Santa Maria and the Basilica of Santa Maria. You can also sit down at the terrace of a café for a well-deserved refreshing break!

Why visit the Trastevere district? You will be seduced by its cultural life. You can make the most of your weekend in Rome to attend a performance at the Opera or a concert in one of the churches in the area.

7. Walk through the alleys of the Villa Borghese

Since the beginning of the 20th century, the former property of the Borghese family has been home to a park combining nature and culture. The park of the Villa Borghese is home to monuments, sculptures and artists' fountains in a green setting. You can complete your discovery of the park with a visit to the Borghese Gallery, a museum that houses Renaissance masterpieces by Raphael, Titian and Caravaggio, among others; meet the animals of the Zoo of Rome, known as Bioparco; admire the Pincio water clock; or discover the Silvano Toti Globe Theatre, a perfect replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London.

Why discover the Villa Borghese? The park of Villa Borghese is one of the most beautiful parks in the world, and contains many treasures, both spectacular and more discreet.

8. Enter the Pantheon in Rome

The Pantheon in Rome, built in the first century AD, is also one of the best preserved monuments in Rome. Dedicated to all the gods and goddesses, it has survived the centuries and resisted wars and earthquakes to bear witness to the virtuosity of the Roman builders. As you pass through the entrance porch with its sixteen columns and imposing pediment, you arrive under a spectacular dome that symbolises the vault of heaven. Today it houses delicate sculptures and sumptuous ornaments.

Why enter the Pantheon? The Pantheon is a monument that was particularly innovative in its design and continues to inspire awe and wonder. The Pantheon is also one of Rome's must-see monuments.

Bonus. Trouver le bon hébergement pour un week-end à Rome

Vous séjournez une, deux ou trois nuits à Rome, et vous souhaitez trouver le meilleur hébergement pour votre week-end ? Vous pouvez louer une chambre d’hôtel, un appartement ou une chambre d’hôtes dans le quartier du Panthéon. Cette position centrale vous permettra d’accéder facilement, à pied, aux différents sites touristiques de la ville. Dans le quartier du Colisée, vous pouvez facilement accéder aux trésors antiques de la ville. Vous pouvez aussi opter pour le quartier authentique de Trastevere. Vous souhaitez préserver votre budget ? Plus excentré, le quartier de Termini offre certainement les tarifs les plus attractifs.

Vous partez en week-end à Rome en avion au départ de Lyon ?Réservez votre parking en ligne : vous avez ainsi l’assurance de trouver une place libre à votre arrivée à l’aéroport, et vous bénéficiez des meilleurs tarifs.