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Colosseum
Heading the list of Rome's ancient monuments is of course the Colosseum. Built between 70 and 80 CE, it was the symbol of the Imperial Capitol and draws visitors from all over the world. Even if the lines are long, a tour of this archeological wonder is well worth it. If you get a chance to see it, the Colosseum and Constantine's Arch are lit magnificently at night. A classic with the "Dolce Vita" crowd of the 1950s, Angelino ai Fori with fresh pasta, plenty of hosue wine and daily deliveries of seafood.
The Forum
The Palatine is the oldest part of the city and home to the many of the ancient sites. To the North of the Palatine hill are the vast remains of the Roman Forum, once the social, political, and economic center of the city. La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali is one restaurant of note in the area, as it is family-run and serves quality meals in a highly touristy part of the city.
Pantheon, Trevi & Navona
The Pantheon, with its rotund interior and open ceiling, was constructed circa 125 CE and is still used as a Christian Church. Colonna Traiana (Trajan's Column) can be easily missed, but stop to take a look at the intricately carved scenes that wind up the pillar; they tell an incredible tale of battles and empire that has been studied by art history scholars for centuries. The restored Teatro di Marcello at one time had space for 20,000 people, and today a variety of concerts are organized here (the only way to get a peek inside is to attend).
Another one of Rome's famous landmarks is the Trevi Fountain, immortalized in Fellini's film La Dolce Vita. Although you are not allowed to wade through the fountain as Sylvia did, legend has it that throwing a coin in ensures a return trip to Rome. Nearby is the large, oval shaped Piazza Navona which was once a Roman circus (hence its shape) but designated as a square in the 15th Century. Bernini's famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi is located here, along with Fontana del Nettuno.
Piazza Campo de' Fiori is also close by. By day the square hosts one of the most famous street markets in Italy, and is a popular meeting place for tourists as well as local youth during evening hours. The Spanish Steps or Scalinata Trinità dei Monti are another of Italy's most famous meeting places. They ascend steeply to Trinità dei Monti, a 16th-century church, and at their base is Piazza Spagna.
The center of the city offers several places to stop for a meal or a treat, like Il Giggetto, which serves traditional Roman Jewish fare (lots of artichokes!) or La Carbonara for delicious Roman dishes. Or, if you are looking for a snack, get a gelato at Il Gelato di San Crispino where you can try some of the best flavors in all of Rome.
Vatican
Many of the works that were uncovered during the original excavation can now be seen in the Palazzo Farnese and Vatican Museums. During the month of August, the ruins set the scene for a series of opera performances. Piazza San Pietro is one of the most visited places on Earth. People come from all over the world to see Saint Peter's Basilica and receive the Pope's blessing, traditionally given Sundays at noon. Leave plenty of time to tour the Musei Vaticani (Vatican Museums), which house numerous masterpieces, including Michaelangelo's Sistine Chapel and Rapahel's School of Athens.
Just east of the Vatican on the Tiber is Castel Sant'Angelo. Originally constructed as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian in 139 CE, the fortress was used as a castle during the 10th Century and eventually as a papal residence. The last act of Puccini's masterwork Tosca took place here, and today the building has been turned into a museum. The Ponte Sant'Angelo stretches over the Tiber and was also constructed by Hadrian, intended to link the tomb with the center of Rome. Further down the river, Isola Tiberana features an interesting mishmash of historical architecture. The site of an ancient Greek temple dedicated to the god of medicine, the island is still considered a place of healing as it is home to a modern hospital. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés in the vicinity of the Vatican, but one particular spot to try is Osteria dell'Angelo, which serves traditional Roman cuisine or Tre Pupazzi for traditional, family-style Abruzzese fare.
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