San Lorenzo
The lively district immediately south of the university, with informal restaurants, pizzerias, cafés, street art, and a strong student atmosphere. It is the easiest option for dinner after the conference.
Open in Google MapsSome random advices on what to visit
Explore Rome
Welcome to Rome. The Eternal City is too large to be reduced to a checklist. This page offers a few suggestions from the local organizers, combining the essential monuments with quieter places, evening walks, and areas that are easy to reach from Sapienza.
Close to Sapienza
Villa Torlonia
A pleasant historic park on Via Nomentana, suitable for a quiet walk. The park also contains the Casino Nobile, the Casina delle Civette, and other unusual buildings.
Official informationQuartiere Coppedè
A small early-twentieth-century architectural complex around Piazza Mincio, mixing Liberty, Art Deco, Gothic, Baroque, and medieval elements. It can be combined with Villa Torlonia.
Official tourism pageSanta Maria Maggiore
One of Rome's four major papal basilicas, within walking distance of Termini and not far from Sapienza. It is especially impressive in the early evening.
Official tourism pageThe essential Rome
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Reserve sufficient time and book timed-entry tickets in advance through the official archaeological park website .
- Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Campo de' Fiori. These sites are close enough to form a single walk through the historic centre.
- Capitoline Hill. The terrace behind the Palazzo Senatorio offers one of the best views over the Roman Forum. The Capitoline Museums are also an excellent option during the hottest part of the day.
- Vatican Museums and St Peter's Basilica. Advance booking is strongly recommended for the museums.
Local advice:
Rome is best explored on foot, but avoid planning too much in a single
afternoon. In late August, visit exposed archaeological sites early in the morning and leave museums,
churches, or shaded neighbourhoods for the hottest hours.
Evening walks
Trastevere and the Tiber Island
Cross the river near the Jewish Ghetto, walk through the Tiber Island, and continue into the smaller streets of Trastevere. The main squares can be crowded, but the side streets are rewarding.
Suggested walking routeMonti and Via dei Fori Imperiali
Start in Monti, walk down Via dei Serpenti, and continue toward the Colosseum and the Imperial Fora. The archaeological area is particularly atmospheric after sunset.
Open in Google MapsJaniculum Hill
The Gianicolo offers a broad panorama over central Rome. A good route starts in Trastevere and climbs toward the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola and the panoramic terrace.
Open in Google MapsPincian Hill and Villa Borghese
From Piazza del Popolo, climb to the Pincio terrace and continue through Villa Borghese. This is one of the most pleasant sunset walks in the city.
Open in Google MapsLess beaten paths
- Regina Ciclarum — a traffic-free route running below the Lungotevere, offering an unusual view of the city from river level. A particularly enjoyable stretch connects Ponte Milvio with the historic centre and continues south toward Testaccio and the Gazometro. Best explored in the morning or late afternoon. Also visit Rome by bike .
- Villa Doria Pamphili — Rome’s largest landscaped public park, with wooded paths, fountains, gardens, and broad open spaces surrounding the seventeenth-century Casino del Bel Respiro. An excellent escape from the city centre, particularly for a morning walk or run.
- Centrale Montemartini — classical sculpture displayed among the machinery of a former power station.
- Palazzo Altemps — an outstanding collection of ancient sculpture in a relatively quiet Renaissance palace near Piazza Navona.
- Non-Catholic Cemetery and Testaccio — a peaceful historic cemetery followed by one of Rome's most distinctive neighbourhoods.
- Orto Botanico — Sapienza's botanical garden on the slopes of the Janiculum, particularly suitable for a slower afternoon.
- Ostia Antica — an excellent half-day or full-day excursion for those who want a major archaeological site outside the city centre.
Food and everyday Rome
Roman cooking is based on a relatively small number of strong traditional dishes. Typical choices include carbonara , gricia , amatriciana , cacio e pepe , saltimbocca , artichokes, and supplì . In San Lorenzo, Testaccio, Trastevere, and Monti, it is usually better to choose a simple trattoria or pizzeria away from the most crowded squares.
For current exhibitions, concerts, accessibility information, official attraction pages, and practical city updates, consult the official Turismo Roma website .
Opening times, ticketing systems, and access rules may change. Always verify details on the official website of the monument or museum before visiting.