Rome: Things To Do

Ara Pacis Museum The Ara Pacis Museum, a shockingly modern design by Richard Meier, is a fancy container for a single ancient box, namely a reconstructed sarcophagus. This place is all about the architecture, not the collection. Lungotevere in Augusta; 011-39-06-060608; www.arapacis.it
culture | museum | art

Castel Sant' Angelo This building began as the emperor Hadrian’s Tomb, and later became the Popes’ favorite fortified hideaway. Climb to the top to see where Tosca threw herself to her death as well as some of Rome’s best views. Lungotevere Castello, 50; 011-39-06-681-9111; www.castelsantangelo.com (Italian only)
family | architecture | culture

Jewish Museum Rome’s Jewish Museum, located next to the beautiful main synagogue, has poignant exhibits on one of the oldest communities in Europe. Jewish Ghetto; Lungotevere Cenci; 011-39-6-68400661; www.museoebraico.roma.it
family | architecture | culture

St. Peter's/Vatican Museums Don’t bother lining up in front of St. Peter’s early in the morning. Go to the back of the Vatican around lunchtime. See the museums first, then the Sistine Chapel, and then go into the church (which Michelangelo helped design). Vatican; www.vatican.va
architecture | culture | art | editor pick

Tour Roman ruins Where to start? With a paid guide! The Glory of Rome seems much more glorious when narrated by someone who can resurrect the city from the scattered ruins with their informed descriptions. If you go it alone, keep in mind that the Forum is free, but you need a ticket for the Colosseum. Colosseum; www.romaturismo.it
architecture | culture | smart splurge | art | editor pick

Villa Borghese This astounding collection of art, including paintings by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian, as well as sculptures by Bernini and Canova is housed in a beautiful Baroque palace; reserve tickets in advance. Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5; 011-39-06-841-3979; www.galleriaborghese.it
architecture | culture | art