If you’re curious whether Rome is a “walkable” city or not, it really depends on who you ask. Especially under the heat of a Roman summer. The hard, basalt cobblestones mixed with a thick, hot summer air isn’t enjoyable for everyone – but for those adventurous types that come prepared and don’t mind turning a few shades darker in the sun, a long walk is one of the best ways to view the city. And we’ve created a special walking tour that takes you to some it’s most most famous and important open spaces by discovering its obelisks.

About Rome’s Obelisks

The ancient Egyptian obelisk positioned at the top of the fountain in the center of the piazza is over 3,000 years old, older than the Pantheon itself.

Rome has a total of 13 obelisks, divided into 2 groups: ancient Egyptian obelisks and ancient Roman obelisks. The 8 Egyptian obelisks were constructed during the Egyptian empire and acquired (stolen) during the ancient Roman conquest. These obelisks that now decorate some of Rome’s most important piazzas, like St. Peter’s Square and Piazza del Popolo date back over 3,000 and 4,000 years.

The 5 ancient Roman obelisks are much newer, constructed during the Roman empire about 2,000 years ago and commissioned either in Egypt by local artisans or in Rome as copies of the originals.

Walking Tour of Rome by its Obelisks

We designed this walking tour in 2 parts. It’s a great, self-guided walking tour that can easily take all day long if you like to make many stops along the way. But if you’re an avid walker or adventure seeker, it’s also a 10km itinerary that could be done in about 4 hours. **It’s also a fabulous tour of the city by bike!

Part 1: 6km (about 2hr – 2.5hr, walking leisurely with stops)

Starting point: Villa Celimontana (closest metro stop: Circo Massimo – Line B)

1. Villa Celimontana

2. Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano

3. Piazza dell’Esquilino

4. Baths of Diocletian

5. Piazza del Quirinale

6. Trinità dei Monti (Spanish Steps)

7. Pincio Hill (Villa Borghese)

Lunch Break

The Spanish Steps area is a great area to stop for lunch, with plenty of great options. Here’s our list of restaurants near the Spanish Steps as recommended by locals!

Part 2: 4km (about 1.5hr – 2hr, walking leisurely with stops)

8. Piazza del Popolo

9. Piazza di Monte Citorio

10. Piazza della Rotonda

11. Santa Maria Sopra Minerva

12. Piazza Navona

13. St. Peter’s Square

Ending Point: St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican

Ready for an aperitivo? You deserve it. Take a look at some of our favorite Roman watering holes for sitting down with a fresh spritz to reward yourself for a job well done! Or better yet, if you have a vacation rental near the Vatican, head back home and prepare your own aperitivo in the comfort of your own place.

Looking to blend in during your stay in Rome?

Private roof terrace at AP60 Campo Marzio apartment by ROMAC

Stay in Rome like a local at a comfortable vacation rental in the heart of the Eternal City. For over a decade, ROMAC has managed dozens of vacation rentals strictly in the center of the city, constantly updating them to offer the convenience of home, like fully equipped kitchens, complimentary wifi, washing machines and air conditioning in most apartments. Browse all of the vacation rentals at ROMAC and use filters to narrow your search by neighborhood, price, number of guests and amenities to find the perfect place to hang your hat and keep your walking shoes.

Have you gone on a long walk in Rome? Share your experience in the comments below.