Welcome to the best things to do in Rome!
The Eternal City is a timeless treasure trove of history, culture, and foodie hotspots.
With its iconic landmarks and vibrant streets, this Italian capital seamlessly blends the past and the present.
In this post, I’ve put together the must-do’s in Rome, from the grandeur of the Colosseum to the mouthwatering pasta in Trastevere.
Let’s dive in.
Rome Essentials
Top Tours & Experiences In Rome
- Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket
- Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica Tour
- Rome: Priority Access Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Tour
- Rome: Colosseum Express Tour
1. Tour the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
For a journey into ancient history, touring the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill is one of the best things to do in Rome.
These three sites are located next to each other, and most tours include a visit to each.
Completed in the year 80 AD, the Colosseum is the stadium where thousands watched gladiators race in chariots and fight for glory at the height of the Roman Empire.
Today, it’s still one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.
Nearby, The Roman Forum is the open-air gathering place that contains the ruins of government buildings, temples, and other important locations.
Finally, Palatine Hill is the most famous of Rome’s seven hills.
In Ancient Rome, it was considered one of the most desirable neighborhoods, housing palaces of emperors and aristocrats.
Although you can purchase entry tickets to each of these locations without a tour, I recommend booking a guided tour so you really understand what you’re looking at.
These tours also include “skip the line” passes, which save so much time. Make sure to book your tour well in advance, as they sell out pretty quickly.
I recommend this highly-rated Rome: Priority Access Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Tour.
Click here to check availability on GetYourGuide.
Colosseum Tour
If you want a more condensed experience, I recommend this Rome: Colosseum Express Tour that only lasts 1 hour.
Click here to check availability on GetYourGuide.
2. Explore Vatican City
Vatican City, which is technically an independent country, is the religious center of Rome.
Even if you have a different faith or aren’t religious, it’s still one of the best places to visit in Rome.
Vatican City contains the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
These buildings house an astonishing collection of art and historical treasures, from awe-inspiring sculptures to priceless paintings.
Of course, the highlight is the Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo between 1508-1512.
This unparalleled masterpiece includes some of the most celebrated scenes in the history of Western art, and is a testament to human creativity.
I recommend booking a guided tour so you really understand what you’re looking at.
Also, make sure to book your tour well in advance, as they sell out pretty quickly.
I recommend this highly-rated Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica Tour.
Click here to check availability on GetYourGuide.
3. Visit the Trevi Fountain
Completed in 1762, the Trevi Fountain is one of the most exquisite examples of Baroque architecture in Rome.
The fountain’s dazzling travertine sculptures set against the striking blue water makes it a must-see.
If you’d like to participate in tradition, bring coins to toss into the fountain.
Roman legend says if you throw one coin into the fountain over your left shoulder with your right hand, it’ll ensure you’ll return to Rome.
If you throw two coins, you’ll fall in love with someone Roman.
And if you throw three coins, you’ll marry them.
For the best chance to take photos at the fountain without crowds, I recommend visiting right at sunrise or late at night.
Related: 15 Best Things To Do In Florence, Italy
4. Marvel at the Pantheon
The Pantheon is a marvel of ancient Roman engineering and design.
This architectural masterpiece was completed around 126 AD, and boasts the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.
Almost two thousand years later, this engineering feat is still admired today.
Its construction also includes an oculus, an opening in the dome that allows natural light to flood the interior.
Once inside, you’re greeted by the spectacular coffered ceiling and the tombs of notable figures, including the renowned painter Raphael.
The Pantheon is no longer free to visit, and now requires tickets.
Make sure to book your tickets well in advance, as they sell out pretty quickly.
If you’d like to learn more about what you’re looking at and skip the line, I recommend this highly-rated Rome: Pantheon Museum Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket.
Click here to check availability on GetYourGuide.
5. Explore Trastevere
If you’d like to feel like you’re stepping back in time into a Roman fairytale, head to the Trastevere neighborhood.
This charming neighborhood stands out because of its cobblestone streets and homes adorned with lush plants.
As you wander, its narrow roads give you a glimpse into the daily life of local Romans.
Trastevere is also one of the best places to have authentic Roman food without getting stuck in a tourist trap.
Sitting on the outdoor patio of one of the local restaurants gives you a great opportunity to people-watch and take in the atmosphere.
Overall, exploring Trastevere is one of the best things to do in Rome if you’d like an authentic Roman experience.
6. Admire art at Borghese Gallery
The Borghese Gallery in Rome is one of the city’s finest cultural gems and a must-visit for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Housed within the elegant Villa Borghese, this museum boasts an exceptional collection of Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces.
You can marvel at the sculptures by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, including his celebrated “Apollo and Daphne,” and exquisite paintings by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian.
The setting itself, surrounded by the lush Villa Borghese gardens, adds to the charm of the museum, offering a serene escape from the bustling city.
The Borghese Gallery offers an intimate and immersive experience with art, making it a memorable highlight of any visit to Rome.
If you’d like to learn more about the art, I recommend this highly-rated Rome: Skip-the-Line Borghese Gallery Tour.
Click here to check availability on GetYourGuide.
7. Relax in Villa Borghese
For one of the best free things to do in Rome, head to Villa Borghese.
This expansive public park offers a tranquil respite from the urban bustle.
From leisurely strolls along tree-lined paths to romantic boat rides on the park’s serene pond, Villa Borghese invites relaxation and exploration.
It also houses the world-renowned Borghese Gallery, showcasing a remarkable collection of art, including masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio.
Whether you’re looking for a moment of serenity or outdoor recreation, Villa Borghese is a great addition to a Rome itinerary.
8. Take in the view on the Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps, a majestic staircase of 135 steps, ascends in the heart of Rome and ranks among the city’s most beloved attractions.
Its charm lies not only in its architectural grandeur but in its role as a vibrant meeting point and cultural hub.
As you climb the steps, you’re rewarded with beautiful views of the city below and the stunning Trinità dei Monti Church at the summit.
Lined with azaleas in the spring and illuminated by soft lighting in the evenings, the Spanish Steps exude a romantic allure that’s drawn poets, artists, and travelers for centuries.
Whether it’s a morning espresso, a leisurely afternoon stroll, or an evening rendezvous, the Spanish Steps offer an unforgettable Roman experience, making them one of the best things to do in this enchanting city.
9. Have a sunset cocktail at NOTOS Rooftop
For a relaxing and upscale experience, look no further than NOTOS Rooftop.
This rooftop bar is located in the Six Senses Rome hotel, and is a world away from the hustle and bustle.
Lined with lush greenery and inviting seating, the rooftop offers unparalleled views of Rome’s Spanish-tiled rooftops.
Open every day from 6:00 pm to 1:00 am, it’s the perfect place to grab a sunset aperitivo, or end the night.
Overall, NOTOS is one of the most refreshing and Instagrammable places to visit in Rome.
10. Go vintage shopping in Porta Portese
Porta Portese, Rome’s famous Sunday flea market, is one of the city’s most vibrant and eclectic experiences.
Spread across the Trastevere district, it’s a bustling kaleidoscope of stalls, vendors, and treasures waiting to be discovered.
Basically, it’s a thrift shopping paradise!
Whether you’re on the hunt for vintage fashion, antiques, quirky collectibles, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, Porta Portese offers it all.
Make sure to bring cash, as many vendors don’t accept credit cards.
This market is a must-visit if you want a taste of authentic Rome beyond the tourist hotspots.
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