Rome is an unimaginable, historic metropolis that continues to captivate and encourage numerous generations of vacationers and adventurers. There’s an nearly infinite record of issues to see, do, style, and listen to in the colourful Italian capital. The Everlasting Metropolis is one in every of my favourite cities in the world, and it’ll blow your thoughts.
On this submit, I’ve described 25 of the very best issues to do in Rome. From exploring iconic landmarks and monuments just like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, studying in regards to the metropolis’s fascinating 2,700+ 12 months previous, to indulging in its scrumptious delicacies and vigorous nightlife, Rome is a metropolis like no different.
Whether or not you’re searching for a romantic getaway or an action-packed household trip, there are such a lot of locations to see in Rome – it’s a metropolis you’ll nearly actually need to return to. Get able to expertise one in every of Europe’s most vigorous, fascinating, and memorable capital cities!
25 Best Things To Do in Rome
Right here’s my choose of the highest issues to do and locations to go to in Rome. I’ve tried to incorporate a variety of Rome’s vacationer points of interest, so there’s certain to be one thing right here for you.
1. Go to the Colosseum (One of many Most Iconic Things To Do in Rome)
Probably the most iconic landmarks in the world; no journey to Rome is full with out seeing this epic amphitheater – the most important ever constructed by the Roman Empire. Constructed in 72 AD, the Colosseum has stood as an emblem of Rome’s power and energy for nearly 2,000 years.
In historic instances, the Colosseum was used for brutal gladiator battles and animal fights. Right now, the easiest way to totally admire this immense construction and its fascinating historical past is to take a guided tour.
This is without doubt one of the most highly-reviewed guided excursions and means that you can skip the infamous line for tickets. Your information will even take you to the well-known Roman Discussion board, and Palatine Hill, so it’s nice worth for cash.
As you’d anticipate, the Colosseum is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to in Rome. I strongly advocate reserving your tickets effectively in advance as they promote out quick and also you don’t need to be left disenchanted.
2. Admire St Peter’s Basilica
Probably the most necessary and holy websites in all of Christianity, St Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) is one other must-see website and is without doubt one of the high locations to go to in Vatican Metropolis. It’s really huge and is house to numerous priceless artistic endeavors and treasures from all over the world.
Outdoors the cathedral lies St Peter’s Sq., the middle of world Catholicism. The sq. is surrounded by spectacular colonnades designed by the well-known sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and the grand obelisk in the middle was introduced from Egypt in 1586.
Try this glorious guided tour of the Vatican, which incorporates St. Peter’s Basilica and different necessary websites such because the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums (extra on these beneath). The entire space has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Web site on account of its appreciable cultural significance and significance.
3. Take a Meals Tour
Rome is a paradise for foodies and town is house to a number of the finest meals in Italy (which is saying so much!). There’s an infinite record of unimaginable locations to eat, from Michelin-starred effective eating eating places to low cost native eateries and implausible road meals stands.
Probably the greatest issues to do in Rome is to affix a guided meals tour. You’ll achieve an perception into town’s wealthy culinary tradition, and have the possibility to go to a few of Rome’s most interesting delis and markets, the place you’ll get to style a number of the metropolis’s tastiest treats.
There are numerous glorious meals excursions all through town, however this one is especially good. Your information will take you to get pleasure from a few of Rome’s finest road meals and educate you in regards to the historical past of town’s best-loved delicacies, together with supplì, conventional Roman pizza, and varied seasonal dishes.
4. Tour the Pantheon
Certainly one of historic Rome’s most well-preserved buildings, and probably the greatest locations to go to in Rome, the Pantheon is a testomony to the grandeur and energy of historic Roman structure. The Pantheon was initially constructed in 27 BC as a temple to the traditional Roman gods.
On the within, this place is solely breathtaking, constructed with excellent proportions, a large dome overhead, and delightful sculptures, statues, and mosaics. Right now, the Pantheon homes the tombs of the well-known Italian artist Raphael and the “Father of the Nation” King Vittorio Emanuele II.
It’s free to enter the Pantheon, however it’s finest to pre-book and keep away from having to attend for ages standing in line. A reservation can be necessary on weekends and public holidays. To absolutely admire this unimaginable constructing, I like to recommend becoming a member of a guided tour like this one (which additionally consists of the doorway reservation).
Piazza Navona is one in every of Rome’s most vigorous squares and has many issues to supply guests starting from artwork galleries to gelaterias.
Certainly one of my favourite issues to do right here is to choose up a scoop or two of scrumptious conventional gelato and watch the individuals of town go about their day by day enterprise.
Cremì is a very glorious gelateria in Piazza Navona that provides a spread of heavenly artisanal gelato and sorbets.
6. Take a Day Journey to Ostia Antica
Simply exterior of Rome lies the traditional port metropolis of Ostia Antica which was based round 620 BC. It’s an necessary archaeological website with many well-preserved ruins and artifacts.
It’s simple to go to Ostia Antica as a day journey from Rome. Both take the prepare from Piramide station and get misplaced in the ruins by your self or take this guided tour (which additionally departs from Piramide) to be taught extra in regards to the historical past of this fascinating place.
Permit loads of time to discover the various temples, baths, amphitheaters, and villas. The world additionally has some stunning pure surroundings together with seashores, forests, and wetlands which can be excellent for exploring on foot or by bike.
7. Feast at Pizza e Mozzarella
As you’ll in all probability guess, modern-day Romans take their pizza very severely, and sampling a number of the metropolis’s most interesting is without doubt one of the must-do issues in Rome. Each native has their favourite pizzeria, however my favourite is a spot known as Pizza e Mozzarella.
It appears like a easy takeout joint, however oh wow – their pizzas are one thing else! With a wide range of tasty toppings to select from and excellent crispy crusts, the pizzas listed here are actually unimaginable. You’ll be able to both get complete pizzas made to order or purchase by the slice and check out just a few completely different toppings.
Alternatively, why not discover ways to make your individual pizza in this enjoyable and engaging masterclass?
8. Discover the Catacombs
The Catacombs of San Callisto are house to one of many oldest Christian burial websites in Rome, courting again to the 2nd century AD. This fascinating advanced spreads over round 90 acres, with over 12 miles of passageways and galleries, unfold out over 4 ranges, greater than 20 meters underground.
Exploring this historic subterranean maze is each eerie and awe-inspiring. The tunnels comprise the tombs of varied martyrs and popes, in addition to Third-century frescoes and a few wonderful sculptures. Try this glorious guided tour to get probably the most out of your go to.
This is without doubt one of the most uncommon locations to go to in Rome and it’s actually unimaginable. The one different place I’ve ever been that’s remotely comparable is the San Gennaro Catacombs in Naples (and even then, those in Rome are a lot larger).
9. Marvel at Trevi Fountain
One of many high sights in Rome and one of many metropolis’s most well-known landmarks, the Trevi Fountain is an ornate and delightful fountain on the middle of Piazza di Trevi. Admire it from afar or courageous the crowds up shut – the selection is yours!
Positioned on the junction of three streets in the guts of town, the baroque masterpiece was designed by Italian artist Nicola Salvi and accomplished in 1762. It’s house to numerous sculpted figures and is illuminated at night time.
This fountain has lengthy been an emblem of the Everlasting Metropolis and is without doubt one of the finest issues to see in Rome. It’s additionally completely free to go to.
10. Calm down in Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is without doubt one of the largest open inexperienced areas in Rome and is an ideal place to spend a day and escape the crowds and warmth of town. It’s made up of virtually 200 acres of landscaped gardens and is the setting for a wide range of sculptures, lakes, fountains, and monuments.
The park was initially constructed in 1605 by Cardinal Scipione Borghese on his household property, and it was opened to the general public in 1903. Take a leisurely stroll and admire the gorgeous gardens, or pack a picnic to get pleasure from beneath the shade of one in every of its many decorative bushes.
Villa Borghese additionally comprises Galleria Borghese, one in every of Rome’s finest and most necessary Renaissance artwork galleries housing masterpieces by the likes of Bernini and Caravaggio. Try this guided tour of the gallery, or this one that features a tour of each the gallery and the gardens.
11. Discover Trastevere
Overflowing with character, Trastevere is one in every of Rome’s most bohemian areas situated on the west financial institution of the Tiber River. Its cobblestone streets are lined with colourful buildings, slim alleyways, bustling cafes, and conventional trattorias.
The world has a wealthy historical past that dates again to the Center Ages and one in every of its principal points of interest is the spectacular Basilica di Santa Maria, well-known for its ornate inside, together with 12th-century mosaics and 22 Roman columns.
Spending an hour or two strolling round this eclectic neighborhood is a good way to get a way of on a regular basis life in Rome as we speak. The environment is buzzing day or night time, so be sure to add it to your record of enjoyable issues to do in Rome. You possibly can additionally try this highly-reviewed meals tour in Trastevere which incorporates dinner and wine.
12. Cruise Alongside the Tiber River
For a special perspective of Rome, take a calming cruise alongside the Tiber River which flows by way of town. Cruises can be found all through the day and effectively into the night and are one of the vital romantic issues to do in Rome.
Floating peacefully down the river, you’ll have a tremendous view of a few of Rome’s high points of interest such because the Castel Sant’Angelo, Ponte Sant’ Angelo, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
13. Climb the Spanish Steps
One other of town’s most iconic sights, the Spanish Steps is a must-see in Rome. Constructed by architect Francesco de Sanctis in 1725, this beautiful outside staircase is made up of 138 steps that hyperlink two piazzas: Trinità dei Monti and Piazza di Spagna.
The steps and plazas are charmingly adorned with flowers all through the spring and summer season months and on the high of the steps, you’ll discover the Church of Trinità dei Monti – a fantastic Baroque-style church constructed in 1585.
Located on the foot of the Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna is without doubt one of the most well-known squares in Rome. It’s an excellent spot for people-watching, though it could possibly get very busy so you should definitely keep watch over your belongings right here.
14. Tour the Roman Discussion board
Positioned between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills in Rome, the Discussion board was as soon as the political, spiritual, and industrial coronary heart of historic Rome. It’s now a big archaeological website and one of the vital visited vacationer points of interest in Rome.
The Discussion board was house to a number of the most necessary spiritual temples, authorities buildings, and different monuments of the traditional metropolis such because the Temple of Julius Caesar and the Arch of Titus.
I’d undoubtedly advocate taking a guided tour to discover these in depth ruins, because it’s a good way to find out about their historical past and significance. This is without doubt one of the finest excursions that additionally features a go to to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill.
15. Go Buying in By way of dei Condotti
Should you’re into buying, you’ll love shopping the designer and luxurious retailers in By way of dei Condotti. This iconic buying road is house to a number of the world’s high trend manufacturers.
It’s actually not an inexpensive place to buy. Nonetheless, even should you don’t need to spend any cash right here, By way of dei Condotti is an attention-grabbing and enticing place to wander as you’re taking in the glamorous environment.
That is one other good spot for people-watching (there are many spots in Rome!), because it’s fashionable with town’s elite. It’s additionally very centrally situated near the Spanish Steps.
16. Go to Castel Sant’Angelo
Constructed by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century as a mausoleum for himself and his household, Castel Sant’Angelo is a formidable round fortress and one other unimaginable instance of historic Roman engineering. It’s situated on the banks of the Tiber River and is one in every of Rome’s (many) main landmarks.
The fortress has been used for varied functions all through the centuries, together with as a defensive fortress, a papal residence, and even a jail.
Right now, it’s open to the general public and you’ll discover its spectacular inside, which homes priceless Renaissance furnishings and work, and geometrically pleasing tree-lined gardens. The fortress is a well-liked attraction in Rome so I’d advocate shopping for a skip-the-line ticket in advance to save lots of you from having to face in an extended queue when you’re there.
17. Get pleasure from a Excessive-Finish Dinner
Rome is house to numerous implausible eating places, from easy conventional trattorias to well-known, multiple-Michelin-starred effective eating eating places. For a really particular night, e book a desk at one of many metropolis’s high-end eateries.
A few of the finest high-end eating places in Rome embrace La Pergola, All’Oro, and Moma. You’ll must e book effectively in advance to safe a desk at any of those well-known eating places, so bear this in thoughts if you’re planning what to do in Rome.
18. Go to the Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is without doubt one of the high locations to go to in Rome and is situated in the Vatican Metropolis, subsequent to St. Peter’s Basilica. This unimaginable constructing is legendary for its elaborate ornament and beautiful frescoes painted by Michelangelo in the 16th century. These frescoes cowl the ceiling and most of the partitions and depict scenes from the Outdated Testomony.
The chapel additionally varieties a part of the Pope’s official residence and is the place “papal conclaves” happen, the place members of the School of Cardinals meet when it’s time to elect a brand new pope.
Visiting the Sistine Chapel is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Rome and it could possibly get very crowded (although it’s nonetheless 100% value going). Excursions run all through the day, and also you’ll must e book tickets in advance as they usually promote out.
19. Discover Rome’s Jewish Quarter
Positioned on the banks of the Tiber River, Rome’s Jewish Quarter is without doubt one of the oldest in the world. It was established in 1555 by Pope Paul IV who compelled Rome’s Jewish inhabitants to relocate to this district of town and made them dwell in a ghetto, separate from town’s different residents.
The neighborhood is house to a number of synagogues, the Jewish Museum of Rome, vibrant public markets, eating places, and some different well-known historic websites in Rome, together with the Portico d’Ottavia.
It’s an enchanting place to discover (both by your self or as a part of a strolling tour) and is a good way to be taught extra about Rome’s Jewish historical past and tradition. The road meals right here can be scrumptious!
20. Get pleasure from an Aperitivo in Campo de Fiori
Each night from 6 pm onwards, the Campo de Fiori sq. comes alive with locals having fun with an aperitivo. Be a part of them for a chew to eat and a glass of wine or a spritz whereas absorbing the hustle and bustle of Roman life.
The piazza can be house to many nice cafes and eating places and is a good place to spend a night. Whether or not you’re simply having drinks or having fun with dinner al fresco, visiting the Campo de Fiori is a must-do in Rome and probably the greatest issues to do in Rome at night time.
21. Take a Day Journey to Tivoli
A brief distance exterior of Rome lies the picturesque city of Tivoli, one in every of my favourite locations to go to close to Rome and residential to a number of the most stunning gardens and villas in Italy. I spent a few days in Tivoli final 12 months and actually beloved it.
My favourite place was Villa d’Este, a big 16th-century cardinal’s villa constructed on high of an historic Roman palace. Essentially the most spectacular and atmospheric a part of the villa is the gardens, constructed throughout a number of ranges and with varied elaborate fountains (fed by pure water stress – no pumps), grottoes, and shaded seating areas.
Hadrian’s Villa, situated simply exterior Tivoli, can be effectively value a go to. Tivoli can get somewhat busy in the summer season months however remains to be normally a lot much less crowded than Rome itself. I visited in September and it was refreshingly quiet and peaceable.
22. Go to the Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums home one of many world’s largest and most necessary collections of artwork and sculpture, in addition to some unimaginable mosaics, and frescoes. Right here, you possibly can marvel at masterpieces from a number of the world’s biggest artists, together with Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio.
The museums are huge and comprise over 70,000 reveals displayed throughout 54 galleries. Established in the early 16th century, these in depth and various collections span a wide range of cultures from historic Egypt to Renaissance Italy.
Housed inside the partitions of Vatican Metropolis, the museums provide an enchanting perception into the historical past and tradition of Europe and past. You’ll be able to e book a tour of the museums right here.
23. Examine Out the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
This beautiful basilica is one in every of Rome’s 4 main cathedrals and is famend for its elaborate mosaics and delightful structure.
The basilica was constructed round 432 AD and is a shocking masterpiece of Romanesque structure. Positioned in the Esquiline Hill space of town, it’s an excellent place to spend an hour or so. That is additionally one of many (barely) much less fashionable locations to go to in Rome so is commonly somewhat extra peaceable.
Take a guided tour to be taught extra about it or just admire the great thing about this wonderful place.
24. Take a Cooking Class
Should you (like me) love Italian meals, probably the greatest issues to do in Rome is to take an genuine Italian cooking class. You’ll discover ways to make some scrumptious Italian dishes and treats and get to get pleasure from your creations on the finish, typically over a glass of native wine or two.
There are numerous completely different choices to select from, together with pizza-making courses, pasta-making workshops, and this delicious-sounding fettuccine, ravioli, and tiramisu cooking class.
25. Stroll Throughout the Ponte Sant Angelo
The two,000-year-old Ponte Sant Angelo bridge spans the Tiber River and connects the guts of historic Rome to Castel Sant’Angelo. It was initially constructed by Emperor Hadrian and is one other must-see place in Rome.
Certainly one of my favourite free issues to do in Rome is to take a leisurely stroll throughout the bridge and admire its ornate statues and carvings.
You too can get pleasure from some wonderful views of town from right here – don’t miss it!
Fast Journey Itineraries For Rome
I’ve put collectively just a few transient itineraries that will help you profit from your time in this unimaginable metropolis.
1 Day in Rome Itinerary
Truthfully, sooner or later actually isn’t sufficient time to see Rome correctly. Nonetheless, if that is the one time you’ve, I like to recommend choosing a number of the high Rome highlights and specializing in these, quite than making an attempt to see or do an excessive amount of.
Begin your day with a tour of the Colosseum and take a look at Trevi Fountain earlier than heading to the Vatican for a day of sightseeing together with St Peter’s Sq. and Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel.
Cool off with a scoop of gelato in Piazza Navona, then head to Campo de Fiori for an aperitivo. End off your day with dinner at one of many metropolis’s finest eating places.
2-Three Days in Rome Itinerary
You’ll be able to get pleasure from most of the finest issues to do in Rome in Three days (or 2 at a pinch), though you’ll nonetheless want to maneuver rapidly.
Spend the primary day as described above. Then on day two, go to a number of the metropolis’s different iconic sights equivalent to Castel Sant’Angelo, the Spanish Steps, and the Roman Discussion board. Take a night dinner cruise on the Tiber River to spherical off your second day romantically.
When you have a 3rd day, both contemplate taking a cooking class and discover town’s Jewish Quarter, or take a day journey to Tivoli to admire the villas and ornate gardens.
1 Week in Rome Itinerary
Per week is a good period of time to spend in Rome. You’ll be capable to do most (if not all) of the issues described in this submit, and it’ll permit you sufficient time to get a extremely good sense of town with out feeling rushed.
I like to recommend following the above 3-day itinerary, then ticking off the opposite issues in this submit throughout your remaining days. Make sure you take a full day exploring Tivoli, and not less than half a day to go to Ostia Antica.
Additionally, should you’re visiting Rome as a part of an extended journey to Italy, try this submit on the 30 high locations to go to in Italy.
The place to Keep in Rome
These are just a few of the very best neighborhoods in Rome for vacationers.
Campo de Fiori – Best for First-time Guests
The world round Campo de Fiori sq. is inside simple strolling distance of most of the principal points of interest in Rome. It’s additionally an excellent place to remain for these trying to discover a few of Rome’s finest eating places, bars, and retailers.
That is a tremendous guesthouse situated proper on the sq..
Trastevere – Best for Price range Vacationers
The Trastevere neighborhood is a good place to remain for funds vacationers who need to be near the primary sights, however somewhat additional away from the elevated costs of town middle. It has a relaxed environment with loads of eating places and bars round, in addition to parks and historic websites close by.
Try this glorious funds one-bedroom condominium.
Monti – Best for Households
Monti is ideal for households and people searching for a extra peaceable expertise. Regardless of its central location, this neighborhood feels a lot calmer and fewer hectic than different areas of town. Get pleasure from its winding cobbled streets, quaint cafes, and unbiased retailers and boutiques – it’s an excellent place to take issues gradual and absorb the native environment.
This can be a nice 2-bedroom condominium proper subsequent to the Colosseum.
Best Eating places in Rome
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Rome.
La Pergola
Presumably probably the most well-known restaurant in Rome, La Pergola is a 3-Michelin-starred effective eating restaurant that serves severely high-end connoisseur Italian meals. In addition they have an unimaginable rooftop terrace providing a number of the finest views in Rome.
Moma
Should you can’t get a desk at La Pergola, Moma is one other nice alternative. This elegant restaurant specializes in trendy, refined Italian delicacies and has a implausible choice of native wines. It’s somewhat dear however value it for a special day.
Pizza e Mozzarella
Certainly one of my favourite locations to eat in Rome on a funds is Pizza e Mozzarella. They create wonderful, top-quality pizzas and you’ll feast to your coronary heart’s content material for lower than €10.
Things To Do in Rome: FAQs
Listed here are solutions to some generally requested questions on visiting Rome.
Rome is without doubt one of the most iconic cities in the world, recognized for its structure and artwork, wealthy historical past, scrumptious meals, vibrant tradition, and epic landmarks.
Town could be visited year-round, with each season providing one thing completely different to see and do. Could and September are two of the very best months to go to, with nice temperatures and fewer crowds than in the course of the peak summer season season.
Completely! Rome is a good vacation spot for each brief and lengthy journeys. There are such a lot of cool and weird issues to do in Rome for all ages and pursuits, from exploring historic ruins and underground catacombs to visiting artwork galleries, museums, and world-class eating places.
Sure! There are many locations to go and websites to see in Rome which can be free. You’ll be able to go to many iconic landmarks such because the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, and discover town’s historic neighborhoods and piazzas, with out spending a penny.
There are numerous guided excursions obtainable round Rome. I like to recommend trying out GetYourGuide or Viator the place you possibly can flick through and e book a number of the top-rated excursions and actions to do in Rome.
Sure, you possibly can simply discover town on foot and many of the finest issues to do in Rome are inside simple strolling distance of town middle. Make sure you put on snug sneakers – Rome is stuffed with slim cobblestone streets, and components of town are fairly hilly.
In Closing
Rome is without doubt one of the world’s most stunning and fascinating cities, with issues to do for individuals of all ages and pursuits. No matter you select to do along with your time in Rome, I’m sure you’ll have an unforgettable time exploring this wonderful metropolis.
I hope you’ve discovered this submit helpful and informative. Get pleasure from Rome – it’s superior!