Rome is an unbelievable, historic metropolis that continues to captivate and encourage numerous generations of vacationers and adventurers. There’s an virtually limitless checklist of issues to see, do, style, and listen to within the vibrant Italian capital. The Everlasting Metropolis is one in every of my favourite cities on the earth, and it’ll blow your thoughts.
On this publish, I’ve described 25 of the most effective issues to do in Rome. From exploring iconic landmarks and monuments just like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, studying concerning the metropolis’s fascinating 2,700+ yr previous, to indulging in its scrumptious delicacies and vigorous nightlife, Rome is a metropolis like no different.
Whether or not you’re on the lookout 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 virtually actually need to return to. Get able to expertise one in every of Europe’s most vigorous, fascinating, and memorable capital cities!
25 Greatest Issues 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 Issues To Do in Rome)
One of the crucial iconic landmarks on the earth; no journey to Rome is full with out seeing this epic amphitheater – the most important ever constructed by the Roman Empire. Inbuilt 72 AD, the Colosseum has stood as a logo of Rome’s energy and energy for nearly 2,000 years.
In historic occasions, the Colosseum was used for brutal gladiator battles and animal fights. At the moment, one of the best ways to totally admire this immense construction and its fascinating historical past is to take a guided tour.
This is among the most highly-reviewed guided excursions and permits you to skip the infamous line for tickets. Your information may also 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 among the hottest locations to go to in Rome. I strongly suggest reserving your tickets nicely upfront as they promote out quick and also you don’t need to be left disenchanted.
2. Admire St Peter’s Basilica
One of the crucial vital and holy websites in all of Christianity, St Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) is one other must-see website and is among the high locations to go to in Vatican Metropolis. It’s really monumental and is residence to numerous priceless artistic endeavors and treasures from world wide.
Exterior 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 within the middle was introduced from Egypt in 1586.
Try this wonderful guided tour of the Vatican, which incorporates St. Peter’s Basilica and different vital websites such because the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums (extra on these under). The entire space has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Website on account of its appreciable cultural significance and significance.
3. Take a Meals Tour
Rome is a paradise for foodies and town is residence to a few of the finest meals in Italy (which is saying loads!). There’s an limitless checklist of unbelievable locations to eat, from Michelin-starred high quality eating eating places to low-cost native eateries and incredible avenue meals stands.
Probably the greatest issues to do in Rome is to hitch a guided meals tour. You’ll acquire an perception into town’s wealthy culinary tradition, and have the prospect to go to a few of Rome’s most interesting delis and markets, the place you’ll get to style a few of the metropolis’s tastiest treats.
There are various wonderful 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 avenue meals and educate you concerning the historical past of town’s best-loved delicacies, together with supplì, conventional Roman pizza, and varied seasonal dishes.
4. Tour the Pantheon
Considered 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 inbuilt 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. At the moment, 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 also be necessary on weekends and public holidays. To completely admire this unbelievable 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.
Considered one of my favourite issues to do right here is to choose up a scoop or two of scrumptious conventional gelato and watch the folks of town go about their day by day enterprise.
Cremì is a very wonderful gelateria in Piazza Navona that provides a variety 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 vital archaeological website with many well-preserved ruins and artifacts.
It’s straightforward to go to Ostia Antica as a day journey from Rome. Both take the prepare from Piramide station and get misplaced within the ruins by your self or take this guided tour (which additionally departs from Piramide) to be taught extra concerning the historical past of this fascinating place.
Permit loads of time to discover the numerous temples, baths, amphitheaters, and villas. The realm additionally has some lovely pure surroundings together with seashores, forests, and wetlands which might 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 critically, and sampling a few of the metropolis’s most interesting is among the must-do issues in Rome. Each native has their favourite pizzeria, however my favourite is a spot referred to as Pizza e Mozzarella.
It seems to be like a easy takeout joint, however oh wow – their pizzas are one thing else! With quite a lot of tasty toppings to select from and excellent crispy crusts, the pizzas listed below are actually unbelievable. You possibly can both get entire pizzas made to order or purchase by the slice and check out a number of completely different toppings.
Alternatively, why not discover ways to make your personal pizza on this enjoyable and engaging masterclass?
8. Discover the Catacombs
The Catacombs of San Callisto are residence to one of many oldest Christian burial websites in Rome, courting again to the 2nd century AD. This fascinating complicated 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 include the tombs of varied martyrs and popes, in addition to Third-century frescoes and a few wonderful sculptures. Try this wonderful guided tour to get probably the most out of your go to.
This is among the most uncommon locations to go to in Rome and it’s actually unbelievable. 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 greater).
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!
Situated on the junction of three streets within the coronary heart of town, the baroque masterpiece was designed by Italian artist Nicola Salvi and accomplished in 1762. It’s residence to various sculpted figures and is illuminated at evening.
This fountain has lengthy been a logo of the Everlasting Metropolis and is among the finest issues to see in Rome. It’s additionally completely free to go to.
10. Chill out in Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is among 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 just about 200 acres of landscaped gardens and is the setting for quite a lot of sculptures, lakes, fountains, and monuments.
The park was initially inbuilt 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 attractive gardens, or pack a picnic to get pleasure from beneath the shade of one in every of its many decorative bushes.
Villa Borghese additionally incorporates Galleria Borghese, one in every of Rome’s finest and most vital 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 positioned on the west financial institution of the Tiber River. Its cobblestone streets are lined with colourful buildings, slender alleyways, bustling cafes, and conventional trattorias.
The realm 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 Twelfth-century mosaics and 22 Roman columns.
Spending an hour or two strolling round this eclectic neighborhood is an effective way to get a way of on a regular basis life in Rome right now. The environment is buzzing day or evening, so be sure to add it to your checklist of enjoyable issues to do in Rome. You could possibly additionally take a look at this highly-reviewed meals tour in Trastevere which incorporates dinner and wine.
12. Cruise Alongside the Tiber River
For a unique perspective of Rome, take a calming cruise alongside the Tiber River which flows by town. Cruises can be found all through the day and nicely into the night and are one of the vital romantic issues to do in Rome.
Floating peacefully down the river, you’ll have an incredible 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 out of doors staircase is made up of 138 steps that hyperlink two piazzas: Trinità dei Monti and Piazza di Spagna.
The steps and plazas are charmingly embellished with flowers all through the spring and summer time months and on the high of the steps, you’ll discover the Church of Trinità dei Monti – a gorgeous Baroque-style church inbuilt 1585.
Located on the foot of the Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna is among the most well-known squares in Rome. It’s a fantastic spot for people-watching, though it may get very busy so remember to control your belongings right here.
14. Tour the Roman Discussion board
Situated 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 residence to a few of the most vital 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 positively suggest taking a guided tour to discover these in depth ruins, because it’s an effective way to study their historical past and significance. That is probably the greatest excursions that additionally features a go to to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill.
15. Go Procuring in By way of dei Condotti
If you happen to’re into purchasing, you’ll love shopping the designer and luxurious outlets in By way of dei Condotti. This iconic purchasing avenue is residence to a few of the world’s high trend manufacturers.
It’s actually not an affordable place to buy. Nevertheless, even in case 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 are taking within the glamorous environment.
That is one other excellent place for people-watching (there are many spots in Rome!), because it’s fashionable with town’s elite. It’s additionally very centrally positioned near the Spanish Steps.
16. Go to Castel Sant’Angelo
Constructed by Emperor Hadrian within the 2nd century as a mausoleum for himself and his household, Castel Sant’Angelo is a formidable round fort and one other unbelievable instance of historic Roman engineering. It’s positioned on the banks of the Tiber River and is one in every of Rome’s (many) main landmarks.
The fort has been used for varied functions all through the centuries, together with as a defensive fortress, a papal residence, and even a jail.
At the moment, it’s open to the general public and you may discover its spectacular inside, which homes priceless Renaissance furnishings and work, and geometrically pleasing tree-lined gardens. The fort is a well-liked attraction in Rome so I’d suggest shopping for a skip-the-line ticket upfront to save lots of you from having to face in a protracted queue when you’re there.
17. Take pleasure in a Excessive-Finish Dinner
Rome is residence to numerous incredible eating places, from easy conventional trattorias to well-known, multiple-Michelin-starred high quality eating eating places. For a very particular night, e-book a desk at one of many metropolis’s high-end eateries.
Among the finest high-end eating places in Rome embody La Pergola, All’Oro, and Moma. You’ll must e-book nicely upfront to safe a desk at any of those well-known eating places, so bear this in thoughts while you’re planning what to do in Rome.
18. Go to the Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is among the high locations to go to in Rome and is positioned within the Vatican Metropolis, subsequent to St. Peter’s Basilica. This unbelievable constructing is legendary for its elaborate ornament and gorgeous frescoes painted by Michelangelo within the Sixteenth century. These frescoes cowl the ceiling and most of the partitions and depict scenes from the Outdated Testomony.
The chapel additionally kinds 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 among the high issues to do in Rome and it may get very crowded (although it’s nonetheless 100% price going). Excursions run all through the day, and also you’ll must e-book tickets upfront as they typically promote out.
19. Discover Rome’s Jewish Quarter
Situated on the banks of the Tiber River, Rome’s Jewish Quarter is among the oldest on the earth. It was established in 1555 by Pope Paul IV who pressured Rome’s Jewish inhabitants to relocate to this district of town and made them stay in a ghetto, separate from town’s different residents.
The neighborhood is residence 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 a captivating place to discover (both by your self or as a part of a strolling tour) and is an effective way to be taught extra about Rome’s Jewish historical past and tradition. The road meals right here can also be scrumptious!
20. Take pleasure in 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 chunk to eat and a glass of wine or a spritz whereas absorbing the hustle and bustle of Roman life.
The piazza can also be residence to many nice cafes and eating places and is a superb 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 evening.
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 few of the most lovely gardens and villas in Italy. I spent a few days in Tivoli final yr and actually cherished it.
My favourite place was Villa d’Este, a big Sixteenth-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, positioned simply exterior Tivoli, can also be nicely price a go to. Tivoli can get a bit busy in the summertime 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 vital collections of artwork and sculpture, in addition to some unbelievable mosaics, and frescoes. Right here, you possibly can marvel at masterpieces from a few of the world’s biggest artists, together with Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio.
The museums are monumental and include over 70,000 displays displayed throughout 54 galleries. Established within the early Sixteenth century, these in depth and numerous collections span quite a lot of cultures from historic Egypt to Renaissance Italy.
Housed inside the partitions of Vatican Metropolis, the museums provide a captivating perception into the historical past and tradition of Europe and past. You possibly can e-book a tour of the museums right here.
23. Verify Out the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
This gorgeous 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 surprising masterpiece of Romanesque structure. Situated within the Esquiline Hill space of town, it’s a fantastic 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 a bit 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
If you happen to (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, generally over a glass of native wine or two.
There are various completely different choices to select from, together with pizza-making lessons, 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 center of historic Rome to Castel Sant’Angelo. It was initially constructed by Emperor Hadrian and is one other must-see place in Rome.
Considered 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 may also get pleasure from some wonderful views of town from right here – don’t miss it!
Fast Journey Itineraries For Rome
I’ve put collectively a number of transient itineraries that will help you profit from your time on this unbelievable metropolis.
1 Day in Rome Itinerary
Actually, in the future actually isn’t sufficient time to see Rome correctly. Nevertheless, if that is the one time you’ve gotten, I like to recommend choosing a few of the high Rome highlights and specializing in these, relatively 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.
2-3 Days in Rome Itinerary
You possibly can get pleasure from most of the finest issues to do in Rome in 3 days (or 2 at a pinch), though you’ll nonetheless want to maneuver shortly.
Spend the primary day as described above. Then on day two, go to a few of the metropolis’s different iconic sights resembling 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.
You probably have a 3rd day, both take into account 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 superb period of time to spend in Rome. You’ll be capable to do most (if not all) of the issues described on this publish, and it’ll enable you sufficient time to get a very good sense of town with out feeling rushed.
I like to recommend following the above 3-day itinerary, then ticking off the opposite issues on this publish throughout your remaining days. Remember to take a full day exploring Tivoli, and a minimum of half a day to go to Ostia Antica.
Additionally, in case you’re visiting Rome as a part of an extended journey to Italy, take a look at this publish on the 30 high locations to go to in Italy.
The place to Keep in Rome
These are a number of of the most effective neighborhoods in Rome for vacationers.
Campo de Fiori – Greatest for First-time Guests
The realm round Campo de Fiori sq. is inside straightforward strolling distance of most of the principal points of interest in Rome. It’s additionally a fantastic place to remain for these trying to discover a few of Rome’s finest eating places, bars, and outlets.
That is an wonderful guesthouse positioned proper on the sq..
Trastevere – Greatest for Price range Vacationers
The Trastevere neighborhood is a superb place to remain for finances vacationers who need to be near the primary sights, however a bit 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 wonderful finances one-bedroom condo.
Monti – Greatest for Households
Monti is ideal for households and people on the lookout for a extra peaceable expertise. Regardless of its central location, this neighborhood feels a lot calmer and fewer hectic than different areas of town. Take pleasure in its winding cobbled streets, quaint cafes, and unbiased outlets and boutiques – it’s a fantastic place to take issues sluggish and absorb the native environment.
This can be a nice 2-bedroom condo proper subsequent to the Colosseum.
Greatest Eating places in Rome
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Rome.
La Pergola
Probably probably the most well-known restaurant in Rome, La Pergola is a 3-Michelin-starred high quality eating restaurant that serves critically high-end gourmand Italian meals. In addition they have an unbelievable rooftop terrace providing a few of the finest views in Rome.
Moma
If you happen to can’t get a desk at La Pergola, Moma is one other nice alternative. This elegant restaurant focuses on trendy, refined Italian delicacies and has a incredible collection of native wines. It’s a bit expensive however price it for an important day.
Pizza e Mozzarella
Considered one of my favourite locations to eat in Rome on a finances is Pizza e Mozzarella. They create wonderful, top-quality pizzas and you may feast to your coronary heart’s content material for lower than €10.
Issues To Do in Rome: FAQs
Listed here are solutions to some generally requested questions on visiting Rome.
Rome is among the most iconic cities on the earth, recognized for its structure and artwork, wealthy historical past, scrumptious meals, vibrant tradition, and epic landmarks.
Town will be visited year-round, with each season providing one thing completely different to see and do. Might and September are two of the finest months to go to, with nice temperatures and fewer crowds than through the peak summer time season.
Completely! Rome is a superb vacation spot for each quick 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 might be free. You possibly can 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 various guided excursions obtainable round Rome. I like to recommend testing GetYourGuide or Viator the place you possibly can flick thru and e-book a few of the top-rated excursions and actions to do in Rome.
Sure, you possibly can simply discover town on foot and a lot of the finest issues to do in Rome are inside straightforward strolling distance of town middle. Remember to put on comfy footwear – Rome is stuffed with slender cobblestone streets, and elements of town are fairly hilly.
In Closing
Rome is among the world’s most lovely and charming cities, with issues to do for folks of all ages and pursuits. No matter you select to do together with your time in Rome, I’m sure you should have an unforgettable time exploring this wonderful metropolis.
I hope you’ve discovered this publish helpful and informative. Take pleasure in Rome – it’s superior!
