25 Must-See Things to Do in Rome, Italy: Ultimate Guide to the Eternal City
Rome, Italy
Ancient Romans believed their city would endure forever—and they were right. The Eternal City brims with captivating experiences, from architectural marvels and ancient history to masterpieces of art and exquisite cuisine.
Rome's Baroque and Renaissance churches, towering temples, subterranean catacombs, and legendary fountains make Italy's capital a bucket-list destination unlike any other. While Venice enchants with its canals, Rome pulses with a unique, timeless energy.
Pair its monumental history and architecture with mouthwatering pasta, pizza, and gelato for a true taste of la dolce vita. Yet beyond the icons, Rome hides lesser-known gems that elevate any visit...
From vibrant piazzas to serene neighborhoods, this expert guide—drawn from personal explorations—covers the best things to do in Rome. I've included unique attractions to make your trip unforgettable.
This free Rome itinerary is my gift to you, crafted from years of travel expertise. If it's helpful, support me by using my affiliate links for hotels, cars, or tours—no extra cost to you. Thank you!
Table Of Contents- Italy Travel Requirements
- Best Things To Do In Rome Guide
- 1: Visit The Magnificent Colosseum
- 2: See The Roman Forum
- 3: Visit St Clement Basilica
- 4: Marvel At The Architecture Of The Pantheon
- 5: Throw A Coin In Trevi Fountain
- 6: Villa Borghese Park & Borghese Gallery
- 7. The Vatican Museum
- 8: See Rome’s Largest Stadium, Circus Maximus
- 9: Climb The Spanish Steps
- 10: Test Your Fate At The Mouth Of Truth
- 11: Capuchin Crypt Bone Church
- 12: Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary
- 13: Altar Of The Fatherland
- 14: Watch A Sunset From Terrazza Del Pincio
- 15: Via Appia Antica
- 16: Quartiere Coppede Neighborhood
- 17: Explore The Trastevere Neighborhood
- 18: Baths Of Caracalla
- 19: St. Peter’s Square & Basilica
- 20: Catacombs Of Rome
- 21: Janiculum Hill
- 22: Campo Dei Fiori
- 23: Eat Tons Of Italian Gelato
- 24: Palatine Hill
- 25: Pyramid Of Cestius
- Getting Around Rome
- Where To Stay In Rome, Italy
- Rome Travel Tips & Advice
Italy Travel Requirements
Italy welcomes most international visitors, including from the US. Always verify the latest entry rules—such as vaccination proof or tests—on official sources like the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Hotels, attractions, and tours operate with enhanced health protocols. Stay updated for a smooth trip.
Check the latest updates on traveling to Italy here.
Best Things To Do In Rome: Expert Guide
1: Visit The Magnificent Colosseum
No Rome visit is complete without the Colosseum, one of the world's most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recognized as one of the 'New 7 Wonders,' this engineering marvel once seated nearly 80,000 for gladiatorial contests, executions, and spectacles.
Entry starts at €16 (check current rates). Lines can exceed 2-3 hours—arrive early or book skip-the-line combo tickets online for Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill access.
Hours: 8:30 AM–7 PM (varies by season; confirm ahead).
Colosseum Combo Tickets
Skip lines and explore three icons: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill.
Book Online Now2: Explore the Roman Forum
The Roman Forum was ancient Rome's vibrant heart for politics, religion, and commerce. Wander among ruins like the Arch of Titus, Temple of Saturn's columns, Temple of Castor and Pollux, and more.
Visit standalone or via combo ticket with Colosseum and Palatine Hill—ideal for history buffs.
3: Visit Basilica of St. Clement
This multilayered basilica reveals Rome's layered history: a medieval church above a 4th-century structure (once a senator's home and Mithras temple), atop possible 1st-century ruins from Nero's fire.
A must for architecture and history enthusiasts. Entry: €10. Hours: Mon–Sat 9 AM–12:30 PM & 3–6 PM; Sun 12–6 PM.
4: Marvel at the Pantheon's Architecture
Rebuilt in 126 AD, this perfectly preserved temple (now church) boasts a 43.3m dome—the largest unreinforced concrete one ever. Tombs include Raphael's.
Entry: Free. Hours: Mon–Sat 8:30 AM–7:30 PM; Sun 9 AM–6 PM (verify).
5: Toss a Coin into Trevi Fountain
Baroque masterpiece (completed 1762) at the Aqua Virgo aqueduct's end. Legend: one coin returns you to Rome; two ensures love. Coins fund charities (€1M+ yearly).
Photo Tip: Visit pre-dawn (like 4 AM) for crowd-free shots amid eternal buzz.
6: Villa Borghese Park & Gallery
Rome's third-largest park (1901) features sculptures, fountains, a globe theater, and zoo. The opulent Galleria Borghese houses Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael masterpieces.
Park free dawn–dusk; Gallery €15+ (book ahead). Hours: Tue–Sun 8:30 AM–7:30 PM (closed Mon).
7: Vatican Museums
Founded 1506, home to 70,000+ artworks (20,000 displayed across 54 galleries). Highlights: Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling, Gallery of Maps.
Entry: €17 adults, €8 kids (book timed slots).
8: Circus Maximus
Ancient Rome's chariot-racing arena held 300,000. Today, an open field between Palatine and Aventine hills—perfect quick stop with vivid history.
9: Climb the Spanish Steps
1725's 135 steps link Trinità dei Monti church to Piazza di Spagna. Admire Bernini's Fontana della Barcaccia below; prime people-watching spot.
10: Mouth of Truth
1,300kg marble relief (Oceanus god) at Santa Maria in Cosmedin: legend bites liars' hands. Iconic photo op—queue early.
11: Capuchin Crypt
Artful bone arrangements from 3,700 friars (1631 relocation) memento mori. Eerie yet profound. Entry: €8.50. Hours: 9 AM–7 PM.
12: Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary
1929 excavation site (Caesar assassination spot) now shelters hundreds of cats. Feed, shop, support volunteers. Hours: Mon–Fri noon–6 PM; Sat–Sun 11 AM–7 PM.
13: Altar of the Fatherland
Victor Emmanuel II Monument honors unification; guards Unknown Soldier tomb. Panoramic rooftop views (€12 elevator). Hours: 9:30 AM–7:30 PM.
14: Sunset at Terrazza del Pincio
Villa Borghese vantage over Piazza del Popolo obelisk. Stunning dusk views; nearby 1873 water clock.
15: Via Appia Antica
Europe's first highway (312–264 BC, 800km). Walk ancient stones past tombs, catacombs (e.g., San Sebastiano). Metro A to Circo Massimo + bus 118 or taxi.
16: Quartiere Coppedè
Art Nouveau gem outside center: Coppedè Arch, Palazzo del Ragno, Fontana delle Rane. Eclectic architecture haven.
17: Trastevere Neighborhood
Bohemian charm with ivy-draped streets, authentic trattorias. Wander, eat local—Vatican/Colosseum 30-min walk. Instagram favorite.
18: Baths of Caracalla
3rd-century public baths (to 537 AD): pools, gyms, libraries. VR headset (€7 extra) recreates imperial glory. Entry: €8. Hours: Tue–Sun 9 AM–6:30 PM (seasonal).
19: St. Peter’s Square & Basilica
1626 masterpiece with Michelangelo's Pietà. Dome climb: €10 elevator/€8 stairs for epic views. Basilica free.
20: Rome’s Catacombs
Early Christian/Jewish burial tunnels (2nd–5th C). Open sites: San Callisto, Priscilla, San Sebastiano, Sant'Agnese, Domitilla.
21: Janiculum Hill
Rome's 'eighth hill': Garibaldi Monument, lighthouse, Fontana dell'Acqua Paola. Top photo views; San Pietro in Montorio (St. Peter's crucifixion site).
22: Campo de' Fiori
Historic market square (since 1456); Bruno statue. Fresh produce, souvenirs, street food.
23: Indulge in Gelato
Denser, lower-fat Italian ice cream. Seek natural colors. Top spots: Come il Latte (Termini), Giolitti (Trevi).
24: Palatine Hill
One of Rome's Seven Hills; imperial palaces site (Augustus' house found 2007). Colosseum views; open-air museum.
25: Pyramid of Cestius
Egyptian-style tomb (12 BC) for praetor Cestius. Weekend interior tours (Italian); photo from Non-Catholic Cemetery.
Getting Around Rome
Fly into Fiumicino; Leonardo Express (€14, 32 min) or FR1 train to center. Use Skyscanner for flights.
Rental Car
Discover Cars compares best deals for flexibility beyond center.
Taxis
From ranks/hotels; €1.10/km+.
Metro
ATAC to 11:30 PM (1:30 AM Fri–Sat). Kids under 10 free; multi-day passes.
Bus/Tram
Same tickets; scenic rides. Validate tram tickets.
Bike/Scooters/Segways
E-bikes popular: Roma Starbike, Easy Bike Rent. Fun tours.
Where to Stay in Rome
Trastevere/Monti for vibe; Testaccio foodies; Prati luxury. All near attractions.
Best Accommodations
Luxury: Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & SPA
Midrange: Hotel Ponte Sisto
Budget: Domus Liberius
Rome Travel Tips
- No tipping culture; 10% optional if stellar service.
- Cash for small spots.
- Public fountains: potable water—refill!
- Comfortable shoes essential.
- Roma Pass: transport + discounts.
- Guard belongings—pickpockets common.
- No milky coffee post-noon.
- House wine: budget dinner win.
