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 considered one of my favourite cities on this planet, 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 concerning the metropolis’s fascinating 2,700+ yr previous, to indulging in its scrumptious delicacies and energetic nightlife, Rome is a metropolis like no different.
Whether or not you’re in search of 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 definitely need to return to. Get able to expertise considered one of Europe’s most energetic, fascinating, and memorable capital cities!
25 Finest 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 sights, 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 iconic landmarks on this planet; no journey to Rome is full with out seeing this epic amphitheater – the most important ever constructed by the Roman Empire. In-built 72 AD, the Colosseum has stood as an emblem 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. Immediately, one of the best ways to totally respect this immense construction and its fascinating historical past is to take a guided tour.
This is likely 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 count on, the Colosseum is likely one of the hottest locations to go to in Rome. I strongly suggest reserving your tickets effectively prematurely as they promote out quick and also you don’t need to be left dissatisfied.
2. Admire St Peter’s Basilica
One of the essential and holy websites in all of Christianity, St Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) is one other must-see website and is likely one of the high locations to go to in Vatican Metropolis. It’s actually monumental and is residence to numerous priceless artworks and treasures from around the globe.
Exterior the cathedral lies St Peter’s Sq., the middle of worldwide 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 essential 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 among the finest meals in Italy (which is saying rather a lot!). There’s an limitless checklist of unbelievable locations to eat, from Michelin-starred wonderful eating eating places to low-cost native eateries and implausible road meals stands.
Among the best 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 prospect to go to a few of Rome’s most interesting delis and markets, the place you’ll get to style among the metropolis’s tastiest treats.
There are numerous 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 road meals and train you concerning the historical past of town’s best-loved delicacies, together with supplì, conventional Roman pizza, and numerous seasonal dishes.
4. Tour the Pantheon
Certainly one of historic Rome’s most well-preserved buildings, and top-of-the-line locations to go to in Rome, the Pantheon is a testomony to the grandeur and energy of historic Roman structure. The Pantheon was initially in-built 27 BC as a temple to the traditional Roman gods.
On the within, this place is solely breathtaking, constructed with excellent proportions, an enormous dome overhead, and exquisite sculptures, statues, and mosaics. Immediately, 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, but it surely’s finest to pre-book and keep away from having to attend for ages standing in line. A reservation can be obligatory on weekends and public holidays. To completely respect this unbelievable constructing, I like to recommend becoming a member of a guided tour like this one (which additionally contains the doorway reservation).
Piazza Navona is considered one of Rome’s most energetic 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 wonderful gelateria in Piazza Navona that gives a spread of heavenly artisanal gelato and sorbets.
6. Take a Day Journey to Ostia Antica
Simply outdoors of Rome lies the traditional port metropolis of Ostia Antica which was based round 620 BC. It’s an essential 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 practice from Piramide station and get misplaced within the ruins by your self or take this guided tour (which additionally departs from Piramide) to study extra concerning the historical past of this fascinating place.
Permit loads of time to discover the numerous temples, baths, amphitheaters, and villas. The world additionally has some stunning pure surroundings together with seashores, forests, and wetlands which are excellent for exploring on foot or by bike.
7. Feast at Pizza e Mozzarella
As you’ll most likely guess, modern-day Romans take their pizza very significantly, and sampling among the metropolis’s most interesting is likely one of 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 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 unbelievable. You possibly can both get complete pizzas made to order or purchase by the slice and check out a couple of totally different toppings.
Alternatively, why not learn to make your individual 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, relationship 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 include the tombs of assorted martyrs and popes, in addition to Third-century frescoes and a few superb sculptures. Try this wonderful guided tour to get probably the most out of your go to.
This is likely one of 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 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 exquisite 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 within the coronary heart of town, the baroque masterpiece was designed by Italian artist Nicola Salvi and accomplished in 1762. It’s residence to quite a lot of sculpted figures and is illuminated at evening.
This fountain has lengthy been an emblem of the Everlasting Metropolis and is likely one of the finest issues to see in Rome. It’s additionally completely free to go to.
10. Chill out in Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is likely 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 in-built 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 considered one of its many decorative timber.
Villa Borghese additionally comprises Galleria Borghese, considered one of Rome’s finest and most essential 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 considered one of Rome’s most bohemian areas situated 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 world has a wealthy historical past that dates again to the Center Ages and considered one of its major sights 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 at present. The environment is buzzing day or evening, so be sure you add it to your checklist 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 soothing cruise alongside the Tiber River which flows via 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 sights 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 attractive 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 stupendous Baroque-style church in-built 1585.
Located on the foot of the Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna is likely one of the most well-known squares in Rome. It’s an ideal spot for people-watching, though it might get very busy so be sure you control 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 business coronary heart of historic Rome. It’s now a big archaeological website and one of the vital visited vacationer sights in Rome.
The Discussion board was residence to among the most essential 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 top-of-the-line excursions that additionally features a go to to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill.
15. Go Procuring in Through dei Condotti
Should you’re into buying, you’ll love shopping the designer and luxurious retailers in Through dei Condotti. This iconic buying road is residence to among the world’s high trend manufacturers.
It’s definitely not an inexpensive place to buy. Nevertheless, even for those who don’t need to spend any cash right here, Through dei Condotti is an fascinating and enticing place to wander as you’re taking within the glamorous environment.
That is one other excellent place for people-watching (there are many spots in Rome!), because it’s widespread with town’s elite. It’s additionally very centrally situated 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 powerful round fortress and one other unbelievable instance of historic Roman engineering. It’s situated on the banks of the Tiber River and is considered one of Rome’s (many) main landmarks.
The fortress has been used for numerous functions all through the centuries, together with as a defensive fortress, a papal residence, and even a jail.
Immediately, 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 fortress is a well-liked attraction in Rome so I’d suggest shopping for a skip-the-line ticket prematurely to avoid wasting 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 implausible eating places, from easy conventional trattorias to well-known, multiple-Michelin-starred wonderful 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 embody La Pergola, All’Oro, and Moma. You’ll must e-book effectively prematurely to safe a desk at any of those well-known eating places, so bear this in thoughts once you’re planning what to do in Rome.
18. Go to the Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is likely one of the high locations to go to in Rome and is situated within the Vatican Metropolis, subsequent to St. Peter’s Basilica. This unbelievable constructing is known for its elaborate ornament and gorgeous frescoes painted by Michelangelo within the Sixteenth century. These frescoes cowl the ceiling and lots of the partitions and depict scenes from the Previous 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 Faculty of Cardinals meet when it’s time to elect a brand new pope.
Visiting the Sistine Chapel is likely one of the high issues to do in Rome and it might get very crowded (although it’s nonetheless 100% value going). Excursions run all through the day, and also you’ll must e-book tickets prematurely as they usually promote out.
19. Discover Rome’s Jewish Quarter
Positioned on the banks of the Tiber River, Rome’s Jewish Quarter is likely one of the oldest on this planet. 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 dwell 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 an enchanting place to discover (both by your self or as a part of a strolling tour) and is an effective way to study extra about Rome’s Jewish historical past and tradition. The road meals right here can 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 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 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 top-of-the-line issues to do in Rome at evening.
21. Take a Day Journey to Tivoli
A brief distance outdoors of Rome lies the picturesque city of Tivoli, considered one of my favourite locations to go to close to Rome and residential to among the most stunning gardens and villas in Italy. I spent a few days in Tivoli final yr and actually liked 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 numerous elaborate fountains (fed by pure water stress – no pumps), grottoes, and shaded seating areas.
Hadrian’s Villa, situated simply outdoors Tivoli, can be effectively value a go to. Tivoli can get a bit of busy in the summertime months however continues to be often 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 essential collections of artwork and sculpture, in addition to some unbelievable mosaics, and frescoes. Right here, you may marvel at masterpieces from among the world’s biggest artists, together with Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio.
The museums are monumental and include over 70,000 reveals displayed throughout 54 galleries. Established within the early Sixteenth century, these in depth and numerous collections span a wide range of cultures from historic Egypt to Renaissance Italy.
Housed throughout the partitions of Vatican Metropolis, the museums provide an enchanting perception into the historical past and tradition of Europe and past. You possibly can e-book a tour of the museums right here.
23. Examine Out the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
This gorgeous basilica is considered one of Rome’s 4 main cathedrals and is famend for its elaborate mosaics and exquisite structure.
The basilica was constructed round 432 AD and is a shocking masterpiece of Romanesque structure. Positioned within the Esquiline Hill space of town, it’s an ideal place to spend an hour or so. That is additionally one of many (barely) much less widespread locations to go to in Rome so is usually a bit of extra peaceable.
Take a guided tour to study extra about it or just admire the great thing about this superb place.
24. Take a Cooking Class
Should you (like me) love Italian meals, top-of-the-line issues to do in Rome is to take an genuine Italian cooking class. You’ll learn 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 totally 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 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.
It’s also possible to get pleasure from some superb views of town from right here – don’t miss it!
Fast Journey Itineraries For Rome
I’ve put collectively a couple of transient itineraries that can assist you profit from your time on this unbelievable metropolis.
1 Day in Rome Itinerary
Actually, sooner or later actually isn’t sufficient time to see Rome correctly. Nevertheless, if that is the one time you might have, I like to recommend selecting among the high Rome highlights and specializing in these, quite than attempting 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 lots of the finest issues to do in Rome in 3 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 among the metropolis’s different iconic sights akin 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 think about 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
Every week is a superb period of time to spend in Rome. You’ll be capable of do most (if not all) of the issues described on 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 on this submit throughout your remaining days. Make sure to take a full day exploring Tivoli, and a minimum of half a day to go to Ostia Antica.
Additionally, for those who’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 a couple of of the very best neighborhoods in Rome for vacationers.
Campo de Fiori – Finest for First-time Guests
The world round Campo de Fiori sq. is inside simple strolling distance of lots of the major sights in Rome. It’s additionally an ideal place to remain for these seeking to discover a few of Rome’s finest eating places, bars, and retailers.
That is an superb guesthouse situated proper on the sq..
Trastevere – Finest for Finances Vacationers
The Trastevere neighborhood is a superb place to remain for finances vacationers who need to be near the principle sights, however a bit of 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 – Finest for Households
Monti is ideal for households and people in search of 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 impartial retailers and boutiques – it’s an ideal place to take issues gradual and absorb the native environment.
This can be a nice 2-bedroom condo proper subsequent to the Colosseum.
Finest 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 wonderful eating restaurant that serves significantly high-end connoisseur Italian meals. In addition they have an unbelievable rooftop terrace providing among 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 makes a speciality of trendy, refined Italian delicacies and has a implausible choice of native wines. It’s a bit of expensive however value it for an important day.
Pizza e Mozzarella
Certainly one of my favourite locations to eat in Rome on a finances is Pizza e Mozzarella. They create superb, 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 below are solutions to some generally requested questions on visiting Rome.
Rome is likely one of the most iconic cities on this planet, identified for its structure and artwork, wealthy historical past, scrumptious meals, vibrant tradition, and epic landmarks.
The town might be visited year-round, with each season providing one thing totally different to see and do. Might and September are two of the finest months to go to, with nice temperatures and fewer crowds than throughout the peak summer time season.
Completely! Rome is a superb vacation spot for each brief and lengthy journeys. There are such a lot of cool and strange 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 are 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 numerous guided excursions out there round Rome. I like to recommend trying out GetYourGuide or Viator the place you may flick through and e-book among the top-rated excursions and actions to do in Rome.
Sure, you may simply discover town on foot and a lot of the finest issues to do in Rome are inside simple strolling distance of town middle. Make sure to put on snug footwear – Rome is filled with slender cobblestone streets, and elements of town are fairly hilly.
In Closing
Rome is likely one of the world’s most stunning and charming 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 should have an unforgettable time exploring this superb metropolis.
I hope you’ve discovered this submit helpful and informative. Take pleasure in Rome – it’s superior!
