Rome is an unimaginable, historic metropolis that continues to captivate and encourage numerous generations of vacationers and adventurers. There’s an nearly countless checklist of issues to see, do, style, and listen to within the vibrant Italian capital. The Everlasting Metropolis is certainly one of my favourite cities on this planet, and it’ll blow your thoughts.
On this publish, I’ve described 25 of one of the 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 full of life 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 nearly actually need to return to. Get able to expertise certainly one of Europe’s most full of life, fascinating, and memorable capital cities!
25 Greatest Issues To Do in Rome
Right here’s my decide 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 sure 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 vital 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 a logo of Rome’s power 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 simplest ways to completely respect 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 tours and means that you can 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 count on, the Colosseum is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to in Rome. I strongly suggest reserving your tickets effectively upfront as they promote out quick and also you don’t need to be left disillusioned.
2. Admire St Peter’s Basilica
One of the vital necessary and holy websites in all of Christianity, St Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) is one other must-see web site and is without doubt one of the prime locations to go to in Vatican Metropolis. It’s really monumental and is house to numerous priceless artistic endeavors and treasures from all over the world.
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.
Take a look at this excellent 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 under). The entire space has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site on account of its appreciable cultural significance and significance.
3. Take a Meals Tour
Rome is a paradise for foodies and the town is house to among the greatest meals in Italy (which is saying lots!). There’s an countless checklist of unimaginable locations to eat, from Michelin-starred high-quality eating eating places to low cost native eateries and improbable avenue meals stands.
Among the finest issues to do in Rome is to hitch a guided food tour. You’ll achieve an perception into the town’s wealthy culinary tradition, and have the possibility to go to a few of Rome’s best delis and markets, the place you’ll get to style among the metropolis’s tastiest treats.
There are lots of glorious meals excursions all through the town, however this one is particularly good. Your information will take you to get pleasure from a few of Rome’s greatest avenue meals and educate you in regards to the historical past of the 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 among the best 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 just breathtaking, constructed with excellent proportions, a large dome overhead, and exquisite 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, nevertheless it’s greatest 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 completely respect this unimaginable constructing, I like to recommend joining a guided tour like this one (which additionally contains the doorway reservation).
Piazza Navona is certainly one of Rome’s most full of life 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 select up a scoop or two of scrumptious conventional gelato and watch the individuals of the town go about their every day enterprise.
Cremì is a very glorious 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 necessary archaeological web site with many well-preserved ruins and artifacts.
It’s straightforward 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 be taught extra in regards to 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 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 significantly, and sampling among the metropolis’s best is without doubt 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 below are actually unimaginable. You possibly can both get entire pizzas made to order or purchase by the slice and check out a number of totally different toppings.
Alternatively, why not learn to make your individual pizza on this fun and tasty 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 include the tombs of varied martyrs and popes, in addition to Third-century frescoes and a few wonderful sculptures. Take a look at this excellent guided tour to get essentially 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 prime 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!
Situated on the junction of three streets within the coronary heart of the town, the baroque masterpiece was designed by Italian artist Nicola Salvi and accomplished in 1762. It’s house to a lot of sculpted figures and is illuminated at evening.
This fountain has lengthy been a logo of the Everlasting Metropolis and is without doubt one of the greatest 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 the town. It’s made up of just about 200 acres of landscaped gardens and is the setting for a wide range 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 gorgeous gardens, or pack a picnic to get pleasure from underneath the shade of certainly one of its many decorative bushes.
Villa Borghese additionally incorporates Galleria Borghese, certainly one of Rome’s greatest and most necessary Renaissance artwork galleries housing masterpieces by the likes of Bernini and Caravaggio. Take a look at 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 certainly 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, slim alleyways, bustling cafes, and conventional trattorias.
The world has a wealthy historical past that dates again to the Center Ages and certainly one of its predominant 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 a good 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 try this highly-reviewed food tour in Trastevere which incorporates dinner and wine.
12. Cruise Alongside the Tiber River
For a distinct perspective of Rome, take a soothing cruise along the Tiber River which flows by way of the town. Cruises can be found all through the day and effectively into the night and are probably the most romantic issues to do in Rome.
Floating peacefully down the river, you’ll have a tremendous view of a few of Rome’s prime 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 the 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 prime of the steps, you’ll discover the Church of Trinità dei Monti – a fantastic Baroque-style church inbuilt 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 incredible spot for people-watching, though it may get very busy so make sure you control your belongings right here.
14. Tour the Roman Discussion board
Situated between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills in Rome, the Forum was as soon as the political, spiritual, and business coronary heart of historic Rome. It’s now a big archaeological web site and probably the most visited vacationer points of interest in Rome.
The Discussion board was house to among 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 suggest taking a guided tour to discover these intensive ruins, because it’s a good way to find out about their historical past and significance. That is one of the best tours that additionally features a go to to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill.
15. Go Procuring in Through dei Condotti
In the event you’re into buying, you’ll love shopping the designer and luxurious outlets in Via dei Condotti. This iconic buying avenue is house to among the world’s prime style manufacturers.
It’s actually not an affordable place to buy. Nevertheless, even for those who don’t need to spend any cash right here, Through dei Condotti is an attention-grabbing and enticing place to wander as you are taking within the glamorous environment.
That is one other good spot for people-watching (there are many spots in Rome!), because it’s in style with the 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 formidable round fortress and one other unimaginable instance of historic Roman engineering. It’s situated on the banks of the Tiber River and is certainly one 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.
At the moment, 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 suggest buying a skip-the-line ticket upfront 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 house to numerous improbable eating places, from easy conventional trattorias to well-known, multiple-Michelin-starred high-quality eating eating places. For a really particular night, guide a desk at one of many metropolis’s high-end eateries.
A number of the greatest high-end eating places in Rome embody La Pergola, All’Oro, and Moma. You’ll have to guide effectively upfront 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 prime locations to go to in Rome and is situated within the Vatican Metropolis, subsequent to St. Peter’s Basilica. This unimaginable 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 types 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 prime issues to do in Rome and it may get very crowded (although it’s nonetheless 100% value going). Tours run throughout the day, and also you’ll have to guide 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 without doubt 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 the town and made them dwell in a ghetto, separate from the 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 a captivating place to discover (both by your self or as part of a walking 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. 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 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 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 among the best 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, certainly 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 12 months and actually beloved it.
My favourite place was Villa d’Este, a big Sixteenth-century cardinal’s villa constructed on prime 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 strain – no pumps), grottoes, and shaded seating areas.
Hadrian’s Villa, situated simply exterior Tivoli, can be effectively value a go to. Tivoli can get a little 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 necessary collections of artwork and sculpture, in addition to some unimaginable mosaics, and frescoes. Right here, you may marvel at masterpieces from among the world’s best 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 intensive and numerous collections span a wide range 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 guide a tour of the museums here.
23. Test Out the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
This gorgeous basilica is certainly 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. Situated within the Esquiline Hill space of the town, it’s an incredible place to spend an hour or so. That is additionally one of many (barely) much less in style locations to go to in Rome so is usually a little 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
In the event you (like me) love Italian meals, among the best issues to do in Rome is to take an authentic 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 lots of totally different choices to select from, together with pizza-making classes, 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.
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 too can get pleasure from some wonderful views of the 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 benefit from your time on this unimaginable metropolis.
1 Day in Rome Itinerary
Truthfully, 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 top Rome highlights and specializing in these, reasonably 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 greatest eating places.
2-3 Days in Rome Itinerary
You possibly can get pleasure from lots of the greatest 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 corresponding 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.
You probably have a 3rd day, both contemplate taking a cooking class and discover the 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 have the ability to do most (if not all) of the issues described on this publish, and it’ll permit you sufficient time to get a very good sense of the 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. You’ll want to take a full day exploring Tivoli, and not less than 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 publish on the 30 top places to visit in Italy.
The place to Keep in Rome
These are a number of of one of the best neighborhoods in Rome for vacationers.
Campo de Fiori – Greatest for First-time Guests
The world round Campo de Fiori sq. is inside straightforward strolling distance of lots of the predominant points of interest in Rome. It’s additionally an incredible place to remain for these trying to discover a few of Rome’s greatest eating places, bars, and outlets.
That is an amazing guesthouse situated proper on the sq..
Trastevere – Greatest for Price range Vacationers
The Trastevere neighborhood is a superb place to remain for price range vacationers who need to be near the principle sights, however a little bit additional away from the elevated costs of the town middle. It has a relaxed environment with loads of eating places and bars round, in addition to parks and historic websites close by.
Take a look at this glorious budget one-bedroom apartment.
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 the town. Take pleasure in its winding cobbled streets, quaint cafes, and unbiased outlets and boutiques – it’s an incredible place to take issues sluggish and take in the native environment.
It is a nice 2-bedroom apartment proper subsequent to the Colosseum.
Greatest Eating places in Rome
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Rome.
La Pergola
Presumably essentially the most well-known restaurant in Rome, La Pergola is a 3-Michelin-starred high-quality eating restaurant that serves significantly high-end connoisseur Italian meals. In addition they have an unimaginable rooftop terrace providing among the greatest views in Rome.
Moma
In the event you 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 improbable collection of native wines. It’s a little bit dear however value it for an important day.
Pizza e Mozzarella
Considered one of my favourite locations to eat in Rome on a price range 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.
Issues 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 on this planet, identified for its structure and artwork, wealthy historical past, scrumptious meals, vibrant tradition, and epic landmarks.
The town will be visited year-round, with each season providing one thing totally different to see and do. Might and September are two of the best months to visit, with nice temperatures and fewer crowds than throughout 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 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 might be free. You possibly can go to many iconic landmarks such because the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, and discover the town’s historic neighborhoods and piazzas, with out spending a penny.
There are lots of guided excursions accessible round Rome. I like to recommend testing GetYourGuide or Viator the place you may flick thru and guide among the top-rated excursions and actions to do in Rome.
Sure, you may simply discover the town on foot and many of the greatest issues to do in Rome are inside straightforward strolling distance of the town middle. You’ll want to put on comfy footwear – Rome is filled with slim cobblestone streets, and components of the 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 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!
