It’s one of the finest and oldest cities in the world – so there’s no shortage of things to do and see in Rome. Roman history spans over 2,500 years and has been the pinnacle of power, politics, culture, and civilization since its inception.
Rome is steeped in legend and mythology, and there are many different accounts of how this majestic city was built. The present-day tourist hotspot is still filled with remnants of Roman emperors past who ruled over the ancient Roman Empire. It’s easy to see why this iconic city draws millions of visitors each year.
Thinking of a trip to this incredible place? Here’s our guide to things to do in Rome Italy.
Before you get into this list, be sure to save this list of essential travel documents – you will need them for your upcoming trip.
Top 16 Things to Do in Rome Italy
Before we jump into the attractions, make sure you buy the Rome Tourist Card, which provides an all-access pass with no time limit and free skip-the-line entrances to the most famous tourist sites.
1. Visit the Colosseum
If you’re visiting Rome you must take in one of Rome’s most famous ruins, located in the city’s Historic Center or “Centro Storico” in Italian. With a capacity of over 80,000 spectators, it’s the largest amphitheater in the Roman world. In ancient Rome, the classical arena saw epic gladiatorial combats, animal fights, and Roman games, always followed by horrific deaths. Besides its grandeur, the most astonishing fact is that it has remained relatively intact despite centuries of neglect even though it was previously used as a quarry. The visit isn’t free and it’s best to buy skip-the-line tickets for the Colosseum, to leave plenty of time to enjoy other things to do in Rome, Italy.
- How to get there: Take Metro Line B to Colosseo station.
- Best time to visit: Early morning / late afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Cost: Standard tickets are around €16.
2. Stroll Through the Roman Forum
The ticket purchase at the Colosseum also includes access to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill – so it would be a shame to miss them because the three sites are linked to each other. So, take a stroll through the past center of the city and see ruins of ancient markets, administrative, and religious buildings. But if you want to uncover the story of the forum’s past, opt for a guided tour to get the full historic account.
- How to get there: You can easily access the Forum on foot from the Colosseum.
- Best time to visit: Early morning avoid crowds.
- Cost: Entry is included with Colosseum tickets.
3. Visit Palatine Hill
The third Roman attraction included in the Colosseum ticket is Palatine Hill or one of the seven hills of Rome. According to mythology, the site is where the city was founded by Romulus and Remus – the two twins who would have been found and suckled by a wolf in a cave. Atop Palatine Hill, you have access to this cave and ruins of the residences of historical figures like Augustus, the first Roman emperor.
- How to get there: Easily accessible by foot from the Roman Forum.
- Best time to visit: Early morning / late afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Tick prices: Included with the Colosseum ticket.
4. Experience the Pantheon
The Pantheon is easily the best-preserved ancient building in the city and another incredible attraction on the list of things to see in Rome. Originally dedicated to all mythological divinities, the structure became a Christian church in the 7th century. Admire the expansive dome and oculus (opening of the dome) which bathes the interior in unique lighting. Entry is free so don’t be shy to enter and bask in the ancient atmosphere. Make sure you view the tombs of Raphael (the famous artist) and Victor Emmanuel II (1st king of Italy).
- How to get there: Walk from Piazza Navona or use Bus 40/64.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or evening.
- Cost: Free entry.
5. Toss a Coin Into the Trevi Fountain
Nearby the Pantheon you will find the most famous fountain in Europe: The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi). Legend has it that in order to preserve her virginity a young girl had to reveal the location of the fountain’s source to the Romans.
The basin has numerous statues representing an allegory of the sea, with Neptune on his chariot in the center. Tradition says you should throw two coins into the fountain: one to make a wish and the other to be sure to return to Rome. Perhaps after hearing its story, it will be no surprise that the fountain is renowned for hosting a large number of wedding proposals.
- How to get there: Walk from the Pantheon or take Metro Line A to Barberini station.
- Best time to visit: Late evening to see it illuminated.
- Cost: Free to visit.
6. Eat Gelato
When it comes to the best things to do in Rome, gelato has to be placed on a proverbial pedestal. Take a break from your dramatic sightseeing by enjoying traditional Italian gelato. Two best local-rated best places to enjoy gelato:
- San Crispino on the Via della Panatteria
- Gelateria “Giollti” located in Via Uffici del Vicario
Whichever gelato you opt for you’ll face long waits and too many flavors to choose from.
- How to get there: Gelaterias are scattered throughout Rome, especially near tourist sites.
- Best time to visit: Afternoon or evening for a sweet treat.
- Cost: Gelato typically costs between €2-€5.
7. Visit the Many Roman Churches
It probably comes to no surprise that Rome is filled with churches – in fact, the city has no less than 900 churches. And they also happen to be some of the most beautiful architectural masterpieces.
Four of the largest basilicas in the world are all located in Rome:
- The St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City – more on that below
- The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano – second largest after the Basilica di San Pietro, also the cathedral of Rome
- The Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura – marks the location of St. Paul’s tomb
- The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore – largest shrine in the city erected for the virgin Mary.
Other interesting churches in the city:
- Chiesa del Gesù
- Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
- Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli
- Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano
- Chiesa di Santa Maria della Concezione
- Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola
- How to get there: Churches are spread across Rome; walking or buses are ideal.
- Best time to visit: Mornings when it’s quieter.
- Cost: Most churches offer free entry.
8. Explore Museums
Of course, you’d expect museums on the list of things to do in Rome, Italy – so here are the most popular.
Located in Villa Borghese Park:
- The Galleria Borghese – contains a collection of paintings and sculptures
- Museo Nazionale Etrusco – a collection of pre-Roman objects
- Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna – remarkable paintings by Van Gogh and Cézanne
Other museums that history buffs should visit in Rome include:
- The Capitoline museums – located on Piazza del Campidoglio
- The Vatican museums – comprised of more than 13 museums grouped together in an impressive architectural ensemble spanning nearly seven kilometers
- Museo Palatino – everything archaeologists discovered on Palatine Hill
- How to get there: Varies by museum; use Metro or buses depending on location.
- Best time to visit: Weekdays for fewer crowds.
- Cost: Museum tickets range from €10-€20.
9. Head to the Vatican
Even if you’re not a believer, a trip to Rome would be incomplete without seeing the Vatican. A long corridor leads from the Castel Sant’Angelo to the Vatican. It’s the smallest country in the world, yet one of the most visited places during any tour in Italy. Only priests and nuns, some dignitaries, guards, and of course the pope are allowed to live there.
Fact about the guards: All the guards are only Swiss and must be Catholic and swear an oath of fidelity to the Pope himself. A tradition that goes back to 1527, when the Swiss guards protected the pope during his escape to the Sant’ Angelo castle.
- How to get there: Take Metro Line A to Ottaviano station.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid long lines.
- Cost: Vatican Museums tickets start at €17.
10. Walk Around St. Peter’s Square
You will enter the Vatican through the iconic St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro). Each year millions of pilgrims and tourists come to see this holy square in person. St. Peter’s Square was designed to allow the largest amount of people to see the Pope give his blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
- How to get there: Walk from Vatican City or take a bus.
- Best time to visit: Early morning for a serene atmosphere.
- Cost: Free to enter.
11. Admire St. Peter’s Basilica
Even if you waited a few hours – once you enter the impressive basilica, you realize it was worth it. Admire an array of altars and monuments within and allow the rich baroque decoration to woo you! Make sure you see:
- Famous Saint Peter’s statue
- Gigantic dome designed by Michelangelo
- The many funerary monuments of the popes
- How to get there: Enter from St. Peter’s Square.
- Best time to visit: Early morning before the crowds.
- Cost: Entry is free, but access to the dome costs €10.
12. Enjoy All The Piazzas
If you accidentally read pizza – of course, do that too. But Rome also has an extraordinary array of piazzas to enjoy. Here are some of the best ones:
- Piazza Venezia – one of the city’s main squares
- Piazza del Campidoglio – designed by Michelangelo
- Piazza Navona – in the heart of the historic center
- Piazza di Spagna – one of the most popular squares in the city
- Piazza del Popolo – one of the largest squares in Rome
- How to get there: Various piazzas are within walking distance or accessible by public transport.
- Best time to visit: Any time of day for a unique experience.
- Cost: Free to explore.
13. Explore the Trastevere District
The Trastevere District is another one of the top things to do in Rome Italy. This charming little hipster village is relatively separate from crowded areas and offers many narrow, flowery streets to explore. A real “Italian” neighborhood – make sure to check out all the interesting local shops.
- How to get there: Take Tram 8 from Largo Argentina.
- Best time to visit: Evening for dinner and a lively atmosphere.
- Cost: Free to explore the district.
14. Tour the Catacombs of Rome
Once used as cemeteries for Jews and Christians, these catacombs are the largest in the city and cover an area of almost 15 hectares. Walls show representations of Christian life including, baptism scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Absolutely get a tour guide!
- How to get there: Take Bus 218 to the Catacombs of San Callisto.
- Best time to visit: Morning for a guided tour.
- Cost: Entry is around €8.
15. Visit the Villa Borghese Garden
The Villa Borghese Gardens offer a lush retreat in the heart of Rome, perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Spanning 80 hectares, these gardens are home to beautiful landscapes, sculptures, and fountains. You can rent a bike or rowboat, explore various paths, or visit the renowned Galleria Borghese, which houses masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael. The gardens are a perfect spot for a morning walk or a late afternoon picnic, providing a serene backdrop to the city’s historic ambiance.
- How to get there: Take Metro Line A to Flaminio station or walk from the Spanish Steps.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for a peaceful experience.
- Cost: The gardens are free, but Galleria Borghese tickets cost around €13.
16. Go to the Camp De’ Fiori Market
Campo de’ Fiori is one of Rome’s most vibrant open-air markets, offering a sensory feast of fresh produce, flowers, spices, and local delicacies. Located in a historic square, this market is a must-visit for those who want to experience the local culture and flavors of Rome. In the morning, the square bustles with vendors selling everything from fruits to souvenirs, while by evening, it transforms into a lively spot for dining and socializing. It’s an excellent place to shop for fresh ingredients or simply soak in the lively atmosphere.
- How to get there: Walk from Piazza Navona or take bus 64.
- Best time to visit : Morning, as the market closes by 2 PM.
- Cost: Free to visit, with varying prices for goods.
The Best Time to Visit Rome Italy
The best times for visiting Rome are between April and June, or September to October. Most of the city’s locals take vacations during August, so plan your trip accordingly. Also traveling too late or early in the year might mean some tourist attractions are closed or open during limited hours.
How to Get Around in Rome
There are many public transport options for people visiting Rome, and these are usually cheap and user-friendly. Main transportation modes include:
- Metro: The metro in Rome has three lines that cross the city diagonally. Even though it’s not extensive, there are stops near the city’s top attractions.
- Bus: Due to the limitations of the metro in Rome, if you want to get around the city using public transport, you will often need to take a bus.
- Tram: Rome has six tram lines. But they don’t reach the city center and are often less useful for tourists.
- Urban Railway: Rome has three urban railway lines called Ferrovie Urbane – these trains complement the city’s subway.
- Taxis: Taxi drivers in Rome aren’t always the best and can be very expensive.
We hope these tips will help you have the best possible experience in Rome, Italy. Don’t forget to download the Air Doctor app before your trip – available on Android and iOS.
