Rome is an unbelievable, historical metropolis that continues to captivate and encourage numerous generations of vacationers and adventurers. There’s an virtually infinite record 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 the planet, and it’ll blow your thoughts.
On this publish, I’ve described 25 of the perfect 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+ 12 months previous, to indulging in its scrumptious delicacies and vigorous 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 certainly one 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 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)
Probably the most iconic landmarks on the planet; no journey to Rome is full with out seeing this epic amphitheater – the biggest ever constructed by the Roman Empire. In-built 72 AD, the Colosseum has stood as a logo of Rome’s energy and energy for nearly 2,000 years.
In historical occasions, the Colosseum was used for brutal gladiator battles and animal fights. Right this moment, one of the simplest 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 permits you to skip the infamous line for tickets. Your information can even 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 likely one of the hottest locations to go to in Rome. I strongly suggest reserving your tickets properly upfront as they promote out quick and also you don’t need to be left upset.
2. Admire St Peter’s Basilica
Probably the most essential and holy websites in all of Christianity, St Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) is one other must-see web site and is likely one of the high locations to go to in Vatican Metropolis. It’s really monumental and is dwelling to numerous priceless artworks and treasures from world wide.
Outdoors 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 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 dwelling to a number of the greatest meals in Italy (which is saying loads!). There’s an infinite record of unbelievable locations to eat, from Michelin-starred effective eating eating places to low cost native eateries and improbable road meals stands.
The most effective issues to do in Rome is to affix a guided meals tour. You’ll acquire an perception into town’s wealthy culinary tradition, and have the possibility to go to a few of Rome’s most interesting delis and markets, the place you’ll get to style a number of the metropolis’s tastiest treats.
There are lots of 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 greatest 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
One in all historical Rome’s most well-preserved buildings, and the most effective locations to go to in Rome, the Pantheon is a testomony to the grandeur and energy of historical 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 good proportions, an enormous dome overhead, and delightful sculptures, statues, and mosaics. Right this 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 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 certainly one of Rome’s most vigorous squares and has many issues to supply guests starting from artwork galleries to gelaterias.
One in all my favourite issues to do right here is to select 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 provides a spread 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 essential 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 prepare 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 various temples, baths, amphitheaters, and villas. The world additionally has some stunning pure surroundings together with seashores, forests, and wetlands which are good 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 number of 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 ideal 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 take a look at just a few completely different toppings.
Alternatively, why not discover ways to make your individual pizza on this enjoyable and attractive masterclass?
8. Discover the Catacombs
The Catacombs of San Callisto are dwelling to one of many oldest Christian burial websites in Rome, relationship 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 historical 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 essentially 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 delightful 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 dwelling to various sculpted figures and is illuminated at night time.
This fountain has lengthy been a logo of the Everlasting Metropolis and is likely one of the greatest issues to see in Rome. It’s additionally completely free to go to.
10. Loosen up 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 attractive gardens, or pack a picnic to get pleasure from underneath the shade of certainly one of its many decorative bushes.
Villa Borghese additionally comprises Galleria Borghese, certainly one of Rome’s greatest 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 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, slender 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 essential 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 a good way to get a way of on a regular basis life in Rome right now. The ambiance is buzzing day or night time, so be sure to add it to your record of enjoyable issues to do in Rome. You might additionally try 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 means of town. Cruises can be found all through the day and properly into the night and are one of the crucial romantic issues to do in Rome.
Floating peacefully down the river, you’ll have an incredible 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 beautiful outside 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 season months and on the high of the steps, you’ll discover the Church of Trinità dei Monti – a ravishing 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 a terrific spot for people-watching, though it might get very busy so you should definitely 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, non secular, and industrial coronary heart of historical Rome. It’s now a big archaeological web site and one of the crucial visited vacationer sights in Rome.
The Discussion board was dwelling to a number of the most essential non secular 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 a good way to find out about their historical past and significance. That is the most effective excursions that additionally features a go to to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill.
15. Go Purchasing in Through dei Condotti
For those who’re into procuring, you’ll love shopping the designer and luxurious outlets in Through dei Condotti. This iconic procuring road is dwelling to a number of the world’s high trend manufacturers.
It’s definitely not an inexpensive place to buy. Nonetheless, even for those who don’t need to spend any cash right here, Through dei Condotti is an attention-grabbing and engaging place to wander as you’re taking within the glamorous ambiance.
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 citadel and one other unbelievable instance of historical Roman engineering. It’s situated on the banks of the Tiber River and is certainly one of Rome’s (many) main landmarks.
The citadel has been used for numerous functions all through the centuries, together with as a defensive fortress, a papal residence, and even a jail.
Right this 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 citadel 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 an extended queue when you’re there.
17. Get pleasure from a Excessive-Finish Dinner
Rome is dwelling to numerous improbable eating places, from easy conventional trattorias to well-known, multiple-Michelin-starred effective eating eating places. For a very particular night, e-book a desk at one of many metropolis’s high-end eateries.
Among the greatest high-end eating places in Rome embody La Pergola, All’Oro, and Moma. You’ll have to e-book properly 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 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 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 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 have to e-book tickets upfront 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 the 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 stay in a ghetto, separate from town’s different residents.
The neighborhood is dwelling 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 a good way to study extra about Rome’s Jewish historical past and tradition. The road meals right here can be scrumptious!
20. Get pleasure from 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 dwelling 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 the most effective issues to do in Rome at night time.
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 a number of the most stunning gardens and villas in Italy. I spent a few days in Tivoli final 12 months and actually cherished it.
My favourite place was Villa d’Este, a big Sixteenth-century cardinal’s villa constructed on high of an historical 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 exterior Tivoli, can be properly value a go to. Tivoli can get a little bit 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 a number of the world’s best 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 various collections span a wide range of cultures from historical Egypt to Renaissance Italy.
Housed inside 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. Verify 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 delightful structure.
The basilica was constructed round 432 AD and is a surprising masterpiece of Romanesque structure. Positioned within the Esquiline Hill space of town, it’s a terrific 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 commonly a little bit 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
For those who (like me) love Italian meals, the most effective 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, typically over a glass of native wine or two.
There are lots of completely different choices to select from, together with pizza-making courses, 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 historical Rome to Castel Sant’Angelo. It was initially constructed by Emperor Hadrian and is one other must-see place in Rome.
One in all 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 can too get pleasure from some superb views of town from right here – don’t miss it!
Fast Journey Itineraries For Rome
I’ve put collectively just a few transient itineraries that will help 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. Nonetheless, if that is the one time you’ve, I like to recommend selecting a number of the high Rome highlights and specializing in these, fairly 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 greatest eating places.
2-3 Days in Rome Itinerary
You possibly can get pleasure from most of the greatest 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 number of the metropolis’s different iconic sights reminiscent of 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.
In case you have a 3rd day, both contemplate 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 of do most (if not all) of the issues described on this publish, and it’ll enable 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 publish throughout your remaining days. Make sure to take a full day exploring Tivoli, and at the very least 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 high locations to go to in Italy.
The place to Keep in Rome
These are just a few of the perfect 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 most of the essential sights in Rome. It’s additionally a terrific place to remain for these trying to discover a few of Rome’s greatest eating places, bars, and outlets.
That is an superb guesthouse situated 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 little bit additional away from the elevated costs of town middle. It has a relaxed ambiance with loads of eating places and bars round, in addition to parks and historic websites close by.
Try this wonderful finances one-bedroom residence.
Monti – Greatest 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. Get pleasure from its winding cobbled streets, quaint cafes, and unbiased outlets and boutiques – it’s a terrific place to take issues gradual and absorb the native ambiance.
This can be a nice 2-bedroom residence 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 effective eating restaurant that serves critically high-end gourmand Italian meals. In addition they have an unbelievable rooftop terrace providing a number of the greatest views in Rome.
Moma
For those who 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 a special day.
Pizza e Mozzarella
One in all 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 the 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 completely different to see and do. Could and September are two of the greatest months to go to, with nice temperatures and fewer crowds than through the peak summer season 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 historical 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 lots of guided excursions obtainable round Rome. I like to recommend testing GetYourGuide or Viator the place you may flick through and e-book a number of the top-rated excursions and actions to do in Rome.
Sure, you may simply discover town on foot and many of the greatest issues to do in Rome are inside straightforward strolling distance of town middle. Make sure to put on comfy 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 together with your time in Rome, I’m sure you’ll have an unforgettable time exploring this superb metropolis.
I hope you’ve discovered this publish helpful and informative. Get pleasure from Rome – it’s superior!