Rome is an unbelievable, historical metropolis that continues to captivate and encourage numerous generations of vacationers and adventurers. There’s an virtually limitless listing of issues to see, do, style, and listen to within the vibrant Italian capital. The Everlasting Metropolis is one in all my favourite cities on the planet, and it’ll blow your thoughts.
On this submit, I’ve described 25 of the most effective 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 virtually definitely wish to return to. Get able to expertise one in all Europe’s most full of life, fascinating, and memorable capital cities!
25 Finest 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 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. Inbuilt 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. At present, the easiest way to completely admire this immense construction and its fascinating historical past is to take a guided tour.
This is among the most highly-reviewed guided tours and means that you can 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 count on, the Colosseum is among the hottest locations to go to in Rome. I strongly advocate reserving your tickets nicely prematurely as they promote out quick and also you don’t wish to be left upset.
2. Admire St Peter’s Basilica
One of the vital and holy websites in all of Christianity, St Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) is one other must-see web site and is among the high locations to go to in Vatican Metropolis. It’s actually monumental and is house to numerous priceless artworks 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 vital 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 a few of the greatest meals in Italy (which is saying so much!). There’s an limitless listing of unbelievable locations to eat, from Michelin-starred positive eating eating places to low-cost native eateries and unbelievable avenue meals stands.
Probably the greatest 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 most interesting delis and markets, the place you’ll get to style a few of the metropolis’s tastiest treats.
There are a lot of wonderful meals excursions all through the town, however this one is particularly good. Your information will take you to take pleasure in 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 numerous seasonal dishes.
4. Tour the Pantheon
One among historical 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 historical 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, an enormous dome overhead, and delightful sculptures, statues, and mosaics. At present, 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 totally admire this unbelievable constructing, I like to recommend joining a guided tour like this one (which additionally consists of the doorway reservation).
Piazza Navona is one in all Rome’s most full of life squares and has many issues to supply guests starting from artwork galleries to gelaterias.
One among my favourite issues to do right here is to choose up a scoop or two of scrumptious conventional gelato and watch the folks of the town go about their each day enterprise.
Cremì is a very wonderful gelateria in Piazza Navona that gives a variety 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 vital 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 realm additionally has some lovely pure surroundings together with seashores, forests, and wetlands which can 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 severely, and sampling a few of the metropolis’s most interesting is among the must-do issues in Rome. Each native has their favourite pizzeria, however my favourite is a spot known as Pizza e Mozzarella.
It seems 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 here 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 totally different toppings.
Alternatively, why not discover ways 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, 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 wonderful sculptures. Take a look at this excellent guided tour to get essentially the most out of your go to.
This is among 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 greater).
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 the town, the baroque masterpiece was designed by Italian artist Nicola Salvi and accomplished in 1762. It’s house to quite a lot of sculpted figures and is illuminated at night time.
This fountain has lengthy been a logo of the Everlasting Metropolis and is among the greatest issues to see in Rome. It’s additionally completely free to go to.
10. Chill out in Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is among 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 virtually 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 take pleasure in underneath the shade of one in all its many decorative bushes.
Villa Borghese additionally comprises Galleria Borghese, one in all Rome’s greatest and most vital 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 one in all 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 realm has a wealthy historical past that dates again to the Center Ages and one in all its primary 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 immediately. The environment is buzzing day or night time, so be sure to add it to your listing of enjoyable issues to do in Rome. You can 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 nicely into the night and are one of the crucial romantic issues to do in Rome.
Floating peacefully down the river, you’ll have a tremendous view of a few of Rome’s high 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 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 time months and on the high of the steps, you’ll discover the Church of Trinità dei Monti – a stupendous Baroque-style church inbuilt 1585.
Located on the foot of the Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna is among the most well-known squares in Rome. It’s a terrific spot for people-watching, though it may possibly get very busy so make sure to keep watch over your belongings right here.
14. Tour the Roman Discussion board
Positioned between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills in Rome, the Forum was as soon as the political, spiritual, and industrial coronary heart of historical Rome. It’s now a big archaeological web site and one of the crucial visited vacationer points of interest in Rome.
The Discussion board was house to a few of the most vital 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 advocate 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 Buying in By way of dei Condotti
In case you’re into procuring, you’ll love looking the designer and luxurious retailers in Via dei Condotti. This iconic procuring avenue is house to a few of the world’s high style manufacturers.
It’s definitely not an affordable place to buy. Nevertheless, even when you don’t wish to spend any cash right here, By way of dei Condotti is an fascinating and enticing place to wander as you’re taking within the glamorous environment.
That is one other excellent spot for people-watching (there are many spots in Rome!), because it’s standard 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 fort and one other unbelievable instance of historical Roman engineering. It’s situated on the banks of the Tiber River and is one in all Rome’s (many) main landmarks.
The fort has been used for numerous functions all through the centuries, together with as a defensive fortress, a papal residence, and even a jail.
At present, 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 fort is a well-liked attraction in Rome so I’d advocate buying a skip-the-line ticket prematurely to save lots of you from having to face in an extended queue when you’re there.
17. Take pleasure in a Excessive-Finish Dinner
Rome is house to numerous unbelievable eating places, from easy conventional trattorias to well-known, multiple-Michelin-starred positive eating eating places. For a very particular night, ebook 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 must ebook nicely prematurely 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 among 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 beautiful frescoes painted by Michelangelo within the Sixteenth century. These frescoes cowl the ceiling and most of the partitions and depict scenes from the Outdated 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 among the high issues to do in Rome and it may possibly get very crowded (although it’s nonetheless 100% price going). Tours run throughout the day, and also you’ll must ebook tickets prematurely as they typically promote out.
19. Discover Rome’s Jewish Quarter
Positioned on the banks of the Tiber River, Rome’s Jewish Quarter is among 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 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 an interesting 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 a 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 house to many nice cafes and eating places and is a good 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 night time.
21. Take a Day Journey to Tivoli
A brief distance outdoors of Rome lies the picturesque city of Tivoli, one in all my favourite locations to go to close to Rome and residential to a few of the most lovely gardens and villas in Italy. I spent a few days in Tivoli final 12 months and actually liked 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 outdoors Tivoli, can be nicely price a go to. Tivoli can get slightly 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 vital collections of artwork and sculpture, in addition to some unbelievable mosaics, and frescoes. Right here, you’ll be able to marvel at masterpieces from a few of 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 intensive 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 interesting perception into the historical past and tradition of Europe and past. You possibly can ebook a tour of the museums here.
23. Verify Out the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
This beautiful basilica is one in all 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 shocking masterpiece of Romanesque structure. Positioned within the Esquiline Hill space of the town, it’s a terrific place to spend an hour or so. That is additionally one of many (barely) much less standard locations to go to in Rome so is commonly slightly 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 case you (like me) love Italian meals, top-of-the-line issues to do in Rome is to take an authentic Italian cooking class. You’ll discover ways to make some scrumptious Italian dishes and treats and get to take pleasure in your creations on the finish, typically over a glass of native wine or two.
There are a lot 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 historical Rome to Castel Sant’Angelo. It was initially constructed by Emperor Hadrian and is one other must-see place in Rome.
One among 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 even take pleasure in some wonderful views of the town from right here – don’t miss it!
Fast Journey Itineraries For Rome
I’ve put collectively just a few 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 a few of the top Rome highlights and specializing in these, moderately 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 take pleasure in 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 few of the metropolis’s different iconic sights similar 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.
In case you have a 3rd day, both think about 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 good 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 the 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. You’ll want to take a full day exploring Tivoli, and at the very least half a day to go to Ostia Antica.
Additionally, when you’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 just a few of the most effective neighborhoods in Rome for vacationers.
Campo de Fiori – Finest for First-time Guests
The realm round Campo de Fiori sq. is inside straightforward strolling distance of most of the primary points of interest 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 retailers.
That is an amazing guesthouse situated proper on the sq..
Trastevere – Finest for Finances Vacationers
The Trastevere neighborhood is a good place to remain for finances vacationers who wish to be near the principle sights, however slightly 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 wonderful budget one-bedroom apartment.
Monti – Finest 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 retailers and boutiques – it’s a terrific place to take issues sluggish and absorb the native environment.
This can be a nice 2-bedroom apartment proper subsequent to the Colosseum.
Finest Eating places in Rome
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Rome.
La Pergola
Probably essentially the most well-known restaurant in Rome, La Pergola is a 3-Michelin-starred positive eating restaurant that serves severely high-end connoisseur Italian meals. Additionally they have an unbelievable rooftop terrace providing a few of the greatest views in Rome.
Moma
In case 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 unbelievable number of native wines. It’s slightly expensive however price it for a special day.
Pizza e Mozzarella
One among my favourite locations to eat in Rome on a finances is Pizza e Mozzarella. They create wonderful, 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 among 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 may be visited year-round, with each season providing one thing totally different to see and do. Might and September are two of the most effective months to go to, with nice temperatures and fewer crowds than in the course of the peak summer time season.
Completely! Rome is a good vacation spot for each brief and lengthy journeys. There are such a lot of cool and weird 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 can 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 a lot of guided excursions obtainable round Rome. I like to recommend testing GetYourGuide or Viator the place you’ll be able to flick through and ebook a few of the top-rated excursions and actions to do in Rome.
Sure, you’ll be able to 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 sneakers – Rome is filled with slender cobblestone streets, and elements of the town are fairly hilly.
In Closing
Rome is among the world’s most lovely and fascinating cities, with issues to do for folks 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 wonderful metropolis.
I hope you’ve discovered this submit helpful and informative. Take pleasure in Rome – it’s superior!
