Things to See and Do in Rome: A Guide to the Eternal City

When you’re planning things to do in Rome, you realize this city is like no other. Every street, square, and corner has a story to tell.

The bold, beautiful, and fascinating city charms visitors with its timeless magic. Experience ancient ruins, Renaissance art, marketplaces, and cobblestone streets when you visit.

Rome has to be on your list of things to do in Italy because there’s always something new to do and see.

Don’t know where to start? Here are some highlights that will make your trip unforgettable.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Joining our guided Italy tours is an excellent way to enjoy what Rome offers. Don’t miss these landmarks:

The Colosseum

The Colosseum is the world’s largest ancient amphitheater. It once held over 50,000 spectators for gladiator fights, animal hunts, and mock sea battles.

Book tickets in advance, as it’s a popular attraction. Visit early or late to avoid the busiest times.

We recommend guided tours to experience the Colosseum’s dramatic history. You may be able to skip long queues.

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

The Roman Forum is one of Rome’s oldest sites and a must-see. It once hosted markets, trials, public meetings, and temples. Some ruins, like the House of the Vestal Virgins, still stand.

Nearby Palatine Hill is where Rome began. History says Romulus founded the city here after killing his twin Remus.

The Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica

The Vatican Museums are a must-see in Rome. They have Roman sculptures and Renaissance masterpieces on display.

The Sistine Chapel lies within the museums. Millions view Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam” and “The Last Judgment.”

Nearby is St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church. Its main attractions include the Necropolis, Michelangelo’s dome, and the Vatican Grottoes. The Altar of the Confessio offers a view of Saint Peter’s tomb.

Pantheon

The Pantheon was a Roman temple for all gods and now serves as the Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs.

Its dome is a marvel, built without reinforcement and lit only by a 9-meter-wide oculus at the top. The structure has no windows.

Don’t miss the Pillar of Woes, which locals believe touching brings luck and healing.

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain must be on your list of things to do in Rome. It’s customary to toss a coin over the left shoulder to ensure a return to the city.

The fountain is a symbol of Rome’s artistic legacy. It’s also a great place to relax, people-watch, and snap memorable photos.

Spanish Steps 

Did you see the Spanish Steps in the 1953 film Roman Holiday, with Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn?

The staircase links the Trinità dei Monti church to Piazza di Spagna and offers lovely city views. While the church is open to visitors, sitting on the steps is no longer allowed.

Hidden gems and local favorites

Some of Rome’s best experiences are in quiet streets and charming neighborhoods. Our Eternal cities, Milan & Lake Como partially guided tour gives you time to look for these hidden gems.

Aventine Keyhole & Garden of Oranges 

The Orange Trees Garden on Rome’s peaceful Aventine Hill offers excellent panoramic views of the city. The ruins of the Savelli family’s medieval fortress lie beneath the fountain.

A short walk away, look through the unassuming keyhole at the Priory of the Knights of Malta. You’ll see a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Quartiere Coppedè

Looking for more things to do in Rome? Quartiere Coppedè has charming and unique architecture. View and admire Italian Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Greek, Baroque, Gothic, and Medieval designs will inspire you.

The grand Coppedè Archway is a tribute to ancient Roman architecture. Don’t miss the Villino delle Fate (Fairy House), which looks like a magical building from a storybook.

You may know the Fontana delle Rane (Fountain of the Frogs) at the center of Piazza Mincio. The fountain became famous when the Fab Four jumped in after a concert!

Basilica di San Clemente

A five-minute walk from the Colosseum takes you to the Basilica di San Clemente. Admire stunning mosaics, Renaissance frescoes, and Cosmatesque floors from Rome’s history. 

Below the temple is a 4th-century church with 8th to 11th-century medieval frescoes. One level deeper takes you to a 1st-century Mithraic temple and a public building. Other highlights include St. Catherine’s chapel and St. Cyril’s tomb.

Trastevere

If you want non-touristy things to do in Rome, head to Trastevere. You’ll find artisan shops and hidden trattorias serving traditional Roman dishes.

Start your day with an espresso at Bar San Calisto before taking a short stroll to Basilica di Santa Maria. Its wooden ceilings and 12th-century mosaics are stunning. 

Prepare to take stunning photos from the Botanical Gardens on Gianicolo Hill.

Testaccio Market

Visit Testaccio market to experience modern Roman life. Locals shop, eat, drink, and enjoy music there. Many family-run eateries offer a taste of Rome’s past and present.

Exhibits above the market show Testaccio’s 2,000-year history as Rome’s ancient food hub. Archaeologists found buried food containers beneath the building, dating back two millennia.

Must-try food and drink experiences in Rome

Even if you’re not a foodie, one of the best things to do in Rome is its food. Here’s what you need to know.

Cacio e Pepe, carbonara, supplì

Cacio e Pepe, carbonara, and suppli are classic Roman culinary dishes. 

As the name suggests, Cacio e Pepe is a delicious pasta made with Pecorino cheese and black pepper. The creamy carbonara features guanciale, eggs, cheese, and pepper. Supplì is the perfect Roman snack. The crispy rice balls with tomato sauce are yummy.

Best gelaterias

After a hearty meal, treat yourself to gelato. This creamy delight comes in many flavors and seasonal ingredients. There are also vegan and sugar-free options.

Rome’s best gelaterias include Fassi Gelateria, Fiordiluna, and Otaleg. They serve all-natural gelato that locals and visitors love.

Aperitivo culture

One of the fun things to do in Rome is to embrace aperitivo like the locals when they unwind after work.

Freni e Frizioni in Trastevere is the place to enjoy craft cocktails and a vegetarian buffet. Blackmarket Hall in Rione Monti offers drinks and music.

Local markets

Rome’s markets offer more than food, fruit, vegetables, and flowers. They invite you to slow down, enjoy local flavors, and listen to stories. Enjoy pizza by the slice at the Forno Campo de ‘Fiori.

Other local markets offering authentic local experience include Campo de’ Fiori and Testaccio.

Recommended restaurants

These trattorias serve up some of the best Roman eats in town.

Eating at Domenico dal 1968 is one of the top things to do in Rome. The neighborhood trattoria is popular for its local cuisine.

Head to L’Osteria della Trippa for delicious, authentic Roman food. This restaurant offers hearty portions and local flavors.

Cultural and artistic highlights

Art and culture are everywhere in Italy’s capital. These museums, galleries, and historic sites are a must on every list of things to do in Rome.

Borghese Gallery & Gardens

Visiting the Borghese Gallery is a must. It’s in the center of Villa Borghese Park, close to the Spanish Steps.

View works by Titian and Raphael and Bernini’s “Apollo and Daphne.” Immerse in the beauty of Baroque and Renaissance masterpieces.

Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museums are galleries with historical Roman works and ancient world exhibits. They have artifacts from Greece, Egypt, the Renaissance, and the Middle Ages.

View Bernini’s “Bust of Medusa” and the Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius. The museums also display ancient sculptures, paintings, jewelry, and coins.

Opera and live music venues

Your travel plans should include relaxing and entertaining things to do in Rome. The city has nightlife attractions where you can chill after a long day of sightseeing.

Casa del Jazz offers live concerts by international and local artists. Oratorio del Caravita is the venue for opera and classical fans.

Visit the Baths of Caracalla to view the ruins of Rome’s second-largest public baths. The artifacts include the Farnese Bull and the Farnese Hercules sculptures.

Street art in Ostiense & Pigneto

Ostiense and Pigneto give you a peek into Rome’s modern, artsy side. 

What stands out in Ostiense is the street art on buildings. Check out the mural on Via Porto Fluviale’s former air-force barracks.

Similar art appears in Pigneto on shop shutters and walls. Don’t miss the smaller artistic works on stickers, posters, doors, windows, and traffic signs.

Best day trips from Rome

Day trips are the best way to visit sites further from Rome. There are many things to do in Rome that are a short distance from the city.

Tivoli

History and architectural fans can look forward to things to do in Tivoli. A trip to Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana will take you back to Italy’s rich cultural past. 

The 16th-century Villa d’Este represents Renaissance elegance in Italy. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has fountains, grottos, and waterfalls to admire.

Villa Adriana was Emperor Hadrian’s retreat. The complex had palaces, theaters, baths, libraries, and gardens. The ruins reflect Roman, Greek, and Egyptian architectural styles.

Castel Gandolfo

Bring your list of things to do in Castel Gandolfo on a day trip to Castello. It’s one of Italy’s most beautiful towns, surrounded by nature. The site offers scenic views of Lake Albano.

The Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo is here. Once the pope’s summer home, the building is now a museum, open to the public. 

Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica, southwest of the capital, was a city and port in ancient Rome. The port ceased to operate when Rome fell. 

What are the things to do in Ostia Antica? It’s an archaeological site with preserved ancient buildings. The ruins give you an idea of Roman urbanization.

Practical travel tips for visiting Rome

Besides your list of cool things to do in Rome, these handy tips help you enjoy every moment.

Getting around 

Get around on Rome’s metro, which stops near many main sites. Buses, trams, and urban trains work well too.

Walking is the best way to visit the sites, as they’re close by. Going on foot also helps you avoid traffic.

Best times to visit 

Use this guide to help you plan your vacation to avoid crowds and save money.

October to April is the best time to visit Rome. There are fewer tourists and cheaper room rates. Christmas and Easter are busy periods.

Expect many tourists between June and August, as summer is the peak season, so. Book your hotel early to avoid high rates.

Safety and scams

Although Rome’s crime rate is lower than most Italian cities, be alert. Bag-snatching and pickpocketing are common in tourist spots, trains, and train stations.

Don’t carry a lot of cash. Keep your valuables in your hotel safe. Report to the police as soon as a crime happens to you.

Be aware of the “gift” and “help” scams. Someone helps you or gives you something and expects money. They may get aggressive when you decline.

Tickets & reservations

Skip-the-line tickets can save time when visiting main attractions. Grab the OMNIA Vatican and Rome Pass for convenience. Entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is via special-purpose lines. You also enjoy discounts for other attractions.

Discover Rome with Exoticca

Rome will charm you upon arrival. The city’s ancient ruins, hidden gems, and delicious food and drinks await.

Traveling with Exoticca ensures a comfortable and easy Rome experience. Leave everything to us and focus on enjoying your trip. 

Our local guides will bring the city’s rich history and culture to life. We offer flexible tour programs to cater to your needs.

Ready to experience the best things to do in Rome? Book our Italy vacation packages and embark on an unforgettable journey.