If you are visiting the Eternal City, you might be wondering what you absolutely must do in Rome. It’s a big city with a lots of attractions, so having a list of things to do in Rome is essential.
As someone who has traveled in Rome half a dozen times, I’m excited to share these ultimate things to do in Rome, Italy.
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Why visit Rome?
One must do in Rome? Allow yourself time to get to know this dreamy destination. Rome, the Eternal City, is a treasure trove of history, art, and culture that has captivated travelers for centuries. You’ll likely find that its ancient ruins, iconic landmarks, and charming neighborhoods offer a wealth of experiences! You could spend a week in Rome and barely scratch the surface.
It’s a cultural hub, a deep dive into ancient history, and a world of wonder awaits you when you travel to Rome. So, why visit Rome? Well, these best places to visit in Rome sure help.
Must Do in Rome: Things to Do in Italy's Capital
Enjoy the eternal city in the best way. Here’s what you can’t miss!
Explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum
I remember the first time I caught a glimpse of the Colosseum. It’s probably the only time I’ve felt so taken aback by a building – not even the Eiffel Tower (which I think is objectively more attractive) moved me the way seeing the Colosseum did.
And so, let it be one of the first places you see in Rome! Surely, no first-timer’s visit to Rome is complete without stepping back in time at the Colosseum and Roman Forum, anyway.
Marvel at the magnitude of the Colosseum, the iconic amphitheater that hosted ancient gladiatorial contests. Then, wander through the ruins of the Roman Forum, once the center of political, religious, and social life in ancient Rome.
It poured down when I toured the Colosseum and Roman Forum but it only added to the beauty of it all!
Top tip! Attractions in Rome can sell out FAST! Buy your tickets in advance to avoid missing out or wasting time waiting in queues. Get your tickets here!
Are you hoping to book a hotel by the Colosseum? Here’s a perfectly romantic hotel option!
Wander Through Trastevere, one of Rome’s best neighborhoods
Cross the Tiber River to discover the charming, bohemian atmosphere of Trastevere, a centuries-old neighborhood with working-class roots. Walk along the narrow cobbled streets, lined with greenery-covered homes, artisan boutiques, craft breweries, and traditional trattorias.
Immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, visit the beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, and then experience the lively nightlife around Piazza di San Calisto and Piazza Santa Maria that makes this neighborhood so beloved by locals and visitors alike.
And as Trastevere is so perfectly located, it’s also one of the best places to stay in Rome. Check out this beautiful boutique hotel in Trastevere with balcony rooms and a rooftop terrace.
Visit Piazza Campo de' Fiori
Piazza Campo de’ Fiori is a large, bustling square known for its lively market during the day. Campo de ‘Fiori translates to ‘field of flowers’, and the name derived from the Middle Ages when this area was still a meadow covered in wildflowers.
Here you can find all sorts of fresh produce, dry pasta, truffle oils, cheeses, spices, flowers, and so much more. Seriously, you’ll find some pretty tasty souvenirs here.
But it’s not just a daytime Rome attraction. As evening falls, the square transforms into a hub of restaurants and bars, offering a lively atmosphere and delectable Roman cuisine. Pair dishes like pasta alla Carbonara, tonnarelli cacio e pepe, and bucatini all’Amatriciana with a glass of Italian wine while enjoying the vibrant energy of this famous, must-visit square.
We visited Antica Hostaria Romanesca and the pasta was bellissima!
Take a street food walking tour in Rome and see Campo de’ Fiori, Trastevere, and the Jewish Quarter.
See piazza navona
Visit the lively Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most beautiful squares. Here you’ll find grand Baroque fountains, especially the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini. You’ll also want to walk along and enjoy the square’s charming cafés andart galleries,
For more in the area, visit the nearby Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, an architectural gem with stunning interior artwork, and the Fontana dei Libri (Fountain of Books), one of Rome’s nine district fountains.
Take a cooking class in Piazza Navona for a family-friendy activity to do in Rome!
Vist the Pantheon, built in the 2nd century
Step into the ancient world at the Pantheon, a former Roman temple and a Catholic Church since the Middle Ages. It’s truly is picturesque, nestled in a piazza with a stunning fountain.
It was free for the longest time, but the long queues to enter bogged down the area and it now costs 5 euros to enter.
You’ll also find a lot of other piazze and churches in the area, so feel free to wander around a bit here. It’s also a straight path to the Trevi Fountain and the Piazza Navona (two more places to see in Rome on our list).
Stop by the Trevi Fountain (evening or early morning)
The Trevi Fountain is a wonderful site to see in Rome, but it can get VERY crowded during the day. It was one of the things that initially made me dislike Rome. You could feel the over-tourism everywhere you went. But then I went late at night, maybe midnight, and it was empty other than a couple nestled up by the fountain’s edge. And it was lit up in a buttery glow!
So, while you should definitely admire this work of art, full of intricate sculptures depicting Neptune, tritons, and seahorses, it’s best seen at night (or really early in the morning) when there’s hardly anyone else around.
How many days are you spending in Rome? Check out my travel guide on what to do in Rome for 3 days.
Explore the Capitoline Museums
You’ll definitely want to see Rome’s artistic treasures at the Capitoline Museums, the world’s oldest public museums. Discover masterpieces of ancient sculpture, including the iconic Capitoline Wolf, and admire magnificent paintings and artifacts.
And if art is simply not your thing, you’ll still want to visit just for the museum’s terrace. That’s because you’ll get legendary views of the Roman Forum, the Colosseum in the distance, and views overlooking the bustling city of Rome.
See the impressive Monument of Victor Emmanuel II
Dedicated to the first king of Italy (who is buried in the Pantheon), the Monument of Victor Emmanuel II is located between Piazza Venezia and Capitoline Hill. It’s massive with two bronze statues, an interior museum, and beautiful cityscape views throughout. (The cover photo of this blog is one of the views you can see, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum!)
You can also get tickets to the rooftop (reached via elevator) for more views of the city. I think you can get amazing views without buying tickets to the rooftop, but you will get a closer look at the two statues of the goddess Victoria that stand tall on either side of the monument.
Climb the Ara Coeli Staircase
Offering sweeping views of Rome’s landmarks, the Ara Coeli Staircase takes you up 124 steps to the Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli.
Reach the top and enter the basilica, where you can admire stunning frescoes, intricate architecture, and a peaceful ambiance. It’s well worth the steps for the views alone but the beauty of the church definitely adds to the appeal.
Experience the beauty of Villa Borghese
At some point, you’ll probably want to escape the urban buzz and retreat somewhere a bit more peaceful. If that’s the case, head over to Villa Borghese.
You’ll find a vast park with scenic paths and panoramic views from Pincio Terrace. Then, you can visit the Borghese Gallery, home to an impressive collection of art, including works by Caravaggio and Bernini.
And for more activities to do in Rome, rent a rowboat on the park’s picturesque lake and unwind. It’s such an amazing way to enjoy a peaceful afternoon in Italy’s capital.
Wander through Vatican City, a must do in Rome
Fun fact! You can check off a new country when you visit Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state. This spiritual and cultural hub is home to the Pope, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the awe-inspiring Vatican Museums. Make sure to marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel and climb to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica for breathtaking views of Rome.
There’s also the Gardens of Vatican City, home to a peaceful oasis full of fountains, sculptures, and rare plants – a treasure in the center of Rome!
Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance! Click here to reserve your spot. Use this secret multi-attraction pass to get into Vatican City AND 2-6 more attractions in Rome.
It’s also worth it to pay for a guide. You’ll get an amazing inside look at Vatican City and you won’t waste time!
Eat lots of Italian food
You are visiting Rome, one of the foodie capitals of the world! Pasta is a must, gelato is non-negotiable, and wine is a no-brainer. But that’s not all, there are loads of other amazing foods to try in Italy.
Grab a sweet cannolo (fried dough shell filled with sweet, creamy ricotta) from a bakery, eat mushroom-stuffed arancini with an Aperol spritz as an apertivo, and tons of other must-try Italian dishes.
Local recommendation! Get cacio e pepe (one of Rome’s best pasta dishes) at Felice a Testaccio. It’s very popular for a reason, so reserve your table in advance!
Rome is busy, busy! Call or see if there’s an option online to reserve your tables for restaurants in Rome in advance.
For some of the best pizza and pasta restaurants in Rome, see my Rome restaurant guide here.
Visit local boutiques
As a sustainable traveler, supporting the local economy is one ofthe best things you can do. That’s why I always seek out local boutiques when it comes to shopping on vacation. Luckily, Rome has no shortage of incredible shops.
I bought a stunning handmade sunhat in Rome a couple of years ago, and it’s one of my all-time favorite souvenirs. The hat was made by a local designer Tina Sondergaard and all her designs have vintage inspiration. It’s so much more special than a random snowglobe or a cheap hat from H&M.
When it comes to boutique shopping in Rome, two great places to start are Via Vittorio Veneto and around the Monti neighborhood.
Stop for coffee
Coffee is a cultural experience in Italy and it’s best enjoyed sitting down on the terrace outside or standing up around the bar. Don’t be tempted by a takeaway coffee. Instead, use it as a time people watch, plan out your day, or to enjoy a moment of relaxation.
Before noon, pair a fresh croissant, I prefer mine vuoto (meaning empty) with a foamy cappuccino to start the day off right! Un cornetto al cioccolato is also a delicious option for a filled “croissant” option.
Italians are less likely to have milk in their coffee after 12 pm, but if they do they’ll usually take an espresso macchiato, which has just a dollop of foamed milk. In Italian, macchiato means stained or spotted, so it’s an espresso shot “stained” with milk.
Here’s a little Italian lesson to help you order coffee in Italy. Say “Buongiorno, un cornetto (vuoto, al cioccato, al marmellata — however you prefer!) e cappuccino, per favore.
Don’t miss out on these must-dos in Rome. This city has so much to offer and a lot of it goes beyond the typical tourist attractions. Get lost, wander, stop into unique boutiques, stop for coffee, visit tucked-away squares, and live la doce vita a Roma.
Rome Travel Tips
Thos Must Do in Rome Guide is hardly complete without diving into some things to keep in mind during your time in Italy. Follow these Rome travel tips for the best time.
Be mindful of pickpockets: Some of Europe’s largest cities like Barcelona, Paris, and Rome are hubs for pickpockets. See my guide here. To help prevent pickpockets in Rome, carry one of these anti-theft bags.
Make reservations and bookings in advance: Especially during summer in Italy, restaurants and tours fill up FAST. So while I do prefer to go with the flow while traveling, Rome does require a bit of booking in advance (especially if you’re on a shorter weekend trip).
Book tours through the links above for the best deals and call restaurants or check their websitse (many let you book through the site) to confirm your reservations.
Bring a reusable water bottle: Rome is full of water fountains, and the flowing water means it’s clean and healthy to drink. Don’t fool around with single-use plastic bottles. I love this collapsible water bottle for travel.
You can buy public transport tickets ahead of time: You can buy tickets at any tabaccheria (tobacco shop) in the city. They are designated with a large T sign. Tickets are €1.50 each, or opt for a 24-hour, 48-hour or weekly ticket for a discounted price. Tickets work for bus, metro, tram and local train.
Have some cash: Italy uses the euro (€), and while many shops and restaurants accept card, but having some cash can save you money and some snaller joints still do cash-only.
Avoid splitting the bill: Another reason why it’s good to keep cash on you is so you can easily split the bill with your travel companions. In Italy, it’s not common to ask for separate checks. Either one person pays or they split the bill depending on how many people there were (not by what meal everyone had).
For example, if the bill is €100 and there are 4 people, typically everyone would just chip in €25 regardless of whose food/drink was more expensive. But ultimately it will all depend on who you are traveling with!
Tipping isn’t a big deal: Some restaurants will put in English something along the lines of “Tip not included” at the bottom of your bill and that’s just there to trick tourists into tipping. You can round up the bill or leave small change but don’t feel obligated to tip.
Don’t get confused by the coperto fee at restaurants: A coperto is fixed a cover charge per person sitting at the table.
The coperto is usually €2 or €3 per person. And nope, it’s not a scam.
You have to pay for water: Most times if you ask for water at a restaurant, you’ll receive a glass or plastic bottle, not free tap water.
Thanks for reading my must do in Rome guide. Enjoy your trip to this ancient city!
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