12 Best Things to Do in Rome
What is Rome Most Famous For?
There’s no shortage of things to do in Rome, Italy, since the city is brimming with historical and architectural wonders. Few other cities have been able to build around ancient ruins and evocative palaces as successfully as Rome, and you’ll find living history pretty much wherever you look. One day isn’t enough to cover it all, but we’ve selected some of the top Rome, Italy sights and attractions for you to check out first.
Get a sense of the beauty and buzzing life of this historical city at Piazza Navona, then stroll down cobblestone streets that link marketplaces and ancient landmarks. What is Rome known for if not its ancient gladiatorial arena, the Colosseum. You can also cross over the Tiber river to see the wonders of the Vatican, such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo’s famous frescos.
What are the best things to do in Rome?
1. Colosseum
Ancient Rome’s favorite entertainment venue
Good for: Families, History, Photo, Group
The Colosseum (Colosseo) is an iconic amphitheater built in AD 72 and is considered one of the world’s 7 wonders. Standing in the same place where mighty Roman gladiators once battled 2,000 years ago is a thrilling experience.
A highlight of the famous archeological site is the hypogeum – the amphitheater’s incredible underground labyrinth with chambers and passageways. You can expect very long lines at the Colosseum. Save time by visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Even better, buy your tickets online and join shorter lines. Read more
Location: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Daily, April-August from 9 am to 7.15 pm, September 9 am to 7 pm, October 9 am to 6.30pm, November-March 9 am to 4.30 pm
Phone: +39 06 3996 7700
Colosseum
2. Trevi Fountain
The hub of the Quirinale district features several amazing landmarks
Good for: Couples, Families, History
Trevi Fountain is one of the world’s most gorgeous fountains, almost 50 meters across and heavily adorned with sculptures of Roman gods, tritons and horses. Before traditionally tossing in your coins for luck or taking selfies with the magnificent Palazzo Poli palace in the background, stroll along its narrow streets, which are some of the most charming in Rome.
Some of these streets are lined with great dining spots and gelaterias. Via di San Vincenzo and Via della Dataria leads you to the Quirinal Palace, as well as the Piazza del Quirinale with its obelisk and fountain of Castor and Pollux. Read more
Location: Piazza di Trevi, Rome, Italy
Trevi Fountain
3. The Pantheon
Climb up to the colonnade for a sweeping cityscape
Good for: Couples, Families, History
The Pantheon is one of Ancient Rome’s most famous icons that remains a functioning chapel today. This granite-domed temple houses the tombs of some of Italy’s most important figures, including High Renaissance painter, Raphael. Check out the Fontana del Pantheon marble fountain with its six-meter towering obelisk in the Piazza della Rotonda.
The piazza is a great place to hang out, with street music filling the air regularly. Just beware of pickpockets. It’s around a 10-minute walk from Campo de’Fiori via the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Read more
Location: Piazza della Rotonda, Rome, Italy
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6.45 pm
Phone: +39 06 6830 0230
The Pantheon
4. Roman Forum
A famous Roman Empire meeting place
Good for: History, Photo
The Roman Forum (Foro Romano) was the heart and soul of Ancient Rome, packed with basilicas, temples, lively marketplaces, and government buildings. Today, the sprawling ruins are just as impressive and attract more than 4.5 million visitors annually who come to imagine what life was like during the Roman Empire.
Tempio di Saturno, Aro di Tito, and the Curia are top landmarks here. Plan to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday crowds. The Roman Forum is within walking distance from the metro Line B stop Colosseo. Read more
Location: Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Daily, April-August from 9 am to 7.15 pm, September 9 am to 7 pm, October 9 am to 6.30pm, November-March 9 am to 4.30 pm
Phone: +39 06 6998 4443
Roman Forum
5. Piazza Navona
A magical spot for night-time people-watching
Good for: Couples, History, Photo, Budget
Piazza Navona is a beautiful plaza that has been a place for Romans to socialize for over 2,000 years. The reason for its oblong shape is the 30,000-seat stadium that was built here in AD 86 to host athletic and gladiatorial competitions, horse races, and other events. Ancient Romans even flooded the stadium to hold mock naval battles.
You can catch a glimpse of the ruins of the original stadium on the northern end of the plaza – it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, the plaza features Baroque architecture, 3 impressive fountains, and a lively outdoor café atmosphere. The best time to visit is at night, when the crowds have lessened and the fountains become especially magical. Read more
Location: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Piazza Navona
6. Spanish Steps
A wildly photogenic staircase for people-watching and photo ops
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
The Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti) are a regal stone staircase built in 1725 that connects the Piazza di Spagna – Spanish Square – with the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. As you wander through the narrow and charming streets in the center of Rome, you’ll inevitably stumble upon these famous steps.
After climbing the 138 steps, catch your breath as you take in lovely views over the ancient rooftops of Rome. If the church is open, take a peek inside and enjoy a quiet escape from the crowds outside. The steps are a popular attraction, especially in spring when the staircase is covered with pots of azaleas. Be prepared for big crowds. Read more
Location: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Spanish Steps
7. Vatican Museums
Wander through 1,400 rooms filled with historical masterpieces
Good for: History, Photo
The Vatican Museums lie inside the Vatican City and consists of 54 galleries displaying 20,000 works of art that the Catholic Church has collected throughout the centuries. Art and history lovers will be in heaven here. You can easily spend a couple of days exploring the Renaissance paintings, religious art, Roman sculptures and antiquities, and inscriptions from ancient catacombs.
Top highlights include the Sistine Chapel, Niccoline Chapel, the Borgia Apartment, and the Gallery of Maps displaying maps created by Roman topographers in the 16th century. You can expect long lines no matter when you visit, so book skip-the-line tickets online to ensure a much shorter wait. Read more
Location: Vatican City
Open: Monday–Thursday from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 8.30 am to 10.30 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +39 06 6988 4676
Vatican Museums
8. St Peter’s Basilica
An iconic pilgrimage site in the Vatican City
Good for: History, Photo
St Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world and one of the Catholic Church’s holiest places of worship. The magnificent church was built between 1506 and 1626 on the burial site of St Peter, one of Jesus’ 12 disciples, and features Renaissance architecture.
Inside, you’ll find a host of impressive sculptures, including the Pietà statue by Michelangelo, Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s massive statue of St Longinus and the bronze Chair of Saint Peter. Entrance to the Basilica is free, but be prepared to wait as long as 4 hours to get in. Alternatively you can buy a guided tour and skip the lines. For a bird’s-eye view over Rome, you can climb to the top of the dome for a fee. Read more
Location: Viale Vaticano, 00165 Roma RM, Italy
Open: October–March: daily from 7 am to 6.30 pm. April–September: daily from 7 am to 7 pm
Phone: +39 06 6988 3114
St Peter's Basilica
9. Piazza Venezia
A bustling square with panoramic views of Rome
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
Piazza Venezia is one of Rome’s largest squares and sits at the intersection of 4 major roads. Surrounding the square are several historical sites worth visiting. These include St Mark’s Basilica, the House of Bonaparte, and the 15th-century Palace of Venice, now a museum housing medieval and Renaissance art.
On the southern side looms the Vittoriano, a massive, 81-metre-tall building made of white marble. Buy a ticket to take the elevator up to the panoramic platform to enjoy stunning views of Rome and its most famous street – Via del Corso – stretching far into the distance. At the foot of the building is an impressive monument of a knight in armor riding a horse dedicated to the first King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II. Read more
Location: Piazza Venezia, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 0608
Piazza Venezia
10. Castel Sant’Angelo
A landmark fortress with a fascinating history and lovely views
Good for: History, Photo
Castel Sant’Angelo is a famous castle located on the Tiber River, only a short stroll from Vatican City. The massive fortress was initially built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 130 and then later converted into a papal fortress and private residence. The castle was also used as a military headquarters and horrific penitentiary.
Today, the castle is a museum and offers visitors the chance to discover Roman history at their own pace. You can explore the passages and penitentiaries, the papal apartments and halls, and see an impressive collection of sculptures, medieval firearms, and preserved frescoes from the Renaissance period. Be sure to visit the castle’s terrace to enjoy a stunning view across Rome. Read more
Location: Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Tuesday-Sunday 9 am to 7.30 pm
Phone: +39 06 681 9111
Castel Sant'Angelo
11. Campo de’ Fiori Market
Rome’s vibrant market
Good for: Families, History
Campo de’ Fiori (Field of Flowers) is one of Rome’s great market squares, around a 5-minute walk from Piazza Navona along Via dei Baullari. The bustling streets around it are lined with a diverse array of shops, cafes and bakeries. Enter the piazza and you’ll be surrounded by neo-classical architecture.
Sellers set up tents throughout the square, with the statue of Italian philosopher Giordano Bruno looming in the center. There are all sorts of souvenirs at great bargains, but most tenants sell fresh produce. Fruit stalls offer pre-cut fruits; a classic sightseeing snack. Read more
Location: Piazza Campo de’ Fiori, Rome, Italy
Open: Monday–Saturday from about 6 am to 2 pm
Campo de' Fiori Market
12. Testaccio
One of Rome’s best dining and nightlife neighborhoods
Good for: Couples, Families, Food
Testaccio has a rich history in the trade of fresh produce from all over Italy. A great food culture developed at the same time and now this neighborhood is home to fantastic homestyle cuisine, including most of Italy’s traditional offal dishes. Check out the 19th-century Checchino dal 1887 for some of Testaccio’s authentic fare.
The neighborhood has a local party scene, featuring live music and packed dance floors. You can try hopping from one disco to another. Resident DJs at Radio Londra spin funky house music until late. Read more
Location: Testaccio, Rome, Italy
Testaccio
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