top things to do in ROME

Introduction : Top Things to Do in Rome | Your Ultimate Guide to the Eternal City

Hey there, fellow wanderer! Planning a trip to Rome? You’ve made an excellent choice! I’ve been fortunate enough to visit the Italian capital several times, and let me tell you—this city never ceases to amaze me. Rome is like that perfect pizza—layered with history, culture, and mouthwatering experiences that leave you craving more. Ready to discover the best things to do in this ancient metropolis? Let’s dive right in!

The Colosseum: Step Back in Time

Ever wondered what it felt like to be in the middle of an ancient Roman spectacle? The Colosseum gives you that chance! This massive amphitheater, completed in 80 AD, was the entertainment hub of ancient Rome, hosting gladiatorial contests, mock sea battles, and other public spectacles.

When you visit, I highly recommend getting the skip-the-line tickets—trust me, the regular line can be brutal, especially during summer. For the best experience, book a guided tour that includes access to the underground chambers and the arena floor. Standing where gladiators once prepared for battle gives you a whole new perspective on Roman history.

Pro tip: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst of the crowds and get those Instagram-worthy shots without strangers photobombing your pics. 🙂

Vatican City: A Country Within a City

Yes, you read that right—when you visit Vatican City, you’re technically entering the smallest independent state in the world! Home to the Pope and some of the most incredible art collections on the planet, this tiny enclave packs a massive punch.

The Vatican Museums are simply mind-blowing. With over 70,000 pieces of art spread across 54 galleries, you could spend days here and still not see everything. The highlight? The Sistine Chapel, of course! Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes will literally make your jaw drop. I remember standing there, neck craned, for what felt like hours, just taking in the details.

St. Peter’s Basilica is another must-see. The sheer scale of this church is humbling—it can hold 60,000 people! Don’t miss climbing to the dome for panoramic views of Rome that will make your heart skip a beat.

The Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Where It All Began

If the Colosseum gives you a taste of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum serves the full meal. This sprawling archaeological site was once the heart of Roman public life—where elections, public speeches, criminal trials, and commercial activities took place.

Walking through the Forum feels like time travel. You’ll see the remains of ancient government buildings, temples, and monuments that were once the center of the Roman Empire. Take your time here—each ruined structure has its own fascinating story.

Adjacent to the Forum is Palatine Hill, one of Rome’s seven hills and supposedly where Romulus founded the city in 753 BC. It later became the residential area for the elite and emperors. The views from up here? Absolutely stunning! You can see the Circus Maximus on one side and the Forum on the other.

Trevi Fountain: Make a Wish

Have you ever made a wish while tossing a coin into a fountain? At the Trevi Fountain, this tradition takes on a whole new meaning! Legend has it that if you throw a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand, you’ll return to Rome someday.

This baroque masterpiece is truly spectacular, especially when lit up at night. The fountain depicts Neptune, god of the sea, riding a shell-shaped chariot pulled by sea horses. The detail is incredible!

FYI, the fountain collects about €3,000 every day, which goes to charity. So your wish is also helping those in need—how cool is that?

Spanish Steps: People-Watching Paradise

The Spanish Steps offer the perfect spot to take a break, enjoy some gelato, and watch the world go by. This elegant staircase of 135 steps connects the Piazza di Spagna at the base with the Trinità dei Monti church at the top.

In spring, the steps are adorned with colorful azaleas, making them even more photogenic. From the top, you get a lovely view of the city below. It’s particularly magical at sunset!

Just remember—sitting on the steps to eat is now prohibited (and can result in a fine), so enjoy your gelato standing or find a nearby bench.

Pantheon: Engineering Marvel

The Pantheon will blow your mind. Built nearly 2,000 years ago, it still has the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. How did the Romans achieve this architectural feat without modern technology? It’s one of those questions that makes you appreciate ancient ingenuity.

What I love most about the Pantheon is the oculus—the open hole at the top of the dome. When sunlight streams through this opening, it creates a moving spotlight effect inside the building that’s simply magical. And yes, when it rains, it rains inside too! (Don’t worry, there’s a drainage system in the floor.)

Best of all? The Pantheon is free to enter. You can’t beat that price for one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings!

Villa Borghese Gardens: Escape the Urban Hustle

Need a break from the city buzz? The Villa Borghese Gardens offer a refreshing green oasis in the heart of Rome. This beautiful park is perfect for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or even renting a rowboat on the small lake.

The gardens are home to the Galleria Borghese, which houses an impressive collection of sculptures, ancient mosaics, and paintings. The works by Bernini and Caravaggio alone are worth the visit. Just remember to book tickets in advance—they limit the number of visitors.

IMO, sunset at the Pincio Terrace within the gardens offers one of the most romantic views over Piazza del Popolo and the city beyond. It’s a photographer’s dream!

Trastevere: Experience Authentic Roman Life

If you want to see how Romans really live, head to Trastevere. This charming neighborhood across the Tiber River feels like a small village within the city, with its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and laundry hanging from windows.

During the day, explore the beautiful Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere with its stunning golden mosaics. As evening falls, the area transforms into one of Rome’s most vibrant nightlife districts, with countless restaurants, bars, and piazzas filled with locals and visitors alike.

The food here is outstanding and often more affordable than in the more touristy areas. My favorite evening in Rome was spent at a tiny family-run trattoria in Trastevere, feasting on cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper pasta) and chatting with locals at the next table.

Roman Food Tour: Eat Like a Local

Speaking of food—you haven’t really experienced Rome until you’ve indulged in its culinary delights! Consider taking a food tour to discover hidden gems and learn about Roman cuisine from experts.

Must-try dishes include:

• Carbonara (the authentic Roman version has no cream!)
• Supplì (fried rice balls with mozzarella inside)
• Roman-style pizza (thin and crispy)
• Carciofi alla Giudia (Jewish-style artichokes)
• Gelato from artisanal shops (avoid places with mountains of brightly colored gelato—that’s a tourist trap!)

One of my most memorable Rome experiences was learning to make pasta from scratch at a cooking class. There’s something special about creating your own fettuccine and then devouring it with a glass of local wine!

Castel Sant’Angelo: History with a View

Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, this fortress later became a papal residence and prison. Its fascinating history spans nearly 2,000 years, and walking through its corridors feels like flipping through the pages of a history book.

The castle is connected to the Vatican by a secret passageway that popes used as an escape route during times of danger. At the top, you’ll find a terrace offering breathtaking panoramic views of Rome and the Tiber River.

The sunset from here? Absolutely magical. I still remember sipping an Aperol Spritz at the café on the terrace, watching the sky turn pink over St. Peter’s dome. Some moments are simply perfect, you know?

Final Thoughts: Rome Wasn’t Explored in a Day

There’s so much more to Rome than I could possibly fit into this article—the Appian Way, the Catacombs, Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori market, and countless museums and churches that would each deserve their own write-up.

My advice? Don’t try to see everything in one visit. Rome rewards those who take their time, who wander without a strict itinerary, who stop for long lunches and evening aperitivos. The real joy of Rome lies not just in checking landmarks off your list but in absorbing its unique atmosphere.

So grab a map, put on comfortable shoes, and get ready to fall in love with the Eternal City. Just remember to toss that coin into the Trevi Fountain—because believe me, you’ll want to come back!

Have you been to Rome before? What was your favorite experience? If you’re planning your first trip, what are you most excited to see? Either way, I promise you’re in for an unforgettable adventure!