Rome isn’t the kind of city you “finish.” It’s a place you feel—in the echo of footsteps on ancient stones, in the smell of espresso drifting out of tiny bars, in the sudden quiet you find inside a candlelit church just off a busy street.
Whether you’re visiting Rome for the first time or returning for another round of pasta, piazzas, and history, these are the top 10 things to do in Rome that belong on every itinerary—plus practical tips to help you do them well.
1) Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
If Rome had a greatest hits album, this would be track one.
The Colosseum is iconic, yes—but the magic is in pairing it with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where you walk through the ruins of temples, arches, and ancient marketplaces that once formed the heart of the Roman Empire.
Pro tip: Go early in the morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds. A guided tour is worth it here—context turns ruins into stories.
2) Visit Vatican City: St. Peter’s Basilica + the Vatican Museums
Even if you’re not religious, Vatican City is one of the most astonishing places on earth.
- St. Peter’s Basilica is breathtaking—don’t miss Michelangelo’s Pietà.
- The Vatican Museums are endless and extraordinary, culminating in the Sistine Chapel.
Pro tip: Book Vatican Museums tickets in advance. Lines can be brutal, especially in spring and summer.
Bonus tip: Climb the St. Peter’s Dome for one of the best panoramic views of Rome.
3) Toss a Coin into the Trevi Fountain (Then Come Back at Night)
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, you should still do it.
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most beautiful fountains in the world, and the tradition is simple: toss a coin over your left shoulder to ensure you’ll return to Rome.
Pro tip: Visit early morning for photos, then come back after dark when the lights make it feel like a movie set.
4) Eat Your Way Through Rome (Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, and More)
Rome is not a city where you “grab food.” Rome is a city where you plan your day around eating.
The Roman pasta “holy trinity” includes:
- Carbonara
- Cacio e Pepe
- Amatriciana
And don’t forget:
- Supplì (fried rice balls)
- Roman-style pizza (thin and crispy)
- Gelato (always)
Pro tip: Avoid places with huge menu photos and pushy staff. Look for small menus, locals dining, and a little bit of chaos—that’s usually the sign.
5) Wander the Pantheon (One of the Best Preserved Ancient Buildings)
The Pantheon is a masterpiece of engineering, and walking inside feels like stepping into a perfectly preserved piece of ancient Rome.
The oculus at the top is open to the sky—when it rains, water falls through the center like a quiet blessing.
Pro tip: Visit midweek early in the morning for a calmer experience. Pair it with nearby cafés in Piazza della Rotonda.
6) Get Lost in Trastevere (Rome’s Most Charming Neighborhood)
Trastevere is the Rome of your imagination: ivy-covered buildings, laundry lines, hidden piazzas, cobbled streets, and candlelit trattorias.
Spend an afternoon wandering without a plan. That’s the point.
Must-see: Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
Best time: Evening, when the neighborhood comes alive.
7) See the Sunset from the Pincio Terrace (Over Piazza del Popolo)
If you’re looking for a Roman “wow” moment that isn’t packed like the Trevi Fountain, go here.
The Terrazza del Pincio offers one of the best sunset viewpoints in the city, overlooking Piazza del Popolo and the rooftops beyond.
Pro tip: Bring a drink, sit on the steps, and watch Rome turn gold.
8) Walk the Spanish Steps and Shop on Via Condotti
The Spanish Steps are a classic Rome stop, and the area around them is one of the best places for luxury shopping and people-watching.
Even if you don’t plan to shop, the vibe is worth it—this is Rome dressed up.
Pro tip: Combine it with a stroll down Via del Corso, a major shopping street, then walk to the Trevi Fountain.
9) Visit the Borghese Gallery (Rome’s Best Art Museum)
If you only choose one art museum in Rome, make it the Galleria Borghese.
The sculptures by Bernini are jaw-dropping—especially Apollo and Daphne, which looks like marble turning into leaves mid-motion.
Important: Entry is timed and tickets sell out, so book ahead.
Pro tip: Arrive early and walk around the surrounding Villa Borghese gardens afterward.
10) Experience Rome Like a Roman: Aperitivo + Evening Stroll (“Passeggiata”)
Rome’s rhythm is at its best in the evening.
Start with aperitivo (a drink + snacks) and follow it with a slow walk through the city—no destination needed. Romans call this the passeggiata, and it’s one of the most authentic ways to experience the city.
Great areas for evening strolls:
- Campo de’ Fiori to Piazza Navona
- Via dei Coronari
- Trastevere
- Along the Tiber River
Bonus Things to Do in Rome (If You Have Extra Time)
If you’re staying longer, add these:
- Catacombs on the Appian Way
- Capitoline Museums (incredible for Roman history)
- Baths of Caracalla
- Testaccio for food lovers (more local, less touristy)
- A day trip to Tivoli (Villa d’Este + Hadrian’s Villa)
Tips for Planning Your Rome Itinerary
✅ Best Time to Visit Rome
- Spring (April–June): beautiful weather, busy crowds
- Fall (September–October): ideal balance
- Winter: fewer crowds, magical holiday vibe
- Summer: hot and crowded, but still incredible if you plan smart
✅ How Many Days Do You Need?
- 3 days: highlights + Vatican + classic neighborhoods
- 5 days: relaxed pace + museums + day trip potential
- 7+ days: the dream—Rome becomes a lifestyle
✅ Getting Around
Rome is best explored on foot. For longer distances:
- Metro (limited but useful)
- Buses (hit or miss)
- Taxis or ride apps (use official taxis)
Final Thoughts: Rome Will Make You Want to Come Back
Rome is the kind of place where the top 10 things to do are just the beginning. The real magic is in the in-between moments: the espresso break, the street musician in a piazza, the smell of fresh bread, the unexpected church you wander into to escape the heat.
Do the big sights—absolutely. But leave room for spontaneity. That’s where Rome shines.
