There are so many fun things to do in Rome; it’s no wonder it’s one of the most magical cities in the world and one of the best cities in Italy. This is one of my favorite cities in the world, and of course I have been there a million times (and even lived there) so I know it like the palm of my hand.
Rome is the centerpiece of the Roman Empire, which is one of the most fascinating places for history buffs and culture lovers. Many of the main archeological sites, like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and so much more, are in good form and are worth visiting.
Even further, Rome is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful, artistic, and influential churches and religious sites. It’s also the perfect starting point for a day exploring Vatican City and its amazing landmarks.
But it can be overwhelming to start planning your trip to Italy, let alone to decide which of the best Rome tourist attractions to visit.
As an Italian living in Sardinia and having visited Rome many times, I’m here to share my expert guide on the best things to do in the Italian capital. You can’t miss any of these must-see Rome tourist attractions.
Are you traveling to Rome soon? These are the top attractions that must be booked in advance:
If it is your first time in Rome, my post The Best Rome Travel Tips For First Timers is a must read, as well as my post When To Visit Rome (this is especially useful if you wish to avoid visiting the hottest months or when there are large crowds).
Returning visitor? Then my post What To See In Rome Off The Beaten Path is a better read.
The Best Things To Do In Rome
Visit the Colosseum
The Colosseum is undoubtedly Rome’s most popular tourist attraction and one of the most fascinating sights in the world. In fact, with over 4 million visitors each year, the Colosseum is the most popular attraction and a good reason to visit Italy on it’s own.
The Colosseum, built between 72 AD and 82 AD, was the premier entertainment destination in Ancient Rome. The emperor Vespasian, who initiated the construction of the Colosseum, envisioned all sorts of entertainment in the Colosseum, including gladiator battles, mock naval battles, and animal fights.
It became known for its epic gladiator fights and has inspired many Hollywood movies, shows, and novels.
The Colosseum is not as it once was. Thanks to natural disasters and even a period when it was used as a quarry and marble was taken elsewhere in the city, it’s not as it used to be.
That said, enough remains to explore, and it’s exciting to spend the day learning more about the Ancient Roman history that makes this city so fascinating.
How much time do you need to visit the Rome Colosseum? Set aside at least 1-2 hours for the Colosseum if you’re exploring it on your own. It’s also easy to visit alongside other popular Rome sightseeing attractions, as well.
If you’d like a guided tour, Priority Access Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Tour is what to do in Rome. The tour includes transportation, entry tickets, and a tour with a local guide.
Admire the Arches of Titus and Constantine
Just outside the Colosseum, you have the Arches of Titus and Constantine. Even though they are sometimes overlooked due to the excitement around the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, visiting these arches is actually one of the best free things to do in Rome.
The Arch of Titus, which is located right by one of the entrances to the Roman Forum, was erected around 81 AD in honor of Emporer Vespasian and his son, Titus. It was completely dismantled and reassembled in 1821 for restoration purposes, but it’s still a marvel.
Nearer to the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine is another piece of art worth seeing. This one was built in 315 AD to commemorate Constantine the Great’s victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD.
The Arch of Constantine is a beautiful work of art. Despite its relatively quick construction, it is full of intricacy and detail that reflects the culture and art of the time.
How much time do you need to visit the Arch of Titus and Constantine? You only need about 30 minutes for both arches. There really isn’t much to do there other than admire the details and construction of the arches, but it’s still worth making time for it if you’re visiting the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
Explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
There’s no question that the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are among the top Rome tourist attractions.
The Roman Forum was the center of Roman civilization. It was a large space where Roman government buildings were located. The forum was a place for public meetings, prayer, rituals and even a market. It was lined with shops, brothels, and other points of interest on all sides.
Adjacent to the Roman Forum, you have Palatine Hill, the most famous of the seven hills of Rome. It’s also where everything all began. It’s said that this is where twins Romulus and Remus were raised by a wolf. After killing his brother, Romulus found the village which then became Rome on the hill.
The Palatine Hill was once where the wealthy aristocrats and emperors resided in Rome, but now it’s a fascinating open-air museum. From the Terrazza del Palatino (Palatine Terrace) you can enjoy a great view of the Roman Forum, the Colosseum.
How much time do you need to visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill? You need a minimum of 1-2 hours to visit both, but I definitely recommend setting aside a little more time to experience all that there is to see here. Your tickets to the Colosseum will also grant you access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Most tours to the Colosseum also include time at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. If you want something small and personal for these Rome tourist attractions, I recommend this Colosseum Arena Access & Ancient City Small Group Tour. The tour includes plenty of time for both the Colosseum and Palatine Hill, so you’ll be able to catch all the main attractions.
Visit the Vatican City
Despite not technically being a part of Italy (the Vatican City is actually the world’s smallest city-state), visiting the Vatican City a must when in Rome. It’s located right in the heart of Rome and home to some of the best Rome sightseeing.
St. Peter’s Basilica is the most important and influential church in the world and actually the tallest building in Rome (nothing taller can be built in the city). It is open to the public and free to visit. However, be prepared for long entry lines, no matter the day or time.
St. Peter’s Square is the large plaza right in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. You should try to set aside enough time to explore the square too. And if you happen to be in the city on a weekend when the Pope is in Rome, you can catch the Pope’s famous ceremony of the Angelus held every Sunday at noon for the public.
When you’re in Vatican City, you must also visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel: it’s what to do in Rome if you love art. The Vatican Museums are inside the palaces built for Renaissance popes and have the most impressive art collection in the world.
The Sistine Chapel is actually located inside the Vatican Museum and is best when saved for last. This is the widely-known masterpiece of Michelangelo and one of the most impressive pieces of art and architecture in the world.
How much time do you need to visit Vatican City? I recommend a full day. Between the Vatican Museums (which you could honestly visit every day for a week and not even see half of the art), the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Dome and St. Peter’s Square, you’ll have a busy full day of exploring.
If you want more time for all of Vatican City, I actually recommend going through on your own. However, guided tours do provide a little more insight and much less headache when it comes to purchasing tickets and planning. The Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica Tour is a great option if you just want to catch the highlights without spending a full day in Vatican City.
Check out the Pantheon
The Pantheon was first built around 25 AD by Marcus Agrippa as a temple to the 12 Gods and the living Sovran. The Pantheon’s name is actually inspired by the Greek words “all gods.” The original Pantheon crumbled due to fire and was rebuilt many times from then until now.
In 608 AD, the Pantheon was converted into a Christian church called St. Mary and the Martyrs. The Pantheon consists of three parts: a domed rotunda, a portico with granite columns, and a rectangle section connecting the two.
The Pantheon is actually the world’s largest self-supporting concrete dome and is also the oldest building in use today!
It is an impressive site and a must-see for anyone traveling to Rome. Its beautifully ornate fountain outside, in Piazza della Rotonda, is perfect for travel photos.
How much time do you need to visit the Pantheon? 30 minutes is plenty of time to see the Pantheon, but you can always spend another hour there soaking it in, relaxing, and getting some good pictures outside.
You need an entry ticket to visit the Pantheon now, but the ticket includes an audio-guided tour. You can also visit the Pantheon as part of a larger Rome highlights tour. For something unique, I recommend this From Bones to Gods: Capuchin to Pantheon Walking Tour, which includes all entry tickets, some fascinating legends and stories, and a great guide.
Admire art at Galleria Borghese
Galleria Borghese and Borghese Gardens are a must-see in Rome for art lovers. The gallery houses one of the most impressive art collections in the world, with works by wonderful artists such as Bernini, Raphael, Rubens, Titian, and Canova.
Cardinal Scipione Borghese started the gallery in the 17th century to honor his favorite artists and pieces of art. It began as his personal collection of various paintings, sculptures, and antiquities and has grown into a vast collection.
Villa Borghese Gardens is a public landscape park with several museums and art galleries, like Galleria Borghese. You can easily spend hours here, and it’s very close to the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo (a beautiful staircase connects Villa Borghese to Piazza del Popolo).
How much time do you need to visit the Borghese Gallery? Entry tickets are sold in 2-hour windows, and 2 hours is the perfect amount of time to glimpse everything the Borghese Gallery has to offer.
You have to buy tickets ahead of time or consider joining a guided tour. I recommend this Borghese Gallery Guided Tour. The two-hour tour includes an entry ticket and a guide who can share more about the history and amazing pieces of art.
Visit the best museums in Rome
The Vatican Museums and Borghese Gallery are two of the most famous museums in Rome, but they are not the only ones. There are actually well over a dozen famous museums scattered around Rome (and many more lesser known ones), each with something unique to offer.
If you’re interested in Roman history, Roman art, and Roman culture, you could easily spend an entire weekend hopping from museum to museum – it’s what to do in Rome for art and Roman history lovers.
Here are some of the most popular museums in Rome:
CAPITOLINE MUSEUMS: Right on the Capitoline Hill, these are some of the best museums in Rome and a must-see for history and Roman mythology buffs. They date back to the 1500s and have one of the largest collections of Roman artifacts. The Capitoline Museum is actually considered the oldest museum in the world.
BATHS OF DIOCLETIAN: These were the first public baths built in Rome. They are well-preserved and are now among the most important pieces of Roman history.
NATIONAL ROMAN MUSEUM: This is another great museum for history lovers. It has some incredible Roman artifacts and art. Built in the late 1800s, it is also a beautiful example of Italian architecture.
CENTRALE MONTEMARTINI: This is one of the most unique art museums (and probably my favorite), located inside Rome’s first-ever electrical power plant. You’ll find an impressive collection of Greek and Roman statues, mosaics, and more.
PALAZZO BARBERINI: This museum houses the National Gallery of Ancient Art and has more than 1,400 important pieces of art and Roman history. Caravaggio’s Judith Beheading Holofernes is my favorite piece here.
DORIA PAMPHILJ GALLERY: This private art gallery once was the personal collection of the Doria Pamphilj family, located in their palace built in the 17th century by Pope Innocent X. It has some incredible artwork, including pieces by Bernini, Caracci, and Caravaggio. What was once someone’s personal collection has become another national treasure.
There are many more museums worth visiting in Rome, and you honestly can’t go wrong with any of them. After all, Rome is a city of history, culture, art, and music, so each has something unique and prosperous to offer visitors.
How much time do you need to visit Rome’s museums? If you want to visit ALL of Rome’s museums, you need 3-5 full days at a minimum. However, you can also pick and choose a small handful and dedicate at least one full day to exploring them.
My post How Many Days Do You Need In Rome? will help you decide how long to spend in the city.
Explore the churches
Did you know there are over 900 churches in Rome? Visiting some of the many churches, basilicas, and places of worship is actually one of the best free things to do in Rome, as most of them don’t have an entry charge.
Regardless of your religion, visiting the churches of Rome is an incredible experience because they are often beautifully decorated and craftily designed and provide a unique glimpse into Rome’s religious history.
There are too many churches in Rome to name, but here are some of my favorites:
SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE: This is the largest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary of Rome and is still relatively unknown, so it’s a good escape from other overly crowded places.
SAN LUIGI DEI FRANCESI: This church houses the Cantarelli Chapel with Caravaggio’s paintings about the life of St. Matthews. It’s a unique church and definitely worth visiting.
BASILICA DI SAN CLEMENTE: This is another unique place of worship in Rome. It was actually built on another church that dates back to when Christians had to hide their prayers and faith.
There are many other churches around Rome (San Paolo Fuori le Mura, Santa Maria in Trastevere, Santa Cecilia, San Pietro in Vincoli just to name a few more), and you’ll likely enjoy every single one of them. They are so much more than a place of worship; they are also protectors of Rome’s history and culture through art and architecture.
How much time do you need to visit Rome’s churches? You can spend as much or as little time as you’d like visiting Rome’s churches. There are so many that it would take months to find them all. But you can also spend a few spare hours walking around to some of the best in the city.
Go to the Catacombs of Rome
The Catacombs of Rome on the Appian Way are one of the city’s most underrated attractions. Built in the 5th century, they were the burial site for early Pagans, Jews, and Christians.
The catacombs run all under the city and its outskirts and span hundreds of kilometers. They are truly massive. But you can’t just walk through them willy-nilly. The Christian catacombs are all property of the Church, and you need special permission from the Vatican.
However, there are small trails that are available to the public on guided tours.
The Catacombs of St. Callixtus, where 16 popes were buried, are perhaps the most famous. But the Catacombs of Domitilla are also worth visiting.
How much time do you need to visit some of the Catacombs of Rome? You’ll want 2 hours at a minimum for one of the Catacombs of Rome.
You need to enter the catacombs with a guided tour. You can book a tour on-site at some of the popular catacombs, but you can also pre-book a guided tour that arranges transportation. I recommend this Crypts and Catacombs: Underground Tour with Transfers. The tour includes transportation, which is a big bonus because it can be a pain to get there on your own. You’ll also go with a knowledgeable guide who can explain more about the catacomb’s history and importance.
Enjoy the cuisine
Maybe I’m biased, but Italian food is the best in the world. And Rome’s food scene is one of the best in the country.
Of course, you need to try Italian pizza and pasta, but you should also step out off the beaten path and try some different Rome specialities such as those of the Jewish Ghetto of Rome, as well.
Pasta alla carbonara is one of the most famous dishes from the Lazio region. For something a little different, you should try tonnarelli cacio e pepe, which translates to cheese and pepper, or a maritozzi (a pastry stuffed with whippe cream) for a a sweet treat.
As far as dining is concerned, you have endless options. You can choose between fine dining at one of Rome’s many Michelin-starred restaurants, or more low-key family joints such as Renato e Luisa, almost all of which will leave you happy and satiated.
Aroma is one of the best Michelin restaurants with a view. On the rooftop terrace, diners can enjoy views of the Colosseum and St. Peter’s Dome. And if you’re after the best pizza in Rome (many will claim they have the best pizza, and many are lying), I recommend La Gatta Mangiona or SEU Pizza Illuminati, one of the best pizzerie in Italy.
If you really want to make the most of your time in Rome, I suggest considering a food tour and/or a cooking class. These are great ways to learn more about the cuisine. For a food tour, I recommend this Trastevere at Sunset: Rome Food & Wine Tour – that take you to the neighborhood of Trastevere with all the classics.
A cooking class is another amazing way to learn more about our cuisine, and bring a recipe or two home with you! I recommend this Rome Pasta-Making Class: Cook, Dine & Drink Wine with a Local Chef. You’ll learn all about how to make pasta and tiramisu from scratch, which is the perfect skill to impress family and friends at home.
My post The Best Food To Eat In Rome will help you pick what to order from the menu.
Before dining out, make sure to read my guide about Tipping In Italy. Feeling confident about our tipping etiquette will make you feel much more comfortable while out and about.
My post The Most Common Myths About Italian Food will debunk some of the most common myths about local cuisine.
Find good city views
What better thing to do in one of the best places in Italy than enjoy the views? You should definitely try to get to some good viewpoints overlooking the city or near some of its best monuments.
The Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is actually one of the highest points in this area, and it offers great views overlooking the piazza. But one of my personal favorite spots is at Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci), mostly because it’s much less popular than other viewpoints.
You can also enjoy a short hike up Janiculum Hill, the second-highest hill in Rome, for spectacular sunset views. You can get there via the Trastevere neighborhood, just past Porta Settimiana.
Finally, you can get stunning views of St. Peter’s Basilica Dome from Castel Sant’Angelo (more about that in a bit), and incredible views of the Colosseum from the terrace on the Altar of the Fatherland.
Hang out in Piazza di Spagna
Piazza di Spagna is one of Rome’s most famous city squares and a must-visit for first-time visitors.
The city square translates to “Spanish Square” in English and is named after the Spanish Embassy to the Vatican, which has been situated in it since the 17th century.
Bernini’s famous Fontana della Barcaccia is located in Piazza di Spagna, and the Spanish Steps lead down the square.
The Spanish Steps are another famous landmark in Rome. They consist of 132 steps connecting Piazza di Spagna with Trinità dei Monti church.
You should definitely walk up the steps to enjoy views from Trinità dei Monti’s terrace overlooking Via Condotti, one of Rome’s best shopping streets.
Located by the square you’ll also find some of the best hidden gems in Rome, such as Keats-Shelley Memorial House.
How much time do you need to visit Piazza di Spagna? This is a city square, so you can spend as much or as little as you’d like exploring. If it helps, though, it takes approximately 15 minutes to walk up the Spanish Steps to Trinità dei Monti.
Throw a coin in Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain is hands-down one of the most iconic places to visit in Rome.
Legend says that if you throw one coin into the fountain (with the right hand over the left shoulder), you will have a safe return to Rome. If you throw two coins, you’ll fall in love! Unfortunately, everyone visiting Rome wants a chance to throw a coin in the fountain, and there really isn’t that much space.
Be prepared, it’s very crowded. It used to be that you could go early in the morning and beat the crowds, but nowadays, even the crowds show up early. If you don’t want an overcrowded experience, you basically have to go in the middle of the night.
The Trevi Fountain is right in Centro Storico (the historical center) and within walking distance of many of Rome’s best sites. To put it in perspective, the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps are only a 10-minute walk from the fountain. So, it’s easy to add this to your Rome itinerary if you don’t mind the crowd.
How much time do you need to visit Trevi Fountain? Honestly, you just need a few minutes to capture that iconic photo and throw in a coin if there’s space for you. It can be a quick stop while you stroll through Rome’s Centro Storico. Otherwise, you can also visit Trevi Fountain Underground to learn how it works and what’s underneath it.
Visit Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo was built in 135 AD as a mausoleum for Roman Emporer Hadrian. Since then, it has worn many hats, including a medieval citadel, a prison, and a safe harbor for popes during periods of unrest. Now, it’s one of the most fascinating museums in Rome.
The fortress is one of the best showcases of ancient architecture and its beauty. While the exterior is something special, the interior is also an incredible array of art and culture, with something to see on every wall and in every corner.
But there’s more. Castel Sant’Angelo is one of the best places to visit in Rome to get impressive views of St. Peter’s Basilica Dome – you will have to go all the way to the terrace for that. And another bonus point as it’s never crowded.
How much time do you need to visit Castel Sant’Angelo? You should set aside around 2 hours for the fortress. You can explore multiple levels, take in the views from different terraces and viewpoints, and leave some time to admire the interior and exterior beauty.
I recommend looking into a guided tour of the fortress, as the guide can explain more about its history and significance. This Secrets Beneath Sant’Angelo Guided Tour is one of the most popular tour options in Rome. The tour includes a two-hour guided walk through the castle, time to soak in the panoramic views from the terrace, and an expert local guide.
Go on a day trip to Orvieto or Tivoli
If you’ve somehow run out of Rome tourist attractions (trust me, this is never going to happen), or if you just want to escape the city for a day, you can add a day trip or two to your Rome itinerary.
There are honestly so many amazing towns and cities just a stone’s throw away from Rome, so you have many options. However, one of the biggest mistakes travelers make is making a day trip from Rome to a location that is worth more than a day.
For example, both Naples and Florence are only about a three-hour drive from Rome (and little over one hour by train) and very easy to get to. These might be tempting Rome day trips, but they are honestly so fascinating that you should try to set aside more time for them.
That said, Orvieto is one of my favorite day trips from Rome. You can get there easily by car or train (if you drive, you can also visit Civita di Bagnoregio on the same day). Orvieto is a beautiful, small town sitting right on a rock cliff.
Tivoli is another easy day trip from Rome, taking only about an hour each way. It’s most known as the home to two of the most well-preserved Roman villas (Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este). There are also expansive views over the Roman countryside and so much charm.
Summary Of The Best Things To Do In Rome
There are so many places to visit in Rome, such variety, culture, beauty, and history that it’s impossible to get bored.
The Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, and the Catacombs are some of the top Rome tourist attractions. There are even many free things to do in Rome for budget travelers.
The list is endless, really, but these are, at least, some of the top attractions for first-timers who want to hit up all the classics. But this list can honestly keep you busy for weeks.
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Claudia Tavani
Claudia Tavani was born and raised in Sardinia, and after moving between the United States and the United Kingdom, she's now back living in her hometown, Cagliari. She's a travel blogger and certified travel designer who loves planning trips and publishing guides, travel tips, and packing lists so that you don't have to. Owner of Strictly Italy, cat mom to Minnie. Loves pizza, hiking, archeology, cities, beaches, swimming, and running. Hates peppers.