10 Best Things To Do In Rome Italy

Last Updated on November 4, 2025 by Soumya

Looking for the best things to do in Rome, Italy? You’re at the right place.

Rome, the ancient capital of the Roman Empire and the modern capital of Italy, is full of history and intrigue. According to Roman mythology, the city was founded in the 8th century BC; however, it was inhabited much earlier.

If you are a history lover, there is no better place for you than Rome. With over 3,000 years of history, Rome has enough attractions to keep you busy for a year, as well as confuse you if you’re a first-time visitor.

So, here’s my list of 10 best things to do in Rome – sights that you should absolutely not miss.

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Top 10 Things to Do in Rome Italy

Rome is one of the most-visited cities in the world. It is also one of the best places to visit in Italy.

Also known as the Eternal City, Rome houses the world’s smallest country, Vatican City, within its borders.

Rome’s massive collection of ancient archaeological sites, museums, aqueducts, fountains, churches, and palaces makes it one of the most preferred holiday destinations. This also means Rome is filled with Instagrammable spots.

I have been to Rome a few times. Yet, I feel I have only scratched the surface. There’s just so much to see and do in Rome.

If you’re a first-time visitor, things can get confusing very quickly about what to miss and what to see in Rome. So, here’s my Rome Bucket List of the 10 most popular things to do in Rome that you absolutely cannot miss!

Be Amazed by the Colosseum

Location: Piazza del Colosseo in the center of Rome, the closest Metro station is Colosseo (Line B)
Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm (last entrance). Check for changes on the official website here.
Tickets: Be sure to book your skip-the-line tickets well in advance. You need to reserve a time to enter the Colosseum.

If you see only one thing in Rome, make it the Colosseum. This massive Roman amphitheater stands proudly in the center of the city and is impossible to miss. 

Built nearly 2,000 years ago, it’s a powerful symbol of ancient Rome’s greatness. In its heyday, the Colosseum hosted thrilling gladiator fights and captivating public shows that drew massive crowds.

Today, more than four million people visit the Colosseum annually, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. 

You can easily get there by bus, metro, or on foot as part of a tour of old Rome. 

Don’t miss the underground area, where gladiators once prepared for battle and animals were housed, or the Belvedere, which offers stunning views of the city.

During the day, the Colosseum is typically crowded with tourists. But at night, when it’s beautifully lit under the Roman sky, it feels absolutely magical. Taking this night tour is one of the best ways to experience the Colosseum.

✦ Pro Tip: To find out more about the Colosseum’s history, tours, access points, and expert tips, read our detailed guide on visiting the Colosseum.

Walk Through the Roman Forum

Location: Via Della Salara Vecchia, closest Metro Station is Colosseo (Line B)
Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm last entrance
Tickets: Book your Roman Forum tickets here

Long ago, the Roman Forum was the busy political, social, and economic center of ancient Rome. This was where government buildings, temples, and markets stood side by side. 

Senators met here to discuss politics, people came to shop or attend ceremonies, and great parades filled the streets. 

After the Roman Empire collapsed, the Forum slowly turned into ruins. Many of its beautiful marble pieces were taken away to build other structures. During the Renaissance, people began rebuilding and digging up the site to uncover its lost glory. 

Today, you can walk among ancient ruins, including the Temple of Saturn, one of the oldest temples, the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Temple of Julius Caesar, and the Column of Phocas.

You can visit the Roman Forum with your Colosseum ticket, which is valid for any time within 24 hours of making the first entrance, making it perfect for exploring Rome in one day.

📖 Read Next: Ultimate travel guide for the Roman Forum

Climb the Spanish Steps – Free

Location: Piazza di Spagna, the closest Metro station is Spagna (Line A)
Opening Hours: Always open
Tickets: Free

The Spanish Steps are a beautiful staircase of 135 steps built in the early 18th century. They were designed to connect the Trinità dei Monti church at the top with the Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Square) below. 

The steps got their name from the nearby Spanish Embassy, which was located in the square.

Their unique, butterfly-shaped design has made the Spanish Steps one of Rome’s most famous landmarks and a must-have on your Italian bucket list. They became even more popular after appearing in the classic film Roman Holiday, starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.

Today, both locals and tourists love spending time here — sitting on the steps, chatting with friends, eating gelato, or simply enjoying the view of the bustling square below. 

📖 Read Next: The Perfect Walking Tour of Rome

Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain – Free except for the cost of the coin, of course 🙂

Location: Piazza di Trevi, closest Metro Station is Barberini (Line A)
Opening Hours: Always open
Tickets: Free

Another must-visit landmark in Rome is the Trevi Fountain, also known as Fontana di Trevi.

Built at the end of an ancient aqueduct, it dates back to the time of the Roman Empire. Today, it is the largest and one of the most stunning fountains in the city, admired for its grand sculptures and flowing water.

Visitors from all over the world come to admire its beauty — and to take part in a famous tradition of coin tossing.

You’ll see people tossing coins into the fountain, and you’ll likely want to join them too! According to a legend, throwing one coin means you’ll return to Rome, two coins will make you fall in love with an Italian, and three coins mean you’ll marry that person.

Each year, about US $1.7 million worth of coins are thrown into the fountain. The money is collected and donated to charity, making this romantic ritual even more meaningful.

✦ Pro Tip: Book this highly-rated walking tour and explore Trevi Fountain with a local.

Visit the Pantheon – Free

Location: Piazza della Rotonda, closest Metro Station is Barberini (Line A)
Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (Check the official website here for any changes)
Tickets: Free

The Pantheon is one of the most famous and best-preserved monuments from ancient Rome. 

Built in the 2nd century, it was originally a temple dedicated to all the gods. Its name itself comes from the Greek words meaning “all gods.”

The most fascinating feature of the Pantheon is its massive dome, which features a circular opening at the top known as the oculus. This hole allows sunlight and rain to pass through and is said to symbolize the temple’s connection between heaven and earth. 

Remarkably, the dome remains one of the largest unsupported domes in the world, a true masterpiece of Roman engineering.

Over the centuries, the Pantheon has inspired countless buildings around the globe, from churches to government halls. 

📖 Read Next: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for Rome

St. Peter’s Basilica – Free

Location: Vatican City
Opening Hours: 7:00 am – 7:10 pm (Check for schedule changes on the official website here)
Tickets: Free. If you want to climb the dome, book your tickets here.

St. Peter’s Basilica, located in Vatican City, is one of the most famous churches in the world. Built during the Renaissance, it was designed by renowned artists and architects, including Michelangelo and Bernini.

The basilica is one of the holiest sites in Catholicism and an essential place of pilgrimage for millions of visitors each year. It is known to be the burial place of Saint Peter, the first Bishop of Rome and one of Jesus’s apostles.

One of the most striking features of St. Peter’s Basilica is its majestic dome, designed by Michelangelo. The dome dominates the Roman skyline and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. You can climb (for a fee – get your tickets here) to the top for breathtaking views of Rome and Vatican City. 

The interiors of the cathedral, particularly the dome, are adorned with elaborate decorations. You can climb the dome by getting a ticket.

Queues to enter the basilica are long. You may have to wait for as long as an hour sometimes.

The church also has a dress code, requiring shoulders and knees to be covered. Be sure to include something that fits the bill in your packing list.

✦ Pro Tip: Book your tour of St. Peter’s Basilica here. This tour includes a dome climb as well as a visit to the grottoes.

St. Peter’s Square – Free

Location: Vatican City
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Tickets: Free

St. Peter’s Square, situated directly in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, is one of the most renowned and grand public squares in the world.

Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the late 17th century, the square still retains its original beauty and symmetry.

During major church events and papal ceremonies, it can hold over 300,000 people, making it a powerful symbol of faith and unity for Catholics from around the globe.

At the very center of the square stands a 25-meter-tall Egyptian obelisk, brought to Rome in 37 AD. Known as the Vatican Obelisk, it is one of the most enormous obelisks ever transported from Egypt — and interestingly, it bears no inscriptions. 

Tour the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Location: Vatican City
Opening Hours: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm (Check for schedule changes on official website here)
Tickets: Book your skip-the-line tickets here.

The Vatican Museums, located in Vatican City, are a must-visit for anyone traveling to Rome for the first time. 

They house thousands of incredible artworks, sculptures, and historical pieces that span centuries of human creativity.

One of the most fascinating sections is the Gallery of Geographic Maps, which displays beautifully detailed maps painted during the Renaissance. You will find endless treasures throughout the museums, from ancient artifacts to masterpieces by some of history’s greatest artists.

The tour of the Vatican Museums ends at the magnificent Sistine Chapel, part of the Pope’s official residence. Its walls and ceilings are adorned with breathtaking frescoes, many of which were painted by Michelangelo and other Renaissance masters. 

Another highlight is the Bramante Staircase, a stunning double-helix staircase that lets people go up and down without crossing paths. It’s a favorite spot for photographers, especially when the museums are quiet and free from crowds.

✦ Pro Tip: Book this extremely popular tour of Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica for a more immersive experience of Rome.

Stroll the Colorful Trastevere Neighborhood – Free

Location: West Bank of River Tiber
Tickets: Free

Often called Rome’s most charming neighborhood, Trastevere is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Eternal City. Its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and lively atmosphere make it one of the most picturesque areas in Rome. 

As you stroll through the lanes, you’ll come across medieval churches, quaint fountains, and unique little shops selling souvenirs and handmade crafts.

The heart of the neighborhood is Piazza di Santa Maria, the busiest and most popular spot in Trastevere. Both locals and tourists gather here to relax, enjoy a coffee or gelato, and people-watch. 

Overlooking the square is the stunning Basilica di Santa Maria, one of Rome’s oldest and most beautiful churches.

Trastevere is also home to Rome’s Botanical Garden, a serene green oasis ideal for a peaceful walk. 

✦ Pro Tip: Stroll the streets of Trastevere on this epic walking tour of Rome.

Try Roman Gelato

If you’re in Rome and haven’t tried gelato, your trip isn’t truly complete! There’s a big difference between having gelato back home and tasting it in the country where it was first created. 

Italian gelato is creamier, richer, and packed with authentic flavor — a true treat for the senses.

One of the best places to experience it is Giolitti, Rome’s oldest and most famous gelateria, which has been delighting visitors for nearly 120 years. Here, you can choose from dozens of delicious flavors, from classic chocolate and pistachio to seasonal fruit varieties.

Of course, Rome is full of wonderful gelato shops waiting to be discovered around every corner. So whether you stop by Giolitti or explore other local favorites, make sure to indulge in this sweet Italian tradition — it’s one of the simplest and most satisfying joys of a Roman holiday.

✦ Pro Tip: Sign up for this wonderful pizza and gelato-making class in Rome.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Rome

Rome is a marvelous city for history and culture lovers like us.

Of all the interesting things to do in Rome, I love the ones that take me straight back to the ancient Roman Empire. It is wonderful to visualize where the Romans lived, made decisions, and created history.

The best part is that many of Rome’s attractions (listed above) can be seen for free.

So, what are your favorite spots in Rome? Where do you think you will spend most of your time? Is there something else on your Roman bucket list?

✦ Pro Tip: Read all our Rome Travel Guides before planning that epic Roman holiday.

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