Dreaming about wandering ancient streets while sipping espresso? If you’re searching for Things to do in Rome, this guide has you covered. From gladiator arenas to hidden piazzas, you’ll get a clear plan to soak up every era the city offers.
Why Rome feels like a living museum
When you first set foot in Rome is the capital of Italy, a sprawling canvas of ruins, Renaissance art, and buzzing modern life, you instantly sense its layered personality. Each cobblestone whispers a story-from the Republic’s triumphs to the modern pop‑culture scene. Understanding these layers helps you pick attractions that match your mood, whether you crave ancient drama or Baroque splendor.
Ancient Rome: Walk in the footsteps of emperors
Start your journey in the heart of the empire. The Colosseum is an iconic amphitheater built in AD 80 that once hosted gladiatorial battles and public spectacles. Grab a skip‑the‑line ticket, then wander the underground chambers where fighters prepared for combat. Pro tip: join a guided tour that includes the arena floor for a perspective you won’t get from the stands alone.
- Best time: early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Duration: 2‑3 hours.
- Ticket price: €16 (online discount available).
Just a short walk away lies the Roman Forum is the former center of public life, featuring temples, basilicas, and the Senate house. Imagine senators debating policies while you stroll past the Temple of Saturn. Pair it with the Palatine Hill for panoramic city views and a glimpse into imperial residences.
Don’t miss the Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, famous for its massive dome and oculus. Its perfect acoustics let you hear the faint echo of footsteps from centuries past. Entrance is free, but arriving early helps you beat the selfie line.
Renaissance & Baroque: Art, faith, and grandeur
The Vatican complex dominates the spiritual and artistic side of Rome. Inside the Vatican Museums is a vast collection of art spanning centuries, highlighted by the Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo, you’ll lose yourself among ancient sculptures and Raphael’s rooms. Book a timed entry to skip the notoriously long queues.
Just beyond the museums, the St. Peter's Basilica is the world's largest church, showcasing Michelangelo's dome and Bernini's baldachin. Climb to the dome’s balcony for a sweeping view of the city’s skyline-an Instagram‑worthy moment.
For a mix of military history and drama, head to Castel Sant'Angelo is originally built as Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum, later a papal fortress and now a museum. The passageways connecting it to the Vatican (the Passetto di Borgo) tell a story of power and escape.
Hidden gems: Where locals unwind
If you crave an authentic vibe, wander the narrow lanes of Trastevere is a bohemian neighbourhood on the west bank of the Tiber, famed for its medieval streets, lively squares, and trattorias. Stop at Piazza Santa Maria for live music and a bite of carbonara at a family‑run osteria.
Another off‑the‑beaten‑path area is Testaccio, home to the Appian Way is one of the earliest and most important Roman roads, still lined with ancient tombs and ruins. Rent a bike and pedal past the Catacombs of San Callisto for a quiet, reflective experience.
Finally, seek out the Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in the city, where tossing a coin ensures a return visit to Rome. Visit at night when the lights reflect off the water for magical photography.
Food, drink, and nightlife
Rome’s culinary scene is as diverse as its history. Start with a classic breakfast of cornetto and cappuccino at a corner bar. For lunch, try a plate of cacio e pepe at a traditional trattoria in the Campo de’ Fiori area. Dinner? Venture to the Testaccio market for fresh seafood or a pizza al taglio slice from a local pizzeria.
When the sun sets, the city transforms. The Nightlife Rome category (already popular among travelers) highlights rooftop bars near the Spanish Steps, jazz clubs in the Monti district, and vibrant clubs along Via Veneto. Remember to try a spritz-a refreshing mix of Aperol, prosecco, and soda.
Practical tips for a smooth visit
- Transport: Rome’s public transport includes buses, metro lines A and B, and the urban railway (Roma Termini). Purchase a weekly “Roma 24H” pass for unlimited rides.
- Best seasons: April‑June and September‑October offer pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.
- Safety: Keep an eye on belongings in crowded spots; pickpocketing can happen near major attractions.
- Language: While many locals speak English, learning a few Italian phrases (e.g., “Buongiorno”, “Per favore”) earns you smiles.
Sample itineraries
- One‑day blitz: Morning at the Colosseum and Roman Forum, lunch in Monti, afternoon at the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, evening in Trastevere for dinner.
- Three‑day deep dive: Day 1 - Ancient sights (Colosseum, Forum, Palatine). Day 2 - Vatican and Baroque masterpieces (Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s, Castel Sant’Angelo). Day 3 - Neighborhood exploration (Trastevere, Testaccio, Appian Way) plus leisure time for shopping.
- One‑week immersion: Add a day for day‑trips to Ostia Antica, Tivoli’s Villa d’Este, and a wine tour in Frascati. Reserve the last two evenings for gourmet dining and gelato tasting tours.
Comparison of must‑see sites by era
| Era | Key Site | Highlight | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient | Colosseum | Gladiator arena, underground chambers | 2‑3 hrs |
| Ancient | Roman Forum | Political heart of the empire | 1‑2 hrs |
| Renaissance/Baroque | Vatican Museums | Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms | 3‑4 hrs |
| Renaissance/Baroque | St. Peter's Basilica | Michelangelo’s dome, Bernini’s altar | 1‑2 hrs |
| Mixed | Pantheon | Massive dome, oculus lighting | 30‑45 mins |
| Mixed | Trevi Fountain | Baroque sculpture, night illumination | 15‑30 mins |
Next steps and troubleshooting
If a ticket website shows “sold out,” try the official Roma Ticket Office or look for last‑minute cancellations on trusted resale platforms. Should rain spoil your outdoor plans, substitute the Appian Way bike ride with a visit to the Galleria Borghese is a museum housed in a former villa, featuring Caravaggio and Bernini masterpieces-reserve early as slots fill quickly.
Finally, keep a small fold‑out map or offline map app handy; GPS sometimes struggles in dense historic districts.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
April to June and September to October offer mild weather, shorter lines, and vibrant street life. July and August are hot and crowded, while winter can be rainy.
Do I need a reservation for the Vatican Museums?
Yes. The museums limit daily visitors, so booking a timed entry online weeks in advance guarantees entry and saves hours of waiting.
Is it worth climbing the Colosseum’s upper tier?
Absolutely. The upper tier provides a panoramic view of the arena floor and the surrounding Roman Forum, giving a sense of the site’s original scale.
What are some budget‑friendly food options?
Grab a slice of pizza al taglio (by the weight) from a street vendor, enjoy a panino from a bakery, or dine at the Trattoria da Enzo in Trastevere for affordable but tasty Roman dishes.
How can I avoid pickpockets?
Keep wallets in front pockets, use a money belt, and stay vigilant in crowded places like the metro, the Trevi Fountain, and market stalls.
While the guide covers the classic must‑sees, it leans heavily on the tourist trail and glosses over the quieter neighborhoods that truly capture Rome’s soul.
A native traveler might suggest swapping the crowded Trevi crowd‑watch for a sunrise stroll through the gardens of Villa Borghese, where locals gather for jogs and picnics.
Embracing those off‑beat spots can prevent you from feeling like just another brochure‑photo.