Things To Do In Rome
A holiday to Rome is packed with possibility. The centre of ancient civilisation, this awe-inspiring historic city is bursting with must-see attractions including iconic buildings, sacred sites and buzzing piazzas. Whatever your taste or budget, you’ll never be short of things to do in Rome.
Whether you’re visiting Rome as a sole destination or part of a multi-centre break, read this guide to build your list of things to do in Rome and get the best out of your time in Italy’s Eternal City.
What are Rome’s main tourist attractions?
The city was founded in 753 BC, so it’s no surprise that so many of the main Rome tourist attractions are ancient monuments, dating back hundreds or even thousands of years! Here’s a round-up of the essential tourist attractions to visit in Rome.
The Colosseum
An iconic symbol of Rome, The Colosseum is one of the most-visited attractions in the world. Almost 2,000 years old, this ancient amphitheatre played host to Roman games and gladiator fights, with space for 80,000 spectators. Although it’s now partially ruined, you can still see the original outline, venture inside and imagine the thrilling atmosphere of a Roman battle.
Top traveller tip: Just outside the Colosseum, look out for the Arch of Constantine. This impressive structure dates back to AD315 and is the best-preserved Roman triumphal arch surviving today.
Vatican City, St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
A unique sacred site and home to the Pope, the Vatican is an independent city-state within Rome, making it the smallest country in the world! Vatican City is a pilgrimage destination for millions of Catholics every year, but it’s also a place of huge interest for history buffs and art aficionados, with a wealth of important artefacts to wonder at.
What are the essential tourist sights in Vatican City?
Essential stops include the Sistine Chapel, with its famous ceiling by Michelangelo, and St Peter’s Basilica, Rome’s tallest dome. The ornate and lavish Vatican Museums are a treasure trove of must-see statues, sculptures, frescoes and ancient tombs.
Top traveller tip: Book tickets for a tour of The Vatican online in advance to avoid lengthy queues. That way you’ll sail past the line and be able to get the most out of your day.
The Spanish Steps
Every visitor to Rome must see the Spanish Steps: a set of 135 marble steps connecting the Church of Trinità dei Monti with the Piazza di Spagna (Square of Spain) below. This 18th century UNESCO World Heritage Site is a popular attraction that can get very crowded – if you’re a morning person, we recommend visiting at dawn when it’s quieter, to watch the sun rise over Rome from the top of the steps.
Top traveller tip: It can be tempting to sit down on the steps and savour the view, but this could cost you dearly! Sitting on the Spanish Steps is now forbidden (as it used to get very crowded when tourists did so) and anyone breaking the rules can be fined €250.
The Trevi Fountain
Head to the Piazza di Trevi to see the Trevi Fountain. This beautiful Baroque water feature, built in 1762, is a must-see Roman attraction.
Why do people throw coins into the Trevi Fountain?
Although there’s no need to pay a penny to see the fountain, you might want to bring some spare change: legend has it that if you throw a coin in the water, you’ll return to Rome one day. Throw two, and you’ll fall in love when you do!
The Roman Forum
A historical hub located near the Colosseum, the ruins of the Forum Romana (Roman Forum) are filled with ancient temples, arches and columns. Take a walk down the Via Sacra (the Forum’s main street), and transport yourself back in time 2,000 years, when this site was the centre of Roman public life.
What is the largest building in the Roman Forum?
The largest building within the Forum is the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, a huge and impressive assembly space where Romans would hold court.
Top traveller tip: Entry to the Forum is not free, but it’s included in a ticket to the Colosseum.
The Pantheon of Agrippa
The Pantheon, built in 126AD, is one of the most famous sights in Rome. A well-preserved Roman temple, it’s now in use as a Christian church, located in the Piazza della Rotonda. The impressive Corinthian columns are a sight to behold, and the tomb of Raphael can be found within its ancient walls.
Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill is the most famous of Rome’s seven hills. According to legend, it’s the site where Rome was founded by brothers Romulus and Remus, in 753BC. Worth a visit for great views of the Colosseum and St Peter’s Basilica, the hill is also home to a wealth of historical ruins. The Palatine Museum exhibits ancient Roman artefacts, while the 16th century Farnese Gardens are a beautiful spot to relax.
Top traveller tip: You’ll need a ticket to access many of the attractions on Palatine Hill; if you’re visiting the Colosseum too, this will be included in your entry fee.
Catacombs
The catacombs of Rome are an underground network of ancient burial places, sprawling for miles below the city. This ancient underworld is home to thousands upon thousands of burial chambers and fine artworks.
What are the best catacombs to visit in Rome?
Notable sites include the Via Appia Antica, the Catacombs of St Callixtus, and the Catacombs of St Domitilla.
What free things are there to do in Rome?
Rome is rich with history and culture, and the good news is you don’t need to spend a fortune to see its most priceless sights. Enjoy a holiday in Rome on a budget, with these activities that cost absolutely nothing!
Top traveller tip: If you have an eye for a bargain, it pays to plan your schedule. Some famous Roman attractions are free at certain times of the week or month (although they can be very crowded). The Colosseum, Vatican Museums and Roman Forum, among others, are all free to enter if you time your visit right – check their websites for details.
Churches
With more Christian places of worship than any other city, Rome is resplendent with exquisite chiese dating from ancient times. Some churches, like the Pantheon and St Peter’s Basilica, are among the city’s most celebrated attractions. Others are hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered.
Top traveller tip: For an abundance of classic art, visit the church of Santa Maria del Popolo, and gaze upon works by Caravaggio, Raphael and many more.
Top traveller tip: If you can’t get enough of Michelangelo, head to the Basilica di San Pietro to be wowed by his Moses sculpture.
Public squares
Rome’s popular piazzas are a hive of activity, attracting crowds of people day and night. With beautiful architecture, elaborate fountains, street entertainment and bars and restaurants, a stroll around one of Rome’s many public squares is the perfect way to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Where can you see fountains in Rome, apart from the Trevi Fountain?
In the Piazza Navona, there are three fountains to tick off your list: Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro and Fontana del Nuttuno. When you’ve had your fill of the fountains, drink in the atmosphere in the piazza, enjoying the street entertainment and perhaps stopping for an aperitivo at one of the many restaurants around the square.
Which square was the entrance to ancient Rome?
The Piazza del Popolo is home of the Santa Maria del Popolo church, but it’s also worth a visit in its own right: in the times of the Roman Empire, this was the site of the main entrance to the city.
Top traveller tip: Piazza del Popolo is also notable for a 24- metre Egyptian monolith, The Flaminio Obelisk, in its centre.
Where in Rome was Julius Caesar assassinated?
Largo di Torre Argentina is a square containing the ancient ruins of four Roman temples. It’s famous as the site where Julius Caesar was murdered in 44BC.
Top traveller tip: Largo di Torre Argentina also contains an opera house and cat sanctuary!
Parks and gardens
Relax away from the crowds and shade yourself from the sun in one of Rome’s many beautiful parks and gardens.
The Villa Borghese is one of the largest public parks in Europe, containing landscaped gardens, a boating lake, fountains, museums and the smallest cinema in the world. Situated near the Spanish Steps, it’s a great place to relax, or incorporate into a walking tour of the city.
Top traveller tip: If you do have some cash to spend, the Galleria Borghese is an art gallery within the park that’s well worth a visit for its elegant architecture and impressive classical art.
For a panoramic outlook across the city, the Giardino degli aranci (Orange Garden) is the perfect place to perch. Also known as Parco Savello, this fragrant garden atop Aventine Hill offers spectacular views.
Top traveller tip: Visit the Largo di Torre Argentina at dusk for an amazing view of the sunset over Rome.
What are the best ways to live like a local in Rome?
When in Rome, do as the Romans do! While the top attractions in Rome are popular for good reason, sometimes it’s good to get off the beaten track and enjoy the city like a local. Stroll the streets on foot, or hire a Vespa to zip around Rome and reach those hidden gems located a little further from the city centre.
Shops and markets
One of the best ways to live like a local is to check out the best shopping haunts.
For foodies, a visit to Il Mercato Centrale Roma is a must for fresh, authentic local cuisine. Home to some of the best restaurants in Rome, this cavernous, three-storey food market located in the Termini train station is an epicurean paradise, offering up everything from traditional pizza and gelato, to gourmet truffles and wine.
Top traveller tip: It’s worth sampling the food of Gabriele Bonci, a chef known as “the Michelangelo of pizza”.
The Campo de Fiori market is crowded with locals each morning, shopping for authentic Italian olive oil, artisan cheeses, fruit, vegetables and flowers. It’s the perfect place to shop for souvenirs, or simply enjoy the taste of Rome.
What’s the best flea market in Rome?
Porta Portese is a vast flea market where you can unearth untold treasures to take home. The market sells everything from antique ceramics to new Italian couture. If you’re looking for unique Italian boutiques to browse in, head to the Monti district for a fascinating selection of artisan stores and vintage fashion.
Leisure pursuits
When the summer sun is at its hottest, Romans head out of town to cool down.
Is there a beach in Rome?
Just 30km west of the city centre, Ostia Beach is one of the most popular destinations for residents to let off steam. Easily accessible by public transport, the beach town of Ostia is an ideal getaway for rest and relaxation on the beach. Nearby Ostia Antica is full of historical ruins, which tell the fascinating story of its time as Rome’s main seaport.
Top traveller tip: Travelling on the Roma-Lido railway, get off at Ostia Antica for the old town, or Lido Centro for the beach.
Where’s the best place in Rome to go for a run?
One of the most popular destinations for locals to go running is the Villa Doria Pamphilj. It’s the largest park in Rome and a green space that’s perfect for jogging, cycling or people watching. It’s situated just across the Tiber from the centre of Rome, in the Monteverde neighbourhood.
Where can you watch football in Rome?
For football fans, the Stadio Olimpico is the perfect venue to while away a weekend afternoon. If you catch a derby game between the city’s two teams, SS Lazio and AS Roma, you’ll witness an electric atmosphere that’s hard to match.
What things are there to do in Rome at night?
Roman nightlife is legendary, and thanks to a hot climate where siestas are common, it tends to start late. Outside the nightclubs and bars, many of the most memorable evenings in Rome take place al fresco, whether that means dining in a busy piazza, taking a stroll after dark, or enjoying one of the city’s many outdoor cinema and theatre productions.
Opera, theatre and cinema
For legendary acoustics, Teatro dell'Opera di Roma is an opera house without rival, and its ballet and opera productions draw audiences from miles around. The restored interior is opulent and comfortable, although in the summer months, the opera company performs outdoors at the Baths of Caracalla.
Outdoor cinema is a popular pursuit in Rome, and the Isola del cinema – a free film festival on the Tiberina Island – is worth catching if you’re in the city at the time. There are plenty of English-language Hollywood films to see – but book in advance, as seats are snapped up quickly.
Bars and clubs
The best bars in Rome combine a convivial atmosphere with food and wine to die for. The city’s enoteche are stocked with wines from local vineyards, while there’s a wide variety of rooftop bars where you can while away the evening, taking in some stunning views. Some even have swimming pools!
Top traveller tip: For nightlife with a Bohemian vibe, head to the medieval neighbourhood of Trastevere. It’s a popular district on the west bank of the Tiber, packed with trattorias for al fresco dining and bars serving speciality craft beers.
Rome’s lively club scene covers everything from jazz to techno, and the clubs don’t really get going until well after midnight.
Top traveller tip: Different districts cater for different interests: for mainstream music, explore the nightspots on Via Veneto; or for the city’s largest concentration of gay bars, head to Via di San Giovanni in Laterano.
Where is there to eat in Rome?
In a city so saturated with gourmet delights, it’s hard to pick the best cafes and restaurants. With its busy trattorias, speciality coffee shops and artisan food markets, it’s easy to eat well in Rome, wherever you go!
Top traveller tip: To get the best out of your dining experience in the city, avoid high-traffic tourist areas, and dine after 8pm, when the locals eat.
What are the best cafes in Rome?
Coffee is taken very seriously in Italy, and Romans tend to opt for a quick espresso (un caffe) at most times of the day (with perhaps a cappuccino to start the day). Two notable cafes in the city are Panella – a coffee shop and bakery famed for its pastry-based models of iconic Roman buildings – and Antico Caffe Greco – the oldest coffee shop in Rome, open since 1860.
Where’s the best place to sample authentic Italian gelato?
Rich, creamy and dense with flavour, gelato is an Italian speciality that knocks the socks off traditional ice cream. The best gelato in Rome is freshly made with seasonal ingredients, and there are scores of artisan flavours available, from pistachio to fig and honey. It’s best to keep away from overly touristy areas and seek out the good stuff – your taste buds will thank you!
Top traveller tip: There are hundreds of specialist gelateria selling this uniquely Italian ice cream dessert; Giolitti, near the Pantheon, Fassi Gelateria, near Sazione Termini, and Otaleg, in Trastevere, are three standout examples.
Book a holiday to Rome with Viva Holidays
Rome is nicknamed The Eternal City for a reason: its classic charm is everlasting! A visit to Rome is certainly a holiday that will be filled with things to do and one you’ll never forget, and with our range of package holidays to the Italian capital, you can plan the holiday of your dreams. Combine your visit with a break to Venice, Florence, Pisa, Amsterdam, Athens or Milan.
Or why not tailor your trip to Rome with our online holiday builder? Design every element of your trip, for the ultimate Roman holiday.
Contact us today to book your holiday to Rome.
