25 Greatest Issues To Do in Rome, Italy
Rome is an unbelievable, historic metropolis that continues to captivate and encourage numerous generations of vacationers and adventurers. There’s an nearly limitless listing of issues to see, do, style, and listen to within the vibrant Italian capital. The Everlasting Metropolis is one in every of my favourite cities on the earth, and it’ll blow your thoughts.
On this publish, I’ve described 25 of one of the best issues to do in Rome. From exploring iconic landmarks and monuments just like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, studying in regards to the metropolis’s fascinating 2,700+ 12 months previous, to indulging in its scrumptious delicacies and full of life nightlife, Rome is a metropolis like no different.
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a romantic getaway or an action-packed household trip, there are such a lot of locations to see in Rome – it’s a metropolis you’ll nearly actually need to return to. Get able to expertise one in every of Europe’s most full of life, fascinating, and memorable capital cities!
25 Greatest Issues To Do in Rome
Right here’s my decide of the highest issues to do and locations to go to in Rome. I’ve tried to incorporate a variety of Rome’s vacationer sights, so there’s certain to be one thing right here for you.
1. Go to the Colosseum (One of many Most Iconic Issues To Do in Rome)
Probably the most iconic landmarks on the earth; no journey to Rome is full with out seeing this epic amphitheater – the most important ever constructed by the Roman Empire. In-built 72 AD, the Colosseum has stood as a logo of Rome’s power and energy for nearly 2,000 years.
In historic instances, the Colosseum was used for brutal gladiator battles and animal fights. Right this moment, the easiest way to totally respect this immense construction and its fascinating historical past is to take a guided tour.
This is without doubt one of the most highly-reviewed guided tours and means that you can skip the infamous line for tickets. Your information may also take you to the well-known Roman Discussion board, and Palatine Hill, so it’s nice worth for cash.
As you’d anticipate, the Colosseum is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to in Rome. I strongly advocate reserving your tickets effectively prematurely as they promote out quick and also you don’t need to be left disillusioned.
2. Admire St Peter’s Basilica
Probably the most necessary and holy websites in all of Christianity, St Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) is one other must-see website and is without doubt one of the high locations to go to in Vatican Metropolis. It’s actually huge and is house to numerous priceless artistic endeavors and treasures from all over the world.
Outdoors the cathedral lies St Peter’s Sq., the middle of worldwide Catholicism. The sq. is surrounded by spectacular colonnades designed by the well-known sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and the grand obelisk within the heart was introduced from Egypt in 1586.
Take a look at this excellent guided tour of the Vatican, which incorporates St. Peter’s Basilica and different necessary websites such because the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums (extra on these under). The entire space has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site on account of its appreciable cultural significance and significance.
3. Take a Meals Tour
Rome is a paradise for foodies and town is house to a few of the finest meals in Italy (which is saying quite a bit!). There’s an limitless listing of unbelievable locations to eat, from Michelin-starred superb eating eating places to low-cost native eateries and implausible avenue meals stands.
Among the finest issues to do in Rome is to affix a guided food tour. You’ll achieve an perception into town’s wealthy culinary tradition, and have the possibility to go to a few of Rome’s most interesting delis and markets, the place you’ll get to style a few of the metropolis’s tastiest treats.
There are a lot of glorious meals excursions all through town, however this one is particularly good. Your information will take you to get pleasure from a few of Rome’s finest avenue meals and train you in regards to the historical past of town’s best-loved delicacies, together with supplì, conventional Roman pizza, and numerous seasonal dishes.
4. Tour the Pantheon
One among historic Rome’s most well-preserved buildings, and the most effective locations to go to in Rome, the Pantheon is a testomony to the grandeur and energy of historic Roman structure. The Pantheon was initially inbuilt 27 BC as a temple to the traditional Roman gods.
On the within, this place is just breathtaking, constructed with excellent proportions, a large dome overhead, and exquisite sculptures, statues, and mosaics. Right this moment, the Pantheon homes the tombs of the well-known Italian artist Raphael and the “Father of the Nation” King Vittorio Emanuele II.
It’s free to enter the Pantheon, nevertheless it’s finest to pre-book and keep away from having to attend for ages standing in line. A reservation can also be obligatory on weekends and public holidays. To completely respect this unbelievable constructing, I like to recommend joining a guided tour like this one (which additionally contains the doorway reservation).
Piazza Navona is one in every of Rome’s most full of life squares and has many issues to supply guests starting from artwork galleries to gelaterias.
One among my favourite issues to do right here is to choose up a scoop or two of scrumptious conventional gelato and watch the individuals of town go about their every day enterprise.
Cremì is a very glorious gelateria in Piazza Navona that gives a variety of heavenly artisanal gelato and sorbets.
6. Take a Day Journey to Ostia Antica
Simply outdoors of Rome lies the traditional port metropolis of Ostia Antica which was based round 620 BC. It’s an necessary archaeological website with many well-preserved ruins and artifacts.
It’s simple to go to Ostia Antica as a day journey from Rome. Both take the prepare from Piramide station and get misplaced within the ruins by your self or take this guided tour (which additionally departs from Piramide) to study extra in regards to the historical past of this fascinating place.
Enable loads of time to discover the various temples, baths, amphitheaters, and villas. The realm additionally has some lovely pure surroundings together with seashores, forests, and wetlands which are excellent for exploring on foot or by bike.
7. Feast at Pizza e Mozzarella
As you’ll most likely guess, modern-day Romans take their pizza very significantly, and sampling a few of the metropolis’s most interesting is without doubt one of the must-do issues in Rome. Each native has their favourite pizzeria, however my favourite is a spot referred to as Pizza e Mozzarella.
It seems like a easy takeout joint, however oh wow – their pizzas are one thing else! With quite a lot of tasty toppings to select from and ideal crispy crusts, the pizzas listed below are actually unbelievable. You possibly can both get complete pizzas made to order or purchase by the slice and check out a number of totally different toppings.
Alternatively, why not learn to make your personal pizza on this fun and tasty masterclass?
8. Discover the Catacombs
The Catacombs of San Callisto are house to one of many oldest Christian burial websites in Rome, courting again to the 2nd century AD. This fascinating advanced spreads over round 90 acres, with over 12 miles of passageways and galleries, unfold out over 4 ranges, greater than 20 meters underground.
Exploring this historic subterranean maze is each eerie and awe-inspiring. The tunnels include the tombs of assorted martyrs and popes, in addition to Third-century frescoes and a few superb sculptures. Take a look at this excellent guided tour to get probably the most out of your go to.
This is without doubt one of the most uncommon locations to go to in Rome and it’s actually unbelievable. The one different place I’ve ever been that’s remotely comparable is the San Gennaro Catacombs in Naples (and even then, those in Rome are a lot greater).
9. Marvel at Trevi Fountain
One of many high sights in Rome and one of many metropolis’s most well-known landmarks, the Trevi Fountain is an ornate and exquisite fountain on the heart of Piazza di Trevi. Admire it from afar or courageous the crowds up shut – the selection is yours!
Positioned on the junction of three streets within the coronary heart of town, the baroque masterpiece was designed by Italian artist Nicola Salvi and accomplished in 1762. It’s house to a lot of sculpted figures and is illuminated at night time.
This fountain has lengthy been a logo of the Everlasting Metropolis and is without doubt one of the finest issues to see in Rome. It’s additionally completely free to go to.
10. Loosen up in Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is without doubt one of the largest open inexperienced areas in Rome and is an ideal place to spend a day and escape the crowds and warmth of town. It’s made up of just about 200 acres of landscaped gardens and is the setting for quite a lot of sculptures, lakes, fountains, and monuments.
The park was initially inbuilt 1605 by Cardinal Scipione Borghese on his household property, and it was opened to the general public in 1903. Take a leisurely stroll and admire the gorgeous gardens, or pack a picnic to get pleasure from below the shade of one in every of its many decorative bushes.
Villa Borghese additionally accommodates Galleria Borghese, one in every of Rome’s finest and most necessary Renaissance artwork galleries housing masterpieces by the likes of Bernini and Caravaggio. Take a look at this guided tour of the gallery, or this one that features a tour of each the gallery and the gardens.
11. Discover Trastevere
Overflowing with character, Trastevere is one in every of Rome’s most bohemian areas situated on the west financial institution of the Tiber River. Its cobblestone streets are lined with colourful buildings, slim alleyways, bustling cafes, and conventional trattorias.
The realm has a wealthy historical past that dates again to the Center Ages and one in every of its most important sights is the spectacular Basilica di Santa Maria, well-known for its ornate inside, together with Twelfth-century mosaics and 22 Roman columns.
Spending an hour or two strolling round this eclectic neighborhood is an effective way to get a way of on a regular basis life in Rome right now. The ambiance is buzzing day or night time, so be sure to add it to your listing of enjoyable issues to do in Rome. You could possibly additionally take a look at this highly-reviewed food tour in Trastevere which incorporates dinner and wine.
12. Cruise Alongside the Tiber River
For a distinct perspective of Rome, take a calming cruise along the Tiber River which flows by means of town. Cruises can be found all through the day and effectively into the night and are one of the romantic issues to do in Rome.
Floating peacefully down the river, you’ll have a tremendous view of a few of Rome’s high sights such because the Castel Sant’Angelo, Ponte Sant’ Angelo, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
13. Climb the Spanish Steps
One other of town’s most iconic sights, the Spanish Steps is a must-see in Rome. Constructed by architect Francesco de Sanctis in 1725, this beautiful outside staircase is made up of 138 steps that hyperlink two piazzas: Trinità dei Monti and Piazza di Spagna.
The steps and plazas are charmingly embellished with flowers all through the spring and summer time months and on the high of the steps, you’ll discover the Church of Trinità dei Monti – a gorgeous Baroque-style church inbuilt 1585.
Located on the foot of the Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna is without doubt one of the most well-known squares in Rome. It’s an amazing spot for people-watching, though it will probably get very busy so remember to control your belongings right here.
14. Tour the Roman Discussion board
Positioned between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills in Rome, the Forum was as soon as the political, spiritual, and business coronary heart of historic Rome. It’s now a big archaeological website and one of the visited vacationer sights in Rome.
The Discussion board was house to a few of the most necessary spiritual temples, authorities buildings, and different monuments of the traditional metropolis such because the Temple of Julius Caesar and the Arch of Titus.
I’d positively advocate taking a guided tour to discover these intensive ruins, because it’s an effective way to find out about their historical past and significance. That is one of the best tours that additionally features a go to to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill.
15. Go Purchasing in By way of dei Condotti
In case you’re into procuring, you’ll love looking the designer and luxurious retailers in Via dei Condotti. This iconic procuring avenue is house to a few of the world’s high trend manufacturers.
It’s actually not an inexpensive place to buy. Nevertheless, even if you happen to don’t need to spend any cash right here, By way of dei Condotti is an attention-grabbing and engaging place to wander as you’re taking within the glamorous ambiance.
That is one other excellent place for people-watching (there are many spots in Rome!), because it’s standard with town’s elite. It’s additionally very centrally situated near the Spanish Steps.
16. Go to Castel Sant’Angelo
Constructed by Emperor Hadrian within the 2nd century as a mausoleum for himself and his household, Castel Sant’Angelo is a formidable round citadel and one other unbelievable instance of historic Roman engineering. It’s situated on the banks of the Tiber River and is one in every of Rome’s (many) main landmarks.
The citadel has been used for numerous functions all through the centuries, together with as a defensive fortress, a papal residence, and even a jail.
Right this moment, it’s open to the general public and you’ll discover its spectacular inside, which homes priceless Renaissance furnishings and work, and geometrically pleasing tree-lined gardens. The citadel is a well-liked attraction in Rome so I’d advocate buying a skip-the-line ticket prematurely to avoid wasting you from having to face in a protracted queue when you’re there.
17. Get pleasure from a Excessive-Finish Dinner
Rome is house to numerous implausible eating places, from easy conventional trattorias to well-known, multiple-Michelin-starred superb eating eating places. For a very particular night, e-book a desk at one of many metropolis’s high-end eateries.
A number of the finest high-end eating places in Rome embody La Pergola, All’Oro, and Moma. You’ll must e-book effectively prematurely to safe a desk at any of those well-known eating places, so bear this in thoughts once you’re planning what to do in Rome.
18. Go to the Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is without doubt one of the high locations to go to in Rome and is situated within the Vatican Metropolis, subsequent to St. Peter’s Basilica. This unbelievable constructing is known for its elaborate ornament and beautiful frescoes painted by Michelangelo within the Sixteenth century. These frescoes cowl the ceiling and lots of the partitions and depict scenes from the Previous Testomony.
The chapel additionally types a part of the Pope’s official residence and is the place “papal conclaves” happen, the place members of the School of Cardinals meet when it’s time to elect a brand new pope.
Visiting the Sistine Chapel is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Rome and it will probably get very crowded (although it’s nonetheless 100% value going). Tours run throughout the day, and also you’ll must e-book tickets prematurely as they typically promote out.
19. Discover Rome’s Jewish Quarter
Positioned on the banks of the Tiber River, Rome’s Jewish Quarter is without doubt one of the oldest on the earth. It was established in 1555 by Pope Paul IV who compelled Rome’s Jewish inhabitants to relocate to this district of town and made them reside in a ghetto, separate from town’s different residents.
The neighborhood is house to a number of synagogues, the Jewish Museum of Rome, vibrant public markets, eating places, and some different well-known historic websites in Rome, together with the Portico d’Ottavia.
It’s an interesting place to discover (both by your self or as part of a walking tour) and is an effective way to study extra about Rome’s Jewish historical past and tradition. The road meals right here can also be scrumptious!
20. Get pleasure from an Aperitivo in Campo de Fiori
Each night from 6 pm onwards, the Campo de Fiori sq. comes alive with locals having fun with an aperitivo. Be a part of them for a chew to eat and a glass of wine or a spritz whereas absorbing the hustle and bustle of Roman life.
The piazza can also be house to many nice cafes and eating places and is a good place to spend a night. Whether or not you’re simply having drinks or having fun with dinner al fresco, visiting the Campo de Fiori is a must-do in Rome and the most effective issues to do in Rome at night time.
21. Take a Day Journey to Tivoli
A brief distance outdoors of Rome lies the picturesque city of Tivoli, one in every of my favourite locations to go to close to Rome and residential to a few of the most lovely gardens and villas in Italy. I spent a few days in Tivoli final 12 months and actually beloved it.
My favourite place was Villa d’Este, a big Sixteenth-century cardinal’s villa constructed on high of an historic Roman palace. Essentially the most spectacular and atmospheric a part of the villa is the gardens, constructed throughout a number of ranges and with numerous elaborate fountains (fed by pure water stress – no pumps), grottoes, and shaded seating areas.
Hadrian’s Villa, situated simply outdoors Tivoli, can also be effectively value a go to. Tivoli can get somewhat busy in the summertime months however remains to be normally a lot much less crowded than Rome itself. I visited in September and it was refreshingly quiet and peaceable.
22. Go to the Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums home one of many world’s largest and most necessary collections of artwork and sculpture, in addition to some unbelievable mosaics, and frescoes. Right here, you possibly can marvel at masterpieces from a few of the world’s biggest artists, together with Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio.
The museums are huge and include over 70,000 reveals displayed throughout 54 galleries. Established within the early Sixteenth century, these intensive and various collections span quite a lot of cultures from historic Egypt to Renaissance Italy.
Housed inside the partitions of Vatican Metropolis, the museums supply an interesting perception into the historical past and tradition of Europe and past. You possibly can e-book a tour of the museums here.
23. Verify Out the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
This beautiful basilica is one in every of Rome’s 4 main cathedrals and is famend for its elaborate mosaics and exquisite structure.
The basilica was constructed round 432 AD and is a shocking masterpiece of Romanesque structure. Positioned within the Esquiline Hill space of town, it’s an amazing place to spend an hour or so. That is additionally one of many (barely) much less standard locations to go to in Rome so is commonly somewhat extra peaceable.
Take a guided tour to study extra about it or just admire the great thing about this superb place.
24. Take a Cooking Class
In case you (like me) love Italian meals, the most effective issues to do in Rome is to take an authentic Italian cooking class. You’ll learn to make some scrumptious Italian dishes and treats and get to get pleasure from your creations on the finish, typically over a glass of native wine or two.
There are a lot of totally different choices to select from, together with pizza-making classes, pasta-making workshops, and this delicious-sounding fettuccine, ravioli, and tiramisu cooking class.
25. Stroll Throughout the Ponte Sant Angelo
The two,000-year-old Ponte Sant Angelo bridge spans the Tiber River and connects the guts of historic Rome to Castel Sant’Angelo. It was initially constructed by Emperor Hadrian and is one other must-see place in Rome.
One among my favourite free issues to do in Rome is to take a leisurely stroll throughout the bridge and admire its ornate statues and carvings.
You may as well get pleasure from some superb views of town from right here – don’t miss it!
Fast Journey Itineraries For Rome
I’ve put collectively a number of transient itineraries that can assist you profit from your time on this unbelievable metropolis.
1 Day in Rome Itinerary
Actually, sooner or later actually isn’t sufficient time to see Rome correctly. Nevertheless, if that is the one time you will have, I like to recommend choosing a few of the top Rome highlights and specializing in these, somewhat than making an attempt to see or do an excessive amount of.
Begin your day with a tour of the Colosseum and take a look at Trevi Fountain earlier than heading to the Vatican for a day of sightseeing together with St Peter’s Sq. and Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel.
Cool off with a scoop of gelato in Piazza Navona, then head to Campo de Fiori for an aperitivo. End off your day with dinner at one of many metropolis’s finest eating places.
2-3 Days in Rome Itinerary
You possibly can get pleasure from lots of the finest issues to do in Rome in 3 days (or 2 at a pinch), though you’ll nonetheless want to maneuver shortly.
Spend the primary day as described above. Then on day two, go to a few of the metropolis’s different iconic sights comparable to Castel Sant’Angelo, the Spanish Steps, and the Roman Discussion board. Take a night dinner cruise on the Tiber River to spherical off your second day romantically.
You probably have a 3rd day, both contemplate taking a cooking class and discover town’s Jewish Quarter, or take a day journey to Tivoli to admire the villas and ornate gardens.
1 Week in Rome Itinerary
Per week is a good period of time to spend in Rome. You’ll be capable to do most (if not all) of the issues described on this publish, and it’ll enable you adequate time to get a very good sense of town with out feeling rushed.
I like to recommend following the above 3-day itinerary, then ticking off the opposite issues on this publish throughout your remaining days. Make sure to take a full day exploring Tivoli, and no less than half a day to go to Ostia Antica.
Additionally, if you happen to’re visiting Rome as a part of an extended journey to Italy, take a look at this publish on the 30 high locations to go to in Italy.
The place to Keep in Rome
These are a number of of one of the best neighborhoods in Rome for vacationers.
Campo de Fiori – Greatest for First-time Guests
The realm round Campo de Fiori sq. is inside simple strolling distance of lots of the most important sights in Rome. It’s additionally an amazing place to remain for these seeking to discover a few of Rome’s finest eating places, bars, and retailers.
That is an amazing guesthouse situated proper on the sq..
Trastevere – Greatest for Price range Vacationers
The Trastevere neighborhood is a good place to remain for funds vacationers who need to be near the primary sights, however somewhat additional away from the elevated costs of town heart. It has a relaxed ambiance with loads of eating places and bars round, in addition to parks and historic websites close by.
Take a look at this glorious budget one-bedroom apartment.
Monti – Greatest for Households
Monti is ideal for households and people on the lookout for a extra peaceable expertise. Regardless of its central location, this neighborhood feels a lot calmer and fewer hectic than different areas of town. Get pleasure from its winding cobbled streets, quaint cafes, and unbiased retailers and boutiques – it’s an amazing place to take issues gradual and take in the native ambiance.
This can be a nice 2-bedroom apartment proper subsequent to the Colosseum.
Greatest Eating places in Rome
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Rome.
La Pergola
Probably probably the most well-known restaurant in Rome, La Pergola is a 3-Michelin-starred superb eating restaurant that serves significantly high-end gourmand Italian meals. In addition they have an unbelievable rooftop terrace providing a few of the finest views in Rome.
Moma
In case you can’t get a desk at La Pergola, Moma is one other nice alternative. This elegant restaurant focuses on fashionable, refined Italian delicacies and has a implausible choice of native wines. It’s somewhat expensive however value it for a special day.
Pizza e Mozzarella
One among my favourite locations to eat in Rome on a funds is Pizza e Mozzarella. They create superb, top-quality pizzas and you’ll feast to your coronary heart’s content material for lower than €10.
Issues To Do in Rome: FAQs
Listed here are solutions to some generally requested questions on visiting Rome.
Rome is without doubt one of the most iconic cities on the earth, recognized for its structure and artwork, wealthy historical past, scrumptious meals, vibrant tradition, and epic landmarks.
The town will be visited year-round, with each season providing one thing totally different to see and do. Could and September are two of one of the best months to go to, with nice temperatures and fewer crowds than throughout the peak summer time season.
Completely! Rome is a good vacation spot for each brief and lengthy journeys. There are such a lot of cool and weird issues to do in Rome for all ages and pursuits, from exploring historic ruins and underground catacombs to visiting artwork galleries, museums, and world-class eating places.
Sure! There are many locations to go and websites to see in Rome which are free. You possibly can go to many iconic landmarks such because the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, and discover town’s historic neighborhoods and piazzas, with out spending a penny.
There are a lot of guided excursions accessible round Rome. I like to recommend trying out GetYourGuide or Viator the place you possibly can flick thru and e-book a few of the top-rated excursions and actions to do in Rome.
Sure, you possibly can simply discover town on foot and many of the finest issues to do in Rome are inside simple strolling distance of town heart. Make sure to put on comfy sneakers – Rome is stuffed with slim cobblestone streets, and elements of town are fairly hilly.
In Closing
Rome is without doubt one of the world’s most lovely and charming cities, with issues to do for individuals of all ages and pursuits. No matter you select to do along with your time in Rome, I’m sure you’ll have an unforgettable time exploring this superb metropolis.
I hope you’ve discovered this publish helpful and informative. Get pleasure from Rome – it’s superior!
