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While the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre are the trendy Italian destinations, one Italian city will always hold my heart. That city is Rome. What used to be the capital of a massive sprawling empire – the most powerful one in the world at that – is now the capital of a simply remarkable country. With old mingling with new, one will never run out of things to do in Rome. Luckily, I’m here to narrow the choices down for you!
They don’t call it the Eternal City for nothing. Sitting in the modern city of Rome are remnants from a vast empire nearly a thousand years ago. Staggeringly tall ruins blend with everyday modern life when one strolls down the ancient streets of Rome. With all this history around, there’s plenty to see, and here is just some of them:
Where to Stay
There a number of phenomenal accommodations in Rome, ranging from budget to high-end luxury. I recommend AirBnb (sign up through this link to get $40 off your first booking!) for all budgets because they have a wide array of selections. Be aware, however, that Rome charges AirBnb hosts an extra tax, which you will then be required to pay upon arrival.
Personally, I would recommend staying away from major tourist areas, just because the crowds can get so crazy, but not too far away. We stayed in the neighborhood of Ponte and found it to be a good walking distance from everything we wanted to see, but I’ve also heard good things about Trastevere.
Tips for Visiting Rome
I cannot stress this enough: you NEED to buy tickets to major attractions online before coming to Rome. Rome’s entire appeal is its ancient sites, and therefore, everyone will be going to the same 4-5 places, resulting in catastrophically long lines. And this is regardless of what season you go because Rome is always busy. Therefore, to save yourself some strife, buy tickets online! The earlier the better, because the online tickets do sell out.
This is one of the only cities I would recommend it in, but I do recommend booking a tour. As I said, the main appeal of Rome is its history, so if you don’t get any of its history while you’re visiting, then there isn’t much point. Therefore, I will be recommending some tours underneath the locations I suggest
Things To Do in Rome
The Colosseum
You can’t leave Rome without seeing what’s widely known as “the main attraction” aka the Colosseum. It may be touristy, but it is worth the wait. Its arches, although a little battered by time, stand tall and picturesque. And inside there is a gift shop and plenty of plaques for a mini history lesson if you wish to read them.
To get inside, you can buy tickets online ahead of time (which I recommend) or buy tickets at the door, which usually means waiting in line for hours. The line for tickets at the Roman Forum is usually shorter, and you can buy a 3-in-1 pass for the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, which I highly recommend.
To skip the line at the Colosseum and Ancient Rome, check these out:
- Rome: Skip-the-Line Colosseum and Arena Floor Guided Tour
- Skip The Line Colosseum and Ancient Rome Walking Tour
- Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour
- Skip the Line Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Ancient Rome Guided Tour
The Arch of Titus
In between the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, this arch was erected by Domitian in 81-82 AD, built to commemorate Titus’ accomplishments, including the Siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD.The more famous “L’arc du Triomphe” in Paris was modeled after this one, but is several times larger! The depictions in the middle are significant in that they became symbols of the Jewish diaspora. If this gives you L’Arc de Triomphe vibes, that’s because the iconic arch in Paris was based on this one! Napoleon saw the Arch of Titus in Rome and immediately thought, “I want one in Paris, but BIGGER.”
The Ancient Roman Forum
Great for history buffs and also just your average sightsee-er, the Roman Forum holds remains from what used to be a great forum and probably one of the most crowded places in Rome back in the day. There’s something so enchanting about standing in the middle of the giant forum and wondering who might’ve stood in the exact same place about a thousand years ago.
Palatine Hill
This is the hill where Rome was founded, and it’s a total must see! Legend has it that Palatine Hill is where Lupa the wolf found Romulus and Remus, Romulus would eventually go on to found the city of Rome (after committing fratricide). Even if you don’t believe the myths, this hill is gorgeous and is usually less crowded than the others, making it a great spot to enjoy the ancient ruins without the crowds! It also has fantastic panoramic views over Rome.
Want to know what else to do in Italy? Read: The Ultimate Italian Bucket List
Altare Della Patria
Another famous Roman landmark, this gorgeous building is located in the smack dab middle of Rome and was built to commemorate the first king of a unified Italy. Its name translated means Altar of the Fatherland, and it is located right next to the Roman Forum. Note: It’s bigger than it seems in pictures!
The Pantheon
Originally built to worship every god the Romans believed in (pan means all, theon means divinity), the Pantheon was built by the emperor Hadrian in the early 100s. Now it’s used as a church. What’s notable about the Pantheon is that it’s one of the most well-preserved ancient temples due to its continuous use.
For more ways to explore Rome:
- Fountains and Squares of Rome 2-Hour Walking Tour
- From the Pantheon to the Coliseum: Rome Segway Tour
- Piazzas of Rome Small Group Sunset Tour
Piazza Navona
With two fountains, a palace (Palazzo Pamphili), and who knows how many tourists, Piazza Navona is definitely worth a stop on your walk throughout Rome! It was built to be an open stadium and was said to have hosted games that the Ancient Romans would gather to watch.
Capitoline Museums
Perched atop the Capitoline hill, the Capitoline Museums are actually one single museum in three separate buildings, attached to each other through basement corridors. It showcases many ancient treasures and sculptures, including a very large head and this very large god. If you want to skip the line, buy a ticket here.
Trevi Fountain
A classic Roman landmark, the Trevi fountain has the most gorgeous carvings behind it. Legend says that if you flip a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain, you’ll find your way back to Rome someday, and so far it’s worked for me! Interestingly, the Trevi Fountain is the one famous Roman landmark that was actually built recently in the 1700’s! That might not seem new, but compared to the rest of the landmarks which were built around the year 100, it’s really recent!
The Spanish Steps
One time some guy decided to try driving down all 120 of the Spanish steps. As you may have guessed, it didn’t end well for him. But a trip to the steps will certainly serve you well! (as long as you’re not approaching them with a car). With a gorgeous church perched on top and a vibrant shopping street directly across, there’s nothing about the steps that isn’t photogenic.
The Vatican
I guess this technically isn’t part of Rome, actually it’s technically not even part of Italy, but since you’re in Rome anyway you might as well visit the Vatican because it’s, you know, right there. While you’re there, you must visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, which are both absolutely breathtaking and certainly worth going to for more than just the picture.
To skip the lines at the Vatican, try these:
- Skip-the-Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Tour
- Reserved Entrance: Saint Peter Basilica Self-Guided Tour
- Vatican Priority Access Admission TIcket
- Papal Audience Experience tickets with Expert Guide Included
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Fast-Track Ticket Options
Castel Sant’Angelo
Also known as The Mausoleum of Hadrian, it was initially built for Hadrian and his family to use as a mausoleum. The building was later used by the popes as a fortress and castle, and is now a museum.
Supreme Court of Cassation
The highest court of appeal in Italy, the Supreme Court is mostly worth visiting for the stunning architecture!
If you don’t want to see this area by yourself, try this tour!
Unique Things To Do in Rome
If you are sick and tired of all the tourists in Rome, hate waiting in line for hours, or just want something unique to do, here are some more off the beaten path recommendations!
Go on a food tour
If someone says Italian, the mind usually jumps to food, and for good reason. Italian food is well known throughout the entire world for being so. effing. delicious. But with so many choices, it can be hard to narrow down where to eat. That’s where a food tour comes in! Often led by locals, they’ll show you the best local places to eat, and you’ll know you’re getting the real Italian experience. For example, this food tour is all about the food in the neighborhood of Trastevere!
For some more food tour ideas:
- Rome: Gourmet Food Tour
- Rome: Small Group Street Food Tour with a Local Guide
- Rome: 3-Hour Private Food Tour
- Rome: Private Michelin Star Food Tour
Read a book at Biblioteca Angelica
Frequented mostly by locals, this gorgeous public library is equal parts photogenic and serene. Bookshelves stretch all the way up to the ceiling and the rooms are hushed, offering a perfect escape for anyone trying to get work done and the perfect photo op.
Take a stroll along the Tiber
Rome’s iconic river is a lovely place to chill out, relax, and get away from the hustle-and-bustle. While there are also tourists by the river, they aren’t everywhere, so you’ll have no trouble finding a less crowded spot. Have a picnic with some store-bought bread and calzones, and soak in the city! If you’d rather be on the river than beside it, try this hop-on hop-off river cruise!
Explore the winding streets of Trastevere
The streets of Trastevere are so stunning! Although the secret has gotten out, and there are now tourists there too, it’s still mostly under-the-radar, meaning a much more enjoyable experience. Just wandering down the streets is fine if you’d like to enjoy the atmosphere, but if you want more detailed plans, check out this blog post. Or, if you want someone to lead you around the neighborhood, try this walking tour!
Watch the sunset from a rooftop bar
Rome’s skyline is absolutely stunning at sunset, and there is no shortage of rooftop bars to watch the sunset from! Try Zuma, a Japanese restaurant with a gorgeous terrace, or Hotel Forum, for a good view overlooking the Roman Forum.
For some more places to drink in Rome:
- Wine and Cheese Tasting in Rome
- Best of Rome Night Tour with Italian Aperitivo
- Rome: 4-Hour Food and Wine Tasting Tour
Snap photos at Giardino Degli Aranci
Situated on the edge of the city, the Giardino Degli Aranci (aka Garden of Oranges) is like a breath of fresh air. A gorgeous one at that. Here is also where you’ll find the Aventine Keyhole, pictured above. Whether it was a coincidence or not, the topiary in this garden perfectly frames St. Peter’s Basilica for a stunning and unique shot.
Take a day trip
There are so many places in Italy to visit, Rome is just the start! If it’s your first time in Italy, or even if it isn’t, you should definitely consider adding another city or two to your itinerary. Try Florence if you’re into art and art history, Venice if you’re looking for a romantic getaway, Milan if you’re a lover of fashion, Naples if you’re looking for good pizza, or the Amalfi Coast if you love a good view!
Other day trips from Rome include:
- Catacombs and the Appian Way – Day Trip from Rome
- Rome to Florence: Full-Day Private Guided Tour
- Venice in One Day
- Day Tour of Tuscany from Rome
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Have you ever been to Rome? What were your favorite things to do? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
