Things to do in Rome – 20 tips for attractions and activities

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | What to do in Rome? Italy's capital is like a living museum of history, but also offers romance, good food, sports and a big dose of religion. We list our best tips for a holiday or weekend in Rome and a 2-day itinerary to the most romantic city in the world in our opinion.

Rome

Rome is an amazing city that everyone should see at least once in their life.

What to do in Rome - our top tips

We traveled to Rome on a Mediterranean cruise, and we fell in love with the city. Even though Rome is a big city, we found it to be genuine and cozy. Here are our 20 best tips for things to see and do.

1. Experience the Colosseum – Rome's most powerful attraction

You can hardly visit Rome without seeing the Colosseum. The enormous amphitheater is one of the world's most famous buildings and is much more impressive in real life than in pictures. Construction of the Colosseum began in 72 AD and when the arena was completed eight years later, tens of thousands of spectators could gather here for gladiatorial games and other spectacles.

As we walked around the Colosseum, we tried to imagine what the place looked like in ancient times, when the stands were packed and the arena was the center of some of the greatest spectacles of the Roman Empire. It is the combination of the enormous building and the knowledge of what actually happened here that makes the visit so special.

Tips! The Colosseum is one of Rome's most popular attractions and it's wise to book your tickets in advance. Combine your visit with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which are right next door and together provide a fantastic insight into ancient Rome.

2. Wander through the Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the heart of ancient Rome and is now a large area filled with ruins of temples, triumphal arches and other buildings. We actually found it even more fascinating to walk here than to visit the Colosseum. There is something special about walking in the same place where the Romans once gathered for trade, politics, religion and everyday life.

Take your time and look out for the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus, and the remains of the Temple of Vesta and the House of the Vestal Virgins, among others. Without a little background knowledge, the ruins can be difficult to interpret, so a guided tour or some reading beforehand makes a big difference.

Tips! Combine the Roman Forum with the Palatine Hill, one of Rome's seven hills and traditionally the site where Rome was founded. The areas are adjacent to each other and are often visited together.

3. Visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

The Vatican Museums are one of the great experiences in Rome and here you will find huge collections of art, sculptures, frescoes and tapestries. We took a guided tour through the museums and although there was a bit too much focus on paintings for our taste, it was fascinating to see the magnificent halls. We remember not least the fantastically ornate ceilings – sometimes you hardly knew where to look.

During the tour, you will pass works by some of history's most famous artists, including Raphael's famous fresco The School of Athens. The big highlight is of course the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo's paintings cover the ceiling and where you can also see his mighty Last judgement.

Tips! Expect a lot of people. When we visited the Vatican Museums, it was extremely crowded and we had to concentrate on following our guide through the crowds. It is advisable to book tickets in advance and set aside several hours so that the visit does not have to be a race through perhaps the world's most art-filled small country.

4. See St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square

St. Peter's Square is one of those places in Rome where you really feel like you've arrived at something big. The huge open piazza is framed by Bernini's colonnades, topped by 140 statues of various saints. Right in front of you rises St. Peter's Basilica - one of the world's most famous churches and the center of the Catholic Church.

When we visited Vatican City, St. Peter's Square was packed with people, but despite the crowds, it's hard not to be impressed by the setting. St. Peter's Basilica is just as impressive on the inside, with its enormous dome, magnificent art, and the place where the Apostle Peter is traditionally buried. Construction began in 1506 and took about 120 years to complete.

Tips! Make time for St. Peter's Square too, and don't just rush through the Vatican Museums. Also, be mindful of your attire if you want to enter St. Peter's Basilica - shoulders and knees should be covered, and at popular times the lines can be long.

5. Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is one of those places in Rome that you’ve seen in pictures countless times – but still impresses when you suddenly stand in front of it. The large baroque fountain fills almost the entire small square, with the sea god Oceanus in the center surrounded by rocks, water and dramatic sculptures.

According to tradition, you should stand with your back to the fountain and throw a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand. If you do this, it is said that you will one day return to Rome. We threw our coins of course and still hope that the legend works – Rome is a city we would love to return to!

Tips! The Trevi Fountain is almost always full of people. If you want to experience the fountain a little more quietly, early morning is a good choice. Feel free to come back after dark too, when the fountain is illuminated and takes on a completely different atmosphere.

6. Experience the Pantheon – a masterpiece from ancient Rome

The Pantheon is one of Rome's most fascinating buildings and at the same time one of the best preserved from antiquity. When you enter, it is above all the enormous dome that catches your eye. In the middle of the ceiling is the round opening, the oculus, where daylight streams in and slowly moves across the walls and floor.

It is almost hard to believe that the Romans could create such a structure nearly 2,000 years ago. The Pantheon was built in its current form under Emperor Hadrian in the 1st century and was originally a temple dedicated to the Roman gods. Since the 7th century, the building has been used as a church, which is an important reason why it has been so well preserved.

For us, the Pantheon is one of those sights where you're happy to stop for a while and just look. Don't miss Piazza della Rotonda outside – a lively and beautiful square where it's perfect to sit down and enjoy Rome for a while.

Tips! The Pantheon is located in the middle of the historic city center and is easy to combine with Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain during the same walk.

7. Stroll across Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is one of Rome's most beautiful and vibrant squares, surrounded by stately buildings, outdoor cafes and baroque fountains. It's almost always full of people here and we like to just stroll around, sit for a while and watch the people go by. This is truly a place where Rome feels like Rome.

In the middle of the square stands the impressive Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, the Fountain of the Four Rivers, created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century. The four large sculptures symbolize the rivers Nile, Ganges, Danube and Río de la Plata, and above it all rises an Egyptian obelisk.

What makes Piazza Navona extra special is the shape of the square. In ancient times, this was the site of Emperor Domitian's great stadium, and today's piazza still follows the contours of the ancient arena.

Tips! Come back to Piazza Navona in the evening. When the fountains and buildings are illuminated, the restaurants are full and people gather in the square, the place takes on a completely different atmosphere.

8. See the Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna

The Spanish Steps are one of Rome's most famous meeting places, leading from Piazza di Spagna up to the church of Trinità dei Monti. The steps were built in the 18th century and are named after the Spanish embassy located in the square below.

It's almost always crowded here, but don't let that put you off. Climb all 138 steps and turn around for a great view of the rooftops and bustling neighborhoods of central Rome. Below the steps is the small Fontana della Barcaccia, shaped like a boat and created by Pietro Bernini and his son Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

We think the area around the Spanish Steps is just as much a part of the experience as the steps themselves. It's so beautiful everywhere that you'll be completely overwhelmed by all the impressions.

9. Discover charming Trastevere

Across the Tiber River lies Trastevere, a neighborhood that feels different from the monumental parts of central Rome. Here, big sights are swapped for narrow cobblestone alleys, colorful houses, small piazzas, restaurants, and bars. It's a lovely neighborhood to just stroll around without any particular plan.

Trastevere has long been a popular tourist destination, so it’s hardly an unknown secret. But especially in the evening, when the restaurants open and people gather in the streets and squares, there’s a great atmosphere. Sit down at an outdoor terrace, order something Italian and let your dinner take its time – sometimes that’s how you experience Rome at its best.

In the middle of the district is Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere with the beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere. Trastevere is at its best when you happen to turn into an alley just to see where it leads, and it was here that we lost ourselves among all the alleys. It didn't matter because the atmosphere is fantastic.

10. Visit Castel Sant'Angelo – Castel Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo, or the Castle of the Angels, stands as a massive circular fortress on the Tiber River, just a short walk from Vatican City. Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian in the 1st century, the building has served over the centuries as a fortress, a papal hideout, and a prison. Today, it is a museum.

It is all these layers of history that make Castel Sant'Angelo so exciting. A fortified passage, the Passetto di Borgo, also connects the castle to the Vatican and allowed popes to escape here when Rome became too dangerous.

Don't miss the Ponte Sant'Angelo in front of the castle. The bridge is lined with beautiful angel statues and from the other side of the Tiber you can get nice photos and views of Castel Sant'Angelo.

11. Walk on the Palatine Hill – The place where Rome was born

The Palatine Hill is one of Rome’s seven hills and, according to legend, the place where the entire city began. It was here that the twins Romulus and Remus were supposedly raised by a she-wolf and here that Romulus later founded Rome in 753 BC. True or not, it’s hard to find a place more associated with the story of the city’s birth.

Later, the Palatine Hill became one of the most exclusive areas of antiquity. Emperors and other wealthy Romans built their palaces and villas on the hill, and today you can wander among ruins, gardens and remains of buildings that once belonged to some of the most powerful people in the Roman Empire.

The Palatine Hill is located right above the Roman Forum, but the feel is different. It's greener and more open, and from several places you get great views down over the Roman Forum and out over Rome. So give the Palatine some time to yourself instead of just rushing through the area on your way from the Colosseum.

12. Discover Villa Borghese and the Borghese Gallery

When you start to get tired of ruins, churches and narrow streets, Villa Borghese is a nice contrast. The large green park is located in the middle of Rome and is perfect for a walk among trees, fountains and small lakes – or just to sit down for a while and rest your legs, which you need several times a day in Rome.

In the middle of the greenery lies the Galleria Borghese, one of Rome's premier art museums. Here you'll find works by Bernini, Caravaggio and Raphael, among others, gathered in a magnificent villa that is almost an attraction in itself. The museum is not very large compared to the Vatican Museums, which can actually be an advantage - here you can get up close to some amazing works of art without having to spend a whole day visiting.

13. See the Victor Emmanuel monument at Piazza venezia

Piazza Venezia is a large and grand square in the heart of Rome. Here is located, among other things, the grand Victor Emmanuel Monument. Regardless of what you think of the monument, this is an exciting and intense place. The Palazzo Venezia palace is also located here, and from here you can reach Rome's largest shopping street, Via del Corso. We found an outdoor terrace nearby and paused with a beer, while the hectic Italian life went on in the background.

14. Experience Piazza del Popolo and the view from Pincio

Piazza del Popolo is one of Rome's largest and most impressive squares, with churches, fountains and a tall Egyptian obelisk in the middle. The name means roughly "people's square", and there is almost always a buzz of activity here. Three main streets lead from the square into central Rome, with Via del Corso being the most famous.

But don't just stop at the square itself. Take the stairs and walkways up to Pincio, which is located on the edge of Villa Borghese. When you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with a fantastic view of Piazza del Popolo, the rooftops of Rome, and the dome of St. Peter's Basilica.

This is the kind of place that you can take your time in. Stop at the viewing terrace, lean against the railing and look out over Rome for a while. Towards evening, when the sun starts to set over the city, Pincio is especially atmospheric.

15. Visit Campo de' Fiori

Campo de' Fiori is one of those squares in Rome that changes its appearance throughout the day. In the morning, the square is filled with market stalls selling fruit, vegetables, spices, flowers and other Italian delicacies. It's lively, colorful and fun to stroll around for a while, although today the market is also well-suited for tourists.

When the market stalls disappear, restaurants and bars take over and towards evening the square fills with people meeting over a glass of wine or dinner. Campo de' Fiori is also perfect for a walk through central Rome. Piazza Navona is just a few minutes away and on the way there are small alleys, shops and piazzas where it is easy to stay longer than you intended.

16. See the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

Rome has hundreds of churches and it is of course impossible to visit them all. But Santa Maria Maggiore is one of them that is worth making a special detour for. The mighty basilica is located on the Esquiline Hill and is one of Rome's four great papal basilicas.

Behind the grand facade lies an almost overwhelming interior with mosaics, marble, side chapels and a magnificent coffered ceiling. Parts of the mosaics in the nave date back to the 5th century, which makes it extra fascinating to walk around here and think about how long people have been visiting the same place.

17. Discover Rome's churches and hidden historical treasures

If you're done with the main sights, you might want to discover some of Rome's lesser-known treasures. A first exciting example is San Clemente, near the Colosseum. Here you can literally step down into Rome's history - today's basilica is built on top of an older church, which in turn sits on top of even older Roman buildings.

Other places to look out for are St. John Lateran, Rome's cathedral and one of the city's most important churches, as well as Santa Maria in Cosmedin, where the famous Bocca della Verità – Mouth of Truth – is located. If you want to continue even further back in history, there is also Baths of Caracalla, the ruins of a huge Roman bath complex.

It's places like these that make Rome so special. You're never really done with the city – there's almost always another layer of history around the next corner.

18. Experience a football match at the Stadio Olimpico

Many big football matches have been played at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome's Olympic Stadium, in Rome over the years. It has hosted a number of famous football players, such as Francesco Totti, the "Prince of Rome", who played for the club Roma until 2017.

Watching football in Italy must be a special experience, and it hardly feels like you need to be a football fan to appreciate a match here. In Italy, football is not confined to the stadium, but is a party that spills out into the streets.

19. Eat a Roman pizza and pasta

One of the best things to do in Rome is to sneak into a cosy alley and order a pizza. We can't remember if the pizza we ate was better than anywhere else, but the atmosphere was great! perfect. If you like good food, you can of course also enjoy pasta and various Italian delicacies.

20. Enjoy authentic Italian gelato

Italians know how to make ice cream. There are plenty of ice cream parlours around Rome where you can try flavours like limone (lemon), nocciola (hazelnut) or amarena (cherry). Ice cream is called 'gelato' in Italian, which by the way can refer to both ice cream in general and a specific type of ice cream, which is made from milk instead of cream.

Where to stay in Rome?

Where you stay in Rome has a big impact on your experience. If you want to be able to walk to most of the sights, a central location is worth a lot, while you'll get more of a local atmosphere and often quieter evenings if you choose an area a little outside the city center.

Centro Storico – best for the first trip

If you want to stay in the middle of Rome's classics, the Centro Storico is an excellent choice. Here you have the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain within easy walking distance and plenty of restaurants, cafes and small alleys right outside your door. The location is hard to beat, but accommodation can be expensive and the area is almost always full of visitors.

Trastevere – best for restaurants and nightlife

Trastevere is for those who prefer to wake up among cobblestone alleys and small piazzas rather than the biggest monuments. In the evening the area fills up with restaurants, bars and people heading out to eat. It is charming and lively – but choose a quieter side street if you want to sleep early.

Monti – charming and close to the Colosseum

Monti is close to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum but also has its own neighborhood feel with small restaurants, wine bars, shops and cafes. A good area for those who want to live centrally without feeling like you're living in the middle of one of Rome's biggest tourist areas.

Prati – best near Vatican City

If the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica are high on your agenda, Prati is a smart alternative. The area is right next to the Vatican City and feels more like a typical Roman residential area than the more touristy parts of the city center. There are also plenty of restaurants and good metro connections.

We stayed at the super cozy little hotel Room91, which Peter found online and which had received good reviews. After our visit, we can also highly recommend this little gem. The hotel is located on Via Ottaviano 91 in the Prati area, a lively street with shops and the metro, just a few minutes walk from the Vatican City. From here it is also walking distance to many other attractions, as well as the pleasant Trastevere district.

Termini – practical and often more affordable

If location and transport are more important than romantic alleys, the area around Termini can be practical. From here it is easy to get around by train, bus and metro, and the choice of accommodation is wide. The area itself does not have the same charm as Centro Storico or Trastevere, but can be a good choice if you want to keep accommodation costs down or are traveling further from Rome.

FAQ – frequently asked questions about Rome

Where is Rome located?

Rome is the capital of Italy and is located in the central part of the country, about 30 kilometers from the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city spreads along the Tiber River and is one of the world's most historic capitals.

What is Rome famous for?

Rome is known for its ancient ruins, impressive churches and lively squares. It is home to world-famous sights such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. The city is also home to Vatican City.

How to get to Rome?

Rome has two international airports – Fiumicino and Ciampino – with flights to much of Europe, and is also easily accessible by train from other Italian cities.

How many days do you need in Rome?

Two days is enough to see many of Rome's top attractions, but three to four days is plenty for a first trip. If you want to visit more museums or explore the city at a slower pace, you may want to stay for five days or longer.

What is there to do in Rome?

Visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, admire the Pantheon and stroll across Piazza Navona. Many also choose to visit the Vatican with St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums.

Do you need to book tickets for the attractions in advance?

Yes, it is recommended to book tickets well in advance, especially for the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums. Otherwise, during peak season, the queues can be long.

Is Rome a good destination for foodies?

Yes, Rome is a foodie's paradise. Here you can enjoy classic Italian dishes like pasta carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and saltimbocca, as well as Italian ice cream and espresso.

Is Rome child-friendly?

Yes, Rome is also suitable for families with children. Many people enjoy exploring the Colosseum, the large squares and parks, and taking breaks with Italian ice cream between the sights.

Do you need a car in Rome?

No, quite the opposite. The city center is best explored on foot, and public transport by metro, bus and tram works well. Car traffic is intense and parking can be difficult to find.

When is the best time to visit Rome?

Spring and autumn are often the best seasons to visit Rome.

What should not be missed in Rome?

Don't miss the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona. A visit to the Vatican with St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums is also a highlight.

Can you combine Rome with other destinations in Italy?

Yes, Rome is often combined with Florence, Naples and the Amalfi Coast. It is also easy to make day trips to Tivoli, Ostia Antica or the picturesque small towns of Lazio.