50+ Expertly Curated Things to Do in Rome (2025)
The best things to do in Rome go far beyond the usual tourist stops — they’re the experiences that make the city unforgettable.
My first trip to the Eternal City was chaotic: a friend got robbed, tourist food was forgettable, and the crowds felt overwhelming. But with each return, Rome revealed more of its magic, and over time I built a personal list of 50+ must-see sights, activities, and experiences in Rome that blends iconic landmarks with authentic local moments.
I’ve explored hidden gardens, quiet museums, lively festivals, and eerie corners most travelers overlook. This guide brings it all together: insider tips on what to do in Rome, top sights and attractions, fun activities, and a free Rome travel guide with maps and advice I wish I’d had on my first visit.
Top Things to Do in Rome: Must-See Attractions
Rome is full of must-see attractions, and many of the top things to do in Rome can be explored in just a day or two—leaving plenty of time to enjoy the city beyond the usual tourist hotspots.
Start at the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill — ancient Rome comes alive here, from the Colosseum’s grandeur to the Forum’s crumbling temples and Palatine Hill’s sweeping views.
A 10-minute walk brings you to Piazza Venezia and the Altar of the Fatherland, then onward to the Pantheon, 2,000 years old and still boasting the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.
Nearby, Piazza Navona buzzes with fountains, artists, and cafés — perfect for a Roman lunch or aperitivo. Toss a coin at the Trevi Fountain before strolling to the Spanish Steps, and if energy allows, end the day at Villa Borghese’s Pincio Terrace for sunset.
On the other side of the Tiber, Vatican City deserves at least half a day. Explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (free entry on the last Sunday of each month, plus discounts for students, children, and some visitors), then finish at St. Peter’s Basilica. Afterwards, unwind in Trastevere or Prati at a local osteria or trattoria, enjoying authentic Roman dishes and house wine — all without the tourist trap crowds.
Non-Touristy Things to Do in Rome: Art Edition
Looking for non-touristy things to do in Rome? The city is full of hidden art gems and underrated attractions beyond the usual must-sees.
Step into the Doria Pamphilj Gallery, a serene palace filled with Baroque masterpieces, or wander Villa Farnesina to marvel at Renaissance frescoes, including Raphael’s Galatea. Don’t miss the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola, whose illusionistic ceiling is perfect for a mirror selfie under a faux sky.
For contemporary art lovers, the MAXXI Museum offers striking, Instagram-worthy exhibits, while the Palazzo della Civiltà (the Square Colosseum) pairs bold contemporary works with its iconic Fascist-era architecture.
Centrale Montemartini blends ancient and industrial, with Roman sculptures standing among towering machinery for a steampunk vibe.
The Capitoline Museums house some of Rome’s largest ancient sculptures, including the legendary bronze Capitoline Wolf, and also offer a chance to snap a fashionable recreation of the La Grande Bellezza poster, right next to the Marforio river god statue.
Hidden courtyards and palaces like Sciarra Gallery, Palazzo Altemps, and Palazzo Colonna offer peaceful elegance, from delicate frescoes to Baroque grandeur.
And in 2025, don’t miss the Edvard Munch retrospective at Palazzo Bonaparte (Feb 11–Jun 2), featuring The Scream and Italy’s largest Munch exhibition in 20 years.
Free Things to Do in Rome: The Best Views From Above
Some of the best free things to do in Rome are found above the city streets, where breathtaking viewpoints reveal the Eternal City in all its glory.
The Garden of Oranges on Aventine Hill invites you to relax under fragrant trees and enjoy spectacular city views. Just a two-minute stroll away, St. Alessio Garden offers another quiet escape, while the Keyhole of the Knights of Malta frames St. Peter’s Dome like a hidden secret waiting to be discovered.
For sweeping panoramas, Janiculum Hill stretches from the Vatican to the Tiber, glowing golden at sunset. The Vittoriano Rooftop provides a 360-degree perspective over the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the city’s historic rooftops. Other iconic vantage points include the romantic Pincio Terrace for sunset strolls and Castel Sant’Angelo, where the Vatican and Tiber sparkle beneath Rome’s evening lights.
Rome Food Recommendations
In Rome, food isn’t just a pleasure — it’s the city’s heartbeat, and indulging in it is one of the most meaningful things to do to truly connect with the Eternal City’s soul.
Rome’s food scene is a feast for the senses, but it’s easy to fall into tourist traps. The Trastevere Food and Wine Tour is different — artisanal, carefully curated, and packed with 20 tastings of the city’s best flavors. Highly recommended — tried and tested! Just come hungry and let the guides show you authentic Roman delights.
For interactive fun, pair your wine with a sip-and-paint session or enjoy a romantic Tiber River cruise, dining on exquisite dishes while gliding past Rome’s illuminated landmarks.
Beyond pasta and pizza, don’t miss maritozzo, trapizzino, and carciofi alla giudia — local must-tries that reveal the city’s culinary soul.
Take a piece of Italy home with Eataly’s curated food shopping or a hands-on cooking class, mastering pasta, pizza, tiramisu, or gelato.
When it comes to the best restaurants in Rome, my favorite is DOC Enobistrot – Cruderia & Cucina. Don’t forget to check the map at the end, with over 50 handpicked spots to plan your ultimate Roman culinary adventure.
Cultural Things to Do in Rome
Cultural things to do in Rome go far beyond ruins and Renaissance art. The city’s soul beats through its music, cinema, and festivals that light up the streets day and night.
For classical music, you can hear Verdi’s La Traviata and other masterpieces in the acoustics of St. Paul’s Within the Walls or the Waldensian Church.
For something more exclusive, try an opera with a view: Palazzo Poli overlooks the Trevi Fountain, while the Borromini Terrace pairs open-air performances with skyline vistas and aperitivo. Candlelight concerts are another favorite, offering tributes to Queen, Vivaldi, or Italian classics in intimate, atmospheric venues.
Street music adds to the city’s soundtrack. By day, performers fill the Colosseum area, Pincio Terrace, Orange Garden, and Janiculum Hill. By night, Piazza Trilussa in Trastevere turns into a festive hub of bars, musicians, and impromptu singalongs under the stars.
From 5 June to 20 September 2025, the futuristic Auditorium Parco della Musica hosts the Rome Summer Fest. Highlights of the 2025 lineup include Ricchi e Poveri (19 June), Ludovico Einaudi (multiple dates), and Sting (7 July).
Film fans shouldn’t miss Cinecittà Studios, the “Hollywood on the Tiber,” where interactive exhibits let you try green-screen acting, dub Fellini’s La Dolce Vita fountain scene, or explore Italian cinema’s history. In summer, Rome’s villas and piazzas — from Villa Medici to Villa Borghese and Piazza Vittorio — transform into open-air cinemas, turning gardens into magical theaters under the stars.
Unusual Things to Do in Rome: Macabre Edition
Beyond the grandeur and classical beauty, the most unusual things to do in Rome reveal a darker and more surprising side.
Join a Paranormal Night Tour to hear chilling legends at Campo de’ Fiori, where Giordano Bruno’s spirit is said to linger, and Palazzo Farnese, rumored to echo with sinister rituals. Visit the Church of Santa Maria dell’Orazione e Morte, adorned with skulls and the ominous inscription “Today me, tomorrow you” — a stark reminder of mortality.
Go deeper with a Crypts and Catacombs Tour. The Capuchin Crypt, decorated with the bones of 4,000 monks, is a haunting vision of impermanence. Beneath San Nicola in Carcere lie the ruins of ancient temples, while the candlelit Domitilla Catacombs reveal tunnels where persecuted Christians once found refuge.
Visit Mamertine Prison, ancient Rome’s most dreaded dungeon, where Saints Peter and Paul were held in suffocating cells. A miraculous spring is said to have appeared here, though the oppressive atmosphere still weighs heavy.
For something different, head an hour north to Bomarzo’s Sacred Woods, the “Park of Monsters.” Created in the 16th century, it’s filled with giant stone creatures, eerie inscriptions, and surreal structures whose meaning is still debated — grief, art, or madness? Its dreamlike setting makes it a great escape from the city, especially when combined with a picnic, a hike, or visits to nearby medieval villages like Bassano in Teverina and Vitorchiano.
Outdoor Activities in Rome
Rome’s green spaces and outdoor activities offer a refreshing escape from the city’s bustling streets.
At Villa Borghese, you can row across the peaceful lake, where the Temple of Aesculapius reflects in the water, or stroll over to the Borghese Gallery to pair nature with world-class art.
For sprawling lawns and shaded trails, head to Villa Doria Pamphili, Rome’s largest park, where picnics under the sun meet baroque fountains and centuries-old trees.
The Botanical Garden of Rome, hidden behind Palazzo Corsini, is a serene oasis with more than 3,000 plant species — from towering palms to a Japanese garden with waterfalls. In contrast, the Garden of Ninfa feels like stepping into a fairytale: ivy-wrapped ruins, wildflower meadows, clear streams, and arched bridges that look like they belong in a painting.
For a more adventurous day outdoors, cycling the Appian Way lets you discover ancient aqueducts, emperors’ villas, and catacombs along cypress-lined roads — one of the most scenic rides in Rome.
Or, for something unique, visit a horse sanctuary in Ostia Antica, where volunteers will teach you to care for rescued horses before you trot through pine forests dotted with Roman ruins — an unexpected way to connect history with nature.
Fun Things to Do in Rome (To Feel Live Like a Movie Star)
The most fun things to do in Rome feel like stepping onto a movie set. Think Audrey Hepburn’s iconic Vespa ride in Roman Holiday or the unmistakable charm of a vintage Fiat 500 winding through sun-drenched streets. These aren’t just vehicles, they’re symbols of Italian style, freedom, and la dolce vita.
The good news? You can step right into the scene. Cruise through Rome in a classic Fiat 500, hop on a Vespa, or take it slow with a golf cart tour, all while a professional photographer captures your movie-star moments against backdrops like the Colosseum, Janiculum Hill, and hidden cobblestone alleys.
For the ultimate luxury spin, get behind the wheel of a Ferrari California Turbo. Whether weaving through Rome or hitting the rolling countryside, this isn’t just a drive — it’s a chance to feel the speed, precision, and passion behind Italy’s most legendary sports car.
Or, swap leather seats for gladiator sandals: at the Gladiator School of Rome, you’ll don a tunic, wield safe replica weapons, and train in ancient battle techniques. It’s family-friendly, interactive, and your chance to unleash your inner Maximus.
Day Trips from Rome
Sometimes you need a break from Rome’s crowds, and plenty of exciting day trip options lie just an hour or two away.
Just 30 minutes out, Ostia Antica offers remarkably preserved streets, bathhouses, and theaters of an ancient port city. About 45 minutes from Rome, Tivoli enchants with the vast ruins of Hadrian’s Villa and the spectacular fountains of Villa d’Este, including the famous Fountain of the Organ that plays music through water alone.
For lakeside tranquility, Castel Gandolfo offers sweeping views over Lake Albano and a peek into the Pope’s summer residence. Prefer the sea? A €5 train ride takes you to Santa Marinella in under an hour — ideal for a swim, a stroll, or a relaxed seaside lunch.
Further south (2–3 hours), Pompeii preserves everyday Roman life under the ash of Mount Vesuvius. You can also hike the volcano itself, or continue to the Amalfi Coast, where cliffside towns like Positano tumble dramatically toward the sea. For a quieter coastal retreat, Ponza Island dazzles with crystal waters, hidden grottoes, and mythological charm.
For medieval charm closer to Rome, Orvieto impresses with its mosaic cathedral and Etruscan tunnels, while Assisi shines as the birthplace of St. Francis. Ronciglione, a filming location for La Vita è Bella, and Civita di Bagnoregio, the crumbling “Dying City” accessed by a single pedestrian bridge, offer cinematic streets and breathtaking views far from the crowds.
Rome Transport Tips
While it's true that all roads lead to Rome, some paths are definitely more convenient than others — and here is a quick guide to transport in Rome.
If you’ve just landed at Fiumicino Airport, the Sit Bus Shuttle offers a fast and reliable connection to both Termini and the Vatican.
Arriving by cruise at Civitavecchia? You can reach the city easily by train, bus, or join a guided transfer — often cheaper than a taxi and perfect for a one-day Rome visit.
Once in Rome, the metro is an easy and efficient way to get around — check out the ATAC website for all the info on routes and schedules.
For a more comfortable sightseeing experience, hop-on hop-off buses provide extra perks like multilingual audio guides and Wi-Fi.
If you're looking for additional convenience, the Roma Pass grants access to unlimited public transport, including the metro and municipal trains, plus skip-the-line entry at select attractions and free access to toilets around the city.
Rome Itinerary, Map & Travel Guide
I’ve put together three resources to help plan your Rome trip: a 7-day itinerary, an interactive map, and a detailed travel guide. The itinerary mixes must-sees with hidden gems so you won’t fall into tourist traps. The map highlights activities plus 50+ food spots, from pizza and gelato to fine dining and rooftop bars. And the guide adds practical tips — like drinking from nasoni, avoiding fines, and advice on shopping, safety, and key Italian phrases.
Rome FAQ
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If you only have 1 day in Rome, here are some suggestions to help you cover the city’s must-see attractions.
1-Day Rome Itinerary
Morning:
Step inside the Colosseum, where gladiators once fought.
Wander through the Roman Forum, once the heart of Roman politics and society.
Climb Palatine Hill for panoramic views of ancient ruins and the city.
Midday:
Admire the Altar of the Fatherland at Piazza Venezia.
Marvel at the Pantheon, an ancient temple with a stunning dome.
Enjoy a Roman lunch — try carbonara or a quick trapizzino.
Afternoon:
Stroll through Piazza Navona, known for its lively fountains and street artists.
Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome.
Climb the Spanish Steps for a view from Trinità dei Monti.
Evening:
Watch the sunset from Pincio Terrace in Villa Borghese.
Enjoy a relaxed walk through Trastevere or Campo de’ Fiori.
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If you have 2 days in Rome, you can see the city’s most iconic landmarks on day one and still have time on day two to explore the Vatican, enjoy hidden viewpoints, and soak in unforgettable panoramas.
2-Day Rome Itinerary
Day 1: Iconic Landmarks
Follow the 1-day itinerary (Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, etc.).
Day 2: Vatican & Viewpoints
Morning:
Explore the Vatican Museums, home to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.
Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, climbing to the dome for an unforgettable city view.
Midday:
Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Borgo Pio, a charming street near the Vatican.
Afternoon:
Unwind in the Orange Garden on Aventine Hill, a peaceful retreat.
Peek through the Knights of Malta Keyhole, framing a perfect view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Relax at St. Alessio Garden before heading to Janiculum Hill for a sunset view.
Evening:
Take a Tiber River Cruise, gliding past Rome’s illuminated landmarks.
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With 3 days in Rome, you can experience the city’s highlights and Vatican treasures, then dedicate the third day to an unforgettable day trip.
3-Day Rome Itinerary
Day 1-2: Rome’s Highlights, Vatican & Viewpoints
Follow the 2-day itinerary.
Day 3: Day Trip to Tivoli, Ostia Antica, or Castel Gandolfo
Option 1: Tivoli (Renaissance Villas & Ancient Ruins)
Morning:
Visit Villa d’Este, a UNESCO-listed villa famous for its stunning fountains and gardens. Stroll through the waterfalls and grottos, capturing breathtaking photos.
Midday:
Enjoy lunch at a local Tivoli trattoria, known for regional dishes.
Afternoon:
Explore Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana), a lavish imperial palace complex with thermal baths, grand halls, and reflecting pools.
Option 2: Ostia Antica (Ancient Roman Seaside Town)
Morning:
Wander through Ostia Antica, an exceptionally well-preserved Roman harbor city. Walk along its original cobbled streets, exploring ancient bathhouses, a grand amphitheater, and mosaicked villas.
Midday:
Have lunch at a local Ostia seafood restaurant, savoring fresh Mediterranean flavors.
Afternoon:
Visit a nearby Horse Sanctuary, where you can ride through the countryside or learn about rescued horses.
Option 3: Castel Gandolfo (Lakeside Tranquility & Papal History)
Morning:
Head to Castel Gandolfo, just a 45-minute drive from Rome. Enjoy the peaceful lakeside views over Lake Albano, and explore the town's charming streets.
Midday:
Visit the Pope’s summer residence and the beautiful Secret Garden, rich in history and hidden from public view.
Afternoon:
Relax by the lake or explore the surrounding countryside, offering scenic hiking or leisurely walks.
Evening:
Return to Rome and unwind with aperitivo in Trastevere, soaking in the Roman ambiance.
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With 4 days in Rome, you can see the city’s highlights, take a short trip beyond the center, and still have time for fun and unique Roman experiences.
4-Day Rome Itinerary
Day 1-3: Iconic Landmarks & A Short Trip
Follow the 3-day itinerary (Rome’s highlights + Tivoli or Ostia day trip).
Day 4: Fun & Unique Roman Experiences
Photoshoot in Style: Drive through Rome in a classic vintage car or atop a vespa, while posing in scenic spots.
Cooking Class: Learn to make pasta,pizza,tiramisu, gelato, or Roman specialties with a local chef.
Boating in Villa Borghese: Paddle through a scenic lake surrounded by lush gardens.
Cycling the Appian Way:Ride past ancient aqueducts, catacombs, and historic countryside landscapes.
Trastevere Food Tour: Indulge in a 20-dish tasting tour, sampling Roman street food, pasta, and desserts.
Opera in Church: Experience live opera in a historic church, an unforgettable cultural moment.
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With 5 days in Rome, you can enjoy the city’s highlights, take a short trip, and dive into unique Roman experiences — then use your last day for a longer adventure beyond the city.
5-Day Rome Itinerary
Day 1-4: Iconic Landmarks & Unique Experiences
Follow the 4-day itinerary (Rome’s highlights, day trip, unique experiences).
Day 5: A Longer Day Trip - Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, or Bagnoreggio
Option 1: Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius
Morning:
Explore Pompeii, the ancient city frozen in time by a volcanic eruption. Walk through well-preserved homes, bathhouses, and the grand amphitheater.
Afternoon:
Hike Mount Vesuvius, standing at the crater for spectacular views over Naples. Enjoy a wine tasting at a vineyard on the volcano’s slopes before returning to Rome.
Option 2: Amalfi Coast Escape
Morning:
Visit Positano, a colorful coastal town with picturesque cliffside houses and beaches. Explore its charming streets and relax by the Mediterranean sea.
Afternoon:
Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the coast or visit Ravello’s stunning gardens. Savor a seafood lunch before heading back to Rome.
Option 3: Bagnoregio (“The Dying City”)
Morning:
Travel to Bagnoregio, a medieval hilltop town that is gradually eroding, earning it the nickname “The Dying City.” Walk across the pedestrian bridge that leads to the town and admire breathtaking views of the Valle dei Calanchi.
Afternoon:
Explore the narrow streets, stone houses, and captivating scenery of Bagnoregio. Capture stunning photos as you wander this surreal, almost otherworldly town. It’s an off-the-beaten-path gem perfect for those seeking tranquility and unique experiences.
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With 6 days in Rome, you can cover the city’s highlights, unique experiences, and day trips — then dedicate your final day to green spaces and outdoor adventures.
6-Day Rome Itinerary
Day 1-5: Rome’s Highlights, Unique Experiences & Day Trips
Follow the 5-day itinerary (Rome’s highlights, two day trips, and unique experiences).
Day 6: Green Spaces & Outdoor Adventures
Villa Borghese: Take a scenic boat ride on the lake, stroll through lush gardens, and visit the Borghese Gallery.
Villa Doria Pamphili: Rome’s largest park with shaded trails, picnic spots, and baroque fountains.
Botanical Garden of Rome: Hidden oasis with 3,000+ plant species and a Japanese garden.
Garden of Ninfa: Fairytale-like garden with medieval ruins, streams, and wildflowers.
Cycling along the Appian Way:Explore ancient ruins, aqueducts, and catacombs amidst scenic countryside.
Ostia Antica Horse Sanctuary: Care for rescued horses and ride through a peaceful pine forest.
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With 7 days in Rome, you can explore the city’s highlights, enjoy day trips, embrace unique experiences, and dive into nature — then dedicate your final day to underground mysteries and secret museums.
7-Day Rome Itinerary
Day 1-6: Rome’s Highlights, Day Trips, Unique Experiences & Outdoor Activities
Follow the 6-day itinerary (Rome’s highlights, two day trips, unique experiences, and nature escapes).
Day 7: Underground Mysteries & Secret Museums
Doria Pamphilj Gallery: Baroque masterpieces in a serene, less-visited palace.
Villa Farnesina: Renaissance frescoes, including Raphael’s Galatea.
Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola: Mind-bending ceiling illusion.
MAXXI Museum: Avant-garde contemporary art and dynamic architecture.
Centrale Montemartini: Fusion of Roman sculptures and industrial machinery.
Sciarra Gallery: Elegant Art Nouveau courtyard with frescoes.
Palazzo della Civiltà: Contemporary art in the iconic Square Colosseum.
Palazzo Altemps: Timeless elegance of ancient Rome with stunning portico.
Palazzo Colonna: Baroque grandeur with frescoed ceilings.
Edvard Munch Retrospective: Major exhibition at Palazzo Bonaparte (11 Feb - 2 Jun 2025).
Paranormal Night Tour: Campo de’ Fiori, Palazzo Farnese, and ghostly legends.
Crypts and Catacombs Tour: Capuchin Crypt (4,000 monk bones), Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere, Domitilla Catacombs.
Mamertine Prison: Ancient dungeon where Saints Peter and Paul were confined.
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Rome offers many unusual things to do and unique experiences, including:
Exploring the Capuchin Crypt with 4,000 monk skulls.
Acting in Cinecittà Studios’ green-screen dubbing experience.
Visiting Bomarzo Woods’ surreal monster sculptures.
Cycling along the ancient Appian Way, exploring emperors’ villas, towering aqueducts, and underground catacombs
Listening to opera with church acoustics.
And much more!
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Here are my personal top 10 things to see in Rome if you want to go beyond the city’s most obvious landmarks:
Vatican Museums – If I could choose just one, this is it. The art is incredible, and the Sistine Chapel is a must-see.
Palazzo Altemps – Check out the stunning frescoed portico, offering a taste of Roman royal aesthetics.
Capitoline Museums – Less touristy but home to some of the best ancient sculptures and artifacts.
St. Alessio Garden – A relaxed, authentic spot just next to the Orange Garden, offering a quieter atmosphere.
Villa Borghese – Swans, boats, and vast walking space, all set against the Temple of Aesculapius and beautiful viewpoints.
Cinecittà Studios – A must for cinema lovers, with almost no crowds and a deep dive into Italian film history.
Centrale Montemartini – A cool blend of industrial architecture and ancient sculptures.
Tivoli (less than 1h from Rome) – A stunning immersion into Roman royalty’s lives.
Ancient Ostia (less than 1h from Rome) – A great alternative to Pompeii, easily accessible from Rome, offering a peek into Roman daily life.
Appian Way – I personally enjoyed it more than the Colosseum. It features ancient ruins, emperors' villas, aqueducts, and catacombs, all set along a historic road surrounded by nature.
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Some of the best free things to do in Rome blend iconic sights with simple pleasures — from visiting the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain to relaxing in gardens, enjoying street music, or tasting affordable Roman treats. Here are some suggestions:
Visit Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona.
Walk through public gardens like Villa Borghese, Orange Garden, and Janiculum Hill.
Enjoy street music in Piazza Trilussa.
Visit museums for free on the first Sunday of the month.
Try affordable Roman treats like maritozzo, trapizzino, and artisanal gelato (check out the map at the end of the article).
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Rome with kids means more than museums — think gladiator school, monster parks, and picnics in the city’s largest gardens. Here are some ideas of family activities:
Train like a gladiator at Gladiator School.
Cycle the Appian Way, an ancient Roman road.
Explore Cinecittà Studios with green-screen acting.
Have a picnic in Villa Doria Pamphili, Rome’s largest park.
Visit Bomarzo Woods to see giant monster sculptures.
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Rome for young adults is full of energy and adventure, with fun things to do ranging from nightlife in Trastevere to Vespa tours, river cruises, and even quick trips to the coast. Here are some recommended activities:
Experience Rome’s nightlife in Piazza Trilussa, Trastevere.
Take a Vespa tour & photoshoot around the city.
Enjoy a Tiber River cruise with wine and night lights.
Act in Cinecittà Studios’ interactive film experiences.
Take a day trip to the Amalfi Coast (2-hour ride).
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When it comes to the most beautiful places to visit in Rome, my personal top 5 picks are:
Vatican Museums – Stunning art & architecture.
Villa Borghese – Rome’s most elegant park.
Appian Way – Rome’s oldest road.
Ostia Antica – A well-preserved Roman harbor city.
Trastevere – A picturesque neighborhood known for its narrow streets, cobblestones, and vibrant atmosphere.
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If you’re wondering what to do in Rome’s city center, spend a day moving from ancient landmarks to lively piazzas, iconic fountains, and sunset viewpoints.
Morning: Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
Midday: Walk to Piazza Venezia, home to the Altar of the Fatherland.
Afternoon: Visit the Pantheon, then relax in Piazza Navona with an aperitivo.
Evening: Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, climb the Spanish Steps, and enjoy a sunset at Pincio Terrace with live music.
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If you’re looking for the best Reddit communities for Rome travel tips, these subreddits are great places to find advice, local insights, and shared experiences:
r/rome – Tips from locals and frequent visitors.
r/rometravel – Focused on Rome-specific travel experiences.
r/italytravel – Covers all of Italy, including Rome.
r/travelhacks – General travel tips and money-saving tricks.
r/italytourism – Discussions on must-see spots and cultural experiences in Italy.
Afterword
Don’t worry if you can’t fit in all the attractions and activities listed above — after all, Rome wasn’t built in a day!
Simply wandering through Rome’s streets, with ancient ruins framing the view, sipping an Aperol Spritz, basking in the warm sun, and listening to the soothing sounds of live music is more than enough to absorb the city's unique energy. No queues, no entry tickets — just the pure, timeless charm of the Eternal City.
Wishing you an unforgettable trip to Rome, and thank you for reading my guide!
P.S. Save this guide to things to do in Rome in case the coin tossed in the Trevi Fountain brings you back to explore even more of the city's amazing activities!
Author
Anton Levytsky is a Malta-based photographer and an avid traveler in love with all things Mediterranean.
Other travel guides: 🌉 Things to Do in Lisbon | ⛵ Malta Boat Trips
