Rome, the eternal city, is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends its rich history with colourful contemporary culture.
Renowned for its ancient landmarks, world-class art, and tempting cuisine, Rome offers a memorable experience for travellers.
While in Rome, you can journey through time by discovering iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum, which stand as testaments to the city’s ancient grandeur.
In this article, we will look into 25 exciting and best things to do while you are in Rome for your next vacation.
18 Exciting Things to do in Rome
Once you visit Rome, you will delve into the artistry of famous masterpieces at the Vatican Museums, where the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel and the compelling works of Michelangelo and Raphael await.
Also, you will love trying the culinary delights of Italian cuisine, which includes freshly made pasta and other Roman dishes like cacao e pepe, carbonara, and delectable gelato available in the local gelaterias.
After that, stroll through Rome’s attractive streets, taking in the enchanting ambience of its piazzas, fountains, and hidden gems, or meander along the Tiber River for a serene escape from busy city life. Now let us see 18 exciting things that you can do once you are here in Rome:
1. A Visit to the Colosseum is a Must!
The Colosseum is the ultimate vision of Rome and one of the topmost places to explore; being famous as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a must-visit. This site is as spectacular as it was two millenniums ago.
The theatre’s creation dates back from 72 A.D. to 80 A.D. and is said to hold up to 50,000 onlookers at a time.
The building held games, entertainment activities, animal fights, and gladiators’ combats on the arena floor.
Book a ticket in advance, as there are long queues of hundreds visiting every day and take your sweet time appreciating this ancient monument and its arena floor.
2. Roman Forum
One of the best things to do in Rome is to visit the Roman Forum and appreciate the ancient ruins.
The Roman Forum was the core of the Roman Empire. The Forum was filled with Senate houses, Saturn, Titus, and Vesta temples during the Principate.
The Roman Forum is one of the best-preserved buildings still in shape, which visitors visit year after year.
Hire a private guide who can bring back the old Roman lives as you walk past the Roman Forum to make the experience more meaningful.
3. Visit the Architectural Masterpiece, The Pantheon!
The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved buildings in history. It is one of the famous antique buildings. The interior of the building will make you awe.
The original Pantheon was commissioned by Marcus Agrippa in 27 BC, but the current monument is the third Pantheon, constructed nearly 200 years after the original.
It was a former Roman temple, and it was a circular building of concrete faced with brick, with a concrete dome rising from the walls.
The interior contains splendid tombs of several personalities, Raphael and King Victor Emmanuel II.
The place is worth your time during your Rome visit.
4. Beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica
One of the best places in Rome is to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, often referred to as one of the most beautiful and holiest buildings in the world.
Located in Vatican City, this religious building is adorned with artistic masterpieces.
Michelangelo’s Pieta and Bernini’s great bronze, Baldacchino, and many other breathtaking delicate art will have you staring at them with wonder for hours in St. Peter’s Basilica. St. Peter’s Basilica is the evidence of the glorious catholic religion.
Climb up the spiral staircases to the top of the dome, and you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the Tiber River and St. Peter’s Square.
5. A Day trip to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast
A trip to the Pompeii and Amalfi coasts would top the discovery list while holidaying in Rome. Enjoy the serene coast on the city’s outskirts by walking along the beach. There are several churches that you could visit there.
The city has no guides, and you can travel independently. You can either take a train or a car to reach the destination.
6. The Altar of the Fatherland is beautiful!
The Altar of the Fatherland is situated in the heart of the city. The monument has artistically decorated columns and a bronze sculpture of King Emmanuel, with two chariots driven by Goddess Victoria.
The beautiful marble building was built to respect the first king of unified Italy, King Victor Emmanuel.
7. Visit the Museum
Rome is the home to many remarkable museums. When you plan a trip there, visiting Rome’s museums is one of the top things to do.
7.1. Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are the finest in the world due to their beautiful artworks of over 70,000 pieces spread over 54 chambers.
The Vatican Museums were initially built for the Popes in the Vatican City during the Renaissance and their palaces. The Museums shelter the Transfiguration by Raphael, Museo Pio-Clementino, and many other notable works.
7.2. Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is an integral part of the Vatican Museums. It is one of the most renowned religious chapels in the world for its intricate art.
The ceiling artwork and Michelangelo’s The Last Judgement are the two particular artworks that make the Sistine Chapel one of the most iconic historical buildings.
7.3. Leonardo da Vinci Museum
The Leonardo da Vinci Museum is the home to all of Vinci’s incredible achievements in science, art, and sculpture. Hundreds of budding artists paid homage to Vinci even after five centuries by recreating his mast.
The museum holds the Mona Lisa, one of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous paintings.
The Last Supper, another of his renowned works, is located in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria Delle Grazie in Milan.
The place is worth visiting if you’re a Renaissance enthusiast.
7.4. Keats-Shelley House
The Keats-Shelley House is the worthiest place for those with a romantic literature nook. This delicate little museum has 8000 volumes in the fond memory of these poets and literary romanticism.
Apart from that, there are several paintings, manuscripts, and sculptures. The House was initially the residence of John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Follow their website to choose a good show for yourself, as the House presently holds concerts, poetry reading contests, talk shows, and readings of first editions of the writer. Visiting this place is yet another best thing to do in Rome.
7.5. Borghese Gallery
The Borghese Gallery is one of the world’s best stops for art lovers. The Gallery is full of paintings by Caravaggio and sculptures by Bernini. This place is, without a doubt, one of the memorable places.
The Borghese Gallery holds ten iconic works of Bernini. The Gallery has one of the best collections of Baroque art and contemporary art from the Renaissance in the world.
The Gallery provides a two-hour tour to observe the intricate masterpieces of the Borghese Gallery.
8. Join the tradition of Throwing a Coin in the Trevi Fountain
One of the grandest and most luxurious fountains ever created, the Trevi fountain is splendid to the eyes for its exquisite artwork and sculpture. It is the most famous fountain, which is worth adding to your list of exploration. It is located in Piazza di Trevi.
The Trevi fountain was built for the Roman God Oceanus.
The Trevi fountain has the figure of Oceanus in Carrara Marble with two Tritons and two seahorses pulling his chariot.
Locals believe throwing a coin into the Trevi fountain over your shoulder will bring you back to Rome. And yes, you guessed it right!! This is featured in La Dolce Vita and the film Roman Holiday.
9. Vist the Famous Piazzas in Rome
We are discussing below 5 Piazzas which is a must-visit for you once you are visiting Rome:
9.1. Piazza Navona
One of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions, the Piazza Navona is an oval-shaped area surrounded by restaurants, stalls, and souvenir shops. The Baroque art of the city is entirely on display here. The Piazza Navona is the most famous pizza in the city and is worth adding to your list of things to do in Rome.
The Piazza Navona was built in the second half of the 15th century on the site of the Domitian stadium, and it has been one of the most visited places by tourists since then.
Spend an evening walking around the Piazza Navona and then grab a perfect dinner with an ecstatic view.
9.2. Piazza del Popolo
The current design of the Piazza del Popolo, one of the biggest squares of Rome, goes back to the beginning of the 19th century. It is famous for its decoration based on the Renaissance. In honour of Ramesses II, it has a giant Egyptian obelisk in its center.
9.3. Piazza di Spagna
The Piazza di Spagna is another name for the Spanish steps. It is named after the Spanish Embassy of the Vatican City.
9.4. Piazza Venezia
The Piazza Venezia is built in the city centre, where four roads meet. The Piazza is named Piazza Venezia after its neighbouring Palace, which was built in 1455.
9.5. Piazza di Trevi
The Piazza di Trevi is one of the most popular Rome attractions due to the gorgeous Trevi Fountain.
10. Explore Quirinale Palace
The Quirinale Palace is one of the largest palaces in the world, yet another must-see in Rome. It is located on one of the sixth hills of Rome.
The Quirinale Palace was initially used as the residence of the King after Rome’s unification. But now, it is used as the residence of the President of Italy.
The interior of the Palace has beautifully decorated rooms, stairs, courtyards, and gardens with excellent plant arrangements and a variety of flowers.
11. Discover the Historical Monument of the Arch of Constantine
Another fun thing to do in Rome is visit the Arch of Constantine. The place is famous for its intricate artwork, and it tells us about the incredible history of Rome. The Arch is full of contemporary art from the Roman period.
It was created in 315 A.D. to glorify the victory of Emperor Constantine at the Battle of Milvian Bridge. The monument contains war stories, soldiers, prisoners, and delicate inscriptions.
It stands at a height of 21 meters, which provides a fantastic view of the surroundings.
12. Roam around Trastevere
Trastevere means ‘Across the Tiber’ in Latin. This place will let you experience authentic Roman lives. Once you cross the Tiber River, the surroundings will leave you in amazement.
The ambience of this place is hippy and bohemian. The area is full of bars, pubs, cafes, and restaurants. There are many stores for handicrafts, jewellery, and perfumes.
The evenings are beautiful in Trastevere, with people hanging out together and drinking at the bar. Enter a bar that suits your vibe, and the drinks list will tempt you to spend the rest of the evening there.
13. Walk Up to the Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill is one of the most famous Rome tourist attractions and one of the most beautiful hills found in Rome, along with the Flavian Palace and the Temple of Cybele.
This ancient city is said to be the home of the emperors and aristocrats in history. So, visiting this hill is one of the most important things to do in Rome.
According to Roman mythology, this place is assumed to be where Remus and Romulus were brought up, and they built the town further.
A visit to Palatine Hill accompanies the entry to the Roman Forum. Watch the entire expanse of the gorgeous Rome right before you.
14. Pose in front of the Spanish Steps
The Spanish steps are another popular tourist attraction in Rome visit. There are 135 steps on the site to connect the Piazza di Spagna and the Piazza Trinita Dei Monti.
The Spanish Steps were built back in 1725. After climbing the Spanish Steps, the Piazza di Spagna has a lot of cafes and resting spots. On the other hand, the Piazza Trinita Dei Monti has a catholic church and a beautiful fountain, Fontana Della Barcaccia, which serves you an incredible sight.
The place is full of high-end luxurious shopping places. Also, the Spanish Embassy is just 100 meters south of the steps. This place is worth adding to your holiday list.
15. Visit the Castle of Sant Angelo
The Castle Sant Angelo is also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian. This building was once the tallest in Rome.
The Castel Sant’Angelo was built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian, not a king, and it was built in 123 A.D.
The building stands as a circular fort and a museum today and is yet another iconic thing to do in Rome.
16. Organize a Street Art Tour
If you sincerely love street art, then a street art tour is the most fulfilling and enjoyable thing to do with your friends.
Stroll along the streets of Rome and admire the city’s beauty and the street paintings. The best place to see street art is Rome Quadraro, away from the crowds, to appreciate the art.
17. Creatures at the Cat Sanctuary
Did you say you are a cat person? Oh yes! Cat Sanctuary is the right place for you while visiting Rome.
The Largo di Torre, Argentina, is an archaeological site famous for its cat sanctuary in the southwest corner. This sanctuary has several stray cats from the city and its neighbourhood, which are taken care of and put up for adoption.
Bulgari, a luxury jewellery brand, took the initiative to improve public access to this area.
18. Enjoy the Nightlife
Experience the colourful nightlife of Rome by visiting local bars, clubs, and live music venues, especially in the Trastevere and Testaccio districts.
Key Takeaways
Rome is a bustling city for your entire life and a bit of everything to improve your day. Plan a 3-day trip of all the things to do in Rome with your close ones to the city full of wonders would be a great holiday experience.
Book the tickets in advance for all the main attractions of Rome since there are tourists throughout the year, and you are good to go.
Last Updated on February 7, 2024 by Apeksha Soni
