Rome, the capital of Italy, is also known as the Eternal City. It was given the name because ancient Romans believed that the city could never be brought down no matter what. The beauty of this city is unparalleled. It is considered one of the best places in Europe.
You will never run out of things to do in Rome. This fantastic city is an excellent combination of history, art, food, museums, and architectural masterpieces. In short, Rome is everything a person with an ideal place to visit can long for.
The city is as welcoming as it looks. Thousands of tourists visit Rome every year, which is made possible by the incredible tourist spots and all the beautiful things to do in Rome.
Here is the list of the topmost things to do in Rome-
1. A Visit to the Colosseum is a Must!
The Colosseum is the ultimate vision of Rome and one of the top things to do in Rome. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, visiting this place is one of the top things to do in Rome. It is spectacular even after almost two millenniums.
The theater’s creation dates back from 70 A.D. to 80 A.D. and is said to hold up to 80,000 onlookers at a time. The building held games, entertainment activities, animal fights, and combats of gladiators on the arena floor, which invited Roman Emperors regularly from ancient Rome.
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. The Roman Forum will connect you to the ancient History of Rome
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, its lives, and politics. During the Principate, the Forum was filled with a variety of stalls, prostitution centers, Senate houses, and temples of Saturn, Titus, and Vesta.
The Roman Forum is one of the best-preserved buildings that still stand there in shape serving the visitors for years.
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. One of the top things to do in Rome is visited this beautiful antique building. The interior of the building will make you awe.
The Pantheon was created in the 1st century A.D. by Marcus Agrippa, which was previously a Roman temple and the burial ground of many famous personalities. Emperor Hadrian then modified it out of stone.
The interior is full of splendid tombs of several personalities, Raphael and King Victor Emmanuel II.
The place is worth your time during your Rome visit.
4. Take your time staring at the exquisite beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica.
One of the best things to do in Rome is to visit the St. Peter’s Basilica, which is 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 the great bronze, Baldacchino, and many other breathtaking delicate arts will have you staring at them with wonder for hours in the St. Peter’s Basilica.
The architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica is so unique that the light rays often fill the inside beautifully during the day.
St. Peter’s Basilica is 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, St. Peter’s Square, and Rome.
Make it a guided tour to St. Peter’s Basilica, and your guide can show you the underground caves and Papal Tombs.
5. A day trip to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.
A trip to the coast would top the list of the things to do in Rome. Enjoy the serene coast on the outskirts of the city by walking along the coast. 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.
The Altar of the Fatherland is one of Rome’s most visited places.
7. A day full of Museums is a must when you visit Rome.
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.
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.
Sistine Chapel.
The Sistine Chapel is a 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.
Leonardo da Vinci Museum.
The Leonardo da Vinci Museum is the home to all the incredible achievements of Vinci in science, art, and sculpture. The museum also holds 50 original inventions by Vinci, including his most famous paintings of the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.
Hundreds of budding artists pay homage to Vinci even after Five centuries by recreating his masterpieces and interacting through holograms and audio recordings.
The place is worth visiting if you’re a renaissance enthusiast.
Keats-Shelley House.
The Keats-Shelley House is the worthiest place for those who have a nook for romantic literature. 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.
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 best things to do in Rome.
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 you with a two-hour tour to observe the intricate masterpiece that the Borghese Gallery is.
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 and is the most famous fountain, which is worth adding to your list of things to do in Rome. 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 white travertine stones 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. Spend an evening in the city lights full of Squares.
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 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.
Piazza del Popolo
Built-in the 10 B.C., the Piazza del Popolo is one of the biggest squares of Rome. It is famous for its decoration based on the Renaissance. In honor of Ramesses II, it has a giant Egyptian obelisk in its center.
Piazza di Spagna
The Piazza di Spagna is another name for the Spanish steps. It has its name after the Spanish Embassy of the Vatican city.
Piazza Venezia
The Piazza Venezia is built in the city center, where four different roads meet. The Piazza is named Cardinal Venezia after its neighboring Palace, which was built in 1455.
Piazza di Trevi
The Piazza di Trevi is one of the most popular Rome attractions due to the gorgeous Trevi Fountain.
10. Visiting the Quirinale Palace is a must.
The Quirinale Palace is the 10th largest Palace in the world, yet another must thing to do in Rome. It is located on one of the seven hills of Rome.
The Quirinale Palace was initially used as the residence of the king post 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. Donate to the Mouth of Truth.
The ‘Mouth of Truth’ is the literal translation of ‘Bocca Della Veritas from Italian. This place attracts a lot of visitors every year. Its tourists increased even more after it was featured in the Roman Holiday.
The Mouth of Truth is almost 2000 years old and is believed to be where the merchants and traders of ancient Rome swore their loyalty by putting their hand inside the head, and if they lied, the head would eat their hand.
This is yet another one of the fun things to do in Rome. Its present location is in the Santa Maria Cosmedian Church. A tourist must pay 2€ to put their hand inside and capture the moment.
12. Visit the historical monument of the Arch of Constantine.
Another fun thing to do in Rome is visiting 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.
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 the height of 21 meters, which provides a fantastic view of the surroundings.
13. Roam around Trastevere.
Trastevere means ‘Across the Tiber’ in Latin. This place will let you experience authentic and unconcerned Roman lives. Once you cross the Tiber river, the surrounding will leave you in amazement.
The ambiance of this place is hippy and bohemian. The area is full of bars, pubs, cafes, and restaurants. There are many stores for handicrafts, jewelry, 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.
14. Walk up to the Palatine Hill.
Palatine Hill is one of the most famous Rome tourist attractions and one of the most fun things to do 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 further built the town.
A visit to Palatine Hill comes along with the entry to the Roman Forum. Watch the entire expanse of the gorgeous Rome right in front of your eyes.
15. Pose in front of the Spanish Steps.
The Spanish steps are another popular tourist attraction on 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 restings 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 list of things to do in Rome.
16. Visit the Castle Saint Angelo.
The Castle Saint Angelo is also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian. This building was once the tallest in Rome.
It was built as a mausoleum to serve the King in the 129 A.D. With time, the castle became a part of the Vatican State.
The building stands as a circular fort and a museum today and is yet another iconic thing to do in Rome.
17. Organize a street art tour.
If you sincerely love street arts, then a street art tour is one of the best things to do in Rome.
Stroll along the streets of Rome, and admire the beauty of the city as well as the street paintings. The best place for seeing street art is Quadraro, away from the crowds, just for you to appreciate the art.
18. Italian food is delicious!
One of the most beautiful things in Rome is trying the Italian Cuisine.
Try some Gnocchi, pizzas, and all the varieties of gelato and pasta.
Try the Jewish Ghetto, a dish fried until brown and crispy. The Jewish Ghetto is a small area that is the center of Jewish life, Cuisine, and culture.
19. A cooking class for all the knowledge of the Italian Cuisine.
If you love Italian foods on your trip there and want to eat it the exact way back home, then taking a cooking class is one of the must things to do in Rome.
Meet the locals, learn the authenticity of their recipes, and master the art of making pasta, gelato, saltimbocca, and many other dishes of the Italian Cuisine.
And then you are ready to enjoy Italian foods when you desire.
20. Invite yourself over on a food tour.
The best way to learn about the country’s best flavors and most favorite local dishes and delicacies is by joining a food tour. A food tour is one of the most fun things to do in Rome and makes your experience worthwhile.
You can learn about the dishes the familiar people love and directly opt for tasting them. Learn about the place by the taste of the food on your tongue.
Ask your guide, and they will be kind enough to recommend you the best, mouthwatering local foods.
21. Shop till you can no more.
The best way to immerse in the culture of Rome is by visiting the local markets. Stocking up a new bag with local goodies from the street vendors.
Also, gift yourself some clothes of the latest Roman styles. Buy yourself some vintage Roman-style jewelry.
Literature enthusiasts can buy some books to stock up on their bookshelves back home.
22. A Gelato will always be a mood setter.
Gelato is one of the must-try things to do in Rome. They come in a variety of vibrant mouthwatering colors.
Different combinations of flavors include zabaione, pistachio, walnut, honey, blackberry, beer, blueberry cheesecake, sorbet flavored, and a peculiar combo of chocolate with basil.
A few scoops of these savory flavors will leave your heart feeling mushy and longing for more.
23. Meet cute little creatures at the Cat Sanctuary.
Did you say you are a cat person? Oh yes! This 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 neighborhood, which are taken care of here and also put up for adoption.
Bulgari, a luxury jewelry brand, took the initiative to improve public access to this area.
24. Take yourself to a Ballet performance or an Opera.
Rome is known for its dramatic theatres. Spend a night in the beauty of the artists baring their hearts and soul and soothing the surrounding with their incredible performances.
25. Taste some fine wine.
Being in Rome and not tasting some local wine would never complete your trip there.
Italy is famous for its history of producing rich and fine wine. It is today the largest wine-producing country in the world. Hence, Rome is the right place for wine lovers.
Rome is full of many pubs and bars with a cozy environment for you to enjoy an evening with fine wine and a beautiful view.
Conclusion
Rome is a bustling city full of life and a bit of everything to make your day better. Planning 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.
