Rome is the capital of Italy, located in the region of Lazio. It truly is a cultural experience, as the city has a mix of history, archeology, art, religion, and delicious food. Below are 24 things to do in Rome, Italy!

Fun Facts:

-Population: 4.3 million

-Tourism: Most visited city in Italy

-Languages: Greek and Latin were the official languages of the Roman Empire

Tours to Book:

-Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, and Positano Day Trip from Rome

-Rome by Golf Cart Private Tour

Historical Sites:

1- Tour the Underground Arena at the Colosseum– 

The Colosseum is an oval amphitheater in the center of Rome. The Colosseum was the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire and still standing today. Construction to hold 50,000 spectators began in 69 AD. The arena is where many gladiatorial fights took place. Be sure to book a guided tour in advance to skip the line and see the underground arena because the tour sells out quickly.

Tour: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Tour: Colosseum Underground-Arena and Forum

2- Make a Wish at the Trevi Fountain- 

Visiting the Trevi fountain is a must-see on many travelers’ bucket lists, as it was a landmark in the Lizzie McGuire movie. Okay, but in all seriousness, the Trevi is a powerful example of a Baroque design with a distinctly mythological character. A local legend states that throwing a single coin in the Trevi Fountain will ensure your return to Rome in the future. Throwing two coins is said to bring love and romance, while throwing three means you will marry in Rome.

3- See the Ancient Ruins at the Roman Forum- 

The Roman Forum consists of Ancient Rome’s most important structures. Structures you will see are shrines, government houses, and monuments. Ancient ruins in the Roman Forum include the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titris, and the House of the Vestal Virgins. The Underground Colosseum tour shared previously will also take you to the Roman Forum.

Tour: Colosseum Underground-Arena and Forum

4- Baths of Caracalla- 

The Baths of Caracalla, built between 211 and 224, were the city’s second-largest public baths in Rome. They are an example of imperial spas in Rome.

Churches/Religious Buildings:

5- St Peter’s Basilica- 

St. Peter’s Basilica is free to visit, and you can climb the 551 steps to the summit for an amazing view. This panorama view of Rome’s spectacular landscape is stunning.

Tour: –Vatican Museum and St. Peter’s Basilica Skip the Line Tour

6- Pantheon- 

The Pantheon is a former Roman temple and now a church. You can also pay respects to the Italian kings buried inside the Pantheon.

Tour: –Pantheon Small Group Tour

7- Basilica di San Clemente- 

Booking a tour to go to the lower levels of the Basilica di San Clemente with a professional guide will be worth every penny!

Tour: –Underground Temple Tour of Basilica di San Clemente

Neighborhoods/ Public Areas:

8- Trastevere- 

Trastevere is one of the most adorable neighborhoods in Rome to visit, as it is home to restaurants, bars, and cobblestone streets. This neighborhood is one that you do not want to miss out on!

9- Piazza Navona- 

Piazza Navona is one of the best-known public squares in Rome because there are street performers and artists. Cafes, shops, and restaurants abound. The square has infamous monuments like Sant ‘Agnese in Agone.

10- Spanish Steps-

The Spanish Steps are also known as Piazza di Spagna, where visitors can tread the same stairs that writers Balzac and Byron climbed for inspiration. They are just steps; however, it is stunning during the spring because the azaleas blossom.

11- St Peter’s Square- 

St. Peter’s Square, designed by architect Bernini, is one of the most elegant areas in the world. The square has over 140 statues and a few fountains.

12- The Jewish Ghetto- 

The Jewish Ghetto is one of the most beautiful hidden treasures of the city. It shows the religious, social, and cultural life of the Jews in Rome. Visiting this small neighborhood should be on your Rome Bucket List!

13- Piazza del Popolo- 

Piazza del Popolo is a large urban square in Rome. 

Museums:

14- The Vatican Museum + The Sistine Chapel- 

Reserve your ticket to the Vatican Museum in advance to save time. The best way to see the museum is with a guided tour in that they offer a host of knowledge about the place. The Sistine Chapel, spiral staircase, and Raphael Rooms are treasures in the museum.

Tour: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour

15- Galleria Borghese- 

The Galleria Borghese Museum has a massive art collection of sculptures.

Tour: Skip the Line Galleria Borghese Museum Tickets

16- National Museum of Rome-

The National Museum of Rome is a group of museums scattered in several places throughout the city. The museums showcase antiques preserving the ancient culture of Rome.

17- Castel Sant’angelo- 

This former castle is now a museum with a terrace offering a stunning lookout area of the city.

18- Capuchin Crypt- 

The Capuchin Crypt contains the skeletal remains of 3,700 bodies!

Tour: Capachin Crypt Skip the Line Tour

Shopping:

19- Porta Portese- 

Porta Portese is a Sunday morning market you do not want to miss, as vendors sell everything from books to antiques. The main focus is clothes.

20- Campo de’ Fiori–

Campo de’ Fiori is a free market with numerous pizzerias, cafes, and gelaterias.

Hiking:

21- Gianicolo Hill- 

Gianicolo Hill has a panoramic view of the Eternal City. At the top, you can see some of the most famous buildings in Rome. One building you can see is St. Peter’s Basilica. It is not one of the seven hills of Rome because it sits right outside the ancient city.

Parks:

22- Villa Borghese Gardens- 

This park is a landscape garden in Rome. There are several buildings and museums surrounding the park. It is the third largest park in Rome after the Villa Doria Pamphii and Villa Ada.

Food/Deserts:

23- Try Gelato- 

The best place to enjoy Gelato in Rome is at Fatamorgana. 

24- Make Pasta–

Take a cooking class to make pasta from scratch or go on a food walking tour to have a unique cultural experience in Rome!

Tour: Rome Food Tour by Sunset around Prati District

Tour: Rome Food Walking Tour: Trastevere, Campo de’ Fiori, Jewish Ghetto

We listed 24 things to do in Rome! Have you ever been to Rome? Please comment below about your experience. 🙂

Have a wonderful day + safe future travels!

XOXO, Ashley

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