10 Best Things to Do in Rome

Looking for what to do in Rome? Rome, the Eternal City, is a living museum of ancient wonders, Renaissance art, grand piazzas, sacred sites and atmospheric neighbourhoods. Every corner reveals traces of the city’s multi-layered history — from imperial ruins and baroque fountains to hidden courtyards, medieval alleys and modern cafés. Its blend of iconic landmarks, world-famous cuisine and centuries of storytelling makes Rome one of the most compelling destinations on Earth.

From ancient landmarks and artistic masterpieces to lively districts, fountains, basilicas and panoramic hills, here are the 10 best things to do in Rome to help you plan the perfect trip.

1. Explore the Colosseum & Roman Forum

The Colosseum is Rome’s most iconic ancient monument — an immense amphitheatre that once hosted gladiator battles, theatrical performances and imperial ceremonies. Visitors can step inside the arena to imagine the roar of 50,000 spectators, explore the underground chambers where animals and performers were kept, and climb to upper levels for panoramic views of the ancient city. Its scale and engineering remain astonishing centuries later, making it a must-see symbol of Roman ingenuity.

Just steps away, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill offer a fascinating walk through the heart of ancient Rome. Among the temple ruins, triumphal arches, basilicas and political buildings, you can visualize daily life in the empire’s centre of power. Exploring these sites with a guided tour brings the stories of emperors, senators and citizens to life, offering deeper insight into Rome’s extraordinary past.

2. Visit Vatican City: St. Peter’s Basilica & Vatican Museums

Vatican City is home to some of the most breathtaking artistic and spiritual treasures in the world. St. Peter’s Basilica impresses with its soaring dome, intricate chapels and masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Pietà. The immense interior glows with marble, gilding and Renaissance detail, while the climb to the top of the dome rewards visitors with sweeping views across the city’s rooftops and the grand square below.

Equally magnificent are the Vatican Museums, a vast complex filled with ancient sculptures, Renaissance masterpieces, dazzling tapestries and the famous Raphael Rooms. The highlight is the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s ceiling and Last Judgment create one of humanity’s greatest artistic achievements. The sheer scale and beauty of these collections make Vatican City an essential Rome experience.

3. See the Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is Rome’s most beloved fountain — a dramatic Baroque masterpiece where the god Oceanus stands atop powerful horses emerging from swirling water. The fountain’s theatrical design, rushing cascades and brilliant marble façade make it a magnet for visitors throughout the day. Tossing a coin over your shoulder into the fountain is a long-standing tradition, believed to guarantee your return to the Eternal City.

At night, the fountain is illuminated and becomes even more magical, with soft lighting reflecting off the water and stone. The surrounding cobblestone streets are lined with gelato shops, cafés and boutiques, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for an evening stroll. It’s a quintessential Roman moment that captures the city’s romance and charm.

4. Wander the Pantheon

The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in the world and a masterpiece of Roman engineering. Its immense portico of marble columns leads into a stunning rotunda crowned by a perfect hemispherical dome. At the centre of the dome is the oculus — an opening that allows natural light to stream into the space, illuminating the marble floors and walls in dramatic patterns throughout the day.

This architectural marvel has inspired countless structures across Europe and beyond, from Renaissance churches to modern government buildings. Inside, visitors can admire the tombs of Italian kings and the famous painter Raphael. The Pantheon’s serene atmosphere and timeless beauty make it one of Rome’s most captivating landmarks.

5. Explore Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s grandest and most elegant squares, built on the former site of an ancient stadium. Today it is a lively gathering place filled with street artists, cafés, performers and stunning Baroque architecture. The square’s centrepiece is Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, a magnificent sculpture symbolizing the major rivers of four continents, crowned by an ancient Egyptian obelisk.

Surrounded by palaces and bordered by terrace cafés, the piazza offers endless opportunities for people-watching and soaking up Roman life. As the sun sets, Piazza Navona becomes even more atmospheric, with warm lights reflecting off the fountains and musicians filling the air with melodies. It’s one of the best places in the city to relax and take in the vibrant surroundings.

6. Climb the Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps form one of Rome’s most iconic viewpoints, connecting Piazza di Spagna below with the Trinità dei Monti church above. The sweeping staircase is a popular meeting place where visitors and locals alike gather to enjoy the view, take photos or simply relax. The elegant fountain at the base, Fontana della Barcaccia, adds to the charm of the area.

The surrounding neighbourhood is filled with designer boutiques, historic cafés and stylish streets perfect for exploring. From the terrace at the top of the steps, you’ll enjoy beautiful views over Rome’s rooftops, especially at sunset. It’s an area that blends history, fashion and romance — a quintessential Roman experience.

7. Walk through Trastevere

Trastevere is one of Rome’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods — a maze of narrow cobblestone lanes, ivy-covered facades, artisan shops and lively piazzas. The district retains a charming village feel despite its central location, offering endless streets to wander filled with trattorias, wine bars, bakeries and handicraft boutiques. Each corner reveals a new postcard-worthy scene or cozy café.

The neighbourhood’s highlight is the Basilica of Santa Maria, one of the oldest churches in Rome, known for its glittering mosaics. At night, Trastevere comes alive with music, dining and street life, making it one of the city’s most enjoyable areas for an evening stroll or dinner. It’s the perfect place to experience authentic Roman atmosphere.

8. Visit the Galleria Borghese

Set inside the beautifully landscaped Villa Borghese Park, the Galleria Borghese is one of Rome’s most treasured art museums. Its collection includes masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael and Canova, all displayed in richly decorated rooms that enhance their beauty. Bernini’s sculptures, including “Apollo and Daphne” and “David,” are particularly breathtaking for their lifelike detail and movement.

The museum’s timed entry system ensures a peaceful, intimate viewing experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the art without overwhelming crowds. After exploring the galleries, you can wander through the surrounding gardens and enjoy serene views, lakes and landscaped paths. It’s an ideal blend of art, nature and culture.

9. Explore Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo is a striking circular fortress originally built as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum. Over the centuries, it transformed into a papal refuge, a military stronghold and a treasury. Visitors can explore its historic chambers, long corridors, weapon displays and museum exhibits that detail its evolution through time.

The highlight of the castle is its rooftop terrace, which offers some of the most spectacular views in Rome. From here, you can see St. Peter’s Basilica, the Tiber River, the city’s bridges and the historic skyline stretching into the distance. The walk along the bridge leading to the castle, Ponte Sant’Angelo, lined with angel statues, is also a beautiful part of the experience.

10. Enjoy Rome’s food & neighbourhood culture

Rome is a world-class culinary destination where every meal feels like a celebration. Classic dishes such as carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana and saltimbocca showcase the city’s passion for bold, simple flavours made with fresh ingredients. Street foods like supplì (fried rice balls), porchetta sandwiches and pizza al taglio are perfect for sampling Roman traditions on the go. Gelato shops, bakeries, markets and cafés fill the streets with irresistible aromas.

Neighbourhoods like Trastevere, Testaccio, Monti and Campo de’ Fiori offer some of the best dining and nightlife experiences, each with its own distinct character. Whether you’re exploring local markets, sipping espresso at a sidewalk café or enjoying a long dinner in a family-run trattoria, the city’s food scene is integral to experiencing Rome at its fullest. Don’t leave without trying an authentic Roman-style gelato or a glass of local wine.