Rome has something very special about it. It is the Ancient Capital of the Roman Empire and is also the second most visited city in Europe.

It is home to some of the best artwork by Renaissance artists Michaelangelo, Donatello, and Pippo. Even if you don't know much about art, you can still be impressed by Roman engineering.

The gateway to the Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, and you don't need a passport to get in. You can always find something to do in Rome.

Susnet View of Rome from Castel Sant'Angelo, Italy.
View of Rome from Castel Sant’Angelo, Italy. | Source: Deposit Photos

Whether you plan to stay for a weekend or a week, the sheer amount of attractions in Rome can make it hard to decide on what to do.

The most memorable things to see and do in Rome will help you plan your trip.

Go City sells Rome attraction passes that will allow you to visit many of Rome's top attractions. You can choose from a list of top Rome sights, tours, and must-sees with the Explorer Pass. You need to get your pass here.

1. Spend a day Exploring The Vatican City, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Fresco of Sistine Chapel, Vatican, Rome
Fresco of Sistine Chapel, Vatican, Rome | Source: Deposit Photos

One of the best things to do in Rome is to visit another country. The Vatican City is the smallest country in the world and is within walking distance of the city center.

It's small but packed with attractions. It is home to the Pope, leader of the Catholic Church, but it is also home to a number of important landmarks.

One of them is the Vatican Museum. The museum is a great place to hang out. It's possible to spend a whole day here and not see everything, because the rooms are decorated with the finest pieces of Renaissance art.

The Museum is an architectural gem that has been beautifully designed in Roman, Baroque, and Gothic styles and is home to some of the most famous paintings.

The Sistine Chapel is best known for its fresco paintings that adorn the walls. The paintings were created by Michelangelo. His most famous painting, The Hand of God, can be seen at this location.

Visitors to The Sistine Chapel are not allowed to take photos inside, and if you try you will hear a loud voice from an angry Italian security guard.

There are plenty of benches against the walls to allow you to sit for as long as you please.

40,000 people visit the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum every day in Rome. Make sure you book a ticket in advance so you don't have to wait in a queue for three hours.

Go early if you want to avoid crowds.

  • Address: 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
  • Hours: 8.30am – 6.30pm (Monday-Thursday) 8.30am – 10.30pm (Friday and Saturday) closed Sunday

2. Admire Renaissance Fresco’s in St Peter’s Basilica

View of Illuminated Saint Peter`s Basilica and Street Via della
aint Peter`s Basilica and Street Via della | Source: Deposit Photos

Rome's basilicas are some of the most ornately detailed and beautiful in the world. St Peter's Basilica or the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter are the best places to find the crown for the prettiest.

It is one of the most popular attractions in Rome because of its amazing fresco paintings inside.

The paintings, and even the architecture, were designed by some of the most famous classical artists such as Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno, and Giotto.

Michelangelo's Pieta is one of the most well known paintings in the basilica. Please be respectful while looking at the paintings. Many people come from all over the world to worship at St Peter's Basilica. Keep the noise levels low.

  • Hours: 7:00am – 6:00pm (7pm in April – September)
  • Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

There is no cost to visit St Peter's Basilica. They can either join a guided tour or purchase special skip-the-line tickets if they arrive at opening. A climb to the top of Michelangelo's magnificent Dome is included in this tour.

3. Step Back in Time at The Colosseum, The Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill

the outer walls of the colosseum with the rising sun bursting through
The gorgeous Colosseum | Source: Deposit Photos

One of the Seven Wonders of the World is the Colosseum.

The structure was built in the 70 AD to hold 50,000 people. The Romans used to watch gladiator games there.

The ruins of the old market of Rome can be found across the road from the coliseum. The remains of temples, government buildings, and a market can be seen here.

One of the hills in Rome is at the top of the forum. The cave where Rome's founding fathers were taken in by the she-wolf is said to be on the hill. The place where Hercules defeated Cacus is said to be there.

It makes sense to see all of the attractions in one place. It is possible to book tickets together before you go.

  • Hours: 9.00am – 7:15pm
  • Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Rome, Italy

4. Marvel at Roman Engineering in The Pantheon

square with the pantheon and tall spire in front
The Pantheon | Source: Shutterstock

It is still a ruin if you have already visited The Forum and the Colosseum. Some of the best preserved Roman architecture and engineering can be found at The Pantheon.

The circular opening in the ceiling is one of the most famous features of the church. The eye of the Pantheon was the only light source in the building.

Since there is no cover, you might be wondering what happens when the rain falls. The answer is that the floor is tilted so the water can drain through the hidden holes. This is another example of Roman engineering that makes you wonder.

The tombs of many of Rome's greatest artists and royals can be found in the Pantheon, including King Vittorio Emanuele II, King Umberto 1, and his wife Queen Margherita Savoy, and the Renaissance artist, Raphael.

If you want to learn more about the marvel in Rome, you should get the audio guide, which will give you a brief history lesson.

  • Hours: 9.00am – 6:45pm (closed Tuesdays)
  • Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Rome, Italy

5. Throw a Coin in The Trevi Fountain

stunning Roman building with trevi fountain in front
Throw your coin in for good luck! Source: Shutterstock

If you want to visit Rome, you have to visit the Trevi Fountain. One of the most popular things to do in Rome is to throw a coin in the fountain.

To do this, you have to stand with your back to the fountain and throw the coin over your left shoulder.

One of Rome's most popular attractions is the fountain. You might have to wait a while before you can throw your coin.

You should be aware that the fountain is drained for cleaning on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8am-9am.

  • Hours: 24 hours
  • Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Rome, Italy

6. Shop Luxury Brands Around The Spanish Steps

spanish steps with pink flowers on it
The Spanish Steps | Source: Shutterstock

One of the top attractions in Rome is the Spanish Steps. The steps themselves don't take a long time to see.

The Trinit dei Monti church is located in the Piazza di Spagna. It is definitely worth getting a photo on the steps, but if you are looking for something to do nearby, then it is also a great place to shop.

High-end designer brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Dior are found around the Spanish Steps. Italy is known for its fashion and you can find more affordable boutique stores around this area as well.

  • Hours: steps open 24 hours, shops generally open between 10.00am – 7.30pm
  • Address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Rome, Italy

7. Drink An Espresso in Piazza Navona

statue of naked man in the middle of water fountain in the piazza Navona
Source: Deposit Photos

Rome is full of amazing Piazzas and one thing they all have in common is they are lined with restaurants, bars, and cafes. If you are tired after visiting all the best sites in Rome, sitting back with an espresso is a great way to relax.

One of the oldest piazzas is the Piazza Navona. The stadium was built in the 1st century AD. The Romans used to go to the arena to watch games. It's possible that it was the Colosseum before it.

The piazza is surrounded by palaces and churches and there are two fountains in the center. The movie Angels and Demons starring Tom Hanks was based on a book by the same name and was filmed in Rome.

  • Hours: Piazza is open 24 hours, restaurants usually operate between 9.00am – 2.00am
  • Address: Piazza Navona, 00186 Rome, Italy

8. Explore the Villa Borghese Gardens

Water fountain with statues and trees in the Villa Borghese gardens
Villa Borghese gardens, Rome, Italy | Source: Deposit Photos

The Villa Borghese gardens are a great place to take a break and relax in Rome.

The Rome Zoo, Pincio's WaterClock, and Silvano Toti Globe Theatre are all located in the gardens.

You can hire rollerblades and bikes from the main gates in Rome if you want to have fun with your kids.

The Borghese Gallery is worth a visit if you want to see art. You can see paintings by artists such as Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio at this location.

  • Hours: 9.00am to 7.00pm (Last admission to the Gallery at 5.00pm)
  • Address: Piazzale Napoleone I, 00197 Rome, Italy

9. Visit the Roman Catacombs

One of the curiosities in Rome is the catacombs. The only way to visit the catacombs is with a guide who will explain the ancient burial rituals.

In the 3rd century AD, the Christians and Jews were buried in the catacombs. Half a million Christians and Jews were buried here.

The largest and most important of the Rome catacombs is Saint Callixtus. You can join a tour here.

  • Hours: 9.00am – 11.45pm, 2.00pm-5.00pm (closed Wednesdays)
  • Address: Via Appia Antica, 110/126, 00179 Rome, Italy

10. Explore the Castel Sant’Angelo

 Bridge and Castel Sant Angelo and Tiber River.
Bridge and Castel Sant Angelo and Tiber River. | Source: Deposit Photos

The tomb for Emperor Hadrian and his family was built just outside the Vatican City and is now known as the Castel Sant'Angelo. The Papal residence used it as a fortress.

The oldest castle in Italy is now a museum. The Papal quarters are one of the seven levels of exhibits. You will want to visit this attraction in Rome.

You can get your tickets at this location.

  • Hours: 9.00am – 7.30pm (Monday – Sunday)
  • Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Rome, Italy

11. Enjoy A Gelato

gelato in a cone
Who does not love gelato?

You should not say that gelato is just ice cream for Italians. It is slightly better for you than ice cream because it is softer.

It can get very hot in Rome in the summer, so gelato is a great way to cool off.

The Gelateria dei Gracchi is close to the Vatican. This shop is great because they use fresh, seasonal fruits and they also have options that are free of both wheat and dairy products.

Adam was on a Rome food walking tour and enjoyed a sample of gelato.

  • Hours: 1.00pm – 8.00pm
  • Address: Via dei Gracchi 272 00193, Rome, Italy

12. Kick Back and Relax in the Trastevere District

small street with terracotta colored homes covered in green plants
So pretty | Source: Deposit Photos

One of Rome's outer districts is a good place to go if you're tired of all the historical things to do in Rome. The Trastevere district is a great place to relax.

The district is located in the south of the city and is famous for its narrow alleys and medieval houses.

Many of the houses have been turned into cafes and bars. The villas built by Julius Caesar are here.

Backpackers look for a fun night out in the bars and clubs at night. It is a completely different vibe in the daytime if this isn't your scene.

  • Hours: 24 hours
  • Address: The district starts at the Pontifical Urban University and ends at Porta Portese

13. Eat Al Fresco in Centro Storico

people having dinner at an outdoor italian restaurant in Trastevere
Al fresco style | Source: Deposit Photos

Italy is famous for its food. If you are looking for a great place to eat in Rome, you will find a lot of top quality restaurants in the district.

You will find many of Rome's most beautiful piazzas and historic landmarks here, which offer the perfect backdrop while you enjoy an evening meal.

Italians tend to eat late, which is good for tourists who are used to eating in the early evening because most restaurants will have a table free. It is one of the best places to eat in Rome at night.

Testaccio is a great district for people who like to eat. It is a quiet way out of the center. If you want to learn more about the local delicacies, you can take a food tour.

  • Hours: Restaurants often close between 2.30pm and 7.30pm, but stay open until late.
  • Address: The district starts at the River Tiber and ends at the Colosseum.

14. Take a Day Trip to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast

Ancient ruins of Pompeii with the volcano Vesuvius in the background
Ancient ruins of Pompeii and volcano Vesuvius, Italy | Source: Deposit Photos

Rome is a good starting point for exploring other parts of Italy.

It is not a good idea to stay in Pompeii for more than a day as the city is completely destroyed. You can see it on a day trip from Rome.

Around 12,000 people lived in Pompeii before the city was destroyed by a volcano. The entire city was destroyed in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

The city was covered in volcanic debris and buried in time. Human remains that appear to be sleeping have been excavated from the ruins of the city.

Colorful homes on the clifftops on the Amalfi Coast Italy
Source: Deposit Photos

The Amalfi Coast is an hour away and is known for its beautiful beaches, villas, and luxurious hotels.

Taking a day trip from Rome is the best way to see the Amalfi Coast if you want to save money.

  • Hours: Leaves at 8.10am
  • Address: Departs from Piazza del Popolo, 00187 Rome, Italy

15. Ride Around the City on a Vespa

Red scooter on an old narrow cobblestoned street in Rome
Typical street scene in Rome with a red scooter on an old narrow cobblestoned street | source Deposit Photos

One of the few places in the world where you can hire a Vespa is in this area.

These little scooters are known for their cute design and bright colors and they are all made in Italy. This is the craziest thing to do in Rome for a short visit.

This is the best way to get from A to B if you only have a short amount of time.

  • Hours: Pick up 9.00am, reserve for 24 hours
  • Address: Via Cavour 80, 00184, Rome, Italy

Where to stay in Rome

  • The Hoxton, Rome: Featuring free bikes and a bar, The Hoxton, Rome is located in Rome, a 15-minute walk from Villa Borghese and 1.1 miles from Piazza Barberini. Book your stay here 
  • Maalot Roma is located in the heart of Rome in the Lazio region,, a 7-minute walk from Trevi Fountain and 0.4 miles from Piazza Barberini It’s a small Luxury Hotels of the World. Book your stay here.
  • See more Rome hotels on Booking.com here and on Hotels.com here

Further Reading for your Italy Travels

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