30 Things to Do in Rome
Rome, the Eternal City, resonates with millennia of history, art, and culture, captivating visitors with its ancient ruins standing alongside Renaissance masterpieces and vibrant street life. Everywhere you turn, layers of the past reveal themselves, yet there are also countless delightful free things to do in Rome, from marveling at magnificent churches to wandering through charming piazzas. The city’s energy is infectious, fueled by passionate locals and incredible food.
This guide presents 30 distinct ways to experience the heart of Rome, blending world-famous landmarks with local secrets and essential cultural moments. Whether you’re exploring the remnants of an empire, gazing at artistic wonders, indulging in classic pasta dishes, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, prepare for an unforgettable journey through Italy’s incredible capital.
Ancient Roman Wonders
Colosseum: Explore the iconic symbol of ancient Rome, the massive stone amphitheater that once hosted gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. Book tickets online in advance to avoid long lines and consider a guided tour for deeper historical context.
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Walk through the heart of ancient Roman public life in the Forum, surrounded by ruined temples and government buildings, then ascend Palatine Hill for impressive views and remnants of imperial palaces. A combined ticket covers both sites, offering hours of historical exploration.
Pantheon: Stand in awe beneath the massive, unreinforced concrete dome of this remarkably preserved ancient Roman temple, now a church. Look up at the oculus, the only source of natural light, and appreciate the building’s architectural genius (entry is now ticketed, book ahead).
Baths of Caracalla: Wander through the vast ruins of the impressive public baths complex, imagining the scale of Roman social life and engineering. These ruins provide a sense of the grandeur of ancient public spaces.
Trajan’s Market: Explore the ruins of what is considered the world’s oldest shopping mall, a large complex of Roman shops and administrative offices. Located near the Roman Forum, it offers insights into ancient commerce and architecture.
Vatican City Highlights
St. Peter’s Basilica: Visit the stunning centerpiece of the Vatican City, one of the largest churches in the world, renowned for Michelangelo’s dome and Bernini’s Baldacchino. Dress appropriately (shoulders and knees covered) and be prepared for security lines to enter this sacred masterpiece.
St. Peter’s Square: Stand in the vast, colonnaded square designed by Bernini, embracing St. Peter’s Basilica. Witness the Pope’s address on certain days or simply admire the scale and symmetry of this iconic gathering place.
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Allocate several hours to explore the immense collections of art and artifacts amassed by popes over centuries. The journey culminates in the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, featuring Michelangelo’s famous ceiling frescoes (book tickets far in advance).
Iconic Squares & Fountains
Trevi Fountain: Toss a coin into Rome’s largest and most famous Baroque fountain to ensure your return to the city, according to legend. Visit early morning or late night for fewer crowds and to fully appreciate its sculptural beauty.
Piazza Navona: Relax in this beautiful elongated piazza, once the site of an ancient Roman stadium, now featuring Bernini’s stunning Fountain of Four Rivers. Enjoy street artists, cafes, and the vibrant atmosphere of this elegant public space.
Spanish Steps: Climb the famous monumental stairway connecting Piazza di Spagna with Piazza Trinità dei Monti. While sitting on the steps is now discouraged, they remain an iconic spot for photos and enjoying views over the fashionable surrounding streets.
Campo de’ Fiori: Experience the lively atmosphere of this historic square, home to a bustling market selling produce, flowers, and local goods by day. In the evening, it transforms into a popular spot with numerous bars and restaurants.
Piazza del Popolo: Visit this large neoclassical square marked by an Egyptian obelisk, twin churches, and gateways into the city. Climb the Pincian Hill terrace above the square for lovely sunset views.
Churches & Sacred Sites
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: Explore one of Rome’s four major basilicas, known for its stunning 5th-century mosaics and ornate ceilings. Its impressive interior showcases centuries of artistic and religious history.
Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano: Visit the official cathedral church of Rome and the Pope, featuring grand baroque architecture and significant historical importance. Explore the adjacent Holy Stairs (Scala Santa), believed to be the steps Jesus climbed, for a devotional experience.
Catacombs of Callixtus: Take a guided tour through some of Rome’s most important early Christian burial catacombs located along the Appian Way. Explore underground tunnels and learn about early Christian history and burial practices.
World-Class Museums & Galleries
Borghese Gallery and Museum: Admire masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian housed in a beautiful villa set within the Borghese Gardens. Booking timed-entry tickets weeks or months in advance is essential due to strict visitor limits.
Capitoline Museums: Explore the world’s oldest public museums, located on Capitoline Hill and designed in part by Michelangelo. Discover classical sculptures, including the iconic bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius, and enjoy panoramic views over the Roman Forum.
Castel Sant’Angelo: Visit the imposing cylindrical fortress on the Tiber River, originally Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum, later used as a papal fortress and prison. Explore its various levels and enjoy excellent views towards St. Peter’s Basilica from the rooftop terrace.
Charming Neighborhoods & Walks
Trastevere Stroll: Wander the charming cobblestone streets of this picturesque neighborhood across the Tiber River, known for its artisan shops, ivy-clad buildings, and lively nightlife. Get lost in its alleys and discover authentic Roman trattorias.
Testaccio Exploration: Explore this authentic working-class neighborhood known for its traditional Roman cuisine and the covered Testaccio Market. Discover remnants of ancient Rome like Monte Testaccio, a hill made entirely of discarded Roman amphorae.
Appian Way Walk/Bike Ride: Escape the city bustle by walking or renting a bike along the ancient Appian Way (Via Appia Antica), lined with Roman tombs and ruins. Explore sections of this historic road surrounded by Roman countryside.
Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo) Views: Walk up Janiculum Hill for sweeping panoramic views across Rome’s rooftops, domes, and monuments. Time your visit for the daily cannon firing at noon or enjoy the spectacular sunset vistas.
Essential Roman Tastes
Eat Pasta (Cacio e Pepe/Carbonara/Amatriciana): Indulge in classic Roman pasta dishes like Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper), Carbonara (egg, guanciale, pecorino, pepper), or Amatriciana (guanciale, pecorino, tomato). Find a traditional trattoria and enjoy these simple yet delicious staples.
Enjoy Gelato: Treat yourself to authentic Italian gelato from one of Rome’s many excellent gelaterias. Look for places using natural ingredients and seasonal flavors for the best artisanal experience.
Visit Testaccio Market: Experience a fantastic local food market offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and delicious street food stalls. It’s less touristy than Campo de’ Fiori and great for tasting authentic Roman flavors.
Drink Coffee Standing Up: Experience the typical Italian coffee ritual by ordering an espresso or cappuccino and drinking it standing at the bar (‘al banco’). It’s quicker, cheaper, and the way most locals enjoy their daily caffeine fix.
Unique Roman Experiences
Villa Borghese Gardens Relaxation: Escape into Rome’s large central park, offering shaded walkways, a boating lake, bike rentals, museums (like the Borghese Gallery), and viewpoints. Rent a rowboat or simply find a bench to relax in this beautiful green space.
Keyhole View on Aventine Hill: Peer through the Knights of Malta keyhole on Aventine Hill for a perfectly framed, surprise view of St. Peter’s Basilica dome. It’s a unique and secretive photo opportunity.
Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità): Place your hand in the mouth of the ancient marble mask located in the portico of Santa Maria in Cosmedin church, famous from the movie Roman Holiday. Legend holds it bites off the hands of liars, making for a fun, quick stop.
