Traveling to Rome for the first time? From ancient ruins and stunning cathedrals to picturesque piazzas and world-renowned museums, there is no shortage of impressive tourist attractions in Rome. The city’s nickname, the Eternal City, dates back to the first century when its citizens believed the power of Rome would grow forever. Two thousand years later, Rome has indeed become an eternal destination that receives millions of travelers every year. Visitors can get a glimpse of its glorious past through numerous monuments and historic sites still standing in Rome today.

It’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed with planning your first trip to Rome. We’ve prepared this special travel guide to help you discover and plan great things to do in Rome. Expect to find plenty of practical information including a wide range of travel tips, the best attractions in Rome, and a carefully curated list of unique things to do.

What Is In This Guide

Best Time to Visit Rome

With its wet winters and humid summers, Rome is known for its pleasant Mediterranean climate. Temperatures in summer can exceed 32 degrees Celsius (90 Fahrenheit), while the temperature in the winter season can drop to -1 degrees Celsius (30 Fahrenheit). However, it rarely snows in the capital of Italy. The best time to visit Rome is in spring (April, May) and in autumn (September, October) when the crowds are fewer and days are long, sunny, and bright. 

Rome Itinerary Ideas

As a start, it might be helpful to look at a few selected Rome trips from other Hoptale travelers. You will get a better idea of what to do in Rome and some inspiration for building your own Rome itinerary.

3 Days in Rome with Friends

Roma 🇮🇹 2019 by maria.wh | 3 Days in Rome with Friends

Roma 🇮🇹

by maria.wh

Piazza del Popolo | Colosseum | Plaza Navona | Trevi Fountain | Roman Forum | Palatine Hill | Altar of the Fatherland | …

3 Days in Rome Solo Trip

Roma 2016 by matteopeluzzi | 3 Days in Rome Solo Trip

Roma

by matteopeluzzi

Colosseum | Campidoglio | Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana | Terrazza del Pincio | Castillo de Sant’Angelo | Campo de’ Fiori | …

3 Days in Rome Family Trip

Rome 2019 by jadde_sz | 3 Days in Rome Family Trip

Rome

by jadde_sz

Trevi Fountain | Pantheon | Altar of the Fatherland | Castillo de Sant’Angelo | Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore | Vatican City | …

3 Days in Rome Couple Trip

Italy by Yanee | 3 Days in Rome Couple Trip

Italy

by Yanee

Colosseum | Trevi Fountain | Trastevere | Pantheon | Spanish Steps | Plaza Navona | Vatican City | …

1 Day in Rome Solo Trip

Rome 2017 by sopeopayemi | 1 Day in Rome Solo Trip

Rome

by chapis.world

Colosseum | Trevi Fountain | Roman Forum | Pantheon | Plaza Navona | Marcus Aurelius Column | Piazza di Spagna | …

2 Days in Rome Couple Trip

Rome 2019 by sarah-obeid | 2 Days in Rome Couple Trip

Rome

by sarah-obeid

Piazzale Michelangelo | PiazColosseum | Trevi Fountain | Spanish Steps | Piazza Venezia | Plaza Navona | Vatican City | …

6 Days in Rome Couple Trip

Rome & Napoli 🇮🇹 2019 by mkyiv | 6 Days in Rome Couple Trip

Rome & Napoli

by mkyiv

Roman Forum | Ponte Sant’Angelo | Piazza del Popolo | Colosseum | Trevi Fountain | Vatican City | Pantheon | Vatican Museums | …

5 Days in Rome Solo Trip

Rome & Verona 2019 by biancamtz | 5 Days in Rome Solo Trip

Rome & Verona

by biancamtz

Colosseum | Roman Forum | Altar of the Fatherland | Campidoglio | Roma | Trevi Fountain | Trattoria Dai Tre Amici Al Pantheon | …

More Rome Trips

Travel Tips for Rome

Here are some tips and tricks to help you settle in this vast city quickly on your first trip. 

  • Covid-related travel restrictions:

    Check out the latest update on COVID 19 restrictions in Italy before booking your flight to Rome. Remember that staying safe comes first! Tourist sites might remain closed or have limited openings due to the coronavirus pandemic. Please check the official websites to get the latest updates.

  • Airports in Rome:

    Rome is home to 2 airports: Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) and Ciampino. While Ciampino is an ex-military airport that serves various low-cost airlines, Fiumicino is the main international airport in Rome. If you are arriving at Fiumicino airport, hop on a train that transfers passengers to the Termini Station in Rome (15 euros per person). You can also catch a taxi, but it will cost you about 60 euros one way. If you are arriving at Ciampino airport, the best option is the popular Terravision shuttle service that takes you to the city center.

  • Getting Around in Rome:

    The best way to get around Rome is by foot. However, Rome is a big city and some popular tourist attractions are not within walking distance from each other. Fortunately, the capital of Italy has a reliable public transportation system, also known as ATAC (Azienda Tramvie ed Autobus del Comune di Roma). The system includes tram, metro, and bus. The metro has 2 lines and is the fastest way to get around Rome. You can purchase tickets from vending machines at the station, tobacco shops, and newsstands.

  • Book Tickets for Attractions in Advance:

    Rome is one of the most popular destinations in Italy and attracts large crowds of tourists. Therefore, it’s best to pre-purchase your tickets for tourist attractions in Rome well in advance and avoid standing in queues.

  • Currency & Money Matters:

    Euro (€, EUR) is the official currency in Rome, Italy (check exchange rates). International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are widely accepted at large hotels and stores. But cash is always better for more local fare. To get cash, ATMs that accept international bank cards usually offer better rates than the currency exchanges at the airport.

  • Italians Eat Dinner Late:

    If you are used to having your dinner at 7 pm, you won’t get it in Rome. The thing is that in all of Italy, dinner is rarely served before 8 pm and most restaurants are closed until 7-8pm. Also worth mentioning is that Italians have a tradition called “aperitivo”. It is similar to the American “happy hour”, but in reality offers much more. Aperitivo is a drink/light snack that takes place at the end of a workday. Visit a random enoteca (wine bar) in Rome and enjoy happy hour drinks served alongside a complimentary snack buffet that usually includes cheeses, cured meats, and olives.

  • In Italy, Monday is the New Sunday:

    For many Romans, Monday is their rest day. You will notice that many museums and other attractions are closed on Mondays. 

  • Wear Comfortable Shoes:

    The city of Rome is full of cobblestone streets with uneven stones. Since you will be walking a lot, it is recommended to wear a pair of comfortable shoes while exploring Rome.

  • Romans Have Siesta:

    Like other cities in Italy, Romans also have a siesta. What is siesta, you ask? It is a time when most restaurants and shops are closed (usually between 1 pm and 5 pm).

16 Top Attractions in Rome

If you are searching for top tourist attractions in Rome, you’ll be pleased to hear that the capital of Italy is home to many amazing sites. Visit the world’s most impressive ancient ruins, people-watch at Rome’s beautiful piazzas (town squares), throw a few lucky coins into Trevi Fountain to find love in Rome, or admire Sistine Chapel’s painted ceiling by Michelangelo in Vatican City … we have a list of the 16 most popular things to do in Rome based on the real trip experiences of Hoptale users.

These top attractions should easily fill a 3-day or 4-day trip. If you have more time to spend or are looking for more special things to do in Rome, we suggest you also check out the next section.

Colosseum | Top Things to Do in Rome, Italy

1. Colosseum

ancient ruinarena

As the world’s largest standing amphitheater, Colosseum unequivocally deserves the top spot on our list of top things to do in Rome. This ancient stadium was where epic gladiator battles took place in front of 50,000 spectators for centuries (200 – 500 BC).

Cost of visit: 16+2 Euros combo ticket for Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Estimated visit length: 2-3 hours

Roman Forum | Top Things to Do in Rome, Italy

2. Roman Forum

ancient ruin

Adjacent to the Colosseum, Roman Forum is a set of magnificent ancient ruins dating back to the 7th century BC. This is one of the world’s most important archaeological areas and includes famous ruins such as the Sacred Way and Temple of Caesar.  Roman Forum was the site of the original Senate and the epicenter of social life in the city.

Cost of visit: 16+2 Euros combo ticket for Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palantine Hill
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hours

Palatine Hill | Top Things to Do in Rome, Italy

3. Palatine Hill

ancient ruin

Palatine Hill is the most famous of Rome’s seven hills. It was the most desirable neighborhood where many Roman emperors and aristocrats built their grand homes. It’s a great place for visitors who wish to enjoy stunning views of the city while exploring fascinating ancient ruins. It’s usually less crowded than the other two more famous sites nearby – the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Cost of visit: 16+2 Euros combo ticket for Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palantine Hill
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hours

Vatican City | Top Things to Do in Rome, Italy

4. Vatican City

holy sitereligious site

Nestled in the city of Rome is the Vatican, the world’s smallest independent state and the headquarters of the Catholic Church. There are numerous religious and cultural sites within the Vatican City such as St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. You can also see the Pope live in person if you head to St. Peter’s Square at noon on Sunday for the Angelus.

Cost of visit: 8-17 Euros for admission to the Vatican Museums (include the Sistine Chapel)
Estimated visit length: 4+ hours

Trevi Fountain | Top Things to Do in Rome, Italy

5. Trevi Fountain

fountain

Rome is a city of public fountains and Trevi Fountain is the largest of them all. It’s always crowded with tourists as the legend says that throwing a coin into the fountain means that you will return to this Eternal City, two coins means you’ll return to Rome and fall in love, and three coins means you’ll return, find love, and get married!

Cost of visit: Free.
Estimated visit length: 15 minutes

Pantheon | Top Things to Do in Rome, Italy

6. Pantheon

religious site

As one of the best-preserved Roman ancient ruins, Pantheon is believed to be 2,000 years old. Once you are inside, look up to admire the temple’s enormous 43-meter dome. It’s the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome and considered a true architectural wonder from the Roman empire.

Cost of visit: Free (20 Euros for official guided tours)
Estimated visit length: <1 hour

Altar of the Fatherland | Top Things to Do in Rome, Italy

7. Altar of the Fatherland

statue / monument

Also known as Altare della Patria or Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, Altar of the Fatherland is a grandiose white marble monument located on the Piazza Venezia. Don’t miss the view from its roof terrace – take the glass elevator to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Cost of visit: Free (7 Euros if you want to take the glass elevator to the roof terrace)
Estimated visit length: 1 hour

Spanish Steps | Top Things to Do in Rome, Italy

8. Spanish Steps

public structureplaza / square

The Spanish Steps are one of Rome’s busiest hotspots that attract both locals and tourists. This monumental stairway of 135 steps connects Chiesa della Trinità dei Monti and Piazza di Spagna. Keep in mind that it is forbidden to sit or eat your lunch sandwich on these steps, as an effort to keep them clean and pristine. If you think the steps look familiar, you have probably seen them on the big screen – Audrey Hepburn’s Roman Holiday.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: 1 hour

Piazza Navona | Top Things to Do in Rome, Italy

9. Piazza Navona

square / plaza

A picturesque square with Baroque fountains, Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most famous squares. Travelers will have an opportunity to see the lovely Sant’Agnese in Agone Baroque church and Bernini’s famous Fiumi Fountain. Lined with touristy restaurants and shops, it’s an ideal place to grab a drink and watch the fabulous crowds.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hours

Piazza del Popolo | Top Things to Do in Rome, Italy

10. Piazza del Popolo

plaza / square

The main entrance to Rome during the Roman Empire, Piazza del Popolo is also known as the People’s Square. Most visitors come to the square to see the Flaminio Obelisk and Santa Maria del Popolo church.  To snap some cool photos of the square, climb the stairs on the east side of Piazza del Popolo.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: 1 hour

Castillo de Sant'Angelo | Top Things to Do in Rome, Italy

11. Castel de Sant’Angelo

castle / palace

Steeped in history, Castillo de Sant’Angelo used to be a mausoleum, fortress, castle, and even a prison. Nowadays, it serves as a museum and features an extensive collection of paintings, medieval weapons, and sculptures. Don’t miss the beautiful Ponte Sant’Angelo, the ancient bridge built in 134 AD by the Emperor Hadrian to connect his mausoleum to the center of Rome.

Cost of visit: 15 Euros
Estimated visit length: 2-3 hours

Travestere | Top Things to Do in Rome, Italy

12. Travestere

historic neighborhood

Travestere is without a doubt one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Rome. Famed for its narrow cobblestone streets dotted with colorful historical buildings, the area is a popular spot for bar hopping and enjoying local food at taverns.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: 2-3 hours

Campo de' Fiori | Top Things to Do in Rome, Italy

13. Campo de’ Fiori

food market

Campo de’ Fiori is the most popular food market in Rome. Located just south of Piazza Navona, this 15th-century food market is a place where you can purchase fresh produce, as well as spices, meat, and even flowers. Travelers can also find many cafes and restaurants in the area.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hours

Villa Borghese | Top Things to Do in Rome, Italy

14. Villa Borghese

museumpark / gardenestate / residence

Don’t be fooled by its name – Villa Borghese is much more than just a nice villa. It’s the third largest public park in Rome containing a few museums, historical buildings, and lovely English-style gardens. Inside the main villa (Borghese Gallery), you will find a large collection of sculptures and paintings by Italian artists.  If you are visiting with kids, also check out the zoo called Bioparco di Roma.

Cost of visit: Free entrance to the park but the Borghese Gallery costs 13+2 Euros
Estimated visit length: 3-4 hours

Circo Massim | Top Things to Do in Rome, Italy

15. Circo Massimo

ancient ruinpark / gardenentertainment venue

Though the Colosseum is better known, the Circus Maximus was actually the oldest and largest stadium in ancient Rome. Circus Maximus was built for chariot races which drew the largest spectator crowd (as many as 250,000) during the Roman Empire. Nowadays, the site is a public park and the stadium itself has become a mass entertainment venue where you can attend outdoor concerts and other celebrations.

Cost of visit: Free entrance to the park but entertainment events require tickets
Estimated visit length: 1-2 hour

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore | Top Things to Do in Rome, Italy

16. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

religious site

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four major basilicas of Rome. Built in the 18th century, the church features majestic Byzantine ceiling with some of the oldest mosaics in Rome. It’s probably the second most popular church to visit in Rome, only after St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

Cost of visit: Free
Estimated visit length: <1 hour

Unique Things to Do in Rome

What makes Rome so special? This part of our guide allows you to discover all those special things that are unique to Rome. Add some of these unique experiences to the list of top attractions above, then you get yourself a fabulous plan for your first Rome trip :).

  • Follow the Steps of Roman Gladiators:

    The Roman Empire was well-known for its gladiator battles. Today, you can go on a guided tour of the subterranean backstage at the Colosseum in Rome and see passages used by gladiators before the games and underground chambers where wild animals were kept.

  • Take a Pasta Cooking Class in Rome:

    When we think of Italian food, the first thing comes to mind is probably pasta. Therefore, no visit to Rome would be complete without taking a cooking class and learning from the locals how to make this Italian specialty.  Here are a few options for you to enjoy a memorable hands-on culinary experience in Rome: Pasta-Making Class: Cook, Dine & Drink Wine with a Local Chef, Pasta Class – Fettuccine Making in Rome, and Professional Lab Pasta Experience.

  • Get your Sugar Fix (Try Italian Gelato):

    Italians are known for their delicious gelato and Rome has a gelateria on every corner. If you don’t want to offend the locals, please don’t call it ice-cream. Some of the best gelaterias in Rome include Come Il Latte, Otaleg, Neve di Latte, and Gelateridei Gracchi. There is even a gelato restaurant in Rome called Gelato d’Essai da Geppy. Here, you can enjoy gelato with every food course and sample unique creations like salmon with grapefruit and ginger gelato and parmesan cream and liquorice gelato.

  • Explore Rome on a Vespa:

    Italians are crazy about their Vespas. They are easy to drive and much faster than bicycles. One of the best ways to experience Rome from a local’s perspective is to either rent a Vespa or go on an adventurous Vespa tour. Check out ScooterRoma, a local company that operates many fun Vespa tours around Rome.

  • Enjoy Wine Tasting with Italian Meats & Cheeses:

    Italians are very proud of their wine culture and no visit to Rome is complete without enjoying a glass of wine. Enotecas and wine bars like Ai Tre Scalini, Cul de Sac, Trimani, and Enoteca del Frate are some of the most popular wine joints in Rome. To get the full experience, try wine tasting with local foods like Italian salami, cheese, and prosciutto.

  • Find the Best Pizzeria in Rome:

    When in Italy, eat pizza! Napoli and Rome are probably the most famous destinations in the world to try a different version of this delicacy. In Rome, book a table at popular local pizza joints such as Pizzarium, La Pratolina, and La Gatta Mangiona. Savoritalytours offers a memorable culinary experience on the only bus driven pizza tour in Rome, while Eatandwalkitaly allows you to learn how to make a classic Italian pizza in their workshop with a local chef.

  • Take a Day Trip to Tivoli:

    If you wish to go for a day trip from Rome, we recommend paying a visit to the beautiful mountain town of Tivoli. Packed with historical sites and gardens, this resort town is easily reachable by train from Rome. Must-see attractions in Tivoli include Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana.

  • Listen to Opera Serenades by Night:

    Italy is the birthplace of opera. If you wish to listen to love duets and arias by Bellini, Puccini, Rossini, and Verdi, book a ticket for the Opera Serenades by Night event at the Throne Hall of Palazzo Doria Pamphilj. The ticket also includes a visit to the Private Apartments of the Doria Pamphilj Princess.

  • Explore Quartiere Coppedè:

    A secret neighborhood in Rome, Quartiere Coppedè is home to incredible buildings with beautiful and bizarre features including Moorish arches, Tuscan turrets, Gothic gargoyles, frescoed façades, chandeliers, sculptures, and fountains. Expect to see around 40 unique structures in this tiny neighborhood, all designed by architect Gino Coppedè.

  • Visit a Crypt of Skulls:

    The Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini is a place where you can see a crypt full of skulls, bone chandeliers, and morbid wall décor.  During the tour, visitors will have a chance to see 5 different rooms packed with skeletal remains. The tour also includes a marvelous concert of Gregorian chants in the church upstairs.

Hope our Rome travel guide is helpful. Share with us any questions you might have below. When you return from your first trip, we would love to hear what are your favorite things to do in Rome!

By Dejan Badnjarevic | Cover photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

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