Things to Do in Italy
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Italy

50 curated spots from Italy itineraries

Activities & Attractions

30 curated experiences

Pantheon
Do
morning

Pantheon

Admire the massive dome, oculus, and ancient marble interior; great early trip photography spot.

1h · $6-10
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Do
morning

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Skip-the-line private tour of Michelangelo's frescoes and vast art collections; 3 hours.

3h · $60
Colosseum and Roman Forum
Do
morning

Colosseum and Roman Forum

Explore the Colosseum’s arena and upper levels, then walk through the ruins of the Forum and Palatine Hill.

2h 30m · $20-30
Villa Borghese Gardens
Do
afternoon

Villa Borghese Gardens

Take a leisurely walk in Rome’s most pleasant central park and enjoy a family break outdoors.

1h 30m · Free
Colosseum & Roman Forum
Do
morning

Colosseum & Roman Forum

Early entry tour at golden hour; explore gladiator chambers and ruins

2h · $25 or Free
Capitoline Museums
Do
afternoon

Capitoline Museums

Wander ancient sculptures, mosaics, and terrace views over the Roman Forum.

2h · $18
Galleria Borghese
Do
morning

Galleria Borghese

Timed-entry gallery with Bernini’s sculptures, Caravaggio paintings, and ornate rooms; book in advance and enjoy a gentle stroll through the surrounding park.

2h · $30-40
Monti Neighborhood Stroll
Do
afternoon

Monti Neighborhood Stroll

Wander the narrow streets around Via del Boschetto and Via Panisperna, browsing small boutiques, artisan shops, and quiet piazzas.

1h 30m · Free
Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps
Do
evening

Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps

Evening stroll to toss coins in the Baroque fountain and climb the iconic steps; 1 hour free explore.

1h · Free
Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica
Do
midday

Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica

Tour the Vatican Museums to see masterpieces and the Sistine Chapel, then visit St. Peter’s Basilica and, time permitting, climb the dome for views.

3h 30m · $25-40 (museum ticket, pre-booked; basilica free)
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Do
morning

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Spend the morning on one of the world’s major art and history collections, including the Sistine Chapel.

3h · $25-$35
Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica
Do
morning

Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica

Visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, then enter St. Peter’s Basilica and optionally climb the dome for panoramic views.

3h · $25-35 per person
Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) Guided Bike Tour with Catacombs
Do
morning

Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) Guided Bike Tour with Catacombs

Join a small-group e-bike or mountain bike tour departing near the Baths of Caracalla (reachable by bus 118 or a short taxi from Trastevere, ~20 minutes); ride along cobbled Appia Antica past tombs and countryside, visit the Catacombs of San Callisto or San Sebastiano, and stop at the aqueduct park—operators like TopBike Rental & Tours have good safety records and gear.

3h 30m · $70-90 per person including bike and catacombs entry
Borghese Gallery
Do
afternoon

Borghese Gallery

Explore one of Europe's finest art collections housed in a 17th-century villa, featuring Bernini sculptures (David, Apollo & Daphne), Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian paintings

2h 30m · $15-20 (reserve ahead)
Campo de' Fiori & Evening Stroll
Do
evening

Campo de' Fiori & Evening Stroll

Walk through lively Campo de’ Fiori and nearby streets after dinner, with plenty of bars and gelato options.

1h · Free (plus any drinks/gelato)
Campo de' Fiori Market
Do
afternoon

Campo de' Fiori Market

Wander this vibrant daily street market for local produce, flowers, and street food; 1 hour.

1h · Free
Campo de’ Fiori Market
Do
morning

Campo de’ Fiori Market

Lively street market with fresh produce, flowers, spices, and some touristy stalls—best in the morning.

1h · Free (shopping extra)
Campo de’ Fiori Market & Surroundings
Do
morning

Campo de’ Fiori Market & Surroundings

Browse the open-air market’s fruit, vegetables, spices, pasta, and flowers, then explore the nearby side streets with food shops and boutiques.

1h 30m · Free (plus whatever you buy)
Capitoline Hill & Capitoline Museums
Do
afternoon

Capitoline Hill & Capitoline Museums

Walk up Michelangelo’s elegant piazza to admire views over the Roman Forum, then explore the museums’ collection of Roman statues, paintings, and ancient artifacts.

2h 30m · $16-22
Castel Sant'Angelo
Do
afternoon

Castel Sant'Angelo

Rooftop terrace photos at golden hour; Hadrian's mausoleum

1h 30m · $15
Centro Storico Photo Walk
Do
afternoon

Centro Storico Photo Walk

Stroll from Piazza Venezia through the narrow streets to the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and hidden alleys, pausing often for photos.

2h · Free
Centro Storico Stroll (Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain)
Do
morning

Centro Storico Stroll (Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain)

Wander the narrow streets to see the Pantheon, baroque fountains, and lively piazzas at a relaxed pace.

2h · Free
Chianti Countryside Stop
Do
afternoon

Chianti Countryside Stop

Enjoy a short countryside excursion with vineyard views, rolling hills, and open landscapes.

2h · $20-60
Colosseo & Foro Romano (Colosseum and Roman Forum)
Do
morning

Colosseo & Foro Romano (Colosseum and Roman Forum)

Explore the Colosseum’s arena and upper levels (with a pre‑booked ticket) before walking through the ruins of the Roman Forum and up Palatine Hill for sweeping city views.

3h · $20-30
Colosseum & Roman Forum (Private Tour)
Do
morning

Colosseum & Roman Forum (Private Tour)

Skip-the-line private tour including the Colosseum (ideally with arena floor access), Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.

3h · $250-400 for two (plus tickets)
Colosseum and Roman Forum Private Tour
Do
morning

Colosseum and Roman Forum Private Tour

Skip-the-line private tour exploring the Colosseum’s arena and underground, followed by a walk through the ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.[2]

3h · $200-400
Evening Passeggiata around Campo de' Fiori
Do
evening

Evening Passeggiata around Campo de' Fiori

Join locals for an evening stroll and people‑watching; enjoy the atmosphere rather than sitting at touristy bars.

1h · Free (plus drinks if you stop somewhere)
Evening Stroll in Trastevere
Do
evening

Evening Stroll in Trastevere

Walk cobbled lanes, peek into courtyards, and maybe finish with a glass of wine in a small bar.

1h · Free (drinks extra)
Evening Walk around Campo de' Fiori & Piazza Farnese
Do
evening

Evening Walk around Campo de' Fiori & Piazza Farnese

Stroll through softly lit squares, street musicians, and wine bars; ideal for night photography and people-watching.

1h · Free (drinks extra)
Luxury Limousine Boat Tour
Do
afternoon

Luxury Limousine Boat Tour

Private 3-hour skipper-led cruise visiting villas like Balbianello; golden hour (7-8 PM) for photography from water.[1][5]

3h · $800/group

Restaurants & Food

20 local favorites

La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali
Eat
midday

La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali

Cozy trattoria just off Via Cavour; try the cacio e pepe or oxtail and share a carafe of house wine.

1h 15m · $25-40 per person
All'Antico Vinaio
Eat
afternoon

All'Antico Vinaio

Super-popular sandwich shop serving large schiacciata panini stuffed with local meats and cheeses; expect a line.

30m · $10-15 per person
Caffè Sant'Eustachio
Eat
morning

Caffè Sant'Eustachio

Stand at the bar for a quick espresso and cornetto near the Pantheon.

30m · $5-8 per person
Da Enzo al 29
Eat
afternoon

Da Enzo al 29

Rustic Roman classics like cacio e pepe (post-beach return)

1h · $20-35 per person
La Ménagère
Eat
evening

La Ménagère

Design‑forward restaurant with creative Italian dishes and a cocktail bar; reserve ahead.

2h · $40-70 per person
Trattoria da Enzo al 29
Eat
evening

Trattoria da Enzo al 29

Beloved trattoria offering carbonara, amatriciana, and artichokes; aim for an early dinner or be prepared to wait.

1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Eolo
Eat
afternoon

Eolo

Clifftop seafood; fresh catch pasta.

1h 30m · $110-170 per person
Pastasciutta
Eat
afternoon

Pastasciutta

Tiny fresh-pasta counter near the Vatican; grab takeaway pasta boxes like pesto or bolognese and eat on a nearby bench.

30m · $10-15 per person
Roscioli Caffè Pasticceria
Eat
morning

Roscioli Caffè Pasticceria

Gourmet coffee bar with pastries and maritozzi near Campo de’ Fiori.

45m · $10-20 per person
Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina
Eat
afternoon

Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina

Order a pasta and a Roman-style cured meat or cheese plate; it works well for a relaxed first lunch near the historic center.

1h 15m · $25-45 per person
Armando al Pantheon
Eat
afternoon

Armando al Pantheon

Order a Roman pasta such as cacio e pepe or amatriciana; book ahead if possible.

1h 15m · $25-45 per person
Il Pirata
Eat
evening

Il Pirata

Hidden cove restaurant with lobster linguine and candlelit sea views.

1h 30m · $60-80 per person
La Pergola
Eat
evening

La Pergola

Michelin-starred elegance with modern Italian tasting menus and rooftop views.

2h · $100-150 per person
Pizzeria L'Archetto
Eat
afternoon

Pizzeria L'Archetto

Casual pizzeria known for thin‑crust Roman pizza and salads, a short walk from the Vatican.

1h · $15-25 per person
Ai Tre Scalini
Eat
evening

Ai Tre Scalini

Atmospheric wine bar with rustic plates; order a mixed salumi board, seasonal pasta, and a glass of Lazio red wine.

1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Da Francesco
Eat
midday

Da Francesco

Popular spot just off Piazza Navona; known for Roman‑style pizzas and simple pastas.

1h · $20-30 per person
Il Frantoio
Eat
afternoon

Il Frantoio

Have fresh seafood, focaccia, or a simple pasta lunch near the waterfront area.

1h 15m · $15-$25 per person
La Carbonara
Eat
afternoon

La Carbonara

Traditional carbonara and amatriciana pasta

1h · $20-30 per person
Osteria da Fortunata
Eat
evening

Osteria da Fortunata

Popular spot known for hand-rolled fresh pasta; watch them make tonnarelli by hand and pair with house wine.

1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Osteria dell’Ingegno
Eat
evening

Osteria dell’Ingegno

Modern osteria on a refined little piazza near the Pantheon; choose seasonal pasta and a glass of Lazio wine.

1h 30m · $22-30 per person

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