Things to Do in Rome
50 curated spots from Rome itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Pantheon
Enter the ancient temple-turned-church to admire the massive concrete dome and oculus; audio guides are available.[6]
45m · $6-15 per person (ticket and optional audio guide)
Colosseum & Roman Forum
VIP tour including underground chambers and Palatine Hill ruins.
3h · $70
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Pre-book tickets to see Renaissance art treasures and Michelangelo's ceiling (20min metro from Trevi).
3h · $25
Galleria Borghese
Private timed-entry tour of Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings.
2h · $100/person
Trevi Fountain
Visit in the evening or around sunset for better photos and a more relaxed atmosphere.
30m · Free
Villa Borghese Gardens
Relax in Rome’s central park with playgrounds, bike or pedal-car rentals, and views from the Pincian Terrace over Piazza del Popolo.[5]
2h · Free (small cost for bike/boat rentals)
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Skip-the-line tour to Michelangelo's ceiling and Raphael rooms.
3h · $35/adult, free under 18
Campo de' Fiori Market
Snack on market stalls with produce, cheese, and olives; chat with vendors.
1h · $10
Castel Sant'Angelo
Visit for river views, rooftop photos, and a compact history stop between Vatican and center.
1h 30m · $15-20
Colosseum
Enter early with a pre-booked ticket; walk the arena level and upper tiers to appreciate the engineering and views over the ancient valley, then circle the exterior for clean architectural shots.[2][3][8]
2h · $20-30
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Explore ancient temples, arches, and palaces between the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia; climb Palatine Hill for panoramic views over the Forum.
2h 30m · Included with Colosseum ticket
Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps
Visit Trevi Fountain early morning (7-8 AM) or late evening (8-9 PM) to minimize crowds; explore tiny surrounding streets. Walk 10 min to Spanish Steps, climb 135 steps for city views and people-watching. Both free.
2h · Free
Capitoline Museums
View ancient sculptures and city panoramas from terrace.
1h 30m · $15
Piazza Navona
Linger in this baroque square with Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, street artists, and plenty of cafés.[5]
45m · Free
St. Peter’s Basilica
Visit the basilica’s interior, then continue to St. Peter’s Square for the full Vatican experience.
2h · Free
Monti Neighborhood Stroll
Wander Via dei Serpenti, Via del Boschetto, and small piazzas for artisan shops, ivy-covered walls, and sunset views of the Colosseum from the upper streets.
1h 30m · Free
Testaccio Market
Street food stalls with nut-free pizza/supplì; photo vibrant stalls.
1h 30m · $10
Trastevere Neighborhood
Wander colorful streets, street performers, ivy walls.
2h · Free
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Admire mosaics, chapels, and coffered ceilings; check photography rules and dress modestly.
1h · Free
Campo de’ Fiori Market
Browse stalls selling produce, spices, and souvenirs; great for colorful photos and a light snack.
1h · Free (food extra)
Catacombs of San Sebastiano or San Callisto
Join a guided underground tour to see early Christian burial galleries; photography may be restricted, so check before shooting.
1h 30m · $10-15
Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Book combined ticket ($18-24) in advance to skip lines. Visit early (9-10 AM) to avoid crowds and heat. Explore the amphitheatre exterior first, then Forum/Palatine on the same ticket. Plan 2-3 hours total.
3h · $18-24 per person
Frascati Wine Tasting
Bus to hillside vineyards; nut-free tour/tasting at Cantina Sociale, modern terrace views.
2h 30m · $30
Mercato Testaccio
Indoor neighborhood market with produce, meats, cheeses, and a few street-food stalls.
1h 30m · Free (food extra)
Mercato Trionfale
Browse one of Rome’s largest neighborhood markets with stalls of produce, cured meats, cheeses, breads, and household goods; snack on olives or fruit as you wander.[3][4]
1h · Free to enter (tastings a few dollars)
Monti Neighborhood Walk
Stroll the side streets, small boutiques, and aperitivo spots around Monti after the archaeological core.
1h 30m · Free
Orto Botanico di Roma
Wander lush gardens with palm groves, exotic plants, and serene fountains; perfect for photography and downtime.
1h 30m · $8 or Free
Ostia Lido Beach
Lounge on sand, swim gently, or read under umbrellas; rent chairs for comfort.
2h · $10-15 or Free
Pantheon & Piazza Navona
Stand under the Pantheon's oculus (only intact ancient Roman building); marvel at the architecture and light effects. Walk 5 min to Piazza Navona to see Bernini's Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi and street performers. Both free to view externally; modest entry for Pantheon interior (€8).
1h 30m · $8 per person (Pantheon interior) or Free (exterior views)
Pantheon & Trevi Fountain
Explore ancient dome architecture then toss coin in Baroque fountain (15-min walk).
2h · FreeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali
A family-run trattoria with a clean, modern interior; order a seasonal antipasto, a classic like cacio e pepe or amatriciana, and share a dessert.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Armando al Pantheon
Reserve in advance; enjoy refined versions of Roman classics in a small, wood-paneled dining room steps from the Pantheon.
1h 30m · $40-50 per person
Caffè Propaganda
Flaky pastries and strong espresso near Colosseum.
45m · $15-25 per person
Flavio al Velavevodetto
Nut-free cacio e pepe, tonnarelli; cozy spot.
1h · $25-35 per person
Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina
Gourmet deli-restaurant near Campo de’ Fiori; order the carbonara, burrata with semi-dried tomatoes, and a glass of Lazio wine.
1h 30m · $35-60 per person
Da Enzo al 29
Traditional nut-free Roman dishes like tonnarelli cacio e pepe; cozy trattoria.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Pastasciutta
Casual pasta spot near the Vatican serving freshly made Roman staples in a quick, no-frills setting—great for cacio e pepe or carbonara.
45m · $10-18 per person
Roscioli Caffè Pasticceria
Nut-free pastries, cappuccino, and fruit; elegant minimal setting.
45m · $10-15 per person
Hostaria Antica Roma
Rustic restaurant near the Appian Way serving hearty Roman dishes in a historic setting.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Trattoria da Teo
Pizza or pasta in vine-draped setting (15min walk across Ponte Garibaldi from Vatican area).
1h 30m · $15-22 per person
Barnum Café
Artisan bread and yogurt in boho café.
45m · $15-25 per person
Caffè Sant'Eustachio
Historic coffee bar famous for its espresso; pair with a simple pastry at the counter.
30m · $5-10 per person
Checchino dal 1887
Offal specialties or pasta; historic Testaccio spot.
1h 30m · $40-60 per person
Forno Campo de' Fiori
Fresh pizza al taglio or supplì (fried rice balls) from this iconic bakery.
45m · $10-15 per person
La Carbonara
Try cacio e pepe, amatriciana, or carbonara with an inexpensive house wine.
1h 15m · $18-30 per person
La Carbonara Monti
Classic carbonara pasta and house wine; cozy family spot.
1h · $12-20 per person
Panella - L'Arte del Pane
Elegant historic bakery with excellent coffee, pastries, and light breakfast plates; try a cornetto and cappuccino.
45m · $8-15 per person
Pasticceria Regoli
Historic pastry shop near Piazza Vittorio; try the maritozzo with cream and a cappuccino.
40m · $8-12 per person
Pastificio Guerra
Tiny takeaway pasta shop near the Spanish Steps serving a couple of daily pasta options in generous portions.
30m · $10-12 per person
Supplizio
Tiny street-food spot near Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza Navona serving classic Roman supplì (fried rice balls) and other snacks that work as a light, cheap dinner.
45m · $8-15 per person