Things to do in Rome (Travel Tips)

Discover Rome

Unsure about what to do in Rome? don't worry, you won't be disappointed. Rome, Italy’s ardent capital, is one of the most romantic and inspiring places in the world. It’s a captivating mixture of haunting ruins, extraordinary art, and vibrant street life. Being a result of over 3000 years of makeshift urban development, it bears a nickname the Eternal City. Hence, whatever your travel style, you can be sure to never be short of exciting things to do in Rome. The roots of the city go back to the early days of civilization. A legend has it that Romulus and Remus founded the city of Rome. The mythical twins, sons of Mars, banished from heaven and saved and nurtured by a she-wolf (Lupa).

Being banished, in their adulthood, the brothers decided to build their own city. They each picked a different locale but Romulus won his claim and founded in the year 753 BC. However, the historical evidence suggests the city is of Etruscan origins.

What started as a small rural settlement flourished into a bustling commercial city, home to one of the most advanced civilizations of the time. In fact, it grew into a republic around 500 BC and evolved into an empire toward the end of the BC period. Throughout its history, the city played a crucial role in the revolution of Western art and architecture, inspiring artists to push the limits of their creativity. The result? A city drowning in unimaginable treasures of human achievement. Statues, mosaics, frescos, facades, and piazzas dazzle and impress every onlooker.

Visiting Rome is about both, embracing “la dolce vita” attitude as well as immersing yourself in the history, art, and culture of the city. Just wander around, enjoy an espresso in a clandestine cafe, lose yourself people-watching on the quaint piazzas, dress for the evening Aperitivo, savor the food made with love… All that is part of the enchanting Roman experience.

Browse the page to explore and discover amazing things to do in Rome!

Our favourite things about Rome

Peek Inside the Colosseum

In 80 AD, Titus officially opened the Colosseum’s gates to the throngs of jostling spectators hungry for the sight of beasts, battle, and blood. Although now, two-thirds of the Colosseum crumbled away during earthquakes and fires, it remains one of Italy’s most striking attractions. So, if you are wondering what to do in Rome, a trip to the Colosseum is a must. Book a tour, stroll the arena floor and imagine the iron on steel of gladiatorial combats. Or, navigate your way through the underground Hypogeum, where prisoners, gladiators, and animals awaited their fate. The Colosseum is, without a doubt, one of the best places to see in Rome.

Explore Roman Forum

On the long list of suggestions on what to do in Rome, the Roman Forum ranks high. It is one of the most historic sites in the world and one the best of Rome’s tourist attractions. This was the center of the Roman Empire. Walking down the Via Sacra is to travel back in time to the years of swords and sandals. Here, you can picture, from the remaining ruins, the glory of Forum’s architecture which inspired architects for centuries. Its impressive arches, temples, and columns are some of the top sights in Rome. However, the information of the site of these sprawling ruins is limited. So, to make the most of your visit, consider taking a tour.

Explore Centro Storico by Night

A trip to the Centro Storico is a must if you visit Rome. In fact, most of the top attractions in Rome sit among the densely populated piazzas. An unruly tangle of its cobblestone streets and alleys guards Roman treasures. Dealing with Rome’s heat and the hordes of tourists who flock to the historic center can be overwhelming. To explore the Centro Storico by night is to avoid all this. Instead, you experience the romance of the best places to visit Rome as never before. See the Piazza Navona and the illuminated waters of its four impressive fountains. Or, admire the striking size of Pantheon’s backlit columns. All that under a starry Roman night sky.

Take a Day Trip

When you’ve exhausted all the places to visit in Rome, or maybe the hustle and bustle of Rome has exhausted you, jump on a train for a day trip. From Rome, you can head to Tivoli. Here, you can roam around the grounds of Hadrian’s Villa. Or, you can head for the magnificent Renaissance gardens at the Villa d’Este. Cerveteri is also close by, and here you will find the “city of the dead,” an Elaborate tomb complex built by the mysterious Etruscans. If you’re feeling up to it, go a little further afield and make your way to Florence. Or, you could also head south to Naples and grab a slice of pizza in the city where it was born.

Hop on a Segway

If you’re the adventurous type and want to explore all the top sights in Rome in a different way, then a Segway tour is just what you’re after. A Segway is a two-wheeled, self-balancing scooter. They’re tons of fun and super easy to use. With all the things to see in Rome and all the walking that goes with it, that’s definitely a win. Segway tours in Rome are no different than walking tours. Except on a Segway, you have the added benefit of being able to scoot everywhere quicker and with a third of the effort. All major Segway tour operators will offer tours through the Centro Storico, the Colosseum, and even the Vatican.

Explore Roman Cuisine

While in Rome, forget about diet and make devouring Roman dishes part of your travel experience. Taking your time to explore the tastes of the local cuisine is a great way to learn a bit more about local culture. Make sure to sample Bucatini all’amatriciana pasta, probably the most Roman of all Roman pasta shapes. Spaghetti cacio e pepe and Spaghetti alla carbonara are both simple but also bound to blow your mind. Taste Carciofi (artichokes) alla romana (Roman-style) or alla giudea (Jewish-style). Meat lovers will appreciate the lamb dish Abbacchio alla scottadito or alla romana. Take your tastebuds on journey of a lifetime!

Throw a Coin into Trevi Fountain

Anita Ekberg dancing in the Trevi Fountain flooded in moonlight is probably one of the most iconic cinematic moments. La Dolce Vita brought this fountain to international attention and wrapped it in an embrace of romance. So, if you are still deciding what to see in Rome, put Fontana Trevi on your list. Despite being staggeringly monumental, it sneaks up on you as it sits sandwiched among narrow cobbled streets that hush the sound of purling water until the last moment. The fountain and its immediate surroundings are quite crowded during the day. So, for more calm ambiance come by in the late evening.