15 Amazing Things to Do in Rome for First-Time Visitors
Rome is packed with history, culture, and unforgettable sights, which means your biggest challenge will be deciding what to prioritize. With so many incredible things to do in Rome, having a plan makes all the difference. This guide covers the highlights along with practical tips to help you make the most of your time.
I also recommend purchasing skip-the-line tickets for major attractions. Even in the off-season, crowds were significant, and during peak months, wait times can be much longer.
The Best Things to do in Rome
1. Visit the Colosseum
Simply turning a corner and seeing the Colosseum come into view is unforgettable. It is one of the most iconic things to do in Rome and truly takes your breath away. I have never been so impressed by a piece of architecture since seeing the Taj Mahal.
The inside, however, felt very different. It is said that over 500,000 people and more than a million animals died here while crowds of up to 60,000 watched. Gladiators entered through the arches to fight, and a system of pulleys lifted animals like lions and bears into the arena. The sand-covered floor was designed to absorb blood, and standing there, you can feel the weight of its history.
We purchased skip-the-line tickets and were surprised to still see a long line, but it moved quickly. After exchanging tickets, we entered a second line for security. This is where the skip-the-line tickets really helped, since the general admission line was much longer.
Inside, I opted for an audio tour, which I highly recommend. It helped bring context to what we were seeing. We explored part of the lower level and one upper level, but access to the arena floor or higher sections requires booking a guide in advance.
While it was interesting to go inside, I was actually more impressed by the exterior. If you are traveling with kids or short on time, viewing the Colosseum from the outside may be enough. It is definitely worth considering when planning your list of things to do in Rome.
2. Explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Right next to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum offers a fascinating look into daily life in ancient Rome. Walking through these ruins truly feels like stepping back in time, making it one of the most memorable things to do in Rome.
The Roman Forum once served as the center of public life. It was a bustling marketplace, a place for speeches, criminal trials, and even gladiatorial events. Today, it feels like an open-air museum where you can wander among the remains of ancient government buildings and imagine what life was like thousands of years ago.
After exploring the Forum, be sure to climb Palatine Hill. From the top, you will be rewarded with sweeping views over the ruins and the city beyond. It is one of the most impressive viewpoints in Rome and absolutely worth the extra effort.
3. Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain
No list of things to do in Rome would be complete without the Trevi Fountain. It is stunning, especially when lit up at night.
Expect crowds, but it is worth it. Tossing a coin over your shoulder is said to guarantee your return to Rome.
4. Visit the Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome and an easy stop to add to your list of things to do in Rome. Originally built as a Roman temple by Emperor Hadrian, it is now an active church.
Its most striking feature is the open oculus at the center of the dome, which allows natural light and even rain to pour in. Seeing it during a rainstorm makes the experience even more memorable.
You won’t need a lot of time here, but it is absolutely worth a visit.
5. Spend Time in Piazza Navona
Rome is filled with beautiful piazzas, but Piazza Navona stands out as one of the most impressive. At its center is the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, also known as the Fountain of the Four Rivers, which draws visitors in with its detail and scale.
Piazzas in Italy are considered outdoor living rooms, where people gather to sit, relax, and enjoy a coffee while taking in the atmosphere. It is the perfect place to slow down during a busy day of sightseeing.
If you are visiting with kids, don’t miss Al Sogno, a charming toy store nearby that feels a bit like stepping into a storybook.
6. Tour Vatican City
You could easily spend a full day exploring Vatican City, making it one of the most important things to do in Rome. This independent city-state is home to iconic sites like St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. Arrive as early as possible to beat the crowds. We purchased skip-the-line tickets, and they were absolutely worth it here.
We entered through St. Peter’s Square and visited St. Peter’s Basilica first. Inside, don’t miss Michelangelo’s Pietà. This powerful sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus is incredibly moving. Michelangelo created it in 1498 when he was just 23 years old, and it remains the only work he ever signed.
7. Sistine Chapel
While the Sistine Chapel is part of Vatican City, it requires its own ticket and is accessed through the Vatican Museums. We were guided on about a 10-minute walk through the museums to reach it. The museums themselves are extensive and filled with world-famous art, but the Sistine Chapel is the main highlight.
With around 5 million visitors each year, it is incredibly crowded. Since it is a sacred space, silence is required and photography is not allowed. Despite the crowds, seeing Michelangelo’s work in person is unforgettable and well worth it.
On the way out, I made a point to find Peter Wenzel’s painting of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, which stood out for its beautiful depiction of animals. We also loved the spiral staircase at the exit, which felt like a work of art in itself.
8. Eat in Trastevere
One of the tastiest things to do in Rome is simply enjoying the food. Head to Trastevere for a more local feel and some of the best dining in the city.
Don’t let the simple appearance of restaurants in Rome fool you. Some of the best meals come from the most unassuming places.
We loved da Enzo, but be prepared for a wait. We arrived right when they opened and were able to get a table without any trouble.
If you go, don’t miss the fried artichoke and the cacio e pepe. Both were standout dishes and easily some of our favorites in Rome.
9. Find the Aventine Keyhole
Only add this to your list if you have extra time, as it takes a bit of effort to reach. We made our way up a hill to a monastery at the top, and you will know you are in the right place when you see a line of people waiting for their turn to peek through the keyhole.
The view feels like you are peering through a secret garden, perfectly framing St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance.
While you are there, take a few minutes to explore the nearby park, where you will find a beautiful overlook with sweeping views of the city.
10. Visit the Mouth of Truth
Made famous by Roman Holiday, the Bocca della Verità is a fun stop, especially with kids.
Legend says it will bite the hand of anyone who lies. Whether or not you believe it, it is a memorable and quick addition to your list of things to do in Rome.
As you exit through the Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin, be sure to see the skull of St. Valentine. It’s Rome, after all, so these things are just sitting around.
11. Grab Coffee at Sant’ Eustachio Il Caffè
Coffee culture is a big part of Rome. Stop at Sant’ Eustachio Il Caffè, known for its unique espresso which is blended with water from an ancient aqueduct. It is said to be the best coffee- not just in Italy, but in the entire world.
For a true Italian experience, drink your espresso standing at the bar. Table service costs more, so keep that in mind.
12. Climb the Spanish Steps
While you are no longer allowed to sit on the Spanish Steps (you will get whistled at if you dare), you can still climb the 135 steps to the top and enjoy the scenic view.
After the climb, this is the view waiting for you at the top of the Spanish Steps. This area of the city is like the Rodeo Drive of Rome, lined with luxury brands and high-end jewelry stores.
13. Eat Gelato Daily
I am used to traveling in Asia, where I usually end up losing weight. That was definitely not the case in Italy. I think I gained 10 pounds in four days.
See that brown waterfall wall? It is entirely made of chocolate. Just imagine the smell. I could not walk past without stopping for gelato.
Venchi is a popular chain you will find all over the city, and it quickly became my go-to. Their stracciatella was my favorite.
14. Enjoy an Aperol Spritz
This Italian wine-based cocktail is dangerously refreshing. I could drink three in a sitting.
After a long day of walking and sightseeing, we would find a cozy little lounge to relax and recharge with a spritz. One day, we got a little too comfortable after lunch and ended up staying so long that the waiter handed us a dinner menu. We hadn’t even realized how much time had passed.
When in Rome!
15. Wander the Streets
The beauty of Rome is hidden in the alley ways. We had purchased hop-on, hop-off bus passes but never used them once because we loved wandering the streets so much.
Our Fitbits showed that we were walking nearly 10 miles a day, and it never felt like enough. What amazed me most was how ancient ruins were just sitting out in the open, not even inside a museum.
I remember asking our taxi driver about something we passed on the side of the road, and he casually told me it was a Roman bath built in the year 1. How surreal is that?
Final Thoughts
With so many incredible things to do in Rome, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. We packed a lot into four days and left completely exhausted but amazed by everything we experienced.
If you can, slow down and leave room for wandering. Rome is a city that reveals its magic when you least expect it.
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