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They say all roads lead to Rome, but once you’ve arrived, the real question is: which cobblestone street do you follow first?

Lovingly referred to as the Eternal City, this is a city where history comes alive. As the Ancient Capital of the Roman Empire, it’s ornately decorated piazzas, crumbling Roman ruins, and lovingly preserved frescos, attract over 35 million people a year, making it the third most visited city in Europe.

Rome is a living museum, but there is so much to see and do here besides wandering around historic landmarks. In Rome, the past and present flirt openly: Vespas weave amongst the cobblestone streets, espresso bars hide in centuries-old piazzas, and an Aperol spritz can be sipped on a rooftop bar overlooking a terracotta Renaissance dome.

There are so many things to do in Rome, you may just find all your roads lead back here in future.

So when you’re ready to say Benvenuti a Roma, here are some of the top sights you need to see, and some lesser known gems to get to know the authentic side of the Eternal City.

1. Spend a day exploring The Vatican City, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

So you’ve landed in Rome, and the first thing you should do is visit another country. Wait what? No, you don’t need to board a plane or pass through immigration, The Vatican City is within walking distance of Rome’s city center and is technically the smallest country in the world.

Though it’s small in size and easily walkable, it’s packed full of unmissable attractions. It’s most famous for being home to the Pope, leader of the Catholic Church, and so many of the landmarks and attractions here have religious affiliation.

The Vatican Museum is just one of them. The museum may belong to the Catholic church, but it’s an art enthusiast’s haven. With over 1,000 rooms, each decorated with the finest pieces of Renaissance art and frescos, you could actually spend a whole day here and not see it all.

As well as exhibiting some of the most famous paintings in the world, such as The Last Judgment by Michaelangelo and St. Jerome by Leonardo Da Vinci, the Museum is an architectural gem that has been beautifully designed in Roman, Baroque, and Gothic styles.

It also connects to The Sistine Chapel, which is most famous for its fresco paintings that adorn the walls and ceiling. These paintings were created by the famous Renaissance artist and sculptor, Michelangelo. It’s where you can see the original of his most famous painting – The Hand of God.

Visitors to The Sistine Chapel are not allowed to take photos inside, and if you do try you can expect to hear the booming voice of an angry Italian security guard reminding you of such – it will turn a few heads your way.

However, there are plenty of benches against the walls so you can sit for as long as you want and admire the paintings on the ceiling.

The Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel are possibly the most popular and consequently busiest attractions in Rome, seeing 40,000 visitors a day, so make sure you get your ticket ahead of time and avoid a three-hour wait in a long queue – not an exageration. If you want to avoid the crowds, go as early as possible.

DON’T MISS our full guide on how to tour the Vatican here.

2. Admire Renaissance fresco’s in St Peter’s Basilica

As the home of the Catholic church, you can expect Rome’s basilicas (or churches) to be some of the most ornately detailed and beautiful in the world. The crown for the most beautiful has to go to St Peter’s Basilica or Papal Basilica of Saint Peter.

Though it’s technically not in Rome, it’s in the Vatican City, it’s certainly one of the most unmissable because of its stunning fresco paintings inside.

The paintings, and even the architecture, were designed by some of the most famous classical artists such as Donato Bramante (who designed its facade), Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

One of the most famous sculptures in the basilica is Michelangelo’s Pieta. While admiring the paintings, please be quiet and respectful. St Peter’s Basilica is often regarded as the holiest Catholic shrine and many people come here from all over the world to pray. So please keep noise levels to a minimum.

TOP TIP: A visit to St Peter’s Basilica is free, but queues can be extremely long. Either arrive at opening or purchase special skip-the-line tickets or join a guided tour as they have access to special security line. Here is a guided tour with an art historian tour guide and includes a climb to the top Michelangelo’s magnificent Dome.

3. Step back in time at The Colosseum, The Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill

Possibly the most famous attraction in Rome, and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is the Colosseum.

Built in the year 70 AD, this impressive structure was built as a stadium for 50,000 spectators. It was where the Romans watched gladiators games during ancient times, from fights to chariot races.

Across the road from the Colosseum is the Roman Forum, the ancient ruins of the old market of Rome. Here you can see the remains of temples, several ancient government buildings, and what was once the market.

At the top of the Forum is Palatine Hill, one of seven hills in Rome. It is said that the hill is home to the cave where Rome’s founders, Romulus and Remus, were taken in by the she-wolf. It is also supposedly the place where Hercules defeated Cacus.

Since all of these Rome attractions lie next to each other, it makes sense to see them altogether. Luckily, it’s possible to book combined tickets before you visit.

DON’T MISS our full guide to visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill including all the mistakes we made!

4. Marvel at Roman engineering in The Pantheon

If you’ve already visited the Colosseum and The Forum, you might be thinking this is all very impressive, but it’s still a ruin. If you want to see some of the best preserved Roman architecture and engineering, then you’ll want to check out The Pantheon.

It was originally built as a Pagan temple and then converted into a church, which is most famous for the circular opening in the ceiling. The oculus, sometimes referred to as ‘The Eye of the Pantheon’ or ‘Eye of God’ was built as the only light source in the building.

You might be asking yourself “what happens when it rains?” since there is no cover. The answer is that the floor is tilted, so the water drains through 22 hidden holes that lead to the underground cisterns built by the Romans. This is just another marvel of Roman engineering that leaves your mind boggled.

The Pantheon is also home to the tombs of many of Rome’s greatest artists and royals, such as  King Vittorio Emanuele II, King Umberto 1, and his wife Queen Margherita of Savoy, and the Renaissance artist, Raphael.

It’s not a huge building and there’s not too much to see, so we recommend getting the audio guide to give you a brief history lesson of this marvel in Rome.

5. Throw a coin in The Trevi Fountain

You cannot take a trip to Rome without visiting the Trevi Fountain, possibly the most famous fountain in the world. Perhaps THE most unmissable thing to do is to throw a coin in the fountain for good luck.

There is a method to this though; you need to stand with your back to the fountain and throw the coin over your left shoulder with your right hand. Apparently, this is done specifically to ensure your return to Rome.

Fair warning, the fountain is Rome’s most popular attraction and is nearly always busy. You may need to wait a while before you can find a spot near the fountain to throw your coin. You should also note that the fountain is drained for cleaning every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am-9am, so try to avoid these times.

6. Shop for luxury brands around The Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are another attraction that is often mentioned in the guidebooks as one of the top thing to check out Rome, and while they are gorgeous and intricately designed, the steps themselves don’t take too long to see.

You will see people sitting on the steps, taking in the breathtaking view of Rome from the top of the steps, but one thing to know about these steps is they are a lovingly respected tourist attraction and you are not allowed to eat on them – there is a security guard there to yell at you to remind you. Just like in the Sistine Chapel!

Starting in the Piazza di Spagna, the steps lead up to the Trinità dei Monti church, which was built in the 16th century. It’s definitely worth getting a photo on the steps, but if you’re looking for things to do nearby, then it is also the perfect spot to do some luxury shopping.

The brands around the Spanish Steps tend to be high-end designer brands, such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Dior. If your wallet doesn’t stretch for these brands, don’t worry, Italy is known for its fashion, and you’ll find more affordable boutique stores around this area too.

7. Drink an espresso in Piazza Navona

Rome is full of amazing piazzas, or squares to us in English, and one thing they all have in common is that they are lined with restaurants, bars, and cafes with outdoor seating areas. If you’re feeling tired after exploring all the sites of Rome, then sitting back with an espresso overlooking a piazza is the perfect pick-me-up.

The Piazza Navona is one of the oldest piazzas in the city. It was built in ​​the 1st Century AD, as the Stadium of Domitian. It was once a competition arena where the Romans went to see games. You could argue it was the Colosseum before the Colosseum.

Today you can see two fountains in the center of the piazza, and is surrounded by palaces and churches. The piazza was made famous by the movie Angels and Demons starring Tom Hanks, which was set in Rome.

8. Explore the Villa Borghese Gardens

If you’re looking for something relaxing and easy on the wallet, then you might enjoy meandering around the Villa Borghese gardens. The gardens are the largest urban park in Europe and are free to visit. They are also where you’ll find the Rome Zoo, Pincio’s Water Clock, and Silvano Toti Globe Theatre.

It’s possible to hire roller blades and bikes from the main gates and whizz around the historic gardens. Kids will love this activity.

As well as visiting the gardens, the Borghese Gallery is also worth a visit. It’s located inside the Villa Borghese and is where you can see paintings by artists such as Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio.

9. Visit the Roman Catacombs

The catacombs in Rome are an unusual, yet still fascinating attraction in the city. You can only visit the catacombs with a guide, who will explain the ancient burial rituals and point out the unique archaeological wonders.

The catacombs are underground, subterranean passageways and the former burial grounds for the Christians and Jews in the 3rd century AD. It is said half a million Christians and Jews were buried here, including 16 Popes.

There are several catacombs in Rome, but the largest and most important is the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus.

10. Explore the Castel Sant’Angelo

The Castel Sant’Angelo lies just outside the Vatican City and was built as the tomb for Emperor Hadrian and his family in 135 AD. It was also used as a fortress and prison of the Papal Residence.

It’s the oldest castle in Italy and is now one of the most important museums. It has seven levels of exhibits, including the Papal quarters, execution ground, and of course, some ancient Rome frescos. For history lovers, you’ll not want to miss this enlightening attraction in Rome.

11. Enjoy a gelato

While you might be thinking gelato is just ice cream, you had better not say this to any Italians! Gelato is much softer and is traditionally made with less fat, so it’s slightly better for you than ice cream.

If you’re visiting Rome in the summer, or any time of year with a sunny day, a gelato is the perfect mid-afternoon pick me up. It can get quite hot in the summer, and there’s very little cloud cover, so gelato is a perfect way to cool down.

A famous gelato shop in Rome is Gelateria dei Gracchi just a few minutes’ walk from the Vatican. What’s great about this shop is that they not only use fresh, seasonal fruits but they have gluten-free and lactose-free options too.

We visited one of the best gelaterias in Rome on our walking street food tour. Here are a few more food walking tours in Rome to love.

12. Kick back and relax in the Trastevere District

If you’re finding all the historical sights in Rome tiresome, then you’ll want to head to one of Rome’s outer districts for some peace and quiet. One of the best places to kick back and relax is in the Trastevere district.

Located in the south of the city, across the river from the Colosseum, this district is an ancient working-class neighborhood, famous for its quaint, narrow alleyways and medieval houses.

Many of these houses have been turned into boutique shops, cafes, and bars with outdoor terraces. Some important Roman figures built villas here, including Julius Caesar.

This area is particularly lively at night and is full of backpackers looking for a fun night out in the bars and clubs. If this isn’t your scene, don’t worry, it’s a totally different vibe in the daytime.

The Trastevere areas was one of our teen’s favorite things to do in Rome. You can read our guide to the Trastevere neighborhood with more suggestions on what to do.

13. Eat al fresco in Centro Storico

Italy is well known for its hearty and delicious cuisine, and you’ll find plenty of top-quality restaurants in the Centro Storico district. This is where you’ll find many of Rome’s most beautiful piazzas and historic landmarks, which offer the perfect backdrop while you enjoy an evening meal at sunset. Although you will be paying a price for those views.

Italians tend to eat quite late (sometimes around 10 pm), which is great for tourists who are used to eating in the early evening because most restaurants will have a table free.

If you want amazing Italian food, but at a lower cost, a great district for foodies is Testaccio, just south of the Colosseum. It’s a little way out of the center, which means it’s much quieter. You can find many great restaurants here, or even take a food tour where you can learn about all the local delicacies.

14. Take a day trip to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast

The great thing about Rome is that it’s a great starting place to explore other parts of Italy.

Pompeii, for example, is a about a 2.5 hour journey from Rome, but as the city is completely in ruins, it’s not somewhere you would want to stay for more than a day. The best way to see it is on a day trip from Rome.

Pompeii was once a large city where it’s estimated around 12,000 people lived before a catastrophic volcano eruption wiped out the city and all within it. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 BCE, not only destroyed the whole city but preserved it.

The eruption covered the city in 19 feet (6 meters) of volcanic debris, burying all within its wake in a state like they are frozen in time. Archeologists began to uncover the ruins in the late 16th century, and today much of the city has been excavated, including human remains that appear as though they are sleeping.

If you’re feeling a bit somber after visiting Pompeii, just an hour away is the idyllic Amalfi Coast, known for its stunning beaches, villas, and luxurious hotels. You would need to set aside a fair bit of money to stay on the Amalfi Coast, so if you want to save some cash the best way to see it is to take a day trip from Rome.

15. Ride around the city on a Vespa

This may be a little gimmicky, but it’s one of the few places in the world where you can hire a Vespa and whiz around the sites, and it’s a lot of fun! These little scooters are known for their cute design and bright colors (if you can get a red Vespa, even better!) and they are all manufactured in Italy.

If you’re looking for an exciting way to explore Rome on a short visit, this is going to be your highlight. What a unique way to get from A to B.

16. Visit the crypt of the nativity in Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

One of the four great papal basilicas of Rome, Santa Maria Maggiore sits on the summit of the Esquiline Hill, and is one of the oldest basilicas in the city. It was built in the 5th century, and dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Inside, the basilica leaves you stunned. The long, gilded coffered ceiling commissioned by Pope Alexander VI, paired with 5th-century mosaics in the naves (some of the oldest Christian mosaics in Rome) draw your attention.

At the heart of the basilica lies the Confessio, also known as The Crypt of the Nativity or Bethlehem Crypt, a sunken chapel beneath the high altar which contains relics of the Holy Crib (fragments of the manger in which Jesus is said to have been laid).

17. Admire the flower market at Piazza Campo de’ fiori

By day, Campo de’ Fiori is a flourish of activity. It’s the most famous open-air market in Rome, and has rows of stalls overflowing with fresh produce, flowers, spices, and Roman specialties.

In the centre is the brooding statue of Giordano Bruno, who was burned at the stake here in 1600.

As the sun sets, the square shifts gears, though is still lively, as market traders vanish and are replaced by a lively crowd spilling into the surrounding trattorias, bars, and cafés. Though it’s one of Rome’s most tourist-friendly piazzas, it still retains a raw, slightly bohemian edge and feels less polished than nearby Piazza Navona or Piazza del Popolo.

18. Admire masterpieces inside The Capitoline Museum

Set atop the Michelangelo-designed Capitoline Hill, the Capitoline Museums are the world’s oldest public museum complex and a must-see for art and history lovers.

Within the U-shaped building is a collection that spans a millennia, from ancient Roman bronzes to Renaissance masterpieces. Outside, the Piazza del Campidoglio is just as beautiful as the pieces inside.

Some highlights of the museum include the iconic bronze She-Wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, the colossal fragments of Constantine, and Caravaggio’s brooding St John the Baptist.

19. Uncover layers of Rome inside Basilica di San Clemente

At first glance, the 12th-century Basilica di San Clemente seems like any another Roman church in Rome, and may be somewhere you simply pass by.

However, those who step inside are met with glittering mosaics and an eerie past.

Step below the nave and you’ll uncover one of the city’s most fascinating time capsules: a 4th-century church and, even deeper, a 1st-century Mithraic temple and Roman house.

Each level peels back another layer of Rome’s past, from pagan worship to early Christianity.

It’s just a short stroll away from the Colosseum, and serves as a reminder that much of what makes up Rome’s past lies underneath your feet.

20. See the Capuchin crypt

This was once a hidden gem, but has since been well and truly uncovered thanks to the Tiktok generation. It’s still worth visiting if you are interested in the macabre and gothic attractions.

Beneath Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini is a crypt that contains the bones of some 3,700 Capuchin friars, which have been arranged into elaborate decorative patterns — arches, chandeliers, and altars, all fashioned from skulls and femurs.

While not for the faint-hearted, the crypt is paired with a small museum that explores Capuchin history and Franciscan spirituality, providing context to the eerie displays.

21. Day trip to Ostia Antica

If you don’t have time to go to Pompeii, or you want a shorter day trip, just a short hop from central Rome by train is Ostia Antica, the remarkably preserved ruins of Rome’s ancient port.

Once a bustling hub of trade and commerce, the site today is quiet and accessible. You can wander cobbled streets, step inside frescoed houses, and explore the remains of vast bath complexes, or sit on the stone steps of a Roman theatre that’s still used for performances today.

Top tip: Bring water and good shoes, as this archaeological park has little shade.

Where to stay in Rome

Rome is quite a walkable city, so as long as you stay close to the centre, it doesn’t matter too much which district you stay in.

We recommend looking at hotels and vacation rentals in the consider staying in Centro Storico for first time visitors, as this will put you closer to the main attractions for sightseeing. The Trastevere neighborhood is close to the centre, but has a more local and bohemian vibe. Monti is another area with a bohemian vibe and lots of local character and is close to attractions.

• TRASTEVERE APARTMENT RENTAL: We stayed in this lovely home rental in the Trastevere Neighborhood for our Summer European trip for 2023. it was fantastic for our family of 4. Spacious, modern and within walking distance to everywhere. See prices and availability here.
• The Hoxton, Rome: Featuring free bikes and a bar, The Hoxton, Rome is located in Rome, a 15-minute walk from Villa Borghese and 1.1 miles from Piazza Barberini. See prices and availability here.
• Maalot Roma is located in the heart of Rome in the Lazio region, a 7-minute walk from Trevi Fountain and 0.4 miles from Piazza Barberini It’s a small Luxury Hotels of the World. See prices and availability here.

Final thoughts

We spent three days in Rome with our teens in the summer of 2024, and absolutely loved it. It was their favorite place on their 4-week Europe trip.

Whether you plan to stay for a weekend or a week, the sheer amount of attractions in Rome can make deciding on what to do incredibly difficult, as the likelihood is, you just can’t do all of them. We hope this guide helped you pick out a few iconic things to do and find some lesser-known gems that will help you get acquainted with the authentic heart of Rome.

What are you most excited to do? Let us know in the comments.

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