The Absolute Best Things to do in Rome
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it’s easy to see how that saying came to be when you visit this expansive ancient city. Rome offers some of the best things to do in Italy, but it can be hard to pick and choose exactly which sites to hit in a huge city.
A little bit of history, a little bit of shopping, and of course an aperitivo. We’ve got you covered with the 10 best things to do in Rome. But why not take it one step further and do as the Romans do? Work with a local to plan your visit to Rome.
Table of Contents
- Explore the Roman Forum
- Visit the Vatican
- Visit the Ancient Thermal Baths of Caracalla
- Dine as the Romans Do
- Experience the Colosseum
- Bask in the Ambiance of Piazza Navona
- Watch the View from the Spanish Steps
- Stroll the Famous Shopping Street of Via dei Condotti
- Walk in the Shadow of the Dark History of Via Appia Antica
- Track Down the Best Gelato in Rome
Explore the Roman Forum
Get up close to the ruins of the Roman Forum and imagine wandering ancient Rome. This archaic political and social city center is over 3,000 years old.
The Forum is not as preserved as the Colosseum since the Forum fell with the rest of the Roman Empire. The forum became covered by cattle pastures for centuries and wasn’t excavated until 1803. Today you can wander through the deconstructed ancient government buildings and view renovated structures such as the Temple of Saturn and the Arch of Titus.
Visit the Vatican
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, right in the heart of Rome. Just two miles wide, this tiny country is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church. Vatican City itself houses a population of just under 500 people, a post office, St. Peter’s Basilica, Michaelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.
Take an afternoon and revel in the grandeur of this iconic and historic religious center. Keep in mind in order to enter St. Peter’s Basilica you must adhere to a dress code with knees and shoulders covered.
Visit the Ancient Thermal Baths of Caracalla
Step away from the crowds and experience a true hidden gem of Italy. The ancient thermal baths of Caracalla are, may we say, the OG Roman baths dating back to AD 211. This impressive archaeological wonder is the largest surviving Roman bath structure existing in Rome today and spans a massive 33 acres.
However, you can leave your bathing suit in the hotel when you check out this site. The baths are no longer used for pubic bathing, which will be clear to see when you arrive. The baths today are now a series of impressive ruins and are recommended by the locals as an impressive spot, with fewer crowds than the Roman Forum.
Dine as the Romans Do
Dining in Italy is an art in itself. A top-ranking item on every traveler's bucket list, no trip to Italy is complete without sampling some of the world’s most renowned foods.
Rome is full of delectable dishes. From fresh pasta made right in front of your eyes to traditional pizza, it’s hard to be disappointed by the food in Rome. Wander down one of Rome's hundreds of quaint allies and choose from the dozens of family-owned pizzerias, trattorias, or fancier ristorantes. Embrace the carbs!
This is where a local can really point you in the right direction of what are the best local restaurants in Rome and recommend specific dishes that travelers without a guide may never think to order.
Experience the Colosseum
Step back in time during a tour of the Colosseum. This incredibly famous Italian landmark is a must-see on any trip to Rome. This traditional amphitheater is the largest of its kind, making it on the list as one of the seven wonders of the world.
This ancient site of gladiator battles, gladiatorial games, animal hunts, and other kinds of ancient Roman entertainment offers daily tours for around €16. Insider tip, plan to visit the Colosseum early in the morning before the crowds and make sure to buy your admission ticket from an authorized ticket kiosk or dealer.
Bask in the Ambiance of Piazza Navona
Rome has dozens of stunning squares lined with shops, gelaterias, and scenic ristorante patios. The largest is Piazza Navona. Bask in the ambiance of blooming flower boxes, red and white checkered tablecloths, and ornate stone statues and fountains as a backdrop to nearby accordion buskers.
This now scenic square is unusually large as it was historically the site of an expansive stadium, The Stadium of Domitian, where events and fairs commonly took place in ancient Rome. The stadium was paved over in the 1500s to create Piazza Navona.
Watch the View from the Spanish Steps
Rome has a fantastic metro system, but you can also expect to walk a lot across this Italian capital city. Stake out a spot to people-watch from the top of the Spanish Steps and enjoy the view. The steps have served as the inspiration for artists and poets since their construction in 1725.
Climb to the top of the steps for a view over the Roman rooftops and down Via dei Condotti, the famous fashion street of Rome. The Spanish Steps are a good place to take a break but be aware that there is no eating allowed at the Spanish Steps, and also no sitting on the steps. These rules have been put in place in recent years to keep the steps preserved.
Stroll the Famous Shopping Street of Via dei Condotti
Whether luxury brands are your forte or you just want a scenic street to explore, Via dei Condotti is a stunning place to mosey. Window shop, or splurge on that luxury item you’ve been saving for.
On this street, you’ll find designer brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, Rolex, and dozens more. Start your wander at the top of this street at the Spanish Steps and cover four blocks of high-end shopping.
If you’re traveling to Italy on a budget, chat with a local for recommendations on where the Romans shop for more affordable fashion items.
Walk in the Shadow of the Dark History of Via Appia Antica
Strap up your sneakers and head off on a walk down the oldest and longest road to Roma, Via Appia Antica. This once foot-traffic-heavy road lies on the outskirts of central Rome now and is the perfect place to escape today’s bustling city streets.
This ruined cobbled road was once the most important central road leading into Rome. Via Appia Antica is also the home to three of the largest catacombs in central Italy. Ancient Roman law forbade citizens to bury their dead within the city limits for hundreds of years, so Romans were buried in the sprawling 300km long Roman catacombs.
But that’s not the only dark fact belonging to this road. Spartacus and 6,000 slave rebels were crucified along this thoroughfare. It’s unlikely you’ll cover all 300 kilometers of this road, but wander down a bit and learn more about the history surrounding this ancient route.
Track Down the Best Gelato in Rome
No Italian getaway is complete without totally maxing out your intake of gelato. Make it your mission to try all of the most unique flavors of gelato across Rome, and to find your favorite gelateria. Wander the ancient winding cobbled streets and find quaint off-the-beaten-path gelaterias, or visit the bustling gelaterias of Piazza Navona.
Choose your favorite flavors and take a seat beside a picturesque piazza or wander until you find another gelateria and try the next flavor. Gelato hopping is easily one of the best things to do in Italy. Want to find the local favorite gelateria and the best flavors? Chat with a local for the best recommendations.
Why not take your Rome explorations one step further and see it through the eyes of a local? Get off the beaten path and fully immerse yourself in the day of a modern Roman. Learn more about how you can have a local plan your trip to Rome. Still have questions? Get in touch with us!
And before your trip make sure to check out:
- Connect with a Local to Plan Your Trip
- Italy Travel Restrictions 2022
- Is Italy Safe in 2022?
- Is Rome Safe in 2022?
- Contact Us