Top 10 Things to do in Rome, Italy

October 26, 2017 Merry Kessler

Rome wasn't built in a day--and you'll need much more than a day to take in this timeless city. The city is a real-life collage of piazzas, open-air markets, and astonishing historic sites. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, contemplate the Colosseum and the Pantheon, and sample a perfect espresso or gelato before spending an afternoon shopping at the Campo de’Fiori or Via Veneto. Enjoy some of the most memorable meals of your life here, too, from fresh pasta to succulent fried artichokes or a tender oxtail stew.
Restaurants in Rome

Piazza del Colosseo, 00184 Rome, Italy (+39) 06 39967700
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 117 reviews

Colosseum

Perhaps the best-preserved of the monuments of ancient Rome, this huge marble structure was built to hold more than 50,000 spectators to witness bloody contests of might and the slaughter of wild beasts.

Reviewed By HeidiElizabeth7 - Leeds, United Kingdom

We were lucky enough to be staying in a hotel that was a 5 mins walk from the Colosseum.. because of this we never bothered to prebook tickets or pay for skip-the-line. We walked down to the ticket office at 8am, had a little wonder around and took some photos and then joined the ticket office queue around 8.20. There were probably 50 people in front of us at this time and by 8.30 (the Colosseum opening time) a further 70-80 people now queuing behind us so I would recommend getting there for 8am to avoid the long wait.
The queue for security check moved pretty quickly and we were inside in no time!
This was our second visit, the first being on a guided tour so we had a leisurely walk around this time.
The Colosseum is wonderful, the hoards of tourists can be annoying but you have to expect this. The girls in the ticket office were very friendly and provided any information needed. The staff inside at security were a little more stern but given their job and the hundreds of often rude tourists pushing their way through id be stern too!
The book shop inside is small but reasonably priced. I paid 5e for a Colosseum guide book, 10e for a Forum book and 12.90e for a book on the archaeological sites of Rome. The staff inside were friendly and worked down the queue at the tills fast.
The Colosseum is magnificent. Go and enjoy. Pre book if you cant get there early but if you are able to then arrive for 8am and this should help you avoid the long wait for tickets.

Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Rome, Italy +39 06 6830 0230
Excellent
72%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 62 reviews

Pantheon

Dedicated to the seven planetary divinities and featuring an interior of gorgeous marble, the Pantheon is one of the most impressive monuments of Augustan Rome.

Reviewed By Concierge3725 - Manila, Philippines

Pantheon falls under the category of must see in Rome. The architecture is superb and the the dome inside the temple must be one of the most photographed items. The arts displayed here are exquisite and elaborate and this attraction can be very crowded since the entrance fee is free. It is such a beautiful building structure to behold.

3. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore 42, 00185 Rome, Italy +39 06 6988 6800
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12 reviews

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

One of seven pilgrimage basilicas in the world, this church was founded in 432 AD and is where the famous architect Bernini is buried.

Reviewed By randomtravler2016 - Los Angeles, California

I titled this Jesus Crib because the relics of his baby Crib are in a wonderful receiver under the main altar. What can't be beat for this visit are the incredible frescos and gold ceiling.
This church is a few short blocks from the Termini station for the metro and easy to get to and is free. You will have your bag searched so allow 15 minutes to get through security.
This is a must-see.

4. Roman Forum

Piazza Santa Maria Nova, 53, 00186 Rome, Italy (+39) 06 39967700
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 18 reviews

Roman Forum

Reviewed By Gildz74 - Chester

This was my favourite part of sightseeing! A very large, interesting place to wander round, it would be tranquil if it wasn't for the millions of other tourists! It lacks well signed toilet facilities & places to get a drink/food. If you plan to spend a whole day here, take snack/drinks! If you're disabled/ wheelchair user/ struggle with mobility, I think you would have a hard time here... very hilly & uneven ground!

5. Galleria Borghese

Piazzale del Museo Borghese 5, 00197 Rome, Italy +39 06 32810
Excellent
79%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14 reviews

Galleria Borghese

The Museum in the beautiful setting of Villa Borghese in Rome preserves sculptures, reliefs and ancient mosaics, and paintings and sculptures from the fifteenth to the eighteenth century. The collection, made up initially by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the early seventeenth century, preserves masterpieces of Antonello da Messina, Giovanni Bellini, Raffaello, Tiziano, Correggio, Caravaggio and beautiful sculptures of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Canova.

Reviewed By linda e - Biggar, United Kingdom

We were keen to see the art works and the mosaics here and were not disappointed. The mosaics were complete and left nothing to the imagination. Well worth the visit and a beautiful park to walk in on the way from the centre.

6. Palatine Hill

Piazza Santa Maria Nova, 53, 00186 Rome, Italy +39.06.39967700
Excellent
67%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

Palatine Hill

The commercial, political and religious center of ancient Rome, which features the Arch of Septimus Severus, Temple of Saturn, Arch of Titus and the House of the Vestals.

Reviewed By Ka H - Bellingham, Washington

All these interesting parts of buildings and places from ancient history in the midst of Rome. So very interesting...even in the rain. Great view.

7. Trevi Fountain

Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Rome, Italy
Excellent
65%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 77 reviews

Trevi Fountain

Certainly the most famous and photographed Fountain in Rome, legend has it that whoever throws a coin into the pond will return to Rome.

Reviewed By eagertraveller123 - UK

If you visit Rome you must go see this Fountain and throw in a penny and make a wish. It’s a very special location. Always crowded with tourists, but photos are fine to take.

00153 Rome, Italy
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Trastevere

This busy and lively neighborhood has the look and feel of a traditional small Italian town, with people shopping, chatting, drinking espresso and going about their daily business.

Reviewed By Toddphd - Devon, Pennsylvania

Trastevere was recommended to us and it was a perfect choice. Vibrant area on other side of the river from Rome. Lots of restaurants shops and sites to see. Walking distance to all Rome attractions or easy access to transportation.

9. Piazza Navona

00186 Rome, Italy
Excellent
63%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 30 reviews

Piazza Navona

The most outstanding square of the Baroque period in Rome features Bernini's Fountain of Rivers at its center as it faces Borromini's church, Sant' Agnese in Agone.

Reviewed By Marilyn E - Braintree, United Kingdom

This is a lovey square with very interesting Fountains with statues. If you leave the square by the north, take the Via Coronari. It is a lovely street with interesting shops and a marvellous gelateria!

10. Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo

Lungotevere Castello 50, 00193 Rome, Italy +39 06 32810
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo

The Museum is divided into four sections, the history of Castel Sant'Angelo is illustrated by vintage prints, scenic views and interesting reconstructions ideals of the monument, as suggested by the imagination of artists and architects of the Renaissance, from its construction until the nineteenth century, in a path that highlights the intense and ongoing.

Reviewed By A TripAdvisor Member - Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Inside the castle rooms have some lovely paintings...side rooms with furniture and narrow pathways ..with exciting little windows that you cant help to peek through. For those with disabilities there is a lift the staff will show you to..if you cannot manage the steps. But from the 2nd floor to the very breathtaking views on top there are a few steps....and it is well worth it..the beautiful 360° views are amazing!!

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