29 great things to do in Rome

What is it? We’re going to assume you’ve already got an idea of this one: it’s the Colosseum, after all. Built between 72-80 AD, this is the largest amphitheatre in the world (holding 80,000 people back in the day), and seeing it up close is just about as cool as you can imagine. 

Why go? Local Romans used to come here to see violent gladiator battles or animal hunts, but now it’s a lot more peaceful. Once you get to the 5th level for that 360-degree view over the theatre, it’s pretty magical. Just make sure to book in advance to avoid long queues. 

🤫 Insider tip: The views are great, but make sure to book a visit to the recently opened arena floor to experience it the way the gladiators did.

Address: P.za del Colosseo, 1, 00184, Roma
Opening hours: Open daily, from 8.30am-6.15pm
Expect to pay: €18 for general admission, free entry on the first Sunday of the month

What is it? One, if not, the most famous chapel in the world, filled with beloved works of art. 

Why go? Founded by Pope Julius II in the 16th century, the Vatican Museums house one of the largest and most important art collections in the world and is set across 54 galleries, courtyards and hallways. You’ll find thousands of ancient sculptures, works by Raphael and, of course, Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.

Time Out tip: If you have time and plan well in advance, book tickets to descend into the Vatican Necropolis, located beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican Gardens filled with fountains, flora and a replica of the Grotto devoted to Our Lady of Lourdes.

👀 Our take: ‘Book a late entry time and linger in the museum until nearly closing time. It’s oh-so worth it to be the last one under Michelangelo’s frescoes.’ 

🏛️Read our full list of unmissable attractions in Rome 

Address: Viale Vaticano, 00165, Roma
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 8am-8pm (last entry at 6pm); closed Sundays, except for the final Sunday of the month. Sunday hours are from 9am-2pm (final entry 12.30pm). 
Expect to pay: €20 for general admission

What is it? Located about an hour south of Rome by train, Anzio is a laid-back seaside town known for its sandy beaches, fishing heritage and lively harbour.

Why go? When Roman summers become unbearably hot, locals escape to Anzio for a day by the sea. The town combines long stretches of sandy beach with seafood restaurants, gelaterias and waterfront cafés. You'll also find the ruins of Emperor Nero's seaside villa scattered along the coast, meaning you can literally swim next to ancient Roman ruins before stopping for lunch. It’s one of those “pinch-me-I’m-in-Italy” moments.

🤫 Insider tip: Don't want to splurge on a beach club? Bring a towel and set up on one of Anzio's free public beaches instead. If you'd rather have a lounger and umbrella, there are plenty of stabilimenti renting them by the day.

⛱️ Discover our guide to the best beaches in Rome

Address: Anzio Riviera Zanardelli, 00042 Anzio

What is it? Built in 125 AD by Emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon is one of the best preserved buildings from ancient times.

Why go? Its dome, measuring 142 feet in diameter, is the largest in the whole world, and its oculus (the central opening at the top of the dome) is a unique source of natural light and serves as a symbolic connection between the temple and the heavens. It’s an ancient marvel and a must-see in Rome. 

🤫 Insider tip: If you’re heading to the city during Pentecost weekend, you’re in for a treat – during Sunday Mass, tons of rose petals get dropped from the oculus to mark the occasion, and the sight is really something.

Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186, Roma
Opening hours: Open daily, from 9am-7pm
Expect to pay: €5 for general admission

What is it? Rome is known as the city of fountains – there are over 2,000 throughout the city, both big and small – but none are grander than the Trevi Fountain. Commissioned by Pope Clement XII in the 18th century, this majestic work of Baroque art was carved out of Carrara marble and took 30 years to complete. The marvel features Oceanus, the god of the sea, sitting triumphantly atop a chariot pulled by seahorses at the center. On either side are Tritons, mythical sea creatures that resemble mermen, blowing into conch shells.

Why go? According to local legend, if you throw a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain, you’ll return to Rome again in your lifetime. Each year, millions of coins are tossed into the fountain: they’re regularly collected and donated to charitable causes. 

🤫 Insider tip: The Trevi Fountain is crammed with tourists most of the day, but if you visit before 8am (yep, it’s early!) you’ll likely have it almost to yourself. 

Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187, Roma
Opening hours: Monday and Friday, from 11.30am-10pm; Tuesday to Thursday, and Saturday to Sunday, from 9am-10pm. Check the official website for maintence closure dates.
Expect to pay: €2 for general admission 

What is it? Castel Sant’Angelo, ‘The Castle of Angels,’ is an eye-catching cylindrical fortification built on the banks of the Tiber River by Roman Emperor Hadrian in the second century AD.

Why go? Originally commissioned as a mausoleum for Hadrian and his family, it was later used as a fortress and castle by the popes. It even includes a secret escape passageway that links the structure to the Vatican City. Today, it is a museum with frescoed rooms, a collection of medieval weaponry and sweeping views of the city of Rome and nearby St Peter’s Basilica.

🤫 Insider tip: The castle’s cafe is actually worth visiting – not because of the food, but for its marvellous view of the Vatican.

Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193, Roma
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am-7.30pm; closed Mondays
Expect to pay: €18 for general admission

What is it? Located in an elegant residential neighborhood, Villa Torlonia is a neoclassical estate that was built for the powerful Torlonia family in the early 19th century. It later served as Benito Mussolini’s private residence from 1925 to 1943. Today, the villa and its gardens are open to the public, offering a unique mix of history and art surrounded by beautiful nature.

Why go? Unlike Rome’s more famous villas, Villa Torlonia is blissfully uncrowded. Stroll through its landscaped English-style gardens, admire frescoes inside the Casino Nobile, and step inside the Mussolini Bunker, a fascinating underground air raid shelter built during World War II.

🤫 Insider tip: Don't miss the Casina delle Civette (House of Owls), a whimsical architectural gem tucked inside the park that features colorful stained glass and fairy-tale turrets.

Address: Via Nomentana, 70, 00161, Roma
Opening hours: Open daily, from 9am-7pm
Expect to pay: €12 for general admission

What is it? One of the best places to sample Rome’s diverse cuisine and excellent street food is at the Testaccio Market, a luminous and contemporary building filled with tantalizing stands that serve everything from artichoke sandwiches and tripe stews to freshly-cooked pasta and craft beers.

Why go? Rome’s culinary traditions are rooted in the Testaccio neighbourhood, making it an essential stop for gourmands and intrepid diners. But it’s also got a fascinating history; the area once housed the largest slaughterhouse in Europe, and employees were usually paid in leftover animal parts (affectionately referred to as the ‘quinto quarto,’ or fifth quarter). 

🤫 Insider tip: Grab a legendary panino at Mordi e Vai or pizza al taglio from CasaManco, one of the best pizzerias in Rome. Be sure to arrive before 3:30pm when the market closes.

Address: Via Aldo Manuzio, 66b, 00153, Roma
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 7am-3.30pm; closed Sundays 

What is it? Commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the 16th century to house his impressive art collection, Galleria Borghese remains one of the premier museums in Rome.

Why go? An avid art collector, the Cardinal was one of Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s early patrons and a huge fan of Caravaggio’s works, so expect to find exceptional creations here. Some highlights include Apollo and Daphne by Bernini, Paolina Bonaparte by Canova and Boy with a Basket of Fruit by Caravaggio.

🤫 Insider tip: The ‘pleasure palace’ was originally built as a suburban villa and it remains immersed in Villa Borghese’s extensive gardens, so be sure to take a stroll around the park after your visit.

Address: Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, 00197, Roma
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am-7pm (last entrance at 5.45pm); closed Mondays
Expect to pay: €16 for general admission

What is it? One of the most romantic spots in Rome, and the highest point of the city. 

Why go? Fondly referred to as the city of Seven Hills, Rome is known for its scenic vantage points and numerous terraces that give way to stunning views of the city skyline. Located above the Trastevere neighbourhood, Gianicolo isn’t technically one of the fabled hills, but it is worth the trek as it offers a dreamy, expansive vista over the Eternal City. 

🤫 Insider tip: Just a few minutes away you’ll find the elegant Fontana dell’Acqua Paola, a fountain featured in the opening scene of La Grande Bellezza. 

Address: Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi, 00165, Roma

What is it? The Capitoline Museums are set across three buildings in Piazza del Campidoglio, a trapezoidal piazza designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century.

Why go? Considered the first public museums in the world, they are home to Renaissance marble statues and Roman bronzes such as the Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius and the Capitoline Wolf, which symbolises the founding of Rome. The museum also provides an excellent view of the Roman Forum from the Galleria Lapidaria, an underground tunnel that connects the two main buildings. Plan to spend a few hours here – there’s a lot to see. 

🤫 Insider tip: Don’t miss a visit to the secret garden in Piazzale Caffarelli, tucked just behind the piazza.

Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, 00186, Roma
Opening hours: Open daily, from 9.30am-7.30pm
Expect to pay: €20.50 for general admission 

What is it? Well, it’s pretty simple, it’s pasta. Rome is famous for lots of things, but after the Colosseum, it’s potentially most famous for pasta. And for good reason: you likely won’t taste the classics like this anywhere else on earth. By classics, we mean Rome’s four traditional classics: cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana and alla gricia, each doing something a little different, be it cheesy or tomato-ey.

Why go? Mark our words, all of Rome’s traditional pastas all delicious, but the carbonara at Luciano Cucina Italiana reigns supreme. And if you fancy trying any other pasta dish in the city, try our list of the best pastas in Rome on for size. 

Address: Piazza del Teatro di Pompeo, 18, 00186, Roma
Opening hours: Open daily, from noon-4pm, and 7pm-11pm 
Expect to pay: €5-20 for starters, €17-19 for pasta, €35-40 for mains

What is it? Rome’s largest landscaped park, Villa Doria Pamphili is a peaceful green oasis easily accessible from Trastevere, Monteverde, and the Vatican area. Originally built as a grand countryside estate for the powerful Doria Pamphili family in the 17th century, it is now a sprawling public park popular with locals for walking, jogging and weekend picnics.

Why go? If you are looking for a break from Rome’s busy streets, this is the perfect place to unwind and burn off some of your carbonara. It is also a great place for photographers thanks to its scenic umbrella pines and opulent Casino del Bel Respiro, a Baroque villa at the center of the park. It's not open to the public, but its grand façade is still stunning from the outside.

🤫 Insider tip: After a stroll, stop by Vivi Bistrot for a healthy lunch. This cozy café serves creative Italian and international dishes in a pretty garden setting.

Address: Via di San Pancrazio, 00152, Roma
Opening hours: Open daily, from 7am-8pm
Expect to pay: Free entry

What is it? Once a state-of-the-art power station, the early 20th-century Centrale Montemartini was chosen in the late 1990s to house part of the collection of the Capitoline Museums.

Why go? Here, ancient statues are juxtaposed with vintage machinery in an industrial setting; fauns and Minervas, Bacchus revellers and Apollos are all surprisingly at home against the thermoelectric equipment. Highlights include incredibly detailed mosaics depicting marine themes, a spectacular early fourth-century mosaic depicting a hunting scene and the giant head and foot of a goddess found at Largo Argentina.

🤫 Insider tip: After exploring the museum, take a walk to the nearby Gazometro, an abandoned gas tower that gives a glimpse into southern Rome’s industrial past.

Address: Via Ostiense, 106, 00154, Roma
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am-7pm; closed Mondays
Expect to pay: €11 for general admission

What is it? One of Rome's coolest neighbourhoods, Monti is a charming district of cobbled streets filled with independent boutiques, vintage stores and artisan workshops. It's a far cry from the international chains found along Via del Corso.

Why go? This is where stylish Romans come to discover emerging designers and one-of-a-kind pieces. Browse minimalist fashion at Kokoro, statement womenswear at LOL, or hunt for vintage treasures at Pifebo and Humana. Jewellery lovers should stop by Voodoo Jewels for bold, contemporary designs or Licciardello for elegant pieces inspired by Rome, including a ring modelled on the Pantheon.

🤫 Insider tip: Monti is the perfect place to decompress after a morning at the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Grab a leisurely lunch, browse a few boutiques and linger over a glass of wine at one of the neighbourhood's cute wine bars.

What is it? Emperor Nero’s extravagant Domus Aurea (Golden House) was considered one of the most impressive residences of its time and offers a unique glimpse into subterranean Rome.

Why go? Built between 64-68 AD as a grand place of entertainment near the Colosseum, it spanned across many of Rome’s ancient hills before it was destroyed by the great fire of Rome in 64 AD. 

🤫 Insider tip: Visitors can join guided tours every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and a virtual reality tour is also offered that helps bring the villa’s former glory to life.

Address: Vle della Domus Aurea, 00184, Roma
Opening hours: The museum is open from Friday to Sunday, from 9.30am-4.30pm, for those purchasing the educational tour. Hours for general admission-only are from noon-4.30pm. 
(last entry at 3.30pm); closed Monday to Thursday
Expect to pay: € 26 for admission and tour. €18 for general admission only. 

What is it? Built at the end of the 19th century, the Teatro dell’Opera is a neo-classical opera house hosting around 200 performances each year, from opera and ballet to contemporary dance. The opera house has collaborated with several celebrity directors and fashion houses, including Sofia Coppola, Valentino and Dior, to create innovative shows.

Why go? In the summer months, performances are held al fresco in the evocative Terme di Caracalla (Baths of Caracalla), an enormous archaeological complex built between 213-216 AD that was home to an open-air pool, saunas, a library, shops and more.

Address: Piazza Beniamino Gigli, 00184, Roma

Hours and prices vary by event. 

What is it? Although Rome’s four national museums have been overlooked for years, they are some of the most exciting cultural programming in the Eternal City at the moment, featuring contemporary works, interactive videos and more alongside ancient sculptures.

Why go? The museums contain important archaeological relics discovered in Rome and are spread across four locations: Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Palazzo Altemps, the Baths of Diocletian and Crypta Balbi.

Addresses:

Palazzo Massimo: Largo di Villa Peretti, 2, 00185, Roma
Palazzo Altemps: Piazza di Sant'Apollinare, 46, 00186, Roma
Baths of Diocletian: Viale Enrico de Nicola, 78, 00185 Roma
Crypta Balbi: V. delle Botteghe Oscure, 31, 00186, Roma

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am-7pm; closed Mondays

Expect to pay:  A €15 combination ticket allows entry into all four sights over one week. 

What is it? The Museo dell’Ara Pacis, designed by American architect Richard Meier, is a 2,000-year-old altar dedicated to Pax, the goddess of peace, which is enclosed in a monumental glass structure, creating a unique display in the city centre. The museum also hosts rotating art exhibitions and a virtual reality tour that includes 3D binoculars.

Why go? Although ancient architecture reigns supreme, Rome is increasingly recognised for its newer structures, creating a vivid juxtaposition between the old and the new. This is one of the city’s most spectacular examples. 

Address: Lungotevere in Augusta, 00186, Roma
Opening hours: Open daily, from 9.30am-7.30pm
Expect to pay: €14 for general admission

What is it? Rome has two first-class football clubs, AS Roma and SS Lazio. Both play in the Stadio Olimpico, incidentally the largest sports facility in Rome.

Why go? While only the most courageous visitors may want to attend a Roma-Lazio game (the rambunctious ‘derby’), a trip to the stadium promises to be a spectacle of flares and chanting and a touch of atmospheric drama a million miles away from the elegant centro storico. If you prefer a more low-key experience, you can also catch a rugby game here during the Six Nations Championship tournament held in the late winter months.

🤫 Insider tip: Before or after the game, head over to Ponte Milvio, a neighbourhood packed with lively bars and cafés.

Address: Viale dei Gladiatori, 2, 00135 Roma
Expect to pay: €18.38 for a guided tour of the stadium
Prices and hours to ticketed events vary.

What is it? The Vittoriano (or the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, the former King of Italy) is a huge building in the centre of Rome. It’s also gained another nickname, the ‘wedding cake,’ because of its shape. 

Why go? It’s worth climbing to the top of the ‘wedding cake’ not only to appreciate the enormity of the structure but to see the Art Nouveau mosaics in the colonnade. Mostly, it’s the only viewpoint where you can see the whole city centre without the panorama being interrupted by the Vittoriano itself. Even more impressive is the view from the very top level of the monument, reached by a glass elevator accessed from behind the structure, by the side of the Aracoeli church.

👀 Our take: ‘This attraction gets a mixed reception from tourists and locals, but it’s still one of Rome’s must-sees. It’s pretty hard to miss, anyway.’ –Livia Hengel

Address: Via di S. Pietro in Carcere, 00186, Roma
Opening hours: Open daily, from 9.30am-7.30pm (last entry at 6.45pm)
Expect to pay: Free entry

What is it? Galleria Colonna is one of the oldest and largest private palaces in Rome and one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Originally built as a fortress for the Colonna family, it was turned into a Baroque residence over time and now hosts a world-class art collection with masterpieces by Carracci, Tintoretto and Guercino.

Why go? Open every Saturday, the Great Hall’s enormous mirrored gallery is lined with statues, paintings and chandeliers on-par with the beauty of Versailles. 

🤫 Insider tip: Be sure to visit Princess Isabelle’s apartment and the secret garden.

Address: Via della Pilotta, 17, 00187, Roma
Opening hours: Friday, from 9.30am-10.30am; and Saturday, from 9.30am-1pm; closed Sunday to Thursday
Expect to pay: €15 for a short, self-guided tour, and €25 for the complete, self-guided tour

What is it? Perched above the volcanic waters of Lake Albano, Castel Gandolfo is a picturesque hill town in the Castelli Romani, a collection of villages southeast of Rome known for wine production, lakes and papal history.

Why go? Castel Gandolfo served as the Pope's summer residence for centuries, and visitors can now tour the Apostolic Palace and its beautifully landscaped gardens. The town also offers spectacular lake views, excellent restaurants and a change of pace from Rome. It's one of the easiest, and most rewarding, day trips from the capital.

🤫 Insider tip: Combine your visit with lunch overlooking Lake Albano or continue on to nearby Frascati for a glass of the region's famous white wine.

Address: Piazza della Libertà, 00073, Castel Gandolfo
Expect to pay: €20 for general admission

What is it? Step back in time, literally, as you walk (or bike) along one of the oldest roads in the Roman empire: the Appia Antica.

Why go? This ancient road connected Rome to Brindisi and remains one of the most picturesque areas in the city. The surrounding park is also full of cultural heritage sites, including catacombs and mausoleums containing notable figures such as popes, martyrs, and nobility.

🤫 Insider tip: Don’t miss exploring the catacombs of St. Callixtus, the catacombs of Domitilla and the catacombs of Saint Sebastian.

Address: Via Appia Antica, 42, 00178, Roma
Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
Expect to pay: Free entry to the park, but bike rental prices vary. For more information, visit the official website here.

What is it? Located near Circo Massimo, an ancient chariot racing stadium, Mercato Campagna Amica is heaven for foodies and a favorite with the locals. Open from 8am to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday, it brings together local farmers who sell quality, seasonal products – from fruits and vegetables to cheese, baked goods and specialty items.

Why go? Created in 2008 by the Italian Farmers Confederation (CIA), the Mercato Campagna Amica is more than a farmer’s market: it’s a movement towards a sustainable and locally sourced food system. You can also come by for pop-up events, like cooking demonstrations, tastings, and seminars about composting, organic farming, and biodiversity.

Address: Via di S. Teodoro, 74, 00186 Roma 
Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday, from 8am-3pm; closed Monday to Friday

What is it? Villa Medici, home to the French Academy in Rome, supports research and creativity in the arts and humanities. The building was built in the sixteenth century by Cardinal Ferdinando de’ Medici, who later became Grand Duke of Tuscany.

Why go? Villa Medici is in one of Rome’s top spots – above the Spanish Steps – and is known for its vast, manicured gardens and views of the city skyline. Today, the academy offers residencies and fellowships to scholars, and hosts events and exhibitions throughout the year. Visitors can tour the gardens and some of the historic rooms in the villa, including the Grand Salon and the Chapel of Saint John the Baptist.

Address: Viale della Trinità dei Monti, 1, 00187, Roma
Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday, from 9.30am-7pm; closed Tuesdays
Expect to pay: €18 for general admission 

What is it? Located on the slopes of Gianicolo in the Trastevere neighborhood, the Botanical Garden of Rome is a verdant oasis and a little slice of peace away from the city. It was established in 1883 in the gardens of Villa Corsini, an elegant 17th century villa commissioned by the Corsini family, one of the oldest noble families in Florence.

Why go? The garden houses over 7,000 species of plants from around the world across 12 hectares. Some of the highlights are a vast bamboo collection, numerous Gymnosperms such as sequoias, cypresses and pines, and over 400 species of orchids. A small vineyard has recently been planted in the Botanical Garden with 155 autochthonous varietals from throughout Italy.

🤫 Insider tip: Keep an eye out for wine-tasting pop-ups held at the garden (which has a vineyard with 155 indigenous Italian grape varieties).

Address: Largo Cristina di Svezia, 23 A, 00165, Roma
Opening hours: Open daily, from 9.30am-6.30pm
Expect to pay: €5 for general admission  

What is it? Tucked just behind Rome’s towering ancient pyramid, the Cimitero Acattolico has served as the city’s final resting place for non-Catholic foreigners since 1784.

Why go? Unofficially known as the Protestant Cemetery, this charmingly old-world corner also hosts Buddhists, Russian Orthodox Christians and atheists: a sign points to the grave of Antonio Gramsci, founder of the Italian Communist Party. The larger, newer section is much more crowded and slopes up to the crenellations of the Aurelian Wall.

Don’t miss: Be sure to look out for notable graves, such as those for literary icons John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley and Russian artist Karl Bryullov.

Address: Via Caio Cestio, 6, 00153, Roma
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 9am-4.30pm; and Sunday, from 9am-12.30pm
Expect to pay: Free entry, but a €5 donation is encouraged

What is it? Skip the punishing trip to Pompeii during your time in Rome and embark on a day trip to explore the ancient harbour city of Ostia Antica instead.

Why go? The extensive archaeological ruins are well-preserved, and you’ll be able to admire numerous ancient buildings – like restaurants and latrines – magnificent frescoes and many mosaics still intact. In the summer months, contemporary music concerts are held in the Roman theatre, a romantic setting that retains its wonderful acoustic elements.

Address: Viale dei Romagnoli, 717, 00119, Roma
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 8.30am-3.30pm; closed Mondays
Expect to pay: €18 for general admission

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