Things to See and Do in Rome

Looking for the best things to see and do in Rome? This section gathers our guides to must-see attractions, hidden corners, walking itineraries, tours, day trips and unique local experiences in the Eternal City.

Attraction type All attractions
Kind

9 Insiders share their secrets on the best things to do in Rome

Who better to tell the secrets of Rome than nine of the most influential bloggers and online contributors of the city?

Must-See: The Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs

Designed by Michelangelo himself, the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri was built into the ruins of the famous Diocletian Baths, deriving its name from a legend of Christian martyrs who died during its construction.

Get Out Of Town: BOLOGNA

Found a little over two hours away from Rome by train, the northern city of Bologna charms with its miles of characteristic portici.

Audrey Hepburn’s Rome

Timeless goddess of glamour and elegance, Audrey Hepburn spent more than just a holiday in Rome, staying for two decades, mastering Italian lifestyle and becoming an icon of la dolce vita.

Foxtrail: the treasure hunt to discover Rome’s hidden wonders

Locals and foreigners can now discover Rome in an interactive way with Foxtrail – a mix between an outdoor escape game and a treasure hunt.

Get Out Of Town: VENICE

Take a trip to Venice and soak up some of the magic that has inspired artists from the Renaissance to the present day. And don’t forget the famous carnival.

Via Margutta

Via Margutta is a narrow and picturesque street known for its rich history dating back to the 17th century, once home to Fellini and location of the award winning movie Roman Holiday.

The secrets of the Sistine Chapel

Everyone knows the Sistine Chapel is one of the greatest treasures of mankind. But not everyone knows the secrets behind it. Discover these 7 facts only very few people know.

Ostia Antica

Instead of trekking down to Pompeii, why not explore Rome’s very own ghost town, Ostia Antica? Wander the amazingly well preserved streets of what was once a bustling seaport at the mouth of the Tiber.

Ingeborg Bachmann’s Rome

A writer whose love for Rome left a profound mark on her literary work, and whose personal biography was closely tied to the Eternal City, is Austrian poet and author Ingeborg Bachmann.

What are the must-see attractions in Rome for first-time visitors?

Most first-time visitors focus on the Colosseum and Roman Forum, Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and Spanish Steps, plus at least one panoramic viewpoint.

Best Things to Do in Rome

How many days do I need in Rome to see the main sights?

With 3 days in Rome you can cover most of the major attractions at a comfortable pace; with 4–5 days you’ll have time to add lesser-known neighborhoods, museums and experiences. In this category you’ll find suggested itineraries and themed guides (art, food, outdoor, family-friendly) to help you plan according to how long you’re staying.

Rome Itineraries

Are there free things to see and do in Rome?

Yes. Rome is full of free experiences: walking through historic piazzas, visiting many churches with incredible art, exploring neighborhoods like Trastevere or Monti, enjoying viewpoints such as the Giardino degli Aranci, and certain museums or sites on specific free-entry days. Our guides highlight free and budget-friendly ideas so you can enjoy Rome even if you’re keeping an eye on costs.

Things to do for free in Rome

Is Rome a good city for families and kids? What can we do together?

Rome is very family-friendly: kids often love the Colosseum, catacombs, gelato stops, parks like Villa Borghese, interactive museums and simple neighborhood walks with pizza al taglio on the go. We highlight family-friendly activities and tours – from bike rides to kid-focused gladiator or art experiences – so you can build an itinerary that works for all ages.

Visit Rome with kids