Rome is an ancient and marvelous city, full of endless possibilities. Many people only spend a day or two in the “Eternal City,” but there are so many things to do in Rome, you could spend a month and never get tired of it!
Highly walkable, most things to do in Rome are within a few minutes walk of each other.
From delectable food to high art, Rome has it all. We recently went in the summer of 2022, and below are some of my top recommendations after spending 5 days in the city.
I’d love to hear what you’re looking forward to on your own upcoming trips, or some of your own favorite recommendations. Please share in the comments!
1. Take a free walking tour–Rome Free Walking Tour offers two daily free walking tours of Rome in the morning or afternoon. These are a great way to get to know the city and know where you’d like to return! Don’t forget to tip your guide!
2. Visit Piazza Navona for the stunning architecture and fountains.
3. While you’re at Piazza Navona, stop by GROM Gelato for a scoop in a cone or coppetta (cup). Or try my favorite, their affogato with vanilla gelato and a shot of espresso!
4. Visit the Vatican and splurge for the Breakfast Package so you get a nice breakfast and early entry to the Sistine Chapel. Buy the tickets right on the Vatican’s website. Click “Extra Time.” Select your date and number of people. Then select “Breakfast at the Museums – Admission ticket and Breakfast at the Museums.”
5. Check out the Pantheon, one of the most famous ancient Roman buildings.
6. Next to the Pantheon, grab a porchetta (roasted pork) sandwich from L’Antica Salumeria. The roasted pork is seasoned and juicy and makes for a great lunch stop that gives the vibe of “real” Rome.
7. One of the classic things to do in Rome is to visit the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Try to visit later at night or in the morning for less crowds.
8. Eat classic Roman food. Think cacio e pepe, pasta alla carbonara, or a Roman fried rice ball called supplì. Avoid restaurants with long lines… Italians go to tucked away places far from the crowded tourist sites.
9. Drink wine! A great thing to do in Rome is to drink red or white table wine. A small carafe is usually only a few euro. Don’t forget that your bill may include a small cover charge (usually about 2 euro), and they also charge for table bread.
10. Walk by the Castel Sant’Angelo at sunset for glowing reds and oranges all along the River Tiber.
11. Try a food tour! We took a food tour in Trastevere, and it was one of our favorite memories from the whole trip. I booked it via AirBnB Experiences.
12. Walk through the Campo de’ Fiori during the daytime to experience the food market. Try some fresh food and cheese from the vendors! There’s another great local food market in Trastevere at Mercato di San Cosimato.
13. Visit the Spada Gallery to see the Borromini Perspective Gallery and take in the small, yet beautiful collection of art.
14. Surely, one of the top things to do in Rome is to go to the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. Book a tour to skip the lines and learn more about these ancient sites.
15. Take in the Borghese Gallery and Museum. Housed in the middle of a beautiful park, the museum filled with Renaissance art is one of Rome’s most popular museums.
16. Why not visit a cat cafe? The Romeow Cat Bistrot serves up vegan fare and gives you ample time to chill with kitties before heading out into the crazy streets.
17. Go to the churches to view the art. Some of the best artwork in the world is housed in these Renaissance buildings! Paintings and sculpture abound. My favorites were Church of St. Louis of the French, Church of St. Louis of the French, Sant’Andrea della Valle, Chiesa del Gesù, and of course, the mother of all churches, St. Peter’s Basilica.
18. Get lost in Rome! One of the very best things to do in Rome is to just wander the streets, try new things, practice your Italian, and eat until you simply can’t eat anymore!
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