Want to know the best things to do in Rome, the Eternal City? Rome is an incredible city that was the capital of one of the largest empires the world has ever known.
Today it’s like a huge museum, with ancient ruins, one of the 7 wonders of the world, over 900 churches, renaissance art, and some of the best food we’ve ever eaten.
Between us, Nigel and I have visited Rome close to 100 times, and we never get sick of it! We always love returning to see what new (very old) things they’ve dug up. It’s amazing to wander around the city, knowing there’s a whole other city buried beneath the streets.
We visited Rome in December 2024 with our Campervan, and in this guide we will show you what to see in Rome, along with all the practical information you need to make the most of your stay.
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Best things to do in Rome – Ancient Rome
We have organised our list of the best things to see in Rome into three sections: Ancient Rome, the Centro Storico, and the Vatican City. If you have three days to explore Rome, you could visit one of these areas each day. If you have less time, simply pick a couple of key places from each area.
Colosseum
It doesn’t matter how many times we see the Colosseum, in our case, probably close to 50 times over the past 35 years, it still blows our minds every single time.
This huge amphitheatre is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s the symbol of Ancient Rome. This is the place where gladiators fought for glory (or survival) before crowds of up to 50,000 spectators.
The Gladiators were to the ancient Romans what football stars or professional wrestlers are today. (Well, except they sometimes fought to the death!)
Construction of the Colosseum began in 72 AD under Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty. Sadly for Vespasian, he died before seeing the finished building. It was completed under his son Titus and took just eight years to build. The completion of the build was celebrated with 100 days of games.
The actual name of the Colosseum is the Flavian Amphitheatre, named after the dynasty. The name Colosseum comes from its proximity to the Colossus of Nero, a massive bronze statue that once stood nearby, rather than from its own size (though it certainly lives up to the “colossal” label).
How to visit the Colosseum
It’s completely free to walk around the outside of the Colosseum and stare up at it in awe. As its a round building, you can photograph the Colosseum in good light any time of day, but it’s best in the early morning (fewer people) or at night when it’s lit up.
You do need a ticket to go inside the Colosseum. A general entry ticket will cost you €18, and is valid for 20 minutes. You need to book an entry time slot and purchase your ticket online, and tickets sell out fast.
Since we first visited the Colosseum back in the 1990s, a lot more has been opened up to the visiting public. A part of the wooden floor has been reconstructed, and the underground area is also now available to visit with a guide.
We took this guided tour through the Colosseum and we particularly found the underground tunnels fascinating. Taking a guided tour not only allows you access to areas the general public can’t visit, but we learned so much from the guide, despite having visited the Colosseum many times before.
Roman Forum
You’ll find the Roman Forum right next to the Colosseum. The Forum was once the political, religious, and commercial heart of the empire and it’s now one of the most iconic archeological sights in the world.
Walking through its ruins, you tread on the same “flagstones” as senators, merchants, and everyday Romans from two thousand year ago.
Each time we return to Rome we are keen to see what new parts of the Forum have been uncovered. It’s amazing how much of the ancient city is buried underneath the modern city streets.
FUN FACT: Do you know why Rome has the smallest metro network of any European capital? Because every time they start tunnelling, they find more archeological remains and have to stop digging.
How to visit the Roman Forum
There are several great viewpoints overlooking the Forum. We took the above photo at this spot. You can also look down into the forum from the street that runs between the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia.
However, the best way to experience the Forum is to wander through it. You’ll be walking on the same “flagstones” as senators, merchants, and everyday Romans from two millennia ago. It’s staggering to think these ancient stones have weathered centuries of change while the modern city bustles around them.
Your entry ticket to the Colosseum includes entry to the Forum and Palatine Hill – as does the guided tour we took. While the entry to the Colosseum is a set time-slot, you have 24 hours to visit the Forum. If you want a guided tour of the Forum, this one looks great.
Opening Hours: The Roman Forum is open daily from 9:00 am – 7:15 pm (last entry 6:15 pm). Closed 25 December and 1 January. Entry is €18
TRAVEL TIP: The cobble-stone paths of the Roman Forum are quite uneven. Remember to wear comfortable shoes.
Circus Maximus
The Circus Maximus was the largest arena in Ancient Rome. This is where they held chariot races. It is located between the Palatine and Aventine Hills (two of the 7 hills of Rome) and could hold 150,000 spectators.
Compare this to the Melbourne Cricket Ground which holds 100,000, Wembley Stadium in London holds 90,000 and even the largest stadium in the USA (Michigan Stadium) only holds 107,000.
FUN FACT: The Circus Maximus was reconstructed for the chariot race scene in the classic movie Ben Hur. Did you know that scene is 16 minutes long?
Opening Hours: The Circus Maximus is an open public space. It’s free to enter, perfect for a stroll, or to simply stand and let your mind wander back to the glory (and chaos) of Ancient Rome.
Via Appia Antica
Just outside the hustle of modern Rome lies one of the city’s most remarkable time capsules – the Via Appia Antica (Appian Way). Built in 312 BC, this was one of the earliest and most important Roman roads, stretching over 500 kilometres all the way to Brindisi in southern Italy.
The Road starts at Porta San Sebastiano and is lined with cypress trees, catacombs, and ruins, including the Tomb of Cecilia Metella – an impressive circular mausoleum from the 1st century BC.
Parts of the road are still paved with the original stones, complete with worn cartwheel ruts. We got a kick out of watching the locals bumping over the uneven cobblestones in their modern vehicles. It made us wonder how the ancient horse and cart transport managed.
The easiest way to get to the Via Appia Antica is to take the bus 118 from opposite the Colosseo Metro Station (right outside the Colosseum).
Catacombs
There are over 40 catacombs in Rome. Originally they were built along the roads going out of Rome as burials inside the city walls were forbidden. Later the catacombs were used by Christians, who during the times of persecution, went there to pray in secret.
Along the via Appia you’ll find several Catacombs that you can visit, the most popular are the Catacombs of San Callixtus and San Sebastiano.
You can’t actually see any bones in these catacombs, as all the human remains were removed and buried elsewhere. There are some ancient frescoes and you can see where the Christians would meet up in private. (If you want to see bones, you’ll need to visit the Church of the Capuchin Monks).
Photos and video are not allowed inside the catacombs. If you wish to visit, you need to do so with on a guided tour.
Best things to do in Rome – Centro Storico
The main historical centre of Rome (Centro Storico) is the vibrant city centre. You’ll find a lively city full of art, history and modern Romans going about their daily business. This is a beautiful area to walk around, it seems like around every corner is another beautiful square, fountain or church.
Piazza Venezia
Venice Square or Piazza Venezia is a busy traffic junction in between the Roman Forum and the Centro Storico. This square is dominated by the huge monument to Victor Emmanuel II.
Victor Emmanuel II Monument
The Vittoriano (known colloquially as the Wedding Cake) is a large monument to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy. It was designed as a neo-classical representation of the Roman Forum, and was built between 1885 and 1935.
The monument houses the Museum of Italian Unification and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Walk around to the right and behind the monument for the best view of the Roman Forum.
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is built on the site of the ancient Domitian Circus. You can see part of the ruins of this circus (and visit the excavations) near the north west corner of the outside of Piazza Navona. Here’s the Google Maps pin.
In the centre of the square is the Fountain of the Four Rivers, featuring sculptures by Bernini to represent the Danube, Nile, Ganges and the Plate.
The square is full of cafes, artists and street performers. Stop for a coffee or gelato at a terrace, watch the street performers, or admire the ornate façades. For us, the charm came as much from people-watching as from the art and architecture.
Sadly, when we visited the Fountain of Four Rivers it was being cleaned behind scaffolding in preparations for the Jubilee in 2025.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is the best preserved monument from Ancient Rome. It was begun in 27BCE by Marcus Agrippa – a close friend and colleague of Augustus Caesar. The text across the front reads “Marcus Agrippa built this”.
The name Pantheon means a temple to all the gods, and while that may have been the initial plan, it eventually became a Christian church in the 7th century CE, which is why it has survived so well until today.
It’s known for its domed roof with a hole in the middle – the oculus – which lets in the light, and the rain! The dome was added in the 2nd century CE under Emperor Hadrian. With a diameter of 44.4 metres, this is the largest unsupported dome in the world. It is 7m thick at the base and narrows to 1.2m near the oculus.
The Pantheon houses the tomb of Victor Emmanuel II (unified Italy’s first king) and the Renaissance artist Raphael, amongst other notable Italians.
How to visit the Pantheon
The Pantheon is open 7 days a week (except Christmas and New Years Day) from 9am to 730pm (Sunday closes at 6pm). Entry is €5 per person.
There are three lines for entry, the centre line is for pre-booked tickets, the left line is for cash payments, and the right line if for card payments. This line is usually the longest. We paid cash and only waited in line for around 5 minutes.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is the largest fountain in Rome, and one of the most famous in the world. Thousands of tourists come here every day to get that perfect Instagram shot of them throwing a coin over their shoulder (for luck).
The fountain was originally designed by Bernini, but later built to a design by Nicola Salvi. It was built from 1732 to 1762. The fountain has appeared in many movies, Roman Holiday, La Dolce Vita, and of course Three Coins in the Fountain.
When we visited, the fountain was undergoing restoration — which might sound disappointing — but it turned out to be a rare treat. A temporary raised walkway had been built over the empty pool, allowing us to stand just metres away from the statues. We could see every carved detail, from the rippling robes to the expressions on the horses’ faces, details you simply can’t appreciate from street level.
Tradition says you should throw a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain to ensure your return to Rome. We didn’t get to do that this time, but having the chance to see it up close felt like an even rarer kind of blessing.
How to visit the Trevi Fountain
After the restoration in late 2024, the Fountain was re-opened with new access rules. To limit overcrowding, only 400 people are allowed into the area at a time.
The fountain is open from 9am to 9pm, however on Mondays and Fridays the opening is delayed until 11am, to allow workers to collect the coins from the fountain. Over €1 million is thrown into the fountain each year. This money is donated to local charities.
Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti) are another iconic Roman landmark, connecting Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church above. Built in 1723–1725, the 135-step staircase is a favourite spot for tourists to pause, admire the view, and soak up the atmosphere.
While the steps are actually named for the church at the top, the name “Spanish Steps” comes from their proximity to the Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Embassy nearby.
The area around the steps is lively, with high-end shops, cafés, and gelaterias lining the streets. It’s an awesome spot to relax and people watch while you’re enjoying a gelato.
The fountain at the bottom of the steps is called the Fontana della Barcaccia – it’s known as the Fountain of the Ugly Boat.
If you walk straight ahead from the bottom of the steps, you are on Via dei Condotti, known for its luxury boutiques.
The closest metro to the Spanish Steps is Spagna.
Church of the Capuchin Monks
One of the most bizarre (and a little bit creepy) things to see in Rome is the Church of the Capuchin Monks (Museo e Cripta dei Cappuccini).
This Church (actually the crypt below the church) contains the bones of 4,000 Capuchin Monks, dating back from the 17th century. The pope’s brother was a Capuchin, and he had the bones of thousands of monks exhumed and brought here.
They were arranged into works of “art”. Afterwards, the brothers would donate their bodies after their death. The arrangement of skulls, thigh bones, and other remains into patterns and symbols is both artistic and haunting—a sobering meditation on mortality.
The inscription at the end reads: “Exactly what you are now, we once were, what we are now will become you”.
Before entering the crypt, you’ll pass through the Capuchin Museum, telling the history of the order. There are some beautiful works of art here, including Caravaggio’s “St Francis in Meditation”.
How to visit the Church of the Capuchin Monks
The church is a short walk from the Spanish Steps or Trevi Fountain. The closest Metro station is Barberini.
The museum and crypt are open from 10am to 7pm daily. Entry is €10
Hadrian’s Temple
The Temple of Hadrian was built in his honour in 145 AD by his successor, Emperor Antonius Pius. All that remains of the temple are 11 columns, but what is interesting is how they have been incorporated into a later building, a 17th century palazzo that once housed Rome’s Stock Exchange, and now the Chamber of Commerce.
Castel Sant’Angelo
The Castel Sant’Angelo is an iconic cylindrical fortress on the banks of the River Tiber. It was originally built as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum around 139 AD. Since then it has been repurposed as a papal residence, a military fortress, and a prison.
Today it houses a museum with Renaissance frescoes, papal apartments (and dungeons).
Although we didn’t go inside this time, simply admiring it from the Ponte Sant’Angelo and along the riverside is spectacular. The bridge itself is lined with Bernini’s statues of angels, creating a stunning foreground to the fortress and perfect photo opportunities.
Entry to the museum is €15 and it’s open from 9am to 7.30pm daily (may close earlier in winter).
Best things to do in Rome – Vatican City
The Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, at only 44 hectares. It is completely surrounded by the city of Rome. The population of the country is 882 people (2024).
The Vatican City state was created in 1929 and is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. The Pope is the ruler of the country.
Within the borders of the Vatican City you’ll find several notable religious and cultural sites and it’s worth spending a full day here if you have the time. You’ll need to be organised and book your entries in advance, as this is a very popular area with long lines to get into everything.
St Peter’s Cathedral
St Peter’s Cathedral (Basilica) is the largest Christian Church in the world. It was built from 1506 to 1615 on the site of the tomb of St Peter. You can actually see his tomb in the crypt, right below the main altar.
Some of the big names of the Renaissance worked on the church, Michelangelo designed the dome, Bernini the Baldachin (canopy over the altar), Bramante and Raphael.
Bernini also designed the Piazza San Pietro (St Peter’s Square) out the front of the cathedral. This is not actually square at all, but round. There are three rows of colums on either side of the square (circle). Right in the centre there’s a particular spot you can stand where the columns all line up, so it’s like looking at one row.
Inside you’ll find many priceless artworks, probably the most famous is Michelangelo’s Pieta – that he sculpted when he was only 24 years old. This is the only work he ever “signed”. You can see Michelangelo Buonaroti, Florence, made this – well, a Latin translation of these words.
The subject of the sculpture is Mary cradling her son Jesus after his crucifixion. It’s notable for Mary’s youthful appearance which represents innocence and purity.
FUN FACT: In 1972 the statue was attacked by a Hungarian-born Australian Laszlo Toth. He hit the sculpture 15 times with a geologist’s hammer, breaking off several pieces. The sculpture was painstakingly restored, and is now behind bullet-proof glass. And Toth? He was declared insane and deported to Australia!
How to visit St Peter’s Cathedral
St Peter’s is free to enter, but you need to pass through airport-style security. Lines can be very long, particularly mid-morning til early afternoon. The church is open from 7am to 7pm (April to September) or 6.30pm (October to March). Entry may be restricted during papal audiences (often on Wednesday mornings) or special events.
As with any church or cathedral in Italy, you’ll need to wear “church dress”, which means your shoulders and knees must be covered (both men and women), and clothing should be modest. No hats may be worn inside the church.
St Peter’s Church Dome
The Dome of St Peter’s was designed by Michelangelo and is one of the largest domes in the world. It stands 136m tall and dominates the city skyline.
The interior of the dome is decorated with beautiful mosaics. These mosiacs depict angels, saints and biblical texts. The words around the base of the dome are from Matthew 16:18-19. “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church”
You can visit the dome for a closer look at the mosaics, down into the cathedral, and breath-taking views over the city all the way to the Colosseum.
How to visit St Peter’s Dome
The dome is open from 7:30am. You can either climb the full 551 stairs (€8) or elevator and stairs (still requires climbing 320 stairs) which is €10. The last section of the climb is a narrow spiral staircase, so may not be suitable for some visitors.
We visited both the Cathedral and the Dome on a guided tour. This was great as we were able to skip lines, and we had our guide, Serena, point out things we would have otherwise missed.
The tour we booked was actually for a digital audio guide, and when we arrived at the meeting point we were given the option to upgrade to a human guide. Serena was well worth the upgrade!
Vatican Grottoes
The crypts below the altar in St Peter’s Cathedral are known as the Vatican Grottoes. This is believed to be where St Peter is buried, and his tomb is directly below the altar.
The Vatican Grotto also includes the tombs of 91 popes, almost every pope from antiquity to today is buried here.
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is the Pope’s official chapel. It was names after Pope Sixtus IV who restored the chapel in the 15th century. This is where the Papal Conclave meets to elect a new pope.
The Sistine Chapel contains some of the most well known Renaissance art masterpieces, most notably, Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes. These frescos depict scenes from the book of Genesis, including the Creation of Adam. These ceiling frescoes took four years to paint, from 1509-1512.
Standing beneath Michelangelo’s frescoes is a spine-tingling experience; no matter how many photos you’ve seen, the real thing will stop you in your tracks.
But it’s not just the ceilings – Michelangelo also painted The Last Judgement on the altar wall in 1536-41. You’ll also see masterpieces in here from Botticelli and other Renaissance greats.
Photography is strictly prohibited within the chapel, and silence is required.
How to visit the Sistine Chapel
The only way to visit the Sistine Chapel is from the Vatican Museums – see below.
Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums house the art collection of the Popes, dating back to Pope Julius II in the 15th century. Today, there are over 7km of galleries containing classical sculpture, renaissance paintings, Egyptian artefacts, religious relics and other priceless works of art.
This is one of the most important art collections in the world, and to be honest, it can be very overwhelming to visit. To see everything you would need hours, if not days. The Vatican Museums are almost always very crowded.
How to visit the Vatican museums
The Vatican Museums are open Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm. Closed Sundays except the first Sunday of the month when entry is free (but VERY busy). Entry is €20. “Church Dress” is required.
Realistically, the best way to visit the museums is on a guided tour. Not only can you skip the long lines, but a guide will take you straight to the most important artworks, that you might miss if you are trying to find them on your own in the crowded galleries.
We didn’t visit the Vatican Museums on our most recent trip to Rome, but we have both visited there many times in the past. This is definitely a “must-see” on your visit to Rome.
Rome Travel Guide – Essential Information
How to get to Rome
By Air
Rome is served by two major airports: Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) and Ciampino. Fiumicino is the primary international gateway, while Ciampino caters mainly to low-cost carriers. Check Skyscanner for the best deals on flights from your home airport.
By Car
Rome is located in the centre of Italy, and is connected to other centres by the network of motorways (Autostrade). There is a large ring road around the city called the Grande Raccordo Anulare, or GRA.
Driving within Rome is not recommended due to heavy traffic and limited parking. However, if you choose to drive, be aware of the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) and the Congestion Charge Zone.
By Train/Bus
Rome is well connected to other Italian and European cities by the train network. Trains are fast and reasonably priced. Buses are cheaper, but do take longer. You can check public transport timetables and book tickets with Omio.
Getting around in Rome
Rome’s historic center is definitely walkable, with many attractions located quite close to each other. We’ve organised this list into three sections, to make visiting these key highlights easy.
Strolling through neighbourhoods like Trastevere, Monti, and the Centro Storico offers a glimpse into local life and charm.
Public Transport in Rome
Rome boasts an extensive and efficient public transportation system, making it easy to explore the city. Rome’s Metro consists of three lines, A B and C. Line C is still under construction (and there is a Line D planned). Progress on the construction of the metro lines is very slow, as workers are constantly coming across archaelogical finds.
You can simply tap on and off with your credit card (we use Revolut, which we can load with our home currency, and then convert to Euros within the App). It’s super convenient, and no need to worry about using ticket machines.
Where to Stay in Rome
We are travelling around Europe in our campervan, so we stayed at hu Roma Camping in Town. This was a brilliant home base for our Rome adventures. The campsite is open year round, and has heated shower blocks, so it was ideal in winter.
The campsite offers a free shuttle bus that runs to the Cipro Metro Station (a short walk from the Vatican) or you can take the public bus 246 or 247 from outside the front gate.
If you’re looking for accommodation in Rome, you’ll find everything from beds in hostel dormitories to five star hotels.
Best places to eat in Rome
Rome has some excellent restaurants, and most of them are small, local places. We always try to avoid restaurants with a “Tourist Menu” or where there is someone outside encouraging us to come in and eat there. You’ll find plenty of these places around the Trevi Fountain!
The Trastevere area is known for its good restaurants (especially pasta). Try Cacio e Pepe, or Carbonara (the real recipe – made without cream!)
We really love Roman Pizza. It’s served in big rectangular slabs, where they cut a section off for you, and heat it on the spot. You pay by weight. The potato pizza is a definite favourite. We found a dingy looking place off via della Mercede, called Pizza House. Looked terrible from the outside but the pizza was amazing.
And of course, don’t forget Gelati! Anywhere is good, but I’ve always loved gelati in Piazza Navona.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Rome?
Anytime! We have visited Rome in all four seasons. It can get very hot in Rome in summer (and crowded). Winters will be cold. Like most places in southern Europe, the shoulder season of late spring or autumn will offer the best weather with fewer crowds.
Most recently we visited Rome in early December. We had a couple of mild days, and one quite cold and wet day.
How many days do you need in Rome?
Is a lifetime enough for Rome? We’ve been to Rome so many times and keep finding new things to discover.
We would suggest three days to visit Rome, to get a good overview of the city. One day to explore ancient Rome (Colosseum, Forum, Circus Maximus), one day to wander the Centro Storico, and one day at the Vatican.
If we only had one day in Rome we would start very early at St Peters, walk through the Centro Storico and finish up with the forum and colosseum.
Is Rome safe for tourists?
Overall, yes — Rome is safe to visit, and we never felt threatened. The city is well-patrolled, especially in tourist-heavy areas. That said, it pays to stay aware, particularly in crowded spots like Termini Station, buses, and major attractions.
Pickpockets are the main concern, not violent crime. You won’t see the same groups of aggressive scammers and “gypsy” pickpocket gangs as you might have back in the ’90s, but petty theft still happens. Keep your valuables close and don’t be distracted by “helpful strangers” offering directions or bracelets
Watch our Rome Travel film
As we travel around Europe, we are producing travel films for our YouTube Channel. You can watch our Rome video or why not check out our entire Italy Playlist?
Final thoughts
Gosh, where do we start? Rome is such an amazing, unique, antique city… and yes, we really mean antique. You’re literally tripping over history here, sometimes quite literally, so watch those cobblestones!
It’s a place where the grand monuments of the Roman Empire sit side-by-side with buzzing cafés, where you can eat pizza al taglio for lunch and gaze at a 2,000-year-old temple before dinner.
We’ve been here more than once, and Rome never gets old… well, except for all the ancient bits, of course. Whether you come for the art, the ruins, the food, or just the feeling of being in the world’s largest open-air museum, Rome will keep pulling you back.
Our advice? Don’t try to see everything. Pick your priority list of sights. Wander, linger, soak it all in, and leave room for that “next time” list. There is so much to see and do here.
We had 3 full days to explore Rome on this visit, and whilst this is a good amount of time to see the main attractions, there were still sights we didn’t have time for. But that’s OK, we have more to see next time we return! And the time after that, and the time after that.
Where to next?
Continue your exploration of Italy’s vibrant cities with Milan, which is so much more than just fashion, or why not head south to Naples or on to Sicily – our new favourite region of Italy? If you prefer smaller towns, check out Orvieto on your way north.
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