My favorite part of my making travel guides… the best things to see and do! There is so much to know about Rome before you go, and even more to do once you get there, so make sure to check out my other blog post on everything you need to know about Rome. From recommended walking tours to top attractions and hidden gems, this travel guide will have my favorite parts of Rome! Here are the best things to see and do in Rome, Italy (with some interesting facts about Rome, of course)!
I am not someone that loves itineraries because I never follow them. I will never make a scheduled itinerary for a trip on my blog because that is just not a realistic way to travel, in my opinion.
I would much rather enjoy my time wandering around the city, finding my “must-see” attractions, and stopping wherever I want along the way. Because of that, I prefer to just recommend my favorite things so you can plan your trip how it best suits you!
Make sure to read Everything you Need to Know Before Going to Rome, Italy, for all the details on where to stay, transportation, and what to expect! Rome can be overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect, so make sure you are prepared!
Attractions in Rome that you NEED to see
The Colosseum
The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built and still standing today, over 1,900 years later. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the main symbol of Rome. You should plan on spending at least two hours at the Colosseum.
We took a tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill – I highly recommend it and linked it below in the “What to do in Rome” section!
Tip: Make sure to stop at Oppian Hill/ Colle Oppio for the best spot to photograph the Colosseum!
Roman Forum
What was once the heart of Ancient Rome, the Roman Forum was left for ruins following the fall of the Roman Empire. The Forum was slowly buried, then in the 20th century, it was excavated. Located between Palatine and Capitoline Hill, the Forum is incredible to walk through.
Make sure you also stop at Palatine Hill and Capitoline Hill to overlook the Roman Forum!
The Roman Forum is another attraction you can plan to spend at least an hour or two wandering around. It is located near the Colosseum, making it easy to see both on the same day. If you take the same tour we did, this is included!
If you decide to skip the tours, you should either go early in the morning, right when the Roman Forum opens, or you should get skip-the-line tickets! I will link the most popular attractions with the longest lines below!
Palatine Hill
Located above the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill is the most centrally located of the seven hills in Rome. Palatine Hill is considered to be the birthplace of Rome; many of the wealthy Roman’s lived in their palace’s on Palatine Hill – many of the ruins you can still see today.
The ruins hold so much significance and history that I knew nothing about before going to Rome, I found it easiest to learn about them from the tours.
Palatine Hill also has the best viewpoints of the Roman Forum!
The Pantheon
The Roman Pantheon is the best-preserved building from Ancient Rome. The current Pantheon construction began in 126 A.D.; the former Pantheon was originally built in 27 B.C. but was destroyed by a fire in 80 A.D. Inside the Pantheon, you can find many tombs of Roman Kings and incredible works of art.
You will likely have to wait in a long line to get into the Pantheon, but it is worth it! Plan to go early to avoid lines as much as possible – unfortunately, I have not been able to find skip the line tickets for this!
Capitoline Hill
Capitoline Hill ( or Campidoglio Hill) is one of the seven hills of Rome and arguably, one of the most beautiful. It has great views over Rome and it is free to visit! I highly recommend going there at night as well, the views are incredible.
Make sure to climb the staircase designed by Michelangelo to get the Capitoline Hill and stop to view the Piazza del Campidoglio (also designed by Michelangelo) on the way up.
Piazza Navona
One of the most charming and popular squares in Rome, filled with stunning fountains and many restaurants and terraces to spend the afternoon. I highly recommend spending time wandering around the square!
Trevi Fountain
Last but definitely not least, you need to stop at the Trevi Fountain and of course throw a coin (or three) into the fountain. The history of the fountain dates back to 19 B.C., but the appearance of the Trevi Fountain was finalized in 1762.
Tip: head there early or late at night to avoid crowds. This is one of the places I was shocked to see how many people were surrounding the fountain. The fountain will be lit up at night, so there is not a bad time to see the fountain (except for the middle of the day).
What to do in Rome
Rome, Italy, is a place where you can simply wander the streets and still be completely in awe of the history that has been preserved for centuries, the beautiful streets and neighborhoods, and the intricately detailed architecture.
While the attractions listed above are astonishing, learning about the history of each place is the most incredible part. History was a subject I always dreaded, but traveling to Rome made me love it! I mean it helps not actually ever having to study history now, but I learned more traveling around Rome for three days than I did in my 16 years of school.
Anyways, that being said, I learned so much because of the tours we took and I could not recommend them enough. You learn so much more about these incredible places, you skip the lines and get into the attractions much faster (and I mean MUCH FASTER… you save hours), and most tours include multiple attractions.
Okay, that is my ramble about tours, I love them and I never thought I would so have an open mind and do it!
Anyways, back to what to do when you are in Rome. Here are my favorite things to do while you are in the city!
Take a tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
I highly recommend taking a tour of the Colosseum, it gets you better access to the stage and underground depending on the tour you choose. The tour also allows you to skip the line – which in Rome is necessary! You can spend hours waiting in line for entry into the attractions (especially the Colosseum).
We took this three-hour tour of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, and it was well worth it! The tour guide was amazing in explaining the history and events in Rome.
Explore the Trastevere Neighborhood
One of the best neighborhoods in Rome – wander around the narrow cobblestone streets, see the medieval churches (most of which are hidden gems in the city), and do some shopping in the little shops around town. You will also find some of the best restaurants here!
Take a tour of the Catacombs
Something unique (and eerie) to do here… take a tour of the catacombs – there are five open to the public! The catacombs in Rome span for miles; there are thousands of tombs underground.
Eat Gelato
Stop at the Gelateria in Gracchi for the best gelato in Rome!
Eat all the Pasta and Pizza
I highly recommend checking out Da Enzo al 29 and Grappolo d’Oro!
Spend a day exploring Vatican City
Your trip to Rome would not be complete without spending a day exploring Vatican City. You should plan on spending a day in Vatican City exploring St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums!
Make sure to check out my last post on Everything you Need to Know Before Going to Rome and if you want help booking your trip, send me a message here!
Everything you Need to Know Before Going to Rome, Italy – JW Travel Blog
[…] I created a separate blog post with my recommendations for everything you should do and see while you are there! And of course, the best places to eat as well! So make sure to check it out here! […]