100 Things to Do in Rome, a Bucket List City

Top Things to Do in Rome Italy

FOMO is real! Do you worry about overlooking something incredible when travel planning? If so, then you’re in luck because this curated list of 100 things to do in Rome will ensure you create an unforgettable and personalized vacation. You will find landmarks, attractions, museums, outdoor activities, beaches, where to eat and shop, and where to get the perfect photos for lasting memories. Don’t skip the Plan Your Trip section for when to go, how long to stay, what to pack, how much to budget, where to stay, and how to get around. It’s all here, keep reading for 100 Things to Do in Rome. Enjoy your time out of the office!

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Rome’s Churches and Landmarks of Historical Significance

• Visit the Colosseum, an iconic landmark known for its ancient gladiatorial battles.
• Admire the intricate architecture of the Pantheon, an ancient temple dedicated to the Roman gods.
• Explore the Roman Forum using Rome Past and Present overlays.
• Explore the bone designs at the Capuchin Crypt, an ossuary of over 3,700 bodies.
• Tour the Baths of Diocletian or the Baths of Caracalla, Rome’s ancient thermal baths.
• See the Arch of Constantine, the last monument from Imperial Rome.
• Explore the archeological site of Ostia Antica, a well-preserved ancient harbor city.
• Check out the Circus Maximus chariot race ruins.
• Stop by the Piazza di Pietra to photograph the Temple of Hadrian.
• Explore the Catacombs of Domitilla, an underground burial complex.
• Visit the Augustus Mausoleum, the final resting place of the first Roman emperor, Augustus.
• Tour the underground passageways of the ancient Domus Aurea or Crypta Balbi.
• Check out the incredible mosaics on the Great Mosque of Rome.
• Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the oldest standing Christian church in Rome.
• See the frescoes and baroque art in the Chiesa del Gesù, Rome’s most important Jesuit church.
• Visit Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, the most important church in Christendom.
• See the layered excavations underneath the Basilica di San Clemente.
• Check out the abbey and church of San Paolo Fuori e Mura, St Paul Outside the Walls.
• See the Holy Stairs of the Scala Sancta, or, climb them on your knees.
• Visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs, once the official state church of the Kingdom of Italy.
• Check out Michelangelo’s Moses at the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli.
• See Caravaggio’s paintings depicting the life of St. Matthew at the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi.
• Attend a mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

Must Do Attractions and Activities in Rome

• Climb the Spanish Steps to Trinita dei Monti and enjoy the view.
• Throw two coins into the Trevi Fountain over your left shoulder to ensure a return trip to Rome.
• Visit the cats at Largo di Torre Argentina, a cat shelter in Roman ruins.
• Explore the street art in Ostiense and stay for aperitivo.
• Check out the Per Grazia Ricevuta in Trastevere, a wall of plaques of Grace Received.
• Explore the neighborhoods of Garbatella and Coppedè.
• Visit St. Peter’s Square, surrounded by magnificent colonnades and the grand Basilica.
• Enjoy a panoramic view of Rome from the top of St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church.
• Explore the ancient city walls and walkable battlements at Porta San Sebastiano.
• Tour the Quirinal Palace, the official residence of the President of the Italian Republic.
• Book a guided evening tour of Rome’s historical center and see the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon beautifully lit up.
• Watch the Imperial Forum of Augustus light show depicting how the Forum would have looked when contrasted.
• Attend Gladiator School.
• Watch the archeological laser show at Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini.
• Stop to smell the roses at Roseto Comunale.
• Take the Angels and Demons Tour.
• Stop and say hello to the Bears, Rhinos, Elephants, and Giraffes at the Bioparco Zoo.

Best Museums in Rome

• Explore the Vatican Museums art collections, including Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel.
• See Bernini’s Sculpture of David at Galleria Borghese.
• Explore the contemporary exhibits of 21st Century fashion, cinema, art, and architecture at MAXXI Museum.
• Visit the free MACRO Museum of Contemporary Art in Testaccio featuring art from 1960 to present day.
• Visit the Museo dell’Altro e dell’Altrove (MAAM), a former salami factory refuge and home to 200+ squatters turned illegal street art museum (Saturday only).
• Browse Roman artifacts displayed in an old power plant at the Centrale Montemartini Museum.
• Learn about the Romantic poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley at the Keats-Shelley House.
• See ancient Roman, medieval, and Renaissance art at the Capitoline Museums.
• Visit the Courtyard of the Angel, the Hall of Urns, and the Mausoleum of Hadrian at the National Museum of Castel Sant’Angelo.
• Take a guided tour of the Palazzo Colonna, a Renaissance palace and private residence, limited hours.
• See Roman artifacts and sculptures at the National Roman Museum Palazzo Massimo alle Terme.
• Learn about the culture of Rome at the Museum of Rome in Trastevere, a former 17th-century Carmelite convent.
• Visit the Museum of Ara Pacis, a 2,000-year-old Altar of Peace used for sacrifices.
• Browse the works of Caravaggio and Velázquez at the Doria Pamphilj Gallery, a private collection in a palace.
• Take a guided tour of the Palazzo Barberini, a 17th-century palace with works of Raphael and Caravaggio.
• See the famous Borromini’s Perspective Gallery at the Palazzo Spada, a Renaissance palace with beautiful courtyards.
• Check out the large-scale models of ancient Rome at the Museum of Roman Civilization.
• Visit the Museum of Purgatory and witness a collection of objects scorched by the hands of souls in purgatory.

Outdoor Activities in Rome – parks, squares, and neighborhoods

• Relax next to Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi at Piazza Navona or people watch at Piazza di Spagna.
• Walk the ancient Appian Way, one of the earliest and most important Roman roads, lined with historical monuments.
• Have a picnic at the Parco degli Acquedotti and check out the old Roman aqueduct.
• Walk through the landscaped garden of Villa Doria Pamphilj and relax by the fountain.
• Take a boat ride along the Tiber River under Rome’s monumental bridges.
• Tour the Villa Medici, Villa Torlonia, Villa Farnesina, or Villa Borghese and explore the properties gardens.
• Join a guided walking tour of Rome’s secret gardens.
• Grab a coffee and take a walk along the banks of the Tiber River.
• Gaze through the Knights of Malta keyhole on Aventine Hill.
• Explore the Botanical Garden of Rome’s greenhouses and relax next to a fountain.
• Go for a hike in the Monte Mario Nature Reserve and enjoy the panoramic view.
• See the fountains, shrines, grottos, and statues of the Madonna in the Vatican Gardens.
• Take a walk along the Janiculum Promenade and enjoy the panoramic views of Rome’s skyline.

Where to Eat in Rome

• Sample olive oil and balsamic vinegar at Campo de Fiori market.
• Take a wine and food pairing class.
• Buy Italian chocolate from SAID.
• Sample fresh mozzarella from Obicà Mozzarella Bar.
• Eat carcioti ala giuda in the Jewish Ghetto.
• Have an espresso at the historic Sant’ Eustachio Café.
• Eat authentic carbonara pasta, cacio e pepe and spaghetti alla carbonara.
• Have an authentic gelato at the historic Giolitti or try the chocolate with red wine gelato at Gelateria de Teatro.
• Stop at 100 Tiramisu and try a few of the variations.
• Grab a quick lunch from a street food vendor at Mercato Centrale Roma.
• Learn the art of making fresh pasta in a cooking class.
• Splurge on dinner at Il Pagliaccio, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving Italian cuisine with a modern twist.

Rome Nightlife: Pubs, Cocktails and Nightclubs

• Sip an Aperol Spritz or a glass of Peroni while people-watching at a local bar.
• Spend a night out in the Trastevere district, Monti, Pigneto, Testaccio, or Campo de’ Fiori.
• Check out the speakeasy Spirito.
• Listen to jazz at the historic Casa del Jazz.
• Have a wine-tasting experience at Enoteca Corsi, a historic Italian wine bar.
• Enjoy rooftop cocktails with a view at Hotel Raphael’s Bramante Terrace, Terrazza Borromini, Pianoalto, The Court, or La Terrazza del Cesàri.
• Dance the night away at GOA Club, Rashomon Club, Akab Club, or Room 26.

Things to Do in Rome at Night

• Take a moonlit walk through the vibrant Campo de’ Fiori square, Piazza del Popolo or Piazza Navona.
• Enjoy a night-time visit to the Colosseum and experience its grandeur.
• Take a romantic stroll along the illuminated Ponte Sant’Angelo.
• Book a ghost tour through Rome’s haunted streets and learn about its spooky legends.
• Enjoy a ballet or dance performance at Teatro Argentina.
• Attend a live music concert at the Auditorium Parco della Musica.
• Enjoy an opera performance at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma.

Shopping in Rome

• Check out the Galleria Alberto Sordi historical shopping arcade with a rooftop terrace.
• Shop the boutiques in the San Lorenzo District, Prati, Via del Corso, Via del Governo Vecchio, and Via della Lungaretta.
• Browse antique shops on Via dei Coronari.
• Enjoy the vintage shops along via del Boschetto.
• Stop for picnic supplies at the Mercato di Testaccio or Campo de’ Fiori market.
• Check out the Mercato Monti flea market of young Italian designers.
• Browse the artwork and handmade souvenirs at the Piazza Navona artists’ market.
• Check out the artisan shops in the neighborhood of Borgo Santo Spirito.
• Do some high-end shopping on Via Condotti, Via Borgognona, Via Frattina, and all the places close to Piazza di Spagna.

Instagrammable Places in Rome: Lookouts, View Points, and Selfies

• Check out the view from Gianicolo Hill, the National Monument of Victor Emmanuel II, Palatine Hill, Monte Mario, and the Giardino degli Aranci, St Peters Basilica, and Castel Sant’Angelo.
• Photograph the Cloister of Bramante, Fontana delle Tartarughe in Piazza Mattei,  Piazza dei Popolo and Rome’s northern gate, La Piccola Londra (Little London), gargoyles and frescoes of Palazzo del Ragno and Piazza Mincio, Pyramid of Cestius, Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Veritá), Piazza Venezia, Biblioteca Angelica.

Special Events in Rome

• Celebrate the end of the Christmas season during La Befana Ephiphany held on January 6^th
• Watch the Carnevale costume parade through the Via del Corso in February.
• Attend Easter Mass held in St. Peter’s Square.
• Watch the parade of gladiators at the Circus Maximus and fireworks on April 21^st, Rome’s Birthday.
• Attend the June 2^nd military parade honoring Festa della Repubblica (Republic Day)
• Take guided tours through some of Rome’s historic homes, including castles and palaces, on Cortili Aperti.

Be sure to check the Rome Italy Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

Day trips from Rome

• Take a day trip to Pompeii and explore the ancient ruins.
• Tour Villa d’Este and visit the town of Tivoli.
• Spend a day at the beautiful Lake Bracciano and its medieval castle.
• Explore the historic hill town of Orvieto and marvel at its magnificent Duomo.
• Spend a day wine tasting in the vineyards of Frascati.
• Check out Assisi, a medieval hilltop town full of winding stone streets.
• Visit the hilltop village of Civita di Bagnoregio, known as the dying city, and see the Renaissance gardens of Villa Lante in Bagnaia.
• Book a day trip to the Castelli Romani, a collection of picturesque towns in the Alban Hills.

Plan your Trip to Rome Italy

Why Visit Rome Italy

Rome is the capital and largest city of Italy. Rome had approximately 15 million visitors last year. People are drawn to The Eternal City for its historical and religious significance.

How Many Days in Rome is Enough

3 days is Rome is enough to experience the city. Add another day if you plan to attend a special event or wish to take a day trip.

Is Rome Safe for Solo Travelers

According to Travel Safe Abroad, the overall risk of travel in Rome is low. The risk of mugging is medium; the risk of being pickpocketed or scammed is high. Check their website for more information.

Best Time to Visit Rome

The high season in Italy is July through early September, expect high prices, crowds, and temperatures in the 90s. Hotels do have air conditioning, but it is weak.  The shoulder season is April to June and mid-September to October. The low season is November 1 to December 14 and December 24 to March 31, crowds are low, and temperatures average 30-40 degrees. Hotels only turn on the heat in the coldest of months. Snow is common in northern cities from December through March. Christmas Markets are held from November to December and Carnevale is held in Venice in February.

How to Get to Rome

ITA Airways fly nonstop to the Rome Airport, also called Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport or Rome–Fiumicino International Airport. A nonstop flight from LAX to Rome is 12 hours, nonstop JFK to Rome is 8.5 hours.

How to Get Around Rome

The Leonardo Express is the direct train between the airport and the city center. It runs every 30 minutes and costs 11 euros. Airport shuttle buses, city buses, and taxis are also available. Compare your options here.

Where to Stay in Rome

The Spagna Royal Suite is a mid-priced hotel in a great location near the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.

What Should I Budget for Rome

According to Budget My Trip, the daily cost of travel is $187 per person per day. As always, the cost is based on your travel style. Check their website for more information.

What Should I Pack for Rome

Italians put effort into their appearance and dress well for dinner. The overall clothing style is a conservative, tailored look. As a rule, it is it’s better to overdress than underdress. Bring a nice jacket (no fleece), knee-length shorts and skirts, a scarf to cover the shoulders, and a nice day pack. Women often wear dresses, skirts, and slim-fit pants. Do not show too much skin. Avoid flip-flops, white tennis shoes, tourist shirts, bright colors, white pants, and fanny packs in Italy. Wear shoes with cushioned soles for walking on cobbled streets. Do not use brightly colored umbrellas, tour guides use them to lead their groups.

Are There Any Romantic Things to Do in Rome

Rome is full of romantic restaurants to enjoy an Italian dinner and a glass of wine. Another great option for a romantic night out is an evening tour of the sights illuminated.  Renting a Vespa for a day or taking an Italian cooking class together may also be a fun and playful activity.

Things to Do in Rome with Young Children

Young children may enjoy the Explora Children’s Museum, immersive Ikono Roma exhibits, Gladiator School, the cats at Largo di Torre Argentina, and throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain.

Things to Do in Rome with Young Adults

Teens and young adults may enjoy the Museum of Illusions, the Museo dell’Altro e dell’Altrove (MAAM) of street art, and wandering around Trastevere watching street performers.

Visiting More Italian Cities?

Check out our Italy Travel Guide with links to must-see destinations and itineraries!

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