Things to Do in Rome
50 curated spots from Rome itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Pantheon
Enter this 2,000-year-old temple to witness the engineering marvel of the unreinforced concrete dome. The oculus (eye) at the summit is the sole light source; visit mid-morning when light streams dramatically through. Spend 45 minutes inside; minimal crowds if you arrive by 9:30 AM.
1h · Free
Colosseum
Start with Rome’s most famous ancient landmark and spend time on the exterior views and surrounding ruins.
2h · From $20-30 per person
Galleria Borghese
Admire masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio in an elegant villa; reservations and timed entry are required.[3][5]
2h · $20-25
Colosseum & Roman Forum
Spend your morning exploring the Colosseum’s arena and upper levels, then walk through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for sweeping views over the ruins.
2h 30m · $20-30 (ticket, more with guided tour)
Campo de' Fiori Market
Browse stalls with fruits, vegetables, cheeses, spices, and souvenirs; let kids pick snacks or picnic ingredients.
1h · Free to walk; $5-15 per person if buying snacks
Campo de’ Fiori Market
Browse this lively open-air market with stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, spices, and food souvenirs; ideal for casual photos and people-watching.[1][4]
1h · Free (plus any purchases)
Monti Neighborhood Stroll
Wander cobbled streets, browse small boutiques, and pause at Piazza della Madonna dei Monti for a drink and people-watching.
1h 30m · Free (plus any drinks or shopping)
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Walk the ruins of imperial Rome and climb Palatine Hill for broad views and a deeper sense of the city’s origins.
2h 30m · $20-30
Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Explore Rome’s most famous amphitheater, then walk through the Forum ruins and up Palatine Hill for views over ancient Rome.[3][6]
3h · $20-25
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Walk through the heart of ancient Rome’s temples and arches, then climb Palatine Hill for sweeping views over the Forum and Circus Maximus.
2h 30m · $0-5 with Colosseum combo
Castel Sant'Angelo
Climb terrace for sunset Tiber views and city skyline.
1h 30m · $20
Piazza Navona
Stroll the elongated Baroque square, admire fountains, and photograph the architecture and street artists.
45m · Free
Basilica di San Clemente
Layered church with underground levels showing a 4th‑century basilica and Roman temple; buy the underground ticket at the entrance.
1h · $10-15
Capitoline Museums
Private family tour of ancient sculptures and views.
2h · $60/person
Mercato Testaccio
Indoor market with produce, street food, and specialty stalls; sample supplì, panini, and local products.
1h 30m · $10-20 per person (depending on how much you taste)
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Visit one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, with glittering mosaics and a grand interior not far from Termini.[5]
1h · Free
Castel Sant’Angelo & Ponte Sant’Angelo
Walk along Via della Conciliazione to the fortress, explore the ramparts, and photograph the angel-topped bridge and river views.[2][4]
1h 30m · $15-20
Colosseum and Roman Forum
Enter the Colosseum early, walk the tiers, then continue through the Roman Forum and up Palatine Hill for panoramic city views.
3h · $20-25
Pantheon & Piazza Navona
Wander ancient dome and baroque square; sunset photography from Navona fountains.
1h 30m · Free
Pantheon & Piazza Navona Walk
Visit the Pantheon (now with timed entry), then stroll through the streets to Piazza Navona and nearby Baroque churches for iconic domes, fountains, and facades.[1][2]
1h 30m · $5-15
Campo de’ Fiori Market & Piazza Navona
Explore the lively Campo de’ Fiori square with its daytime street market, then walk a few minutes to Piazza Navona to admire Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers and surrounding Baroque palazzi.[11][2][13][9]
2h · Free (market snacks $5-15)
Castel Sant’Angelo & Tiber Riverside Walk
Walk from the Vatican toward Castel Sant’Angelo, the historic fortress connected to the papacy, and enjoy river views and bridges.[10]
1h 30m · $15-20 (museum entry) or Free to admire from outside
Catacombs of San Sebastiano or San Callisto
Join a guided tour of the underground burial tunnels along the Appian Way; photography is typically restricted inside.
1h 30m · $12-20
Colosseum (including Arena Floor)
Join an early timed-entry visit focusing on the arena floor and lower levels; shoot the light streaming through the arches in the morning.
2h · $25-35
Evening Walk in Trastevere
Stroll cobbled streets, peek into small churches, and linger in Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere as the neighborhood lights up for the night.
1h · Free (plus drinks/gelato)
Frascati Wine Tasting
Bus to hillside vineyards; nut-free tour/tasting at Cantina Sociale, modern terrace views.
2h 30m · $30
Galleria Borghese & Villa Borghese Gardens
Timed-entry art museum with Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings, followed by a walk or bike around the park for city views.[3]
2h 30m · $20-25
Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden)
Small hilltop park with orange trees and one of Rome’s best panoramic views over the Tiber and St. Peter’s.
1h · Free
Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo) Sunset Viewpoint
Walk or bus up the hill for sweeping views over the city’s domes at golden hour.
1h 30m · Free
Mercato Trionfale
Browse one of Rome’s largest neighborhood markets with stalls of produce, cured meats, cheeses, breads, and household goods; snack on olives or fruit as you wander.[3][4]
1h · Free to enter (tastings a few dollars)Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali
A family-run trattoria with a clean, modern interior; order a seasonal antipasto, a classic like cacio e pepe or amatriciana, and share a dessert.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Da Enzo al 29
Cozy, highly regarded trattoria; arrive early or book ahead and order carciofi alla giudia (when in season) and carbonara.
1h 30m · $35-55 per person
Armando al Pantheon
Book ahead if possible and order a Roman pasta or seasonal main in one of the city’s most dependable classic trattorias.
1h 30m · $35-$50 per person
Panella - L'Arte del Pane
Historic bakery-patisserie; stand at the bar for a cappuccino and cornetto and admire the elegant bread displays.
30m · $5-10 per person
Caffè Propaganda
Start with espresso and a cornetto at the bar in this stylish café a short walk from the Colosseum; stand at the counter to keep it light and local.
30m · $6-10 per person
Flavio al Velavevodetto
Casual Roman trattoria 10 min walk from Colosseum serving traditional pasta alla carbonara, cacio e pepe, and fresh seasonal vegetables. Shared wooden tables create convivial atmosphere.
1h 15m · $10-14 per person
Pastasciutta
Casual fresh-pasta counter a short walk from the Vatican; choose your pasta shape and sauce for a quick, tasty lunch.
45m · $10-18 per person
Pasticceria Regoli
Old-school pastry shop famous for maritozzi (cream-filled buns) and espresso at the counter.
30m · $5-10 per person
Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina
Gourmet deli-restaurant near Campo de’ Fiori; order the carbonara, burrata with semi-dried tomatoes, and a glass of Lazio wine.
1h 30m · $35-60 per person
Forno Campo de' Fiori
Pick up pizza bianca, pastries, or a quick snack before or after the market.
30m · $5-15 per person
Osteria der Belli
Share seafood-focused or Roman pasta dishes; sitting outside in the square gives great evening ambiance.
1h 30m · $15-20 per person
Caffè Sant'Eustachio
Stand at the bar for a perfect espresso and cornetto before sightseeing around the Pantheon.
30m · $6-10 per person
Pastificio Guerra
Tiny spot offering take-away portions of fresh pasta at very low prices; eat on a nearby bench.
30m · $10-12 per person
Enoteca Corsi
Family-run wine-focused trattoria near the Pantheon; share a meat or fish main and ask for a recommendation from their wine shelves.
1h 30m · $20-25 per person
Hostaria Antica Roma
Nut-free abbacchio roast lamb, veggies; rustic but safe.
1h · $25-35 per person
Roscioli Caffè Pasticceria
Cornetto and espresso amid historic charm.
45m · $6-12 per person
Caffè Sant’Eustachio
Famous coffee bar near the Pantheon; stand at the bar for their signature espresso or a morning cappuccino and a simple pastry.
30m · $6-10 per person
Roscioli Caffè
Chic bakery-café; try a maritozzo (cream-filled bun) and an espresso at the bar before the market.
40m · $8-15 per person
Caffè Vaticano
Café opposite the Vatican Museums; grab a simple pastry and coffee before your timed entry.
45m · $8-12 per person
Forno Campo de’ Fiori
Popular bakery by the market; order a slice of pizza bianca or rossa and a pastry as a light, on-the-go breakfast.[2]
30m · $5-10 per person