15 Best Things to Do in Rome, Italy (2026)

On By saar.decosterIn Europe, Italy

Looking for the best things to do in Rome? I’ve got you.

Rome is basically one giant open-air museum. You can walk around almost any corner and suddenly find yourself standing next to something that is hundreds or even thousands of years old.

Of course, there are the famous Rome attractions you absolutely shouldn’t miss: the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Spanish Steps. But one of my favourite things about Rome is that you don’t need to spend your entire trip ticking off tourist attractions.

Some of my best Rome experiences came from simply walking around, sitting down for a drink, exploring a neighbourhood or taking a random street and seeing where it led.

I’ve visited Rome twice, and both trips felt completely different. So this list combines the must-see sights in Rome with some of my favourite places and experiences that give you a slightly different side of the city.

Here are my 15 best things to do in Rome, from ancient ruins and famous fountains to viewpoints, neighbourhoods and even a beach day.

If you want a broader overview of the city, my Rome Travel Guide covers where to stay, where to eat, nightlife, practical tips and some of my favourite local experiences.

1. Visit the Colosseum

Obviously, we have to start with the Colosseum.

Yes, it is touristy. Yes, there will probably be crowds. And yes, I still think you should see it.

The Colosseum is one of those places that feels slightly surreal when you actually stand in front of it. You’re looking at a building that has been standing there for almost 2,000 years, right in the middle of a modern city.

If you want a slightly different perspective for photos, walk up the small stairs at Via Nicola Salvi. From there, you can get a slightly elevated view of the Colosseum and sometimes escape some of the crowds.

If you’re looking for more photo inspiration, check out my guide to the 10 Best Photo Spots in Rome.

Holding a pizza box in front of the Colosseum in Rome

2. See the Pantheon

The Pantheon is one of the most impressive historic buildings in Rome.

The architecture is incredible, and walking inside gives you a completely different feeling from seeing it from the outside.

It is also in a really convenient part of the historic centre, so you can easily combine it with the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and plenty of smaller streets and squares.

This is one of those Rome attractions where I wouldn’t just rush in, take a photo and leave. Take a moment to actually look around.

Pantheon in Rome, Italy

3. Visit the Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous places in Rome, and honestly, I wouldn’t want to visit Rome without seeing it.

It can be extremely crowded, but the fountain itself is still beautiful.

If you want to enjoy it without quite as many people around, go early in the morning or later at night.

And yes, you can throw a coin into the fountain if you want to follow the tradition.

My advice? Don’t just tick it off your list. Walk around the surrounding streets afterwards. This part of Rome is full of beautiful architecture, cafés and little streets worth exploring.

Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy

4. Walk Around the Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are another classic Rome attraction.

Rather than treating them as a quick photo stop, take some time to explore the surrounding area.

The steps connect Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church above, and the streets around them are filled with shops, cafés and beautiful historic buildings.

It’s also a good place for people-watching.

And honestly, that’s something I recommend doing a lot in Rome. Sit down, order a drink and watch the city happen around you.

Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy

5. Explore the Roman Forum Area

One of my favourite things about Rome is that ancient history isn’t locked away inside museums.

You can literally be walking through the city and suddenly find yourself next to ruins that are thousands of years old.

Around the Roman Forum, you’ll find ancient remains including the Temple of Saturn, Clivus Capitolinus and Portico degli Dei Consenti.

This area gives you a completely different feeling from simply looking at the Colosseum.

It genuinely feels like you’re stepping into another period of history.

If you’re interested in ancient Rome, I’d definitely give this area enough time rather than rushing straight from the Colosseum to your next attraction.

6. Spend Time at Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is one of my favourite squares in Rome.

The architecture, fountains and atmosphere make it a really lovely place to simply spend some time.

The square is home to several fountains, including the famous Fontana del Moro, and there are plenty of places nearby where you can sit down for a drink or something to eat.

This is also the area I personally recommend looking at when deciding where to stay in Rome. You’re right in the historic centre, with restaurants, bars and many major sights within walking distance.

And if you have a little extra time, don’t just stay on the square. Wander through the streets around it.

Sitting at a café terrace in Piazza Navona, Rome

7. Explore Campo de’ Fiori

Campo de’ Fiori is another lively part of central Rome.

During the day, the square is known for its market, while in the evening the surrounding restaurants and bars make it a popular place to go for dinner or drinks.

I like this area because you can easily combine sightseeing with food and nightlife.

Grab something to eat, have a drink and see where the evening takes you.

If you’re travelling solo, it can also be a fun area to spend an evening because there is usually plenty happening around the square.

8. Explore the Monti District

If you want to experience a slightly more relaxed side of Rome, head to Monti.

Monti has a more local feel compared with some of the biggest tourist areas in the historic centre.

You’ll find small squares, cafés, restaurants and a social atmosphere. In the evenings, you can often come across street musicians around the neighbourhood, which makes it especially cosy.

This is exactly the kind of area I mean when I say you shouldn’t plan every second of your Rome trip.

Give yourself a few hours to simply wander around Monti and see what you find.

9. Visit Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo is one of the most recognisable buildings along the Tiber River.

Even if you don’t go inside, I think it’s worth seeing from the outside.

The castle looks particularly impressive from Ponte Sant’Angelo, where you can also get beautiful views along the river.

This is also one of the stops on one of my favourite walks in Rome, which I’ll get to below.

If you have time to visit the interior, you can explore the historic fortress and its different rooms and terraces.

But even as a quick stop while walking around the city, it is worth adding to your Rome itinerary.

10. Discover Tempio di Esculapio in Villa Borghese

Rome can get busy and hot, especially during summer, so I always like having a few quieter places in mind.

The Tempio di Esculapio in Villa Borghese is one of them.

It is a small and peaceful spot surrounded by the park, and it feels completely different from the busy streets around the main attractions.

Villa Borghese itself is also a lovely place to walk around when you need a break from sightseeing.

You don’t have to turn every stop into a major attraction. Sometimes it’s nice just to slow down.

Temple of Veiovis ruins in Rome, Italy

11. Watch the View from Pincio Terrace

The Pincio Terrace, or Pincian Terrace, is one of my favourite viewpoints in Rome.

It overlooks Piazza del Popolo and is particularly beautiful around sunset.

You can combine it easily with a walk around the Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo and Villa Borghese.

If you are looking for a good place to watch the city change colour as the sun goes down, add this one to your list.

And bring your camera.

12. Explore Monte Sacro

If you’ve already seen the main historic centre and want to experience a less touristy side of Rome, consider heading to Monte Sacro.

This is a more local neighbourhood away from the biggest tourist attractions.

It isn’t somewhere I’d tell you to go instead of seeing the Colosseum or Pantheon on your first trip. But if you’re staying for several days and want to see a different side of Rome, it’s worth considering.

It’s also a good reminder that Rome is much bigger than the historic centre most visitors stick to.

13. Walk from Piazza Navona to Castel Sant’Angelo

One of my favourite things to do in Rome is actually just walk.

This is a really beautiful route if you want to experience Rome without constantly checking off attractions.

Start at Piazza Navona and walk towards the river.

Cross Ponte Umberto I, where you’ll get a beautiful view over the city, then continue towards Castel Sant’Angelo.

Walk past Piazza Adriana and Piazza Pia before finishing at Ponte Sant’Angelo.

The route is especially beautiful around sunset, when the light starts changing over the river and historic buildings.

And honestly, this is exactly why I love Rome.

You don’t always need another attraction.

Sometimes the walk itself is the experience.

Piazza del Catalone in Rome, Italy

14. Visit Ostia Antica

If you’re staying in Rome for several days, Ostia Antica is a really interesting day trip.

Ostia Antica was an ancient Roman city, and the archaeological site contains remains of streets, buildings, temples, baths and other parts of everyday Roman life.

What I like about this option is that you’re still getting plenty of history, but you’re stepping away from the busiest parts of central Rome.

If you’ve already spent a few days exploring the Colosseum and Roman Forum, this can give you a completely different perspective on ancient Roman life.

I’d particularly consider it if you’re staying 4 days or more.

15. Spend a Day by the Sea at Lido di Ostia

Yes, you read that correctly.

Rome has a beach.

Well, technically Lido di Ostia is Rome’s coastal district, but you get the idea.

If you’re staying in Rome for four or five days, I genuinely think this is worth considering, especially during warmer months.

You can take the Metromare from the Porta San Paolo area towards Ostia, making it surprisingly easy to escape the city for a day.

Once you’re there, you can spend the day at the beach, walk along the promenade, grab some food or drinks and stay for sunset.

It’s such a different experience from spending another day in the historic centre.

And if you’re visiting Rome during a hot summer trip, it can also be a very welcome break from walking around ancient ruins in the heat.

You could even combine Ostia Antica and Lido di Ostia if you’re particularly interested in history and want some beach time afterwards.

Spiaggia Il Curvone beach near Rome, Italy

How to Choose What to Do in Rome

You obviously don’t need to visit all 15 places on a short trip.

If you only have 2 days in Rome, focus on:

  • Colosseum
  • Roman Forum
  • Pantheon
  • Trevi Fountain
  • Spanish Steps
  • Piazza Navona
  • Castel Sant’Angelo

If you have 3 days, add:

  • Campo de’ Fiori
  • Monti
  • Villa Borghese
  • Pincio Terrace

And if you have 4–5 days, you can slow down and add:

  • Monte Sacro
  • Ostia Antica
  • Lido di Ostia
  • More time simply wandering around Rome

For a full breakdown, check out my 2 to 5 Day Rome Itinerary.

My Favourite Things to Do in Rome

If I had to choose the experiences that feel most like my Rome rather than just the standard checklist, I’d pick:

Walking through the historic centre → Piazza Navona → Ponte Sant’Angelo → sunset at Pincio Terrace → eating pasta → having an Aperol → wandering around Monti.

Of course, see the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. They’re famous for a reason.

But don’t make your entire Rome trip about ticking off attractions.

One of the reasons Rome became my favourite Italian city is that even the spaces between the attractions are beautiful.

You can walk down a completely random street and find a fountain, an ancient wall, an incredible building or a tiny square you weren’t looking for.

That’s the Rome I love.

How Many Days Do You Need for These Rome Attractions?

You can see the main highlights in 2 days, but I recommend around 3–4 days if you want to experience Rome properly.

If you have 4 or 5 days, I’d definitely consider adding Ostia Antica or a beach day at Lido di Ostia, especially if you’re visiting during warmer weather.

If you’re wondering whether Rome is actually worth adding to your Italy trip, read my Is Rome Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion.

Planning Your Trip to Italy?

Planning a trip to Italy can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between huge historic cities, beautiful coastlines, charming smaller towns, mountains, lakes and islands.

That’s why I’ve created my Italy Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Italy.

→ START HERE: Italy Travel Guides

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Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Rome

What are the best things to do in Rome?

Some of the best things to do in Rome include visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. I also recommend exploring Piazza Navona, Monti and Villa Borghese, walking along the Tiber and visiting Castel Sant’Angelo.

How many days do you need in Rome?

I recommend at least 3 days for a first trip to Rome. Two days is enough for the main highlights, while 4–5 days gives you more time to explore at a slower pace and potentially visit Ostia or the coast.

What should you not miss in Rome?

For a first visit, I wouldn’t miss the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and Castel Sant’Angelo. I would also leave some time simply to walk around the historic centre.

Is Rome walkable?

Yes. Walking is one of the best ways to explore Rome. Many of the major attractions are relatively close together, and walking lets you discover smaller streets, fountains, squares and historic buildings along the way.

What are some less touristy things to do in Rome?

For a less touristy experience, explore neighbourhoods such as Monti and Monte Sacro, spend time in Villa Borghese or simply wander through the streets away from the biggest attractions.

Can you visit the beach from Rome?

Yes. Lido di Ostia is Rome’s coastal district and can be reached by public transport from the city. It is a good option for a beach day, particularly if you’re staying in Rome for four or more days.

What are the best free things to do in Rome?

Walking around the historic centre, visiting public squares such as Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori, exploring neighbourhoods and enjoying viewpoints such as Pincio Terrace can all be added to your Rome itinerary without needing to spend money on an attraction ticket.

Is Rome worth visiting?

Absolutely. Rome is my favourite Italian city, and I think its combination of ancient history, beautiful architecture, food, nightlife and everyday city life makes it a very special place to visit.

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