Best Things to Do in Rome: Top Attractions, Food & Tips

Last Updated: September 2, 2025

The capital city of Italy, Rome, located in the Lazio region, in central-western Italy, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is also known as ‘The Eternal City’. It has one of the most powerful civilizations in history and was the heart of the Roman Empire. Explore the city featuring famous ancient landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Pantheon, Circus Maximus, and Palatine Hill, and book your flights to Rome now. Its rich art, sculpture, and architecture are given by Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, and others. It has a simple, hearty, and flavorful cuisine such as Pasta dishes, Pizza al taglio, Supplì, and Gelato. It's best to visit from April–June or September–October for milder weather and fewer crowds. You can find many cheap flights to Rome, one of the most visited cities in the world.

Visit the Colosseum

The Colosseum is an iconic Roman amphitheater located in the heart of Rome, near the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, and was used for gladiator battles, animal hunts, and public spectacles. Earthquakes and stone robbing have partially ruined it, but still, it's one of the best things to see in Rome. To explore the Colosseum, you need to buy the tickets, where a Standard ticket includes access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. It's best to have a guided tour to explore the underground area and arena floor and to understand what you are seeing. You can take photographs inside, at the top tier, for the panoramic view of the arena. For a more distant shot with ruins in the foreground, visit Palatine Hill. It’s best to visit in spring from April–June and in fall from September–October for pleasant weather. For smaller crowds and better light, stroll in the early morning or late afternoon.

Tour St. Peter’s Basilica

Explore one of the holiest Catholic sites and the largest church in the world, located in Vatican City, just across the Tiber River from central Rome. The main basilica offers free admission, but you need to arrive early in the morning to avoid long security lines. You have to buy the ticket for the Dome Climb (Cupola) to admire the 360° panoramic view of Rome and St. Peter’s Square. Guided tours are recommended to get the information about art, history, and hidden details. You need to dress modestly, with your shoulders and knees covered, and no hats inside the basilica. It's one of the best things to do in Rome, Italy, featuring a marble masterpiece near the entrance is ‘Michelangelo’s Pietà’, a massive bronze canopy over the papal altar, ‘Bernini’s Baldachin’, ‘The Dome (Cupola)’ designed by Michelangelo, soaring over the basilica, ‘St. Peter’s Tomb’ located beneath the main altar, and ‘the mosaics and Chapels’ rich in religious art, sculptures, and symbolism.

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Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain

Don’t forget to visit one of the most famous Baroque fountains in the world, the Trevi Fountain, located in Rome, Italy. It is one of the best things to do in Rome and was designed by Nicola Salvi and finished by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762. The fountain is world-famous for its coin-tossing tradition, where tossing 1 coin means you will return to Rome, 2 coins signify that you will find love, and 3 coins imply that you will marry the one you love. For tossing the coin, one should use their right hand over their left shoulder, with their back to the fountain. Almost €3,000 is collected per day from the fountain, and the money is donated to charity, mainly Caritas, a Catholic organization helping the poor in Rome. This protected cultural monument is a beloved romantic and travel ritual for visitors from around the world.

Watch Sunset from the Spanish Steps

Spend your day at one of the most iconic landmarks of Rome Spanish Steps, located in the Piazza di Spagna, which comprises 135 steps. From the list of things to do in Rome, visit this famous 18th-century staircase connecting the Piazza below with the Trinità dei Monti church above. Admire the beautiful panoramic view of Rome, especially at sunset, and the rooftops, domes, and ancient streets have a golden glow over them. For a romantic and charming setting, head to the Trinità dei Monti church above and the piazza below, making it a favorite spot for both tourists and locals to relax and take in the view. It's a place perfect for taking pictures, quiet reflection, or simply enjoying the city’s charm.

Explore Piazza Navona

This vibrant and historic square is one of the best things to see in Rome, built on the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, and was used for athletic contests and later transformed into a public baroque square. It is one of the most photographed spots in the city, featuring several stunning Baroque masterpieces, including the Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi), designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1651. Facing the fountain is the elegant Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, built where Saint Agnes was said to have been martyred. The square also has two other lovely fountains, Fontana del Moro and Fontana del Nettuno. Exploring Piazza Navona is one of the best things to do in Rome, as it is full of street artists, musicians, and cozy cafés, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the charm of the city.

Also Read: Fun Activities You Must Do in Rome

Eat Authentic Roman Food

Among the things to do in Rome, eating traditional Roman food or joining a fun food tour, or cooking class is a must. Enjoy the real taste of Rome in its cuisine from famous Roman pastas like Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, Amatriciana, and Gricia to local favorites like fried rice balls (supplì), Roman-style artichokes, and veal with prosciutto (saltimbocca). For authentic local meals, visit food-loving areas like Trastevere or Testaccio. You can also take a cooking class or food tour where you can learn to make pasta, visit markets, and taste delicious Roman dishes and wine.

Rome is full of beauty, history, and unforgettable moments—book your flight now with Affluence Travels and start your adventure!

FAQs about Things to Do in Rome

Q.1- What are the things to see in Rome, Italy?

The best things to see in Rome include the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Spanish Steps.