Things to Do in Rome

Things to Do in Rome, Italy - Rome Attractions

Things to Do in Rome

In between bites of pasta and pizza, discover ancient architecture like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain—get a local guide to show you all the hidden gems. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Powered by AI
BETA

Book these experiences for a close-up look at Rome.

Top Attractions in Rome

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Historic amphitheater featuring guided tours that delve into ancient gladiatorial history, with the option for exclusive lower-level access. Prebooking recommended to streamline entry.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Ancient temple-turned-church, showcasing historical transitions and architectural splendor with a vast dome, intricate art, and a glimpse into past civilizations.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Iconic fountain surrounded by charming streets and gelato shops, ideal for photography and evening visits. Tradition beckons with coin-throwing for luck.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Historic neighborhood known for its tranquil vibe, cobbled streets lined with ivy-clad buildings, intimate squares, and local cuisine. Enjoy leisurely strolls and nearby major attractions.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Baroque square with three intricate fountains, vibrant street art scene, and nearby cafes for leisurely dining amidst historical ambiance.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Art gallery in a serene park setting presenting a collection of sculptures and paintings, with notable works by Caravaggio and Bernini. Time slots ensure a leisurely visit.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Historic basilica boasting early Christian mosaics and revered relics, with serene side chapels and respectful ambiance for art and culture enthusiasts.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Historic hill featuring panoramic city vistas and ancient ruins, providing a tranquil, less crowded exploration of Rome's storied past.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Historic riverside fortress featuring panoramic rooftop views, a café, and rich exhibits of religious art and artifacts, revealing deep ties to local culture and history.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Tranquil park retreat with shaded paths, a small lake for boating, and a variety of cultural attractions, including a renowned art gallery and a historic terrace with panoramic views.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Guided tours and audio guides available to explore ancient ruins steeped in history; includes access to adjoining Forum and Palatine Hill with panoramic city views.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Historic monument showcasing panoramic views, a military museum, and a rooftop bar, set amidst the splendor of marble architecture and an eternal flame.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
1

Other Top Attractions around Rome



From quick jaunts to full-day outings.


*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
A mini guide to Rome
The Spanish Steps Apartment
The Spanish Steps Apartment
Destination Experts
A couple that considers Rome their “great love”
  • What’s one thing visitors shouldn't miss?
    Our top five would be: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, Saint Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican Museums (which includes the Sistine Chapel). But really, there’s so much more that Rome has to offer!
  • What do you wish tourists knew about Rome?
    Rome isn’t just an open-air museum filled with antiquities: It’s a living, developing city, and part of the modern world. Rome has terrific modern architecture and art, diverse music, great food, and a steady stream of cultural events. There’s something for everyone!
  • Let us in on your favorite restaurants—what makes them great?
    Rome has all kinds of restaurants, from Michelin-starred to street food. A favorite is Glass Hostaria, in Trastevere. It’s Rome's only Michelin-starred restaurant with a female chef, Cristina Bowerman. Her modern take on classic Italian food is delicious but playful. Near the Trevi Fountain is Colline Emiliane, a classic, traditional "white tablecloth" restaurant with superb pasta. And for a cheap meal, we love Trapizzino—it’s got fabulous bread pockets with savory fillings.
  • Are there any activities that are better done on weekends vs. weekdays?
    It's best to see the major sights on weekdays, since weekends can be busy. Many sights are open almost every day, but the Vatican Museums are closed Sundays (except for the last Sunday of the month when they’re free—and even more packed!), and a number of museums are closed Mondays. On weekends, we tend to go to smaller, off-the-beaten-path museums and places. But no matter the day, do your research—some things you need to book in advance.
  • Which top tourist attraction is worth the hype?
    Galleria Borghese's art collection is absolutely amazing: Bernini can make marble come alive, and Caravaggio's paintings are incredibly dramatic and emotional. The Pantheon is still, in our opinion, the most perfect building in the world. Saint Peter's Basilica will take your breath away, from Michelangelo's Pietà to the light streaming down as you look up at that spectacular dome. And the Colosseum is a massive feat of engineering—the very symbol of Rome.
  • Why is Rome special to you?
    I (David) was born and raised in Rome—in fact, my father was one of the founders of the American University of Rome. Fortunately, Rome is also my wife Laura’s favorite city. We were married there in 1999, in a building designed by Michelangelo himself. I kept my family's apartment, which we lovingly renovated a few years back. It’s located by the famous Spanish Steps. We are in Rome several times a year—and in a few years, we hope to start retirement, which will mean more time in the Eternal City.
  • About
    David and Laura visit Rome several times a year and have an apartment there. David is an economist and Laura is an attorney with a master's degree in historical archaeology. They both have a certificate in Italian art history.

What travelers are saying

  • Chris-and-Soo
    Jersey, UK167 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited here as part of a guided tour during our visit to the city.
    It’s one of the must-see sights when in Rome. Equally, we booked a guided tour, which was a great
    idea as we were informed of a lot more information than we would have got from just walking round
    on our own. Our guide had the right balance of providing information and allowing us to take in the
    huge arena and take pictures. A guided tour also meant that we skipped the lines.
    Our guide started us at the Palatine hills at around 10.30am, visiting the Colosseum after, which
    seemed to be the right way, as the queues for the Palatine hills were huge when we left and the
    Colosseum was relatively speaking easy to get round with fewer crowds around lunch time.
    Whilst the weather was comfortable warm, it would be a very different experience in the hot
    summer, and with more crowds. The Palatine area does not have much shade, so would recommend
    a visit outside the hot summer months.
    Written March 25, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Umar T
    29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Old building, but take care very well. Very attractive place to visit with family know history and also very beautiful view of the building and very attractive place for photography must visit the place highly recommended for this who like to know history
    Written March 21, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Chris-and-Soo
    Jersey, UK167 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful fountain where they have a one-way queuing system so everyone gets to have a photo
    next to the fountain and throw in a coin.
    Suggestions are to go early as it’s not so busy, but we visited in the evening. Whilst in the evening
    you cant get quite a close you can still get a great pictures of the fountain, take in how beautiful it is,
    and the light in the evening is lovely too.
    Written March 25, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Iva P
    Shkoder, Albania1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great city, amazing architecture, amazing food, be careful watching out for the bags and wallet especially in crowded places because my friend got robbed 🥺 and no one can do anything to help you
    Written March 12, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Heathery
    Broken Arrow, OK65 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very busy, but still a nice place to relax and people-watch. Restaurants are, unfortunately, very touristy in this area.
    Written March 18, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nigel Smith
    London, UK29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The English-langauge tour led by Sara Masini was brilliant. Sara explained the works in detail that helped me not only appreciate the pieces as works of art but the wider context in which they were made. Sara was also very engaging and funny. If you have a chance to take a guided tour around this magnificent gallery - do it!
    Written March 22, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Joanne L
    53 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was one of the highlights of our trip to Rome. The church itself was absolutely beautiful! In front of the altar is the Holy Crib, containing a piece of Jesus’ manger from the Nativity, where you can kneel for prayer. There is a nice gift shop inside the cathedral and a priest onsite to bless purchases and visitors alike, which we really appreciated. I found our visit to Santa Maria Maggiore far more meaningful than St Peter’s. It’s a very reverent, and spiritual visit.
    Written March 24, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelerGabe
    Wellington, CO141 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Personally, this was the highlight of my Rome trip. Even better than the Colosseum. I enjoyed being able to immerse myself in exploring the different areas. It was very historical but also had an adventure aspect to try and find hidden areas or angles for photos.
    Written March 24, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Chang Percy
    Taipei, Taiwan696 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is a perfect example of stratification over the centuries. It is originally the tomb of Hadrian, but now has been converted to a fortress and museum. It is fun to climb to the different levels and see the views of the city that are spectacular.
    Written March 12, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Diane S
    Fairfax Station, VA222 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The lovely gardens and buildings in this public space make a peaceful place to find some quiet and escape the tourist crowds. Great view overlooking Piazza del Popolo.
    Written January 27, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • nidriks
    Dorset, UK232 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Roman Forum was the second part of my combined Colosseum and Forum ticket that cost €18. This also includes Palatine Hill and some other small areas. The information is all readily available on the tickets that I booked online. As far as I understood the tickets allowed for entry to the Colosseum once and then the Forum within the next 24 hours. Don't quote me on that though.

    The attraction is a mix of a large open air museum and gardens. There are some buildings to enter but it is mostly outside. Take a hat and some food. There are water fountains for hydration, if you have a bottle to fill.

    The prettiest areas are up on the highest levels. You climb a ramp through a large building and come out in a very pretty area of gardens and an orangery. I'd never seen an orange tree before, and you could smell the citrus in the air.

    The views from up top were wonderful, offering some great views of Rome. It was a very tranquil place, despite there being quite a few people about. I found I was still able to find some areas away from quite so many people.

    On the way back to the exit you can see Circus Maximus from above and there were parakeets flying about in the trees in the SE of the forum.

    Sadly, I thought the queues for the forum were worse than those for the Colosseum. I entered near the Colosseum and was queueing for what felt like an hour. There are other entry points though so perhaps you don't have to queue that long.
    Written March 20, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Chris-and-Soo
    Jersey, UK167 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Its not until you get up close that you realise how huge and impressive this monument is. Its free to
    get into to most of the sights with some areas requiring a fee to access. As we were short on time we
    spend about a hour walking round and taking in the sights of the city.
    Written March 25, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to Visit
  • January
    45 ºF
    Coldest month
    7 days of rain
    Less busy
    Least busy month
  • February
    46 ºF
    7 days of rain
    Less busy
  • March
    51 ºF
    7 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • April
    56 ºF
    7 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • May
    64 ºF
    6 days of rain
    Very busy
    Busiest month
  • June
    71 ºF
    4 days of rain
    Very busy
  • July
    76 ºF
    3 days of rain
    Very busy
  • August
    77 ºF
    Hottest month
    3 days of rain
    Very busy
  • September
    70 ºF
    7 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • October
    62 ºF
    8 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • November
    53 ºF
    10 days of rain
    Wettest month
    Less busy
  • December
    46 ºF
    8 days of rain
    Less busy
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
All Rome HotelsRome Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in RomeHotels Near Me
All things to do in Rome
RestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars