Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Rome, Italy

Rome is an extraordinary city! It is filled with history, Roman culture, stunning architecture, and an abundance of pasta and gelato that can satisfy any appetite.

No matter if this is your first, second, or one hundredth visit to the city, there are countless of the best activities to experience in Rome at every corner.

Interestingly, one observation I have made throughout my visits is the fact that there’s always something new I seem to overlook each time (which is common with major cities). This can be both exciting and somewhat daunting, especially if you have an insatiable desire to uncover every facet of this enchanting destination.

Without delving into my profound affection for Italy, I would like to highlight some of the best things to do in Rome. This city will leave you mesmerized.

What is Withlocals?

Imagine the service Airbnb provides for accommodation; this is the essence of what Withlocals offers for exceptional experiences through their free app (or website). You can explore the best activities in Rome through unique tours crafted by local hosts who genuinely want to share their passion for this captivating city.

In my opinion, the most compelling aspect of choosing Withlocals is the opportunity to personalize your tour with the host, which allows for flexibility in your itinerary. You can adjust your plans according to your preferences, ensuring that you see all the best places in Rome on a schedule that best suits your needs.

Once you’ve finalized your must-visit spots, you can delve into some truly unique and enjoyable tours, which encompass both exhilarating activities and quaint locations you may not typically consider visiting in the city of Rome. After all, who knows their city better than a local?

We specifically opted to explore Rome with Withlocals because the city can be both gigantic and somewhat overwhelming for any traveler. Truly, every street corner seems to unveil something new among the best things to do in Rome. This meant that a local guide was indispensable in helping us prioritize our sights and maximize the limited time we had in this vibrant city.

Withlocals boasts numerous local hosts spanning the globe so it’s not confined to Italy alone. I am already excited about returning to Bali in a few months!

Authentic Tours and the Best Things to Do in Rome

During our time in Rome, we aimed to enjoy the best things to do in Rome efficiently. Naturally, this included indulging in an abundance of pasta and gelato. It might sound like a joke, but I claim my weight in pasta whenever I visit Italy! #NoRegrets 🤣

After some back-and-forth discussions, we selected two local hosts and tours that had received stellar feedback from other travelers—each promising memorable experiences! 🍝

Driving the City in a Retro Fiat 500

One aspiration I have long held is to explore an Italian city in a charming retro Fiat 500. My fascination with this car has spanned years, making this tour an instant attraction for me. Much like the British love for Minis, Fiat 500s embody Italian charm—compact and adorable!

Additionally, our local guide, Emanuele, was well-versed in the best experiences in Rome and informed us about hidden jewels scattered throughout the city—ensuring a delightful, authentic adventure.

Eating Like a Roman

Our second experience was with Giulio, who promised to take us to some of Rome’s best restaurants for delicious local cuisine—how could I resist? Following his fabulous tour (which you can see here), I’m convinced I gained an extra 5kg that I’ll have to work off. Delicious! 🍕

How to Get to and Around Rome

There are various ways to arrive in Rome, whether issuing from international destinations or other Italian cities. For example, if arriving via:

• Air: You will likely land at Fiumicino or Ciampino Airports, followed by a short taxi, train, or bus ride into the city. It’s best to take a train or taxi from Fiumicino and direct buses or taxis from Ciampino to reach the heart of Rome.
• Train/Bus: Italy offers an extensive train network connecting its major cities to the capital, making travel quite straightforward. I personally prefer trains, as they offer a more comfortable experience. For those in Florence, securing tickets through search and booking platforms like GoEuro enhances ease.

Now, without further ado, let’s dive into some of the best things you can do in Rome.

Best Things to Do in Rome

1.) Scale the heights of St. Peter’s Basilica

Although technically not located within Rome, St. Peter’s Basilica lies within Vatican City! Nonetheless, a visit to see the best things to do in Rome is incomplete without exploring this majestic structure.

Do keep in mind, heightened security measures mean lengthy queues for entry (particularly daunting during the sweltering midday summer heat).

Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free, however, note that if you wish to climb to the top of the Duomo, you’ll need to pay approximately 6 Euros.

Be sure to bring cash! Many places do not accept card payments. 💰

2.) See the Roman Forum

The Roman Forum showcases some of Rome’s most significant historical ruins and represents the heart of the Roman Empire. Be sure to explore the Temple of Vesta and the Temple of Saturn. Moreover, entry to the Roman Forum is included when purchasing tickets for the Colosseum (which is directly across and undeniably one of the best things to do in Rome).

If you’re not visiting the Colosseum, you can still observe a majority of the Roman Forum from Via Dei Fori Imperiali (the surrounding area), which offers stunning views free of charge.

3.) Visit the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum

The Sistine Chapel needs little introduction, as it is famous for its incredible artwork, which is merely a fraction of the vast Vatican Museum complex. Allocate several hours to roam the grounds and appreciate masterpieces like Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam, alongside stunningly ornate sculptures that adorn every corner.

Expect enormous queues, traditionally difficult to navigate on sweltering summer days. We reserved our tickets online, which also afforded us a designated time slot, saving us potentially hours of waiting in line under the glaring Roman sun.

4.) Wander Around the Colosseum

The Colosseum stands as one of Italy’s most iconic structures and undoubtedly ranks among the top things to do in Rome!

Stroll through this remarkable amphitheater, exploring its inner grounds, climbing to upper levels, and observing the arena’s floor below.

Be wary—security and ticket lines at the Colosseum are notorious throughout the city. To mitigate the wait time, we recommended visiting in the late afternoon when we only queued for about 10 minutes!

Bear in mind, you can purchase tickets online ahead of time; if you plan to visit when the Colosseum is at capacity (about 3,000 people), you may still need to line up.

5.) Climb the Spanish Steps

No visit to Rome would be complete without a stop at the famous Spanish Steps.

Though I personally didn’t find it to be the most spectacular activity in Rome, it is conveniently located in the central area and worth visiting together with climbing for breathtaking views of the city!

6.) Grab an Aperol Spritz in Piazza Navona

There’s truly nothing more delightful than spending a laid-back afternoon sipping an Aperol Spritz while soaking in the beauty of one of Rome’s most picturesque squares. However, be prepared for higher food prices here; consider saving your appetite for a local eatery off the beaten path. 🍹

Additionally, ensure you take a moment to admire the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi and the exquisite Egyptian obelisk that enhance the piazza’s beauty.

7.) See the Views from Altare della Patria

Altare Della Patria is among the grandest structures within Rome. Commissioned to honor Victor Emmanuel, this remarkable site truly deserves a visit.

Conveniently situated adjacent to the Roman Forum and just a short stroll from the Trevi Fountain, visitors can take an elevator to the summit of the building to experience stunning views of the cityscape.

8.) Find the Best Ice-Cream in Rome

I take immense pride in my ability to devour mountains of delightful gelato. You can only imagine my joy when our Withlocals tour shared with us some of the best tips to spot good, authentic Italian gelato. I consider it my gelato gospel!