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Rome is truly a special city and one that you can visit over and over and over again. The perfect blend of history, gorgeous buildings and squares, friendly Italians and enough pasta and gelato to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites will make you want to come back. It is however quite big and it is therefore easy to miss something when you visit. Don’t get me wrong, the best time spent is sometimes being lost, but leaving the eternal city without having visited the Colosseum or the Vatican City might not be what you wanted. To give you some inspiration on things to do in the city and what you can’t miss, here is my list of the top 10 things to do in Rome.

The 10 must-see attractions in Rome

1. Visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill 

Yes, I guess that these are three things in one but they are hard to separate as you almost always get the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill included in the tour of the Colosseum. The Colosseum is actually the largest amphitheater ever built and it is one of the seven wonders of the world, which should be reasons enough to visit this place. This remarkable building is still in very good shape considering it was built in 80 AD and has suffered several earthquakes. In its glory times, it was mainly used for gladiatorial contests, theater plays, and other types of entertainment so there is so much history to explore. 

Just a stone’s throw away from the Colosseum is the Roman Forum which was the beating heart of the former Roman Empire, as the square was surrounded by government facilities and other important buildings. All public gatherings such as elections, criminal trials, processions, and public speeches took place in this square.

Rome is known for its seven hills but the Palatine hill is special as it was the hill upon which Rome was founded. This hill was where all the former emperors built their palaces and when you climb up there, you can see why as it overlooks the Roman Forum on one side and Circus Maximus on the other.

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2. Try local Roman dishes on a food tour 

Whenever I’m visiting a new big city I have made it a rule to go on a food tour as it is the best way to get to know a city. It usually is the perfect combination between sightseeing and learning about (or eating) the culture. Rome is no exception to this rule. Actually, if there is one city in Europe you shouldn’t miss out on a food tour, I would say it would be here. Rome is truly a foodie heaven and you will realize that almost all of your favorite Italian dishes originated here. Food tours are the best start to your exploration as they will give you inspiration for the rest of your trip. It let’s you try out new foods risk-free and you will learn a lot of things you won’t find in a guidebook.

Take the opportunity to ask the guide for more food recommendations and I can assure you that your food experience in Rome will not disappoint. As big as the city is, it might actually be a bit overwhelming to navigate between all the different restaurants on your own. 

Check out some of the best food tours in the city, and book below.

If you want to know more about all the different dishes that are local to Rome and where you can find the best, click here.

3. Have breakfast next to the Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is for sure the city’s most famous fountain, and probably the most famous fountain throughout Europe as well. Maybe even the world? This gorgeous baroque fountain was built almost 250 years ago and stretches an impressive 26 meters in the air. Thanks to its central location, you’ll most likely pass by it many times. The best time to see the fountain is in the early morning, preferably before 8 when only a few locals can be seen walking past.

There is actually a good-priced espresso bar just next to the Trevi fountain called L’Antico Forno di Piazza Trevi where you can get a nice espresso and some pastries. Find a table outside, overlooking the fountain, and enjoy your breakfast with an incredible view. Don’t leave the fountain without throwing a coin in it. People say if you throw a coin over your left shoulder into the Trevi Fountain you’ll return to the Eternal City one day.

4. Visit the gastronomic paradise of Testaccio Market

One of the best food markets in Rome is located in the Testaccio area and is called the Testaccio Market. This is a combined fresh produce market and street food market. You can find all of the best Italian products like truffle oil, cheese, vegetables, and fresh pasta here. If you are looking for food options I would recommend checking out Mordi e Vai for paninis, Food Box for a supplì, Casa Manco for one of the top-rated pizzas in Rome, and Le mani in Pasta for pasta. If you would like a local to show you around this famous market there are several tour options to choose from as well. 

5. Learn to cook like a true Italian during a cooking class

A cooking class is another fun way of learning about the country’s culture through food. How fun wouldn’t it be to invite all your friends over for a true Italian meal when your trip is over? By doing a cooking class you can learn so much about the local specialties, the local ingredients, and national dishes, as well as pick up new cooking skills. How do you really make the perfect carbonara? Is it ok to use cream and bacon? And what kind of wine should you drink to really enhance the dish? I’m sure your instructor will know all of the answers to this.

Cooking classes can be structured in many different ways. Would you like to cook with a true Italian in their own home or do you prefer a more school-based setting? I’m sure you can find one that suits you in one of the most food-obsessed cities in Europe. 

6. Visit the Vatican City and climb St Peter’s Basilica 

The Vatican is the world’s smallest sovereign state and is located inside of Rome. With its 110 acres and only about 1,000 people living there, it is a pretty special place since it has also been the residence of the pope since the year 1377. The Vatican city has many different attractions but my top recommendation is to climb St Peter’s Basilica. This impressive building gives you an up-close look at the Renaissance architecture and the view of Rome from the top is breathtaking. You can also visit the Vatican museum and Sistine Chapel which hosts a collection of 20,000 works of art. Most of the central area is closed off to the public, so be sure to book a tour to get in everywhere! There are many different tours to choose from.

7. Have aperitivo next to the Spanish Steps

The Spanish steps is one of the most visited and photographed attractions in the city. It was built between 1723 and 1725 and the 135 steps connect the Spanish Embassy with the Trinità dei Monti church. At the bottom of the Spanish Steps, there is Piazza di Spagna with the famous Fontana Della Barcaccia, dating back to the early Baroque period. To see this famous sight with as few people as possible it is best to come in the early morning. However, my favorite way to enjoy the view of the Spanish Steps is for aperitivo in the late afternoon. Make your way to Il Palazzetto just before 6 pm to get a table on the hotel’s beautiful patio overlooking the Spanish Steps. Order a drink or two and people watch for some time.

8. Admire the impressive building of Pantheon

This is a former Roman temple and it really reminds you of how ancient the city actually is, as it was constructed in the second century AD by the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It now serves as a church and the dome ceiling is the most impressive feature as it is more than 2000 years old. How did they build that thing? Since there is no glass covering the oculus in the center of the dome it often rains in, but because of an ingenious system of 22 well-hidden holes, the water quickly drains away. Find this impressive building at Piazza della Rotonda.

9. Try the famous pizza at Pizzarium Bonci

As soon as you step foot in Rome you will understand that you are in the capital of Pizza. There is pizza literally on every corner in Rome and there are so many different varieties to try. Roman style pizza, pizza al taglio, pizza Bianca, pinsere, YES A LOT. But the most famous pizzeria in all of Rome is Pizzarium Bonci. The restaurant was opened in 2003 by the famous chef Gabriel Bonci and is called the Michelangelo of Pizza for turning this earlier considered poor man’s food into art. In Pizzarium Bonci you will find the most creative toppings and the dough is famous throughout Rome. Since the pizza is sold in smaller squares, it’s perfect for ordering some different toppings to try. Be prepared for a queue though, as everyone wants to try this amazing pizza spot. But I definitely think it’s worth it!

10. Enjoy the lively ambiance at Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is Rome’s most characteristic and beautiful square, at least according to me. Here you can really get a feel for the charm of Rome as this square is outlined with several restaurants, bars, and gelaterias where street artists, musicians, and artists like to entertain. I wouldn’t recommend having a meal here but if you are ok with splurging a little you should sit down for an Aperol Spritz and people gaze for a while.

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These top 10 things to do in Rome will really give you the best introduction to the city. If you want some additional tips on things to do in Rome, check out my detailed 4-day itinerary here. This itinerary is packed with attractions to see and restaurants to visit!

If you have some more time to explore Italy, I highly suggest you to do a road trip in the Lazio region. See my detailed 2-week itinerary here.

Additional post about Rome:
Where To Stay In Rome
How To Get From Rome Airport To The City Center
Top 17 Regional Dishes To Try In Rome
Best Restaurants In Rome

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