Top Things To See And Do In Rome

Rome, one of the world’s top travel destinations, is amazing, with its priceless ancient attractions and archeological treasures, Roman empire history, art, architecture, and world-renowned food, there’s so much to see and do. From the iconic Colosseum, to the ruins of the ancient Roman Forum, the wonders of Vatican city, and more, the Eternal City is an open-air museum. This post covers the highlights of the top things to see and do in Rome.

Top Things To See And Do In Rome

The following are the top things to see and do in Rome.

The Colosseum

At the top of the list is the iconic Colosseum. Built in the 1st century AD, it was once the center of Rome.

The largest Roman amphitheater built, it seated about 50,000 spectators, who came here to watch gladiator fights, hunting exhibitions, executions, and other public spectacles.

The wooden floor, that once covered the area contestants and animals were kept, did not survive. The Italian government, however, is planning to rebuild it, as a retractable floor. Estimated completion is 2023.

How To Get To The Colosseum: The closest metro station is the Colosseo, on the Blue Line. Tickets include both the Colosseum and the Roman Forum and are valid for 24 hours. It’s best to purchase tickets in advance here.

Vatican City

An independent city-state, Vatican City is actually a separate country (the smallest in the world). It’s been independent of Italy since 1929, ruled by the temporal power of the pope, and is head of the worldwide Catholic Church. As with all the top sites in Rome, it’s best to buy your ticket in advance.

The top sites in Vatican City include the following.

St Peter’s Bascilica

Designed by Michelangelo, this is the largest church in the world. Built over the burial site of St. Peter, one of the 12 disciples, and home of the pope, it’s also the world’s most important Roman Catholic Church.

It’s interior is full of Renaissance and Baroque treasures, like Michelangelo’s Pieta, Bernini’s baldachin over the main alter, and more.

If you have time, don’t miss the spectacular view from the rooftop. The trip, up the elevator and many stairs, is a small fee and takes about an hour.

St. Peter’s Square

This massive plaza, in front of St. Peters bascilica, holds around 300,000 spectators, all in a hush of rapt attention when the pope speaks. The obelisk, at its center, brought to Rome by Emperor Caligula in the year 37, is from Egypt.

Vatican Museums

The Vatican museums are another must-see in Rome. They’re famous for Michelangelo‘s glorious Sistine Chapel frescoes, Raffaello Santi’s lavish Raphael Rooms, and the spectacular Spiral staircase, which is the exit of the museum.

How To Get To Vatican City: The easiest way is to take the metro (line A). Ottaviano is the closest station. You can also take the tram, bus (#64 from Rome), taxi, or walk. If walking the recommended route starts at Piazza Venezia. From there, follow via del Plebiscito to corso Vittorio Emanuele, then to via della Conciliazione. It will take about 45 minutes.

Dress Code For Vatican City: As in many religious buildings, dress should be respectful. Make sure to cover shoulders and knees. Also, men should not wear hats.

Pantheon

Built between 118 and 128 AD, the Pantheon is still magnificent today, almost 2,000 years later. Its concrete dome, once brilliantly covered in bronze, is a lasting testament to ancient Rome’s architectural feats. The world’s largest dome until the Duomo in Florence, it remains the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.

Originally a temple for Roman Emporer Hadrian, it was converted into a church, the Bascilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres, in the 7th century. Church services area still held there today.

How To Get To The Pantheon: The closest metro station is Barberini, which is about a 15-minute walk. It’s also about an 8-minute walk from Trevi Fountain.

Roman Forum

The ruins of the ancient Roman Forum, or public marketplace, lie right outside the Colossuem. This complex is where important religious, political, business, and social activites were held.

Surprisingly, the Forum sits alongside one of the busiest roads in Rome. A constant reminder of Rome’s magnificent past. Several important temples and monuments include the following.

Temple of Vesta

This temple was dedicated to Vesta, the virgin goddess of hearth, home, and family. A sacred eternal flame burned here, tended to by the Vestal Virgins. The flame symbolized Rome’s strength, safety, and prosperity.

Temple of Castor and Pollux

Only three columns remain of this 1st century AD temple dedicated to Castor and Pollux. It often served as a meeting place for the senate.

Arch of Titus

Constructed in the 1st century AD for emperor Titus by his brother Domitian. The interior panels depict the victory celebration of the fall of Jerusalem.

Arch of Septimius Severus

This arch is dedicated to Emperor Septimius Severus, and his victories, along with his two sons, against the Parthians.

Visiting the Roman Forum: You can easily spend a full day wandering the Forum and Colosseum (and surrounding areas). Tickets include both the Roman Forum and the Colosseum and are valid for 24 hours. As with everything here, it’s best to purchase tickets in advance.

How To Get To The Roman Forum: The metro station Colosseo is only a few steps away. You can also take the tram to Parco Celio (lines 3 and 8), or arrive via taxi. several buses also stop in the vicinity.

How To Get To Trevi Fountain: Located in the Trevi district, the closest metro is Barberini, which is about a 7-minute walk.

The Spanish Steps

These steps, built in the 1720’s, connect Trinita dei Monte church with the plaza below. Once adored by, and full of, tourists, it’s now illegal to sit on the steps as they’ve been classified as a cultural monument. It’s sad, but I guess I understand.

How To Get To The Spanish Steps: These steps are located about a 10-minute walk from Trevi Fountain. Spagna is the closest metro stop.

II Vittoriano

Built to honor King Emmanuel, the first King of Italy. You can take the elevator here to ’el Cielo sopra Roma’ for spectacular views of Rome.

How To Get To II Vittoriano: Located at Piazza Venezia Rome, about a 15-minute walk from metro station Colosseo. As it’s close to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, its good to combine with them.

Other Things To See And Do In Rome

If you have extra time in Rome, consider visiting a few museums or take a cooking class.

Art Museums

Some of the top museums include the following.

Galleria Borghese: Considered the best art collection in Rome, you can see a variety of works including Bernini, Caravaggio, Rubens, and Titian.

Capitoline Museums: Showcases some of the best Greek and Roman artifacts.

Castel Sant’Angelo: This 1,900 year old mausoleum-turned-fortress features a mix of Renaissance art and medieval weaponry.

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj: This beautifully decorated 15th century private residence has 500 paintings including works by Caravaggio, Titian, and Velazquez.

National Roman Museum: This museum, which is actually in 4 different locations, feautures archeological findings from pre- and early Roman history.

MAXXI Museum: This museum, designed by famed Zaha Hadid, features 21st century Roman art.

Banksy Exhibit: When I was in Rome, there was a fabulous Banksy exhibit.

Take A Cooking Class

With Rome’s world renowned cuisine, I think this is a must-do, but realize time is limited with so much to offer in Italy.

I took a class with Cook With Us in Rome and it was amazing! We made cavatelli and ravioli from scratch, as well as artichokes and stuffed zucchini blossoms. I couldn’t believe how quickly they had me making pasta. Especially as a first-timer!

Other Top Spots in Italy

Florence, with its iconic Duomo, and outstanding Renaissance Art, less than a 3 hour drive north of Rome, is a must-visit.

Heading even farther north, you can visit, and hike, between the 5 charming towns of Cinque Terre. The vistas from each city are spectacular. Combine this with small-town Italian charm and fantastic food, and it’s an amazing place to spend a few days. If you find these 5 cities too crowded, try Portovenere, just a short drive south.

Not far from Cinque Terre is the port town of Genoa. This melting pot city was the birthplace of both Christopher Columbus and Pesto Pasta, which I thought I didn’t like until I tried its AUTHENTIC version.

Heading south of Rome, the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, are less than a three hour drive. Some of the world’s top archeological sites, it’s fascinating to wander the streets and homes frozen in time almost 2,000 years ago.

South of Pompeii, highlights include the idyllic beauty of the famed Amalfi coast. And, from there, the jaw-dropping beauty of Capri and its Blue Grotto, is just a ferry ride away.

And Sicily, off the tip of Italy’s boot, is full a fascinating cities and sites. While the lovely Aeolian islands are scattered north of it. They’re fun to ferry between and explore one-by-one. I explored a few and hiked up the volcanic island of Stromboli.

On Italy’s east coast, Venice is a top highlight. I loved wandering its lovely canals and side streets. And became fascinated watching the gondoliers gliding along the canals.

To see all the highlights of Italy, as well as understand how to get around, safety, scams, logistics, and more, to help you plan your trip, see my Italy Travel Guide.