10 Awesome Things To Do in Rome, Italy [with Suggested Tours]
Are you planning to travel to Rome, Italy soon? Read our tips below on the things to do in Rome with suggested tours!
A whole week wouldn’t be enough to visit all the popular attractions of Rome, taste the mouthwatering Italian cuisine, and enjoying a cup of espresso. Being one of the most popular capitals in the world, are you ready to find out the awesome things to do in Rome, Italy?
Rome is undeniably stunning, from its rich ancient culture, must try pizzas and coffees or just experiencing a touch of Europe. This city definitely deserves a place on your bucket list.
List of Best Things to do in Rome, Italy
1. Experience the historic places like Colosseo, Roman Foro, and Palatino
When we say Rome, these are the first things that will come to anyone’s mind. These are the top attractions you shouldn’t miss when you visit this city. Located just a 5-minute walk from Piazza Venezia, these amazing ancient infrastructures will greet you hello and leave your jaw dropped.
Suggested Tour: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Priority Access Guide
2. Get on to your food porn mode and try the real Italian Cuisine
Who doesn’t like Italian cuisines? Pizza? Pasta? Ice cream? Or coffee? There’s no way that you will leave Italy without trying these remarkably Italian dishes. Even if you eat pizza for consecutive days since there are endless options, you will not get tired of it. Even the simplest toppings of pizza will satisfy you.
Where to get these foods: Pizza restaurant is in every corner of the city. You wouldn’t have to take long walks and stand long queues to have your most awaited food. Any restaurant will offer your dream pasta dish, satisfying gelato, and hot espresso.
3. Shopping along Via Del Corso
Via Del Corso has all boutiques you will ask for. From the cheapest to high-end brands. You can find almost everything on this heaven-like road. In this city, discounts are the real deal, when it says 70% off, you get 70% off. Don’t be afraid of buying a local shoe brand. Italians also love fashion as much as you do, expect great designs and good quality from any store!
4. Be stunned by the beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican Museums
Either you’re a Catholic or not, this place should be on your bucket list. This fascinating church is no ordinary one. Not only that but it also serves as a museum where they kept all the magnificent history of Catholicism. However, the queue is unbelievably long but nevertheless, the charming it offers is priceless.
Suggested Tour: Best of the Vatican 3-Hour Small-Group Tour
5. Throw a coin in Trevi Fountain and Make a Wish
This legend is very famous not only in Italy but in the whole world. It was never proven if it’s true but the tradition is still alive. There are three main reasons why people throw coins here, first is to ensure that you will be back in Rome. The second is to ensure a new romance and the third is the insurance for marriage. Remember to stand having your back against the fountain then throw the coin over your right shoulder.
Suggested Tour: Rome: Fountains and Squares Guided Walking Tour
6. Take a walk in Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna and Pantheon
Standing atop of Piazza di Spagna will give you a wonderful overview of the city. From here, you will see plenty of domes. Try walking down to the Spanish steps and take a break from a warm day with the other tourists. Meanwhile, Pantheon is one of a kind for its open ceiling, this Church is pretty interesting because this is one of the oldest domes around Rome.
Suggested Tour: Rome: Highlights City Walking Tour
7. Take the Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus
This is one of the most convenient ways to go around Rome. This bus is specially designed for tourism purposes. The bus will comfortably take you to the most popular tourist attractions around the city. You can just hop in and off whenever and wherever you want. It has a multi-lingual tour guide explaining each attraction, so your journey will be at ease. The bus drives often, so you don’t need to worry about getting stuck in one place.
Suggested Tour: City Sightseeing Rome Hop-on Hop-off Bus & Free Audio Tour
8. Explore Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Founded in 432 AD, this is where the famous architect Bernini is buried. It is a very large and beautiful basilica in the Esquiline district. You feel really small when you’re inside. It is a mix of architectural styles and historical eras ranging from the fifth century to the eighteenth century. The gilded coffered ceiling of the church is bright and warm, while the canopy and the altar are sumptuous.
Suggested Tour: Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Tour
9. Wander Around the Piazza Navona
The symbolic square of Rome, a mix of elegance and the magic of time that has stopped. Piazza Navona is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Rome. It occupies the track of the ancient “Stadium of Domitian”. Walking around Piazza Navona means reliving history; the obelisk, the Bernini fountain, Palazzo Pamphili, the Moro fountain, and the Neptune fountain.
10. Be Amazed by the Arts in Galleria Borghese
Galleria Borghese is absolutely beautiful. The visit is structured on two floors, on the ground floor there are all paintings and sculptures, from Bernini to Caravaggio. The first floor has 4 main rooms with protagonists and Roman art in all its glory. To go here, you have to book on the internet or directly outside the villa where there are two wooden bungalows with the ticket office.
Suggested Tour: Borghese Gallery Ticket with Escorted Entrance
11. Find accommodation in Rome, Italy
Where to stay in Rome, Italy
Budget Hotel
Situated conveniently in the Central Station district of Rome, VolturnoGuestHouse2 is set less than 1 km from Santa Maria Maggiore, 900 m from Piazza Barberini, and 1.1 km from the Sapienza University of Rome. The nearest airport is Rome Ciampino Airport which is 14 km from the hostel.
Price: Starts at $24 per night for , add $8 for taxes and charges, and it offers a free cancellation.
Luxury Hotel
Hotel De Russie is located on Via Del Babuino. It has views over Piazza del Popolo. It also features a peaceful garden, a gourmet restaurant, and spacious, elegant rooms. The bedrooms have a mix of classic and contemporary styles and offer city or garden views. Each comes with air conditioning, a minibar, and satellite TV. Le Jardin De Russie restaurant fuses traditional Roman cuisine with international flavors, served in the garden in fine weather. Furthermore, Guests can relax in the wellness center, which offers a sauna, Turkish bath, and salt-water hydromassage pool.
Price: Starts at $1,256 per night for , add $16 for taxes and charges, $52 for breakfast, and it offers a free cancellation.
These are the possible things you can do in Rome, Italy. So if you are ready to have a fun and exciting trip, you know what to do and where to go! So pack your things now and prepare yourself for a wonderful adventure in Rome.
How to go to Rome, Italy from London
Via EasyJet: (One way)
*From London Luton – Rome Fiumicino
Ticket Price: £46.17
Via Ryanair: (One way)
*From London Stansted – Rome Ciampino
Ticket Price: £51.43
*Prices are subject to change. You can visit Skyscanner for more details about the ticket prices.
About the Writer
Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.
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Rome is a really great city. Must surely visit anyone. Thanks.
I’m surely gonna visit Rome, visit the Colosseo, Roman Foro and throw a coin in Trevi Fountain and make a wish to travel the world.
Those are the perfect things to do in Rome Shifi <3 Happy travels 🙂
Yes of course
I will surely check the architecture and food offerings in Rome.
YES! Because that’s what makes Rome so magical 🙂
Rome has one of the best architecture. Definitely must check in the city
That’s right Katrina 🙂
Would definitely not missed to take a walk in Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna and Pantheon.
Oh! that’s perfect Kamah <3
Have a great belief on Trevi Fountain. Haha. have to throw many coins
hahaha! Hilarious! So better save up some pennies 🙂
Staying for a week is definitely not enough for me. A lot of things to see and do in Rome.
That’ right Leah 🙂 Any plans of coming back to Rome?
Italy is one of my ultimate dream destinations and hopefully one day I get to visit everything mentioned here. I’d love to see the popular sites but also visit the hidden gems.
I’m sure you’ll be able to visit Rome one day Louisa 🙂 Looking forward to your journey their 🙂
Oh my gosh you just brought back memories from my trip to Rome. We did everything but the hop on hop off tour as we like to walk and explore the city when we travel. Beautiful photos 🙂
Oh, Really great to hear that Kusum 🙂
I visited Rome a long time ago, when I was a kid,so I don’t really remember the places. I am so impressed of the scenery in the pictures it makes me wanna book a flight right now!
hahaha! Thanks Kalliopi 🙂 looking forward to your next visit to Rome <3
I was in Rome last summer – I loved the Spanish Steps too, so pretty and chilled out. I need to go back there!
Spanish Steps are one of the best there! <3
Rome, one of the wonderful cities in the world. I visited sometimes ago, and seeing and reading your post bring me back to the city.
That’s great Rose 🙂 hope you can visit Rome again soon <3
I’ve only experienced the historic places the rest I didn’t do. I’ll be sure to do them next time.
Oh! and don’t forget to try their authentic Italian food! 🙂
This is definitely a post I will bookmark since I always wanted to visit Rome and I will soon. Beautiful pictures, that dessert looks yummy
Yay! Thanks Nya 🙂 really glad that you like this 🙂 Happy travels 🙂
Ahh reading this post hungry is not fair! Italian food is my favourite and your pictures are making me hungry! haha but seriously Rome is a city I’ve always wanted to visit so I’ll definitely be bookmarking this post to re-read before I visit!
oh, Thank you so much Freya 🙂 haha! Italian food are the Best! Looking forward to your future visit in Rome 🙂
That dessert with Stick-o at #2 looks good! They have beautiful sights. I would like to visit this place someday.
GELATO <3 couldn't agree more 🙂
Ooooo I would love to visit Rome one day!!!! I’m just loving all of your photos. Hopefully I make it there one day!
Thank you so much CourtneyLynne. so glad that you like this post 🙂
Wow! Thanks for reviving the memories I had developed when I was in Rome. I have done all of this but would love to visit the city again.
Wow! How was your trip there Fatima? 🙂
These are some fun ideas. I’d like to visit this place some day. Definitely on my bucket list!
That’s great Dreammerin 🙂 Hope you can visit Rome soon <3
You did cover the most of the things to do in Rome for a first visit. You need a lot of time to explore the whole Rome, I have been there 7 years in a row and still didn’t manage to see it all. 🙂
Well, you better start exploring Rome now Joanna. Hope this itinerary can help you with that 🙂
It is always amazing to see the simplicity of real Italian pizza and just totally engross oneself into the Italian landscape and culture.?
Yes JJ! It’s so breathtaking seeing those in person 🙂
I would love the visit Rome one day!! It will always be on my bucket list!
Hope you can visit Rome soon Emma 🙂 I’m sure you’ll love it there 🙂
I’ve always wanted to visit Rome, Italian food is my favourite!
I’m sure you’ll love the authentic Italian food there Freya 🙂
If I go to Rome, first thing I do is to try authentic Italian cuisine. The places you’ve shown in photos look crowded with people as expected of tourist spots. Hoping to visit Italy too 🙂
Rome’s Italian Cuisine is the BEST! Hope you can visit Rome soon <3
My parents went here for their 25th anniversary and loved it. I have always wanted to go, definitely on my bucket list!
Looking forward to that Idaintyit 🙂 Rome is really a must visit <3
My family is Italian and Rome is an item on my bucket list. I am going to save this list for when I am able to travel there. Thank you!
Really glad you like it Lana 🙂 Looking forward to your trip to Rome 🙂
Would love to visit rome one day, this post makes me want to visit even more!
Your post made me wanting a Roman Holiday. The Pantheon is definitely in my bucket list. Lovely photos!!!
that is one of the top places I want to go to on my travel bucket list! looks so beautiful, with great views of landscape, buildings, and history dating from far back… love it!
It would be my dream to go to Italy one day, I have always wanted to visit the museums and experience the amazing culture and food! So exciting!
I really need to go to Italy one day very soon. I know that I would just love every second of it.
I absolutely love Rome, I have been there so many times that I can’t count anymore. I wouldn’t really shop on via del Corso as it is really, really expensive. I would replace this on your list with a visit to Trastevere, for a quiet, local Rome, away from the crows of tourists and with plenty of really delicious restaurants to try out. 🙂
What a refersher! I have been to Rome and have done all of this. It was amazing being there.
I really don’t understand when some people say things like “Rome is not really my scene”. How can beauty not be your scene? It’s so nice there and so much to see. Plus the food is so delicious, I could gain a million pounds if I lived there.
These are some really fun ideas. I’d really like to visit some day. I’d do a ton of exploring.
I’m so glad I came across this, my mum and aunt are visiting Rome in October so I will need to show them your post. Very informative and your pictures are great!
Rome is so amazing! Our visit was just 12 hours during a cruise stop and we squeezed all of this in – talk about a whirlwind!
Rome is such a cool combination of past and present……..Rome always has to be one of the must-visit travel destinations in Europe…….although there are so many wonderful and exciting things to do and see in this glorious city in Italy, these 7 awesome things stand out and one have to do these activities to have best out of his or her Rome trip…