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Discover Rome: Eternal City of Ancient Wonders and Timeless Things to Do

From the Colosseum and Vatican to Trastevere’s backstreets, explore the best things to do in Rome, Italy — iconic attractions, world-class food, and 2,500 years of history.

Tourism Tickets » Italy » Rome

Neighborhoods

Centro Storico, Trastevere, Monti

Vaticano/Prati, Testaccio, Esquilino

Centro Storico for first-time visitors

Signature Sights

Marvel at the Colosseum and Roman Forum, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, gaze up inside the Pantheon, and cross the river to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica before getting lost in Trastevere’s lamp-lit lanes.

Best Time Windows

Spring (Apr–Jun) and autumn (Sep–Oct) bring warm, comfortable weather and the best sightseeing conditions. Summer is hot and busy but lively, while winter offers the thinnest crowds, lower prices, and mild Mediterranean days.

Getting Around

The metro (Lines A, B and C) is quick for longer hops

Roma Pass includes transport plus attraction entry

The historic centre is best explored on foot

Food & Nightlife

Cacio e pepe, carbonara, supplì, and Roman-Jewish classics

Trastevere, Testaccio, and Monti dining districts

Aperitivo bars, wine cellars, and lively piazza nightlife

Seasonal Highlights

Spring blooms on the Spanish Steps and alfresco dining

Summer open-air opera, festivals, and long warm evenings

Winter nativity scenes, Christmas markets, and quiet ruins

Side Trips

Tivoli’s villas, Ostia Antica, Castelli Romani

Pompeii and Naples by high-speed train

Florence and Orvieto for a day in Tuscany & Umbria

Famous Rome City spots

Rome Tourism

Colosseum > Tickets
vaticani museum cappella sistina tickets

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel > Tickets
Basilica San Pietro Rome

St. Peter's Basilica > Tickets
Cinecitta World > Tickets

Cinecitta World > Tickets
Villa Gregoriana > Tickets

Villa Gregoriana > Tickets

Things to Do in Rome

Ancient Rome & Imperial Ruins

Step back 2,000 years at the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, then descend into the ancient Catacombs and walk the Appian Way. Rome's ancient core is the world's greatest open-air museum, where gladiators once fought and emperors ruled.

Vatican City, Art & Masterpieces

Stand beneath Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling, explore the vast Vatican Museums, and climb the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. Rome also guards Caravaggio canvases and Bernini sculptures in churches and the Borghese Gallery, making it one of Europe's richest artistic cities.

Piazzas, Fountains & Iconic Landmarks

Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, climb the Spanish Steps, gaze up inside the Pantheon's perfect dome, and people-watch in Piazza Navona. Rome's squares and Baroque fountains are free to enjoy and utterly magical after dark.

Roman Food, Markets & Aperitivo

Twirl cacio e pepe and carbonara, sample supplì and Roman-Jewish fried artichokes, and graze the Campo de' Fiori and Testaccio food markets. After dark, enjoy aperitivo, wine bars, and gelato in the lively piazzas of Trastevere and Monti.

Neighbourhoods, Views & River Walks

Wander Trastevere's cobbled lanes, watch the sunset from the Gianicolo and Pincio terraces, and stroll the Tiber's riverside paths. Rome rewards aimless walking just as much as its ticketed sights and monuments.

Rome Neighborhoods

Centro Storico (Historic Centre)

Rome's historic heart packs the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain into a maze of cobbled lanes. Stay here to walk to most major sights, though expect higher prices and lively crowds both day and night.

Trastevere

Across the Tiber, Trastevere charms with ivy-clad alleys, artisan workshops, and some of Rome's best trattorias and nightlife. Atmospheric and authentic, it's ideal for travellers who want character and great food right on the doorstep.

Monti

Tucked between the Colosseum and Termini, Monti is Rome's hip urban village of vintage boutiques, wine bars, and a buzzing central piazza. Central yet local, it's perfect for visitors seeking style without the heaviest tourist crowds.

Vaticano & Prati

Bordering Vatican City, elegant Prati offers wide boulevards, excellent shopping, and easy access to St. Peter's and the Vatican Museums. Quieter and residential, it's a calm, well-connected base just a short metro ride from the centre.

Testaccio

Once home to Rome's slaughterhouse, Testaccio is now the city's culinary soul, with a beloved food market, classic Roman eateries, and lively late-night bars. Largely free of tourists, it's a favourite among serious food lovers.

Esquilino & Termini

Home to Rome's main train station and the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Esquilino is the city's most multicultural quarter. Budget-friendly and superbly connected, it suits travellers who prioritise transport links and value.

How to Get to Rome

Rome is served by Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO), Italy's largest airport, located around 32 km southwest of the centre, plus the smaller Ciampino Airport (CIA) used mainly by low-cost carriers. Getting from the airport to the city:

  • Leonardo Express Non-stop train from Fiumicino to Roma Termini (about 32 minutes)
  • Regional FL1 Train Connects Fiumicino to Trastevere, Ostiense, and Tiburtina stations
  • Airport Shuttle Bus Budget coaches from both airports to Termini (45–60 minutes)
  • Taxi Fixed fare to the city centre, roughly 45–55 minutes depending on traffic

Rome is the hub of Italy's rail network, with frequent high-speed Frecciarossa and Italo services linking the city to destinations nationwide. Main station: Roma Termini

  • Florence to Rome (approximately 1.5 hours by high-speed train)
  • Naples to Rome (approximately 1 hour 10 minutes)
  • Venice to Rome (approximately 3.5–4 hours)
  • Milan to Rome (approximately 3 hours)

Long-distance coach services connect Rome with cities throughout Italy and across neighbouring European countries.

  • Main bus station Autostazione Roma Tibus (Tiburtina)
  • Operators such as FlixBus connect Rome with cities across Italy and Europe, often at the lowest fares.
Visit Rome

Rome sits at the centre of Italy's motorway network, with the A1 Autostrada and the GRA ring road making road travel straightforward from across the country.

  • Typical driving times Naples: 2.5 hours Florence: 3 hours Bologna: 4 hours Milan: 6 hours
  • Rome's historic centre is a restricted traffic zone (ZTL) where parking is limited and expensive.
  • Most visitors find it easier to park outside the centre and use public transport or walk.

Plan your perfect Rome City itinerary

Rome in 3 Days

We recommend: Rome in 3 Days

  • Cover the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, St. Peter's, and the Pantheon
  • Balance ancient ruins, Baroque squares, and great food at a manageable pace
  • Ideal for first-time visitors wanting Rome's essential highlights

Ancient Rome Itinerary

We recommend: Ancient Rome Itinerary

  • Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Pantheon
  • Add the Capitoline Museums, the Appian Way, and the ancient Catacombs
  • Perfect for history lovers tracing the rise of the Roman Empire

Rome Food & Neighbourhoods

We recommend: Rome Lifestyle Itinerary

  • Eat your way through Trastevere, Testaccio, and Monti
  • Browse Campo de' Fiori and Testaccio markets and enjoy evening aperitivo
  • Ideal for travellers chasing authentic Roman flavours

Beyond Rome: Lazio & Beyond Day Trips

We recommend: Best Day Trips from Rome

  • Discover Tivoli, Ostia Antica, Pompeii, and the Castelli Romani
  • Combine ancient sites, Renaissance gardens, and the Roman coast
  • Perfect for extending your Rome trip with memorable regional gems

Vatican & Art Itinerary

We recommend: Vatican & Masterpieces Itinerary

  • Visit the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica
  • Seek out Caravaggio and Bernini masterpieces and the Borghese Gallery
  • Great for art and architecture enthusiasts

Beyond Rome City: Best Day Trips & Nearby Escapes

Tivoli

Just an hour from Rome, Tivoli is famed for two UNESCO villas: the lavish Renaissance gardens and fountains of Villa d'Este and the sprawling ruins of Emperor Hadrian's Villa. A perfect blend of nature and ancient history.

Ostia Antica

Rome's remarkably preserved ancient port lies just 30 minutes away. Wander complete streets, mosaics, baths, and a Roman amphitheatre with a fraction of Pompeii's crowds — one of Italy's most underrated archaeological sites.

Pompeii & Naples

Take a high-speed train south to explore the haunting ruins of Pompeii, frozen in time by Vesuvius in 79 AD, and the lively city of Naples, birthplace of pizza. A long but rewarding day trip from Rome.

Castelli Romani

In the hills southeast of Rome, the Castelli Romani towns offer volcanic lakes, the papal palace at Castel Gandolfo, and crisp Frascati wine. A relaxed escape into the countryside and local food traditions.

Visit Rome

Florence

Reachable in about 1.5 hours by high-speed train, Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance, home to the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and Michelangelo's David. An ambitious but unforgettable day trip.

Orvieto

Perched dramatically on a volcanic plateau in Umbria, Orvieto dazzles with its striped Gothic cathedral, underground caves, and crisp white wine — an easy, scenic stop on the Rome–Florence rail line.

FAQs About Visiting Rome

What is the best time to visit Rome?

The best time to visit Rome is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is warm and crowds are smaller than in peak summer. Summer is hot and busy, while winter brings fewer tourists, lower prices, and mild days ideal for sightseeing.

How many days do you need in Rome?

Most travellers find that 3 to 4 days in Rome is enough to see the major attractions such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon. Staying longer leaves time for day trips to Tivoli, Ostia Antica, or Pompeii.

What are the top attractions to visit in Rome?

Rome's top attractions include the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Borghese Gallery. They showcase the city's ancient, artistic, and Baroque heritage.

What are the best things to do in Rome?

The best things to do in Rome include visiting the Colosseum and Roman Forum, exploring the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica, tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, admiring the Pantheon, and wandering the lively streets of Trastevere. Rome blends ancient history, world-class art, and incredible food.

What is the best way to get around Rome?

Rome's historic centre is compact and best explored on foot. For longer distances, the metro (Lines A, B and C), trams, and buses are efficient and affordable. The Roma Pass combines public transport with entry to major attractions, offering great value for visitors.

Do I need to book Rome attractions in advance?

Yes. Popular Rome attractions such as the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Borghese Gallery frequently sell out, especially in spring and summer. Booking timed-entry tickets in advance is strongly recommended to skip long queues and secure your preferred date and time.

What are the best day trips from Rome?

Some of the most popular day trips from Rome include Tivoli, Ostia Antica, the Castelli Romani, and Pompeii and Naples, with Florence and Orvieto reachable by high-speed train. They offer a mix of ancient ruins, gardens, hill towns, and coastal scenery.

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