Things to Do in Rome: Must-See Sights, Hidden Gems, and Local Tips
Rome can be an unforgettable destination. To help you navigate, we highlight the best places to visit in Rome, starting the very moment you arrive. As soon as you step off the train at Rome’s central station, you will see something completely unexpected — a 2000-year-old ancient ruin right next door to an ordinary pizzeria, as if nothing could be wrong with this.
Indeed, there are so many things to do in Rome, and this guide combines firsthand experiences from FREETOUR.com’s efforts to connect travelers with local guides. This way, you can get Rome sightseeing walks, insider views from locals who have spent years living in this city. For example, what to look for in terms of historical sites, how to find hidden gems, practical suggestions for what can be skipped, and what is worthwhile waiting in line for. No useless information here, just real help for your trip to Rome.
Figuring out what to do in Rome first depends entirely on your interests and how many days you have. So, before we get started, consider using this chart for your priority list:
The rest of this guide will be based on where you are going from here.
Rome is an enormous city. Seeing the Vatican and the Colosseum on the same day would be too much for many people. So, grouping the places to go in Rome by neighborhood (one area in the morning, another in the afternoon) makes a huge difference.
Why visit: It is the obvious must-see in Rome. The three locations (the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum) form a single archaeological site that was the center of the Roman Empire at its peak. One ticket covers all three spots, so you just walk between them without buying anything extra.
What to notice: There are many things to observe. But many visitors simply walk quickly through the Roman Forum in order to get to another attraction. Don’t do that. Look for the Temple of Saturn as well as the Rostra, which was the podium from which politicians spoke to crowds of Roman citizens. It will be easier to imagine while standing in those locations. And the Colosseum is bigger than it looks in photos. What’s more, on Palatine Hill, you are literally walking where emperors lived.
Practical note: Since you are purchasing a combined ticket to see all three attractions, consider buying skip-the-line tickets early, as they tend to sell out by the end of the day, especially during the Spring/Summer months. If possible, try to enter these attractions first thing in the morning.
Why visit: It is Rome’s Baroque art capital. Almost every view is of something created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (the fountains, churches’ exterior designs, the dramatic layout of public areas).
What to notice: In the Pantheon, there has been a hole in the ceiling open to the sky for 2,000 years, and rain just falls in. When you are at the Trevi Fountain, just look at the sculptures. In Piazza Navona, the central fountain by Bernini represents four continents.
Practical note: Due to new restrictions on timed-entry bookings, you will no longer be able to enter the Pantheon without advance booking with timed entry. For the Trevi Fountain, there is really only one piece of practical information — go to the fountain before 7 am if you want to take photos without a crowd of people.
Why visit: There is no other place with such a high concentration of the best examples of Renaissance architecture and sacred art in existence. You could travel around the world and still not find anything equal to what you will find inside St. Peter's Basilica (especially if you climb up into the magnificent dome designed by Michelangelo).
What to notice: Walking through St. Peter's Basilica, you will be surprised by how large everything feels (even though it was obvious from the exterior that it would be big). After seeing the Sistine Chapel, take time walking back across Ponte Sant'Angelo (the Angel Bridge). Each of the four angels standing guard along each side of the bridge is uniquely carved with its own story. Also, you can’t miss the beauty as the sun sets behind these figures over the Tiber River.
Practical note: You will need at least a morning and afternoon, but better to plan a full day. While traveling around the Prati neighborhood, you can discover that the area directly north of Vatican City has far fewer tourists. It is also a much quieter place to enjoy your lunch and get some real Italian food at reasonable prices.
Why visit: These two neighborhood areas are geographically close but appear as two completely separate cities. Together, these areas span almost two thousand years of historical layers in an incredibly small geographic space.
What to notice: In the Jewish Ghetto, there is a semi-circular, ancient (built circa 13 CE), and somewhat overlooked, theater called Teatro Marcello. Most tourists walk right over it. It pre-dates the Colosseum by nearly a century and today still contains living quarters on the top floors and people live here. Trastevere, the main square, gets packed early. If you really want to dine somewhere decent, walk off the beaten path one or two streets away from the central square.
Practical note: The best time to explore the Jewish Ghetto is during the day. Trastevere makes its mark in the evening. So, plan your afternoon around traveling between both neighborhoods.
Been to Rome before and already seen all of the big things? The good news is that there is a whole other side to the city that most tourists will not find. There are non-touristy things to do in Rome, where you will actually be able to find something interesting.
It is somewhat surreal to hear a member of the original Palazzo Doria Pamphilj family provide the audio tour for this museum. And while the Palazzo contains several very impressive and serious works of art, notably a Velázquez portrait that the artist considered his finest creation, it remains relatively unvisited and rarely has lines.
Every visitor who sees the Baths of Caracalla for the first time is consistently caught off guard by the sheer scale of the baths themselves. At its peak, it could accommodate approximately 1500 bathers at one time with heated spaces, cold plunge pools, libraries, and large open garden areas. In many locations, what remains today are walls ten stories high. It provides a distinct feeling for the engineering accomplishments of Rome that can’t be found anywhere else.
This is one of the oldest Roman streets. The Appian Way was first laid down in 312 BCE, but many of the original stone slabs remain intact along various portions. To truly feel as if you are experiencing history firsthand, rent a bicycle on a Sunday morning (the street is closed to automobiles). Along this route, you will be able to see ancient catacombs and decaying mausoleums, and pass under several ancient Roman aqueduct arches for miles. Although you are physically still within Rome, your sense of being removed from the hustle and bustle of the city is quite pronounced.
Many visitors speed through this quaint little district without giving much thought to what they are passing by. Quartiere Coppedè is an area consisting of Art Nouveau-inspired homes, developed during the early part of the last century. These homes blend aspects of both fairy-tales from medieval times, with an element that is difficult to describe. In each home, there are carved archways, mythological creatures adorning each wall, asymmetrical towers, and a large frog fountain. There are approximately thirty minutes' worth of walking time to travel through this district, free admission, and nice photography spots.
For sunset views with less competition from tourists, many Romans visit the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) overlooking Trastevere. The Orange Garden has a large open-air viewing area overlooking Saint Peter’s Basilica, which sits far off into the distance as one watches the orange hues of sunset. Before leaving this place, seek out the Knights of Malta Keyhole located just down the street: if you peer into the keyhole, you will see the top of St. Peter's perfectly framed by hedges at the end of a very long garden tunnel. It is one of Rome’s best-kept secrets, but few know about it.
Rome can be very pricey for most things. But surprisingly enough, Rome has an amazing number of "free" activities as well. So, where to go in Rome if you try to save money?
Rome offers many opportunities to enjoy as a young adult and/or first-time visitor that are less likely to show up on a traditional tourist itinerary:
The two days are short, but with some organization, you could accomplish an impressive number of things while avoiding the feeling that you were running through everything.
Got some extra time? These 3 easy day trips will be worth your while:
What are the must-see sights in Rome for a first visit?
There are 4 key sights that you must visit as a traveler visiting Rome for the first time. These are: the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Vatican (Vatican City), and Trastevere.
How many days do you need in Rome?
Two days is the bare minimum, while three to four days allows enough time to really experience what Rome has to offer. Five or more days would be ideal, allowing you to take your time exploring each area rather than simply checking off the tourist sites.
What is the best way to see Rome without rushing?
Group sights by neighborhood and walk between them. An early morning walk through the historic centre before the day's crowds arrive is consistently the best thing you can do — quieter streets, better light, and you can actually stop and look at things.
What are the best non-touristy places to visit in Rome?
Coppedè, Via Appia Antica, Aventine Hill — these all have their own unique qualities which are missing from the main tourist trail. Also, Palazzo Doria Pamphilj is a great place to visit and often gets overlooked despite being close to central Rome.
Do I need to book tickets for Rome attractions in advance?
Yes. During the peak season (April through October), you should book timed-entry tickets for the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Pantheon well in advance — at least 2-3 weeks.
Is Rome a walkable city?
Yes, particularly within the historic center. However, the cobblestone streets may punish your feet far worse than it looks like. We recommend planning up to 10 km of walking each day and wearing appropriate shoes for walking.
What are the best free things to do in Rome?
Walking the piazzas in Centro Storico, visiting the gardens at Villa Borghese, entering major basilicas, viewing the Roman Forum from Via dei Fori Imperiali, or taking a pay-what-you-want guided walking tour.
Traveling is about seeing new places, but it can be even better when there is an explanation behind where you are standing or what you are looking at. A local tour guide will give you a whole new appreciation for Rome as soon as they explain the history that you are surrounded by.
At FREETOUR.com, we offer free tours to help match tourists with local guides who have lived in Rome their entire lives. Choose the tour you like and book it online. The process is easy, and it is the best way to experience Rome without having to do all the planning yourself.
Indeed, there are so many things to do in Rome, and this guide combines firsthand experiences from FREETOUR.com’s efforts to connect travelers with local guides. This way, you can get Rome sightseeing walks, insider views from locals who have spent years living in this city. For example, what to look for in terms of historical sites, how to find hidden gems, practical suggestions for what can be skipped, and what is worthwhile waiting in line for. No useless information here, just real help for your trip to Rome.
What Not to Miss in Rome: A Quick Answer
Figuring out what to do in Rome first depends entirely on your interests and how many days you have. So, before we get started, consider using this chart for your priority list:
| Priority | What to See |
| First visit to Rome | Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill |
| Iconic historic centre walk | Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps |
| Art and papal history | Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica |
| Local atmosphere | Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto |
| Quiet alternative to major sights | Palazzo Doria Pamphilj or Baths of Caracalla |
| Outdoor escape | Villa Borghese or the Appian Way |
The rest of this guide will be based on where you are going from here.
Rome Sightseeing by Neighborhood: The Best Route to Take
Rome is an enormous city. Seeing the Vatican and the Colosseum on the same day would be too much for many people. So, grouping the places to go in Rome by neighborhood (one area in the morning, another in the afternoon) makes a huge difference.
Ancient Rome: The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
Why visit: It is the obvious must-see in Rome. The three locations (the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum) form a single archaeological site that was the center of the Roman Empire at its peak. One ticket covers all three spots, so you just walk between them without buying anything extra.
What to notice: There are many things to observe. But many visitors simply walk quickly through the Roman Forum in order to get to another attraction. Don’t do that. Look for the Temple of Saturn as well as the Rostra, which was the podium from which politicians spoke to crowds of Roman citizens. It will be easier to imagine while standing in those locations. And the Colosseum is bigger than it looks in photos. What’s more, on Palatine Hill, you are literally walking where emperors lived.
Practical note: Since you are purchasing a combined ticket to see all three attractions, consider buying skip-the-line tickets early, as they tend to sell out by the end of the day, especially during the Spring/Summer months. If possible, try to enter these attractions first thing in the morning.
Centro Storico: Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain
Why visit: It is Rome’s Baroque art capital. Almost every view is of something created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (the fountains, churches’ exterior designs, the dramatic layout of public areas).
What to notice: In the Pantheon, there has been a hole in the ceiling open to the sky for 2,000 years, and rain just falls in. When you are at the Trevi Fountain, just look at the sculptures. In Piazza Navona, the central fountain by Bernini represents four continents.
Practical note: Due to new restrictions on timed-entry bookings, you will no longer be able to enter the Pantheon without advance booking with timed entry. For the Trevi Fountain, there is really only one piece of practical information — go to the fountain before 7 am if you want to take photos without a crowd of people.
The Vatican and Prati: St. Peter's Basilica to Castel Sant'Angelo
Why visit: There is no other place with such a high concentration of the best examples of Renaissance architecture and sacred art in existence. You could travel around the world and still not find anything equal to what you will find inside St. Peter's Basilica (especially if you climb up into the magnificent dome designed by Michelangelo).
What to notice: Walking through St. Peter's Basilica, you will be surprised by how large everything feels (even though it was obvious from the exterior that it would be big). After seeing the Sistine Chapel, take time walking back across Ponte Sant'Angelo (the Angel Bridge). Each of the four angels standing guard along each side of the bridge is uniquely carved with its own story. Also, you can’t miss the beauty as the sun sets behind these figures over the Tiber River.
Practical note: You will need at least a morning and afternoon, but better to plan a full day. While traveling around the Prati neighborhood, you can discover that the area directly north of Vatican City has far fewer tourists. It is also a much quieter place to enjoy your lunch and get some real Italian food at reasonable prices.
Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto
Why visit: These two neighborhood areas are geographically close but appear as two completely separate cities. Together, these areas span almost two thousand years of historical layers in an incredibly small geographic space.
What to notice: In the Jewish Ghetto, there is a semi-circular, ancient (built circa 13 CE), and somewhat overlooked, theater called Teatro Marcello. Most tourists walk right over it. It pre-dates the Colosseum by nearly a century and today still contains living quarters on the top floors and people live here. Trastevere, the main square, gets packed early. If you really want to dine somewhere decent, walk off the beaten path one or two streets away from the central square.
Practical note: The best time to explore the Jewish Ghetto is during the day. Trastevere makes its mark in the evening. So, plan your afternoon around traveling between both neighborhoods.
Unusual Sights & Hidden Gems in Rome
Been to Rome before and already seen all of the big things? The good news is that there is a whole other side to the city that most tourists will not find. There are non-touristy things to do in Rome, where you will actually be able to find something interesting.
Palazzo Doria Pamphilj
It is somewhat surreal to hear a member of the original Palazzo Doria Pamphilj family provide the audio tour for this museum. And while the Palazzo contains several very impressive and serious works of art, notably a Velázquez portrait that the artist considered his finest creation, it remains relatively unvisited and rarely has lines.
Baths of Caracalla
Every visitor who sees the Baths of Caracalla for the first time is consistently caught off guard by the sheer scale of the baths themselves. At its peak, it could accommodate approximately 1500 bathers at one time with heated spaces, cold plunge pools, libraries, and large open garden areas. In many locations, what remains today are walls ten stories high. It provides a distinct feeling for the engineering accomplishments of Rome that can’t be found anywhere else.
The Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)
This is one of the oldest Roman streets. The Appian Way was first laid down in 312 BCE, but many of the original stone slabs remain intact along various portions. To truly feel as if you are experiencing history firsthand, rent a bicycle on a Sunday morning (the street is closed to automobiles). Along this route, you will be able to see ancient catacombs and decaying mausoleums, and pass under several ancient Roman aqueduct arches for miles. Although you are physically still within Rome, your sense of being removed from the hustle and bustle of the city is quite pronounced.
Quartiere Coppedè
Many visitors speed through this quaint little district without giving much thought to what they are passing by. Quartiere Coppedè is an area consisting of Art Nouveau-inspired homes, developed during the early part of the last century. These homes blend aspects of both fairy-tales from medieval times, with an element that is difficult to describe. In each home, there are carved archways, mythological creatures adorning each wall, asymmetrical towers, and a large frog fountain. There are approximately thirty minutes' worth of walking time to travel through this district, free admission, and nice photography spots.
Aventine Hill and the Orange Garden
For sunset views with less competition from tourists, many Romans visit the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) overlooking Trastevere. The Orange Garden has a large open-air viewing area overlooking Saint Peter’s Basilica, which sits far off into the distance as one watches the orange hues of sunset. Before leaving this place, seek out the Knights of Malta Keyhole located just down the street: if you peer into the keyhole, you will see the top of St. Peter's perfectly framed by hedges at the end of a very long garden tunnel. It is one of Rome’s best-kept secrets, but few know about it.
Free Things to Do in Rome
Rome can be very pricey for most things. But surprisingly enough, Rome has an amazing number of "free" activities as well. So, where to go in Rome if you try to save money?
- Walk around the Piazzas of Centro Storico. You can spend all morning just wandering through the cobblestone streets of Rome's center (Piazza Navona, Campo de' Fiori & Largo di Torre Argentina) and watch the city run.
- See the Roman Forum from Via dei Fori Imperiali. Viewing all this from this elevated street is absolutely FREE and wonderful too, especially during the first hours of daylight.
- Visit the Villa Borghese gardens. These beautiful 80-hectare parklands are located smack-dab in the middle of Rome and are free to visit anytime you like.
- Attend churches to see free art. San Luigi dei Francesi features three works by Caravaggio, which will cost you nothing to see, and many of Rome's hundreds of churches have truly spectacular works of art for free.
- Take a free walking tour. First, visit FREETOUR.com and learn how local guide tours work and what the pay-what-you-want model is. You get real local context for the city that no guidebook actually replaces.
Fun Things to Do in Rome for Young Adults & First-Time Visitors
Rome offers many opportunities to enjoy as a young adult and/or first-time visitor that are less likely to show up on a traditional tourist itinerary:
- Spend a day in Ostiense. Today, it is one of the top places in Europe for urban graffiti/street art, and old industrial buildings have been turned into galleries/music venues.
- Lunch at Testaccio market. Locals eat there. Supplì (fried risotto balls), tripe sandwiches, authentic Roman pasta — all the authentic Roman food.
- Spend the evening in Trastevere. Look around for a small wine bar/restaurant. Enjoy your time.
- Catch an AS Roma soccer game at the Olimpico Stadium. It would be worth going to see once.
- Walk up to the Pincian Hill at sunset. Get a panoramic view of Rome from above. It is budget-friendly, and as good or better than any paid viewpoint in Rome.
A Weekend in Rome: A Realistic Two-Day Itinerary
The two days are short, but with some organization, you could accomplish an impressive number of things while avoiding the feeling that you were running through everything.
Day 1 — Ancient Rome and the Historic Centre
- Morning: Colosseum (book ahead) → walk right into the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (same ticket).
- Midday: Walk up to Capitoline Hill for the view of the Forum (free, 20 minutes, worth every second).
- Afternoon: Enter the historic center → Pantheon (book ahead) → wander down towards Piazza Navona → eat gelato in the space between those two places.
- Evening: Spanish Steps → dinner around the neighborhood streets.
Day 2 — Vatican City and Trastevere
- Morning: Use your pre-reserved ticket to see the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums (you can't cut this down; it takes a whole morning).
- Midday: Enter St. Peter's Basilica (the inside is free; you pay a few dollars to go up on the dome).
- Afternoon: Take a walk along the Tiber River as far as Castel Sant'Angelo → cross the bridge → stop in the middle and actually look at the city.
- Evening: Go across to the Trastevere neighborhood → eat later.
Best Day Trips from Rome
Got some extra time? These 3 easy day trips will be worth your while:
- Ostia Antica — about 45 min by train, much fewer crowds than Pompei, and it is pretty nice in itself. Old Roman streets with mosaic tiles and an old Roman amphitheater. Spend half a day here.
- Tivoli (Villa d'Este) — an hour outside Rome. Renaissance architecture and hundreds of fountains on the side of a hill. Sounds weird, but it is quite beautiful when you see it for yourself. You can combine it with the nearby Villa Adriana (Hadrian's Villa) if you want a fuller day out.
- Castelli Romani — about 30 minutes from Rome. Nice little hill towns where you can find good local wines and cheap local foods. A great place to take a break from all the city noise and hustle.
Practical Tips for Visiting the Eternal City
- Start with a guided walking tour before checking off each of the sites. Knowing the history behind each site makes it entirely different to view them. A local who has knowledge of the city can tell you everything about Rome within an hour or so, while this may be something that could take you many hours to read through and understand from a guidebook.
- Group your days by area. If you spend time in either one or two neighborhoods, you will experience those areas much better than spending time rushing around to try to see as many of the five listed areas. And you will also have a chance to really remember some of the things you did there.
- Book major tickets weeks in advance. If you want to visit the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, and/or the Pantheon (in high demand), book tickets early. Last-minute purchases of these tickets during peak travel season are generally not possible, and even attempting to do so will likely waste a lot of your time.
- Keep one slot deliberately open. The best Rome moments tend to happen when you are not rushing. Leave a half-afternoon unscheduled and see where the city takes you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rome
What are the must-see sights in Rome for a first visit?
There are 4 key sights that you must visit as a traveler visiting Rome for the first time. These are: the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Vatican (Vatican City), and Trastevere.
How many days do you need in Rome?
Two days is the bare minimum, while three to four days allows enough time to really experience what Rome has to offer. Five or more days would be ideal, allowing you to take your time exploring each area rather than simply checking off the tourist sites.
What is the best way to see Rome without rushing?
Group sights by neighborhood and walk between them. An early morning walk through the historic centre before the day's crowds arrive is consistently the best thing you can do — quieter streets, better light, and you can actually stop and look at things.
What are the best non-touristy places to visit in Rome?
Coppedè, Via Appia Antica, Aventine Hill — these all have their own unique qualities which are missing from the main tourist trail. Also, Palazzo Doria Pamphilj is a great place to visit and often gets overlooked despite being close to central Rome.
Do I need to book tickets for Rome attractions in advance?
Yes. During the peak season (April through October), you should book timed-entry tickets for the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Pantheon well in advance — at least 2-3 weeks.
Is Rome a walkable city?
Yes, particularly within the historic center. However, the cobblestone streets may punish your feet far worse than it looks like. We recommend planning up to 10 km of walking each day and wearing appropriate shoes for walking.
What are the best free things to do in Rome?
Walking the piazzas in Centro Storico, visiting the gardens at Villa Borghese, entering major basilicas, viewing the Roman Forum from Via dei Fori Imperiali, or taking a pay-what-you-want guided walking tour.
Plan Your Rome Experience with FREETOUR.com
Traveling is about seeing new places, but it can be even better when there is an explanation behind where you are standing or what you are looking at. A local tour guide will give you a whole new appreciation for Rome as soon as they explain the history that you are surrounded by.
At FREETOUR.com, we offer free tours to help match tourists with local guides who have lived in Rome their entire lives. Choose the tour you like and book it online. The process is easy, and it is the best way to experience Rome without having to do all the planning yourself.
