Things to do · Rome
Things to do in Rome
Two thousand years of history within walking distance, in a city that eats dinner late. These are the experiences we would put first.
The Trevi Fountain
Come before breakfast and you will have the marble almost to yourself.
It is seven in the morning and the street sweepers have just left the Trevi Fountain. The water rushes, the café on the corner puts out its chairs, and within an hour people will be standing three deep. Rome rewards early risers.
The city is big, but most of what you want to see sits within an hour's walk. That makes Rome easy to plan and hard to finish. We have picked twelve experiences and put them in the order we would follow on a first visit.
Picolo's 12 best things to do in Rome
The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. One ticketing system, three sites and half a day. Book ahead.
The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's. One of the world's great art collections, and the dome above St Peter's Basilica.
The Pantheon. A Roman temple with a hole in the roof that has stood for almost 1,900 years. When it rains, the drops fall straight onto the marble floor.
The Trevi Fountain. Throw a coin over your shoulder and you will return. That is the tradition, anyway. To walk down to the basin in the middle of the day you pay a small fee. Early in the morning it is free.
Trastevere after dark. Cobbles, ivy and trattorias where Romans eat. Cross the Tiber after sunset.
The Spanish Steps. Best early, before the crowds. Sitting on the steps is no longer allowed, so take the photo and carry on up to the Pincio.
Piazza Navona. Three fountains and a baroque square that follows the shape of an ancient stadium.
The Borghese Gallery. Bernini's sculptures in a villa in the park. Places are limited and sold in time slots.
Castel Sant'Angelo. Mausoleum, fortress and prison. From the roof you look straight across to St Peter's.
The Appian Way and the catacombs. The old road south, lined with umbrella pines and underground burial chambers. Hire a bike on a Sunday.
Campo de' Fiori in the morning. A market of vegetables and flowers, with artichoke leaves left on the cobbles.
A day trip out of the city. Civita di Bagnoregio, Orvieto or the sea at Ostia.
The Colosseum
It took around ten years to build. It has stood for almost two thousand.
Ancient Rome: start with the Colosseum
The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill sit side by side and share a ticketing system. Allow half a day and good shoes. Mornings are best, for the light and for the queues.
To stand on the arena floor or see the tunnels below, you need a separate ticket or tour. We explain the differences in our guide to Colosseum tickets.
The Vatican: art, a dome and a dress code
The Vatican Museums end in the Sistine Chapel, and from there it is a short walk to St Peter's. Cover your shoulders and knees, or you will be turned away at the door. Read how to choose the right Vatican ticket before you travel.
St Peter's Square
The view from the dome costs a few hundred steps. It is worth every one.
Rome after dark
Romans eat late, and the city changes once the sun goes down. Walk along the Tiber towards Castel Sant'Angelo, have an aperitivo in Monti and dinner in Trastevere. The fountains are lit and the big squares get their echo back.
Where to stay in Rome
Stay central and you can walk almost everywhere. The Centro Storico puts the Pantheon and Piazza Navona on your doorstep, Monti is close to the Colosseum and Trastevere comes alive in the evening. We have sorted the neighbourhoods and hotels in our guide to where to stay in Rome.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
Spring and autumn are best: long evenings, pleasant walking and slightly smaller crowds than in summer. July and August are hot and busy. Winter is quiet, and the museums are easier to get into.
Things to do in Rome: FAQ
How many days do I need in Rome?
Three full days cover the big sights. Give one to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, one to the Vatican and one to the centre with the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. With four days you have time for a day trip or the Borghese Gallery.
What should I book in advance in Rome?
Book the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums and the Borghese Gallery before you travel, especially in spring and summer. They sell out, and booking gives you a fixed time. The Pantheon and Castel Sant'Angelo are easier to do on the day. The Borghese Gallery runs fixed two-hour slots, so pick your time before planning the rest of the day.
What is free to do in Rome?
St Peter's Basilica, the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona and most churches are free. You can see the Trevi Fountain from the square for nothing, but walking down to the basin costs a small fee during the day. So is an evening walk along the Tiber and through Trastevere. Many state museums are free on the first Sunday of the month. The view from the Pincio terrace over Piazza del Popolo is free too, and best at sunset.
Can I walk between the sights in Rome?
Yes. The Colosseum to the Pantheon is about a 30-minute walk, and the Pantheon to the Vatican takes roughly the same. Take the metro or a bus when your feet ask you to. The centre is flat, but the cobbles are uneven, so good shoes matter more than a perfect plan. In summer, save the long walks for morning and evening.
Where should I stay in Rome?
The Centro Storico is best for a first visit, because you can walk to most things. Monti suits you if you want to be near the Colosseum, and Trastevere if you want restaurants outside the door. See our full Rome hotel guide. Stay in Monti and the Colosseum is a five-minute walk away.