Top 10 Things to do in Rome

Heading to the Eternal City? You are bound to discover so many breathtaking views. We made this list to make your job of planning a trip even easier. In no specific order, here are the top 10 things to do in Rome that you simply cannot miss…

#1 – Colosseum at Sunrise

As if the Colosseum itself wasn’t magnificent enough, let’s add in a beautiful, golden sunrise. This experience was incredible and well-worth the early hours. We were two of maybe 10 people total walking around the historic landmark.

If you enjoy tourist areas WITHOUT the crowds, go during sunrise. There is not much else that beats witnessing one of the most iconic monuments in the world during a magical time of the day.

#2 – Piazza Navona

Easily the most famous public square in Rome, Piazza Navona is a site you have add to your itinerary. There is a lot to explore throughout the square…from the three ornate fountains, to the colorful surrounding buildings, and even the playful carousel. Not to mention all types of delicious eats and nearby attractions!

#3 – Eat ALL the Gelato

Speaking of delicious eats, make sure you try gelato at least once during your stay (even better, a different flavor each day). No one can go to Italy and leave without trying the world-famous gelato.

There is a gelato stop around virtually any corner, so it was easy to add this to the list of top 10 things to do in Rome!

#4 – The Pantheon

I didn’t really know what to expect before visiting the Pantheon. Of course, I had learned about the historical site in school, but I was expecting it to have lost its historical charm (thanks to tourism). However, I quickly fell in love with the Pantheon and the whole area around it once seeing it in real life.

The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved monuments in Rome, which makes walking through the 2,000+ year-old building surreal. The interior now serves as a church and it is completely free to enter to see the iconic dome. Yes, I did say free!

#5 – Trevi Fountain (Day & Night)

Just down the road from the Pantheon is Trevi Fountain. Though we experienced the biggest crowds at this landmark, Trevi Fountain still is absolutely gorgeous. It is the largest Baroque fountain in all of Rome and considered one of the most famous in the world.

The fountain is beautiful at all times of the day, but my personal favorite is at night. Trevi comes to life when the lights turn on, making it nearly impossible to capture a bad photo.

Legend has it that if you throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain, you will return to Rome – so you really have no excuse to not visit!

#6 – Walk Along Ponte Umberto (& Nearby Bridges)

Ponte Umberto offers a unique perspective of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican City. Once you’ve captured enough photos of the view, head down the staircase on either side of the bridge to take a peaceful walk along the River Tiber. In fact, we had this walk 100% to ourselves. This is your best chance to grab reflection photos of Castel Sant’Angelo, the archways of the Italian bridges, and more.

#7 – Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo was not at the top of our bucket list when initially planning our adventures in Rome. Thanks to unexpected delays with the Vatican City, we decided at the last minute to go inside and climb to the rooftop. After experiencing all Castel Sant’Angelo had to offer, it immediately became one of the highlights – if not THE highlight – of our time in Rome.

We witnessed not only the breathtaking panoramic views over Rome, but views with the sunset, which then turned to nightfall. Watching the city lights come on after the colorful sunset display was something I will never, ever, forget.

#8 – Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is extremely cool for multiple reasons. First, you are literally walking directly where the famous Romans used to walk. The Forum was the center of everyday life in Rome…elections, public speeches, criminal trials, gladiator matches, and more. Today, you can visit the various temples, basilicas, and other architectural fragments & ruins. Your ticket to visit the Roman Forum also gives you access into the Colosseum, and vice versa (within 24 hours). Two for one!

The postcard photos above can be found from Capitoline Hill, one of the Seven Hills of Rome. Head here for the best view.

#9 – Vatican Museums

If you want to experience one of the world’s greatest art collections, add the Vatican Museums to your itinerary. Every bit of the museums are amazing, but my favorite sections were the Gallery of Maps, Hall of Tapestries, and Raphael Rooms.

I suggest spending an entire day exploring everything that the Vatican has to offer…the Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and more.

#10 – Sistine Chapel

Located within the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Once inside, look up to see with your very own eyes some of Michelangelo’s world-famous fresco paintings. The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgement are just a few of the many iconic masterpieces.

You can also book a skip-the-line tour to beat the crowds at these famous sites!

Well, there you have it! The top 10 things to do in Rome. Have any of these bucket-list destinations made it to your itinerary?

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