Best things to do in Rome: 10 Must-Sees, Map & Travel Tips

If you’ve landed here, it’s probably because you’re wondering things to do in Rome. And I get it—because the first time I set foot in the Eternal City I felt completely overwhelmed. Between ruins, piazzas, churches, and gelato shops (yes, those count too 😉), I honestly didn’t know where to start.

I’ve visited Rome twice (once in the middle of August and once in December), and I can tell you the experience is completely different depending on the season. In this article, I’ve put together the places that, for me, are absolute must-sees—mixing the most famous landmarks with lesser-known corners recommended by locals that turned out to be total surprises.

👉 Before we go any further, if you’re still planning your trip, I recommend checking out the complete Rome travel guide—it’s perfect for organizing your getaway—and taking a look at these super handy guides:

🗺️ Rome sightseeing map

Here’s a map with the must see places in Rome to help you plan your route easily:

🏟 10 Must-See Things in Rome

If it’s your first time, these are the best places to visit in Rome, Italy:

1. The Colosseum

I couldn’t start anywhere else. The Colosseum is Rome’s most iconic landmark, and I promise that seeing it in person was far more impressive than I ever expected. I booked my ticket online (highly recommend it to skip the long queues), and joining a guided tour made all the difference—I learned details I would have completely missed otherwise.

💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance to skip the long lines.
👉 To dive into its history, join this Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine guided tour.

• 🏟️ Guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill here.

📸 Extra: The best photo spot is from Via Nicola Salvi viewpoint.

2. Roman Forum & Palatine Hill. One of the best things to do in Rome

The political and commercial heart of Ancient Rome. Walking here feels like traveling back in time.

💡 Walking here feels like traveling back in time.
🔎 Tip: Wear comfortable shoes – the site is vast and uneven.
👉 More details in my [Roman Forum Guide].

3. Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

One of the world’s greatest art collections, home to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.

💡 One of the most impressive collections in the world.
🔎 Tip: Always book a skip-the-line guided visit.

• 🏛️ Guided tour of the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

👉 Read my full guide 👉 [Vatican Museums: Everything You Need to Know].

4. St. Peter’s Basilica

The heart of the Vatican and a masterpiece of architecture.

💡 Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter.
👉 For the best experience, book this Vatican + St. Peter’s guided tour.

• ⛪ Guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica

5. Trevi Fountain

Rome’s most famous fountain. Toss a coin to ensure your return to the Eternal City.

💡 Go early in the morning to avoid crowds.
📸 Extra: For a different angle, check Via delle Muratte.

6. Spanish Steps

An elegant square and one of the most photographed spots in Rome.

💡 Best light for photos is at sunset.

7. Pantheon

A perfectly preserved Roman temple with a stunning dome.

💡 At noon, a dramatic beam of sunlight enters through the oculus.

8. Piazza Navona

A lively baroque square built on an ancient stadium.

🍦 Extra: Try a gelato at Gelateria Grom, just next door.
💡 Don’t miss the Campo de’ Fiori market nearby.

9. Trastevere

The most charming neighborhood in Rome, with cobblestone streets and authentic trattorias.

🍝 Extra: Order carbonara at Da Enzo.
👉 While in the area, stop at the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth), free to visit – legend says it bites off the hand of liars!

10. Bridges of Rome – Ponte Sant’Angelo

A fortress, museum and viewpoint overlooking the Tiber River.

💡 Go at sunset to see Rome light up.

🏛 More things to do in Rome if you have time

Besides the classics, there are also some highly recommended things to do in Rome if you have more days, like visiting the Borghese Gallery or enjoying a sunset from the Aventine Hill.

• Galleria Borghese 👉 ideal if you spend 4 days in Rome.

• Villa Borghese gardens – perfect for a relaxing stroll.

• Ostia Antica – a less touristy version of Pompeii.

• Day trips from Rome: Tivoli, Pompeii, Florence by high-speed train.

👉 Planning your first trip? Don’t miss my Complete Rome Travel Guide.

🔎 Curiosities in Rome

Beyond the major landmarks, if you want to go beyond the best things to do in Rome, the city is full of hidden gems and curiosities:

• Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth) – place your hand inside and test the legend.

• Bottega Bartolucci (Pinocchio Shop) – handmade wooden Pinocchio souvenirs, near the Pantheon.

• Keyhole at Aventine Hill – peek through to see St. Peter’s dome framed perfectly.

• Public fountains – over 1,500 “nasoni” to refill your water bottle for free.

• The Colosseum at night – beautifully lit and atmospheric.

🚇 How to Get Around Rome

• Walking – best for the historic center.

• Metro – quick but limited.

• Bus & tram – useful outside central areas.

• Airport transfers – book here 👉 Rome Airport Transfers.

💡 Buy the 72-hour public transport pass if you plan to use buses and metro frequently.

💡 Travel Tips for Rome

🎟 Always book tickets online for major attractions.
👕 Dress modestly for churches (shoulders & knees covered).
💧 Bring a reusable water bottle 👉 Buy on here.
🛒 Save money eating in local supermarkets or trattorias.
👟 Wear comfortable walking shoes 👉 Buy on here.
📅 Best time: April, May, September, October.
🏨 Stay here 👉 Best Hotels in Rome.
🍝 Eat here 👉 [Where to Eat in Rome].

🎒 Recommended tours in Rome

To make the most of your trip, these tours are highly recommended:

• 🏛️ Guided tour of the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
• 🏟️ Guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
• 🚶 Free walking tour of Rome
• 🌙 Night walking tour of Rome
• ⛪ Guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica
• 🚖 Private transfers in Rome

❗ Things I wish I knew before visiting Rome

• Tourist tax in hotels is mandatory.

• Booking tours online saves time & money.

• Official taxis are white with a license sign.

• Rome is safe, but beware of pickpockets.

• Free museums: on the first Sunday of the month, many state museums and archaeological sites (Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine, Borghese Gallery) are free.

📅 How Many Days in Rome?

• 2 days: Colosseum, Forum, Trevi, Pantheon, Vatican.

• 3 days: Add Trastevere & Piazza Navona.

• 4 days: Include Galleria Borghese.

👉 Full itineraries:

• ⛪ 2 days in Rome
• 🏺 3 days in Rome
• 🖼️ 4 days in Rome
• 🏟️ 5 days in Rome

✅ Final thoughts on the best things to do in Rome

Rome is unforgettable – every street breathes history, and there’s always something new to explore. I hope this guide with the best things to do in Rome helps you enjoy your trip.

👉 Don’t forget to also check my articles on where to stay in Rome, day trips from Rome, and train guides from Rome to Naples, Florence, and Venice.

💬 What do you think of this guide? Would you add more must-sees? Leave me a comment with your questions or suggestions – I’ll be happy to help!