Unforgettable Experiences: What to Do in Rome for First Timers
Rome is one of those cities that grabs you from the moment you arrive. History spills out of every cobbled lane, espresso bars hum with locals, and you can’t walk ten metres without spotting something ancient. After three visits, I still get goosebumps knowing I might be standing on the very spot where Caesar met his end.
If you’re planning your first trip and wondering what to do in Rome, you’re in for a treat. There are so many things to do in Rome Italy that even a week wouldn’t be enough — but this guide pulls together the top attractions in Rome, from ancient ruins and grand piazzas to neighbourhoods where you’ll eat your weight in pasta.
It’s the ultimate Rome travel guide for first-timers: a mix of the must-see places, the moments that make you stop and stare, and a few local favourites I’ve fallen for along the way.
This article is part of my broader Italy Travel Guide, where I cover cities, regions, food, and how to plan a trip without overthinking it.
This article may contain affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Quick Rome Travel Picks
💡 Planning a trip? Start here for the best tours, tickets, and stays in Rome.
➡️ Best Tours in Rome – Unforgettable Experiences: What to Do in Rome for First Timers
➡️ Best Hotels – Where to Stay in Rome: Best Areas & Hotels
➡️ Best Foodie Tours – Rome Foodie Tours & Cooking Classes That Are Totally Worth Booking Worth
➡️ Best Free Things – Over 30 Free Things to Do in Rome (Tried & Tested)
➡️ Best Day Trips – The Best Day Trips from Rome
➡️ Getting Around – Book Your Rome Car Hire with Booking.com
What to Do in Rome Italy: Top Attractions and Must-See Places
To make it easier to decide which Rome attractions to see here’s my ultimate guide to experiencing the main tourist spots in Rome.
1. Explore the Colosseum – One of the Top Things to Do in Rome
Start your Roman adventure with the big one — the Colosseum, easily one of the best things to do in Rome and the city’s most iconic sight. It’s hard not to feel awestruck standing inside the world’s largest amphitheatre, imagining the roar of the crowds and the clatter of gladiators fighting for glory.
The Colosseum sits just south of Termini Station, around a ten-minute bus ride away. You can wander on your own, but honestly, this is one spot where a guided tour makes all the difference. The guides are full of incredible stories and behind-the-scenes details that really bring ancient Rome to life.
Queues at the ticket office are epic, so it’s worth booking online in advance or entering via the Palatine Hill gate (Via San Gregorio) which is often quieter. Many tours bundle in the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, and it’s absolutely worth doing them together — they’re side by side and share the same ticket.
➡️ Where to Stay Nearby: Love waking up to ancient views? Check out my guide to the Best Hotels Near the Colosseum for spots where you can sip your morning coffee with the Colosseum right outside your window.
✅ Recommended Tour: Colosseum: Underground and Ancient Rome Tour (Skip the Line) I did this tour and loved it — exploring the underground tunnels gives you a whole new perspective on what life was like for the gladiators.
2. Wander Through the Roman Forum – Ancient Rome’s Main Attraction
If you’re wondering what to do in Rome first, the answer is easy — head straight to the Colosseum, one of the most recognisable landmarks on the planet. Standing inside this vast amphitheatre, imagining gladiators battling it out while 50,000 Romans roared from the stands, is an experience that never gets old. It’s no surprise this is one of the top attractions in Rome and a true bucket-list sight.
You’ll find the Colosseum just south of Termini Station, about ten minutes away by bus. You can visit independently, but trust me — a guided tour makes all the difference. The guides share fascinating stories about how the arena was built, who fought here, and what life was like in ancient Rome. It’s one of those things to do in Rome Italy that feels completely different when you have an expert walking you through it.
Queues can stretch forever, so it’s best to book ahead online or use the Palatine Hill entrance (Via San Gregorio), which is usually quieter. Most tours also include the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, both of which are must-see Rome attractions and right next door.
✅ Recommended Tour: Colosseum: Underground and Ancient Rome Tour (Skip the Line) This is the exact tour I did — it includes the underground tunnels, the arena floor, and access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. It’s immersive, well-organised, and one of the best tours in Rome for history lovers.
3. Palatine Hill: One of the Best Places to Visit in Rome
Just behind the Roman Forum is Palatine Hill, one of the most fascinating places to visit in Rome. It’s said to be where Romulus founded the city back in 753 BC, and as you wander through the ruins, it’s not hard to imagine how powerful this spot once felt.
Exploring Palatine Hill is one of the best things to do in Rome Italy if you love history. You’ll see the remains of ancient villas, hints of colourful frescoes, and gardens that once belonged to Rome’s wealthiest families. The sense of scale and calm up here gives you a real break from the chaos below.
Pop into the small museum if you have time, but the House of Augustus is the real highlight — beautifully preserved and full of stories. Before you head down, stop to take in the view over the Roman Forum — it’s easily one of the best views in Rome and a great spot to catch your breath before continuing your day of sightseeing.
4. The Pantheon – A Must-See in Rome Italy
The Pantheon is one of those must-see places in Rome that completely stops you in your tracks. Originally built around 27 BC and later rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, it’s one of the best-preserved ancient Rome attractions still standing. It started out as a pagan temple, was turned into a church in 609 AD, and it’s still used for mass today — pretty incredible when you think about it.
Step inside and look up — that dome is the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. The open oculus at the top lets sunlight pour in and shift across the marble floor throughout the day, making the whole place feel alive. You’re standing in the exact same space Romans walked through nearly two thousand years ago, which is wild to imagine.
Take a moment to find Raphael’s tomb — his simple sarcophagus is on the right-hand side — and you’ll also spot the resting places of two Italian kings. It’s one of those things to do in Rome Italy that feels both grand and intimate at the same time.
✅ Recommended:Rome: Pantheon Entry Ticket – a quick and easy way to skip the queues and hear the legends behind one of the best-preserved buildings in Rome.
Top Attractions in Rome You Can’t Miss (Perfect for First-Time Visitors)
Main Attractions in Rome in the Historic Centre (Centro Storico)
Many of the must visit places in Rome are in the historic centre. This part of Rome is filled with narrow streets and is often crowded. If you want to see some of the best sights in Rome and avoid the crowds set out early in the morning, before 09h00.
Free things to do in Rome
5. Climb the Spanish Steps – Iconic Sight in Rome
The Spanish Steps are one of those places to visit in Rome that everyone ends up at sooner or later — and for good reason. Built between 1723 and 1726 by architect Francesco de Sanctis, they were paid for by a French diplomat (hence the name “Spanish,” slightly confusingly!). In Italian, they’re called Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti, after the pretty church that sits at the top.
There are 135 steps in total, and they sweep elegantly down to the Fontana della Barcaccia, a quirky little fountain designed by Bernini’s father. Because the water pressure was so low here, he sculpted a sinking boat instead of the usual gushing jets — a clever workaround that’s become one of the most charming Rome landmarks.
Grab a gelato, sit on the steps, and soak up the buzz of the city — it’s one of those simple things to do in Rome that never loses its magic.
6. Piazza Navona – A Classic Rome Tourist Spot
The Spanish Steps are one of those places to visit in Rome that everyone ends up at sooner or later — and for good reason. Built between 1723 and 1726 by architect Francesco de Sanctis, they were funded by a French diplomat (hence the “Spanish” name, which always confuses people!). In Italian, they’re called Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti, named after the beautiful church at the top.
There are 135 steps in total, sweeping down to the Fontana della Barcaccia, a quirky little fountain designed by Bernini’s father. Because the water pressure here was so weak, he sculpted a sinking boat instead of the usual gushing jets — a clever twist that’s now one of the most recognisable Rome landmarks.
Grab a gelato, sit on the steps, and watch the world go by — it’s one of those simple things to do in Rome that never loses its charm.
✅ Recommended:Rome: Hop-On Hop-Off Panoramic Open Bus Ticket – the easiest way to see all the top attractions in Rome, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Colosseum, with great views from the open-top deck.
7. Visit Santa Maria del Popolo – One of Rome’s Hidden Gems
I absolutely love this church — it’s one of those fascinating places in Rome that most people stroll past without realising what they’re missing. I first popped in just to escape the midday heat and ended up staying far longer than planned.
The legend alone is brilliant: locals once believed Emperor Nero’s ghost haunted this spot in the form of demon crows nesting in a cursed tree. In 1099, Pope Paschal II had the tree removed and built a church on the site — paid for by the people (Il Popolo) — to finally silence the spirit.
Inside, it’s packed with treasures. You’ll find works by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Bernini, all within the same small space. I always pause at Raphael’s Chigi Chapel, finished later by Bernini, and the mosaic skeleton on the floor still gives me a little shiver — especially after reading Angels and Demons.
It’s one of those Rome attractions that quietly sneaks up on you and ends up being unforgettable. If you love art, history, or a touch of the macabre, make sure you don’t skip this one.
8. Trevi Fountain – One of the Most Famous Things to Do in Rome
No matter how many times I visit Rome, I always make my way to the Trevi Fountain — it’s one of those must-see places in Rome that never loses its magic. Hidden away in a maze of narrow streets, the fountain suddenly appears before you in a burst of white marble, cascading water, and selfie sticks. I’ve seen it early in the morning and late at night, and somehow, it’s just as beautiful every single time.
Built from the same travertine stone as the Colosseum, it’s the largest Baroque fountain in the city and definitely one of the top attractions in Rome. The details are incredible — Neptune rides his chariot through rolling waves, flanked by sea gods and horses. If you stand quietly for a moment (not easy here!), you can almost forget the crowd buzzing around you.
Tradition says that tossing a coin into the fountain guarantees your return to Rome. I always do it — right hand over the left shoulder — and so far, it’s worked every time. Roughly €3,000 is collected daily and donated to charity, making the ritual even better.
9. Explore Trastevere – The Best Area in Rome for Food and Vibes
I’ve stayed in Trastevere a few times now, and honestly, I can never get enough of it. This is my favourite part of Rome — a little scruffy around the edges, full of character, and packed with some of the best food in the city. Wandering these cobbled lanes in the evening, with fairy lights strung overhead and the sound of chatter spilling out of trattorias, is one of those things to do in Rome that just feels right.
Cross the Tiber and you’ll find a neighbourhood that’s equal parts history and hip. It’s easy to lose track of time weaving through side streets lined with ochre buildings, ivy-draped balconies, and tiny wine bars that seem to appear just when you’re ready for a spritz. Make sure you stop in Piazza di Santa Maria, the heart of the area, to see one of Rome’s oldest churches — and some first-rate people-watching.
For food lovers, Trastevere is heaven. You’ll find everything from family-run trattorias and microbreweries to hole-in-the-wall pizzerias and modern wine bars. I’ve had some of my best meals here — simple carbonara, cold white wine, and that unhurried Roman rhythm that makes you want to unwind and simply enjoy.
➡️ Read next : Rome Foodie Tours & Cooking Classes That Are Totally Worth Booking – discover the best local-led food tours, cooking classes, and tasting experiences across the city.
➡️ Pair this with: What to Eat in Rome: The Best Food and Where to Try It! – from pasta to pizza and everything in between, this guide covers the most iconic dishes and where to find them.
10. Walk Across the Bridge of Sant’Angelo – One of the Prettiest Views in Rome
The Bridge of Sant’Angelo is one of my favourite places to visit in Rome, especially as the sun starts to set. The bridge connects the city with the Castel Sant’Angelo, and the view along the Tiber is just stunning — soft golden light, angel statues glowing, and the dome of St Peter’s in the distance.
It’s lined with ten beautiful angels sculpted by Bernini and his students, each holding one of the instruments of Christ’s Passion. If you visit around dusk, the light bounces off the marble and the river below, creating one of the most photogenic Rome attractions in the city.
I love walking here in the evening — it’s peaceful, the crowds have thinned, and it’s a great spot to pause before heading to dinner in nearby Prati or Trastevere.
11. Visit Castel Sant’Angelo – A Fascinating Piece of Rome’s History
Just across the river from the Vatican sits Castel Sant’Angelo, one of the most intriguing places to visit in Rome. It was originally built by Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family, but over the centuries it’s been a fortress, a papal residence, and even a prison. I still find it amazing how one building can hold so many layers of history.
Inside, you can wander through shadowy corridors and grand chambers that whisper stories of emperors, popes, and a few daring escapes. The path winds upward until you reach the rooftop terrace — and trust me, it’s worth the climb. The view over the Tiber and across to St Peter’s Basilica is one of the best views in Rome, especially in the late afternoon light.
✅ Recommended: Castel Sant’Angelo Skip-the-Line Entry & Optional Audioguide – explore at your own pace and soak up the incredible skyline views from the top terrace.
12. St Peter’s Basilica – One of the Best Views in Rome
A visit to St Peter’s Basilica is one of those things to do in Rome that really stays with you. Standing in St Peter’s Square, surrounded by Bernini’s sweeping colonnades, it’s hard not to feel tiny compared to the scale of it all. I still remember the first time I stepped inside — the marble, the light, the quiet hum of awe — it’s impossible not to be moved.
Entrance to the Basilica is free, but the queues can be daunting, so go early if you can. Once you’re inside, look for the sign to the Cupola — that’s your route to the dome. You can take a lift part of the way or climb all 551 steps (my legs still remember it). At the top, you’re rewarded with what I think is the best view in Rome — a perfect panorama of Vatican City and the rooftops beyond.
✅ Recommended: St. Peter’s Basilica & Dome Entry Ticket & Audio Tour – skip the queue and get fascinating stories as you explore, from Michelangelo’s dome to the Papal tombs below.
13. Visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel – Essential Things to See in Rome
The Vatican Museums are an absolute must for art lovers — easily one of the top attractions in Rome and home to one of the world’s most impressive collections. There’s so much to see that it can feel overwhelming, so don’t try to do it all. I was lucky enough to tour with an art restorer once, and it completely changed how I saw the place — every fresco and sculpture suddenly had a story.
As you wander through the galleries, look out for Raphael’s Rooms, the stunning spiral staircase, and of course, the Sistine Chapel — Michelangelo’s masterpiece that defies description. I remember craning my neck for ages, just trying to take it all in. Whether you’re religious or not, the sheer scale and beauty of it is breathtaking.
✅ Recommended: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket – book in advance to skip the queues and enjoy the art without feeling rushed.
14. The Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel really does live up to the hype. After walking through the Vatican’s long corridors, you step inside and everything just stops — it’s one of those Rome attractions that leaves everyone whisper-quiet for a reason.
No photos are allowed, which I think makes it even more special. You’re forced to slow down and really look — the colours, the movement, the unbelievable detail. Standing beneath Michelangelo’s ceiling, knowing he painted it flat on his back for years, is mind-blowing. I remember spotting tiny details my art-restorer guide had mentioned earlier and feeling like I’d been let in on a secret.
It’s one of those things to do in Rome Italy that stays with you long after you’ve left the building — part art, part history, part pure wonder.
✅ Recommended: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket – this ticket covers it all and lets you move at your own pace through one of the world’s greatest collections.
15. Things to do in Rome for Foodies
After a day of sightseeing, diving into Roman food is easily one of the best things to do in Rome. This city knows how to eat — from plates of creamy carbonara and peppery cacio e pepe to crispy supplì (fried rice balls filled with mozzarella) and artichokes done two ways: alla romana and alla giudia.
What I love about Rome is that you don’t need fancy restaurants to eat well — some of the best meals I’ve had were in tiny trattorias with paper menus and a carafe of house wine. There’s something about sitting outside on a warm evening with a bowl of pasta and the hum of the city around you that just feels right.
➡️ Hungry for more? The Ultimate Food Lover’s Guide to Rome: 15 Must-Try Dishes You Can’t Miss! – a complete guide to what to eat, where to find it, and the best local spots to try it all.
✅ Recommended: Rome: Food Tour by Night in Trastevere – wander through Rome’s best foodie neighbourhood, tasting your way from aperitivo to gelato with a local guide.
16. Take a Cooking Class in Rome – Learn the Secrets Behind the Pasta
If you love Italian food (and who doesn’t?), taking a cooking class in Rome is a must. I always try to do at least one class wherever I go, and it’s such a fun way to learn a few skills and pick up local tricks you’ll actually use at home.
You’ll roll out pasta dough by hand, shape ravioli, and whisk together a perfect tiramisu — all while sipping prosecco and chatting to your hosts. The best part? Sitting down at the end to eat what you’ve made.
➡️ Taste your way through Rome: Rome Foodie Tours & Cooking Classes That Are Totally Worth Booking – my roundup of the most authentic, hands-on food experiences across the city.
✅ Recommended: 3-in-1 Fettuccine, Ravioli & Tiramisu Cooking Class in Rome – learn from local chefs, make fresh pasta from scratch, and enjoy your meal with a glass (or two) of wine.
Other Sights to See in Rome
If you’ve ticked off the big hitters and still have time, there are plenty more Rome attractions worth adding to your list.
- Villa Farnesina – a gorgeous Renaissance villa in Trastevere filled with frescoes by Raphael and his pupils.
- Arch of Constantine – right next to the Colosseum, built in 315 AD to celebrate Constantine’s victory.
- Altare della Patria (Victor Emmanuel II Monument) – known locally as the Wedding Cake, this gleaming white monument offers sweeping views over Piazza Venezia.
- Galleria Borghese – home to one of the most impressive private art collections in Italy, set inside a beautiful 17th-century villa.
- Borghese Gardens – Rome’s green heart, perfect for a shady stroll or picnic between sightseeing stops.
These spots give you a quieter, more local side of the city — a nice contrast after the busy landmarks.
FAQs About What to Do in Rome
What are the top things to do in Rome for first-time visitors?
Start with the big hitters — the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill — then head to the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City. Add a stroll through Trastevere and Piazza Navona, and you’ve ticked off many of the best attractions in Rome.
How many days do you need in Rome to see the main attractions?
Three full days is ideal for first-timers. That gives you time for the must-see places in Rome like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Vatican Museums, plus a few long lunches and evening walks. With a fourth day, you can take a day trip or two.
What is free to do in Rome?
Quite a lot! You can climb the Spanish Steps, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, explore Piazza Navona, visit St. Peter’s Basilica, or simply wander the historic centre. My post on Free Things to Do in Rome has over 30 more ideas.
What food is Rome famous for?
Carbonara, cacio e pepe, and supplì (crispy fried rice balls) are must-try dishes. Don’t miss Roman-style artichokes or a creamy gelato from one of the city’s artisan shops. If you love food experiences, check out my guide to What to Eat in Rome.
What is the best time of year to visit Rome?
Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) have the best mix of sunshine and smaller crowds. July and August can be scorching, while winter brings quieter streets and cheaper hotels.
Is it worth booking tours in Rome?
Absolutely. Skip-the-line access at the Colosseum or Vatican saves hours, and local guides bring the stories to life. If you prefer exploring independently, book timed tickets online to avoid long queues.
Where is the best area to stay in Rome?
For first-time visitors, Monti and Trastevere are both excellent choices. Monti is close to the Colosseum and feels local yet central, while Trastevere has lively restaurants and classic cobbled lanes. See my Where to Stay in Rome guide for more hotel picks.
Where to Stay in Rome
Finding the right base makes it easier to explore all these places to visit in Rome. Here are a few of my favourites:
- Luxury – Margutta 19 – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
- Boutique – The Fifteen Keys Hotel
- Mid-Range – Domus Corsini
- Budget – Generator Rome
➡️ Read more: Where to Stay in Rome: Best Areas, Neighbourhoods & Hotels
Unforgettable Things to Do in Rome – Final Thoughts
Rome is one of those cities that gets under your skin. Every visit feels new — one minute you’re standing in the footsteps of emperors, the next you’re sipping espresso at a café that’s been there for a century. Even after three trips, I still find corners I’ve never seen before. That’s the beauty of the Eternal City — there’s always another story waiting around the corner, another dish to try, and another reason to come back.
Rome Travel Guides
Planning a trip to the Eternal City? Here’s everything you need — from insider itineraries to foodie finds and incredible hotel picks.
- ➡️ Unforgettable Experiences: What to Do in Rome for First Timers – Iconic sights, secret corners, and local moments that make Rome unforgettable.
- ➡️Over 30 Free Things to Do in Rome (Tried and Tested) – Ancient wonders, viewpoints, and piazzas that won’t cost a cent.
- ➡️ Where to Stay in Rome: Best Areas, Neighbourhoods & Hotels (2025) – The ultimate guide to choosing your perfect base in the city.
- ➡️ 12 Best Hotels Near the Colosseum, Rome (With Incredible Views) – Historic stays and rooftop terraces right beside the Colosseum.
- ➡️ What to Eat in Rome: The Best Food and Where to Try It – From carbonara to cacio e pepe, your delicious Roman checklist.
- ➡️ Rome Foodie Tours & Cooking Classes That Are Totally Worth Booking – Discover pasta-making, market tastings, and local food tours.
- ➡️ The Best Day Trips from Rome – Castles, coastlines, and countryside escapes just a short train ride away.
- ➡️ 60 Fun and Interesting Facts About Rome That You’ll Love – Legends, emperors, and quirky Roman trivia to impress your travel buddies.
- ➡️ 25 Most Beautiful Places in Italy: Cities, Villages & Lakes – Extend your trip with Italy’s most photogenic spots.
⭐️Explore Italy
Fallen for Italy? Places worth the flight — and every plate of pasta.— from art-filled cities to sun-soaked coastlines.
- Venice – Canals, historic neighbourhoods, and a city best explored on foot.
- Amalfi Coast – Colourful villages, cliffside views, and limoncello sunsets.
- Rome – Ancient ruins, hidden trattorias, and unforgettable gelato.
- Tuscany – Vineyards, hill towns, and golden countryside drives.
- Florence – Renaissance art, rooftop views, and perfect pasta.
- Naples – Ancient streets, world-famous pizza, and vibrant local life.
- Bologna – Italy’s food capital — mortadella, tagliatelle, and endless flavour.
⭐️ Explore More Destinations
Looking for inspiration beyond Italy? Browse more destinations and food-focused guides from across the blog.
- Destination Guides – Cities, regions, and trip ideas across Europe and beyond.
- Food & Drink – What to eat, local specialities, and market-led guides.
- City Breaks – Short trips packed with culture, food, and walkable highlights.
- Travel Planning – When to go, where to stay, and how to plan smarter trips.
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