Things to do in Rome

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Ancient ruins with columns and a large dome structure.
A bustling square with historic buildings, a prominent dome, and a central monument.
The Colosseum at night with illuminated arches and a busy street in the foreground.
The Colosseum with tourists walking in front.
A grand interior with high ceilings, ornate columns, and a large central statue.

Things to do

Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour

Rome Big Bus Hop-on, Hop-off Tour by Open-top Bus

￥4,303
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Rome Big Bus Hop-on, Hop-off Tour by Open-top Bus
From Rome: Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Day Trip

From Rome: Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Day Trip

￥15,516
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
From Rome: Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Day Trip
Culinary Delights: Cooking Class and Market Food Tour in Rome

Rome Pasta and Gelato Cooking Class a Hands-On Italian Culinary Experience

￥13,910
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Rome Pasta and Gelato Cooking Class a Hands-On Italian Culinary Experience
Day image of the Amalfi Coast in Italy

Amalfi Coast & Positano Small-Group Tour from Rome by Train & Ferry

￥38,724
per traveler
90% of travellers recommend
Amalfi Coast & Positano Small-Group Tour from Rome by Train & Ferry
Rome in a Day: Small Group Tour with Vatican, Colosseum & Historic Center

Rome in a Day: Small Group Tour with Vatican, Colosseum & Historic Center

￥39,689
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Rome in a Day: Small Group Tour with Vatican, Colosseum & Historic Center
Skip-the-line: Colosseum & Forum Tour with Special Gladiator’s Gate & Arena Floor Access

Gladiator’s Gate:Special Access Colosseum Tour & Arena Floor in Small Group

￥20,966
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Gladiator’s Gate:Special Access Colosseum Tour & Arena Floor in Small Group
Passengers enjoying a peaceful ride on a gondola in the aisles of Venice.

Venice in 1 Day by High-Speed Train From Rome, Day Trip & Aperitivo

￥45,062
per traveler
88% of travellers recommend
Venice in 1 Day by High-Speed Train From Rome, Day Trip & Aperitivo
Pompeii Day Trip from Rome with Mount Vesuvius or Amalfi Coast option

From Rome: Pompeii Day Trip with Optional Vesuvius & Neapolitan Pizza Lunch

￥12,797
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
From Rome: Pompeii Day Trip with Optional Vesuvius & Neapolitan Pizza Lunch
Florence Day Trip from Rome by Train, with Optional Uffizi Gallery

Florence Day Trip from Rome by Train, with Optional Uffizi Gallery

￥24,203
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Florence Day Trip from Rome by Train, with Optional Uffizi Gallery
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Rome must see attractions

1. Colosseum

Completed in the year 80 during the reign of Titus, the Colosseum was the biggest amphitheater ever built by the Roman Empire. It once regularly hosted 50,000 spectators cheering and jeering at combating gladiators, executions and battle reenactments. While the baying crowds are no longer there, the structure itself has defied earthquakes, stone thieves and car pollution to remain standing today at the heart of Rome.
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The Colosseum in Rome with tourists around.

2. Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome, and the enduring masterwork of Nicola Salvi and Giuseppe Pannini. It's named for its position at the junction of three roads (“tre vie”).
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The Trevi Fountain with sculptures and a large archway.

3. Pantheon

In a capital blessed with a wealth of world-famous architecture, this 2,000-year-old temple stands as one of the greatest monuments to the power and ambition of the Roman Empire.
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A large neoclassical building with columns and the inscription "MAGRIPPA COSTERTIVI".

4. Piazza Navona

Considered one of Rome’s most accomplished displays of baroque architecture, this fine square gained its facades in the mid-17th century under Pope Innocent X, who employed artists like Bernini, Borromini and Rainaldi to transform this square into a showcase of Rome’s great artistry.
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A historic fountain with sculptures in a city square.

5. Spanish Steps

There are many famous stairways around the world, from the Potemkin Stairs in Odessa, Ukraine, to the Escadaria Selaron in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. But few can rival the romance of Rome’s Spanish Steps.
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A historic church with twin bell towers and a central obelisk, surrounded by a crowd of people on the steps.

6. St. Peter's Basilica

The lofty dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is the great towering symbol of the minuscule Vatican state and a towering artistic statement of the Late Renaissance and Baroque periods.
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St. Peter's Basilica with its grand facade, large steps leading up to the entrance, and the iconic dome.

7. Piazza di Spagna

Embrace the hustle and bustle as people from all over the world converge beside the charming Sinking Boat Fountain in the Piazza di Spagna. Almost every visitor who steps foot in Rome finds themselves at this busy piazza at some point. Admire the lovely fountain, climb up the iconic Spanish Steps and see frescoes inside the rustic French Chiesa della Trinita dei Monti.
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A grand staircase leading to a historic church with twin bell towers, surrounded by classic European architecture.

8. Villa Borghese

Rome’s premier green space, Villa Borghese is not only home to glistening lakes and peaceful gardens, but also contains several interesting cultural institutions. Amble along the pathways and lawns, view a collection of stunning Renaissance masterpieces at the Galleria Borghese and check out rare pre-Roman artifacts at the Museo Nazionale Etrusco.
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A large, historic building with a tower, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky.

9. Vatican Museums

Perhaps the greatest collection of exhibits in the entire world, the jaw-dropping Vatican Museums combine sublime Renaissance masterpieces with time-honored Roman relics.
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A detailed ceiling with intricate frescoes and gold accents.

What to do in Rome

Stay near popular Rome attractions

The Colosseum in Rome with tourists around.

Colosseum

9.4/10 (44,408 reviews)
Ancient Rome's grand arena once hosted gladiatorial battles and spectacular events for 50,000 spectators. Tour the underground chambers where gladiators and wild animals awaited their fate in the ring.
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Where to stay in Rome

Find the best Rome areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Rome
Learn more about Rome
A classical fountain with multiple statues, including a prominent figure holding a staff, surrounded by water.

Rome Historic Centre

Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona are a few top attractions in Rome Historic Centre. Hop around the city on the metro at Venezia Tram Stop or Colosseo Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, stunning cathedral, and charming cafes.

A restaurant named Ditta Trinchetti with outdoor seating and chalkboard menus.

Trastevere

Consider a visit to Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere and take some time to enjoy the colorful gardens during your time in Trastevere. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Trastevere/Min. P. Istruzione Tram Stop or Induno Tram Stop.

The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, with tourists walking around and taking photos.

Monti

Known for its cozy cafes and churches, there's plenty to explore in Monti. Top attractions like San Pietro in Vincoli and Via del Boschetto are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Cavour Station or Colosseo Station to see more of the city.

The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, with tourists walking around and street vendors.

Prati

Enjoy the popular shops in Prati. Via Cola di Rienzo is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Risorgimento/S. Pietro Tram Stop or Ottaviano - San Pietro - Musei Vaticani Station to see more of Rome.

A large stone pyramid with inscriptions, surrounded by a fence and a castle in the background.
Photo by Lisa Hochman-fishman
Open Photo by Lisa Hochman-fishman

Testaccio

Well-liked for its churches and live music, Testaccio is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Testaccio Market and Tiber River, and jump on the metro at Marmorata/Vanvitelli Tram Stop to get around the city.

Popular day trips from Rome

A historic city with a prominent castle on a hill, surrounded by residential buildings and a coastal view.

Marino

Ancient ruins with columns and arches reflecting in a body of water, surrounded by trees and a hill with a building.

Tivoli

Rough sea waves crashing against a rocky shore with a lighthouse in the background.

Fiumicino

A panoramic view of a historic town with dense architecture, a prominent bridge, and rolling hills in the background.

Frascati

A town on a hill with a castle, surrounded by mountains and trees.

Guidonia Montecelio

A vineyard with rows of grapevines, a town in the background, and a cloudy sky.

Monterotondo

A coastal town with a large lake, historic buildings, and surrounding hills.

Ciampino

St. Peter's Square with the obelisk, colonnades, and Bernini's sculpture of a man with a scythe.

Vatican City

Frequently asked questions

Is Rome worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Rome is visit Villa Borghese. Tick this leading attraction off your list, then experience more of the area's dining and culture.
How do I spend a day in Rome?
Once you've checked off key attractions like Villa Borghese and Vatican Museums, spend some time discovering Rome's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rome?
You can't go home without exploring Villa Borghese, rated the top tourist attraction in Rome.
Is three days enough to stay in Rome?
Three days in Rome is enough to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many travelers spend three days on average. Villa Borghese, St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican Museums are top-rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Fiumicino.
Is Rome a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Rome, like Villa Borghese and St. Peter's Basilica, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Just 0.32 kilometers from the city center of Rome is Municipio I and Rome Historic Centre is 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Rome with kids?
Deciding what to do in Rome with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or toddlers, there are lots of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Rome for adults?
Via Veneto and Via del Corso are just two of the things to do in Rome. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Rome?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around hip neighborhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Rome. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Villa Borghese is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their travel adventures.

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