SEE: The Ultimate A to Z of Rome Attractions & Activities
Rome, Italy’s magnificent capital, conquers hearts like nowhere else on earth. The Eternal City seduces with multiple layers — ancient ruins beneath Renaissance palazzos, tucked-away trattorias serving creamy cacio e pepe, and piazzas where locals have gathered for centuries.
So, whether you’re drawn by Vatican masterpieces or Monti’s boutique-lined streets, here’s everything you need to know about the best attractions and things to do in Rome. Whether it’s your your first visit or 50th, from Aventine Hill to ziplining across olive groves, consider this your alphabetical roadmap to the ultimate Roman holiday and travel experience.
A | Aventine Hill
The most picturesque of Rome’s legendary Seven Hills. A delightfully serene spot known for its orange garden (Giardino degli Aranci) and romantic views of St. Peter’s Basilica, it’s little wonder Remus couldn’t resist setting up camp here way back in 750 BC.
These days, you’ll find locals flocking to its greens, bottle of prosecco in hand, with Aventine Hill’s not-too-central location keeping crowds to a minimum. Take a peek through the comically tiny Knights of Malta keyhole for a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s dome in a tunnel of green.
Honourable Mentions
Ara Pacis Museum — the first modern building added to the historic centre in 70 years — is well worth an hour of your time, while Antico Forno Roscioli‘s bread has a cult following for good reason.
B | Borgo
The most atmospheric slice of Vatican City’s sprawl. This tangle of cobbled streets and worn stone walls feels more medieval village than Papal state, connecting Rome proper to St. Peter’s Square via the stunning Via della Conciliazione.
It’s a compact quarter that packs some serious charm. Castel Sant’Angelo and Ponte Sant’Angelo are the big hitters that should top must-see lists for first-timers, while Passetto di Borgo — the Pope’s secret escape route to the Vatican that’s now open to the public — has stood since the 13th century. Grab handmade pasta at local favourite Pastasciutta or settle into one of Borgo Pio’s trattorias for a proper Roman lunch.
Honourable Mentions
The Vatican’s spiral Bramante Staircase makes for the ultimate Instagram shot, with Bioparco di Roma Zoo in Villa Borghese also a great day out for anyone travelling with kids.
C | Colosseum
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Yes, it’s Rome’s biggest cultural magnet, but this architectural heavyweight is an icon more than deserving of your time. The key is knowing how to do it right.
Skip the queues by booking ahead (late afternoon is always best) and opt for the underground tour to explore the maze of tunnels where gladiators and wild beasts once waited their turn. Hit up nearby crowd-puller Pizzeria della Madonna dei Monti once you’re done, and find a nice quiet spot in the nearby Colle Oppio park for the best seat in the house come sunset.
Honourable Mentions
Campo de’ Fiori’s market scene is one of the best in the city, and Casina delle Civette serves major fantasy vibes with its Art Nouveau quirks.
D | Doria Pamphilj Gallery
Rome’s largest private art collection is just as regal and glorious as you’d expect. Set in a palace still owned (and lived in) by the Doria Pamphilj family, its wall-to-wall frescos and sculptures include big names like Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini and Velázquez. Even with hundreds of daily visitors, the vast scale of the place means you’ll often find yourself alone with priceless masterpieces.
The audio guide, included in your ticket for free, is worth its weight in gold. It’s narrated by Prince Jonathan Doria Pamphilj himself, who shares family memories and ancestral tales that bring each masterpiece to life.
Honourable Mentions
Domus Aurea, Nero’s legendary “Golden House,” offers fascinating weekend-only tours of ongoing excavations. Don your hard hat and prepare to be amazed by 2,000-year-old frescoes that inspired Renaissance artists.
E | Esquiline Hill
Stretching from the Colosseum to the stunning Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome’s highest and largest hill tells quite a tale. This is where Nero infamously sang and allegedly played a lyre (not a fiddle, FYI) during the great fire of 64 AD. Apparently the Emperor enjoyed the view so much that it was also here, in what’s now the ever-popular Parco di Traiano (Park of Trajan), that his fabled Golden House was built.
Today, Romans have re-claimed the space for themselves. During the summer months, you’ll find most lounging between rose gardens and Aleppo Pines, or with pizzette al pomodoro and Ichnusa in hand on weekends.
Honourable Mentions
Shop ‘till you drop at Euroma2 and get your foodie fix at Eataly Roma — a Mussolini-commissioned air terminal into a food lover’s playground.
F | Fontana di Trevi
You know it, you’ve seen it, and yes, it really is that spectacular in person. Rome’s most famous fountain commands attention with its theatrical blend of gods, creatures, and cascading water against the Palazzo Poli. Every day, around €3,000 in wishes hits the water, all destined for local charities. And yes, it also just so happens to be the spot where Princess Ann gets a short new haircut in the cult classic Roman Holiday.
The savviest visitors know to approach from Via delle Muratte for that jaw-dropping first glimpse. While the front rows are perpetually packed with coin-tossers, find your way to the Palazzo Poli side for crowd-free views of the technical marvel that’s kept water flowing since 1762.
Honourable Mentions
Fassi Gelateria remains Rome’s temple to artisanal gelato. Family-run since 1880, their signature Sanpietrino might be the city’s worst-kept secret.
G | Galleria Sciarra
Tucked away about two minutes from the Trevi Fountain, Galleria Sciarra’s four-storey arcade shows off some of Rome’s most spectacular frescoes. Cellini’s 19th-century masterpiece celebrates women through the ages, coating every inch of this quiet arcade in glorious colour.
Slip through the entrance on Via Marco Minghetti around mid-morning — when the sun hits the glass ceiling just right — for the best photo op. The whole visit takes around five minutes tops, but under the right conditions, this homage to Italian artistry outshines its famous fountain neighbour down the street. And try not to gasp too loudly. There are people working in the offices around the arcade.
Honourable Mentions
Galleria Alberto Sordi, with its magnificent glass ceiling and mosaic floors, offers retail therapy in Belle Époque splendour. Pop in even if shopping isn’t on your agenda.
H | Hike Roman Aqueducts
Parco degli Acquedotti is one of the only places in Rome where ancient aqueducts still stride across open countryside, just as they did 2,000 years ago. These days, the massive stone statues – which once delivered 300 million litres of water daily to the city – now stand sentinel over wild grassland and grazing sheep. If you’re after ancient Rome without the crowds, this is your spot.
Getting there’s a breeze. Take Metro A to Giulio Agricola and follow the trail that runs alongside the old Appian Way. The park’s location beyond the city centre means you’ll often have these architectural marvels to yourself, save the occasional jogger. Even if walking’s not your thing, bike rentals (including e-bikes) start from around €4 an hour.
Honourable Mentions
Head to the House of the Owl (Casina delle Civette) in Villa Torlonia for a delightful dose of Art Nouveau whimsy. This former royal residence boasts stained glass windows, decorative tiles, and yes—plenty of owl motifs.
I | Il Vittoriano
Rising from Piazza Venezia like a towering tribute to Italian excess, this gleaming marble monument has earned its fair share of nicknames from locals — ‘The Typewriter’ and ‘The Wedding Cake’ being particular favourites of ours. Built to honour Italy’s first king, Victor Emmanuel II, its dramatic presence has been turning heads (and dividing opinions) since 1925.
Yes, it’s outrageously ostentatious, but that’s half the fun. When you’re done with the ground views, make a beeline for the glass elevator up to Terrazza delle Quadrighe: an incredible scenic terrace atop the Altare della Patria. Even if the monument itself isn’t your cup of tea, the sunset views from the top might just be the best €10 you’ll spend in Rome.
Honourable Mentions
Isola Tiberina (Tiber Island) feels like a village within the city, with summer film screenings under the stars and Rome’s oldest hospital (where the pasta alla matriciana was supposedly born).
J | Janiculum Hill
If Rome’s Seven Hills are the main cast, consider Janiculum the scene-stealing understudy. It’s a little work to get to the hill’s highest point — walking it takes you through the streets of Trastevere, past fountains and gardens — but the view at the end is *chef’s kiss*. At the summit, the city’s domes and bell towers stretch far and wide, all the way to the Alban Hills.
Time it right for the daily cannon fire at noon, a tradition since 1847, or tackle it early morning to beat both the masses and heat. Short on time? Skip the scenic route and grab a taxi straight to Piazzale Garibaldi. The views are worth it either way.
Honourable Mentions
Between Europe’s oldest synagogue and the ancient Teatro Marcello, Rome’s Jewish Quarter regularly draws a hefty crowd on any given day of the week. Don’t leave without trying carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style artichokes).
K | Keats-Shelley House
Literary pilgrims, this one’s for you. Just beside the Spanish Steps, this elegant apartment is where English poet John Keats spent his final months in 1821. The rooms remain much as he left them, right down to his tiny single bed and the view over Piazza di Spagna that inspired his last verses. Beyond Keats’ own story, the museum houses one of the world’s finest collections of Romantic poetry, plus Lord Byron’s walking stick and a death mask of Percy Shelley for good measure.
Honourable Mentions
The Knights of Malta Keyhole on Aventine Hill might be the only keyhole in the world you won’t be scolded for looking through. Take a peek and you’ll spot St. Peter’s dome perfectly centred in a tunnel of manicured hedges.
L | Largo di Torre Argentina
Sacred temples, political intrigue, and some very well-looked-after cats. This sunken square in the heart of Rome packs quite the punch. Four Republican-era temples and the ruins of Pompey’s Theatre (where Julius Caesar met his end) create an open-air time capsule that doubles as the Eternal City’s most scenic cat sanctuary. Watch these furry locals sunbathe on 2,000-year-old columns or visit their shelter, cleverly tucked into a corner of the ruins. Better still, make the most of the walkways that let you get up close to both the archaeology and the resident felines.
Honourable Mentions
Lungotevere’s tree-lined paths along the Tiber transform at sunset, when pop-up bars and restaurants take over the riverbanks. For the best experience, start at Ponte Sisto and stroll north towards Vatican City.
M | Monti
Rome’s original ‘cool’ neighbourhood. Wedged between the Colosseum and Via Nazionale, this low-key medieval quarter offers some of the best shopping in the city. Between vintage hotspots like Humana, Vesti di Messalina, and Blue Goose, to the more one-of-a-kind pieces you’ll find at Tina Sondergaard, Moll Flanders, and Sufir, you could easily lose an afternoon hunting for treasures along Via del Boschetto.
Retail therapy aside, you’ll find locals flocking to the bars and cafes on Piazza della Madonna dei Monti come sunset. Join the buzz, or head just around the corner to Suburra 1930 for somewhere that’s a bit quieter.
Honourable Mentions
The MAXXI proves Rome can do contemporary cool just as well as ancient grandeur, while the Marcellus Theatre stands as a reminder that the Colosseum wasn’t the city’s first (or only) ancient amphitheatre worth visiting.
N | National Gallery of Modern Art
Housed in a 19th-century palace that could give any classical Roman villa a run for its money, GNAM (as locals call it) proves Italy didn’t stop making masterpieces after the Renaissance. This sprawling collection of over 20,000 works spans everything from neoclassical marble to cutting-edge installations, with Modigliani, Van Gogh, and Klimt commanding attention in the main galleries. It also just so happens to be one of Pietro Ruffo’s (Signature Artist of art’otel Rome Piazza Sallustio) favourite places in the city. At €15 a ticket, you definitely get your money’s worth — especially considering you’ll need to set around two hours aside to see it all.
Honourable Mentions
The Napoleonic Museum opens a window into the Bonaparte family’s Roman chapter — personal letters, period furniture, and enough imperial splendour to rival the Caesars themselves.
O | Olive Oil Tasting at Roscioli
Carbonara and Francesco Totti aside, there are few things more worshipped in Rome than olive oil. And rightly so. Of the 600 or so olive oil producers considered the best in the world, a quarter of them come from Italy. So, when in Rome, do yourself a favour and book a taster session at Michelin-recommended trattoria Roscioli.
For two hours and €60 per person, Roscioli’s professional oil sommelier (yes, you read that right) will guide you through a crash course on how to best pair different extra virgin olive oils with different foods. Various fresh cheeses, seasonal bites and breads from their bakery are naturally included, and the Pasta all’Ajo, Ojo e Peperoncino at the end is just as good as you’re imagining.
Honourable Mentions
Ostia Antica rivals Pompeii for ancient Roman ruins but draws a fraction of the crowds. 30 minutes from the city centre by train, this remarkably preserved ancient port town and 4,000-seat amphitheatre are well worth your time.
P | Pantheon
Rome’s most perfectly preserved ancient monument (and another of Pietro Ruffo’s personal favourites). This 2,000-year-old architectural marvel still draws gasps with its enormous dome and iconic oculus connecting visitors directly to the Roman sky above.
Naturally, you’ll get two very different experiences depending on the weather, both well worth your time. On sunny days, get there early, stand directly beneath the oculus and look up — that perfect circle of Roman sky has inspired architects from Michelangelo to Zaha Hadid. If it’s raining, stand back and watch the raindrops falling through the open oculus and disappearing into the floor’s cleverly designed drainage system.
Honourable Mentions
Head down to Porta Portese Market in Trastevere come Sunday morning for the city’s largest flea market. There’s over 1,000 stalls of antiques, vintage clothes, and eccentric treasures to dig through.
Q | Quartiere Coppedè
Designed by architect Gino Coppedè in the early 1900s, this micro-district feels like stepping into a fever dream of architectural styles. Think part Art Nouveau, part Baroque, with a healthy dose of Medieval thrown in for good measure.
Start at the grand arch on Via Tagliamento, suspended by a hefty wrought-iron chandelier, and let yourself get lost among frog fountains, towers topped with bees, and façades dripping with intricate carvings. The whimsical Villino delle Fate (Fairy Cottage) steals the show, but every building offers something curious. Film fans might recognize several corners from Dario Argento’s horror classics: the district’s dreamlike quality made it a favourite location for Italian cinema’s golden era.
Honourable Mentions
Quirinal Palace, the official residence of Italy’s president, opens its doors to visitors Monday to Sunday for guided tours, and also houses one of Italy’s most significant art collections outside of museums.
R | Roman Forum
While the Colosseum gets all the glory, it’s between these scattered columns and timeworn temples that the real business of the Empire happened. Merchants, politicians, and everyday Romans once flocked to this valley where laws were passed, goods were traded, and, occasionally, tyrants were assassinated.
Enter through the less-trafficked Palatine Hill entrance, then work your way down through the ruins. The House of the Vestal Virgins offers much-needed shade during summer, while the view from the Tabularium gallery gives the best perspective on how it all once fit together. History buffs should download Rick Steves’ free audio guide before visiting — it brings these ancient stones to life like nothing else.
Honourable Mentions
Regoli has been satisfying Roman sweet tooths since 1916. Their maritozzi – sweet buns bursting with hand-whipped cream – draw locals from across the city, especially after Sunday mass.
S | St. Peter’s Basilica
Spectacular doesn’t quite cover it. Michelangelo’s dome soars 136 meters above one of Christianity’s most sacred sites, housing enough artistic masterpieces to fill a museum. The sheer scale hits you immediately. Those letters circling the interior? Each one stands eight feet tall. That cherub by the holy water? Actually child-sized when viewed up close.
Arrive before 08:30 to beat both the crowds and the Vatican Museum tour groups that flood in mid-morning. Dress appropriately — shoulders and knees covered — or face rejection at the door. For the full experience, climb the 551 steps to the top of the dome (the first half by elevator if you’re willing to pay extra). The panoramic views of St. Peter’s Square and Rome beyond are worth every huffing step.
Honourable Mentions
The Spanish Steps may not be Spain’s at all (they were funded by French diplomat Étienne Gueffier), but they remain Rome’s most elegant meeting point. Grab a gelato, find a spot on the 135 marble steps, and join the timeless Roman tradition of people-watching at its finest.
T | Trastevere
Probably the best place in the city to run the Roman triathlon of drinking, eating and lounging at a cafe. Across the Tiber and home of Janiculum Hill, this medieval locale of ivy-draped buildings and cobbly lanes barely wide enough for a Fiat 500 is Rome at its very best.
Piazza di Santa Maria is the bustling heart of Trastevere. Everyone from students to families gathers here for the evening passeggiata, with L’Osteria della Trippa, Pizzeria Dar Poeta and Trapizzino offering typical local favourites. For those few moments in Trastevere you’re not indulging your stomach, head to the inconspicuous Basilica of Santa Maria to spend half an hour gawping at 12th-century Byzantine mosaics.
Honourable Mentions
Trionfale Market packs over 270 stalls of fresh produce and local specialties into a modern structure near the Vatican, while Testaccio Market offers a more authentic slice of Roman food culture.
U | Underground Tours
Rome’s subterranean world isn’t for the faint of heart, but it is seriously fascinating. A hidden world where early Christians worshipped in secret, monks created macabre art, and emperors built elaborate private spaces — all preserved in the cool darkness for centuries.
The Capuchin Crypt at Santa Maria della Concezione transforms death into art with six chapels adorned with bones of 3,700 monks, while the Catacombe di San Callisto‘s 20km of tunnels housed half a million early Christians including 16 popes. Both sites require guided tours (book ahead) and maintain a refreshing 16°C year-round. Perfect when Rome’s summer heat becomes unbearable.
Honourable Mentions
The unexpected serenity of Università La Sapienza’s botanical gardens provides a peaceful retreat from Rome’s bustling streets, with over 3,000 plant species spread across 12 hectares of curated landscapes.
V | Vespa Tours
Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn or Lizzie McGuire with Rome’s most iconic mode of transport. Passenger or driver, companies like Bici & Baci and Scooteroma offer everything from private two-hour tours to full-day excursions. Tours generally start from €100, while renting a Vespa yourself and plotting your own course costs around €15 an hour.
You’ll weave through narrow streets and buzz past ancient monuments, experiencing Rome with all your senses while covering three times the ground you would on foot. Just remember that Roman traffic isn’t for novice riders. If your scooter experience is limited, stick with a guide or passenger seat.
Honourable Mentions
The ancient Via Appia offers Rome’s most atmospheric walking path, with 2,300-year-old paving stones stretching toward the horizon, while the Vatican Museums house one of the world’s greatest art collections.
W | Wine Tasting at Il Goccetto
Of the 300 or so Enotecas in Rome, none make you feel more at home than Il Goccetto. Opening way back in 1983, it’s hard to resist the charm of its weathered wooden tables and floor-to-ceiling shelves housing over 800 bottles of wine. Everyone on the team at Il Goccetto (including owners Sergio and Anna) is more than happy to guide you through each of the options, with the by-the-glass menu on the chalkboard changing daily.
You’ll catch a steady stream of thirty- and forty-somethings spilling out of its doors Tuesday to Sunday, with many perching outside (weather-allowing) year-round. Their simple plates of meats and cheeses are the perfect complement to the night’s proceedings, letting the wines take centre stage.
Honourable Mentions
The Wall of Aurelian, Rome’s ancient defensive barrier that stretches for nearly 19 kilometres around the historic centre, offers one of Rome’s prettiest yet least-crowded walking routes.
X | Xmas Mass
Midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica might just be the hottest ticket in town come December 24th. Each year, thousands of pilgrims and visitors brave the winter chill for a chance to experience Christmas Eve in Catholicism’s most sacred space, with the Pope himself leading the celebration beneath Michelangelo’s magnificent dome.
The festivities actually begin at 21:30 (not midnight), with tickets free but extremely limited. To get in, you’ll have to request them in writing from the Prefecture of the Papal Household months in advance. For those without connections to the Vatican, large screens in St. Peter’s Square broadcast the entire service to the crowds outside. Alternatively, slip into one of Rome’s 900+ other churches, many of which offer equally moving (if less grand) Christmas celebrations with significantly better odds of getting a seat.
Y | YEZI
If spicy, bold and anything-but-ordinary is your cup of tea (or glass of carefully selected Mediterranean wine), then YEZI has you covered all day long. Open from lunch until late, expect show-stopping Asian flavours, East-meets-West cocktails, and an Aperitivo Hour like you’ve never had before at this restaurant and teahouse.
Coupled with artwork by our very own artist Pietro Ruffo and interiors by Digital Space studio, expect a lively setting with a curated DJ programme changing things up come sundown. Best of all? It’s right on your doorstep when you stay at art’otel Rome Piazza Sallustio.
Honourable Mentions
Yoga in Villa Borghese offers a peaceful alternative to the city’s hustle, with morning classes held among the park’s pine trees during summer months – the perfect way to balance all that pasta and gelato.
Z | Ziplining above Rocca Massima
Need a break from ancient ruins and Renaissance art? Just an hour southeast of Rome lies Europe’s longest and fastest zipline, where thrill-seekers can reach speeds of 160km/h while soaring like an eagle over the spectacular Lazio countryside. ‘Flying in the Sky‘ stretches an impressive 2.2km across the Lepini Mountains, with the medieval village of Rocca Massima providing a dramatic backdrop.
The entire experience takes about two hours including safety briefing, equipment fitting, and the breathtaking 70-second flight itself. The ride drops an impressive 400 meters in elevation, offering unparalleled views of olive groves, distant mountains, and on clear days, even the Mediterranean Sea.
Honourable Mentions
Palazzo Zuccari, a quirky 16th-century palace near the Spanish Steps, charms passersby with its bizarre monster-mouth doorway.
