Top 10 Things to do in Rome Italy!

Rome, the capital of Italy, is rich in history and culture. From ancient ruins to beautiful art and delicious food, there is something for everyone in Rome. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a relaxing vacation, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Rome. Here are the top 10 things to do in Rome, Italy.

1.The Colosseum:

The Colosseum is one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome and a must-see for any visitor. This ancient amphitheater was built in the 1st century AD and is the largest amphitheater ever built. However, do not be fooled by its size. It is even bigger in person! The site that the Colosseum is on is the smallest section of this ancient ruin park. A historic site called the Roman Forum and Palestine Hill is direct across the street from the Colosseum. This massive section contains hours of temples, buildings, castles, homes, and more.

Getting to the Colosseum

When we went to Rome, Italy, in 2019, we took the train from Milan, Italy, to Rome. We arrived in the afternoon and decided to walk from our hotel to the Colosseum. As we walked, we were surrounded by beautiful brick buildings and cobblestone roads. We accidentally came across some famous sites like the Trevi Fountain along the way. As we walked, we wondered when we would see the Colosseum. As we passed the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum suddenly appeared. This was a super cool experience, and I highly recommend walking or biking while you are in Rome, Italy. There is no other way to experience just how beautiful this city is.

The Colosseum Experience

When we got there, we had to wait in a long line. We were in line for a good twenty to thirty Minutes. You should note that there is a faster line if you have a booking with a tour or a special online deal. Definitely worth it since the online prices are only a few Euros more.

Once inside, you get to explore the pathways and levels of the Colosseum. We spent 45 minutes at the Colosseum exploring. When we went, there was a current excavation of the floor level of the stadium. Maybe in the future, it will be available for tourists to walk on, but not at the time we went. The Colosseum was remarkable, but we spent the next several hours at the Roman Forum, which you cannot skip. I will discuss this fantastic place later in this post.

2. The Pantheon:

The Pantheon is another ancient Roman masterpiece that is worth a visit. This Temple was built in 27 BC and has stood the test of time. It’s a great place to learn about the history of Rome and admire its impressive architecture. The Pantheon is also home to the tombs of several Italian kings and the artist Raphael.

One fun thing to do is hire a photographer to take photos of you at the Pantheon. We went to Italy on our honeymoon, and my sister gifted us a Flytographer photo session. This was the best gift I have ever gotten. When you travel as a couple or family, someone is always left out of the photos. This way, you get professional pictures in a historical place that you can keep forever.

Pro tip: Go in the morning. The streets of Rome and so quiet in the early mornings. We walked from our hotel to the Pantheon, and no one was there when we arrived. We were the first ones to visit the Temple that day.

3.Piazza Navona:

Walk around Piazza Navona. Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful squares in Rome and is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and art galleries. Take a stroll around the square and admire the three stunning fountains that are located there. The Piazza Navona is also a great place to people-watch and enjoy gelato.
The Piazza Navona is magnificent and famous for a reason. Rome is full of beautiful piazzas, so if this one is far from your hotel, just walk around. I am sure you will find another beautiful Piazza to enjoy. We went here early in the morning for our Flytographer Shoot. We basically had the Piazza to ourselves.

4. Vatican Museums:

Visit the Vatican Museums: The Vatican Museums are home to some of the world’s most famous works of art, including the Sistine Chapel. The museums are open every day except Sundays and are a must-see for art lovers. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

When you enter Vatican City, you technically enter a new country. You will need to have your Passport reviewed. My family is constantly arguing about if visiting Vatican City counts as being another country. What would be your answer to that question?

5. Spanish Steps

I keep repeating myself when I tell you that we were so lucky during our time in Rome, Italy. We kept accidentally running into the most famous things in Rome. When we arrived in Rome, we exited the train station stop for our hotel. I remember standing outside in the blazing Roman sun seeing that our hotel was just a few hundred feet away. After I looked up, I saw this massive staircase and realized I had booked a hotel behind the Spanish Steps. We had to pull our luggage up the steps, and I remember laughing the whole time.

I recommend visiting the Spanish steps. These steps can be found in movies, and you shouldn’t be surprised if you find a proposal happening here. Even with the crowds, these massive stairs are beautiful. They are also a very long staircase, so get ready for a workout.

Hotel for Couples

When we stayed in Rome, we stayed at Suitesistina for Lovers. We were here on our honeymoon, so we did decide to have some fun with the hotels. The hotel was lovely, and sleeping in a circle bed was fun.

6. The campo de fiori market:

Go shopping at the Campo de Fiori market: The Campo de’ Fiori market is a great place to buy fresh produce and handmade crafts. This market is open every day except Sundays from 7:00-14:00 and is a great place to shop for souvenirs.

Plan this on the same day you go to Piazza Navona because they are very close to each other.

7. The Trevi Fountain:

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world. This beautiful fountain is located in the heart of Rome and is a great place to take photos. According to tradition, throwing a coin into the fountain guarantees you will return to Rome.

Sadly, when we went to Rome, Italy, the Trevi Fountain was under construction and had no water. We did not get to throw a coin in, and we will have to return to Rome, Italy, to see this fountain in all its glory.

Pro tip: You must see this fountain early in the morning or later at night. This fountain, even empty, had hundreds of people surrounding it to take photos. I cannot even imagine how busy this Piazza is when the fountain is working. We went around 1pm, and it was too crowded to fully enjoy. Next time we will be going in the morning to avoid crowds.

8.The Tiber River:

The Tiber River is a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the views of Rome. The river is lined with several parks and gardens that are perfect for a picnic.

This river is the second longest river in Italy. What makes this river so beautiful is the iconic arched bridges that can be found across the river. We accidentally encountered this iconic bridge on a bus ride to Vatican City. I cannot stress enough that the best way to experience Rome is to just explore.

9. The Rome Forum:

Take advantage of exploring the Roman Forum. The Roman Forum is a great place to learn about the history of Rome. This ancient Roman marketplace is home to several well-preserved buildings and monuments that give you a glimpse into the past.

You could spend all day in this ancient Roman city. This exceptionally well-preserved historic site is like another city inside Rome. Here you will find ancient temples, the original location of the Emperor Palaces, and so much more. Plan to go here when you go to the Colosseum. I would plan this for the morning while it is cool and less crowded. You should plan to be here until lunchtime. You can spend the rest of your day relaxing or shopping.

10. Eat your way Though Rome:

Rome is famous for its delicious food. Many great restaurants in Rome serve traditional Italian cuisine. Try local specialties like pasta carbonara, pizza, and gelato.
You will find every restaurant has its menu on display outside their restaurant. This way, you can check menu items and prices and decide if you want to step in for a table. Enjoy a meal outside, as most restaurants offer outdoor seating. The evenings in Rome are the perfect temperature after a long day. In our experience, the food in Italy is so clean and fresh. We ate pasta and pizza every day but never felt bloated or tired after eating. I miss the food in Rome, Italy. Take me back!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rome is a city that has something to offer everyone, whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or just looking for a relaxing vacation. From ancient ruins to beautiful art and delicious food. Before you pack, read our list of travel advice here. Hope this was helpful. Let us know in the comments any thoughts or questions you have!