The Ultimate Guide to the Must-Do Experiences in Rome
Dreaming about a Roman vacation, but don’t know where to start? It is almost time to bask under the Italian sun, stroll through historic streets, and feast on authentic cuisine. Rome is a city that feels like a living museum, yet it has a pulse that is very much alive today. From heavy-hitting ancient ruins to the quiet corners where you can find the best cacio e pepe of your life, we have put together the essential stops for your Roman itinerary!
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Step Into History at the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
Rome is a city where you can see evidence of the past everywhere you look. However, nowhere is it more tangible than at the Colosseum. Walking through the arches where gladiators once stood is a grounding experience that puts the scale of the Roman Empire into perspective.
Just next door, you can explore the ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. We always recommend getting a combined ticket for these three sites. The Forum was the heart of ancient Roman public life, and the Palatine Hill offers some of the best views over the ruins. It’s a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a reusable water bottle to fill up at the city’s ancient "nasoni" (drinking fountains).
Peer Through the Aventine Keyhole
If you want a view that feels like a reward for exploring, head up to Aventine Hill. At the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, you’ll likely see a small line of people waiting at a green door. Look through the keyhole, and you’ll see a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica through a tunnel of manicured hedges. It’s a tiny, magical composition that feels like a private gift from the city.
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Try Rome's Best Dishes
Rome is a food lover's paradise, but you have to know what to order. Start your day with a Maritozzo for breakfast. It’s a soft bun stuffed with freshly whipped cream, best enjoyed with an espresso at a local bar.
For lunch or dinner, stick to the "big four" Roman pastas: Carbonara, Amatriciana, Cacio e Pepe, and Gricia. Also, don't miss out on Roman-style pizza. Unlike the thick, doughy Neapolitan style, Roman pizza is thin and crispy. For dessert, finish every day with a scoop of gelato. Look for shops where the colors are natural to ensure you’re getting the real deal.
Marvel at the Pantheon
Tucked away in the winding alleyways of the historic center, the Pantheon is one of those places that actually stops you in your tracks. It is the best-preserved building from Ancient Rome, and stepping inside to see the massive unreinforced concrete dome with its open oculus letting in a single beam of light is a spiritual experience regardless of your beliefs.
If you can, visit when it’s raining. Seeing the rain fall through the center of the dome is a sight you won’t forget. It is a true testament to Roman engineering that this structure still stands so perfectly today.
Experience Aperitivo Culture
After a long day of sightseeing, do as the Romans do and enjoy an aperitivo. This Italian tradition involves a pre-dinner drink, usually a Negroni or a refreshing Spritz, accompanied by small snacks like olives, nuts, or focaccia. It is a way to slow down and transition into the evening. With Rome’s beautiful sunsets as a backdrop, it is the perfect way to toast to a successful day of exploring.
Tour Castel Sant'Angelo
Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant'Angelo has worn many hats over the centuries, including a fortress and a papal residence. Today, it is a museum that offers a deep dive into Roman history. The real highlight for us is the rooftop terrace. It offers one of the most stunning panoramic views of Rome and St. Peter’s Basilica. It is the perfect spot for a history lesson and a photo op rolled into one.
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Ascend the Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are a great place to admire the bustle of Rome! Linking the Piazza di Spagna at the base with the Trinità dei Monti church at the top, these 135 steps are a masterpiece of Italian Baroque style. At the bottom, keep an eye out for the Fontana della Barcaccia, a unique fountain shaped like a sinking ship. It is the perfect place to pause before heading into the nearby shopping district.
Throw Coins in the Trevi Fountain
It might be one of the most crowded spots in the city, but the Trevi Fountain is a "must" for a reason. The legend says that if you throw a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand, you are guaranteed a return trip to Rome. We’ve done it every time, and so far, it hasn't let us down! To avoid the massive crowds, try to get here early in the morning or late at night when the fountain is beautifully illuminated.
Visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
No trip to Rome is complete without visiting Vatican City! It is the smallest country in the world, but it is packed with some of the most famous works of art in existence. Wandering through the Vatican Museums can be intense, so we suggest focusing on the highlights like the Gallery of Maps before reaching the crown jewel: the Sistine Chapel. Seeing Michelangelo’s ceiling in person is one of those moments that actually lives up to the hype!
If at all possible, get tickets for first thing in the morning when the museum opens to avoid the longest crowds and most crowded rooms. And when you get there, bypass all the art that you can come back to later and follow the signs to jet STRAIGHT back to the Sistine Chapel. It’s a long walk, but if you’re one of the first arrivals and sort of rushing to the back of the museum to see it, you’ll be one of the very few people in the chapel, which is absolutely the most spectacular way to see it. Once you’re done, circle back to the front and start the museum over properly. You’ll want to allocate at least 3 hours for your visit to this massive museum.
Stand in Awe of St. Peter’s Basilica
Just a short walk from the Vatican museums is St. Peter’s Basilica. Even if you aren't religious, the sheer scale and craftsmanship of this space are breathtaking. Inside, you will find Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s massive bronze baldacchino.
If you have the energy, we highly recommend climbing to the top of the dome. The stairs are narrow and quite the workout, but the view of St. Peter’s Square from the top is unbeatable. But seriously, if you get claustrophic, are pregnant, have a heart condition, or asthma but not an inhaler in hand, skip the climb. The best view of the Basilica really is from the bottom, but if you are physically capable of the climb, the view from the top of Rome really is beautiful.
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Waltz the Streets at Sunset
While Rome’s famous landmarks are marvelous during the day, their beauty truly shines as the light begins to fade. Just as the sun is setting, we love to take a slow stroll from the Pantheon toward the Trevi Fountain. The stone turns a warm gold, the air cools down, and the city feels a little more magical. It’s the best way to soak in your final moments in the Eternal City before heading off to dinner.
Explore the Doria Pamphilj Gallery
If you want to escape the heat and the crowds of the larger museums, the Doria Pamphilj Gallery is a hidden gem. It houses one of the most important private art collections in Italy, featuring works by masters like Caravaggio, Raphael, and Velázquez. The gallery is still owned by the Doria Pamphilj family, and as you wander through the opulent rooms, it feels like you have stepped back into a private 17th-century palace.
Check out the Trastevere Neighborhood
Trastevere is the neighborhood in Rome known for its narrow, winding streets and lively atmosphere. It is the perfect place to explore when you want a break from the "monumental" side of the city. You will find ancient churches tucked between trendy boutiques and modern restaurants. When the sun goes down, the neighborhood comes alive. People spill out of bars onto the piazzas, and the energy is infectious. It is our favorite place to settle in for a leisurely evening.