The 26 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Rome

Key Takeaways

• Hit the Colosseum early with a guided tour (18-24 EUR) for arena floor access.
• Explore free gems like the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain at dusk.
• Stay in Monti or Trastevere for a local vibe (90-140 EUR/night budget hotels).
• Use ATAC 24-hour passes (8.50 EUR) for buses and metro.
• Visit in spring or fall for mild weather and fewer lines.

Premier Attractions and Experiences with Ratings

As a frequent Rome visitor who’s spent weeks here over multiple trips, I always start with the Colosseum. This iconic amphitheater, built in 70-80 AD, hosted brutal gladiatorial contests and could seat 50,000 spectators.

Book the Full Experience Ticket for 24 EUR via the official site or GetYourGuide to access the arena floor and underground hypogeum where animals were caged; it’s open daily from 8:30 AM to 7 PM in peak season and rated 4.7/5 on TripAdvisor from millions of reviews.

One evening, I joined a small-group tour and felt the chills imagining lions prowling below.

Colosseum Details Card

Hours: 8:30 AM – 7 PM (last entry 6 PM). Price: 18 EUR standard, 24 EUR full access. Rating: 4.7/5. Pro tip: Arrive at opening to beat lines.

Next, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel demand a full morning. Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes in the chapel are breathtaking up close; tickets cost 31 EUR for adults (20 EUR reduced), and it is open Monday-Saturday 9 AM-6 PM.

I once skipped the line with a guided tour from GetYourGuide, learning hidden details like the 300+ figures painted over four years. The St. Peter’s Basilica dome climb adds panoramic views for 10 EUR extra.

Don’t miss the Pantheon, a free 2,000-year-old temple with the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain (best at night when lit) for luck, and wander Piazza Navona’s Bernini fountains. For ratings, the Pantheon scores 4.8/5 on Google from 150,000+ reviews and is praised for its perfect oculus light beam.

In Trastevere, I discovered hole-in-the-wall spots like Da Teo for cacio e pepe pasta (12 EUR/plate). This bohemian neighborhood buzzes with street art and ivy-covered alleys, earning 4.6/5 for its authentic vibe.

My Personal Stories and Pro Tips

“On my last trip, I stumbled upon the Aventine Keyhole after a rainy day in the Forum; peeking through gave a perfect frame of St. Peter’s dome, a secret view few chase,” I recall vividly. Pro tip: Pair Villa Borghese gardens with the gallery (book ahead, 15 EUR); rent a bike for 5 EUR/hour to picnic amid lakes and sculptures.

For food, skip tourist traps near sights. I swear by Mercato Testaccio for fresh arancini (3 EUR) and supplì rice balls. Evening aperitivo in Monti bars offers drinks and buffets for 10 EUR. Always ask for the coperto charge upfront to avoid surprises.

Recommended Guided Tours

Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill tours via GetYourGuide (from 38 EUR) include licensed guides decoding underground secrets. Vatican skip-the-line (50 EUR) saved me hours. Day trips to Pompeii (100 EUR) or Tivoli Villas (80 EUR) extend the adventure. Book on TripAdvisor for reviews.

Staying Safe in Rome

Rome is safe overall (safer than many cities), but pickpockets target metros and crowds. Use a cross-body bag, keep valuables in front, and avoid distractions near Termini station.

Emergency numbers: 112 for all services, 118 for ambulance, and 113 for police. “I wrap my strap around my wrist on the A line metro,” I always do. Women: Solo travel is fine; stick to lit areas at night.

Top Neighborhoods to Stay

Monti offers trendy bars and Colosseum proximity (budget hotels are 90-140 EUR/night on Booking.com). Trastevere charms with cobblestones but books fast (Airbnbs 80-115 EUR via Agoda). Avoid Termini for noise; Prati suits Vatican fans. Check Hotels.com for deals.

Navigating Rome Efficiently

ATAC buses and the metro are cheap: a 100-minute ticket is 1.50 EUR, a 24-hour ticket is 8.50 EUR, and a 72-hour ticket is 22 EUR. Buy at tobacconists or app. Taxis via the FREE NOW app (10 EUR short ride). Walk Centro Storico; it’s compact.

Leonardo Express train from Fiumicino Airport to Termini: 14 EUR, 32 minutes.

Optimal Times to Visit Rome

Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) bring 15-25°C weather and shorter lines. Avoid July-August heat (35°C+). Winter offers empty sites but rain. Easter and Christmas see crowds.

Arriving in Rome

Fly into Fiumicino (FCO); shuttle buses to Termini are 6-10 EUR via GetYourGuide. Ciampino for budget flights. Trains from northern Italy via ItaliaRail.

Excursions Around Rome

Pompeii day trip (2 hours by train, tours 100 EUR). Tivoli’s Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este (bus from Rebibbia). Amalfi Coast or Tuscany via organized tours on Viator (check Expedia bundles).

Daily Expenses and Budget Plans

Budget: 100 EUR/day (hostel 35 EUR, street food 15 EUR, free sites). Midrange: 190 EUR (hotel 110 EUR, meals 40 EUR, tours 40 EUR). Splurge: 300+ EUR. Meals: Pizza 10 EUR, pasta dinner 25 EUR.

Smart Savings Strategies

Get the 72-hour transport pass. Eat at markets, picnic in parks. Free entry to the Pantheon and to the first Sunday museums. Book multi-site passes on Kayak. Avoid taxis; walk or bus.

Ideal Trip Duration

4-5 days covers essentials: Day 1 ancient Rome, Day 2: Vatican/Trastevere, Day 3: food/markets; Day 4: day trip. Add 2 for depth. I’ve done 7 days twice, blending relaxation with discovery.