Top 10 Things To Do In Rome: Must-Visit Attractions & Hidden Gems

Tourists enjoying dinner at the Piazza Vittorio, one of the top things to do in Rome

Rome, also known as the Eternal City, is a blend of history, art, culture, beauty and modernity. This treasure trove of history caters to the choices of all travellers. There are immense things to do in Rome, each promising a unique experience. Whether tourists are interested in exploring the top architectural landmarks with splendid craftsmanship or visiting museums which showcase a few of the most delicate and impressive artworks, Rome has something for everyone. Visitors can also indulge in Roman Cuisine leaving an excellent impression in their minds!

Top 10 Exciting Things To Do In Rome

Here’s a list of some of the exciting things to do in Rome promising an unforgettable experience.

1. Enjoy Tiber River Boat Cruises

Visitors exploring Tiber River on a boat, one of the unique things to do in Rome.

Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis / Wikimedia Commons

Exploring the Tiber River via several Boat Tours and Cruise Tours is one of the interesting options given to visitors. There are hour-long river cruises which let tourists embark on a scenic journey. Witnessing sunsets is the most recommended thing to do on these river cruises in Rome. These evening cruises serve snacks, wine and other delicacies from Roman cuisine. An option for a special rafting boat tour is also available. Optional audio guides are provided to tourists on the boat. Pretty views of Castle Sant’ Angelo are witnessed along the tour. A ‘Hop On Hop Off’ boat lets visitors explore the hidden gems and tourist places at their own pace.

Ideal Duration: 1 – 3 Hours, Depends On The Package

2. Sit And Relax At The Spanish Steps

Tourists watching the fountains at the Spanish Steps, a relaxing thing to do in Rome.

Photo: Ank Kumar / Wikimedia Commons

The Spanish Steps in Rome is one of the most visited tourist attractions. The place is an ideal spot to sit, talk, relax and watch the fountains. Often tourists are seen sitting at the Spanish Steps which is originally a steep slope connecting two areas, Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Mont at the top. Many street musicians play guitar on the steps. There are some high-end brands in the vicinity of the landmark where tourists can shop.

Timings: 24*7
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Hours

3. Wander Through Rome’s Neighbourhood

A visitor exploring the cobblestone streets at Trastevere, a top thing to do in Rome

Photo: Gabriella Clare Marino / Unsplash

Trastevere is a beautiful neighbourhood in Rome. This place is renowned for having cobblestone streets which are eye-catching and attract many visitors. Tourists also admire the beauty and architecture of several landmarks like Villa Farnesina, the Basilica of Saint Maria and Piazza Trilussa. It is also recommended to wander, sit and relax at Fontana di Ponte Sisto which lies at Piazza Trilussa. Visitors can also cross the bridge of Ponte Sisto starting from Trastevere.

Timings: 24*7
Ideal Duration: 3 – 5 hours

4. Take A Guided Tour To Colosseum

Tourists exploring the interior of the Colosseum, one of the top things to do in Rome

Photo: Colin / Wikimedia Commons

A knowledgeable thing to perform in Rome is to discover the history of the splendid monument, the Colosseum. There are guided tours options for a better understanding of the construction, significance and grandeur of this monument. The Colosseum is basically an amphitheatre which is purely built of limestone and has a capacity of 50,000 to 60,000 people. The Colosseum is one of the seven wonders of the world and an important archaeological site. There are underground guided tours which have to be booked prior.

Timings: 8:30 AM – 4:30 AM

5. Throw A Coin At The Trevi Fountain

A group of tourists enjoying at the Trevi Fountain, a ritualistic thing to do in Rome

Photo: Thomas Wolf / Wikimedia Commons

An old belief says that those who throw some coins at the Trevi Fountain are blessed and they return back to Rome in future. There are guided tours to this fountain and tourists learn about the significance of the same. However, there is a certain way to throw the coin. All visitors shall face their back towards the fountain and then throw the coin. The fountain is open for tourists 24*7. The Trevi Fountain is the largest fountain in Rome and has Baroque architecture. This place is beautifully lit up at night and becomes a chosen site to praise the beauty of Roman architecture.

Location: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma, Italy

6. Discover Piazza Navona

A street artist blowing soap bubbles in front of kids at Piazza Navona, Rome

Photo: Myrabella / Wikimedia Commons

Piazza Navona is the best place for fun and entertainment in Rome. This is a public open space in Rome and one of the most visited places by locals and tourists of the Eternal City. There are benches at Piazza Navona for tourists to sit, relax and people-watch. This place is also home to one of the best fountains in Rome, the Fountain of Neptune. After people-watching, visitors can also shop for souvenirs in the nearby shops or dine at a few of the fancy restaurants. Piazza Navona is full of street vendors who sell other interesting things too.

Location: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Timings: 24*7

7. Witness Breathtaking Views From Castel Sant’Angelo

A lovely view of Rome City from an architectural masterpiece, Castel Sant’Angelo

Photo: Thomas Wolf / Wikimedia Commons

Castel Sant’Angelo is a renowned building not only in Rome but in the entire world. This place is a true masterpiece of exquisite craftsmanship. Visitors can witness eye-catching views of the entire Rome City from the top of this castle. Besides the breathtaking views, this castle has several secret passages and other interesting features. Today, this castle is both a museum and a chosen place to explore. There are guided tour options given to visitors for a better understanding of the same. Visitors can also see the River Tiber from the top of the castle.

Best Time To Visit: During Day Time, Especially During Sunsets

8. Rent A Rowboat On A Lake At Villa Borghese

Two girls sailing on a rowboat on a quiet lake at Villa Borghese, a top place in Rome

Photo: Pierre-Selim Huard / Wikimedia Commons

Villa Borghese is a peaceful garden in Rome which attracts visitors because of its lush greenery and peacefulness. Visitors can rent rowboats at Villa Borghese and sail on the lake. The charges are according to the number of people on a particular row boat. The water of the lake at Villa Borghese is calm and serene. The lake is a heart-shaped lake and a chosen place for relaxation. There are a ton of trails at Villa Borghese with fountains and some vendors selling a few dishes. Villa Borghese houses a zoo too.

Timings: 9:30 AM Till Dusk

9. Roman Cuisine At The Top Restaurant

Classic wine and cheese served at an authentic restaurant in Rome, Pane e Salame.

Photo: Rachel Claire / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Pane e Salame is an authentic Italian restaurant in Rome. This place is renowned for its Roman delicacies and serves a few of the best dishes to all visitors. Pane e Salame is a modern bistro which is renowned for its platter of meals. This restaurant specializes in serving authentic wines which are paired with an array of cheese. Some of the other recommended dishes from Roman cuisine to try at Pane e Salame are truffle sandwiches, eggplant zucchini bruschetta and cheese boards. Vegetarian options are available too. This place is worth the hype!

Location: Via Santa Maria in Via, 19, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

10. Make A Visit To The Vatican City

Visitors witnessing an aerial view of St. Peter's Square, a soothing thing to do in Rome

Photo: Diliff / Wikimedia Commons

Vatican City is nestled in the heart of Rome but is an independent city-state. This place is rich in history and architecture and is home to stunning monuments and museums which showcase rich impressive artefacts belonging to the ancient Roman Empire. Exploring Vatican City gives a holistic view of Rome. Some of the must-visit places in Vatican City are St. Peter’s Basilica which houses the shrine of Saint Peter who was the first pope of Rome, Vatican Museum which showcases the collection of art accumulated by the popes since the 17th Century.

Distance From Rome: 4.1 KM

Rome is a city which attracts tourists from borders and beyond. This fascinating city has an array of things to do which excite tourists and leave them with countless memories. These above-mentioned things to do in Rome range from savouring a few of the best culinary delights to exploring charming neighbourhoods and ancient ruins and architectural landmarks. Book a trip with TripXL to Rome and all the things to do promise a journey through time. This city offers an unparalleled experience to all tourists and visitors.

Cover Photo: Caleb Miller / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

Ideally, 3-5 are enough to explore Rome and visit a few of the top tourist sites. Visitors can also visit neighbourhoods in Rome such as Trastevere for a unique experience.
Tourists shall buy Italian Leather Goods from Rome. This city is also famous for silk attires and clothing. Other gifts include Artisan Food from Rome.
Vatican City is only 4 kilometres from Rome. It takes about 15 minutes to reach this place from Rome. Vatican City is an independent city-state located in Rome itself.
A few of the renowned shopping areas in Rome are Piazza Navona, The Spanish Steps, Via del Corso, Via Cola di Rienzo and Piazza Venezia.
Rome has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and metro lines. Walking is also a great way to explore the city's historic areas.

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