The 25 Best Things to Do in Rome (Italy) - The Crazy Tourist (2023)

Rome stands out as one of the best and oldest cities in the world. Rome's history spans over 2,500 years and it has been a center of power, politics, culture and development since its inception. The creation of the city is steeped in legends and mythologies and there are several accounts of how this majestic place was built. Several Roman Emperors ruled mighty Rome and this is where the colossal Roman Empire grew from.

Over time, several monuments, palaces and religious buildings were built in the city, which today stand out as beautiful tourist attractions and reminders of the city's glorious past. Rome is consistently ranked as one of Europe's top tourist destinations and with landmarks such as the Colosseum and theVatican, it's easy to see why.

let's explore theBest things to do in Rome:

1. Colosseum

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This mighty structure is one of the most famous and iconic monuments in the world and a trip to Rome would not be complete without a visit to the Colosseum.

Also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum was built between 70 and 80 AD. and it was estimated that at its height it had a capacity of 80,000 spectators.

This building was used for games, gladiator tournaments and other forms of entertainment and was regularly visited by Roman emperors.

Located southwest of the main train station, the Colosseum is easily accessible and has a nearby metro stop.

Marvel at this famous structure from every angle and be sure to skip the lines and enter to truly appreciate the enormity of this ancient site.

Get skip the line tickets:Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Priority Tickets

2. St. Peter's Square

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Rome has a small country within a country: the Vatican.

This independent state is one of the most important religious sites in the world and St. Peter's Square is an iconic location where many important events have taken place.

Located at the front of the Vatican property, the square is actually circular and framed by two massive sets of colonnades – on top of these columns are beautiful statues of various religious figures and former popes.

In the center is an imposing obelisk that was actually taken from the Circus of Nero and looks more Egyptian than Roman.

At the other end of the square is the iconic St. Peter's Basilica and a set of chairs are often placed in front of it for papal ceremonies.

Take in the enormity of the square, watch the throngs of people waiting to see the Pope, and use this as a starting point for exploring the Vatican.

Top rated tour available:Visit to Castel Sant'Angelo and St. Peter's Square

3. St. Peter's Basilica

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Arguably the most well-known and celebrated religious building in the world, St. Peter's Basilica stands as a true triumph of the power and decline of the Catholic religion and is considered one of the holiest shrines to its followers.

Located at the other end of St. Peter's Square, the basilica has a beautiful front façade and is crowned with statues of the Apostles and Jesus.

Inside the Basilica, the architecture and decoration are simply divine and it is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.

You'll be amazed at the amount of decoration and detail and how the light falls in dazzling rays at certain points during the day.

Both Michelangelo and Bernini contributed to the design and you can see their handiwork in the immense dome and impressive sculpture of Gloria.

Don't forget to climb to the top of the dome for an aerial view of St. Peter's Square. Inthis guided tourfrom St. Peter's Square and the Basilica, climb to the top level of the Dome for panoramic views of Rome, then head underground to admire the historic caves.

4. The Pantheon

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The mighty Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings in the world and is one of Rome's most famous attractions.

Built in 118 AD. C. by Emperor Hadrian, the building that exists today was built on the site of an earlier temple commissioned by Agrippa.

At the front of the building is a rectangular portico lined with massive columns and a dedication to Agrippa on the triangular pediment.

The interior features a magnificent dome that has a series of stone patterns and a central coffered ceiling that lets in light.

Located in the center of Rome on Piazza della Rotonda, the Pantheon should be a real highlight and is another must-see.

5. Trevi Fountain

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There are not many other fountains in the world as lavishly decorated and carved as the Trevi Fountain.

Built in 1762 by Nicola Salvi, the fountain is named after the Roman god Oceanus, who can be seen riding in his chariot drawn by newts and taming several seahorses.

The detail of the sculptures is simply wonderful and the entire facade and fountain are a true work of art.

It has become a tradition to toss coins over your shoulder into the water for good luck, although trying to do this with hundreds of other tourists can be difficult! Located very close to the Pantheon and the Quirinal Palace, this fountain should not be missed when walking through the streets of Rome.

6. Spanish Steps

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Located on Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinita dei Monti, the 135 Spanish Steps were built in 1725 to bridge the gap and slope between these two popular squares.

Each of the 135 steps features a wide stone overhang and is framed by stone walls.

At the top of the stairs you can find a large obelisk crucifix and many inscriptions carved into the stone.

At the foot of the stairs, Piazza di Spagna is spacious and contains a variety of shops and cafes.

Alternatively, at the top of the stairs is the Trinita dei Monti church, which is a major attraction in itself.

included in:Walking tour of fountains and squares for small groups

7. Roman Forum

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Possibly one of the most important Roman ruins in Italy, the Roman Forum is an ancient site made up of many ruins that were once the center of Roman public and political life.

Several temples, squares and arches once stood here, including the temples of Saturn, Titus and Vesta and the Arch of Severus.

Many of these structures are still standing and some of the arches and foundations and walls of the buildings can still be seen.

Located next to the Colosseum and the Altar of the Fatherland, the Roman Forum is truly an important place for your consideration.

Tickets can be purchased to enter the Forum and Colosseum and it is recommended to allow enough time to properly explore the ruins and learn about the history of this place.

8. Sistine Chapel

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Part of the Vatican museum complex, the Sistine Chapel is one of the most famous religious chapels in the world and boasts an impressive amount of detail and iconography.

Located in the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel was extensively restored in the 1400s and the site of the papal enclave – this is where a new Pope is selected.

The Sistine Chapel is particularly famous for its extensive and detailed decorations, including Michelangelo's Last Judgment fresco and ceiling artwork.

These two magnificent works of art are considered some of the most influential and important in religious history.

Be sure to allow plenty of time to see this incredible structure and the wonders it contains.

Combo ticket available:Entrance to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

9. Vatican Museums

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This treasure trove of classic and historic artworks was built over many centuries by various popes and includes some of the most important artworks in the world.

Located within Vatican state boundaries, the museums house more than 70,000 works of art.

A double ticket can be purchased to see both the Sistine Chapel and the museums and it is recommended to allow enough time to see both properly.

Divided into several different sections, the museums include the Museo Pio-Clementino, Museo Chiaramonti, Museo Gregoriano Etrusco, and Museo Gregoriano Egiziano, each containing different works of art and themes.

Notable pieces include Raphael's Transfiguration, Caravaggio's Entombment of Christ and the impressive gallery of maps.

10. Piazza Navona

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Built on the site of the Domitian Stadium, Piazza Navona was built in the 15th century and has remained a popular attraction ever since.

Located very close to the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, the square is a great place to visit while walking around the city centre.

This large square is often filled with artists and street vendors, and the surrounding buildings frame the open space perfectly.

Notable elements of the square include the Fontana del Moro and the Fountain of Neptune with its fantastic sculptures, Palazzo Braschi, Palazzo Pamphilj and the church of Saint Agnes in Agone.

11. Castel San Angelo

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Also known as Hadrian's Mausoleum, Castel Sant'Angelo is a circular fort and castle complex that was once the tallest building in Rome.

Created in the year 129 d. C., the castle is truly ancient and was originally designed to serve as a mausoleum for the emperor.

Over time, the castle became part of the Vatican state and was connected to St. Peter's Basilica.

St. Peter's Basilica through a huge corridor called Passetto di Borgo.

Today, the castle is a museum and contains wonderful exhibits about the structure's history throughout history.

It is also possible to climb to the top of the castle walls for fantastic views of St. Peter's Square and the city of Rome.

12. Palatine Hill

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Palatine Hill is one of the oldest areas of modern Rome and is the most central hill in the Tiber region.

Towering 40 meters above the historic Roman Forum, it offers a fantastic vantage point and from here you can see Rome's sprawl before your eyes.

In Roman mythology, this is where the legendary Romulus and Remus supposedly met, who later built the city of Rome.

Several structures still exist at this location today, including the Palacio Flavio and the Templo de Cibeles.

Entrance to the Roman Forum includes access to Palatine Hill, so be sure to go up there and visit this fantastic viewpoint.

13. Borghese Gallery

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Located in the Villa Borghese complex, the Galleria Borghese is an important art museum that contains a myriad of beautiful paintings, sculptures and antiques.

Founded in 1903, the Borghese complex is located in the northern part of the city center, on Via Pinciana street.

The impressive building has a beautiful and ornate front facade with many stone statues and decorations.

Spread over twenty different rooms, the extensive Borghese collection includes works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Rubens and Titan.

Allow plenty of time to see the masterpieces on display here, as well as the magnificent gardens of Villa Borghese.

online book:Entry to the Borghese Gallery with escorted entry

14. Basilica of Santa Maria la Mayor

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Rome is full of fantastic religious and historic buildings and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is one such structure.

Listed as the Major Basilica, it is one of the largest churches in Rome and is located in the square of the same name.

The facade of this magnificent building features a central set of stone columns surmounted by statues and many inscriptions.

In addition, there is also a large bell tower that rises above the surrounding buildings.

While the exterior is impressive in its own right, the interior is simply stunning, featuring an abundance of gilded decor, frescoes and detailed paintings on the walls and ceilings.

Of particular interest is the Borghese chapel, which has beautiful paintings and gold sculptures.

15. Gardens from Villa Borghese

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Located within the Villa Borghese complex, the gardens of the same name are a true triumph, providing a welcome respite from the bounty of historic architecture found in Rome.

As the third largest park in Rome, the gardens cover just under 200 acres of land and contain the Borghese Gallery and the National Gallery of Modern Art.

The garden contains several sections, including the Casino Borghese, which contains sculptures by Bernini, the Villa Giulia, which contains the Etruscan Museum, and also the remains of other villas.

In addition, you can also find various paths and paths leading through the extensive arrangement of plants and trees and landscaped areas with flower arrangements, fountains and beautiful bodies of water.

16. Trastevere

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This ancient part of Rome is considered one of the few places where you can see authentic Roman life and get a real feel for the city and how its residents live.

Situated west of the River Tiber, Trastevere is Rome's 13th district and is full of character and narrow cobbled streets.

Old houses line the winding streets and many pubs, restaurants, cafes and bars can also be found here.

It's not uncommon to see clothes hanging in the streets and residents shouting at each other from building to building.

This is Rome at its most blatant and simplistic.

Visit Trastevere for a real taste of culture and hit the streets at night for the lively nightlife.

related tour:Traditional 4-hour food and wine tasting tour

17. Altar of the Fatherland

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Another colossal monument located in the heart of Rome, the Altar of the Fatherland is dedicated to King Victor Emmanuel, who was the first king of a unified Italy.

This large stone monument is located very close to the Colosseum and the Pantheon.

In front of the monument is a large bronze statue of Emmanuel and many other stone sculptures.

The front façade features a row of ornate columns and is also highly decorated.

At the base of the monument there is also an interesting museum dedicated to the unification of Italy and the first years of its history.

18. Sant'Angelo Bridge

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The bridge of St. Angelo crosses the epic Tiber River and creates a trail between Castel Sant'Angelo and the nearby river bank.

Opening directly from the front of the castle, this bridge has great symmetry and is considered one of the most beautiful and decorative bridges in Rome.

Created with a travertine marble face, the bridge stands out against the sometimes muddy colors of the Tiber and offers fantastic photo opportunities.

A main feature of the bridge are the 10 statues of angels that stand at intervals on top of the walls; These angels are fantastically detailed and each carries a different item of importance.

Book online:Castel Sant'Angelo as reserved entry

19. Quirinal Palace

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This majestic structure and complex is one of the official residences of the current President of Italy and is located on the Quirinal Hill in central Rome.

In total, the complex occupies 110,500 square meters and is one of the largest palaces in the world.

Within the main part of the palace are a series of richly decorated rooms, courtyards, staircases and chapels.

It is possible to take a guided tour of the palace and there are also several exhibits detailing its history and use.

The Quirinale Gardens are also considered spectacular, with many plants, trees, flower arrangements and water features.

20. People's Square

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Piazza del Popolo is one of the best squares in the world and literally translates to the city square.

Surrounded by historic structures such as the Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli, the Porta del Popolo portal and the Parrocchiale Basilica, the squares offer plenty to explore.

Immediately east of the square is Monte Pincio, which offers fantastic views of the square and Rome.

In the center of the square is the huge Popolo Obelisk which, like the one in St. Peter's Square, was transferred from Egypt.

Several ornate fountains frame the square, including Fontana del Neptune and Fontana dell Obelisco.

This is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery or take in the views from the Pincio.

21. Arch of Constantine

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Dedicated to the great Emperor Constantine to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge, the Arch of Constantine is the largest of its kind in Rome and adjoins the Colosseum.

Built in the year 315 AD. C., is among the oldest structures in the city and still retains much of its original details and artwork.

At 21 m high, it is clearly visible from the surroundings and is one of the most emblematic monuments in Rome.

The artwork and sculptures present in the arch are a fusion of many different themes and combine to form a wonderful display of ancient history.

Some plinths show soldiers, others show prisoners and war scenes, while others contain elaborate inscriptions.

When visiting the Colosseum, allow plenty of time to admire this fantastic arch.

Included in:Vatican City and Ancient Rome Small-Group Full-Day Tour

22. Basilica of San Clemente

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This is one of the lesser-known churches in central Rome, but it's just as opulent and historic as St. Peter's Basilica.

Listed as a Minor Basilica, the church is actually divided into three distinct sections spanning a period of around two thousand years.

The original basilica was created in the 2nd century and the current form was completed in 1123 AD. While the exterior of the church is nothing special, the interior is quite spectacular, featuring an abundance of decor and artwork.

In particular, the high altar and ceiling of the second basilica feature some intricate artwork and frescoes, embellished with gold accents and an abundance of color.

Located very close to the Colosseum, this church is a great establishment to visit.

Get to know the Basilica and its basement:Church of San Clemente and Quattro Coronati Small Group Tour

23. Venice Square

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Considered the central thoroughfare and center of the city of Rome, Piazza Venezia is one of the busiest parts of the city and forms an intersection for several of the main streets.

Located at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, several important streets spill out from here, including the Fori Imperiali that leads to the Colosseum.

Important monuments located in the square include the Piazza Venezia, the Fartherland Altar and Trajan's Column.

24. Villa Farnesina

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Located in Rome's historic Trastevere district, Villa Farnesina is a fantastic example of a Renaissance villa complex and is considered an outstanding example of architecture and design.

Built in the 16th century for Agostina Chigi, this spacious villa has changed owners over the years and now operates as a museum.

In addition to the incredible architecture, the villa also features beautiful and detailed frescoes created by renowned Renaissance artist Raphael.

Filled with iconic artwork and sumptuous details, each room is a true glory to behold.

private tour:3-hour private visit to Galeria Farnesina

25. Fountain of the Four Rivers

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This ornate and detailed fountain is located in the center of Piazza Navona and was designed by legendary sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Created for Pope Innocent X in 1651, the fountain is located outside the Pamphili Palace, which served as the Pope's family residence.

The fountain represents the four river gods and in the center is a large Egyptian obelisk.

Each of the four statues honors one of the world's greatest rivers: the Nile, the Danube, the Ganges and the Río de la Plata.