10 Best Things To Do In Rome, The Home Of The Mighty Colosseum

Rome has a rich past, even richer than the histories of other cities in the world. This Italian city had cradled the glorious Roman civilization that existed during the ancient times, tons of years ago. Today, it is one of the most popular destinations amongst tourists. There are so many things to do in Rome!

The ancient roots of Rome still uncoil throughout this city even until today. Sure, you may equate Rome with the iconic Colosseum, but there’s more to it than just this. Here, you can visit the imposing Pantheon, as well as the priceless masterpieces by some of the most celebrated Italian sculptors like Michelangelo and Bernini. 

With a vibrant artisan culture, breathtaking basilicas, and a mouth-watering food scene, there are countless reasons why “la città eterna” or “the eternal city” (the nickname of Rome) has charmed travelers then and now. So, let’s jump right in and discover some of the best things to do in Rome.

10 Best Things To Do In Rome

What are the best things to do in Rome?

1. See The Electrifying Colosseum In-Person

Without much ado, let’s head over to the first on this list of the best things to do in Rome, and probably the number one reason why you decided to travel here, the iconic Colosseum, listed as among the “New Seven Wonders of the World.”

The tenacity of Rome is reflected upon its ancient monuments, still intact even if they were built nearly around 2,000 years ago. One of these is the Colosseum. Debuted in 80 AD, the behemoth Colosseum that has become the pattern of today’s modern arenas accommodates 50,000 people, and famously hosted audiences who would watch gladiators facing off against each other or against wild animals.  

Its physical beauty is just the tip of the iceberg, as its backstory even gives this landmark more substance. More than any other monument, this remarkable amphitheater also symbolizes the power and the drama that moved ancient Rome. There’s a reason why today’s travelers would describe it, “electrifying.”

Since the Colosseum is among the new seven wonders of the world, there’s always queues and crowds everywhere. However, many tour operators offer skip-the-line access to this marvel. Tourists who have previously visited the site also recommend that you get a tour guide, as this gives more context, rather than just simply viewing the structure. 

2. Wander Around The Roman Forum

A stone’s throw away from the mighty Colosseum is the equally-gorgeous Roman Forum. It may not be as popular as the Colosseum (of course), but this site, according to many travelers, is more interesting. 

The Roman Forum is home to many of ancient Rome’s most important structures, such as shrines, monuments, and government houses. Much of the complex is now in ruins, but you can still see the former glory of structures like the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Arch of Titus, and the House of the Vestal Virgins, among many others. 

To walk through its remains is all about retracing the footsteps of great Roman figures, such as Julius Caesar, Augustus, and Pompey. The Roman Forum is the heart of the ancient Roman empire.

Let’s kick off your things to do in Rome experience on a high note. Aside from learning about the best activities to do in Rome, you may also want to explore the best photography spots in Rome. 

3. Admire The Beauty Of The Pantheon

The Pantheon, built in 120 AD, is a former Roman temple, and now a present-day church. Just like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, it is also one of the best preserved monuments from the ancient Roman empire. 

Its enormous portico and thick-set walls will impress, but there are more to unfold before your eyes when you reach the interiors of this building. Inside is vast, you’ll feel very small as you look up at the imposing dome above you. Even adding to their effects are the shafts of light streaming through the central oculus, or the circular opening at the apex of the dome, illuminating the royal tombs set against the marble-adorned interior.

And, if you feel tired of all the walking and sightseeing, you can head over to Piazza della Rotonda, where the Pantheon is situated, as it offers a perfect and cozy setting for some coffee, pizza, or gelato. Visiting the Pantheon is one of the best things to do in Rome.

4. Utter A Wish At Trevi Fountain, And Be Surprised By It At Night

The flashy Trevi Fountain is Rome’s biggest and most famous water feature. It was designed by Nicola Salvi, an Italian architect, during the 1700s, wherein he successfully turned it into a gloriously flamboyant rococo marvel that depicts wild horses, mythological figures, and cascading rock falls. Oceanus, the god of the waters, emerges from the fountain’s pool, flanked by his Tritons. You may also visit this place at night when it becomes all lit up.

But perhaps even more interesting is that this place has become a traditional rite of passage for visitors. Some of the things to do in Rome here is to toss coins into the fountain’s water and make a wish that someday, you’ll return to this wonderful city. According to Roman lore, tossing coins to the fountain, and placing your right hand over your left shoulder ensure you will return to Rome (which is quite a challenge, considering the expenses of traveling here!). 

Italy is wondrously beautiful. Aside from learning about the things to do in Rome, you might also want to learn the activities you can do in Milan, another Italian city. 

5. Enjoy The City’s Most Spectacular Views From Palatino

Palatino is one of Rome’s seven hills, alongside Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Quirinal, and Viminal. If you’re here to enjoy the best things to do in Rome, you’re in luck because you’ll be getting fantastic views of the city from this vantage point. Plus, it also has a lot of stories to tell. 

According to historical allegations, Palatine Hill is where Romulus, the legendary founder and first king of Rome, founded the city in 753 BC. But whether this is true or not, the place is one of the best. 

Palatino is a gorgeous greenscape featuring evocative ruins, towering pine trees, and stunning views from the Roman Forum. Even more, some say that as they walk along its gravel pathways, they can almost sense ghosts in the air. Why don’t you include this on your list of things to do in Rome?

6. Visit Areas Of The Colosseum Not Accessible To Regular Ticket Holders

Believe us, there’s more to the Colosseum than just what regular ticket holders to this structure have access to. Another Colosseum in this things to do in Rome guide? Yes. 

Viator offers a tour of the Colosseum not accessible to regular ticket holders. In this tour, you’ll get to see the structure’s underground level, the Arena, and the Roman Forum. You also don’t need to worry about not understanding the tour guide as the commentary is brought to you via headsets. 

7. Take A Side Trip To Vatican City

We hear you – Vatican City is a separate country, right? While this is still accurately correct, Vatican City is accessible from Rome as it only takes a few minutes to travel here. This is why many tourists who visit Rome make it a point to also head over to Vatican City. It’s just as gorgeous here. 

In this tour, you will get to visit the Vatican Museums, home to the world’s most beautiful artworks from various Italian artists like Caravaggio and Raphael. Then, you’ll also get to marvel at the famous Sistine Chapel – which controversial author, Dan Brown, featured in his controversial novel – and St. Peter’s Basilica. Don’t miss out on these things to do in Rome.

Visiting the Colosseum is one of the best things to do in Rome. We’ve also listed it down as one of the best photographic locations in the world. Click this link for the story.  

8. Go People-Watching From The Spanish Steps

Wait, you might ask if you read that right. Spanish steps? In Rome? Yes, that has to be accurate. 

Located in Piazza di Spagna, a place home to Bernini’s Fontana della Barcaccia, the Spanish Steps is also another must-visit landmark in Rome. Here, travelers can tread the same stairs or steps that talented writers and artists have trodden for centuries. Aside from being a great place to people-watch, the Spanish Steps also comes alive with blooming azaleas every spring. 

9. Cruise The Seas Around Rome

Want to see Rome from a whole new perspective? Why don’t you join this tour? This tour is actually a cruise that sails the Tiber River from where you can reel in 360-degree views of the city. 

There are several kinds of cruise tours being offered, such as the Hop On Hop Off Cruise, where you can hop on and off as many times as you want, as long as it’s within 24 hours, the validity of one ticket. Or, you may also partake in cruises that feature wine bars, dinners, and live music. 

10. Join A Cooking Class Featuring The Most Iconic Italian Dishes

Let’s put you to the test. How many Italian dishes do you know of aside from just pizzas and gelatos? Perhaps not a lot, right? But don’t worry because when you choose to participate in a cooking class while you’re here enjoying the best things to do in Rome, you will certainly learn about more Italian dishes.

These cooking classes in Rome will take you on a journey to the secret ingredients of your favorite Italian dishes, and try them on your own, truly creating memories that you can bring as you head home. 

Indeed, if we are to extend this list of the best things to do in Rome, there will be a whole lot more. Some of the other places to visit while you are in Rome are the Piazza del Popolo, Church of St. Louis of the French, Santa Maria della Vittoria, Trastevere, and Piazza Navona.

Can’t get enough of this things to do in Rome guide? We have more stories about Italy. 

Things To Do In Rome: Upcoming Events You Might Want To Attend

The traditional way of traveling is sightseeing. You know, just walking and strolling around looking at the views and perhaps, taking photographs, too. But have you ever traveled to a destination to attend a big event? If you haven’t, now is the time. 

For more of the best things to do in Rome, here are some upcoming events in the city that you might want to attend.

• Saturday Night Fever!, July 15th to 16th – This is one of Rome’s most famous party events, where attendees will not only have a good time, but get a chance to explore the city, too.
• Villa Ada Festival, July to September – Set in Villa Ada park in Rome, this year’s Villa Ada Festival will feature various concert performances from both Italian and international artists.
• Sagra dell’Uva, September – In this harvest festival, musicians wearing ancient costumes entertain, and attendees can buy grapes at lower prices. 
• Rome International Film Festival, October 2023 – Film buffs will love this. This red carpet event will feature screenings, encounters, tributes, retrospectives, conferences, and exhibits. 

Truly, Rome provides the perfect backdrop to every event being held here.

Rome Is Fierce

Usually, wandering around Rome is always about the ancient structures and more buildings constructed during its history’s golden age. Literally, you will get overwhelmed with so many magnificent structures from the past. But, believe it or not, this Italian city is much more than just traveling back in time. Joining a cruise on Rome’s seas and cooking classes featuring the most authentic Italian dishes are some of the other things to do in Rome.

Rome is famous for its old wonders rather than what other cities have as towering skyscrapers. Featuring a mix of ancient ruins, astonishing art, and vibrant street life, Rome is Italy’s fierce capital, as well as among the world’s most charismatic destinations.