Top Activities to Explore in Rome, Italy: An Insider's Guide
Gear up for the most fantastic journey through the eternal city! Rome is one damn amazing place, full of history, art, architecture, and food that'll make you drool. With its Baroque and Renaissance churches, ancient temples, hidden catacombs, and iconic fountains, Rome is an unmissable tourist destination that's beyond compare.
Why settle for Venice when you can experience Rome's unique vibe? Combine history and architecture with delicious pasta, pizza, and gelato, and you'll live la dolce vita. There's more to Rome than just the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Ready to explore some truly fun and unusual attractions that'll make your trip extra special?
Best Things To Do In Rome (2025):
- The Bloody and Magnificent Colosseum
No trip to Italy is complete without a trip to the infamous Colosseum. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, this circular amphitheater is the largest ever built and could hold almost 80,000 spectators! from gladiator shows to executions and plays, the Colosseum is one epic historical site you gotta see. Basic entry costs 12 EURO, but try to get there early to avoid the long queues. Grab a skip-the-line combo ticket online instead!
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (October to February) with longer hours during peak season
Visiting the Colosseum Guide
- The Roman Forum: A Walk Through History
Once the epicenter of social, religious, and political life during the Caesars' reign, the Roman Forum is home to numerous ancient structures like the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Saturn, and the Temple of Vesta. It's easy to spend a few hours wandering around the ruins and marveling at the past. You can visit the Forum on its own or combine it with other major attractions like the Colosseum and Palantine Hill on a special combo ticket.
- St. Clement Basilica: Layers of History in One Place
Dedicated to Pope Clement I, the St Clement Basilica consists of three layers. The top level is a medieval basilica, while the lower level houses a home secretly converted to Christianity by the Senator Titus Flavius Clemens and a temple of Mithras. The lowest layer may have been a mint destroyed in the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD. The Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano is the perfect spot to see history and architecture from different eras in one awesome location.
Entrance Fee: 10 EURO
Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday: 9 AM to 12:30 PM and 3 PM to 6 PM. Sunday: 12 PM to 6 PM
- Capitoline Museums: A Masterpiece of Art and History
The Capitoline Museums house an extensive collection of Renaissance, medieval, and Imperial masterpieces, including works by great artists like Bernini, Caravaggio, Botticelli, and Raphael. Here, you'll get a deep dive into Rome's captivating history and artistic heritage.
Entrance Fee: 18 EURO
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 10 AM to 8 PM, closed on Monday
- Pantheon: A Marvel of Architecture
The Pantheon was built in 126 AD and is famed for its amazing architecture, with both a height and diameter of 43.5 meters. The building is home to the tombs of many royals and artists, including the famous Renaissance painter, Raphael. Entry is free, so make sure to stop by and marvel at its architectural brilliance.
Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday: 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Sunday: 9 AM to 6 PM
- Fontana di Trevi: the Perfect Selfie Spot
The Trevi Fountain is the perfect Instagram-worthy selfie spot in Rome. Originating from the Aqua Virgo aqueduct in 19 BC, the current version was created by Nicola Salvi and Giuseppe Pannini. The tradition of throwing coins into the fountain to ensure a return to Rome or falling in love brings over 1 million Euros worth of coins each year!
- Villa Borghese Park & Borghese Gallery: A Green Oasis in the City
Set on the Western banks of the Tiber River, the Villa Borghese Park is the third-largest park in Rome. Established by the Borghese family in 1901, it's filled with sculptures and fountains by famous artists. The Borghese Gallery situated within the park showcases collections by artists like Bernini, Caravaggio, Botticelli, Raphael, and Bernini.
Entrance to the park is free, while the Gallery admission costs 20 EURO.
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Closed Mondays.
- The Vatican Museums: Art of All Time
The Vatican Museums, established by Pope Julius II in 1503, hold the world's largest collection of artwork. While not all of the 70,000 pieces are on display, you can check out over 20,000 artworks within the walls of Vatican City. The museums are made up of 54 galleries, with highlights like the Sistine Chapel decorated by Michelangelo and the incredible Map Room.
Entrance Fee: 16 EURO for adults, 8 EURO for kids
- Piazza Navona: An Exquisite Baroque Plaza
Piazza Navona is a beautiful a rectangle-shaped plaza with fountains, open-air cafes, and street artists. Its unique curved design was inspired by the 1st-century Stadium of Domitian. Don't miss the famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) created by Bernini.
- Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità):
Legend says that if you put your hand in the mouth of this marble structure and lie, it will bite off your hand. This creepy 1300 kgs marble sculpture is located outside the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin and is a popular stop for tourists.
- Capuchin Crypt: Bone Church
Located on a small street on Calle Vittorio Veneto, the Capuchin Crypt is home to thousands of human bones and skulls arranged in unique and artistic displays. It serves as a reminder of life's fleeting existence.
Entrance Fee: 6 EURO
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 7 PM
- Trastevere Neighborhood: Italy's Bohemian Heart
Trastevere is a colorful bohemian neighborhood full of charming ivy-covered streets, local Italian restaurants, and cafes. It's a must-visit place to wander around and experience real Roman life.
- Isola Tiberina (Tiber Island): The Floating Island
Isola Tiberina, located in the middle of the Tiber River, features several notable institutions like the Fatebenefratelli Hospital and the statue of St. John the Baptist from Bernini. It's a peaceful spot to walk around and escape the crowded city.
- Victor Emmanuel Monument: The Wedding Cake of Rome
Also known as the Altare della Patria, the Victor Emmanuel Monument honors the first king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II. The monument is an impressive piece of architecture with three tiers, adorned with relief sculptures, frescoes, and statues.
- Janiculum Hill: Romantic Sunset Spot
Janiculum Hill offers some of the best views of Rome, especially during sunset. Don't miss the beautiful Garibaldi Monument at the top of the hill.
With its mesmerizing historical sites, enchanting hidden gems, and delicious food, there's no shortage of fun things to do in Rome. So get ready to explore, eat, and be amazed by this stunning city!
With a delightful blend of history, art, culture, and mouthwatering cuisine, Rome's Indispensable Home-and-Garden, Travel experience is an ideal way to immerse yourself in the heart of la dolce vita. Beyond the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, Rome presents a wealth of fascinating attractions that provide a glimpse into its rich heritage. Home to the magnificent Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano and the alluring St. Clement Basilica, visitors can indulge in a Journey Through History unlike any other. In addition, the Borghese Gallery and Villa Borghese Park, serving as a lush oasis amidst the bustling city, offers visitors a perfect escape. For a unique twist, explore Trastevere Neighborhood, Italy's Bohemian Heart, or unwind on Isola Tiberina, the Floating Island in the middle of the Tiber River. Whether your interests lie in history, art, architecture, or indulging in delectable Italian cuisine, there's an unforgettable Lifestyle adventure waiting for you in the Eternal City.
