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What Are The Best Things To Do In Rome? Here Are My Favorites
BY Sibashree Feb 4, 2026
Now, whenever it’s about the iconic destinations such as Rome or Paris, making a “things to do” list is exhaustive. And the extortion shows in the guides I check on the internet. So, this time, I planned to create a guide on things do in Rome and it is something very personal. After three trips to Rome over the years, I can safely say that I have started to know the real pulse of the city. It’s beyond the Colosseum and Roman history. We have a different guide on the main attractions in Rome if you only want to learn about the iconic attractions. So, let me take you on a trip to Rome through my eyes. Also, I am happy that combating overtourism in Rome has finally been taken up seriously. If you are a foreign tourist, you will have to pay €2 to visit the Trevi Fountain during the daytime from February 2026. Nevertheless, here are my favorite things to do in Rome. What Are The Best Things To Do In Rome? Timeless, Rome has the power to add a new favorite shade to your list of favorites. Or, you can have a trip to the past at every corner you look! It takes a lifetime to understand the true essence of Rome. 1. Rediscover The Shade Of Ocher Ocher is the color you begin and end your day in Rome with. The street light, which plays the perfect complement to the Sun, also creates the same magic when bouncing off the buildings. Especially during the winter months, when the sky of Rome is bright blue, the old buildings stand as the eternal witness. Guess their color? It’s ocher. Also, if you ask me which city wears decay the best, it’s Rome for sure. 2. Exploring The Pantheon (Yes Again!) The Pantheon never gets old for me. A building that has been standing for 2000 years feels magical. Also, one great thing I noticed last time was how they are managing the crowd. You have to pre-book it. So, you cannot just walk in. You can even book your fast-track tickets for the Pantheon. It’s an irony that this temple for all (Pan) gods (Theos) is not revered as the other architectural icons of the world. However, for me, it’s most cryptic and intriguing, even the Colosseum. 3. Visiting The Colosseum And Roman Forum (You Cannot Miss It, Right)? I got inside the Flavian amphitheater last time. However, if you are a first-timer, you can make proper plans and book a ticket online in advance. Also, with each ticket, you will get an entry to the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. However, if you want to explore the rare corners of the Colosseum, such as the attic or the underground, you will need to buy separate tickets. Moreover, let’s make this clear to you! You will need an English-speaking guide. It does not matter how much you have read about the Colosseum. The anecdotes they share and the way they help to navigate have no match. Also, it is through their stories that you will see the Gladiators in Rome coming alive in front of your eyes. 4. Exploring The Vatican Museums We all know that Vatican City is one of the countries near Italy, and it is an enclaved microstate. The Vatican Museums are like miles of artwork. The museums have around 70000 artworks in their 24 different sections. The gallery of maps was the most fascinating for me as a traveler and travel writer. It took around 3 years to get completed. Also, the Bramante Staircase itself is an attraction, and I spent quite some time near it. However, the Vatican Museums need better crowd management. Also, please note that the museums are now open at 8 AM instead of 9 AM for better visitor management. 5. Making A Wish At Trevi Fountain I have already mentioned the fee imposed for visiting the Trevi Fountain. And it was much-needed, as the last time I was in Rome, there were around 60000 people near the front basin of the fountain. Still, you cannot miss the fountain during the sunrise. And a tourist staple? To make a wish and throw the coin in the fountain water. These little cheesy things never get old. 6. Walking Up The Spanish Steps Are you looking for free things to do in Rome? Just walk up the iconic Spanish steps. These steps are picture-perfect and a favorite for tourists looking for Instagram snaps. The steps get their name from the Spanish Embassy at the bottom. However, a Frenchman built the stairs, and the French Church at the top offers you some moments of quietude. The steps are also pretty close to Via del Corso, the main shopping street of Rome. Also, you will find different cobbled alleys and quaint piazzas. Any particular favorite? Yes, Piazza del Popolo won my heart. 7. Taking A Walk Around Trastevere Rome is walkable, and it is the epicenter of various trendy neighborhoods. Trastevere was my favorite among them. Transtevere has beautiful cobblestone streets, exuding the perfect dark academia vibes. Also, drinking an Aperol Spritz and watching people here are some of my favorite things to do in Rome. I had my food at Tonnarello, and the chef’s kiss was the gelato I had while walking back to Centro Storico. In this context, you will find many of the best hotels in Rome in the Centro Storico area. I prefer walking across the Ponte Sisto to reach Trastevere and explore its cobblestone streets. 8. Browsing The Borghese Gallery Borghese Gallery is a small building on the eastern edge of Villa Borghese. It is a sprawling park, spanning an area of 200 acres. Now, here comes the catch! With the “small” word attached to it, you will think that you can just walk in. However, the gallery limits the number of visitors. So, if you don’t prebook, the tickets can get sold out. Enjoy the works of Raphael, Bernini, and Caravaggio at the Borghese Gallery. 9. Exploring The Lesser-Known Side Of Rome: The Southeast I took a scooter from the Centro Storico, and it was great to explore places like San Saba and Ripa. Away from the crowd, the first major encounter here was the Circus Maximus. And it was a goosebump moment, without exaggerating a bit! It was the place where chariot races took place, and 25000 Romans were witnesses to them. Then, I continued walking toward Roseto Comunale and reached Giardino degli Aranci. It is a garden of orange trees, and it has Terrazza Aventino, or the terrace from where you can enjoy amazing views. The next destination was the Piramide di Caio Cestio. A pyramid in Rome? Yes, it is. Finally, I reached the Baths of Caracalla. The history of the bath goes back to 215 AD. The fun thing is that here you will get 4D goggles for a small fee and get a virtual tour of what the Bath looked like back then. If you want to explore further southeast, you can visit the Aurelian Walls and the Appian Way. 10. And The Piazza's Time! I don’t know how many people care to talk about piazzas when discussing the best things to do in Rome. From the beautiful Piazza Navona to the Piazza del Popolo, every piazza has a page to add to the glorious history of Italy. 11. Trying Out The Best Italian Food Milky gelatos, Neapolitan-style pizzas, and homemade pastas are the three main attractions for a foodie in Italy. However, you must also try the gnocchi, cannoli, and tiramisu. Also, you cannot ignore the Peroni or Moretti, or even the Aperol Spritz. Want to have the best food experience in Rome with your partners? Explore these best romantic restaurants in Rome.
