Rome is like no other place on Earth. It’s a city filled with life, beauty and charm. It’s as well over packed with tourists, dirty and messy. There are tons of unmissable things to do in Rome and you’ll need more than a few days to enjoy it to the fullest! When strolling around the streets you will see modern buildings next to ruins dating back thousands of years.
Exploring Rome is like going back in time, discovering the history of the modern world while trying the best food you’ve ever had in your life. Everyone comes through Rome! I’ve never seen a place filled with so many backpackers and solo travellers every day of the week, all year long!
When in Rome, do as the Romans do! Listen to some advices and suggestions from a local guy (well, I was born and raised in Rome if you didn’t know) and make sure to check out these unmissable things to do in Rome!
22 Unmissable things to do in Rome:
- 1 – Colosseum
Symbol of the city, inagurated in the year 80 a.d. is by far the most visited attraction of the whole country. The ticket (9.50€ reduced/16€ full price) gives also access to the Roman Forum.
- 2 – Vatican City
A country inside another country! How cool is that?! Together with San Marino and Lesotho, these are the only 3 countries in the world entirely landlocked by another country, and I visited them all!
St. Peter Square and the Basilica are free (unless you wanna climb the dome which costs 8€ reduced/10€ full price), but make sure shoulders and knees are covered. The ticket for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel frescoed by Michelangelo is 17€, but be prepared for a line. They have about 7 million visitors a year!
- 3 – Trevi Fountain
The most iconic water fountain in the world, made famous by the movie “La Dolce Vita”. Don’t forget to throw a coin and make a wish.
- 4 – Spanish Steps
Just 5 min walking from the Trevi Fountain, you can mimic Rocky Balboa and walk up its 136 steps. Deep down WHEN IN ROME!
- 5 – Piazza Navona
The triumph of Baroque! Piazza Navona is one of the most beloved squares by the locals, where you will find street artists of any kind.
- 6 – Pantheon
The “Temple of all the Gods”, turned into a church afterwards. It is the considered the best preserved monument from the Roman Empire.
- 7 – Key Hole Optical Illusion
Here’s a little hidden gem for y’all. In Piazza Cavalieri di Malta you will see a bunch of people lining up to look through a keyhole. This is the optical illusion you guys will get to see:
8 – Piazza Venezia and the Vittoriano
The Vittoriano, also nicknamed the “Wedding cake”, celebrates the unification of Italy, happened in 1861. Loved by some, hated by others, that’s definitely among the unmissable things to see when in Rome.
- 9 – Castel Sant’Angelo
The “Castle of the Holy Angel” was a Roman Mausoleum that turned into a Castle. From its top you have an outstanding 360°view of the city and the Vatican (entrance 8€).
- 10 – Gianicolo Hill
The ultimate point of view of the city is only a 30 min walk from the Vatican. It gets its name from Janus, an ancient Italic God that according to legend founded a town on that hill.
- 11 – Capitoline Hill
One of the 7 hills Rome was originally built on! It was redesigned in the 16th century by Michelangelo. In the center of the square you can admire the equestrian statue of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius (if you watched “The Gladiator” you probably remember him being smothered to death by Joaquin Phoenix).
- 12 – Bocca Della Verità
The legend says that those that were accused of commiting a crime would have their hand sticked inside the “mouth of truth”. If found guilty they would get it chopped. A turisty pic with your hand inside the Bocca della Verità has to be taken!
- 13 – Jewish Ghetto
Walking distance from the Bocca della Verità, the Jewish Ghetto in Rome is one of the oldest in the world. Nowadays it kind of blends into the city. A tipical dish to try here is Carciofi all Giudia (fried artichokes).
- 14 – Free Walking Tour
How can you visit Rome without joining a Free Walking Tour. The best Walking Tour of the city is hands down the one hosted by Rome’s Ultimate. Have fun with the guys, learn a bit of the history and discover some hidden gems of Rome.
- 15 – Experience Rome by Night
Rome at night is a completely different city! I recommend this night walk offered by Alessandro as an Airbnb experience. He is local tour guide, friend of mine and true Roman.
- 16 – Campo dei Fiori
Famous for its daily market and its vibrant nightlife, Campo dei Fiori is among the unmissable things in Rome. Full of bars and pubs, at night it gets filled with locals and tourists. Cheap drinks and great vibe, I guarantee you’ll have a fun night out!
- 17 – Trastevere
The ultimate Roman neighborhood, it literally means “across the Tiber”. So whether you purposly get lost in one if its alleys or hang out in Piazza Trilussa at night, you need to check this off your bucket list!
- 18 – Do a Pub Crawl
Damn if I love Pub Crawls! Best way to have a crazy night out when you travel, especially if you are on your own! I went to Rome’s Ultimate Party many times and I always had a blast. Expect to mingle with travellers from all over, drink a ton and play some wild drinking games! If you make it to the end (there’s open bar at the first venue, so good luck!), you’ll finish the party at some of the coolest clubs in Rome!
- 19 – Try Italian Gelato
Probably the most unmissable thing to do in Rome, taste the Gelato! It’s tough to find a not so good Italian gelato in Rome. Anyway when exploring the historical center, I’d recommend you to have a Gelato at Giolitti or Gelateria Della Palma!
- 20 – Try Roman Pizza by the Slice
Roman pizza tends to be usually thinner than the Napolitan one. There’s a looot of pizza by the slice places in Rome. Really, a lot! There are so many places that I can’t recommend you one, just try randomly and I bet you’ll love it!
- 21 – Try Carbonara
If there’s one Roman dish you must try, that’s Carbonara pasta for sure! It has guanciale (kind of bacon, but not bacon), eggs, pecorino cheese and pepper. Try the one of Il Corallo.
- 22 – Try Tiramisu
For those of you who don’t know, it’s basically a coffe-based dessert. Delicious! Pompi is the place in Rome to have Tiramisu. They also have a strawberry-based variation.
Where to stay in Rome?
There are plenty of options for your stay in Rome. If you are a backpacker looking for a fun time, I’d recommend hands down the Yellow Hostel! One of my favourite hostels in the world, it has a bar and a club for a guaranteed fun and wild time! Conveniently located near Termini Station, it is the best choice for solo travellers! You’ll meet plenty of other like-minded travellers to visit Rome togheter and plan your next trips in Italy!
Day Trips from Rome
With its endless things to do and sites to explore, Rome needs several days to be discovered and you probably won’t have time for day trips. However, if you are lucky enough to have more time to spend in the Italian Capital, there are some things you can visit outside of the city.
Ostia Beach
Did you know Rome has a beach nearby? At only 45 min away by train, Ostia is the place where most Romans go to the beach. To be honest, the water is dirty and the beach is crowded and not so good. But if it’s good weather and you feel like tanning and swimming, go check it out! Plus you can have some delicious seafood at the reastaurants on the beach!
Civita di Bagnoregio
Located less than 2 hours away from Rome, Civita di Bagnoregio has been nicknamed “La città che muore” (in Italian), or “The Dying Town” in English. That’s because its plateau of friable volcanic tuff where it’s built, it is constantly being eroded by two small torrents, the rain and the wind. A visit to Civita di Bagnoregio will show you how culture and history persists in every corner of Italy. Check out the article!
If you enjoyed reading the article, don’t forget to share it! And contact me for more info or if you have any questions, I was born and raised in Rome!
Fantastic article thanks mate! I’ll make sure I won’t miss any of the 22 suggestions! And your style of the blog is really interesting, you did some incredible trips around the world! So jealous!
Thanks a lot Luis! Hope you’ll have a blast in Rome!
Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic blog. Really thank you! Awesome. Angelia Archie Finnegan