Ahh Rome – a city packed full of magnificent art, great food, and, of course, endless nods to the Lizzie McGuire Movie. Rome is a city that I hold near and dear to my heart. I worked at a small film startup there for four months, and had an absolute blast exploring every nook and cranny of the city I could find! There are so many things to do in Rome, it is difficult to make a comprehensive list. But I will certainly try!

As the saying goes: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. But, if you are a first time explorer in the city, we can adjust the phrase to “when in Rome, do mostly as the Romans do… and sometimes be a tourist”. You can’t miss out on some of the most famous landmarks!

Here are my top 13 things to check out in the eternal city of Rome.

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The best things to do in Rome

1. Visit the Pantheon

The Pantheon is an ancient Roman temple. It is also the only Roman temple that is fully in-tact from the days of the empire. The Pantheon is home to the largest concrete dome in the world, which is still an engineering marvel today. Hey – they must have done something right if it has stood the past 2,000 years! The Pantheon’s architecture continues to inspire artists and builders all over the world.

Cost of admission: Free! But the lines can get long, so be sure to get there early. 

2. Tour the Colosseum

The Colosseum, built in 74 A.D, is the largest, free-standing amphitheater, and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The theater sat over 50,000 spectators, and consisted of trap doors, underground corridors, and hydraulic infrastructures for hoisting gladiators and exotic animals to the ground floor where they would, often, fight to the death amongst the cheers of onlookers. Kind of…. Grim.

Check out my full guide to the Colosseum here!

Cost of admission: Tickets to the Colosseum cost 18 Euros (around $21 USD) for general admission. Tours of the underground tunnels and floor level cost upwards of $100 USD.

3. Wander through the Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is an ancient plaza that contains the ruins of several important government buildings from the Roman empire. Today, you can wander through the site, and see several remaining structures including the Temple of Saturn, and Julius Caesar’s tomb.

One of the best ways to see the forum is through a guided tour at night. A guided tour will help you learn the history behind all of the different structures located in the forum. The Forum monuments are illuminated for special night tours, which helps you understand how they might have looked centuries ago. Note that booking in advance is necessary for the night tour.

Cost of admission: Forum tickets cost around $15 USD. If you book a ticket to the Colosseum, you will automatically gain access to the forum as well. The Roman Forum night tour costs upwards of $35USD, depending on when you book. 

4. See the Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is perhaps one of the most widely-known attractions in Rome. The chapel is most famous for its ceiling frescos painted by Michaelangelo – particularly The Creation of Adam. 

Today, you can see the Sistine Chapel by purchasing a ticket to the Vatican Museum. There are no timed entrances to the chapel itself, but you will need to go during Vatican Museum hours. Note that there is a dress code for the Sistine Chapel and Vatican. The Vatican has a strict dress code, so make sure to cover your knees and shoulders. Otherwise, you may be denied admission.

Cost of admission: a ticket to the Vatican Museum costs roughly $21 USD, and may be slightly more if you book an audio tour. You can purchase tickets on their website. 

5. Climb to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica

If you are looking for the most breathtaking and sweeping view of Rome, then I fully recommend climbing the 551 steps to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica. No other building in the historic section of Rome can be taller than St. Peter’s Basilica, so the views are immaculate and sprawling. This activity is a must for anyone heading to Rome. 

To find the entrance for the climb, enter St. Peter’s Basilica and head to the right. Follow signs for ‘Copula’, and you will eventually hit a ticket booth. 

While you’re there, be sure to explore the inside of the Basilica as well. It is truly a piece of art!

Cost of admission: Climbing to the top of the Basilica costs 8 Euros. For an additional two Euros, you can take an elevator to the top. However, you will still have to climb 300 steps.

6. Visit the Porta Portese Flea Market on the Tiber River

The Porta Portese market in Rome is a sprawling hub of trade located at the edge of the Trastevere district on the Tiber River. The market contains everything from vintage vinyls, to eclectic clothing, to full art pieces. You’ll have to dig, but there is no telling what gems you will find here. Just make sure that you come ready to haggle!

The market is open every Sunday. You could easily spend a full morning weaving through the hundreds of tents and vendor stands.

Cost of admission: Free to wander – up to you how much you buy!

7. Stroll through Campo di Fiori

Campo di Fiori is a gorgeous, open-air market in the Campo di Fiori Piazza. The market operates every day except Sundays, which is pretty typical for Rome. Head over here for an early morning stroll, and pick up some fresh ingredients. You can also purchase food for ‘takeaway’ here, and snack on your meal while you people-watch. Just make sure you bring a bag to carry home your loot in!

Cost of admission: Free! 

8. Eat Cacio e Pepe and Carbonara

Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper), and Carbonara (pork cheek, egg, and pecorino-romano) are two incredible and traditional Roman dishes to check out.

Bonus points if you take a ‘cacio e pepe’ or ‘carbonara’ cooking class somewhere in the city! There are a bunch of hosts that run this type of excursion. My friend and I took a course when we were living in Rome, and it was a lovely experience.

Cost: A typical pasta dish typically costs around $10-15 Euros. A cooking class can cost anywhere from $30-60 Euros depending on where you purchase from.

9. Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain

As the saying goes: “when in Rome, live out your Lizzie McGuire fantasies”. And that means an obligatory stop to the Trevi Fountain. Tossing a coin into the fountain ensures a return trip to Rome, so pull out your Euros!

Out of all recommendations on this list, the Trevi Fountain is probably the most packed with tourists shoving selfie sticks in your face. For a more private experience, I recommend heading to the fountain late at night or first thing in the morning. There will still be people about, but you will have a much calmer experience.

Cost: 1 Euro to toss into the fountain! (though, this is optional) 

10. See the Pope Speak in Vatican Square

The Papal Audience occurs every Wednesday and Sunday morning when the Pope is in Rome. Even if you are not religious or Catholic, it is still a neat event to check out. People from, I kid you not, all over the world gather in the square of the Vatican City – sometimes topping over 80,000 attendees.

If you are planning to attend, be sure to reserve a ticket in advance. Note as well that the Pope leaves Rome for parts of the summer – so you’ll want to double check that he is in town. 

Here is the schedule and details on ticketing. You can also head to the Vatican’s Bronze Door on the left-hand side two to three days before the event to secure a ticket.

Check out my Vatican Bucket list for more information!

Cost: Free!

11. Attend the Opera

Although the birthplace of opera is technically Florence, Italy (to the North), seeing an opera in Rome is certainly something to add to your bucket list!

Rome is home to many theaters including, most notable, the Teatro dell’Opera. I highly recommend catching a show here. As an added bonus, companies will typically include English subtitles to accompany the show.

Cost: A typical show can cost anywhere from 25 Euros to 200 Euros depending on the performance or seat selection. My roommates and I sat in the gallery for 30 Euros, and found that it was difficult to see the entire performance. If you are a huge opera fan, I recommend paying a bit more for a better view. 

Find a complete breakdown of cost by seat on the theater’s website. 

Cost of admission: 25-200 Euros

12. Grab a drink in Trastevere

Trastevere is Rome’s “party district”, known for its colorful nightlife, medieval architecture, and artistic atmosphere. Trastevere is walking distance from Campo di Fiori, and is close to all of the major sites: Pantheon, Colosseum, and Forum.

While you are in Rome, be sure to head to Trastevere for a late night adventure. The area is bustling with energy, and the food is divine. 

Cost: Whatever amount you spend eating ALL the food you can.

13. Climb the Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are located in Piazza Spagna and lead up to a French Monastery at the top of the incline. The steps themselves are magnificent, and the surrounding area is full of luxury Italian fashion houses including Dolce and Gabbona, Versace, and Prada.

The steps are packed with tourists during the day. I recommend heading here first thing in the morning before the crowds start to form. Afterwards, head to one of the many takeaway pasta joints in the area and grab a bite to eat!

Quick note: there are many people trying to shove items into your hands near the steps. Don’t accept anything that you don’t want to purchase. 

Cost: Free!

That’s All, Folks!

Hopefully this guide gives you a good starting point for you list of things to do in Rome. Rome is one of my forever-favorite cities. I am sure you will enjoy it too! Be sure to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain so you can return again and again!

Have you been to Rome? Leave a comment with some of your favorite spots below!