Being the Eternal City, Rome is the type of destination you will never fully see; therefore, there will always be something new to be discovered. With 25 years of experience, here are the 28 best and unusual things to do in Rome, including hidden gems and excluding overrated sites.
Most of these attractions and hidden gems are fairly close to one another, making it absolutely doable to see most in a day, or two – should you accept an adventure of 30,000 steps in a day. In my day trip and weekend itinerary, I list everything in order to help your travels be smooth and full of sights.
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Here are the Absolute Best Things to do in Rome!👇
Most often than not, people will recommend visiting sights like the St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums, Spanish Steps, and so forth. While these are beautiful places, they are overhyped and overcrowded.
Here, I will be brutally honest on which popular attractions are worth the visit and share the best hidden gems of Rome – which will help you travel deeper and have a more unique travel experience.
Without further ado, here are all the best things to do in Rome!
Colosseum in the Morning or at Night
- 📍 Location: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
- 💰 Price: Depends on the ticket you purchase. The regular entrance is 18 euros.
- 🗺 Tips: Buy tickets early in advance!
- Free entry on the 1st Sunday of the month, June 2nd, and November 4th.
Whether you’re only admiring it from the outside or entering it, visiting the Colosseum is something that everyone visiting Rome must do. I mean… did you even visit Rome if you didn’t see the Colosseum?
With approximately 16,000 people visiting the Colosseum each day, this iconic landmark can get quite crowded and the lines to enter can get ridiculously long. To have a less intense, and more unique, Colosseum experience, take an early morning tour or a night tour.
The early morning tour starts before the Colosseum opens, meaning you will have the Colosseum all to yourself and a small group of 6 other people maximum. While it may be a fairly-early start, it is definitely worth it – especially for photography purposes!
The night tour, on the other hand, allows you to see the Colosseum while it is beautifully lit up! If you don’t want to wake up early or want to take night photography, this is the perfect option for you.
The Colosseum tickets sell out QUICKLY to say the least. Book your morning or night Colosseum experiences here today to save your spot!👇
Roman Forum
- 📍 Location: Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
- 💰 Price: Usually included in the ticket with Colosseum.
- 🗺 Tips: Visit this street for the best views looking over the Roman Forum.
Whether you see it from above or walk through it, the Roman Forum is simply worth admiring!
The Roman Forum holds the remains of a once bustling center of religious, social, and political life during the Roman Republic and Empire, over 2,000 years ago. Still standing, you can see important sites like the Senate House, the Temple of Saturn, and the Arch of Titus.
To see the Roman Forum from above, the perfect spot is right next to Piazza Campidoglio: Via di Monte Tarpeo.
To visit the and walk through the Roman Forums, you need to book ASAP as these tickets are combined with the Colosseum. Book your tickets for the #1 selling guide tour before it sells out!👇
Piazza Navona and it’s Hidden Gem
- 📍 Location: Via di Santa Maria dell’Anima, 30/A, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
- 💰 Price: FREE
Navona Square is the most beautiful and iconic piazza (square) in Rome. Piazza Navona is home to three, beautiful Baroque fountains: Fontana dei Fiumi, the Fontana di Nettuno, and the Fontana del Moro. Take a close look at these fountains, especially Fontana di Nettuno, you will find some funny details!
Even though Piazza Navona is always known as one of the best things to do in Rome, few know about what sits in the heart of this square… its the breathtaking hidden gem, Sant’Agnese in Agone, a church built over where St. Agnes was martyred. This 17th-century Baroque-style church is easily one of the most breathtaking churches in Rome and the most magnificent hidden gems.
Vatican City
The Vatican City is another of the obvious best things to do in Rome – and rightfully so! I highly recommend coming here and walking around the mesmerizing St. Peter’s Square, admiring all the architecture surrounding you.
The Vatican City is home to the St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums – two of Rome’s most famous and beloved attractions. One downside though, of these two places, is the overwhelming crowds. So to help out, if you want to avoid insane crowds, here are two amazing alternatives and one tip!
- Vatican Museums Alternative: Visit the Borghese Gallery.
- St. Peter’s Basilica Alternative: Visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.
- Tip: Book this EARLY ENTRY and guided experience! This way you can enjoy these icons minus the daily, crazy crowds.
While I personally recommend the Early Entry experience, you can also opt for just the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel tickets. Whichever experience suits you best, make sure to book it well in advance!👇
Pantheon
- 📍 Location: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
- 💰 Price: FREE
This is one of ancient Rome’s best-preserved monuments and a must-visit! Dating back to 25 B.C., it is believed that the Pantheon was designed as a temple for the Roman Gods.
The Pantheon is the resting place for various important, historical people such as the royal family members Vittorio Emanuele II, King Umberto I, Queen Margherita of Savoy, the artist Raphael, and so forth.
This iconic landmark is free to enter, meaning some days there are no lines and other days there are horrendously long lines. Good news is, you can skip the line for only $5! Get your Pantheon skip-the-line tickets before they sell out👇
Bocca della Verità – Mouth of Truth
- 📍 Location: Piazza della Bocca della Verità, 18, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
- 💰 Price: FREE
- 🗺 Tips: Visit around 9:30 am – around 11 people will start to line up to visit.
Time to prove whether you are a liar or a truther! The Bocca della Verità is a large marble mask from the 1st Century CE. This marble mask depicts a manly face and has an opening at the mouth. The legend is that if you put your hand inside the Mouth of Truth, the mask will slice or cut off your hand – should you be a liar. If you are not a liar, your hands will be safe. This legend dates back to the 15th century and has been an amazing “parenting tool” to those teaching their kids to not lie.
Being a native Italian with family from Rome, among fellow Italian friends, I always worried about my hand getting sliced off; overthinking: is a white lie a lie? but if it’s a lie to spare someone’s feelings?😂
Trastevere Neighborhood
Located on the western bank of the Tiber River, this is one of Rome’s most beloved and charming neighborhoods. This neighborhood has beautiful, narrow cobbled streets lined with warm-toned, yellow, and orange buildings. Furthermore, the neighborhood’s buildings are often adorned with small lights, bougainvillea, and ivy – which together create the dreamiest atmosphere.
Being such a beloved neighborhood, it is usually bustling with both tourists and locals. Visit this neighborhood for both fun night vibes and a dreamy atmosphere!
Spanish Steps & Piazza di Spagna
Another of the iconic best things to do in Rome! The Spanish Steps is one of the largest and widest staircases in Europe, and simply a beautiful sight – as is the square it lives in.
As a fun fact, these stairs have hosted many events throughout the years, from fashion shows, like Valentino, to movie scenes, like the latest Mission Impossible!
Come here to see the beauty of both the Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna, and walk up the famous staircase for more charming views.
Small warning: No matter how tempting it may seem, or how cute a photo could be, do NOT sit on the steps! You will get in trouble if you do, and possibly a fine.😅
Roman Food Tours
What better way to experience Rome’s food and cuisine than taking a Roman Food Tour?😍
By going on a food tour, you will be able to dive deeper into the Roman culture and flavors. This is because, not only will you be tasting, but you will be learning about the food and history from your guide and, possibly, restaurateurs.
Here are the best Roman food tours to take! Book them soon because you DO NOT want to miss out.😍👇
Casa del Caffè Tazza D’Oro
- 📍 Location: Via degli Orfani, 84, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
If you are a coffee lover, this is a must-visit coffee shop! Here you will taste some of Rome’s best coffee and discover the best summer pick me up, their signature drink: Granita al Caffè con Panna.
Granita is a dessert/drink of crushed ice that’s usually flavored with syrups – like mint, lemon, and so on. This granita’s made with their delicious coffee and has 2 to 3 layers of homemade whipped cream. I cannot recommend this drink enough!
Shopping in Rome – Via Condotti, McArthurGlen Outlet, & More🛍
Rome may not be the Fashion Capital, but it sure does have an amazing shopping scene!
Leading straight to the Spanish Steps and Piazza Spagna, Via Condotti is a historic strip full of high-end fashion and the most impressive visual merchandising game – making these streets extra fun to walk through. Via del Corso, which is right next to Via Condotti, is also a lovely street to walk and has more affordable brands.
If you are in Rome for more than 3 days and have a car, you may just love the McArthurGlen Outlet! This outdoor outlet is a 34-minute car ride, or an hour-long metro ride, from the city center. This outlet has amazing deals and discounts on a large variety of stores. Due to the long commute, I highly recommend you check the stores and brands they have – from there you’ll be able to decide if it’s worth the commute or not.
Should you visit the EUR District, there is a beautiful mall – Euroma 2! If you are in Rome for a few days and are in no rush, this can be a great solution on a rainy day.
Here are the Best Unusual Things to do in Rome!
Piazza Campidoglio
Designed by the one and only Michelangelo, Piazza Campidoglio is a stunning 16th-century square. Sitting at the top of Capitoline Hill, this piazza is surrounded by three buildings, Palazzo Senatorio, the Palazzo dei Conservatori, and Palazzo Nuovo.
In the middle of the square, there is a circular and star-like design that forms. With this design, Michelangelo created the “Umbilicus Urbis“, the “Navel of the City of Rome”.
Altare della Patria
- 📍 Location: Piazza Venezia, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
- 💰 Price: FREE
- 🗺 Tips: Walk all the way up to the top for some beautiful views of Ancient Rome.
Altare della Patria is a beautiful and iconic Rome landmark just a short walk from the Colosseum and Roman Forum. The Altar of the Fatherland was built in honor of Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of a unified Italy. You can visit this landmark for free and climb its stairs all the way to the top. The stair climb is most definitely worth it, as the rewarding views look over the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and more.
If you are with someone who is unable to access due to the stairs, there is an elevator that you can take – but may charge a couple of euros.
Santa Maria in Aracoeli
- 📍 Location: Scala dell’Arce Capitolina, 12, 00186 Roma RM, Italy. Right next to the Altar of the Fatherland.
- 💰 Price: FREE
This hidden gem sits at the top of the Scala Santa, a flight of stairs that begins right next to the Altare della Patria. The Scala Santa, “Holy Staircase”, is said to be the original staircase that Jesus climbed on the day of his trial. Due to this, there occasionally are pilgrims who walk up the 100+ steps on their knees.
The Santa Maria in Aracoeli is a work of art that is absolutely worth visiting and climbing stairs for. You will see intricate and ornate ceilings, art, and gold, and get more beautiful views over Rome.
Buco della Serratura – Knights of Malta Keyhole
- 📍 Location: Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, 3, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
- 💰 Price: FREE
- 🗺 Tips: Visit around 9:30 am – around 11 people will start to line up to visit and peep through.
This is the coolest keyhole you will see, at least in Rome! This keyhole offers the most unique views of the St. Peter Basilica. When you peep through it, you will see various trees creating the perfect frame for the iconic landmark in the distance.
Roseto Comunale
- 📍 Location: VFMM+X9, 00185 Roma RM, Italy
- 💰 Price: FREE
- 🗺 Tips: Visit earlier in the day for the little crowd, or during the hot afternoon for some nice shade.
If you’re visiting Rome in the Spring or Fall time, come to this beautiful rose park! The Roseto Comunale is home to 1,100 types of roses from all over the world – including Mongolia and China.
Giardini degli Aranci + Terraza
- 📍 Location: Piazza Pietro D’Illiria, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
- 💰 Price: FREE
Giardini degli Aranci is a wonderful oasis within the city of Rome.
Just a short walk from the Roseto Comunale and Buco della Serratura, this park offers spectacular views over the Eternal City. In addition, it offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere – perfect if you need a city break within the city.
Coppedè Neighborhood
- 📍 Location: Piazza Mincio, 00198 Roma RM, Italy
This hidden gem is a work of art of a neighborhood – literally and figurately. This dreamy and fairytale-like neighborhood of Rome was designed by Gino Coppedè in the 20th century.
Coppedè essentially made this neighborhood with a fusion of different architectural styles – from Gothic to Art Noveau, and Baroque. Along with the fusion of the different architectural styles, there are also mosaics and fantastical creatures dispersed through the small architectural details.
Colosseo Quadrato – Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana
- 📍 Location: Quadrato della Concordia, 3, 00144 Roma RM, Italy
- 💰 Price: FREE to visit outdoors and walk under the arches. If there are any exhibitions, you will need a ticket to enter.
Sitting in the heart of the beautiful EUR District is the one and only Colosseo Quadrato, “Squared Colosseum”. And yes… it’s exactly what it sounds like!
The Colosseo Quadrato comes from an Italian-style architecture of the 1920’s-30’s, Rationalism. Rationalism architecture rejects unnecessary ornamentation and emphasizes functionalism, clarity, and logic in design. In other words, rationalist buildings are characterized by simple geometric shapes, clean lines, and a focus on the functionality of the space.
The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana has dark origins, but now solely represents Italian architecture and culture. As a fun fact, since 2013, the Colosseo Quadrato has been home to the Fendi Headquarters!
Eur is a beautiful lesser-known neighborhood of Rome, and visiting the Colosseo Quadrato is definitely one of the most unusual things to do in Rome!
Basilica San Paolo Fuori le Mure
- 📍 Location: Piazzale San Paolo, 1, 00146 Roma RM, Italy
- 💰 Price: FREE
If you have been thinking about visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, I’m here to tell you one thing… Don’t. At the end of the day, I cannot dictate what you can or cannot do on your trip – but I am here to give you my best and most experienced advice.
There are four Papal basilicas: San Pietro (largest), San Paolo (2nd largest), San Giovanni, and Santa Maria Maggiore. Being religious sites, they are all free to enter – which in some cases is an amazing pro, and in others, an awful con. The St. Peter’s Basilica has extremely long queues and is, more often than not, overcrowded.
Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura is just as beautiful, if not more, than the St. Peter Basilica and has ZERO crowds. This basilica sits outside the walls of Rome, which is where St. Paul was martyred and is now buried in the basilica.
Not only is this basilica an immense and breathtaking work of art – it also has an incredible, and somewhat nerve-wracking, legend. This basilica has endless portraits of past Popes, and the legend is that: when there is no more space for a Pope portrait, it will be the end of the world.
This Basilica is nothing short of a wonder, and visiting it is truly one of the best unusual things to do in Rome.
Tivoli & Villa D’Este
- 📍 Location: Piazza Trento, 5, 00019 Tivoli RM, Italy. About an hour from the city center of Rome.
- 💰 Price: Regular entrance is 15 euros.
- 🗺 Tips: Are you an Italian citizen living abroad, registered with AIRE? Or a European Citizen 25 and under? If so, bring your documents to prove it and get free entrance or discounted tickets.
If you are in Rome for three days or more, this ancient town and UNESCO World Heritage Site are absolutely worth the short day trip! Only an hour away from the city center, Tivoli is an ancient town that is 500 years OLDER than Rome.
Within this beautiful town is the Villa D’Este, a 16th-century hidden gem and Italian Renaissance work of art. The garden of Villa D’Este is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, with incredible landscaping, endless fountains, and statues. This garden continues to be an inspiration for the development of European gardens.
Out of all the off-the-beaten-path in Rome sights, visiting Villa D’Este is easily one of the best unusual things to do in Rome.
Come to Tivoli to explore the ancient town along with its incredible Italian Renaissance work of art – the Villa D’Este! Book your tickets now to save your spot.😍👇
Castel Sant’Angelo & the Papal Bridge
- 📍 Location: Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
- 💰 Price: Regular Entry ticket is 13 Euros off-season, 14 during summer months.
- 🗺 Tips: Are you an Italian citizen living abroad, registered with AIRE? Or a European Citizen 25 and under? If so, bring your documents to prove it and get free entrance or discounted tickets.
This hidden-in-plain-sight gem offers the most BEAUTIFUL and SPECTACULAR views of Rome and its eternality. The façade is not the most inviting one, making it easy for people to overlook this hidden gem and all of its surprises.
Castel Sant’Angelo is a fortress from the 6th century AD, that has played various roles throughout the centuries. At one point, this gem was a Papal residence and, since then, there’s been a suspended passage connecting it directly to the Vatican. This passage’s purpose was to help the Pope navigate safely between the two places.
Book your tickets to this hidden gem here!👇
Jewish Ghetto
Established in 1555, this is the world’s second-oldest Jewish Ghetto. Throughout the decades and despite all the atrocious mistreatments, the Roman Jewish community always persevered – turning the Ghetto into one of Rome’s most beautiful, bustling, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Being home to some of the best restaurants and bakeries, this quarter is a must-visit for food lovers traveling through Rome. Two of the most beloved foods in Rome that originate from the Roman Jewish community are the Carciofi alla Giudia and Fiori di Zucca, all of which are must-tries!
To learn more about the Roman Jewish Ghetto, take a walking tour that will guide you through the neighborhood and its history. Book your tickets here!👇
Galleria Doria Pamphilj
- 📍 Location: Via del Corso, 305, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
- 💰 Price: 16 euros
- 🗺 Tips: Tickets are non-refundable, nor changeable. Buy the ticket on the day of to ensure you’re good to go. Tickets bought online cost an additional euro.
Located in the historic and opulent Renaissance palace, the Doria Pamphilj Gallery is home to one of the largest, private art collections in Rome, showcasing various European masterpieces.
Some renowned artists you will find in this gallery are Caravaggio and Bernini. If you are an art and Italian history lover – this certainly is the perfect gem for you to visit! Book your tickets here.😍👇
Villa Borghese Gardens + Galleria Borghese
- 📍 Location: 00197 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
- 💰 Price: FREE access to the gardens. Museums and Galleries will have entrance fees.
Located in the heart of Rome, the Villa Borghese Gardens is a picturesque and peaceful oasis. When strolling through here, you will see lush greenery, picturesque pathways, and serene ponds and fountains. In addition, you will see beautiful sculptures, including some of Bernini’s work. Here, you can also go on bike rides, or even rent a rowboat!
After you soak in the picturesqueness and peacefulness of the gardens, head to the famous Galleria Borghese. This is one of the world’s most renowned art museums, with works of art from the 15th-18th centuries and artists like Botticelli.
The gardens are free to enter, but the Borghese Gallery is not. To enter the Gallery, book your tickets now.👇
Bar Chiostro Bramante + Museum
- 📍 Location: Arco della Pace, 5, 00186 Roma RM, Italy. A 3-minute walk from Piazza Navona.
- 💰 Price: The museum is 15 euros on weekdays, 18 euros on weekends.
- 🗺 Tips: If you want to only go to the coffee shop – it’s free of entrance, meaning you don’t need tickets to the museum to enter.
Chiostro del Bramante is an iconic, Renaissance building from the 16th century that turned into a cultural space and building with multiple purposes. People can come to Chiostro Bramante for the contemporary art museum, IG-worthy café, rent out rooms for events or meetings, and so forth.
Should you want to only get a coffee here, know that you do not need a museum entry ticket to access the coffee shop – you simply let the ticket office people know and they’ll let you pass freely.
Appia Antica
- 📍 Location: Via Appia Antica, 42, 00178 Roma RM, Italy
- 💰 Price: FREE
The Appian Way is one of the first and most important ancient Roman roads, with origins dating back to 312 BC. Appia Antica, stretching over 16 km, is lined with marvelous ancient ruins, archeological sites, catacombs, and more. The picturesque Appian Way is the perfect spot for history and nature lovers.
The Appia Antica is accessible to the public, meaning there is no entrance ticket. However, for specific attractions or services, like guided tours, there will be fees. Check out these best Appia Antica experiences!👇
Largo di Torre
- 📍 Location: Scavi Archeologici, Largo di Torre Argentina angolo, Largo Arenula, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
- 💰 Price: FREE
Are you a cat lover? Or a history lover who wants to see where Ceasar died? Or both? If you said yes to any of these, this is a must-visit!
Largo di Torre is a site of ancient Roman ruins in which Ceasar was murdered. Remaining untouched, Largo di Torre is now a cat sanctuary and home to Rome’s stray cats. The sanctuary takes good care of the cats by feeding them, medicating them, and more. If you are interested in making a donation or adopting a Roman cat from a distance, you can absolutely do so!
Come to Largo di Torre to admire the ruins and all its furry citizens.
Rome FAQs
What is the number one must see in Rome?
Being an eternal and historic city, there is no #1 must see in Rome. Some absolute must-sees, however, are the Colosseum, Rome’s most famous and beautiful squares, the Vatican City, and so on.
How many days do I need in Rome?
Being the humongous city that it is, there are never enough days to see Rome. Take it from someone who’s been to Rome for 25 years and is still discovering new parts of it every year. 😂
With that said, all the famous attractions sit in the same area of Rome, for the most part. Due to this, 3 days in Rome is enough to see all the main attractions and some hidden gems. You can also see all the main attractions in Rome with 2 days, but that’s a more intense itinerary!
I suggest spending at least 3 full days in Rome!
Gluten Free Rome
If you are celiac or gluten intolerant, these best gluten-free restaurants will let you eat all the must-tries of Rome’s food! As a fellow (Italian) celiac, this list is curated to have the best of the best – from restaurants to gelaterias to bakeries, and more.
Is Rome a walkable city?
Rome is one of the most walkable cities possible! In fact, as a tourist, you will likely be walking an average of 25,000 to 30,000 steps a day. The funny thing about Rome is that despite being so big, you don’t notice how much you’re walking. This is because Rome has so much to offer, that you are constantly in awe of everything surrounding you.
Which area to stay in Rome for the first time?
As a first time in Rome, I recommend staying close, or in, the city center. Some areas I recommend are:
- Centro Storico (Historic Center). Here you will be in the center of it all. This is great if you have a decent budget, and don’t mind the crowds.
- Trastevere. This is great for all budgets, and for those who enjoy a vibrant nightlife. It’s a little farther out but at the end, everything is still in walking ditance.
- Monti. This area is right where the Colosseum and Roman Forums are. Overall, this is a quieter neighborhood and has good options for all budgets.
- Prati. This area is by the Vatican, and offers a more tranquil and residential atmosphere. Great for all budgets.
Discover all the best affordable stays in Rome!
What is the best time of the year to visit Rome?
I am personally the biggest fan of Rome in December, when all the holiday decorations are out.
In my experience, the best time to visit Rome is late September and October, when you still have warm weather but fewer crowds. I strongly encourage you to avoid summers, as they are HOT, humid, and completely full with fellow tourists.
Furthermore, in August, all the locals are on holidays, “Ferragosto”, so you may encounter certain closings and more crowds in other destinations.
Want more help with your travels? Check out my services!
One of the main reasons I became I travel blogger is my love and passion for helping others experience the best of their destination. I offer three services on Thatch: Customized Itineraries, Customized Recommendations, and Consultation Calls.
If you want extra help on your Rome travels, check out my Thatch page and book my services! As a local, I’m ready to share everything with you, and help ensure you have the best experience possible.😍
Read more on Rome
- One Day in Rome Itinerary
- The Perfect 2 Days in Rome Itinerary
- 25 Best HIDDEN GEMS of Rome That You Cannot Miss
- Rome’s Food: Must-Eats & Everything You Need to Know
- Squares in Rome: The 11 Most Beautiful and Famous
- 14 Best Beaches Near Rome & How to Get There
- Visiting Rome in December: All You Need to Know
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I have to ask…
How excited are you for your Rome travels?!😍 Let me know in the comments which of these best and unusual things to do in Rome you’re looking forward to doing or seeing!
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