Planning your first trip to Rome? You’re in for a treat! Get ready to walk through living history, eat some of the best pasta dishes you’ll ever have, and fall in love with the chaos, charm, and beauty of the Eternal City. From ancient ruins to sun-drenched piazzas, here’s a list of top things to do in Rome for first-time visitors that’ll take you to the most iconic and essential landmarks that you simply must witness and experience for yourself.
1. Step into the Colosseum
If we had to rank the most iconic landmarks in Rome, the Colosseum would definitely be at the very top of the list. One quick search about Rome and you’re bound to see a photo of it pop up. Just from the images alone, you can already tell how grand and massive this landmark is. But photos honestly don’t do it justice because standing inside this ancient amphitheatre will surely give you chills. Not just for its scale, but for its rich history and the fact that you’re walking on the same ground gladiators once did. Being there feels like you’re truly experiencing living history.
Since visiting it is one of the most popular things to do in Rome, it’s best to book your tickets ahead of time to secure your entry into the amphitheatre. But if you’re after a more immersive experience, we highly recommend joining a small group tour. A guide can take you through the underground dungeons, hidden passageways, and even the ancient animal cages, all while sharing wild and fascinating stories about life in ancient Rome.
2. Wander through the Roman Forum
Right next to the Colosseum is the Roman Forum, which used to be the center of Roman life. It used to be where political debates, public speeches, religious ceremonies, and markets all took place. Today, it’s a big area of ruins where you can walk through what’s left of the temples and imperial palaces. Seeing the ruins, it’s actually easy to imagine what life might have looked like then, which makes it one of the best things to see in Rome especially if it’s your first time visiting.
You can book your tickets ahead for quicker access to the Roman forum. And if you’re planning to visit the Colosseum too (which you totally should), there are combo tickets and group tours that include both stops!
3. Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain
Legends say that if you toss a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder into the Trevi Fountain, it guarantees your return to the beautiful city of Rome. So it’s no surprise that you’ll see tons of people making wishes with their backs turned to the fountain! But whether you believe in legends or not, the Trevi Fountain is definitely one of the top things to see in Rome. The sculptures are stunning, and the massive fountain is truly a sight to see. There’s a reason it shows up in so many films set in the city!
4. Watch the sunset from the Spanish Steps
Once you’ve made a wish at the Trevi Fountain, you can head your way to the Spanish Steps, which are about a 7-minute walk away. The Spanish Steps are a famous set of 135 steps in Rome that connect Piazza di Spagna at the bottom and the Trinita dei Monti church at the top. Like the Trevi Fountain, the steps have also been featured in many films, including the classic Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn, which has given them an iconic status in popular culture.
While you’re no longer allowed to sit on the steps, it’s still a great spot to watch the sunset from the top. Just find a spot, relax, and watch the city below change into beautiful shades of gold, making it on our list of top things to do in Rome.
5. Climb to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica
The Vatican City might be its own independent country, but it sits right in the heart of Rome, making it a must-visit when you’re in the city. One of the highlights here is St. Peter’s Basilica, which isn’t just another church, but one of the most important religious sites in the world. But whether you’re religious or not, visiting it is still one of the top things to do in Rome (well, in the Vatican City).
From the outside, the massive dome already gives you a sense of its grandeur. But wait until you’re inside and there you’ll see Michelangelo’s Pieta, stunning marble structures, and experience the full scale of the dome. Entrance to the basilica is free, but if you’re up for it, you can get tickets to climb to the top of the dome for one of the best views of the city!
6. Visit the Pantheon
Speaking of domes, another iconic landmark in Rome for its massive dome is the Pantheon. It’s one of the best-preserved ancient buildings, not just in Rome, but in the world. Originally built as a temple to all the Roman gods, visiting the Pantheon feels like stepping into an ancient architecture that continues to inspire architects to this day.
Due to its popularity, there might be a significant waiting period to enter the landmark so it’s best to book your skip-the-line tickets ahead of your visit! You can choose to get just the entry ticket, a ticket with an audio guide, or one with a hosted entry where you can gain a deeper understanding of the Pantheon’s role in ancient Rome.
7. Gaze up at the Sistine Chapel
Another must-visit in the Vatican City is the Sistine Chapel inside the Vatican Museums. It’s simply a place you have to see at least once in your life – even if you’re not big on museums or art. This is Michelangelo at his absolute best.The ceiling, painted by hand, is filled with incredible detail, rich in colors, and powerful emotions. One of the most iconic scenes you’ll spot is The Creation of Adam, showing the almost-touching fingers of God and Adam.
But it’s not just about the art. The Sistine Chapel is also packed with history and mystery. It’s where papal ceremonies are held including the papal conclave, that super secretive event where a new pope is chosen.
It can get pretty busy so it’s best to book your ticket ahead to time for quicker access to the museums. You can also opt to get tickets with an audio guide for a more informative experience, or join a group tour for a more guided and insightful way to explore the place!
8. Stroll around Piazza Navona
As a first-time visitor to Rome, it’s essential that you experience the city’s energy because it’s simply not quite like another. The best way to do this is by heading to Piazza Navona, one of the most famous and beautiful squares in Rome. It’s lively, full of character, and surrounded by Baroque architecture. At the center of the square is the Fountain of the Four Rivers. It may not be as popular as the Trevi Fountain but visiting it is also one of the top things to do in Rome.
The piazza has a unique oval shape because it was actually built on the side of an ancient Roman stadium used for athletic games. Today, it’s the perfect place to go people-watching, have some gelato, and admire the artistry around you.
9. Catch the golden hour at Trastevere
If you want to experience Rome’s energy beyond a piazza, then head to Trastevere. It’s one of Rome’s most charming and atmospheric neighborhoods, and where you can get a taste of authentic Roman life. It almost feels like a village within the city, made of cobblestone alleys, ivy-draped buildings, and terracotta walls. Exploring Tastevere is one of the best things to do in Rome, especially if you want to discover hidden gems.
By day, it’s a quiet escape for wandering and picture-taking but Trastevere truly comes alive at night. The whole neighborhood transforms into a hub of trattorias, wine bars, candlelit restaurants, and family-run shops! It’s the perfect spot to enjoy authentic Roman cuisine and an evening stroll. So if you want to experience the local side of the city, definitely put Trastevere on your list of things to see in Rome.
10. Eat like a local
You didn’t think we’d forget about the food scene in Rome, did you? Of course not! A trip to Rome isn’t complete without diving into real, authentic, Roman cuisine, and it’s definitely one of the top things to do in Rome! There’s a long list of best places to eat in Rome (there’s a reason Rome had its moment in the film Eat, Pray, Love), but if we’re talking about classic Roman dishes, there are a few you simply have to try:
- Carbonara - the real deal, made without cream!
- Cacio e pepe - a simple but bold pasta made with just pecorino and black pepper
- Amatriciana - a rich, tomato-based pasta dish with cured Italian meat
- Suppli - deep-fried rice balls with gooey mozzarella center
Yes, most of these are pasta dishes, but that’s because no one does pasta like the Romans. The ingredients are simple, but the flavors are definitely unforgettable!
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FAQs
Can you see the Trevi Fountain for free?
Yes, visiting the Trevi Fountain is free! You can walk right up to it, toss in a coin, and enjoy its beauty without paying for anything.
What are the top 5 places in Rome?
There are many beautiful places in Rome but if we were to choose the top five, it’s got to be the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Pantheon. All of these landmarks are icons for a reason and are rich in history that played a significant role in ancient Rome.
What should I see in Rome for the first time?
What you should see in Rome for the first time mostly depends on your interests and what kind of traveler you are. If you’re into history then you definitely have to see the ruins and explore Ancient Rome. If you’re hoping to visit some of the most religious sites in the world, then you must visit the Vatican City. Or if you’re simply after the energy of Rome, then a stroll around the neighborhood of Tastevere will give you a taste of local life.
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