What to Do in Rome on Your Very First Day

Rome, known as the “Eternal City,” is wrapped in history and Italy's lively culture. With so many sights to see and events to venture into, it can be hard to decide and plan what to do in Rome during your whole stay. Since things can get hectic during the first day—flights, paperwork, luggage, etc.—we recommend you to take it easy before you take things to the max with activities that are laid back but worth your time.

Assuming you arrive in Rome during the morning, the pull of the comfy bed can be quite strong after settling down in your accommodations. What if we say to go for it? You can take that rest from the fatigue of traveling and have your first activity in the evening instead! 

The Golf cart night tour in Rome is the perfect way to give you and your family a historical teaser of what the rest of your trip might look like! You'll be accompanied by an English-speaking guide who will walk you through each site and share its history. Iconic spots like the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, and the Trevi Fountain are part of this tour, with the glow of city lights as the backdrop of this little adventure.

On the other hand, if you're in the mood to explore and stretch those legs the moment you settle down, but don’t want to be confined in the four walls of any vehicle or tied down by a scheduled tour, cycling through the beautiful pathways of the Appia Antica Park with a bike rental might just be the experience for you!

It doesn’t come with a tour guide, which makes you free to traverse this treasured and protected area of Rome at your own pace. You’ll see sights like ancient aqueducts, Roman relics, and an abundance of timeless ruins, as you peacefully pedal through nature and feel the wind on your face.

When thinking of what to do in Rome, food should never leave the conversation. With Italians taking pride in their cuisine generation after generation, there are so many local delicacies to try in their most raw and authentic form that you wouldn’t want to miss! No matter how many times you visit the Eternal City, a food trip in Rome should always be welcome.

Pizza is a dish loved by everyone, and if you’re an enthusiast, the Sunset Pizza Tour in Rome is an activity you’ll enjoy! You can bring your whole family with you as you go around the Monti district and try three kinds of pizzas with eight flavors. Explore popular restaurants, hidden gems, and family-run shops with a foodie expert as your guide and pair each taste with local wine, craft beer, or Aperol Spritz. At the end of the tour, you get a complimentary restaurant guidebook and cookbook that will surely help you for the rest of your trip.

If you’re not in the mood for the savory flavor of Pizza and would prefer something on the sweeter side, the Espresso, Gelato, and Tiramisu Tour in Rome might interest your taste buds more. Follow a local guide and walk the streets of Rome as you take a sip of the rich espresso coffee of Italy, delight in creamy, authentic gelato, and relish each blissful bite of tiramisu. You also get a PDF guidebook for the best restaurants around the city to help you decide on your meals for the next days of your Rome visit. If you’re a sweet tooth, this tour is no doubt a must-try!

Since we’re now in the digital age, it's important to stay connected! Whether it's to keep in touch with your friends and family during the trip or to access the internet to help guide you with what to do in Rome, Klook's 5G Europe eSIM comes with instant activation and customizable plans that cater to the needs of your trip. 

Apart from staying connected, it would also be useful to know how Rome's public transport system works. Getting yourself familiar with Rome’s buses and metro lines can let you have a more authentic experience and give you an advantage when going around, whether solo or with friends and family.

The simplest non-touristy thing you can do in this city is to veer away from the well-known spots and just take a peaceful stroll to observe. You never know how much you can discover with a spontaneous and unplanned adventure. If you’re looking for specific spots on what to do in Rome, you can check out the Jewish Ghetto, the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica, and the Trastevere.

Everyone can agree that exploring the historical sites of Rome is almost a requirement when you visit, and for good reason. The breathtaking ancient architecture of the Romans are well-preserved and researched, giving detailed insights into the culture of the olden days. Some of the spots you can’t miss are the Colosseum, the Pantheon, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Spanish Steps, and so much more!

Aside from listing down what to do in Rome, it’s also a good practice to know the customs and what to be mindful of in your destination. It’s very much possible to tour Rome on your own as long as you know what you’re doing. It would be helpful to look up guides and tips to make your stay easier, such as Rome budget tips, free things to do in Rome, and more.