30 Best Things to Do in Rome (Attractions, Gems & Food)

1. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain

When in Rome, tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain is almost a ritual. Tradition says you should throw the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder. One coin for a wish, another to ensure your return to Rome.

The Trevi Fountain is attached to a palace, built into the back of the Palazzo Poli, and it marks the end of an ancient aqueduct. The water comes from the Aqua Virgo, built in 19 BC, and still functioning today.

Because of its popularity, new measures have been introduced. From 2026, visitors are required to pay €2 to access the area closest to the fountain and throw a coin. The view, however, remains free from the square (but it is pretty much ruined due to the entrance!).

Officially, this was introduced to manage crowds and discourage bad behavior. In reality, it feels more like a simple way to make visitors pay another fee for something that has always been free, as €2 is not going to stop these issues. Tickets can be bought on the spot or reserved online. 

Fun fact: Rome was the first city where I ever set an alarm for a sunrise photo shoot. Back in 2016, I kept seeing those dreamy, empty photos of the Trevi Fountain and became a little obsessed with recreating the same shot. And back then, it actually worked. 

But now the sunrise will not give you an empty Trevi Fountain. If you want a clean shot, focus on perspective instead. For example, the right side of the square has a small wall where you can take fantastic photos.

2. Step inside the Colosseum

The Colosseum is the most iconic symbol of Rome. With nearly 2,000 years of history, this massive arena has witnessed gladiator fights, public spectacles, and events of all kinds. In 2007, it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The arena is also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, since it was built during the Flavian dynasty. At its peak, it could hold between 50,000 and 60,000 spectators, a truly “colossal” structure for its time and a must-visit in Rome today.

For the best experience, buy your ticket now and visit early in the morning (timed-entry!). It is one of the most visited sights in the world, so it will be crowded regardless, but you don’t want to visit the Colosseum at midday, especially during summer when it gets extremely hot.

I also recommend a guided tour. If you decide to visit the Colosseum, it makes sense to learn beyond the standard guidebooks. Otherwise, seeing it from the outside is enough.

These are some of the top-rated Colosseum tours:

• Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Guided Tour
• Express Colosseum: Semi-Private Guided Tour with Max 6 People (my choice!)
• Private Colosseum Tour

If you want beautiful photos from the Colosseum, you will need to arrive even before the opening time. Best spots are near the Arch of Constantine on Via dei Verbiti (second photo), Giardinetto del Monte Oppio (third photo), and from the small road that leads to the Temple of Venus and Rome, parallel to Clivo di Venere Felice (first photo).

Want some of the best Colosseum views?

🍝 RoYaL Art Cafè
🍽️ Aroma
🍸 The Court Bar
☕️ Caffetteria Italia al Vittoriano
🏨 Hotel Palazzo Manfredi

3. Admire the architecture of the Pantheon

The Pantheon is one of the most iconic buildings in Rome. It was built originally as a Roman Temple in 126 AD, making it the best preserved ancient monument in the world. It is now a church and features an important trace of Rome’s glorious past.

The Extraordinary Engineering is one of the reasons that make the Pantheon incredible. The dome has a diameter of 44 meters. To support its weight, the Romans used lighter concrete (with pumice) towards the top and coffered ceilings to lighten the structure.

Another symbol is the 9-meter circular opening at the center of the dome (oculus), which is the only source of natural light. Interestingly, rainwater is managed by an ancient system of holes in the floor.

The height of the building from the floor to the oculus is equal to its diameter, creating a perfect sphere, a symbol of the universe and divinity.

Since 2023, the Pantheon has had a €5 entrance fee, and if you want to save yourself some time, get your ticket here. You can also join a guided tour to learn more about it.

4. Climb the Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps, with the picturesque church of Trinitò Dei Monti, is one of the most beautiful places in Rome and a must-visit for anyone who spends time in the Italian Capital.

Piazza di Spagna has a long history as a public gathering space. The 135 steps were completed in 1725 and connect the Spanish Embassy (hence the name!) at the base to the French church above. The layout is a clear example of late Baroque design.

Another important sight of the square is the Barcaccia Fountain, right in the center. It was created by the famous sculptor Pietro Bernini (with the help of his son Gian Lorenzo), and its sinking boat shape symbolizes the flooding of the Tiber in 1598.

If you visit in the spring, the stairs are decorated with dozens of plants and flowers that give an extra color and beauty to the square. The square is also featured in one of the most iconic scenes from Roman Holiday.

5. Discover the highlights of Vatican City

No visit to Rome is complete without including the Vatican, which is the world’s smallest independent sovereign state, located as an enclave within Rome. 

Visiting the Vatican is one of the most important things to do for a number of reasons. There is no better place to experience the Catholic faith, world-famous Renaissance art, and unique history than the world’s smallest independent state.

The Saint Peter’s Basilica is the brightest star of the Vatican, located in an extraordinarily beautiful square. It is the largest church in the world, featuring Bernini’s baldachin, Michelangelo’s Pietà, and the resting place of popes.

Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free, but you must go through a security check, which often has long lines. For €7, you can get a skip-the-line ticket, but you still need to pass security. You can also go up to the dome for €17 by stairs or €22 with a lift.

The Vatican Museums, with their vast collections of art, historical artifacts, and the Raphael Rooms, are another must when you visit Rome. And of course, the Sistine Chapel, which features one of the most iconic frescoes in the world.

A visit to the Vatican takes time because there is a lot to see, and the crowds are always there. Arriving early helps, but being there well before opening is necessary, especially during high season and on the weekends.

—> Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket
—> Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket
—> Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Tour

💡 Don’t want to deal with crowds and lines? Book an early access tour at 7.15 am and enjoy the beauty before the masses arrive.

6. Choose from Rome’s many museums

Rome is home to an incredible variety of museums, many of which offer a quieter and more intimate experience compared to the Vatican. You don’t have to visit them all; you just need to find the most suitable one.

You can visit private collections like Galleria Colonna and Galleria Doria Pamphilj, both set inside historic palaces and filled with important works by Italian masters, including Caravaggio and Raphael (my kind of thing!).

For ancient Rome, the Capitoline Museums are among the most important in the city, with sculptures, artifacts, and views over the Roman Forum. 

The National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia offers a deeper look into pre-Roman civilizations and is a good option if you want more historical context beyond the Roman Empire.

If you prefer something different, Centrale Montemartini displays ancient sculptures in a former industrial power plant, and GAMM is a good choice for modern art lovers, focusing on 19th- and 20th-century works.

For a broader understanding of the city, Museo di Roma – Palazzo Braschi explores Rome’s history from the Middle Ages to today through paintings, photography, and exhibitions.

7. Try the local food in Rome

Trying the local food is an essential part of any trip to Italy, and Rome is not an exception. Originally, Roman cuisine was considered a “cucina povera”, a traditional style of cooking based on simple, affordable ingredients that are turned into flavorful and satisfying dishes.

Pasta is, of course, central to Roman cuisine, with its famous tris di primi: amatriciana, carbonara, and cacio e pepe, three of the most iconic Italian dishes. My favorite pasta in Rome, though, is gricia, which is an egg-free carbonara or a tomato-free Amatriciana.

If you are a vegetarian, Rome is the right place for you. Artichokes are one of the most popular dishes in the Italian capital. Carciofi alla romana and fried carciofi alla Giudia from the Jewish-Roman tradition are two of the most popular dishes.

Meat is typically served as secondi, often using less expensive cuts. Traditional dishes include tripe (trippa), coda alla vaccinara (braised oxtail), and saltimbocca, usually enjoyed with bread to soak up the sauces.

Roman pizza is also worth trying and is quite different from the Neapolitan version. It has a thin, crispy base, making it much lighter and crunchier compared to the soft, thick, and airy crust typical of Naples.

Street food classics include supplì (fried rice balls) and pizza bianca, perfect for a quick bite.

And for dessert, don’t skip maritozzo, a soft, sweet bun filled with whipped cream and one of the most classic Roman treats. And of course, no visit to Rome is complete without gelato, and Giolitti is my go-to!

Taste your way through Rome with a local guide

• Trastevere & Campo de’ Fiori Street Food Tour ($)
• Trastevere Food Tour by Eating Europe ($$)
• Trastevere Food tour with Free-Flowing Fine Wine ($$$)
• Private Golf Cart Tasting Experience ($$$$)

If you’re looking to take a cooking class in Rome, I can recommend the following

• Pasta, Ravioli & Tiramisu Masterclass in Rome with Unlimited Wine
• Farmers Market Shopping with Roman Full Course Class

First experience is popular, budget-friendly choice is a classic Italian cooking class with 5-star reviews. It focuses on well-known dishes, and while not strictly Roman, it is a good introduction to Italian cooking techniques. Great for first-time visitors!

The second option is a more Roman-focused cooking experience that includes a visit to a market. This is a smaller, more curated experience where you’ll work with seasonal ingredients and learn dishes that are actually rooted in Roman cuisine.

8. Walk through the Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is one of the most important archaeological sites in Rome and offers direct insights into daily life in ancient times. If you are passionate about history, you can’t miss the Roman Forum.

Once the political, religious, and commercial center of the Roman Empire, this area was filled with temples, basilicas, and public spaces where some of the most significant events in Roman history took place.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Forum was abandoned and gradually buried under layers of earth. Fortunately, 20th-century excavations began to bring this important site of Roman civilization back to light, which is why you can experience it firsthand today.

As you walk through the ruins, you will see landmarks such as the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus, and the remains of the Senate House (Curia). There are informational panels throughout the site, but I still recommend a guided tour for a deeper understanding.

The Roman Forum is included in the same ticket as the Colosseum and Palatine Hill, so it makes sense to visit all three together. Plan at least 1–2 hours here, and consider visiting in the late afternoon (keep the morning for Colosseum!) to avoid the heat and crowds.

9. See the interiors of Rome’s churches

In Rome, every closed door can hide a potential treasure, which is why I try to open as many as possible, especially when it comes to churches. 

That’s why “church hopping” is one of the best things to do in Rome. The beauty and history of the city’s religious sites are among the most extraordinary in the world, and most of them are free to visit.

Making a list of the most beautiful churches would almost be unfair to those left out, so my recommendation is simple: don’t be shy, step into as many as you can.

If I had to pick three favorite churches in central Rome, beyond the obvious ones like St Peter’s or the Pantheon, these would be my top recommendations:

• San Luigi dei Francesi, France’s Baroque national church in Rome, where you can find Caravaggio paintings that are simply jaw-dropping.
• Santa Maria sopra Minerva, the only Gothic church in Rome, which makes it a unique sight. It may look simple from the outside, but inside it reveals all its charm.
• Chiesa del Gesù, known for its lavish and richly decorated interior by Giacomo della Porta.

I have mixed feelings about Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola. On one side, the beauty is astonishing, but it gets very crowded, as people often line up outside to take a selfie with the famous mirror.

A little further from central Rome, special mentions go to the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs and Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

10. Take in the scale of the Altare della Patria

Considering the long history of Rome, the Altare della Patria is a relatively recent addition, completed in 1911. Also known as the Vittoriano, it was built in honor of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy.

The monument is built in a Neoclassical style, with strong influences from Roman and Greek traditions, and its construction required the demolition of an entire neighborhood. Nowadays, it dominates central Piazza Venezia, not far from the Colosseum.

The symbolism is what makes the monument especially impressive. Statues represent values like strength, law, and sacrifice, alongside figures of historic cities and regions, while inscriptions highlight national unity and the fountains evoke the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas.

Once you visit the Altare della Patria, I recommend taking the lift to reach the Vittoriano Terrace at the top. While access to the monument itself is free, the terrace costs €10, and the views over the Colosseum and the city are well worth it.

11. Find the best panoramic views over Rome

And talking about the views… And talking about the views, Rome does not disappoint. With the city built on 7 hills, Rome offers extraordinary panoramas for everyone visiting the Eternal City.

Terrazza del Pincio is one of the most romantic spots in the city. With sweeping views over Piazza del Popolo and the dome of St. Peter’s, it’s no surprise that it’s a popular date spot for couples visiting Rome.

For a closer, frontal perspective of the Roman Forum, walk along Via del Campidoglio, a great (and often overlooked) spot for photography.

Passeggiata del Gianicolo is another popular viewpoint in Rome. Unlike the other ones mentioned, Gianicolo is a bit further away from the center, which gives a panoramic view of the whole city.

If you prefer to enjoy the view with a drink, Rome has some excellent rooftop options. While terrace bars in Rome are impressive, the views come with a higher price tag, even for drinks.

Terrazza Les Étoiles offers stunning views over the rooftops and St. Peter’s, while Cielo Terrace at Hotel de la Ville gives you a nice perspective from the Altare della Patria to the Vatican. Minerva Roof Garden, just steps from the Pantheon, combines 360-degree views with an elegant setting.

12. Wander around Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful and lively squares in Rome, built on the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, which explains its elongated shape.

The square is famous for its Baroque architecture and stunning fountains. The centerpiece is Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, surrounded by two other fountains at each end.

The square is also home to Sant’Agnese in Agone, Palazzo Pamphilj, and countless bars and restaurants where you can sit down for a bite or an aperitif, but be mindful of tourist traps.

Visiting Rome in December? Piazza Navona is home to some of the most picturesque Christmas and seasonal markets in the city, filled with festive stalls, lights, and traditional sweets.

13. Put your hand in the Bocca della Verità

The Bocca della Verità is one of Rome’s most curious and iconic attractions. Located at the entrance of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, this large marble mask dates back to ancient Rome and is believed to have originally been part of a fountain or a drain cover.

According to legend, the “Mouth of Truth” will bite off the hand of anyone who tells a lie, which is what made it famous over the centuries. Its popularity grew even more after its appearance in Roman Holiday, and today it attracts visitors from all over the world.

Place your hand inside the mouth, hope for the best, and don’t forget to snap a photo to prove you made it out in one piece.

14. Browse the stalls at Campo de’ Fiori

Campo de’ Fiori is one of the most lively squares in Rome, known for its daily market, which has been held here for centuries. The name means “field of flowers,” and dates back to the Middle Ages, when this area was still an open, unpaved meadow filled with flowers.

Despite the name, the square has a darker past. It was once used for public executions, and at its center stands the statue of the philosopher Giordano Bruno, who was executed here in 1600. The monument serves as a symbol of freedom of thought.

Today, the atmosphere is very different. The square hosts one of the oldest markets in the city and is surrounded by restaurants, cafés, and bars. It is a great place for people-watching, especially in the morning when the market is at its peak.

In the evening, Campo de’ Fiori becomes more social and lively, with people gathering for drinks and dinner. Some spots are well known for traditional food, including Osteria da Fortunata, often mentioned for classic Roman dishes.

15. Walk around Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo is located along the Tiber River, not far from the Vatican. Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, it has served many purposes over the centuries, including a fortress, a papal residence, and even a prison.

One of its most interesting features is the secret passage, known as the Passetto di Borgo, which connects the castle to the Vatican and was used by popes as an escape route in times of danger.

Today, you can walk around the castle and across Ponte Sant’Angelo, one of the most beautiful bridges in the city, lined with statues designed by Bernini and his students.

If you choose to go inside, you can explore its different levels and finish your visit on the terrace, which offers excellent views over the Tiber, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the rooftops of Rome, especially beautiful at sunset.

16. Get lost in the streets of Trastevere

Trastevere feels like a city within a city. With its colorful alleys and huge personality, it’s no surprise that it has become one of the most popular neighborhoods in Rome.

For centuries, it was a working-class district where fishermen and immigrant communities, including Jewish and Syrian groups, settled. This mix of cultures shaped the neighborhood’s character, and traces of it remain today, including historical sites on the Gianicolo hill.

Today, the neighborhood has become a symbol of Rome. The beautiful Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the most impressive churches in the city, while street art, small squares, and lively corners give the area its charm. 

And can we talk about all the bars and restaurants? Each one more inviting than the last! That’s why Trastevere is one of my favorite spots for an aperitivo in Rome. One of my favorite spots is Da Biagio Vini e Oli, but to be fair, most places here are amazing.

17. Shop around Rome

Shopping in Rome is part of the experience, and with Italian fashion being among the best in the world, it’s a great place to refresh your wardrobe. With countless shops and ateliers across the city, it helps to know what you are looking for.

Rome is especially known for high-end shopping. A good starting point is Via dei Condotti and the surrounding streets, the most famous shopping area in the city. Here you will find Italian names like Bulgari and Brioni, alongside international brands such as Hermès.

If luxury shopping is not for you, Via del Corso is the place to be.

Rome is also a fantastic place to purchase art. Via Margutta is known for its galleries, where artists display their work, while nearby Via del Babuino offers a more refined atmosphere with boutiques and jewelry shops.

Places like Antica Spezieria di Santa Maria della Scala, one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe, Antica Libreria Cascianelli, a historic bookstore near Piazza Navona, or Antica Manifattura Cappelli, a traditional hat workshop, offer a completely different shopping experience.

18. Discover hidden gems in Rome

Beyond the main landmarks, Rome is full of hidden corners. Whenever I travel to popular cities, I like to visit the top attractions early in the day and then discover hidden gems or local neighborhoods in the afternoon, so here are my favorite discoveries in Rome.

You can start with Biblioteca Casanatense, a remarkable historic library located just steps from Piazza Venezia and the Pantheon area. Despite being so central, it remains surprisingly unknown to most visitors. Spazio Sette Libreria is another gem for book lovers!

Just a short walk away, the Stanze di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola offer an unexpected visual illusion inside a relatively quiet church interior, while Galleria Sciarra hides one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau courtyards in the city.

Forum Boarium is one of the oldest areas of the city, home to well-preserved ancient temples. If history is your thing, the Basilica of Saint Clement is a must as well. This multi-layered church reveals different levels of Rome’s past, from medieval to ancient times.

I also loved Quartiere Coppedè, although after being featured in Emily in Paris, it will probably become much more popular. It stands out for its unique architecture, far from the classical Roman style, with a mix of Art Nouveau, medieval, and fantasy elements.

If you are willing to go slightly off the beaten path, Garbatella offers a completely different side of Rome, with a more residential feel. Our local friend recommended Tanto pè Magnà – simple, traditional Roman food, generous portions, and a very local atmosphere.

Fun fact! Bar dei Cesaroni in Garbatella is the real-life café featured in the Italian TV series I Cesaroni, and it is considered the Italian equivalent of Friends, with this bar playing a role similar to Central Perk in the show.

19. See the striking Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana

Located away from the usual tourist trail, this iconic building stands as one of Rome’s most unique landmarks. This structure is nicknamed the Colosseo Quadrato (the “Squared Colosseum”)for its perfectly symmetrical arches.

Built during Italy’s Fascist era, the Palazzo carries a complex historical legacy. Yet, it is widely regarded as one of the most significant examples of 20th-century Italian architecture, defined by its rationalist style and geometric precision.

Beyond its architecture, the monument was conceived as a celebration of “Roman-ness” and a tribute to Italian identity. Statues at its base represent various virtues and professions, reinforcing this narrative.

Today, the building has taken on a new life as the headquarters of Fendi, which reportedly pays around €2.8 million annually in rent. The interior is not always open to the public, but exhibitions and events are occasionally hosted inside (worth checking ahead!).

Its transformation mirrors the broader evolution of the EUR district itself, now a growing business and residential neighborhood. If you enjoy unique architecture, this is one of the best things to do in Rome.

20. Ride through Rome on a Vespa or a Fiat 500

Exploring Rome on a Vespa or in a Fiat 500 is one of the most classic ways to experience the city and lets you see some of the most iconic sights without walking 20k steps! If you have very limited time, this is one of the best things to do in Rome!

You can choose between a private Vespa tour with hotel pick-up or a Vespa sidecar tour, in case sitting on the back of a Vespa feels too intimidating. Alternatively, you can get behind the wheel and drive your own Vespa if you have the skills and experience.

You can also do a similar tour by car, specifically in a vintage Fiat 500, because that’s a real ‘movie scene’ moment if you ask me. Skip the standard car! How often can you say you’ve seen Rome from a retro car?

21. Explore the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla are another must-visit for history lovers. This massive complex is extraordinarily well preserved, despite being built between 212 and 216 AD. Unlike other famous Ancient Rome, the baths offer a relatively quiet experience.

Even in ruins, the scale is shocking. You can still see the remains of enormous halls, vaulted ceilings, and floor plans that hint at how grand the structure once was. The site also included libraries, gyms, and social spaces.

22. Spend time in one of Rome’s parks

In the centre, Villa Borghese is the best-known park, with gardens, paths, museums, and viewpoints. Nearby, Villa Torlonia is smaller and quieter, with landscaped grounds and historic buildings.

On the western side, Villa Doria Pamphilj is one of the largest parks in the city, with wide lawns and wooded trails. In the north, Villa Ada is more natural and forested, with a lake and mixed terrain.

In the south-east, within the Appia Antica area, Parco degli Acquedotti is known for its ancient aqueducts across open fields, while nearby Parco della Caffarella offers a mix of ruins, farmland, and green space. 

Along the Tiber, Parco della Magliana is a flat riverside park used mainly by locals. For views, Monte Mario and Monte Ciocci offer elevated panoramas and scenic cycling routes.

23. Step inside the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

Because of its location, slightly away from the main tourist routes, the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls is often skipped, but don’t make that mistake.

The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls is one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome and one of the largest churches in the world. Located outside the ancient city walls (hence the name!), it is dedicated to Saint Paul, whose tomb lies beneath the main altar.

As you pass the gate, you will find a small courtyard where you can admire the façade of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, but it’s once you step inside that the real beauty reveals itself. 

Another highlight is the cloister. Dating back to the 13th century, it is considered one of Rome’s finest, with columns of different shapes decorated with mosaics and colored marble.

The basilica itself is free to enter, making it one of the best free things to do in Rome, although donations are encouraged. Access to the cloister costs €4. For opening times and mass schedules, it’s best to check the official website.

24. Stop by Rome’s historic cafés

Like other major Italian cities, such as Turin or Venice, Rome has a long café tradition that is worth discovering. Café hopping is one of the best ways to connect with everyday Italian life and slow down between sightseeing.

Rome’s historic cafés, in particular, offer insights into the city’s artistic and intellectual past. Antico Caffè Greco is the oldest and most famous café in Rome, although it is currently closed due to a legal dispute.

Caffè Museo Atelier Canova Tadolini is one of the most talked-about spots today. It feels more like an art gallery than a café, surrounded by sculptures and historical pieces.

Caffè Sant’Eustachio, located just steps from the Senate, has been open since 1938 and is known for its own coffee blend and signature drinks.

Keep in mind that these cafés can feel quite tourist-oriented. If you are looking for a balance between history and quality, La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro near the Pantheon is a great choice, known for its coffee blend and freshly prepared pastries.

25. Head up to the Piazza del Campidoglio

Piazza del Campidoglio is one of the finest examples of Renaissance design in Rome. Created by Michelangelo, it sits at the top of the Capitoline Hill in the historic center.

As you reach the square via the elegant Cordonata Capitolina, you’ll notice the harmonious layout: geometric pavement, the central equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, and the surrounding palaces. 

The square also gives access to the Capitoline Museums, one of the most important museum complexes in the city, including Palazzo Nuovo on the opposite side.

At the back of the Palazzo Senatorio, you’ll find one of the best viewpoints over the Roman Forum, especially beautiful at sunset.

26. See the Pyramid of Cestius

The Pyramid of Cestius is one of the most unusual monuments in Rome. Built around 12 BC as a tomb for the Roman magistrate Gaius Cestius, it reflects the fascination with Egyptian culture that spread through Rome after the conquest of Egypt.

Unlike the city’s classical ruins, the pyramid stands out with its sharp white marble structure, rising about 36 meters high. It is located near the ancient city walls and next to Porta San Paolo, which means you can easily combine it with other attractions.

27. Walk across Palatine Hill

Palatine Hill is one of the most important archaeological areas in the city and offers a quieter alternative to the nearby Roman Forum. According to legend, this is where Rome was founded, and later it became the residential area of emperors and the Roman elite.

Today, you can walk through the remains of imperial palaces, gardens, and terraces while enjoying views over the Roman Forum on one side and the Circus Maximus on the other.

The site is included in the same ticket as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, which means you have the perfect excuse to add it to your Rome itinerary.

28. Discover the Theatre of Marcellus

The Theatre of Marcellus is one of the lesser-known ancient monuments in the city, often compared to a smaller version of the Colosseum due to its similar curved structure and layered arches. It was completed in 13 BC under Emperor Augustus and named after his nephew Marcellus.

Originally used for performances and public events, the theatre could hold thousands of spectators. Over the centuries, it was incorporated into a fortress and later transformed into a Renaissance palace, which is why the upper levels look very different from the ancient base.

Today, you can walk around the structure and see how different periods of Roman history are layered into one building. It’s not a must-see for a first-time visit, but if you have more time or have already covered the main highlights, it’s a good addition.

29. Cross Rome’s historic bridges

There are approximately 40 bridges in Rome, and they are an essential part of the city’s history. From the ancient Ponte Fabricio, built in 62 BC and still in its original form, to more recent constructions, each bridge has its own story.

If you don’t live in Rome, it makes sense to focus on a few of the most interesting ones. Ponte Sant’Angelo is probably the most beautiful pedestrian bridge, known for its statues and views of Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s dome.

Ponte Sisto is another historic pedestrian bridge connecting the city center with Trastevere, known for its elegant design and lively atmosphere, often with street performers.

Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II features three arches, sculptures, and open views towards Castel Sant’Angelo, while Ponte Palatino offers good viewpoints over the Tiber Island and Ponte Cestio.

30. Plan a day trip from Rome

Florence and Naples are often listed as day trips from Rome, but these cities deserve more than a day trip. If you are looking for something easier, there are several excellent options close to Rome.

One of the best choices is Tivoli, known for Villa d’Este, with its famous fountains and gardens, and Hadrian’s Villa. Closer to Rome, Ostia Antica offers well-preserved ancient ruins, and it is a great day trip for history lovers.

Another good option is Viterbo, a historic town known for its well-preserved medieval center and thermal baths. We opted for Calcata Vecchia, which is a true hidden gem in Italy, but you will need a car to reach it from Rome.

If you don’t mind long travel times, Orvieto pairs well with a visit to Civita di Bagnoregio, a small village dramatically set on top of a hill and accessed by a pedestrian bridge. But I would recommend a guided tour so you don’t have to worry about logistics.