Italy

Things to do in Rome

Rome packs ancient ruins, Renaissance palaces and the Vatican into a centre you can cross on foot in about an hour. The Colosseum and the Vatican Museums run on timed tickets that sell out in high season, so fix those first and fill the gaps with Trastevere, Testaccio and the Appian Way.

  • Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
  • Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
  • Trastevere and Testaccio food walk
  • Appian Way and aqueducts by bike

Experiences in Rome

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Bike toursCover more ground at human speed: guided rides and bike rentals.Cooking classesLearn two or three local dishes and eat what you cook.Wine toursCellar visits and tastings in the wine areas close to the city.

Top-rated experiences in Rome

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Highlights

  • Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
  • Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
  • Trastevere and Testaccio food walk
  • Appian Way and aqueducts by bike
  • Carbonara and fresh pasta class
  • Castelli Romani wine tasting

Best time to visit

April to early June and late September to October give warm days without the worst crowds. July and August are hot, often above 33C, and Easter week brings huge queues at the Vatican.

Getting around

The historic centre is best on foot; metro lines A, B and C cover the Vatican, Colosseum and Termini, while buses and trams fill the gaps. The Leonardo Express train links Fiumicino airport to Termini in about 32 minutes.

Local tips

  • The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays except the last Sunday of the month, when entry is free and queues are very long.
  • The Galleria Borghese only admits visitors with a pre-booked timed slot, so reserve it before you travel.
  • Refill your bottle at the free nasoni drinking fountains found all over the city.

Day trips from Rome

  • Tivoli (Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa)
  • Ostia Antica
  • Orvieto
  • Pompeii
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Rome?

The most booked experiences in Rome are Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, Trastevere and Testaccio food walk and Appian Way and aqueducts by bike.

When is the best time to visit Rome?

April to early June and late September to October give warm days without the worst crowds. July and August are hot, often above 33C, and Easter week brings huge queues at the Vatican.

How do I get around Rome?

The historic centre is best on foot; metro lines A, B and C cover the Vatican, Colosseum and Termini, while buses and trams fill the gaps. The Leonardo Express train links Fiumicino airport to Termini in about 32 minutes.

Do I need to book tours in Rome in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Rome?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Siena184 km awayNaples188 km awaySorrento212 km awayFlorence231 km away