30+ Epic Things to Do in Rome, Italy

Rome is magnificent in every way possible, from the millennia of history made here to the deliciousness of a perfect cacio e pepe pasta. There are so many things to do in Rome, from the Colosseum to the Vatican Museums to the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.

Rome is so overwhelming, in a good way, that I’ve written this guide to figure out exactly what you want to do in this city!

I’ve been teaching people how to travel better in Italy for more than a decade, and Rome is a place I’ve visited several times over the years.

My top recommendation? This is not a city to wing it. It’s so massive and crowded with tourists that you’ll have a much better time if you plan what you want to do beforehand, and reserve the tickets in advance.

There are so many different kinds of trips to Rome you can take. You can go all in on art, like at the Galleria Borghese (my favorite!) and the Vatican Museums. You can be an archaeologist and explore the Roman Forum and the catacombs.

And if you’re interested in Rome’s culinary traditions, WHEW. There are so many outstanding dishes here!

Let’s take a look at the best things to do in Rome!

This post was published in August 2024 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Riana Ang-Canning.

Things to Do in Rome, Italy 

Visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

One of my personal favorite things to do in Rome is to cross the border into Vatican City! And no, you won’t need your passport, but Vatican City is home to an extraordinary museum: the Vatican Museums, which house the Sistine Chapel.

These museums are filled with absolutely spectacular art, from Raphael’s School of Athens (a painting you might not know the name of but will definitely recognize), to a hall lined with maps, to exhibits on Ancient Egyptian Art. Each room is more dazzling than the last.

The Sistine Chapel is still one of the most stupefying and moving places I’ve ever visited, showcasing Michelangelo’s incredible frescoes painted in the 1500s. No photos are allowed in here, but you can stare as long as you’d like.

Visiting the Vatican Museums is one of the most popular things to do in Rome, so it’s essential that you book your tour early. I recommend booking a tour with skip-the-line or early access. I would recommend…