The Ultimate Rome Bucket List: Top 50 things to do in the City

UPDATED JULY 2024
By Megan Hills

When in Rome, do as the Romans do with our top things to do in and around the city. Time to start planning your Rome Bucket List!

The Eternal City is a beautiful place to visit, but what’s on your Rome bucket list? Check out our ultimate list of the top 50 things to do in Rome, courtesy of the team behind the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card.

Roma. #italia

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1. The Colosseum is an ancient gladiatorial arena and one of the most recognised symbols of Rome. Head back in time and discover the history of this impressive building. 2. Drink an espresso (un caffè) or a caffè macchiato if you want some milk in it. Don’t order a latte though – you’ll just get milk! 3. Take a stroll through the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum, which is also visible from the Capitoline Museums. 4. Soak up the atmosphere in one of the restaurants which line one of Rome’s most popular public spaces, Piazza Navona.

#rome🇮🇹 #sanpietrobasilica

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5. Spend some time at St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican, home to the Sistine Chapel. 6. Cross the river and explore the hip and bohemian area of Trastevere. 7. Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain which has a marble statue of Neptune at its centre. Visit early in the morning or late at night to avoid the tourists. 8. Wander the cobbled streets around the Colosseum and get lost in Centro Storico. 9. Shop in style at the beautiful Galleria Alberto Sordi with stained-glass skylights and mosaic floors. On the neighbouring streets, you’ll find plenty of designer boutiques.

Самое главное - правильно мыслить и постоянно это осуществлять в деле, не поддаваться суете и сомнениям: Я выстрою и сделаю то, что другим не под силу, Я буду самым лучшим в мире мужчиной, Идя только вперед, несмотря ни на что, Мною движет настойчивость и редкая смелость, Целеустремленность и жажда к победам. Талант быть устойчивым и умелым, Подходя с решением к любым делам и проблемам. Реализовать все свои идеи, точно по плану, как черным по белому, За это сейчас хочу поблагодарить свою маму, До встречи на следующем жизненном раунде. Наступила ночь, но уже недалеко до финала. P.S Важно ценить своих родителей, ведь это они нам дали жизнь, и теперь все в наших руках. Если бы не моя мама, которая поддержала меня, я не уехал бы за границу получать образование и жизненный опыт. Если бы не одобрение отца, то не ушел бы с работы и не начал заниматься любимым делом.

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10. Marvel at the architecture of the Pantheon, the former temple and best-preserved monument of Imperial Rome. 11. Take a break from ancient and Baroque art, and indulge in some from the modern era. Locals say MAXXI, the Museum of 21st Century Art, is the best place to see modern and contemporary art in Rome. 12. Walk up Gianicolo at dusk for a spectacular panoramic view of Rome. If you’re there at midday, you’ll hear the cannon which has fired every day since the battle of Rome was won there! Read up on our favourite Instagram Spots in Rome for some of the city's best views. 13. Sample the delights of Roman cuisine. Although traditionally simple, the dishes are delicious. Try the fried artichoke starter and pig’s cheek pasta. Find out more in Our Guide to the Top Rome Foods you should try! 14. Find the nondescript door to the Priory of the Knights of Malta on Aventine Hill, just past the orange grove. Look through its keyhole: locals love the perfect view of St Peter’s Basilica. 15. Visit the spectacular Capitoline Museums. Read our Guide to the 10 sculptures you can’t miss. 16. On the second Sunday of every month, explore the antique market on the River Tiber which starts just under the ancient Ponte Milvio Bridge. Soak up the local culture and wander around some of Rome's best street markets. 17. Hire a bike and ride through the Appia Antica Regional Park. Located along one of the oldest and important Roman roads, it’s brimming with ancient ruins. 18. Take a stroll through the city centre and look out onto Galleria Spada. You’ll be amazed by the magic of Borromini’s masterpiece. 19. Relax in the Villa Borghese Park, one of the largest parks in the city centre, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. 20. Legend has it the Bocca della Verità or the Mouth of Truth, outside the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin, bites off the hand of anyone who is not telling the truth. Try it! Movie-lovers will recognise this city hotspot after seeing it in Audrey Hepburn's "Roman Holiday". 21. Fancy a cocktail with an Italian twist? Visit Barattolo and sample one of the famous tiramisù cocktails served in a jar. 22. For jazz music lovers, visit the Casa del Jazz (House of Jazz) and watch famous and lesser-known Italian and international jazz musicians. 23. There are more than 60 catacombs in Rome. Venture underground and join a guided tour and learn about the rites and customs of the early Church years. 24. Make time in the early evening for an aperitivo. Most bars offer some snacks to accompany your drink, check out some of our favourites around the city!

What else? #rome #bestplace #villatorlonia #nowords #architecture #skyline #thebigbeauty

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25. On the Rome bucket list of history-buffs, the underground bunker in which Mussolini and his family lived during the Second World War is hidden under Villa Torlonia. 26. For music concerts, exhibitions, plays and festivals, visit Rome’s greatest concert hall, the Auditorium Parco della Musica. 27. Bioparco, Rome’s Zoo, is home to a wide variety of animals. It’s great for kids of all ages. 28. Take a tip from locals and visit the Palazzo delle Esposizioni. It has some of the best exhibitions in the city and sometimes hosts cinema evenings. 29. Visit a traditional tavern (fraschetta) for good local wine and food that’s budget-friendly.

Nel blu dipinto di bbbblu ☀️

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30. Watch the world go by on Piazza del Popolo where there’s always something going on. 31. If you’re in Rome in the summer, take in the magic of the open-air theatre in the Villa Borghese Park . 32. Enjoy a relaxing break in the Terme di Trastevere This spa evokes the beauty rituals of ancient Rome and you can unwind in a bath of wine, citrus fruits and herbs, or donkey milk, just as Cleopatra did! 33. Want to escape the tourists? Visit the Abbazia delle Tre Fontane. The Trappist monks who live here recently began making and selling their own beer. 34. Check out the work by artists around the world displayed across the fronts of the buildings in the Tor Marancia district, as part of a regeneration project. 35. Stroll along the river banks or take a scenic cruise along the River Tiber which runs through the heart of Rome. 36. The little Borgo Pio neighbourhood just behind the Vatican is amazingly quiet. The streets in this traditional area are lined with trattorias and bars. Keep your eyes open for the small fountain in the middle of Piazza del Catalone. 37. In Rome for a romantic trip? Visit the romantic Roseto Comunale near the Circo Massimo at the foot of the Palatine Hill where over 1000 varieties of roses grow. 38. Love pop surrealism? The Dorothy Circus Gallery is for you! This was the first art gallery in Rome to specialise in the genre. 39. A secret top tip: the Centrale Montemartini displays classical sculptures in the middle of an old power plant. It’s a combination that works surprisingly well!

Favorite gelato in Rome 🍦😋

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40. Visit the city’s best gelateria, Giolitti, which is near to the Pantheon. 41. Are you a film lover? Join a guided tour and wander around film sets and studios at Cinecittà. Or create your own tour with our Movie-Lovers' Guide to Rome. 42. Want to know what life was like in ancient Rome? Enrol in Gladiator School and you’ll see for yourself! 43. Take a Vespa Tour by night and recreate your own Roman holiday scene! 44. Apparently the best chocolate in Rome, the chocolate factory at SAID is nestled in the San Lorenzo district. 45. Take a food tour with an expert local guide and titillate your tastebuds. Don't forget to sample some of the most delicious hand-held goodies with our guide to Rome's best Street Food! 46. A short 15-minute drive out of Rome, Monte Mario is Rome’s highest peak and offers stunning views of the city, particularly in the evening. 47. Indulge in a ballet or opera at the Teatro dell’Opera and follow it with a hearty bowl of pasta at one of the nearby restaurants. 48. The legendary tomb of Remus, the Pyramid of Cestius, is the only pyramid in Europe. 49. People-watch on the Spanish steps leading up from Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church. 50. Fanatical about pasta? Visit the National Pasta Museum on the Via Flaminia and be sure to check out our Guide to the Best Pasta Restaurants in Rome! Did we miss out something? What's on your Rome Bucket list? Let us know in the comments!
Megan Hills
Rome Travel Expert

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Plan the Perfect Summer Itinerary in Rome

Although some say summer is a testing time to go to Rome while the inner city temperatures soar, there is so much to see and do and participate in, that it’s worth braving the heat. The weather instills a lazy lethargy in everyone so it’s a different atmosphere than if you went just two months earlier as many locals have fled their hometown to the cooler beaches at the sea. To make the most of these hazy months, we’ve put together a summer itinerary of things to do and places to go when in Rome in the summer season. Just take it slow, there’s no need to rush, piano, piano... as they say! First thing’s first; buy an open top bus tour ticket so you can explore the city at your leisure. None of this marching onwards business, let the bus do the work as you sit back, relax and take in the sights (don't forget the suncream). We’ve tailored this itinerary so you can cruise around town while taking in the most iconic monuments and landmarks in Rome, while allowing you the best of both worlds, you can hop off at the best spots along the way making your tour of Rome even easier. Morning (9am-11am) Stop number one must be Campo de Fiori. An old bustling square at the hub of commercial and street culture both past and present, it hosts a daily market every morning of exotic fruit and veg, cheeses, flowers, pasta, souvenirs and everything else under the sun. Literally. However, Campo de Fiori has both a wealthy and murky past. In the Middle Ages it was a place of execution where ‘heretics’ were tortured to their death. You can even see the statue of Giordani Bruno the monk - facing the Vatican in defiance - erected in celebration of the right to free speech. You’ll also notice the fountain in the square which dates back to 1590, brought in to supply the neighbourhood with fresh water and named Fontana della Terrina because of its resemblance to a terrine. Midday (12pm-3pm) After a few hours of browsing the stalls and dining on some fresh fruit for a late brunch – don’t forget to prop yourself up at a café for a shot of espresso, mandatory fuel for the day – hop back on the bus and head to the Vatican City for a walk through the Museums as it's the perfect time to avoid the crowds as tourists stop for lunch. Don't forget to flash your OMNIA and Rome Card (most recommended!) to skip to the front of the queue and wave goodbye to standing in line, too. Admire over 9 miles of world famous art, sculptures, tapestries and frescoes by the masters such as Michelangelo’s The Last Judgement, the portraits of the Popes, the hall of sculptures and much more. Mid-afternoon (4pm-6pm) Just around the corner is Saint Peter’s Basilica. Here you can seek refuge from the hot sun and walk inside this marble monument for free. Discover the holy shrine of the Catholic community and you can appreciate just why this basilica is so sacred. The original construction started in 1506 and there is blinding evidence of Baroque inspiration and Byzantine architecture from a series of artists who worked on it over the years. Passing through the hands of Michelangelo and Bernini to name a few, the church is famed for its imposing structure – including the baldachin, the piazza of colonnades and even the crypt below ground. What’s the most impressive though is the dome. Included in the entry is the opportunity to ascend into the inner dome and walk around the perimeter, but what’s more breath-taking is the main dome climb where you can stand at 136.6 m high (having climbed the 551 steps) for the most spectacular views of Rome. Unparalleled, trust us. Sunset (7pm-9pm) After all that excitement, what better way to wind down your day than to find an aperitivo in the Trastevere district for a refreshment and a sit down. If you want to try your luck at squeezing in another attraction before you call it a day, the Villa Borghese Gallery and the Coliseum shut at 7.30pm - so if you make a run for it you might be able to tick another one off the list. However, as the sun sets and the temperatures drop there’s a cold Peroni or Chianti with your name on it, not to mention a whole array of nibbles and light-bites to tide you over until dinner.... Remember the saying, piano, piano... Trastevere will open your eyes to a true sense of Rome in the summer. Decorated with outdoor tables spilling onto the piazzas, men in their suit jackets and women in skirts walk hand in hand as everyone from the best dressed to the holidaymakers love this pocket district. Nightfall (9pm-bedtime) If you stay in the area (and we recommend you do) you must head down to the banks of the river where big clubs and bars in the city and surrounding area have relocated from July until September. With big name DJs inconspicuously entertaining through the night, you can wander through themed bars, sheisha cafes, man-made beaches – there’s a real sense of the contemporary, young cosmopolitan life contrasting the backdrop of Ancient Rome, Castel Sant’Angelo and the iconic St Peter’s Basilica. Why not make the most of your trip in the summer with an OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card - with this you can save both time and money on your adventure helping you skip the lines (a blessing in the heat!) and well as giving you free entry into Rome's top attractions - including a bus tour ticket! Where's the catch? There isn't one...
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Our Tasty Guide to the Best Pizzerias in Rome

Forget the pasta for a second, here's some of the best pizzerias in Rome! While Rome may be renowned for being the birthplace of carbonara, it's worth trying one of Italy's greatest imports - pizza. From classic margaritas to adventurous gourmet toppings, grab a slice at some of the most popular pizzerias in Rome below. Cacio pepe pizza? Yes, please 😛 We are no longer casual about pizza, we don't just go out of our way for Sforno, a great spot near #Rome's Cinecittà, but we pretty much deprive ourselves of all pizza for days until we get here. It is that good. I go nuts just for the dough- @dariusaryadigs loves a basic margherita. And this? Well, it is a simple antipasto- best had with a cold Duchesse de Bourgogne, on the advice of @tastegeorgia. Click the geotag to find it exactly where it is and how to get there #🍕 A post shared by Erica Firpo (@ericafirpo) on Jan 31, 2017 at 2:07am PST Sforno For a Neapolitan-style pizza, head to Sforno where creativity abounds and both locals and tourist crave their offerings. As one of Rome's most popular pizzerias, it's best to book in advance but it's all worth it. Their Cacio e Pepe pizza is world famous, bringing the classic pasta staple to pizza bases with a healthy dusting of peppery Pecorino cheese. It's also worth venturing into their appetiser selection for some fritti, their fried zucchini flowers are finger licking good. Couple bombass pizzas at what some people have called the best pizza in Rome. With cat themed pictures everywhere no less. A post shared by Joey (@jte3) on Aug 19, 2017 at 3:31pm PDT La Gatta Mangiona This restaurant translates to 'the greedy cat' in English and we totally understand why. You'll have finished one of their delicious pizzas before you know it and taste the quality with every bite. This restaurant prioritises seasonal ingredients, premium dough and goes to town with their flavour combinations (plus there's a long list of craft beers if that's more your speed). Twelve years ago I walked past this pizzeria in Testaccio and thought, well hello ( like Leslie Philips) but had no intention of staying in Rome. But then I did stay, and this became a Sunday night ritual, (the endless ritual around food is something I love about the way Italians eat) . We start with fried things, courgette flowers and fat peices of salt cod battered and fried or rice croquettes filled with mozzarella that stretches like a great looping string...then for me Napoli with extra anchovies. To finish a nameless amaro that you are not sure whether to drink or use to strip paint ( it is delicious). @rachelaliceroddy going red for a takeover. A post shared by Guardian Cook (@guardian_cook) on Jul 9, 2017 at 10:29am PDT Pizzeria da Remo If you like your pizzas thin-crusted and packed with flavour, Pizzeria da Remo is the place to be. Everybody else in Rome is clued into it as well so get there early for dinner, otherwise risk missing out on their simple yet mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas. Located out in the trendy Testaccio neighbourhood, it's always bustling with energy and every table is laden with their signature margherita pizza. Snacking-on-the-go, done right in Rome 🍕 A post shared by V A N E S S A (@vslawson) on Jul 11, 2017 at 2:04am PDT Pizzarium Bonci If you're not up for a massive meal, Pizzarium serves up thick gourmet pizzas by the slice. Run by Gabriele Bonci, a renowned Roman pizza maker, its little storefront may be humble but the food is nothing if not fancy. Using seasonal ingredients and a complex dough-making process, you'll find creative combinations like mascarpone and anchovies, steak and blue cheese as well as the classics. La pizza romana es muy parecida a nuestra pizza a la piedra. Usan palote para estirar la masa y la cocinan a menos temperatura que Napoles logrando una masa más crocante y seca. Ésta tenía crudo y Gorgonzolla, un queso azul típico de Italia. Obviamente combinada con una birra, y claro, Peroni. Se viene mucho Roma para el programa. Se viene @hashtagviajeros. ¡Seguilos! A post shared by El Guerrillero (@guerrilleroculinario) on Aug 17, 2017 at 4:35pm PDT Ai Marmi There's no bells and whistles here - Ai Marmi's all about the pie and nothing else. Named after its long marble tables, it's great value for money with fantastic pizza for a fraction of the price. Their suppli and fried zucchini flowers are popular favourites as well (in fact, the latter are occasionally used as toppings) and nobody leaves with an empty stomach. Located out in Trastevere, it's also open late if you're looking for something to fill the midnight hours. Everyone surely knows about #pizza, but let me introduce you its glorious roman relative: the one and only "Pinsa", a lighter ad crunchy version of the famous one, with an enriched quality topping 🍅🇮🇹 // Tutti sicuramente conosceranno la pizza, ma chi di voi riconosce questa prelibatezza? È la "Pinsa", sua cugina romana, dalla base fragrante e saporita! #BonAppetit #ItalianFood #FoodPorn #pinza #pinzandbeer #InstaFood #FoodBlogger #TheGoodLife #InstaDaily #PhotooftheDay #Italy #Rome #lapratolina #rome #eatingout A post shared by The Singingwine (@the_singingwine) on May 31, 2017 at 12:34pm PDT La Pratolina If you're out near the Vatican City, La Pratolina is a great place to stop off for a meal. It's closer to traditional Roman pizza and comes in an oblong shape, all with a thin yet slightly raised crust crust. Prosciutto's the name of the game here, with pizza dough made from a mixture of flours for a rich unique taste. Плюс одно место обязательное к посещению в Риме! Пиццерия EMMA. Оочень тонененькая и хрустящая😋 обязательно заказывать Маргариту и буратту! #foodinrome #foodporn #foodpornroma #pizzaroma #pizzagains A post shared by EVA STREPETOVA (@evaeeva) on Jul 17, 2017 at 5:44am PDT Emma Located in the heart of Rome, Emma is undoubtedly one of the fancier options on the list and an ideal date night option. While it's less pizzeria and more of a proper sit-down restaurant, there's no debating the quality of these pizzas - especially as it's associated with the Roscioli Group who have some of the bakeries and delis across the capital. Think top of the line mozzarella, olive oil and dough baked with generations of experience.
Megan Hills
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What's on at St Peter's Basilica

St Peter’s Basilica is the power house of the Catholic Church set in Rome’s Vatican City, on the northern side of the River Tiber. The impressive basilica overlooks a huge colonnade-lined square and was designed and decorated by Italy’s most esteemed and prestigious designers such as Bernini, Michelangelo and Bramante. Capture the picture perfect moment for yourself and visit one of Rome’s most iconic silhouettes, St Peter’s Basilica. Boasting the world’s highest dome, the structure as a whole is truly breath-taking and one of the most impressive examples of religious architecture in the world. As it’s a place of pilgrimage and prayer, it’s no surprise that there are various events held there every month. Thousands gather to hear the weekly sermons – some even travel across the globe just to participate. If you fancy a bit of the action and are in Rome this month, pay a visit to this stunning landmark and epicentre of the Catholic Church to take part in some of the public Papal proceedings in June. 6th June, Friday Saint Peter's Square, at 12:15 - Meeting with the Carabinieri Corps on the 200th anniversary of its foundation 7th June, Saturday Saint Peter's Square, at 16:30 - Meeting with the Sports Associations 8th June, Pentecost Sunday Vatican Basilica, at 10:00 - PAPAL MASS, Holy Mass Saint Peter's Square, at 12:00 – Angelus 11th June, Wednesday Saint Peter's Square, at 10:30 - General Audience 12th June, Thursday Consistory Hall, at 10:00 - Consistory for several Causes of Canonization 15th June, Sunday Saint Peter's Square, at 12:00 - Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Angelus 18th June, Wednesday Saint Peter's Square, at 10:30 - General Audience 22nd June, Sunday Saint Peter's Square, at 12:00 – Angelus 25th June, Wednesday Saint Peter's Square, at 10:30 - General Audience 29th June, Sunday Vatican Basilica, at 9:30 - Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul, PAPAL MASS - Holy Mass and imposition of the Pallium on new Metropolitan Archbishops Discover more with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card. Enjoy a free audio guide at St Peter’s Basilica for FREE and skip the queues saving you time in the busy months. Why not visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel after, and walk right up to the front with no queuing and no extra payment. Want to learn more? Click here to find out how it works...
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