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Best Things to Do in Rome: Top Attractions and Hidden Gems
Rome is one of those cities that never runs out of stories to tell. Whether you're standing in the shadow of ancient ruins or stumbling upon a sun-drenched courtyard tucked behind a Renaissance church, the Eternal City rewards every type of traveller. This guide covers the best things to do in Rome — from iconic landmarks to the secret corners that most tourists never find.
Iconic Attractions You Simply Cannot Miss
The Colosseum and the Roman Forum
No visit to Rome is complete without stepping inside the Colosseum, the greatest amphitheatre ever built. Dating back to 70 AD, it once hosted gladiatorial contests and public spectacles for tens of thousands of Romans. Book your guided experience through GoWithGuide to skip the queues and gain insider knowledge from a local expert who brings the ancient stones to life.
Just next door, the Roman Forum stretches across the valley between the Palatine and Capitoline hills. Wander the ancient roads and imagine the heart of the Roman Empire buzzing beneath your feet. Combine both sites in a single morning and you'll understand why Rome is called the Eternal City.
Vatican City: St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel
Vatican City is a destination within a destination. The sheer scale of St Peter's Basilica will stop you in your tracks — climb to the top of the dome for one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Rome. Inside the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel awaits with Michelangelo's ceiling that needs no introduction.
To make the most of your Vatican visit, book a skip-the-line tour through GoWithGuide, where certified local guides offer context that audio guides simply cannot match.
The Trevi Fountain
Toss a coin and make your wish — the Trevi Fountain is the most famous Baroque fountain in the world and a bucket-list moment for millions of visitors each year. Arrive early in the morning or late in the evening to experience it without the midday crowds. The way the travertine marble glows under soft lighting is something that photographs but never fully captures.
The Pantheon
Nearly 2,000 years old and still standing in near-perfect condition, the Pantheon is an engineering marvel that continues to astonish architects and historians alike. The oculus — the circular opening at the top of the dome — floods the interior with natural light that shifts throughout the day. Entry now requires a small ticket fee, so plan ahead.
Hidden Gems: The Rome Most Tourists Miss
Aventine Keyhole
Perhaps Rome's most delightful secret is the Knights of Malta keyhole on the Aventine Hill. Peer through the keyhole in the gate of the Priory of Malta and you'll see a perfectly framed view of St Peter's Basilica through a tunnel of manicured hedges. It is free, it is magical, and it feels like finding a portal through time.
Trastevere: Rome's Most Charming Neighbourhood
Cross the Tiber and lose yourself in Trastevere, a neighbourhood of tangled cobblestone lanes, ivy-draped buildings, and trattorias serving the kind of Roman cooking that belongs to no menu trend. By day it's calm and photogenic; by evening it buzzes with locals and long dinners. This is the Rome that feels genuinely lived-in.
Palazzo Doria Pamphilj
While tourists queue for the Vatican Museums, a short walk away sits the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj — one of Rome's finest private art collections, still owned by the noble Pamphilj family. Here you'll find works by Velázquez, Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio displayed in gilded galleries that feel gloriously undiscovered.
Quartiere Coppedè
Tucked in the Trieste neighbourhood, Quartiere Coppedè is a fantastical district of Art Nouveau architecture that looks nothing like the rest of Rome. Designed by architect Gino Coppedè in the early 20th century, it blends Gothic, Baroque, and Liberty styles into something genuinely surreal. Most visitors have never heard of it.
Practical Tips for Visiting Rome
- Book major attractions in advance: The Colosseum, Vatican, and Borghese Gallery all require timed-entry tickets. Use GoWithGuide to arrange guided tours with priority access.
- Best time to visit: April to June and September to October offer the most pleasant weather and manageable crowds.
- Get around on foot: Rome's historic centre is compact and best explored by walking. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable.
- Find the right accommodation: Stay near the historic centre for easy access to the main sights. Browse curated options and book your hotel through touriDat for exclusive travel deals.
- Eat where locals eat: Avoid restaurants immediately surrounding major landmarks. Walk two streets away and prices — and quality — improve dramatically.
Day Trips from Rome Worth Considering
If you have extra time, the countryside around Rome is equally spectacular. Tivoli is just 30 kilometres east and home to the UNESCO-listed Villa d'Este with its extraordinary terraced gardens. Further afield, the ancient Roman port city of Ostia Antica rivals Pompeii in scale but sees a fraction of the visitors.
Plan your extended itinerary with the help of GoWithGuide, where local experts can tailor experiences beyond the standard tourist trail. And for the best accommodation rates across Rome and the surrounding region, always check touriDat before you book.
Final Thoughts on Exploring Rome
Rome does not reveal itself all at once. The more time you give it, the more generously it gives back. Go beyond the postcards, wander without a plan at least once, and let the city's 3,000 years of history wash over you. From the grandeur of the Colosseum to the quiet magic of an Aventine keyhole, Rome is endlessly, unforgettably worth it.
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