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Things to Do in Rome

There are so many things to do in Rome!

This beautiful city is not meant to be explored quickly, but to be discovered slowly, taking time to appreciate everything it has to offer. It’s not just the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain — there are so many other sights to see and things to do.

We’ve been visiting Rome regularly for the past 10 years, and we’re still discovering new churches, palazzos, streets, gelaterias, and so much more.

We’re sharing our favourite finds to inspire your own trips to Rome. This guide is based on our personal experiences and the places we’ve discovered along the way.

Exploring the Colosseum from bottom to top

The Roman Colosseum, the largest ancient amphitheatre ever constructed, is on everyone’s bucket list.

But many people don’t realise that it can be explored in so many different ways.

You can simply wander around on your own with your earphones in, listening to a self-guided tour.

Or you can take a guided tour and learn more about its fascinating history.

You can even go underground and see the tunnels where gladiators waited before their battles.

On our first trip to Rome, we just snapped a couple of photos in front of the Colosseum! Later, we went deeper and explored it on our own and with a guided tour.

🛺 Good to know: On the Golf Cart Tour with LivTours, which we took in May 2026, you’ll get the chance to see the Colosseum from a nearby viewpoint.

Discovering the Vatican

The Vatican can also be explored in many different ways.

You can go inside St. Peter’s Basilica (which is free to enter, although there are often long lines), where you’ll find Michelangelo’s Pietà and the famous baldachin.

Or, if you don’t have much time, you can simply visit St. Peter’s Square (open from 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM). Just show up — no reservation is needed! 

Especially beautiful during the Christmas season!

The Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, are another story.

Home to a huge collection of paintings and other works of art, they are almost always packed, and you’ll need at least a couple of hours if you decide to visit.

Be sure to buy skip-the-line tickets in advance!

We also climbed to the top of St. Peter’s Dome! The views are spectacular, but we have to admit that we didn’t completely enjoy the experience. 

⚠️ It’s definitely not for people who are claustrophobic or have heart problems!

🍦 Insider tip: Try the dark chocolate pistachio gelato (so delicious!) at Hedera Gelateria (Borgo Pio 179), or enjoy a plate of pasta carbonara at Alla Rampa dei Gracchi (Via dei Gracchi 90).

Exploring churches in Rome

Rome is home to hundreds of beautiful churches, and exploring them is a great way to discover the city’s art and history.

It’s also an ideal activity on a hot summer afternoon — step inside, enjoy the cool interiors, and take a break from the heat.

Some of the most impressive churches to visit are St. Peter’s Basilica, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, San Clemente, and Santa Maria in Trastevere.

Don’t miss San Luigi dei Francesi, where you can see Caravaggio’s famous paintings, or Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, known for its spectacular painted ceiling.

And one of the best things about Rome is that you can stumble upon beautiful churches while simply wandering through the city — so keep your eyes open!

Wandering Rome's squares

One of our favourite things to do in Rome? Simply wander from one beautiful piazza to another.

We especially love Piazza di Spagna in the historic centre and Piazza Mattei in the Jewish Ghetto. Grab a coffee at an outdoor café, find a spot to sit, watch people go by, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Rome isn’t a city you need to rush through. Leave some time in your itinerary to simply wander, sit, and enjoy la dolce vita. You might find that these slow moments become some of your favourite memories.



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