The Must-Sees, Must-Dos, and Must-Eats of the Eternal City
With Rome clocking in at a casual 2,800+ years old, you better believe it’s going to take more than a whirlwind weekend to soak in even a fraction of its magic. Flying in? Grab the Leonardo Express from Fiumicino straight to Rome Termini—no fuss, no car rental nightmares. Once your feet hit Roman soil, it’s time to wander, wonder, and (let’s be honest) eat your way through the city. Here are 30 things to do in Rome you simply can’t miss.
Must-Sees in Rome
1. Go get ruined.
The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill—two birds, one ticket. Legend says Romulus founded Rome here with a little help from a she-wolf. The ruins? 10th century B.C. Instagrammable and awe-inspiring.
2. Gladiator energy only.
The Colosseum is ancient entertainment at its most epic. Built in 80 A.D., it once held 65,000 roaring fans. Now it’s a perfect photo op with just a fraction of the bloodshed.
3. Let the light in.
The Pantheon’s dome is still breaking records. Visit during a rainstorm to see nature put on a show through its open oculus.
4. Basilica brilliance.
St. Peter’s Basilica is a full-on Renaissance power move. Bernini. Michelangelo. The dome alone is worth the neck cramp.
5. Piazza chill session.
Piazza Navona is peak Roman people-watching. Grab a spritz, admire Bernini’s fountains, or go underground to Domitian’s Stadium.
6. Spanish Steps swagger.
Climb the 138 steps, browse Via Condotti, and stop by the Keats-Shelley House. All in a day’s stroll.
7. Touch the divine.
The Sistine Chapel is a bucket-list ceiling. But the Vatican Museums hold 50+ galleries—so don’t sprint through.
8. The dark light of Caravaggio.
Catch his masterpieces at San Luigi dei Francesi or Santa Maria del Popolo. Baroque drama at its finest (and most scandalous).
9. Art feast at Villa Borghese.
A Renaissance joyride through Bernini, Titian, Caravaggio and more—all nestled in lush gardens.
10. Nero’s playground.
The Domus Aurea, Nero’s golden house, is still being excavated. Weekends only, but worth the guided (and VR-enhanced) tour.
Must-Dos in Rome
1. Roman Holiday on wheels.
Hop on a Vespa and channel your inner Audrey Hepburn. Or stay parked and tour Cinecittà’s iconic movie sets instead.
2. Trastevere treasure hunt.
Porta Portese is Rome’s best flea market. Early bird gets the vinyl. Reward yourself afterward with a vino in a nearby piazza.
3. Climb Janiculum Hill.
For panoramic views, patriotic monuments, and the daily noon cannon blast. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
4. Live your gladiator fantasy.
Watch battle reenactments—or sign up for gladiator school and earn your own foam sword.
5. Pasquino speaks again.
This “talking” statue has been Rome’s snarky political voice since the Renaissance. Still worth a read today.
6. Truth or dare.
The Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità) may not bite liars, but it makes a killer photo op.
7. Fountain wishes.
Toss one coin for a return, two for love, three for marriage. Trevi Fountain rules still apply in 2025.
8. Taste local at Campagna Amica.
Rome’s weekend farmer’s market near Circus Maximus offers local produce, honey, wine, and good vibes.
9. Montì meander.
Rome’s artsy heart beats here: indie boutiques, boho trattorias, and ancient ruins in the backdrop.
10. Picnic like a pro.
Villa Borghese or Villa Pamphili are perfect picnic spots. Or order a gourmet basket from Vivi Bistrot and lounge like royalty.
Must-Eats in Rome
1. Pizza al taglio
Scissor-sliced Roman pizza by the slab. Walk, eat, repeat.
2. Trapizzino
Pizza pockets on steroids, filled with meatballs or Roman classics. Come hungry.
3. Maritozzo
Cream-stuffed sweet bun + espresso = Roman morning bliss.
4. Carbonara, the right way
Egg yolk, pecorino, guanciale, and pepper. That’s it. No cream allowed.
5. Cacio e pepe
Cheese, pepper, pasta. Simplicity never tasted so luxe.
6. Alesso di Bollito
Slow-cooked beef sandwich from Mordi e Vai. Flavor bomb.
7. Gelato done right
Stick to natural ingredients. Fior di Luna and Fatamorgana never disappoint.
8. Supplì
Fried rice balls with mozzarella and ragù. Street food perfection.
9. Quinto Quarto
Roman offal dishes aren’t for everyone—but if you’re bold, try tripe alla Romana in Testaccio.
10. Fiori di Zucca
Zucchini flowers stuffed and fried. Pretty, crispy, and oh-so-Roman.
Ready to roam?
Rome isn’t just a city—it’s a whole universe wrapped in cobblestones and espresso shots. The Eternal City is calling. Book your tickets and let the adventure begin.
