15 of the Top Things To Do in Rome Per Viator Travelers
Rome’s endless array of attractions and activities is both its main draw and its biggest challenge. Millions of travelers fill the Eternal City each year to marvel at the Colosseum, stroll the galleries of the Vatican Museums, and savor authentic Roman cuisine; once you’ve checked off these staples, deciding what to do next can be overwhelming.
Make the most of your visit to Italy’s capital city and avoid the stress of choosing which of its many treasures to focus on with our Rome travel guide. Explore quiet archaeological gems, tour haunting underground burial sites, cycle along ancient roads, and discover other top attractions in Rome for an unforgettable first (or repeat) trip.
1. Get your bearings in Rome’s Historic Center
What?: The Historic Center of Rome is the city’s heart and is filled with crowd pleasers: the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna). Get the lay of the land on a guided tour, and marvel at Rome's landmarks while learning about their history and architecture along the way.
When?: Most tours of Rome’s historic center are by day, but an evening tour offers the chance to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
What one reviewer said: “Tons of information about Rome and the history of the fountains, churches, and many other monuments. Great tour!” Tiffany_G, January 2025
2. Stand in awe at the Colosseum
What?: The Colosseum is the front runner of must-see places in Rome: It’s a key symbol of the city and one of the most spectacular ancient ruins in the world. You can visit on your own, but an in-depth tour adds history and lore, plus most tours include stops at the Roman Forum (Foro Romano) and Palatine Hill (Palatino) so you can make the most of your time in the area.
When?: Rome’s trio of ancient sites are open daily. There’s little shade inside the ruins, so visit in the early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures.
What one reviewer said: “This was an excellent tour. Our guide, Maria, was perfect: knowledgeable (due to an archaeology degree), friendly, and engaging. The tour lasted three hours but honestly felt like it was only an hour, and we saw and learned so much.” AJ_R, March 2025
3. Marvel at the Vatican Museums
What?: The massive collection of art and antiquities inside the Vatican Museums overflows with masterpieces. Explore with a guide to navigate the highlights, tour the galleries, and see the Sistine Chapel in just a few hours.
When?: The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays and religious holidays, as they are part of Vatican City. Book an early-access tour to beat the crowds and optimize your Rome itinerary.
What one reviewer said: “Great tour! Marcelo was so informative and friendly. He provided so many details we never would have known if we tried visiting on our own. Highly recommend!” Chantelle_S, March 2025
4. Visit St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica, and St. Peter’s Dome
What?: The twin sites of St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica are not only the seat of the Catholic Church, but they're also repositories of premier art and architecture by Michelangelo, Bernini, and other Renaissance greats. You can learn about their history and design with a comprehensive tour, including time to climb to the top of St. Peter's Dome (Cupola di San Pietro).
When?: The basilica is open daily all year round. Note that the church and square are often closed on Wednesday mornings for the papal audience, plus during special Masses and events.
What one reviewer said: “Brilliant guide, brilliant tour, avoids the crowds and gives you just the right amount of info. The dome climb is tough but worth it.” MaryAnne_C, March 2025
5. Take a break in Villa Borghese
What?: Arguably Rome’s loveliest park, Villa Borghese offers a welcome respite from Rome sightseeing for kids and adults alike. Hop on an e-bike for a leisurely cycle along its shaded paths, stopping to take in the rowboat pond, fountains, and statuary, plus other scenic features.
When?: This public park is open from dawn to dusk. It's worth visiting at sunset to take in the sweeping views from the Pincio Gardens.
What one reviewer said: “Our guide Ricardo was so patient and kind and made our experience a success. He also has a commanding knowledge of the history of the gardens.” Jim_P, October 2024
6. Dip into the Borghese Gallery
What?: Set inside Villa Borghese, the Borghese Gallery (Galleria Borghese) is a compact yet dazzling museum stuffed with masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Bernini. The museum can be covered in just a couple of hours with a guide; it’s a quick but satisfying art fix that is less overwhelming than other larger city museums.
When?: The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and tickets are timed for entrance.
What one reviewer said: “A favorite of the trip. The guide was absolutely fantastic. He provided interesting historical information and added funny anecdotes.” Tapleigh_J, March 2025
7. Dive into Trastevere’s nightlife
What?: The historic neighborhood of Trastevere is known for its vibrant nightlife, anchored by the area’s lively restaurants and bars. Experience this buzzy quarter with an insider to discover the best spots for dining and drinking during a food and wine walk, which includes dinner.
When?: Trastevere bustles all day and night. Its independent shops and boutiques are the main draw during daytime hours, while the restaurants and bars attract crowds after dusk.
What one reviewer said: “So much fun! Aurelio was an excellent guide. Fun with a small group and plenty of food and drink on our stops. A neat area to visit—he took us to so many cool [places to eat].” Karen_C, October 2024
8. Learn about Rome’s Jewish heritage
What?: Rome is home to Italy’s oldest Jewish community, centered around the former Jewish Ghetto (Ghetto Ebraico di Roma), which is today one of the most atmospheric neighborhoods in the city. Join a guide to explore this cobblestoned quarter, visiting the Great Synagogue of Rome (Tempio Maggiore di Roma), the Jewish Museum of Rome (Museo Ebraico di Roma), and other historic and cultural sites.
When?: Most Jewish attractions are closed from Friday afternoon to Sunday as well as on Jewish holidays.
What one reviewer said: “We had such a great time on this tour. Super informative and interesting. Great to learn about Roman Jews and their distinct culture.” Fayanne_B, April 2024
9. Tour the Papal Basilicas
What?: St. Peter’s isn’t the only important basilica in Rome. The three additional Papal Basilicas—St. John Lateran, Santa Maria Maggiore, and Saint Paul Outside the Walls—are rich in religious and cultural treasures with a fraction of the crowds that overrun other Rome tourist spots. You can explore all three on a guided tour to skip the hassle of arranging transportation between the sites.
When?: Rome Papal Basilicas are open daily from the early morning until late afternoon. Avoid visiting during Mass and other religious celebrations, when photography may be prohibited.
What one reviewer said: “The basilicas were so beautiful and filled with so much history. The tour guide was very knowledgeable. Well worth the money.” Monica_G, April 2024
10. Take in the views from Castel Sant’Angelo
What?: Built by the ancient Romans as a mausoleum, Castel Sant'Angelo is one of Rome’s most recognizable landmarks, which has been used as everything from a fortress to a papal residence. Today, it houses a fine museum and offers unbeatable views of Rome from the rooftop terrace. Book skip-the-line tickets so you don’t get caught in the crowds at this popular attraction.
When?: Castel Sant’Angelo is open Tuesday through Sunday from morning until early evening. The site has extended evening hours in the summer for special events.
What one reviewer said: “Enjoyed being able to skip the line and get out of the heat! The view from the top … was worth the stop and location.” Marcia_T, August 2024
11. Nibble your way through Testaccio
What?: Arguably one of Rome’s best food markets, Testaccio Market (Mercato Di Testaccio) is located within the vibrant Testaccio neighbourhood and is surrounded by gourmet shops and eateries. Join a Testaccio market and tasting tour to sample local delights while learning about the city’s culinary culture; you’ll try artisan cheeses, charcuterie, Roman street food favorites, and more.
When?: The Testaccio Market is open from Monday through Saturday from early morning until mid-afternoon. Market tours are offered in the morning.
What one reviewer said: “Outstanding food tour! We really enjoyed getting out of the central tourist area ... We had a fun group and a spectacular tour with Amin! The food was delicious.” Amy_S, September 2024
12. Explore quieter archaeological treasures across Rome
What?: The Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill are blockbuster sites, but they're often overrun with visitors. Take a break from the crowds at Rome’s lesser-known ancient wonders: the Golden House of Nero (Domus Aurea), the Theater of Marcellus (Teatro di Marcello), the Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo), and Largo di Torre Argentina. A golf cart tour is an ideal way to cover Rome’s most remarkable ruins in just a few hours.
When?: Most of Rome’s outdoor archaeological sites are open daily. Try to time your visit just after opening or shortly before closing to avoid the heat.
What one reviewer said: “Highly recommend this tour. Elena was a lovely guide who has an infectious passion for Italy and history ... We were able to not only see the sites, but hop on and off and gain historical and modern insights about the city.” Lindsy_o, December 2024
13. Go underground at the crypts and catacombs of Rome
What?: Ancient underground burial sites provide just enough chills to rank among the best Rome activities for families with older kids. Crypts and catacombs tours typically visit the bone-decorated Capuchin Crypt (Cripta dei Frati Cappuccini), plus one or more of the underground catacomb networks of tunnels and chambers hidden beneath the modern city.
When?: While the Capuchin Crypt is open daily, Rome’s many catacombs have different closing schedules—tours often adjust their itinerary based on what’s open.
What one reviewer said: “Guide was excellent and informative. Well organized tour with smooth transfers to three very interesting sites (last was unforgettable). Good value, allowed us to see much more than we could have done on our own.” Nic_C, March 2025
14. Cycle along the Appian Way
What?: The Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) was once one of the main highways that connected Rome to the Adriatic Sea. Today, the first stretch of this ancient cobblestoned road sits within a park just outside of the historic Aurelian Walls (Mure Aureliane), which is perfect for an easy cycling excursion past aqueducts and other ruins.
When?: The Appian Way Regional Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. There are usually half-day cycling tours setting off both in the morning and the afternoon.
What one reviewer said: “A great way to learn a bit more about Rome away from the crowds. Lovely to get into the countryside and see some of the amazing things the Romans built!” Louise_B, February 2025
15. Set off for a day at Pompeii
What?: Just a couple of hours south of Rome by car or public transportation, Pompeii is an easy day trip from the Eternal City. Most excursions include a tour leader from Rome for seamless logistics, plus a guide to explore the ancient city of Pompeii. Some also stop in Sorrento or on the Amalfi Coast, with free time to sightsee, dine, and shop before heading back to Rome.
When?: Pompeii is open daily; most tours stop at this outdoor site in the morning to cover its highlights before the midday temperatures soar.
What one reviewer said: “The tour was great! Pompeii was so interesting. Our guide was great and it was just the right amount of time. [Afterwards] we went to Sorrento, which was lovely as well.” Karen_M, February 2025
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