The Perfect 5-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary (Highlights and Hidden Gems)

Rome is an absolute gem of a city in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world for many good reasons. One of the most historically significant cities in the world, Rome has a rich history and culture that offers an abundance of unique experiences and unforgettable sights.

This guide covers the best things to do in Rome, including iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Vatican, local food spots, sunset viewpoints, hidden gems, and practical travel tips to help you make the most of your time in the Eternal City.

Between the excellent food, stunning architecture, and ancient ruins, the city is packed with incredible things to see and do. It was a true privilege to explore and experience the culture here for a few days, and if you are planning a trip too, here are 22 must-see attractions and experiences in Rome.

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1) Make a Wish at the Trevi Fountain

One of the most famous fountains in the world, the Trevi Fountain is even more impressive in person than in photos. Built in the eighteenth century, the Baroque-style fountain features various figures from mythology sculpted into the stonework with the God Oceanus at the center of it.

It sits in a lively area filled with shops and cafés, which adds to the atmosphere but also means it is crowded most of the day.

A popular tradition is tossing a coin over your shoulder into the fountain to ensure a return to Rome, and the coins collected are donated to charity each year.

Another tradition you should take part in if you’re visiting with a significant other is drinking from the ‘Lover’s spout’ located to the right of the fountain, which is said to bring good luck in love. Whether you are here day or night, you will certainly be impressed by the size and detail of it and its artistic and historical value.

Quick Tip: The Fountain is cleaned every Monday and Wednesday morning so be sure to plan your visit accordingly

2) Grab A Drink at Rooftop Lounge Trevi

If you want a unique view of the Trevi Fountain without standing in the crowds below, this hidden rooftop spot is worth it.

Located on top of the Fontana Hotel, you enter through the lobby directly across from the fountain and ask to go up to the rooftop bar overlooking it.

It will cost 25 euro per person to access this bar, but this includes your first drink and the unique view you will get here makes it well worth the price.

Good to know: Space is limited, so it is best earlier in the day or right before sunset

3) Explore The Vatican Museums

Home to one of the most impressive art collections in the world, the Vatican Museums can easily be a highlight of your trip to Rome. Vatican City is actually its own independent country, completely surrounded by Rome and known as the smallest country in the world. It is governed by the Pope and serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.

A few highlights inside the Vatican Museums include seeing Michelangelo’s famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, walking through the Gallery of Maps, and exploring the beautifully decorated Raphael Rooms, along with views into St. Peter’s Square at the end of many tours. The museums hold around 70,000 works of art, with about 20,000 on display.

We highly recommend booking a guided tour as this provides context and insight instead of just walking through the crowded halls. Visiting earlier in the day also helps avoid the heaviest crowds.

Good to know: Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter, and wait times without tickets can exceed two hours.

4) Visit St. Peter’s Basilica

Even if you have seen many churches in Europe, St. Peter’s Basilica still manages to leave you speechless. This gorgeous 400-year-old church is filled to the brim with Renaissance artwork and has a nice atmosphere inside.

The vast number of paintings and sculptures are only the beginning of the artistic features on offer. The walls and ceilings themselves are intricately designed as well as the beautiful stained-glass windows. Michelangelo’s Pietà is one of the most famous pieces you can see inside.

Located in the heart of Vatican City, entry is free but security lines can be long depending on the time of day. We viewed the Basilica during a walking tour which helped us move through faster and learn more about the history and artwork.

5) Try Rome’s Best Pizza

Trying authentic Roman pizza is a must, and this local favorite absolutely delivered. Pizzeria Malaterra came highly recommended by our local tour guide and lived up to the hype with thin crust, fresh ingredients, and flavorful tomato sauce. It felt like a true neighborhood spot rather than a tourist restaurant.

We stopped here after visiting the Vatican since it is only about a 20-minute walk away, which made it a perfect lunch stop after a morning of sightseeing.

If you’re searching for authentic and delicious pizza in Rome, be sure to add Pizzeria Malaterra to your list!

6) Row A Boat In The Villa Borghese Gardens

While Rome is unique in countless ways, it shares one thing with many other cities: its abundance of public parks where you can escape the bustling streets. Among these, the Villa Borghese Garden’s stand out in particular, not only for their size but for their many attractions including the chance to rent a rowboat on the picturesque pond.

For just 10 euros, you can rent a rowboat for 30 minutes with each boat accommodating up to four adults. While the boats are popular, you might wait a few minutes, but the peaceful ambiance makes up for it.

The area is surrounded by trees and there is even a gorgeous 18th-century temple protruding into the pond which makes it one of a kind! This was truly the most peaceful activity to enjoy in the evening after a day of walking.

You’ll often find live music being played in the park nearby, adding to the serene and romantic atmosphere. Rowing here felt like a peaceful escape- a true highlight of our trip!

7) Watch The Sunset At Pincian Hill

After a tranquil escape on the rowboats in the Villa Borghese Gardens, we walked about 5 minutes to Pincian Hill- one of Rome’s most breathtaking spots to watch the sunset.

This stunning viewpoint overlooks the Piazza del Popolo and the sprawling city skyline beyond. As you make your way up the hill you will find gardens and elegant architecture as a result of the private villas that once occupied the hill.

Today it is a public space and is a great place to hang out and have a picnic or people watch, but we highly recommend coming here in the evening and watching the sunset over the stunning city skyline. The climb up the steps is nothing too challenging and is definitely worth the effort.

A few other popular places to watch the sunset in Rome Include:

Gianicolo Terrace (Janiculum Hill): Features wide open views over Rome’s rooftops and domes, with St. Peter’s Basilica standing out in the distance.

Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci): A quiet little garden with orange trees and a terrace that looks out over the city and the dome of St. Peter’s.

Palatine Hill: A great spot to see the sun go down over the Roman Forum and ancient ruins from above.

8) Tour The Colosseum

No trip to Rome feels complete without stepping inside the iconic Colosseum. Completed almost 2,000 years ago, this massive amphitheater once held up to 50,000 spectators who came to watch gladiator contests and public spectacles.

We entered the Colosseum with a walking tour where we got great insight into the history and interesting facts about its use in Roman times. Learning about the underground chambers, where animals and gladiators were held before entering the arena, made the experience much more interesting than just walking around on our own.

Good to know: Tickets often sell out days in advance, especially in summer, so booking ahead is essential.

9) Grab a Drink With a View of The Colosseum

If touring inside wasn’t enough, enjoying a drink with a direct view of the Colosseum is a memorable way to appreciate this iconic landmark. We suggest heading to Via Nicola Salvi, where you can sip a drink and take in one of the best elevated views of the Colosseum.

This small street has a bar and café and sits slightly above street level, giving you a clear, unobstructed view of the Colosseum. It can be difficult to get a seat during the day since it’s a popular viewpoint, but coming later in the evening gives you a much better chance.

10) Visit the Pantheon

The Pantheon is arguably the best-preserved Ancient Roman building in the world and is well worth visiting. The building served as a temple dedicated to Roman Gods when it was built almost 2000 years ago.

It features 8 tall columns at the front with an iconic domed roof and an interesting obelisk standing adjacent to the Pantheon.

Today the building is a church which features some nice artwork and statues inside and it is here that you really appreciate the dome and the architecture behind it.

There is a 5 euro entry fee to get inside and getting a ticket was quite messy so we recommend planning for about 25-30 mins to queue up for tickets. It is worth the effort without doubt.

11) Stroll Through Galleria Borghese

If you are visiting Rome and looking to appreciate some of its finest artwork, then the Galleria Borghese is a must! Here you will find a large collection of gorgeous statues mingled with paintings from various historical periods including some well-known Renaissance pieces.

The large walls and high ceilings in every room are superbly designed and are works of art in their own right. There is a nice garden outside where you can enjoy a stroll before or after your time at the museum.

Tickets are $30 and we advise buying ahead of time as they can sell out, but the regulated crowd means you won’t have to worry about long lines to visit.

12) Grab a Cappuccino and Cornetto

The classic ‘cappuccino e cornetto’ is a true staple of Italian breakfast and is something you should indulge in during your stay. Italians can be admirably picky when it comes to coffee so there are no shortages of places to find a delicious frothy cappuccino or other milky beverages such as a macchiato.

The cornetto is an Italian croissant which can be plain or filled with cream or jam and it pairs beautifully with a coffee. Find a seat at any local coffee shop and get your day off to the perfect start with this light and tasty breakfast.

13) Marvel at the Church of St. Agnatius of Loyola

This lesser-known church surprises many visitors with one of the most impressive ceilings in Rome. The Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola is famous for its stunning frescoes painted by Andrea Pozzo. What makes it unique is the artist’s technique used to create the illusion of a large dome ceiling where there is none.

The Church has also been gaining popularity due to a mirror placed in the center of the Church which can be used to admire the intricate artwork on the ceiling without straining your neck. While it was originally designed for a better view, it’s become a popular spot to snap a selfie with the artwork in the background.

14) Explore The World’s Oldest Museum: Capitolini Museum

Art lovers should not miss the Capitoline Museums, considered the world’s oldest public museum. Dating back to 1471, the art collection here is remarkably vast with room upon room filled with beautiful paintings and sculptures.

The museum is within a palace and as we moved through it we were also admiring the ceilings, walls, and even the doorways. One artwork in particular we recommend you should see while you’re here is the Capitoline Wolf and the Fountain of Neptune.

15) Walk through the Roman Forum

Walking through the Roman Forum feels like stepping directly into ancient history. Once the center of social activity and politics, the Forum provides a first-hand look at the architectural marvels of Ancient Rome with a series of arches, columns, and temples on display.

We recommend doing a guided tour to see the Forum as you will get valuable facts and context as you explore the ruins, you also get the privilege of skipping some lines with the tour group. Some would say that visiting Rome and not seeing the Forum is like going to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower and we can’t really argue with that one!

16) Stroll through Trastevere

Trastevere feels like a quieter, more local side of Rome compared to the main tourist areas. The charm of the area will strike you immediately with its quaint shops and restaurants situated among the narrow-cobbled streets. It is certainly a safe bet to find a nice place for dinner in Trastevere between the al fresco seating, the vibrant atmosphere, and authentic Italian food.

You should also check out the Piazza Santa Maria which is the neighborhood square, which is a cool spot to hang out, grab a snack and watch some of the street performers. There are some beautiful churches in the neighborhood that are worth a look as their interiors are beautifully decorated, the Basilica of Santa Maria being particularly impressive.

17) Climb The Spanish Steps

Within the Piazza di Spagna are the beautiful Spanish Steps, a 135-step staircase in the heart of Rome offering great views whether you’re at the bottom or the top.

Surrounded by elegant architecture, the steps were built in the 17th century to connect the Piazza to the church above and the top of the steps features an impressive Egyptian obelisk.

The Spanish Steps are often crowded during the day so we recommend coming here at night when it is lit up by the yellow street lamps and there are fewer people.

18) Visit Piazza Navona

The Piazza Navona is a square that features beautiful architecture from the Baroque era and is well worth a visit. On display here are three intricately carved fountains and a great church which is mesmerizing inside and out.

The large open square features tourists and locals alike socializing along with street performers and there are also a number of cafes and restaurants to choose from. We recommend coming here in the daytime to fully appreciate beauty on display.

19) Explore Case Romane del Celio

A cool gem off the beaten track is the Case Romane del Celio which is an archaeological site and museum that gives you a first-hand glimpse at the lives of Ancient Romans.

Located beneath a church, you will find 20 rooms to wander which feature limited signage but is very interesting to look at the frescoes on the walls and see what homes and shops were like back then. Despite its close proximity to the Colosseum and the Forum, this is a relatively quiet and tranquil place to visit with minimal tourists.

20) Enjoy a Freshly Made Pasta at Osteria da Fortuna

Pasta is well known to be one of, if not the best, cuisine that Italy has to offer and Osteria da Fortuna is a restaurant that will not leave you disappointed on that front. There are a few locations within the heart of the city where you can find one of their restaurants and you will even see the pasta being freshly handmade through the front window!

You can expect to wait in line to get seated but it moves quite quickly and we only had to wait 20 minutes at lunchtime. The pasta lived up to expectations and coupled with the excellent service we got the traditional Italian dining experience we were searching for.

21) Take an Italian Cooking Class

A fun activity to try out when visiting a new country is a cooking class for a local dish and Italy is as good a place as any to do so. Whether you’re keen to learn how to make a homemade pizza, a traditional tiramisu, or fresh pasta from scratch, Rome has many opportunities for group lessons in cooking.

This is a unique chance to immerse yourself in the culture of Italian cuisine through the guidance of a local and have a lot of fun along the way.

22) Visit A Local Book Shop

Dotted around Rome are some quaint book shops that are well worth a visit and affords you a great chance to take some reading material home. Being such a culturally and historically important place, there is countless literature centered around Rome and naturally, some of the finest collections are found in the city itself. There are English versions for the vast majority of books and regardless of your reading preferences, you will be sure to find something of interest as you browse. The local Italian store associates are all very kind and helpful too

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Rome

How many days do you need in Rome?

We found 3 to 4 days to be ideal. This gives you enough time to visit major landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Roman Forum while still leaving room to explore other areas of Rome on your own.

Is Rome walkable?

Yes, most of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in the historic center. That said, expect a lot of walking on cobblestone streets, so comfortable shoes are essential.

Do you need to book attractions in advance in Rome?

For popular sites like the Vatican Museums and Colosseum, booking in advance is highly recommended. Tickets often sell out, especially during peak travel months, and advance booking can save you a significant amount of time waiting in line.

What is the best time of year to visit Rome?

Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are considered the best times to visit. The weather is pleasant and crowds are generally smaller than in the peak summer season. We visited in September and found it to be a great balance of warm weather and manageable crowds.

Is Rome safe for tourists?

We felt safe during our visit, but like any major city, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings. Pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas and on public transport, so keep valuables secure.

What should you wear when visiting churches in Rome?

Many churches, including those in Vatican City, require shoulders and knees to be covered. It’s a good idea to carry a light scarf or layer if you are visiting in warmer months.