Things to Do in Rome, Italy (Perfect for First Timers!)

Planning a trip to Rome? The Eternal City is high on many travel bucket lists, and for good reason! Strolling through the streets of Rome is like stepping back in time, with iconic monuments like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain around every corner. There are also incredible museums to visit, stunning piazzas to relax in, and, of course, amazing food!

Best time to visit Rome, Italy

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The best times to visit Rome are Spring (April-June) or Fall (September-November).  The weather is generally best in these months, so you’ll have plenty of time for sightseeing.

Rome temperatures in July and August are quite hot, with average highs near 90 degrees.   It’s hard to enjoy sightseeing in the heat of the day (and I live in Phoenix, so I’m used to high temperatures).

Rome is fairly busy year-round.  If you want fewer crowds and lower hotel rates, try visiting in January or February.   The weather will be chilly (with highs in the mid-50s), so pack accordingly.

The Colosseum

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The Colosseum is one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome and one of the most recognizable buildings in the world.

This incredible 3-tiered Roman arena is nearly 2,000 years old and is the largest amphitheater built in ancient times.  Amazingly, it is still standing today.  (As an engineer, I can really appreciate the skills of the ancient Romans.)

While the Colosseum in Rome was the largest, the Romans built arenas and temples across their empire.  Some of the most famous landmarks in France are Roman monuments!

A visit to the Colosseum is a must when in Rome.  Admire the view from the piazza, or head across the street to the park for a different perspective.  (It’s a great place for Colosseum photos.)

It’s worth taking a tour of the Colosseum to see even more of this impressive landmark. As you explore the arena floor and its underground areas, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Some tours combine an arena visit with the adjacent Roman Forum.

Tip:   Many Colosseum tours will sell out, so if you have your heart set on a tour, reserve it in advance!

Piazza Navona

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There are hundreds of piazzas in Rome, but Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful and famous.

This iconic piazza should be at the top of your list of things to see in the Eternal City and is a stop on nearly every tour in Rome.  

The church Sant’Agnese in Agone makes a picturesque backdrop for the square. (The interior of the church is worth your time.)

But most people visit Piazza Navona to see its gorgeous fountains. Bernini designed the central Fontana dei Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers), which features the Obelisk of Domitian at its center.

(Keep your eyes open as you explore Rome, and you’ll notice a lot of obelisks in the city!)

The smaller fountains in Piazza Navona are also amazing works of art. They are usually less crowded, so you can get better photos.

Borghese Gallery

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If you love fine art, you’ll love visiting the Borghese Gallery.  Between the stunning art in the museum and the expansive gardens of Villa Borghese, you can easily spend several hours here.

Villa Borghese is located just east of the Piazza del Popolo, another beautiful piazza in Rome.  As you head towards the museum, take some time to find the picturesque Temple of Aesculapius and the charming Temple of Diana.

The Galleria Borghese is one of my favorite museums in Europe.  It’s small enough to view all the art in one visit, and its collections include some breathtaking pieces.  One of the most famous works of art here is The Abduction of Proserpina by Bernini.

The museum itself is a work of art, with ceilings covered in magnificent frescoes.

To visit the Borghese Gallery, you must purchase your tickets in advance. Your tickets are only valid for a specific timed entry window, as the number of museum visitors is limited.

Trevi Fountain

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The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most popular attractions.  This breathtaking fountain is an iconic symbol of the Eternal City, made famous by countless movies.

It’s said that if you throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, that you’ll ensure you return to Rome.  (And yes, I’ve done it, along with countless other visitors.  Around €3,000 gets collected from the fountain each day – that’s a lot of coins!)

The square around the Trevi Fountain is packed with people nearly all day long.  If you want to get a picture without the crowds, you’ll need to be an early bird.

Best Places to Eat in Rome, Italy

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There is so much incredible food in Rome! I’m always amazed at the magic of a simple pasta dish done perfectly. (My husband scoffed when I ordered a simple cacio e pepe pasta, but then he was jealous that my meal tasted so much better than his!)

The biggest tip for finding a good place to eat in Rome is to get a little bit off the beaten path. Any restaurant that is right in front of a major attraction is going to be a ‘tourist spot’, likely with lower quality food and higher prices. But if you walk a few blocks away, you’ll find a much better meal!

Try taking a Rome food tour on the first day of your trip. You’ll not only eat plenty of delicious food, but you’ll also get insider tips and local restaurant recommendations you can use for the rest of your visit.

One of the best neighborhoods in Rome for foodies is Trastevere.  You’ll find many excellent restaurants here, and fewer touristy ones.

• Tonnarello is the most popular restaurant in the Eternal City. It serves Roman favorites, such as crispy artichoke and tonnarelli pasta. And save room for tiramisu!
• Trattoria Da Enzo al 29: This small, family-run trattoria will please with hearty Roman dishes such as cacio e pepe and pasta alla gricia.  To avoid the long lines, plan to arrive just before opening times.  Or stop by and pick up a tiramisu to go!
• Spirito di Vino: If you’re a fan of slow food, you’ll want to dine at Spirito di Vino.  Try the saffron carbonara or the cacio e pepe.  This restaurant is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Rome.  Be sure to visit the wine cellar – it’s older than the Colosseum!
• Antico Forno Roscioli: This is the perfect place if you’re looking for a quick bite.  Pick up a slice of Roman-style pizza and some suppli, and top it off with something sweet from the bakery.
• Biscottificio Artigiano Innocenti: If you have a sweet tooth (like I do), don’t miss this family-run bakery.  You won’t be able to resist their cookies (and they make a great gift)!
• La Strega Nocciola Gelateria Artigianale: This gelateria is only a three-minute walk from the Spanish Steps, on your way to the Trevi Fountain.  Try the pistachio!

Florence, Italy Day Trip

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Florence is a great choice for a day trip from Rome. It’s only about 1.5 hours by train, giving you plenty of time to explore the city’s attractions.

(Trains depart from the Roma Termini or Roma Tiburtina stations; check which schedules are most convenient for you.)

Florence is a fantastic destination for art lovers. The phenomenal Uffizi Gallery is one of the most-visited art museums in the world!  (Buy your tickets in advance, as they may sell out.)  Michelangelo’s “David” is housed at the Galleria dell’Accademia, another top-notch art museum.

Don’t miss the magnificent Duomo, one of Florence’s most famous landmarks. If you’re not afraid of heights, climb the bell tower for the best views of the city.

Naples, Italy Day Trip

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Naples is just over an hour from Rome by train (for the fastest route), and trains generally depart from Roma Termini.

See the gorgeous basilica and visit the Royal Palace of Naples, located across from each other in Naples’ Piazza del Plebiscito. Take in the dazzling views of the harbor and Mount Vesuvius as you explore Castel Sant’Elmo, a star-shaped hilltop fortress.

You’ll certainly want to enjoy some pizza during your day trip since Naples is famous as the birthplace of pizza!  Then satisfy your sweet tooth with a deliciously crispy sfogliatelle pastry.

Orvieto, Italy Day Trip

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Looking to visit a quaint small town on your day trip from Rome?  Orvieto is the perfect choice!  It’s less than a two-hour journey to take the train from Roma Tiburtina, then the funicular up to Orvieto.

You’ll love wandering through this charming town, which sits high on a rock cliff. Don’t miss the stunning Duomo di Orvieto, with its intricate mosaic façade.  Climb the clock tower (Torre del Morro) for spectacular views of the Italian countryside.

Visiting Rome, Italy

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The hardest part about planning your trip to Rome is wrapping your brain around the fact that you won’t be able to see everything during one trip.   

You’ll certainly want to hit some of the major attractions from your personal bucket list.

But you’ll also want to give yourself ‘free time’ to wander and discover some of the city’s hidden gems.  (Those unplanned discoveries have led to some of my favorite travel memories!)

And be sure to toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure you’ll return to the Eternal City!