Things to do
Things to do in Rome: the best sights, food and day trips
The Colosseum, the Vatican and the Pantheon without the stress, plus the neighbourhoods, food and day trips that make Rome special.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
- Book timed tickets for the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums and the Borghese Gallery in advance; the Borghese can only be visited with a reservation.
- The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays, except the last Sunday of the month, when entry is free and very crowded.
- Three days covers ancient Rome, the Vatican and the historic centre; add a fourth for a day trip.
| Days needed | 3–4 |
|---|---|
| Book ahead | Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Borghese Gallery |
| Vatican Museums closed | Sundays (except the last Sunday) |
| Dress code | Covered shoulders and knees in churches |
| Best time to visit | April–June, September–October |
Ancient Rome
One ticket covers the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. Choose a ticket or guided tour that includes the arena floor or the underground chambers if you want to see more than the main tiers, and allow at least half a day.
Nearby, climb the Capitoline Hill for a view over the Forum, and see the Mouth of Truth and the Circus Maximus.
The Vatican
The Vatican Museums end in the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo's ceiling. Book an early entry and come on a weekday. St Peter's Basilica is free to enter, but expect a security queue; climbing the dome gives a superb view of the city.
Dress with shoulders and knees covered, or you may be refused entry.
The historic centre
Walk between the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain, which are all close together. The Pantheon now charges a small entry fee. Visit the Trevi Fountain early in the morning or late at night to avoid the crowds, and don't sit on the Spanish Steps, which is not allowed.
The Borghese Gallery, in the Villa Borghese park, has superb Bernini and Caravaggio works. Entry is by reservation only, in timed slots.
Eat like a Roman
Rome's classic pastas are carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana and gricia. Try supplì (fried rice balls) and pizza by the slice, and eat dinner in Trastevere or Testaccio, where the market is great for lunch. A food tour is a good way to start on your first evening.
Day trips from Rome
- Ostia Antica: a huge ancient Roman port city, about 40 minutes by train and much quieter than Pompeii.
- Tivoli: the fountains of Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa.
- Pompeii: a long day, about an hour by high-speed train to Naples and then a local train, or easiest on a tour.
- Florence: about 1.5 hours by high-speed train, possible as a long day trip.
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-see sights in Rome?
The Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Borghese Gallery.
Do you need to book the Colosseum in advance?
Yes. Tickets are timed and often sell out, especially from spring to autumn, so book as soon as your dates are fixed.
How many days do you need in Rome?
Three days for the main sights, or four with a day trip to Ostia Antica, Tivoli or Pompeii.
