14 Best Things to Do for Your First Time in Rome
HEY NOW HEY NOW, THIS IS WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF!!
No but seriously, Italy is what dreams are made of and so is Rome. A city full of rich history and pasta! I’m here to give you all of the best things to do and see throughout the city of Roma.
VISIT THE COLOSSEUM
You can not visit Rome without seeing the Colosseum. Even if it’s the only thing that you do. It’s literally a 7th wonder of the world! Buy the skip the line tickets and do a guided tour. I would recommend going early in the day to beat the crowds if you want your Lizzy McGuire moment.
ROMAN FORUM & PALATINE HILL
The Roman Forum is an archaeological site filled with the ruins of government buildings, temples, and public spaces that were central to Roman public life - thought to be one of the world’s oldest multi-level shopping malls. Overlooking the Roman Forum is Palatine Hill. This is one of the seven hills of Rome and the legendary birthplace of the city. You can add this onto the Colosseum tour or you can explore it separately. I thought doing all 3 was a bit too long of a tour, a little over 3 hours. I think you could see the forum and Palatine on your own.
TOSS A COIN INTO THE TREVI FOUNTAIN
Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome. This fountain is incredible in person. The only caveat is that it gets insanely crowded. I went at 8 AM and there were hundreds of people. I would recommend going during the day and see it at night!
GO ON A FOOD TOUR
Look how happy I look!! This was on a food tour I did with Secret Food Tours. We made about 6-7 stops trying espresso, visiting a meat and cheese market, stopped by a famous pizza place trying suppli and pizza, cannoli, a family-owned restaurant where we tried 3 different pastas, and then got some gelato. It was one of my favorite experiences.
HAVE A SPRITZ AT THE PIAZZA NAVONA
Piazza Navona is a lively square known for its beautiful architecture and fountains. The Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini is the centerpiece, surrounded by cafes and street performers. This is a great place for a spritz or to hang out during sunset.
STOP BY THE PANTHEON
The Pantheon, built as a temple to all gods, it is now a church and one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings. If you want to go inside, go early and stand in line for when it first opens!
SIT ON THE SPANISH STEPS
Take a break and sit on the iconic Spanish Steps to enjoy the view of Piazza di Spagna. The steps are a popular meeting place and a great spot for people-watching
TRY SOME GELATO & ESPRESSO
That’s that Italy espresso!
You can’t visit Italy and not partake in daily doses of espresso and gelato. Try Otaleg in Trastevere, they use all-natural ingredients. But honestly, you can’t go wrong. Stop when you see a place and it’ll be good!
DAY TRIP TO VATICAN CITY
Go to Vatican City early in the AM to beat the tour buses. Marvel at the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world. Climb to the top of the dome for a breathtaking view of Vatican City and Rome. Visit some of the famous museums which open at 9 AM if you want to dive deeper into the history.
VILLA BORGHESE
Take a nature break from the city's hustle and bustle. Rent a bike or take a stroll through these gardens, and visit the Borghese Gallery to see incredible art collections.
HAVE A NIGHT OUT IN TRASTEVERE
The cutest little neighborhood that is also filled with life. Here you will find cobblestone streets, outdoor seating, tons of restaurants and bars, and a bumping nightlife. Walk around, get lost, stop at restaurants and make some friends!
LEARN HOW TO MAKE PASTA
Take a cooking class and learn how to make some traditional pasta from the Romans themselves!
SHOPPING & MARKETS
Wander the streets of Rome and go shopping. The Via del Corso is a busy street filled with popular retail stores, perfect for fashion lovers. Via Condotti is for my luxury shoppers, home to high-end brands like Gucci and Prada.
Don’t forget to stop by some of the markets, especially on the weekends. There are some great finds! My food tour guide told me that her family strictly buys produce from the markets because that is where it’s the best quality!
Campo de' Fiori: A lively market selling fresh produce, flowers, and local products.
Porta Portese: Rome's largest flea market, open on Sundays in Trastevere.
Did you do a cool activity in Rome that I missed? Comment below, I want to hear all about it!!
