Top 11 Things to Do in Rome｜First-Time Visitor Guide
Last Updated on 23/02/2025
This article highlights the Top 11 things to do in Rome for first-time travellers on a self-guided trip, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, and more. It also provides detailed visitor information, including sightseeing tips, a brief introduction to each attraction, official websites, map links, opening hours, and ticket details.
Other Italy Articles：Rome｜Milan｜Florence｜Cinque Terre｜Venice Main Island｜Venice Island Hopping
Rome Top Attractions Map
This map includes the top attractions in Rome, key metro stations, and recommended dining spots.
The map is set to English by default. Simply click on the 'Enlarge Map' icon in the top right corner to switch to your preferred language!
St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)
St. Peter's Basilica Overview
St. Peter’s Basilica, located at the heart of Vatican City, is a must-see for anyone compiling their list of things to do in Rome. As the holiest landmark in the Catholic world and the largest church in the world, it's an essential attraction. Designed by Michelangelo, the basilica houses his famous work Pietà, Bernini’s design for the baldachin, the bronze statue of St. Peter, and the spectacular dome. Visitors can also climb 551 steps to the top of the dome for a panoramic view of Vatican City and Rome, offering a truly memorable experience among the many things to do in Rome.
Ka's Tips：The basilica is free to enter, but the queue can take 1-2 hours. To save time, you can arrive early at 6 am for the first batch or join a guided tour with a fast-track entry. On Wednesdays, there is a Papal Audience, and you can opt for a related tour as mentioned below.
How Long to Spend at St. Peter's Basilica?
- At Least 2 Hours
St. Peter's Basilica Detailed Review
St. Peter’s Basilica Review – Highlights, Rooftop, Queuing Time
St. Peter's Basilica Opening Hours
- Daily：07:00 – 18:30
St. Peter's Basilica Tickets & Tours
- Free Entry for the Basilica
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (Skip-the-Line Tickets)
- Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica (Guided Tour)
- Vatican St. Peter's Basilica & Dome Guided Tour
- St. Peter's Basilica & Papal Tombs Tour (Including Dome Climb)
Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani)
Vatican Museums Overview
The Vatican Museums, one of the largest museums in the world, are a must-see for anyone planning things to do in Rome. Consisting of multiple sections, they house priceless artworks accumulated by the Roman Catholic Church over the centuries. It is recommended to allocate at least 4 hours for a visit, making it a significant part of any Rome itinerary.
Key highlights of the tour include the Maps Gallery, Tapestry Gallery, the bath used by the Roman Emperor Nero, Raphael’s "The School of Athens," Michelangelo's masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel, including "The Creation of Adam" and "The Last Judgment," as well as popular photo spots like the spiral staircase.
How Long to Spend at Vatican Museums?
- At least 4 Hours
Vatican Museums Detailed Review
Vatican Museums Review - History, Top 10, Map & Skip-the-Line
Vatican Museums Opening Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 09:00 – 18:00 (Last entry at 16:00)
- Sunday: Closed (Free entry on the last Sunday of each month, 09:00 – 14:00)
Vatican Museums Tickets & Tours
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (Skip-the-Line Tickets)
- Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica (Guided Tour)
- Vatican St. Peter's Basilica & Dome Guided Tour
- St. Peter's Basilica & Papal Tombs Tour (Including Dome Climb)
Pantheon
Pantheon Overview
The Pantheon, meaning "Temple of All Gods," is a must-see for anyone compiling their list of things to do in Rome. It's one of the best-preserved buildings from ancient Rome, with a history spanning over 2,000 years. Originally built in 27 BC by Agrippa, a general of Emperor Augustus, to commemorate his victory over Antony and Cleopatra, it was destroyed by fire in AD 80 and rebuilt in its current form in AD 125.
The Pantheon’s architectural features include an unsupported dome, a design technique that has allowed it to stand strong for centuries and influenced many later church buildings. It is also the final resting place of several great Italians, including Italy's first king, Victor Emmanuel II, and the renowned artist Raphael.
While the Pantheon was originally a free attraction in Rome, it now charges an entrance fee of 5 euros (as of 2024), which I personally think is a great value considering the historical and architectural significance of this incredible site.
How Long to Spend at Pantheon
- 1 Hour
Pantheon Detailed Review
Pantheon Opening Hours
- Daily：09:00 – 18:30
Pantheon Tickets & Hours
Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)
Trevi Fountain Overview
The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is a must-see for anyone creating a list of things to do in Rome. As the largest Baroque fountain in the city, it attracts countless visitors every day. Tourists often throw coins into the fountain, following a popular legend: throwing one coin ensures a return to Rome, two coins symbolize new love or career success, and three coins wish for a happy marriage (or a successful divorce).
Ka's Tips：You can use any currency to toss into the fountain! I threw in a coin, and it just so happens that 2025 is the Jubilee year in Rome. When I visited in 2024, many attractions were under renovation, which means I'll definitely be coming back to Rome!
How Long to Spend at Trevi Fountain?
- 1 hour (mainly because of eating Gelato…?)
Trevi Fountain Detailed Review
Trevi Fountain Review – History, Wishing Tips, Nearby Gelato
Trevi Fountain Opening Hours
- Open All Day
Trevi Fountain Tickets & Hours
Colosseum (Colosseo)
Colosseum Overview
The Colosseum is a must-visit landmark for first-time visitors to Rome. This ancient structure could hold over 65,000 spectators and is considered one of the "Seven Wonders of the World." Imagine the roar of the crowd as gladiators battled, the spectacle of wild animal hunts, or the solemnity of public executions – all within these very walls. While the central area's wooden stage, once used for performances, has long since deteriorated, the passageways beneath, where animals and participants were held, still offer a glimpse into the Colosseum's fascinating and often brutal past, making it a powerful and memorable experience among the many things to do in Rome.
How Long to Spend at Colosseum?
- 2 Hours
Colosseum Detailed Review
Colosseum Review – Gladiator, Highlights, Tickets & Transport
Colosseum Opening Hours
- Daily from 08:30 to 19:00 (last entry at 18:00)
Colosseum Tickets & Tours
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (Priority Entry)
- Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum (Ticket and English Guided Tour)
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (Ticket and Chinese Guided Tour)
Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
Roman Forum Overview
The Roman Forum is located between the Colosseum and Palatine Hill and was the centre of urban activities in ancient Rome. It contains many famous ruins, including the Arch of Constantine, the Sacred Way, and the Basilica of Constantine. However, as many of the ruins are in a state of decay, it can be difficult to understand their historical context during your first visit. If your budget allows, it’s recommended to join a guided tour. This will truly bring these ancient stones to life and allow you to appreciate their significance among the many historical sites to see in Rome, enriching your overall experience of things to do in Rome.
How Long to Spend at Roman Forum?
- 1 Hour
Roman Forum Opening Hours
- Daily from 08:30 to 19:00 (last entry at 18:00)
Roman Forum Tickets & Tours
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (Priority Entry)
- Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum (Ticket and English Guided Tour)
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (Ticket and Chinese Guided Tour)
Palatine Hill (Palatino)
Palatine Hill Overview
Palatine Hill, considered the oldest area of Rome with a history dating back to 753 BC, should definitely be on your list of things to do in Rome. It was once the site of palaces and residences for the upper class during the early Roman Empire. Beyond its historical significance, Palatine Hill offers an excellent vantage point for viewing the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, providing fantastic photo opportunities and a unique perspective on two of Rome's most iconic landmarks.
How Long to Spend at Palatine Hill?
- 1 Hour
Palatine Hill Opening Hours
- Daily from 08:30 to 19:00 (last entry at 18:00)
Palatine Hill Tickets & Tours
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (Priority Entry)
- Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum (Ticket and English Guided Tour)
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (Ticket and Chinese Guided Tour)
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo Overview
Castel Sant’Angelo is perhaps the most beautiful Roman landmark when viewed at night. Built by Emperor Hadrian before 1900 AD, the castle gets its name from the angel statue atop it, holding a sword. Just in front of the castle lies the Sant’Angelo Bridge, often considered the most beautiful bridge spanning the Tiber River (Tevere). Adorned with 12 angel sculptures, all designed by the master sculptor Bernini, the bridge itself adds to the magical atmosphere, making a visit to Castel Sant’Angelo a truly memorable experience among the many things to do in Rome.
The Castel Sant'Angelo National Museum houses dozens of exhibition halls, including the Papal Rooms, showcasing various armours, weapons, and renowned Italian artworks (photography is not allowed inside).
How Long to Spend at Castel Sant’Angelo?
- 2 Hours
Castel Sant’Angelo Opeing Hours
- Daily：09:00 – 19:30
Castel Sant’Angelo Tickets & Tours
Piazza di Spagna
Spanish Steps Overview
Piazza di Spagna, home to the iconic Spanish Steps, is a must-see for anyone exploring things to do in Rome. These famous stairs, built in the 16th century to connect the Piazza Trinità dei Monti and the Piazza della Barcaccia, gained further renown after their appearance in the classic film Roman Holiday. Today, this iconic Roman landmark attracts countless visitors who come to snap photos and soak in the atmosphere of this historic and picturesque spot.
Ka's Tips：Since August 2019, the Roman government has prohibited tourists from sitting on historical monuments, including the Spanish Steps. The use of rolling suitcases, folding chairs, and similar items is also banned. Violators may face fines of up to 400 euros.
How Long to Spend at Spanish Steps?
- 30 minutes
Spanish Steps Detailed Review
Spanish Steps Review – Iconic Roman Holiday Spot & €400 Fines Explained
Spanish Steps Opening Hours
- Open All Day
Spanish Steps Tickets & Tours
- Free
Piazza Venezia
Piazza Venezia Overview
Piazza Venezia is undeniably one of the must-see landmarks in Rome, and a key stop on any list of things to do in Rome. This striking white marble building, located in the heart of the city, is renowned for its grand staircase and impressive Corinthian columns. At its center stands the equestrian statue of King Victor Emmanuel II (sharing the same name as Milan’s famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II), flanked by statues of the goddess Victoria on a two-wheeled chariot, commemorating Italy’s first unified king.
How Long to Spend at Piazza Venezia?
- At least 30 mins
Piazza Venezia Opening Hours
- Open All Day
Piazza Venezia Tickets & Tours
- Free
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona Overview
Piazza Navona, conveniently located near other iconic Roman landmarks like the Pantheon, is a must-see for anyone compiling a list of things to do in Rome. Originally built as a stadium for athletic events (though thankfully far less gruesome than the Colosseum), it later became Rome’s main marketplace. In 1644, Pope Innocent X commissioned a Baroque-style redesign of the square. At its center stands the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers, sculpted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. On the western side, the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone (as seen in the picture) was designed by Bernini’s rival, Francesco Borromini. Visitors to Piazza Navona can admire the masterpieces of these two Baroque giants in one spot, making it a truly enriching experience among the many things to do in Rome.
How Long to Spent at Piazza Navona?
- At least 30 mins
Piazza Navona Opening Hours
- Open All Day
Piazza Navona Tickets & Tours
- Free
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