20 iconic & fun things to do in Rome for a unique trip

Rome is packed with ancient monuments, historic sites, and plenty of great museums that give you insight into the fascinating Roman Empire. From the mighty Colosseum to exquisite cuisine, Rome is the perfect escape for couples on their honeymoon, families with kids, and solo traveler's seeking a little Eat, Pray, Love. Plan the ultimate vacation in the Italian capital with our guide to the top things to do in Rome.

Fun things to do in Rome for couples

1. See Rome from the back of Vespa

Ciao, Bella. Strap on your helmet and get ready to admire ancient architecture and weave through the traffic on the back of a Vespa. This is one of the best dates in Rome. As you zoom around town, you'll feel like you're the stars of a classic Italian film.

Highlights:

With a Vespa rental in Rome, you can choose your own route. Check out the top sights, and make sure you have time to stop for romantic photos along the way.

2. Take a romantic cruise down the Tiber

The River Tiber runs through the heart of Rome, and has been a vital lifeline for the city for thousands of years. According to legend, Rome was founded in 753 BC on the banks of the Tiber. Take a romantic river cruise with your loved one to experience the Eternal City from a unique perspective.

Highlights:

From the water, you can take in some of Rome's most famous sites such as Castel Sant' Angelo and Tiber Island.

3. A night at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma

Italy is well known stunning opera and classical music, and what better way to enjoy it than an evening at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. There are performances year-round featuring works by famous Italian composers like Vivaldi and Puccini.

Highlights:

The opera house also features ballet performances of the Nutcracker and other well-known ballets.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza Beniamino Gigli, 00184 Roma RM, Italy.

4. Escape to Castel Gandolfo

Looking for a romantic day trip just one hour from Rome? Get out of the city with a trip to Castel Gandolfo. Spend the day relaxing by the lake, kayaking on the water, or dining at the bars and restaurants dotted along the beautiful shore.

Highlights:

The highlight of Castel Gandolfo is the lake, but the town itself is also beautiful. In fact, it has traditionally been the Pope's Italian summer home for the past 500 years.

5. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain may just be the most famous fountain in the world. You and your partner have to stop here to snap a few pictures for Instagram while you're in the city. What could be more romantic?

Highlights:

Be careful when tossing your change into the Trevi Fountain. Local legend dictates you have to plan the number of coins you throw, depending on your wish. One coin means you'll return to Rome, while three means marriage. Don't throw two if you're on a romantic break, as that means you're wishing for a new love.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Rome. Open 24 hours per day, every day.

Fun things to do in Rome with kids

6. Explore the mighty Colosseum

There are endless activities for kids in Rome, but a visit to the Colosseum will create a core memory they will treasure forever. It's one of Europe's top attractions, so it might be worth booking a tour in advance to guarantee the best experience. Here you will see where gladiators and wild animals battled it out, with Emperors sealing their fate in front of thousands of spectators.

Highlights:

Highlights include the Emperor's Box, the Gladiator's Gate, and the arena itself.

Address and opening hours:

Via Appia Antica 18, 00179 Rome. Open Monday-Sunday, 9:30 AM-7:00 PM.

7. Be inspired at the Leonardo Da Vinci Experience

Discover the hidden world of Italy's most famous genius. Leonardo da Vinci's legacy spans generations, and this museum dedicated to his works will inspire kids of all ages. See his model flying machines and copies of some of his most famous paintings.

Highlights:

The Leonardo Da Vinci Experience is perfect for families, and entry is free for children under 6.

Address and opening hours:

Via della Conciliazione, 19, 00193 Roma RM, Italy. Open daily between 9 AM - 7:30 PM (last entry at 6.30 PM).

8. Marvel at the sights in Vatican City

The smallest country in the world and home to the head of the Roman Catholic church, Vatican City is a must-see for families visitng Rome. Here you will find the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square, and Castel Sant'Angelo.

Highlights:

Opt for kid-friendly tours to keep them engaged while viewing world-famous art, including Michelangelo’s masterpiece on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

9. Treat yourselves to a sunset gelato

Even the fussiest kids will love the local food in Rome. Ice cream—or gelato—is famous in Italy for being extra delicious. You can't leave the city without several gelato stops, and make the experience even more special by enjoying an iced treat with a sunset view from Janiculum Hill.

Highlights:

For an even more hands-on way to experience Italian gelato, why not try a gelato-making class where you can create your own delicious treats.

10. Enjoy a day out at the Explora (Children’s Museum of Rome)

Rome's Explora Children's Museum is hands-on space with interactive exhibits for younger kids, including science experiments and role-playing activities. It's the perfect family day out if the weather in Rome takes a turn for the worse.

Highlights:

The museum is open plan and free to explore, with exhibits geared towards kids of all ages.

Address and opening hours:

Via Flaminia, 80/86, 00196 Roma RM, Italy. Open between 10 AM - 6.45 PM (Closed on Mondays).

Fun things to do in Rome on your own

11. Take a guided tour of the city

With over 2000 years of history, Rome is overflowing with stories of the past. Rome was the heart of the Holy Roman Empire, and remnants of that mighty history are littered across the city. Take a walking tour of Rome with a knowledgeable guide to get the most out of this historic city.

Highlights:

Walking tours are a great way to orient yourself in the city. If you find anything particularly interesting, you can always go back and check it out in more detail once the tour is complete.

12. Go below to discover St. Clement's Basilica Underground Temples

You've already seen Rome's most famous religious monuments above ground, now it's time to see something entirely new with the underground temple hidden 14 meters beneath St. Clement's Basilica.

Highlights:

This underground temple has some beautiful frescoes showing the earliest martyrs. A live guide will explain how the site went from a pagan temple to a Christian church.

Address and opening hours:

Via Labicana, 95, 00184 Rome. Open Monday - Saturday, 10 AM - 12 PM and 3 PM - 5 PM.

13. Get spooky at the Capuchin Crypt

One of the darkest places to visit in Rome, the Capuchin Crypt is not for the faint-hearted. Also known as the Bone Chapel, this underground site is filled with the skulls and bones of Capuchin monks.

Highlights:

A guided tour is one of the best ways to see the crypt. You'll learn the story of these monks and discover how this creepy crypt came to be.

Address and opening hours:

Via Vittorio Veneto 27, 00187 Rome. Open Monday - Sunday, 10 AM - 7 PM.

14. Check out Trastevere

There's much more to Rome than famous landmarks and ancient history. The bohemian neighborhood of Trastevere has a unique, laid-back vibe. Take a walk through the streets, admiring the colorful street art and listening to the buskers.

Highlights:

Visit on a Sunday and take a trip to the Porta Portese Market, where you can find anything from the latest fashion to beautiful antiques and fresh produce.

15. Spend an evening on the Isola Taberina

The Isola Taberina, an island in the River Tiber, is a wonderful destination to visit on warm summer days. In the evenings, the island is transformed into the International Film and Culture Festival, an outdoor cinema where you can see the best Italian movies. There are also markets, bars, and more. The event has earned the island the nickname Film Island.

Highlights:

On your way to the summer film festival, pause on the bridge to admire the views across the river. They're truly stunning.

Fun things to do in Rome if you like food and drink

16. Learn to make pasta from scratch

Cook like a true Italian nonna at a fresh pasta-making class in Rome. Roll up your sleeves and prepare to get stuck in. When you go home, you'll be able to impress all your friends with your authentic pasta skills.

Highlights:

You could learn to make ravioli, gnocci, or even spaghetti—it's guaranteed to be delicious.

Address and opening hours:

Via Cesare Balbo, 19, 00184 Rome. Variable opening hours.

17. Sip cocktails at a rooftop bar

Enjoy an Aperol spritz or negroni at one of Rome’s many rooftop bars. See the Colosseum from a new perspective at the Court cocktail bar in Palazzo Manfredi, or marvel at the Eternal City from Terrazza Borromini on top of the Palazzo Pamphilj - Eitch Borromini Hotel. The sunsets will blow you away.

Highlights:

If you want something a little more low key, take a picnic and head to Janiculum Hill for a romantic evening in the Italian capital.

18. Try Italy's best wines

Wine and Italy go hand-in-hand, so what better place to try a few of the country's exceptional wines than its capital? Wine tasting in Rome is a must-do for couples and visitors in the city, with a number of options from cool wine cellars to tours into the Lazio region.

Highlights:

Try Italian wines from Tuscany, Piedmont, and the surrounding Lazio region.

19. Enjoy the best local dishes on a food tour

After you've worked up an appetite with a day of sightseeing, it's time to indulge. Take a food tour of the trendy Trastevere neighborhood, where you'll enjoy Prosecco, cocktails, and a range of local dishes.

Highlights:

Take it one step further and take on an Italian cooking class! Learn to make authentic pasta, pizza, and even gelato to impress your friends back home.

20. Eat the freshest produce at the city's markets

The Mercato Trionfale, inside Vatican City, has some of the best food in town. Navigate its stalls and sample the delicacies on offer. Other popular markets around Rome include Mercato di Campagna Amica (Saturday and Sunday, 10:30AM - 7PM) and Mercato Trionfale (Monday - Saturday, 8AM - 1:30PM).

Highlights:

Fashionistas who want to find the perfect look for a night out in Rome should check out Borghetto Flaminio (Sunday, 10AM - 7PM) for pre-loved clothes and antique shopping.

FAQs

What are some fun things to do in Rome at night?

At night, you can take a gourmet tour to see the best of Rome's food and drink scene. It's also worth just strolling around the city center and seeing the famous monuments all lit up. They look completely different after the sun has set. If you want to do something unique and creepy, try a visit to the Bone Chapel after dark and wander past the walls lined with bones.

Are there any fun day trips from Rome that I should consider?

Yes. You can take a day trip to Castel Gandolfo for fun on the lake. Rome is conveniently located right in the center of Italy, so you can take plenty of other trips. Try the Amalfi Coast for a seaside getaway or Pompeii to immerse yourself in history.

What are some popular festivals or events in Rome?

You'll find a number of festivals of all kinds in the summer months in Rome. Another highlight of the annual calendar is Carnevale, which usually takes place at some point between February and March. Locals dress up in fun costumes, and there are concerts and shows, as well as a large ice rink set up. If you visit on April 21, you can join in the fun of Rome's annual birthday celebration. This festival has an ancient Roman theme, complete with gladiator combat.

What are some family-friendly things to do in Rome?

Try a walking tour that is suitable for families, complete with games and puzzles. Rome is also an ideal city for budding young foodies, as the local dishes like pizza and pasta will please even picky eaters. You can also try ancient Rome-inspired activities like gladiator classes or shows, which are sure to inspire young minds.

What are some fun outdoor activities to do in Rome?

Many of Rome's most famous monuments are ruins, so you'll be outdoors as you wander through them. Open-air markets are also extremely popular in Rome. The most famous is the Porta Portese Market, which takes place on Sunday mornings.