Things to do in Rome (2025): Top nearby activities,popular attractions,itinerary planning,weather,accommodation,food,transportation,and more - all you need to know (updated August, 2025) | Trip.com
About Rome
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Rome Local Travel Guide 2025
Rome Brief Guide
Rome is Italy's capital city and, in classical antiquity, the center of the Roman Empire. Because of the city's long and storied history, it is known as the "Eternal City". Presently, Rome has become a large "open-air history museum". Inside the city, many traces of ancient Rome have been preserved. You can go to the Colosseum—one of the symbols of the powerful ancient Roman Empire. At the Roman Forum, you will be shocked and amazed by the prosperity of the ancient imperial world. The Pantheon is a place where you can see architectural miracles constructed over 1,000 years ago. Within the city of Rome, there is also a country within a country—Vatican City. This is a place where you can experience the ultimate in Christian religious art and see many masterpieces left behind by Renaissance masters.
Rome Must-try local experiences
1. Embark on a Roman Heritage Journey Explore Rome's iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Trevi Fountain. These sites offer a glimpse into the grandeur and history of ancient Rome. 2. Experience Vatican The Vatican is an independent sovereign state located within the city limits of Rome. Discover Vatican 's treasures, including St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. Marvel at Michelangelo's masterpieces and the grandeur of the Papal residence. 3. Stroll Through Piazza Navona and the Pantheon Experience the vibrant Piazza Navona with its stunning fountains and street artists. Nearby, visit the Pantheon, a marvel of ancient engineering. 4. Climb the Spanish Steps Ascend the iconic Spanish Steps and enjoy the view from the top. This popular spot is surrounded by elegant shops and offers a picturesque setting for photos. 5. Experience a Traditional Roman Opera Attend an opera performance at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma to experience Italy's rich musical heritage and classical performances. 6. Explore the Art of Caravaggio Visit churches and galleries showcasing Caravaggio's works. His dramatic use of light and shadow is a must-see for art enthusiasts. 7. Indulge in the Flavors of Rome Savor Roman dishes like 'Cacio e Pepe', 'Carbonara', and 'Pizza Romana'. Don't miss authentic Italian gelato. 8. Explore Via del Corso Stroll along Via del Corso, lined with high-end boutiques and local shops. It's perfect for a shopping spree while soaking in the historical ambiance. 9. Snap a Picture at the Keyhole of the Knights of Malta Peek through the famous keyhole on Aventine Hill for a unique view of St. Peter's Basilica. This hidden gem is a favorite among photographers. 10. Throw a Coin in the Trevi Fountain Participate in the tradition of tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome.
Rome Must-see Attractions
Rome is a city steeped in history, with iconic landmarks like the Colosseum showcasing ancient engineering, the Pantheon's architectural brilliance, the Trevi Fountain's Baroque artistry, the Roman Forum's historical significance, and Castel Sant'Angelo's multifaceted past, each offering visitors a unique window into the city's rich cultural heritage.
Rome Food Guide
Rome's food scene is a rich tapestry of flavors, featuring the highly esteemed white truffle, traditional pastas like fettuccine and ravioli, a variety of pizzas from ancient flatbreads to modern interpretations, the quintessential cucina povera dish Coda alla Vaccinara, and diverse panini offerings that showcase the city's commitment to quality ingredients and culinary innovation.
Rome Transportation
Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino (FCO) is the primary gateway to Rome, renowned for its quality services and operational efficiency. It is located about 30 km from the city center and offers a range of transportation options to reach Rome, including the Leonardo Express train, which provides a non-stop connection to Roma Termini Station in approximately 32 minutes. Additionally, shuttle buses and taxis are available for transfers to the city. Ciampino Airport (CIA) is the secondary airport, mainly serving low-cost airlines and located southeast of Rome. Transportation to the city from Ciampino includes taxis, trains, and buses, with the airport being closer to the city than Fiumicino. Rome's main bus stations, such as Tiburtina and Termini Bus terminals, are vital for intercity travel. Termini Bus terminal is centrally located and offers amenities like a nearby train station and metro station, making it a convenient hub for travelers. Tiburtina Bus terminal, while slightly further from the city center, also provides essential services and alternative transportation options like taxis.
Rome Where to Stay
Rome is a city steeped in history and culture, offering a diverse array of accommodation options across its many distinct neighborhoods. Visitors can choose from areas rich in ancient history, bustling with nightlife, or offering a more tranquil, residential atmosphere.
Rome Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Rome is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Specifically, mid-March to April and September to early November offer pleasant weather for staying outdoors and sightseeing, with fewer crowds than the high season. The mild temperatures during these months are ideal for exploring Rome's ancient sites and enjoying outdoor dining experiences. Additionally, the city's vibrant colors in spring and the golden hues of autumn provide a stunning backdrop for leisurely strolls and photography. For budget travelers, November to February presents an opportunity for better deals on accommodations and flights, with the added benefit of experiencing the city's festive atmosphere and major retail sales.
Rome Travel Tips
1. Book Vatican Museums and Colosseum in Advance: The Colosseum require advance reservations. Booking tickets online ensures faster access and avoids long lines. During peak seasons, tickets can sell out quickly, so booking ahead guarantees entry and a smoother experience. 2. Respect Dress Codes in Churches: Many churches in Rome, require visitors to dress modestly. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Men should remove hats, while women can keep theirs on. Carry a light scarf or shawl for quick coverage. Jeans and sandals are acceptable. 3. Respect Siesta Hours: Many small shops and businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon. Plan your shopping and errands accordingly. 4. Beware of Pickpockets: Pickpocketing is common in crowded tourist areas. Keep your belongings secure and be vigilant, especially in places like Termini Station and popular attractions. Use a money belt, avoid back pockets, and always zip up your bags. Be cautious of distraction techniques like commotions or people asking for help. Stay aware of your surroundings to enjoy a safe trip. 5. Avoid Photography in Churches: Many churches in Rome prohibit photography inside to preserve the sanctity of the space. Always check for signs and respect these rules. Flash photography and tripods are generally not allowed, and it's best to avoid taking photos during services. 6. Photography in Museums: Most museums in Rome allow non-flash photography, but some strictly prohibit it. Tripods, selfie sticks, and professional equipment are generally not allowed. Always check the rules before taking photos.
Rome Useful Guide
The official language of Rome is Italian, a Romance language with Latin origins, widely spoken by the local population. While Italian is prevalent, travelers can often find translation services and language apps to assist with communication. Rome's history of multilingualism, dating back to Latin and Greek in ancient times, has evolved into the modern Italian spoken today. Tourists are encouraged to learn basic Italian phrases, but English is commonly used, especially in tourist areas, making it a helpful tool for effective communication. Gestures and non-verbal cues also play a significant role in interactions.
Trip.Best: Rome
Things to do in Rome
What to do
Pantheon
Api Kho:“Everyone has to visit the Pantheon in their lifetime. I am in shock that something so magnificent could be built in 126 AD and remain is such remarkable condition. The exterior is incredibly imposing with grand columns holding up the structure. The interior consists of a single perfectly symmetrical circular space with an enormous dome. There are beautiful columns, sculptures, and paintings everywhere. It was originally a Pagan temple and symbol of Rome’s power, but became a church that is in use to this day. There is a huge high alter near the front, built in the early 18th century. All the pagan statues and artwork were removed and replaced with ones honoring to Christianity. Everything in this building is perfectly symmetrical with three sets of columns on each side flanked with artwork in the middle. Every bit of architecture from the floor to the ceiling is so intricate. The marble floor is from three different countries. The red is from Egypt, the white is from Asia Minor.”
Colosseum
流浪的大西瓜:“The Colosseum is now a historical site. Originally intended for visitors to watch animals fight, it later evolved into a brutal human fight for various reasons. After all, it's still considered a famous attraction here, so some of its details are worth seeing!”
Castel Sant'Angelo
138***29:“As soon as I approached the scenic spot, I was attracted by the angel sculptures on both sides of the bridge. When entering Castel Sant'Angelo, you must go to the top to have a look, where you can overlook many ancient monuments on the other side of the river, including a corner of the Colosseum. In addition, the sandwiches at the Central Cafe are good and cheap, but you have to sit there to eat. If the sun is strong, it will be too hot and there is basically no shade.”
Borghese Gallery and Museum
david821221:“Haha, we missed the time perfectly. Everyone, please pay attention to the reserved date. It also gives me a good excuse to go to Rome again. The pictures were taken at the nearby Piazza del Popolo. There weren't too many people there, so we could go shopping together.”
Villa Borghese
quqky:“This villa is located in the Bogcai Garden, which is more like an entertainment park with many entertainment projects. The villa is well preserved and has a good view from its small hillside.”
Roman Forum
Danijela M.:“Roman Forum and the Colosseum are amazing historical places everyone should see. The tickets, adult + child x2 full experience are the best for the value we have paid.”
Trevi Fountain
SUNSHINE ONUS:“The fountain at the Spanish Steps in Rome is called the "Fountain of the Broken Ship". It is one of the famous Baroque fountains in Rome and is located in the center of the Spanish Square. The main body of the fountain is a broken ship half submerged in water, with water overflowing from all sides of the ship, symbolizing the scene after the flood recedes. This unique design not only solves the problem of insufficient water pressure in the low-lying areas of the square, but also gives the fountain a very high artistic value. The meaning of the Broken Ship Fountain is "the ship of heaven", symbolizing the persistence of faith in disasters.”
Palatine Hill
学校🏫:“## Hill of the Gods: The Power Rings of Palatine Hill
When you climb the ridge on the gravel of the Imperial Avenue, you suddenly fall into the creation myth of Rome - Palatine Hill. There is no bloody glory of the Colosseum, no perfect dome of the Pantheon, only the half-buried palace ruins in the wild flowers whispering in the wind. But please believe that every inch of soil in this hill, which is no more than 60 meters high, is soaked with the genes of Western power.
**The space-time wormhole of Romulus's hut**. Next to the ruins of the Augustus Palace, a small circle surrounded by several charred wooden stakes is actually the legendary place where the mother wolf feeds her baby! Crouching down to touch the cracks of the carbonized oak, the fingertips feel incredible heat - not the sun's scorching, but the residual heat of the bonfire 2,800 years ago. When wild poppies sway on the rammed earth ground, you will see the figures of shepherds Romulus and Remus swaying in the heat wave: it turns out that the starting point of the empire is just a few charred fences.
**The secret language of mosaics in Villa Livia**. Entering the semi-underground residence of the queen, you will be caught off guard by the spring scenery in the room: turtledoves carrying figs fly over the branches of yellow fragrant plums, and pomegranates burst on the walls inlaid with colored stones. The peacock squatting in the corner has a lively look, and the grape vines under its claws extend to the real ground, entangled and coexisting with the weeds outside the wall - the ancient Roman craftsmen used 40,000 colored stones to solidify the luxurious feast at the peak of power into an eternal hymn to life.
**The Cliff Theater of Domitian's Palace**. Standing on the edge of the ruins of the most luxurious palace in the empire, there are tourists like ants in the Colosseum under your feet. In the past, tyrants set up cantilevered stands here and used pure silver railings to isolate the world. Today, the marble fence has long been weathered, but you can still experience the dizzy pleasure of power: when the dusk dyes the Colosseum into golden and red ruins, the mountain wind brings the faint roar of lions and the roar of chariots, and the whole city of Rome turns into a bloody sand table under your feet. At this moment, I suddenly realized that all empires will eventually return to dust, only the mountain wind is eternal.
Please bring a wild olive leaf before going down the mountain. Passing through the remains of the Flavian Palace arch in the sunset, the moonlight is pinning the shadow of the Doric colonnade on the stone wall of the Faun Cave. Augustus's ghostly purple robe brushes across your arm, and a few green peacocks suddenly pass over the broken walls of Tiberius's palace, and their long tails sweep down dewdrops like tears of the collapse of the empire. The most deadly magic of the Palatine Hill is that it makes you a creator and a gravedigger at the same time - when the mountain wind fills your clothes, you can hear more than just the sighs of Caesars, but also the echo of the eternal throbbing of power rushing in your own blood.”
Arch of Constantine
学校🏫:“## Skeletons of Victory: The Millennium Paradox of the Arch of Constantine
When the giant shadow of the Colosseum expands behind you, you suddenly encounter this arch blackened by time - it is like a bronze medal inlaid on the artery of the empire, and the three arches swallow and spit out the storms of twenty centuries. Don't be deceived by the mottled appearance: this ancestor of the Western triumphal arch is actually a shocking artistic plagiarism, and each relief is revealing the absurd nature of the game of power.
**The Rubik's Cube of Power Made of Reliefs**. Get close to the north column and take a closer look: the top layer is a bear hunting picture from the Hadrian era, the middle layer plagiarizes the war scene of Trajan Forum, and the bottom layer actually appropriates the relief of Marcus Aurelius's captive offering! The carving styles of different dynasties coexist strangely on the door frame - Constantine's craftsmen dismantled the glory of the previous dynasty and collaged it into the coronation robe of the new emperor. As the setting sun dyed the profiles of the soldiers of Trajan's legion golden red, they were stabbing the wild deer of Hadrian's era with spears in their hands, and the absurdity ran through their spines like an electric current: the so-called eternal victory was nothing but a carefully choreographed Inception.
**The toes of the angels hung in the cracks of history**. Looking up at the broken monument of the pavilion, four stone statues of Dacian captives were chained and kneeling for a thousand years. Among them, a stubborn fig tree emerged from the crack of the left knee of the captive in the southeast corner! At dusk, the homing swifts flew over the empty eye sockets of the stone statues, and the sound of their wings startled the ripe fruits, and the purple-red juice spread on the ground of the doorway like old blood stains. This wild tree born from the bones of the empire is like the most pungent metaphor: the monument of the conqueror will eventually become the seedbed of life.
**The triumphal procession of ghosts under the moonlight**. At midnight, I avoided the crowds and sat alone on the steps of the Arc de Triomphe. When the lights of the Colosseum went out, a miracle happened: the marks on the arch suddenly turned into dragons of torches, and the sound of elephants and chains floated in the wind. The Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD, which determined the fate of Christianity, was reproduced here - you can see Constantine's army rushing through the doorway with the La Brand Banner, but the reflection strangely turned into a cross shape. At this time, touching the inner wall of the doorway, the folds of the goddess of victory polished by pilgrims, I don't know when half a modern copper coin was embedded, and the ancient Roman silver dinar coin looked at each other faintly in the moonlight.
Before leaving, please look for the mysterious graffiti on the west side of the arch: "omnia vanitas" (everything is empty) engraved by a medieval monk. When the morning light first appeared, this line of small words was as glaring as a dagger next to Constantine's gilded inscription. The most shocking revelation of the Arc de Triomphe lies in the holes beneath its shiny surface - the stolen reliefs, the wild trees in the cracks, the hoofbeats of ghosts, all mock the eternal vanity. And when a new day comes, when a flock of pigeons suddenly soars from the top of the pavilion like a captive on your shoulder, you finally understand from the sound of their wings: all triumphs are temporary, and only time is the ultimate conqueror.”
Mouth of Truth
学校🏫:“## Mirror of Lies: Soul-Eating Ceremony of the Mouth of Truth
When you squeeze through the noisy crowd of the Cosmedin Church, you suddenly bump into the iron-blue stone face in the niche - the mask of the river god with slightly open fangs is covered with moss, and the eye sockets are covered with centuries of dust. This ancient Roman sewer manhole cover was transformed into a lie-eating beast because of "Roman Holiday". Don't be deceived by the laughter of tourists: the moment you put your hand into its mouth, you will fall into a soul trial spanning a thousand years.
**Roman humor under the myth of lie detection**. Please look closely at the stone surface when queuing: the craftsmen in the first century AD deliberately carved the sea god into a horrified expression, originally to deter floods. One night in the Middle Ages, a drunkard stuck his hand between the fangs and cried and confessed his guilt, and an absurd legend was born. Today, husbands pretend to be bitten and scream, and wives hold their mobile phones and laugh and bend over - when the jungle of selfie sticks submerges the stone statue, the Mouth of Truth has long become a stage prop for contemporary people to create sweet lies.
**The hidden line of truth between the stone pillars of the church**. Don't ignore the church behind because of the crowd! On the sixth-century mosaic altar, Christ is crushing the head of a snake (the incarnation of truth). Look up at the dome: St. Peter is the only one missing among the twelve apostles - it is said that the devil stole his statue during construction, but it fell into the Tiber River due to the burns of the church's holy light. When your fingertips brush over the cracks in the north wall (the signature of the 1348 earthquake), you suddenly see the afterimage of the saint in the red light of the stained glass window: it turns out that truth never lives in the fangs of stone statues, but flows in the scars of time that have crushed the building.
**The Liar's Monologue in the Moonlight**. After closing, go around to the small garden on the east side of the church, and the Mouth of Truth turns back into a gloomy monster behind the fence. Put your palms against the iron bars and look at the stone statue, and the roar of the ancient Roman aqueduct floats in the wind. One night in the third century AD, pagans carved anti-Christian slogans on this stone, and the priests used holy water to wash the fangs that appeared. At this moment, the cool air seeps out of the cracks in the stone and wraps around my wrist, as if two thousand years of lies and confessions have condensed into salt here - what we fear is never the bite of the stone, but the piercing of the shadow in our hearts.
Please take out the coins and put them in the donation box before leaving. When the crisp sound of metal hitting the bottom of the box echoes through the empty courtyard, it is like the trembling sound of the soul's balance returning to zero. As the candlelight flickers in the altar, you suddenly realize: the most terrifying thing about this stone statue is not the fangs but the hollow throat - there are countless untold truths deposited there, like the silent ancient pottery fragments at the bottom of the Tiber River. And the 14th-century crucifix forgotten by tourists in the corner of the church, wild violets are blooming between the ribs of the wooden sculpture of Christ, mocking the human obsessive pursuit of "absolute truth" with gentle vitality.”Where to stay
What to eat
LA PERGOLA
travelererer:“A very famous local Italian restaurant. Their pasta has a very rich sauce. The noodles are also very chewy. Steak with French fries is also their specialty. The oysters are also very plump and juicy.”
Pizzeria da Baffetto
没有蜡olling:“Successfully checked in at the famous pizza shop [Pizzeria da Baffetto] in Rome
The fat guy likes this thin and crispy pizza, sprinkled with olive chili oil and chili powder, I know that after he is satisfied with this meal, he will want to eat pizza next time [haha]”
Vecchia Roma
健康美丽的芳芳:“This VECCHIA ROMA is a very family-style western restaurant. We came here for brunch and the environment is really warm and comfortable.”
La Nuova Piazzetta
travelererer:“This is also a well-known western restaurant in the local area. The environment of the restaurant is quite quiet, so I think it is suitable for young couples to go on dates. Of course, old couples like us can also come to the restaurant for a meal. Their banana milkshake amazed me. It can be said to have a "sweet but not greasy" taste.”
Da Enzo Al 29
红妆人Nefelibata:“The taste of grilled steak is very tempting. Will the carnivores go crazy again? Well, after talking about meat, let's talk about vegetarians. The salad sandwich is a classic delicacy, with fried bean balls and vegetables as fillings, and the skin is crispy and chewy.”
IL PAGLIACCIO
travelererer:“It is a western restaurant located in a Roman alley. If it weren’t for a local friend who brought us here as a guide, we would definitely not have been able to find this restaurant by ourselves. The food is really delicious.”
Ristorante Old Chengdu
yoyolove7788:“The boss pays great attention to online reviews. When we went there, he repeatedly told us to give good reviews online if we were satisfied. This is for sure.
Sichuan cuisine is already popular all over the world. It must be expensive to open one in Rome? ? It’s always exciting to hear the mother tongue in a foreign country. It has been improved to cater to more people!”
Le Virtù in Tavola
TheForkUser:“Everything about this restaurant is perfect. The friendliness of the staff, the ambiance and most of all the food. We focused on the seafood but there was also a nice offering of classic Roman dishes. The grilled octopus, seafood pasta and seafood risotto were among the best meals we’ve had during our 2 weeks in Rome. A must stop if you’re anywhere near Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano but also worth a trip even if you are not.”
Ristorante Agrodolce Roma
TheForkUser:“Don’t miss the opportunity to go to this restaurant, we go when we arrive in Rome and again before we leave, have been doing that for the past 4 years, food is unbelievable and staff couldn’t be nicer. Every time we’re there we talked to others who do the same thing, they all love it but do make a reservation, it’s worth it.J&J”
Le Grondici Caffe' Ristorante
TheForkUser:“From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with a warm smile and promptly guided to our table. The service was exceptional—our waitress went above and beyond to accommodate my gluten-free needs, double-checking every dish I ordered, even when it was clearly marked on the menu. The food was absolutely delicious. As starters, we had the **Cubotto di Manzo** and the **Fiore di Zucca**. For our mains, we enjoyed the **Bistecca di Manzo** and the **Filetto di Maiale**, both cooked to perfection. Though we skipped dessert, we were treated to local **Cantucci** on the house. Since I couldn’t have them, the waitress thoughtfully sourced **Baci chocolates** for me instead—a small but incredibly thoughtful gesture that truly stood out.”
Ristoro Della Salute
TheForkUser:“Tasty pizza and a great value steps away from the Colossium. Our server was quick and very attentive - in fact the entire staff was great. They could stand to have a second bathroom but other than that, everything was lovely.”
Life Ristorante
没有蜡olling:“ARMANI RISTORANTE 5TH AVE.NY [愤怒][耶]In my life first time to go this sup. high class restaurant. incredible to me.”Rome Moments: Through Travelers' Eyes
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