What to do in Rome?
Rome, the Eternal City, blends ancient ruins, Renaissance masterpieces and the pleasures of the table. From the Colosseum to the Vatican, discover the must-do guided tours and skip-the-line tickets to explore Rome without wasting a minute.
Rome highlights
The places and experiences not to miss under any circumstances.
Colosseum
The world's most famous amphitheatre, the Colosseum once held 50,000 spectators for gladiator fights. Today you walk its tiers, underground passages and reconstructed arena. A skip-the-line ticket is all but essential: it's the most visited site in Italy.
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
The Vatican Museums line up miles of masterpieces, culminating in the Sistine Chapel, whose ceiling was painted by Michelangelo. Crowds are huge: book an early-morning slot or a guided tour to skip hours of queuing.
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
The political heart of ancient Rome, the Forum and Palatine Hill unfold temples, triumphal arches and the ruins of imperial palaces. A combined ticket with the Colosseum lets you do it all in one go; a guided tour helps the ruins come alive.
Trevi Fountain
Rome's most photographed Baroque masterpiece, the Trevi Fountain invites you to toss a coin over your shoulder to ensure your return. Come early morning or in the evening to admire it lit up, away from the crowds.
Pantheon
Rome's best-preserved ancient temple, the Pantheon dazzles with its perfect dome pierced by an oculus open to the sky. Entry is now ticketed but quick; it's a must right in the heart of the city.
Villa Borghese
Rome's green lung, Villa Borghese blends gardens, viewpoints and the exceptional Borghese Gallery (Bernini, Caravaggio). Gallery access requires compulsory booking, in limited time slots.
Plan your visit to Rome
Our practical tips for a great stay: when to go, how to get around, where to stay.
When to visit Rome?
April–May and September–October are ideal; summer is crushing in heat and crowds. Winter, mild, lets you see the great sites almost peacefully — a well-kept secret.
Getting around Rome
The historic centre is best explored on foot (comfortable shoes are a must — the cobbles!). The metro (2 lines) helps for long distances; beware of unofficial taxis.
Where to stay in Rome
The Monti district or around the Pantheon combine charm and proximity to everything. Trastevere is lovely for its evening atmosphere, if slightly further out.
Activities & tickets to book in Rome
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Rome by theme
Book your activities in Rome by theme — guided tours, skip-the-line tickets, cruises, food tours, outdoor activities and day trips. Click a category to explore the best deals available right now.
Guided tours
To grasp the soul of Rome, nothing beats a guided tour. Follow a local guide through the great monuments and hidden lanes, and discover the stories that paper guides leave out. Allow 2 to 3 hours, often in a small group, at a pace suited to your curiosity.
Book →Museums & skip-the-line tickets
Rome is packed with must-see museums and monuments. Book your skip-the-line tickets in Rome and enjoy the finest collections without losing an hour in the queue. Tickets are dated and timed: book the day before in high season, as morning slots go first.
Book →Cruises & boat trips
Seeing Rome from the water means rediscovering it. Hop aboard a cruise or boat ride and admire the finest views of Rome on the water, by day or at sunset. One-hour guided cruises, with or without a meal option: there's something for every budget, often boarding right in the centre.
Book →Food tours & gastronomy
Food is part of the journey. Treat yourself to a food tour in Rome: local markets, regional specialties and tastings to savour Rome like a true local. Allow 3 to 4 hours and come hungry: between street bites and neighbourhood spots, a good food tour is often worth a full meal.
Book →Outdoors & activities
Feel like moving? Rome lends itself to bike rides, hikes and outdoor activities to explore the city and its surroundings from a different angle. Bike rentals, guided e-bike tours or active excursions: a way to cover more ground while enjoying the fresh air.
Book →Day trips
The most beautiful treasures sometimes hide at the gates of Rome. Book a day trip to discover the villages, castles and landscapes nearby. Transport, guide and sometimes lunch are usually included: a hassle-free day to see more without the logistics.
Book →Rome: frequently asked questions
Should I book activities in advance in Rome?
Yes, absolutely for the Colosseum, the Vatican and the Borghese Gallery, which run on timed slots and are often sold out several days ahead in high season.
How many days to visit Rome?
Three to four days let you see ancient Rome, the Vatican and the great squares without rushing. Add a day for a trip to Pompeii or Tivoli.
Which area to stay in Rome?
The historic centre (Pantheon, Piazza Navona), Monti or Trastevere: walking distance from the sights, lively at night and full of charm.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
April-May and September-October: bearable heat and smaller crowds than in midsummer, when temperatures often exceed 35°C.
Plan Rome day by day
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