10 Things to Do in Rome, Italy

For most travellers to Rome, the most alluring attraction is either the famous Italian pasta, the Vatican or the Colosseum.

That isn’t all that there is to Rome, though!

There are several more activities to indulge in while in Rome and what are these activities that I speak about?

Number 10. Hang out at Trastevere.

It is a Bohemian neighbourhood located just across the Tiber River and not many people know just how exciting visiting the place can be. 

It has shops, trattorias and bars at every turn of the streets which at night, are all lit up with twinkly fairy lights. The nights are also made merrier by the melodious music the live bands provide and the noise of Al fresco dining.

You can join food walking tours, get on the Piazzale Garibaldi for a panoramic view of the city, or just stroll while grabbing some amazing photographs.

Number 9. Register for Fettuccine Pasta and Tiramisu dessert-making classes.

Instead of always dining out alone, how about learning the art of making several Italian dishes on your own? 

Sounds great, right? 

Well, on your next trip to Roma, you should absolutely check out the Fettuccine Pasta and Tiramisu dessert making organised by Eat and Walk Italy. It is a hands-on, beginner-friendly cooking class with very good tutors.

One thing is sure – you will become perfect at making your own pasta and tiramisu (dessert) in a very short time!

Always come hungry too because you will get to devour your handmade meal at the end of the class.

Number 8. Connect with nature and history at Villa Borghese

Boasting some of the best gardens in the whole of Rome, Villa Borghese is the place to be if you are looking to connect with nature for a bit. It is a lavish 17th-century garden built on a vineyard. It is also one of the largest urban parks in Rome.

Know what’s more exciting? It houses the Galleria Borghese which is one of the best art galleries in the world! Within the gallery, you’ll discover and appreciate some Roman art, and the serene landscaped greenery is a plus.

Number 7. Shop at Nuovo Mercato di Testaccio

If you are a sucker for fresh food produce, then you just have to include this market in your itinerary. It is a fabulous market where the best fresh produce can be found in Rome. 

It doesn’t stop there. Clothes, drinks, souvenirs and freshly cooked food ranging from pizzas to poke bowls, sandwiches, salads, pasta and even seafood are also sold at the Nuovo Mercato di Testaccio.

Prices are fair, the market space is well-kept, the quality of goods is assured and the vendors are very friendly and nice.

Friend, what else do you seek to be impressed with?

Number 6. Buy a ticket for the Welcome To Rome Experience

A bit of entertainment is always good and that is why you should experience the Welcome to Rome Experience show. It is a show that entertains and yet, informs viewers on Roman History and culture via captivating video projections. The prospect of learning how the city was founded and some of its most famous historic landmarks makes your adrenaline surge, right?

I know, I know.

Just buy a ticket, get a detailed insight into over 3000 years of Roman History and everywhere in Rome will suddenly become more interesting!

Number 5. Check out Trevi Fountain

You have absolutely no reason to not see the largest baroque fountain in Rome. Visiting it is one hell of a fantastic experience and if you ever come across it at night, you will fall in love over again with it, believe me. 

Do I still have your attention? Now, increase the volume of this video and pay more attention.

There is a ritual observed by lots of tourists to the fountain. Everyone visits with a coin. Wonder why? Well, legend has it that if you toss a coin with your right hand over the left shoulder, you will return to Roma someday!

I do not know how true this is but I think you should go find out!

Number 4. Explore The Pantheon

The original ancient Roman floor made of marble tiles is the first thing you notice the moment you enter the Pantheon. Testament to how much of a fantastic survivor this place is.  

But where the real wonder lies is in the dome. A real jaw-dropping piece of engineering. It is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. Never been beaten. Might never be.

There is also the oculus popularly called the “eye” of the dome. It looks small if you stand under it but don’t be deceived. That’s a mere optical illusion. The oculus also functions to chase away darkness by allowing sunlight to stream into the Pantheon.

Number 3. Tour the Stadio Olimpico

A visit to the home of football clubs Roma and Lazio would absolutely help brighten your mood. It is Italy’s largest sports facility and was opened in 1953.

It has hosted many monumental sports moments such as the 1990 FIFA World Cup, the 1987 World Championships in Athletics, and the Rugby Six Nations Championships.  Many rock stars and pop stars like Madonna, Beyonce, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and Ed Sheeran have also graced the stadium with their presence while passing through Italy.

It can be found on the bucket list of stadiums for fans all over the world but trust me, it’s as much fun for non-football fans too.

Number 2. Vatican City 

This surely needs no introduction. It ranks among the top 3 most popular places in Rome and it certainly isn’t number 2. It houses St. Peter’s Basilica which is the world’s largest Catholic Church.  That isn’t all. 

Within the church, you can also find perhaps the best collection of artistic masterpieces on the planet, spanning the ancient world, the Renaissance, and beyond.

Despite the millions of tourists the Vatican receives on a yearly basis, it is surprisingly a part of Rome you can always head to if you are ever in need of some peace and quiet. The Vatican gardens are always calm and will help calm frayed nerves.

Most of all, the Pope of the Catholic Church lives here. Wouldn’t you like to see the Pope?

Number 1. Colosseum

You might have heard about the Colosseum long before you came across this video and I’m sorry to shock you but…it is well worth the hype!

Gotcha!

Aside from the Vatican, the Colosseum is another thing that comes to mind at the mention of Rome. It has over 2000 years of history and will transport you back to the Roman Empire when the place still bore the name Flavian Amphitheatre.

It is an imposing structure and was designed to house over 50,000 people. Gone are the days when it played host to gladiator games, play and even public executions. Now, it’s all about the inner architectural beauty and the history associated with it.

Your visit to Rome wouldn’t be complete if you did not drop by the Colosseum.