Rome rewards you differently depending on how you approach it. Rush the obvious sights and you'll feel overwhelmed. Slow down, wander the neighbourhoods and book the experiences that skip the queues — and the city reveals itself as one of the most extraordinary places on earth. Here are the 12 best things to do in Rome in 2026.
✔ Colosseum + Roman Forum (book skip-the-line — essential)
✔ Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel (sells out weeks ahead in 2026 Jubilee year)
✔ Trastevere neighbourhood at dusk — Rome's most beautiful area
✔ Eating carbonara in a local trattoria, not a tourist restaurant near a fountain
Top 12 Things To Do in Rome
Colosseum & Roman Forum
The world's most iconic ancient monument. The Roman Forum beside it is equally unmissable — allow 3 hours minimum. Book skip-the-line tickets weeks ahead, especially in 2026 Jubilee year.
Book Skip-the-Line →Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Michelangelo's ceiling is one of humanity's greatest achievements. The museums are vast — a guided tour ensures you see the highlights without getting lost in 7km of galleries.
Book Vatican Tour →Trevi Fountain & Pantheon
Visit the Trevi Fountain at dawn before the crowds arrive — the difference is extraordinary. The Pantheon nearby is free to enter (small fee from 2024) and genuinely awe-inspiring.
Book City Tour →Rome Food Tour
Supplì (fried rice balls), carbonara, cacio e pepe, gelato and maritozzi — Rome's food culture is world-class. A guided food tour through Testaccio market covers more in 3 hours than a week alone.
Book Food Tour →Trastevere Neighbourhood Walk
Rome's most beautiful neighbourhood — golden-hued buildings, ivy-covered walls, medieval churches and some of the city's best trattorias. Best explored on foot at sunset.
Book Walking Tour →Borghese Gallery
The finest small museum in Rome — Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings in a stunning villa setting. Entry is strictly timed and limited; book at least 2 weeks ahead or you won't get in.
Book Entry →Castel Sant'Angelo
A circular fortress on the Tiber with dramatic views across Rome. Hadrianeum, Papal apartments and a rooftop terrace — far less crowded than the Vatican despite being steps away.
Book Guided Entry →Piazza Navona & Campo de' Fiori
Two of Rome's great public squares, five minutes apart. Navona for Bernini's fountain and baroque splendour; Campo de' Fiori for the morning market and aperitivo scene in the evening.
Book Old City Tour →Day Trip to Pompeii
The ancient city frozen by Vesuvius in 79AD — one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world. 2.5 hours from Rome by high-speed train, easily done as a day trip.
Book Day Trip →Evening Aperitivo
Rome's evening culture centres on aperitivo — a pre-dinner drink with free snacks at bars across the city. Pigneto and Prati neighbourhoods have the best local scenes away from tourist pricing.
Book Food & Wine Tour →St Peter's Basilica & Dome
Entry to the basilica is free — the dome climb costs a few euros and rewards with the finest panorama in Rome. Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst crowds.
Book Vatican Tour →Gelato School or Cooking Class
Learn to make authentic Roman pasta (carbonara, cacio e pepe) or gelato from scratch with a local chef. One of Rome's most memorable and delicious experiences — book well ahead.
Book Cooking Class →Skip the Lines — Book Rome Tours Now
Colosseum and Vatican tickets sell out weeks ahead in 2026 — secure your spot today
Browse All Rome Tours on GetYourGuide →Rome Travel Tips
Best time to visit: April–June and September–October. July–August is extremely hot (35°C+) and overwhelmingly crowded. The 2026 Jubilee Year means higher visitor numbers than usual across the whole year — book skip-the-line tickets earlier than you normally would.
Getting around: Rome's historic centre is best explored on foot. The metro has only 3 lines but covers key areas including the Colosseum (Line B) and Vatican (Line A). Taxis are metered and reliable from official ranks. Avoid unlicensed drivers offering fixed prices near tourist sites.
What to wear: Shoulders and knees must be covered at all religious sites — the Vatican, all churches and basilicas. A lightweight scarf or sarong solves this in summer without adding heat. Comfortable walking shoes are essential on Rome's cobblestoned streets.
FAQs
How many days do you need in Rome?
Minimum 3 days to cover the main sights. 4–5 days allows you to explore neighbourhoods, do a day trip and eat your way through the city properly. Rome is one of those cities where most visitors wish they'd stayed longer.
Is Rome safe for tourists?
Yes — Rome is safe for tourists. Pickpocketing is the main risk, particularly on the metro and around major sights. Use a cross-body bag and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas. Violent crime targeting tourists is extremely rare.
Do I need to book the Colosseum in advance?
Yes, absolutely. Walking up without a ticket in peak season often means 2–3 hour queues or no entry at all. Book skip-the-line tickets at least 1–2 weeks ahead, more in July–August and throughout the 2026 Jubilee Year.