When in Rome… Laugh, Eat, Explore: Your Fun-Filled Guide to the Eternal City
Top things to do in Rome in 2025 start the moment you set foot in this incredible city. Planning a trip to Rome in 2025? You’re in for an adventure filled with ancient ruins, heavenly food, and possibly the best gelato of your life. Whether you’re into history, culture, art, or simply love wandering timeless streets, the Eternal City offers something unforgettable. This guide isn’t just a list of landmarks—it’s a mix of personal favorites, hidden gems, and meaningful moments spent discovering the heart of Rome.
From climbing the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica to tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain and devouring authentic Roman pizza at Da Michele, these are truly some of the top things to do in Rome in 2025. Whether you’re a history buff, a street food aficionado, or someone who just wants to eat their way through the city while pretending to understand Latin inscriptions, Rome delivers a dazzling mix of wonder, flavor, and charm. the iconic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and devouring authentic Roman pizza at legendary spots like Da Michele. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, art lover, or just someone craving an unforgettable European escape, Rome delivers a perfect mix of ancient wonders and vibrant city life.
This comprehensive guide blends expert travel tips with my personal experiences—including my favorite moments, like eating gelato near the Trevi Fountain and being completely awestruck by the size of the Colosseum. Oh, and I may or may not have declared Da Michele’s pizza “the love of my life.”
Table of Contents
đź“‚ Quick Links
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🔗 Book top Rome tours & skip-the-line tickets – Vatican, Colosseum, & more
🏠A Short History of Rome
Rome’s history spans nearly 3,000 years. Once the heart of the Roman Empire, it was the cradle of Western civilization. It later became the center of the Catholic Church and the Renaissance. Today, it’s a vibrant capital where ancient ruins sit beside bustling piazzas and world-class restaurants. The city has been the backdrop to centuries of human achievement, from the grandeur of the Roman Empire to the brilliance of Renaissance artists like Michelangelo and Raphael.
🏛️ 1. Explore the Colosseum & Roman Forum
The Colosseum was my first major stop in Rome, and let me tell you—I knew it was big, but I didn’t expect to feel like a tiny ant in a giant marble salad bowl. This ancient amphitheater is absolutely massive and completely awe-inspiring. I spent a solid hour just staring at it in disbelief.
Step inside this wonder and imagine 50,000 Romans cheering on gladiator fights (and possibly some lions). Nearby, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill let you walk in the footsteps of emperors and senators.
Tips:
đź“Ť Book a skip-the-line tour
📸 Best View: Via Nicola Salvi or Capitoline Hill
Don’t Miss: The Arch of Titus and the Temple of Saturn in the Forum. Ancient Instagram vibes, guaranteed.
✨ 2. Visit the Vatican & Climb St. Peter’s Dome
If I had to pick one place in Rome that completely stole my heart, it would be the Vatican. From the hushed awe inside the Sistine Chapel to the view from the top of St. Peter’s Basilica, I was totally blown away. Climbing the dome was a bit of a workout (hello, 551 steps!), but the view was so worth it I forgot my legs were on fire.
Must-Sees:
- Michelangelo’s PietĂ & the Baldachin
- The Gallery of Maps
- Raphael Rooms
- Sistine Chapel with its famous ceiling
đź“Ť Reserve Vatican tickets in advance
Extra Tip: Go early and power-walk to the Sistine Chapel before the crowds hit. Then treat yourself to a slow stroll through the rest.
đź’¦ 3. Toss a Coin at Trevi Fountain
Is it even legal to visit Rome and not toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain? Legend says you’ll return if you do—which explains why I’m already planning my next trip.
One of my favorite moments was sitting nearby with a giant scoop of gelato (stracciatella, in case you’re wondering), just soaking up the magic of this Baroque beauty. The sound of rushing water, the glow of the statues—it felt like I was in a movie.
Nearby: Boutique shops, street musicians, and plenty more gelato.
⛪ 4. Step Inside the Pantheon
The Pantheon is so well-preserved it looks like the Romans just finished building it yesterday. The open oculus at the top lets sunlight (or rain) pour in dramatically—nature’s own spotlight!
Fun Fact: The dome is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world, and it’s been influencing architects since ancient times.
🌿 5. Discover Rome’s Hidden Gems
- Trastevere: Possibly my favorite neighborhood for wandering aimlessly. Charming alleys, buzzing bars, and authentic pasta spots.
- Aventine Keyhole: I’ll admit I waited in line just to peek through a door. Was it worth it? 100% yes.
- Appian Way: Rented a bike, felt like a Roman road warrior.
- Centrale Montemartini: Roman statues + old machinery = oddly cool.
- Jewish Ghetto: Quiet, historic, and home to the best fried artichokes I’ve ever tasted.
🌇 6. Get the Best Views of the City
- St. Peter’s Dome: Nothing beats it. Period.
- Orange Garden: Peaceful, romantic, and smells amazing.
- Pincian Terrace: Great for a scenic break after exploring Villa Borghese.
- Janiculum Hill: Noon cannon fire and sweeping skyline views.
- Castel Sant’Angelo: Offers castle vibes and incredible photo ops.
🍝 7. Taste Authentic Roman Cuisine
Rome’s food scene is like a love letter to your taste buds. I tried just about everything—and then went back for seconds.
- Cacio e Pepe – Cheesy, peppery, and pure magic.
- Carbonara – I may never eat bacon again. It’s guanciale or bust now.
- Amatriciana – Slightly spicy and totally addictive.
- Supplì – Crispy, gooey, and my new favorite snack.
- Gelato – I had it every day. No regrets. Fatamorgana and Gelateria del Teatro are chef’s kiss.
Where to Eat: Try Tonnarello for pasta and Roscioli for everything.
🍕 8. Eat at Da Michele – My Favorite Pizza
Now let’s talk pizza. Specifically, Da Michele, the pizzeria that changed my life. I’m not saying I cried while eating the Margherita… but I’m not not saying it either. The sauce, the crust, the cheese—it was a spiritual experience.
Location: Via Flaminia 82
🚆 9. Take a Day Trip from Rome
Rome is amazing, but it’s also surrounded by hidden treasures. These day trips are well worth your time:
- Tivoli: Villa d’Este’s gardens are basically a fairy tale brought to life.
- Orvieto: Charming, quiet, and excellent for wine lovers (aka me).
- Ostia Antica: Like Pompeii but without the crowds.
- Castel Gandolfo: The Pope’s summer pad? Casual.
🌆 10. Experience Rome After Dark
Rome at night is pure magic. There’s something about the glowing fountains, clinking glasses, and soft chatter that makes everything feel cinematic.
- Trastevere: Perfect for people-watching and limoncello sipping.
- Campo de’ Fiori: Lively and great for making new friends.
- Piazza Navona: Sit by the fountains and enjoy some vino.
- Rooftop Bars: Terrazza Borromini was a personal favorite.
- Testaccio: If you want to dance, this is the place.
đź—“ Sample 3-Day Rome Itinerary
Day 1: Colosseum (prepare to be amazed), Forum, Palatine Hill, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain + gelato, Dinner in Trastevere
Day 2: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica & Dome (bring water and your camera!), Castel Sant’Angelo, Rooftop Drinks
Day 3: Day Trip (Tivoli or Orvieto), Pizza at Da Michele, Walk along the Tiber River, More Gelato (you’ve earned it)
âś… Final Travel Tips for 2025
- When to visit: April-June and September-October
- Transport: Rome is walkable, but metro and scooters help too
- Currency: Euro (€) – Don’t forget some cash for gelato!
- Safety: Generally safe, just be street-smart around major landmarks
- Clothing: Modest for churches, comfy for cobblestones
- Language: A little Italian goes a long way. “Un gelato, per favore” worked wonders for me
đź”— Get your eSIM with Airalo
đź”— Find great travel deals with Kiwi
đź”— Compare Rome hostels
🇮🇹 Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a trip, these top things to do in Rome in 2025 are more than just a checklist—they’re memories waiting to happen. Whether you’re marveling at the Colosseum, devouring pizza like it’s your full-time job, or getting goosebumps in the Vatican, Rome leaves a lasting impression.
🛬 I came for the history and stayed for the gelato. Will I be back? Tossed that Trevi coin, didn’t I?
