The Top Things To Do On Your First Trip to Rome | All-In-One Travel Guide

Heading to Rome for your next vacation? I went in the Summer of 2023 and had one of the best times here in this bustling, historic Italian city. The city is rich with history and culture, paving way for some of the most famous landmarks in the world and the best restaurant scene. I will outline for you the best things to do in Rome in this all-in-one travel guide:

Visit the Trevi Fountain

The Trevi fountain will likely be at the top of any Rome travel guide, and there is good reason for it. This 18th century historic fountain has breathtaking details and is beyond beautiful in person. The surrounding area is also wonderful to explore with lots of cafes in the nearby alleys; the fountain is actually in the intersection of three streets hence the name coming from “Tre Vie” (three streets).

Pro Tip: Arrive early in the morning to avoid the massive crowds that gather here, especially during busier tourist months. I also recommend not getting too caught up in taking the perfect photo in front of it – there were hundreds of people trying to get the best shot and seemingly missed out on observing the details of the fountain itself.

Walk through the Trastevere Neighborhood

The Trastevere neighborhood was the cutest area in Rome we visited. The cobblestone streets, ivy-covered apartment buildings, and bright colors are so picturesque. There are also so many cafes, gelaterias, bars, and restaurants lining the streets here that make it so fun for lunch or an aperitif. The area itself is quite peaceful and was so fun to walk through in the afternoon – this should definitely be on your list to spend an afternoon!

Book a Guided Tour of the Colosseum and The Roman Forum

The colosseum is arguably the most known landmark in Italy and is a must-see if traveling to Rome. The lines to enter can be hours long so I recommend booking a guided tour so that you’ll get to go in through a separate entrance at your designated time and also learn more about its history.

Be sure to book a tour that also includes tickets to the Roman Forum. This is right next to the Colosseum and is just as, if not more, impressive to see. You’ll get to walk to Palatine Hil that offers panoramic views of Rome and then walk through the ruins of what used to be the center of ancient Roman civilization. This land once held the religious, gladiatorial, and social gatherings of ancient Romans – very incredible history to witness and walk through.

Take a Cooking Class!

One of the fun activities to embark on in Rome is to take a cooking class! There are so many to choose from; we opted for one via Get Your Guide. We made homemade pasta and tiramisu with a small group and got to enjoy our meal together at the end of the class. We had a blast learning from our Italian chef and getting to meet other travelers.

Visit Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica

Vatican City is the smallest city-state in the world, home to the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. The population of 765 people is self-governed and funded by donations and visitor admissions/tourist gifts. Upon entering, you’ll walk through grand pillars before entering the St. Peter’s Square. If you are planning to go into the Basilica, make sure to get tickets in advance and have clothing properly covering your knees/shoulders.

Piazza Navona Square

I hadn’t seen a lot of articles list the Piazza Navona Square, but this was such a lovely square in the center of Rome. The La Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi fountain is at the center of this historic square, dating back to as far as 1 A.D. There were also so many art stands, restaurants, and little shops in the square itself and in surrounding streets. The restaurants seemed a bit more touristy but I would recommend grabbing a drink here while sitting outside!

Enjoy Incredible Food and Drinks

The food in Rome, Italy is truly some of the best in the world. Coming from the United States, it was also much cheaper in comparison to the prices at home. We enjoyed classic breakfasts (espresso, croissant, orange juice), aperol spritz’s, pastas, pizza, and gelato each day for sometimes as little as €5. We did a mix of reservations and stumbling upon hole-in-the-wall spots which we found to be the best way to find amazing food throughout the city.

Walk the Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps in Rome connect the Piazza di Spagna Square to the Trinita dei Monti church. These 135 steps have become a popular gathering point in Rome, especially after Audrey Hepburn’s Roman Holiday. We came here at night and the energy was so high – couples were dancing on the steps, people solo-journaling, and group gatherings. It can be a quicker stop on your itinerary but definitely worth visiting either day or night.

Rome is the city of echoes, the city of illusions, and the city of yearning.

Giotto di Bondone, Renaissance painter