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Things to Do in Rome

Here are my recommended "Must-Sees" if you're planning a visit to Rome

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Rome is a city where ancient history meets top-tier art, making it a top destination for visitors from all over the world. Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world due to it's incredible architecture and history. In my experience, one visit simply isn't enough. I have been back to Rome half a dozen times and always find something new to explore. If you're planning a visit to Rome here is where I would start.

The main things to do in Rome

01

Colosseum

Do this first

Essential on a first visit — and the same ticket covers the Forum and Palatine Hill

“Just how did they make this all those years ago.” — Marcus Cent, 2026-08-23

Our photographs

Our own photographs · 10 in total

Practical

Time
1–2 hours for the Colosseum alone; allow 3 hours to do it with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill on the same ticket
Season
Mornings in April–May or September–October; June–August is hot and busy

Booking

Yes — at least 48 hours in peak season (April–October). Same-day tickets exist but the queue can absorb half a morning

Verified

Opening hours

Colosseum opens 8:30 AM; Roman Forum–Palatine Hill area opens 9:00 AM. 8:30 AM–7:15 PM, last admission 6:15 PM (regular season, 29 Mar–30 Sep 2026).

Last admission 5:30 PM; site closes 6:30 PM. · 1–24 Oct 2026 (transitional period)

More times (1) & source

Last admission 3:30 PM; site closes 4:30 PM. · 25 Oct 2026–28 Feb 2027 (winter season)

Parco Archeologico del Colosseo — Opening Times and Tickets (official) · checked 2026-07-18

Tickets & tours

All Colosseum tours →
Rome Colosseum 2026: Tickets, Tours & Complete Visitor Guide →
02

Palatine Hill

Do this first

Included with the Forum ticket, and the shadiest of the three ancient sites

“The variety and intricacy of the buildings.” — Marcus Cent, 2026-08-23

Our photographs

Our own photographs · 8 in total

Practical

Time
60–90 minutes: Farnese Gardens, Domus Augustana and Domus Flavia, the Stadium of Domitian
Season
More tree cover than the Forum floor, so tolerable in early morning even in summer

Booking

No separate booking needed — it is on the Forum and Colosseum ticket

Verified

What the ticket covers

Valid 24 hours: one entry to the Colosseum and one entry to the Roman Forum–Palatine archaeological area, including current exhibitions. There is no separate Palatine ticket.

Source

Parco archeologico del Colosseo (official) · checked 2026-09-02

Tickets & tours

All Palatine Hill tours →
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tickets 2026: Prices, Combo Passes & Skip-the-Line Tips →
03

Roman Forum

Do this first

Do it with the Colosseum, not as a separate trip — one ticket covers both

“The trio of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are all amazing.” — Marcus Cent, 2026-08-23

Our photographs

Our own photographs · 9 in total

Practical

Time
2.5–3 hours for the Forum and Palatine Hill together; 90 minutes only if you are moving fast and skipping the SUPER sites
Season
Mid-April to May, or mid-September to October (18–25°C). July and August exceed 35°C with almost no shade on the Forum floor

Booking

Worth booking, but skip-the-line is oversold here — official tickets already bypass the on-site queue. Choosing the right entrance and time slot saves more than paying a reseller

Verified

What the ticket covers

Valid 24 hours: one entry to the Colosseum and one entry to the Roman Forum–Palatine archaeological area, including current exhibitions.

Source

Parco archeologico del Colosseo (official) · checked 2026-09-02

Tickets & tours

All Roman Forum tours →
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tickets 2026: Prices, Combo Passes & Skip-the-Line Tips →
04

Vatican Museums

Do this first

Book a timed slot before you travel — this is the one that sells out

Practical

Time
2-3 hours
Season
early morning to avoid crowds
Cost
€20 at the door in 2026; €25 online including the €5 booking fee. The Sistine Chapel is included on every entry

Booking

Yes — timed entry, and the one Rome attraction where booking ahead matters most

Verified

Opening hours

Monday–Saturday: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM. Last Sunday of the month: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM (free admission).

Source

Musei Vaticani — Prices and Tickets (official) · checked 2026-07-18

Tickets & tours

All Vatican Museums tours →
Vatican Museums Tickets 2026: Best Tours & Skip-the-Line Options →
05

Pantheon

Worth seeing

Ticketed since 2023 and €7 since last July. Booking is optional and there is no skip-the-line — entry is in order of arrival.

“Magnificent stone columns. How on earth did they do that!” — Marcus Cent, 2026-08-23

Our photographs

Our own photographs

Practical

Time
20–30 minutes — it is one room, and the queue outside is usually longer than the visit
Season
Early morning, or after dark when the portico is floodlit

Verified

Opening hours

Monday to Sunday, 9:00 to 19:00

Source

Ministero della Cultura (official) · checked 2026-09-02

Tickets & tours

All Pantheon tours →
Visiting The Pantheon: Rome's Architectural Jewel →

3,493 more things to do in Rome

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The best-reviewed things to do in Rome right now, across every category.

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Things to Do in Rome

Every attraction, at a glance

How long each one takes and when to go — the full list for Rome.

The main things to do in Rome, with priority, time needed and when to go
Thing to doPriorityTime neededWhen to go
ColosseumEssential on a first visit — and the same ticket covers the Forum and Palatine HillDo this first1–2 hours for the Colosseum alone; allow 3 hours to do it with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill on the same ticketMornings in April–May or September–October; June–August is hot and busy
Palatine HillIncluded with the Forum ticket, and the shadiest of the three ancient sitesDo this first60–90 minutes: Farnese Gardens, Domus Augustana and Domus Flavia, the Stadium of DomitianMore tree cover than the Forum floor, so tolerable in early morning even in summer
Roman ForumDo it with the Colosseum, not as a separate trip — one ticket covers bothDo this first2.5–3 hours for the Forum and Palatine Hill together; 90 minutes only if you are moving fast and skipping the SUPER sitesMid-April to May, or mid-September to October (18–25°C). July and August exceed 35°C with almost no shade on the Forum floor
Vatican MuseumsBook a timed slot before you travel — this is the one that sells outDo this first2-3 hoursearly morning to avoid crowds
PantheonTicketed since 2023 and €7 since last July. Booking is optional and there is no skip-the-line — entry is in order of arrival.Worth seeing20–30 minutes — it is one room, and the queue outside is usually longer than the visitEarly morning, or after dark when the portico is floodlit
Spanish StepsFree and quick — sitting on the steps has been fined since 2019Worth seeing30-45 minutesmorning for fewer crowds
St. Peter's BasilicaWorth seeing1-2 hoursearly morning to avoid crowds
Trevi FountainFree, five minutes, and best before 9am or after 10pmWorth seeing15-30 minutesearly morning to avoid crowds
Altare della PatriaIf you have longer——
Castel Sant'AngeloIf you have longer1-2 hoursspring and autumn for mild weather
Piazza NavonaIf you have longer30-60 minutesmorning for fewer crowds
TrastevereIf you have longer2-3 hoursevening for lively atmosphere
Villa Borghese GardensIf you have longer2-3 hoursspring and autumn for mild weather

Frequently asked questions

What are the best things to do in Rome?

Visiting historic landmarks like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums ranks high among must-dos. Food and wine tours also attract many visitors, offering a taste of local culture. Booking tickets that combine major sites can save time and simplify your itinerary.

What can I do if I have only one day in Rome?

Focus on key highlights such as the Colosseum and Vatican Museums. Fast-track or combo tickets help maximize your visit by reducing waiting times. Consider a guided tour to cover more ground efficiently.

Are skip-the-line tickets worth it in Rome?

Yes, skip-the-line tickets can be a good idea during busier times. Standing in lone queues at popular sites during Summer is no fun! They save time and reduce stress.

Are there free or low-cost things to do in Rome?

Rome features many low-cost and free options like visiting public squares, churches, and parks. Walking tours through historic neighborhoods are also budget-friendly ways to take in the city’s atmosphere.

What are the best activities for families in Rome?

Families often enjoy visiting the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and outdoor spaces like Villa Borghese. Combo tickets can simplify logistics for groups and help manage time effectively.

How far ahead should I book tickets for Rome’s popular attractions?

Booking several weeks in advance is advisable, especially during peak seasons. Popular tours like those of the Colosseum and Vatican Museums often sell out quickly.

Do I need a guided tour to visit Rome’s major sites?

Guided tours are helpful for understanding the historical context and avoiding lines. However, some visitors prefer self-guided visits with skip-the-line tickets for more flexibility.