Rome is an exhilarating ancient city where crumbling historic ruins sit side-by-side with buzzing restaurants and trattoria. From mesmerising art galleries and museums to Renaissance churches and incredible sculptures, there’s so much to see that it can be difficult to narrow down the essentials.
We’ve rounded up the best things to do in Rome, including all of the must-see sights in the Italian capital.
The Colosseum
Rome is packed with historic landmarks, but the most famous of all is the Colosseum. Sometimes known as the Flavian Amphitheater, this iconic structure sits at the heart of downtown Rome and is testament to the achievements of the Roman Empire, as well as its cruelty.
Once thought to have been able to seat more than 50,000 people, it was used to host gruesome events such as gladiatorial fights and executions.
Around two-thirds of the Colosseum have been destroyed over the years, but it remains one of the most popular attractions in Rome. To avoid long queues, it’s a good idea to purchase tickets online in advance. Guided tours are available, and you can also visit during the evening if you want to avoid the busiest crowds and enjoy the spectacle of the Colosseum illuminated against the night sky.
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Next to the Colosseum you’ll find the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Both attractions can be accessed using the same entrance ticket, as well as an option to combine the two with a visit to the Colosseum. Palatine Hill is said to be the place where Rome was originally founded and was once home to the emperors and the city’s most powerful families.
There are many other ruins to explore around the Roman Forum, the historic center of political life in the city. From ancient temples to government buildings, it’s a fascinating walk around the remnants of what was once the world’s mightiest empire.
Centro Storico
Many of Rome’s most famous historic monuments can be found in the Centro Storico, just north of Piazza Venezia. This was the heart of the city during the Renaissance, and today you can still find beautiful churches and fountains dating back to this era as you wander around the narrow alleyways and busy streets.
Highlights include the beautiful Piazza Navona, packed with restaurants, street artists and performers, and the Trevi Fountain, the largest fountain in the city where visitors toss coins into the water over their shoulders for good luck – it’s rumoured that around €3,000 gets thrown in each day.
The Centro Storico is also home to the Spanish Steps, a popular meeting point that dates back to the 18th century, with plenty of modern shopping and dining options nearby.
But the star attraction in this part of the city is the Pantheon, the most intact monument of Ancient Rome. Constructed in 125AD, its architectural achievement remains staggering all these years later.
It houses tombs of famous figures from history including the artist Raphael, but its most fascinating feature is the enormous concrete dome, which remains the largest structure of its kind to this day. Entry to the Pantheon is free, and audio guides are available for a few euros.
Borghese Gallery
There is plenty of art on display all over Rome, but one of the best places to see it is at the Borghese Gallery, in the heart of Villa Borghese Park to the north of the city. Once the private collection of a wealthy cardinal, the gallery boasts an impressive collection of sculptures on its ground floor including several by Bernini, whose masterpiece Apollo and Daphne is a particular highlight.
The first floor of the gallery is home to its paintings collection, which boasts works by Caravaggio, Raphael and Titian to name just a few. The gallery is open every day except Monday and has a timed reservation system to limit crowds. Check the official website for ticket information.
There is a large public parking garage underneath Villa Borghese Park where you can leave your hire car, since many of Rome’s historic sights lie within the ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) which is off-limits to cars. The garage is open 24 hours and it costs €18 to park for a day.
Trastevere
Just across the river from the Centro Storico via the Ponte Sisto footbridge you’ll find Trastevere, home to plenty of cafes and gelaterie that offer the perfect chance to cool down with a cold drink or ice cream.
This part of the city hosts the Porta Portese flea market on a Sunday, where you can browse for everything from clothing and souvenirs to antiques. You’ll find the Botanical Garden of Rome here too, along with beautiful churches such as the Basilica of Santa Maria, known for the magnificent 12th and 13th century mosaics that cover its walls and ceiling.
Vatican Museums
Accessible through St Peter’s Square, Vatican City is packed with spectacular attractions, including one of the largest churches in the world. St Peter’s Basilica was built in the 16th and 17th century, but a church has stood on the site since the fourth century.
The basilica is open to the public seven days a week with free entry – there is a dress code though, which means shoulders and knees must be covered when you enter. Once inside, you can rent an audio guide which will tell you all about the fascinating architecture and sculptures, which include Michelangelo’s Pietà. It’s possible to climb the steps of the Cupola to enjoy spectacular views of the city below.
Another must-see highlight in the Vatican City is the Vatican Museums, home to a vast collection of artworks collected by popes throughout the centuries. The undoubted star attraction is the Sistine Chapel featuring Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes. Entry to the Vatican Museums is free on the last Sunday of every month, and tickets and tours can be reserved online in advance.
Beaches
With a rental car, you’ll be able to take a break from sightseeing and spend a day on the coast. There are plenty of excellent beaches within easy driving distance of Rome, including Ostia which is just a short journey south of the city. It boasts clean black sand and calm waters perfect for swimming in, as well as a fascinating collection of Roman ruins at the ancient port of Antica. A parking lot is conveniently situated at the entrance to the excavations.
To the north of the city lies Santa Marinella, a popular beach option for locals and tourists alike. This beautiful bay with its crystal-clear waters has plenty of public areas where you can lay down your towel, as well as private areas, known as stabilimento, where you can rent an umbrella and a sunbed for a small fee.
Surrounding the beach are plenty of restaurants where you can sample delicious fresh seafood – try the spaghetti with clams (spaghetti alle vongole) or steamed mussels (cozze).
With a rental car it’s also easy to head further afield to the resort of Sperlonga, around 110 kilometres from Rome. This beautiful town has been a popular resort since Roman times – you can still see the site of a villa built by Tiberius, the second emperor of Rome.
Whether you’re planning to hit the beach or travel further afield into the Italian countryside, car rental in Rome is the perfect way to make the most of your time in Italy.
You’ll find our collection desks conveniently located across the city, including at Rome Fiumicino Airport, so it’s easy to make a reservation online and pick up your rental car when you arrive. After that, the rest is up to you.