Discover the Top 23 Fun Things to Do in Rome in 2024

Traveling to Rome? This beautiful city has so much to offer that touring it can become a challenge. From the Colosseum to the ancient historical structures to Piazza Navona and the beautifully painted churches – everything in Rome has its history.

The city demands at least 3 days if you want to experience all the fun things to do in Rome, but if you’re short on time, you can hop on hop off Rome, Italy, in a single day.

If you're planning a trip to Rome, here are the must-visit destinations that capture the essence of this magnificent city.

1. A Walk Through the History of the Colosseum 

 

Listed among the 7 Wonders of the World, the Colosseum exhibits the rich and powerful history of Rome. Taking a walk through the Colosseum is one of the most fun things to do in Rome. The structure is an elliptical amphitheater (an open-air entertainment venue) in the middle of the city. 

Although the structure is now partially destroyed, it still exhibits pieces of history and the outcry of the Christian martyrs. Stroll through the narrow openings of the monuments while observing the architecture of the early 72 AD. 

• Location: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

• Ticket Price: Reserved entry: €29.28; reserved entry and Arena Floor Access: €34.95; reserved entry + Mamertine Prison: €34.95. 

• Timings: 1st March to 30th March: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

• 31st March to 30th September: 8:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. 

•  October 1 to 26: 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• Ideal Duration: 2–4 hours 

 

2. Witness the Stupendous Sculptures at Fontana di Trevi 

 

The Fontana di Trevi might just be the most famous fountain in the world! The fountain was built against the back of the Palazzo Poli building in 1762. 

It is a tradition to throw coins into the fountain. Stand with your back to the fountain and throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder. 

Throwing a single coin will bring you back to Rome, and throwing two coins will find your love in Rome. This might be why the fountain attained the name “Fountain of Love.”

Does this remind you of the movie “When in Rome”? Sadly, the fountain in the movie was not real and thus no longer exists.  

• Location: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

• Ticket Price: Free to visit 

• Timings: Open 24 hours

• Ideal Duration: 1–2 hours 

3. Witness the World’s Largest Dome at the Pantheon 

 

I have to say that the Pantheon is one of Rome's most well-preserved ancient buildings, with the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. The church has been in use ever since the 7th century and is dedicated to St. Mary and the martyrs. 

Although the origin and purpose of this building are not clear even to the locals, you can pay a visit here and spend some time in peace. 

Since many churches and religious places in Rome have dress codes, make sure you wear something proper, cover your shoulders, and avoid wearing flip-flops. 

• Location: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

• Ticket Price: 

• Entry for adults: €5 

• Entry + digital audio guide: €15.99

• Fast Track + audio guide: €17

• Timings: Open Monday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; closed on January 1st and December 25th. 

• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 hours 

4. Delve into the Aesthetic Town of Trastevere 

 

Trastevere is a neighborhood in the south of Vatican City. This beautiful city has a fountain in the middle and aesthetically picturesque lanes. 

The area was initially a working-class district and will take you away from the bustling city life and into a small and lesser-known corner of the city. 

The boho vibes and nightlife of the city will have their memories in your heart forever. You can also just sit in the middle of the square, along the fountain, or take a walk in the historic lanes of the city. 

• Location: Trastevere, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome

• Ticket Price: Free to visit 

• Timings: Open 24 hours

• Ideal Duration: 1–2 hours

5. Experience Art Like Never Before at Galleria Borghese 

 

There’s no way you can tour Rome without stumbling on gorgeous historical galleries. Galleria Borghese is also one of the most prominent art galleries in Rome. 

This is one of the most fun things to do in Rome with a Borghese collection of paintings, sculptures, and antiquities. Some popular works include “Apollo and Daphne”, “David”, and “Rape of Proserpina” by Bernini. 

• Location: Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, 00197 Roma RM, Italy

• Ticket Price:

• Adult: €13.00 (last slot: €8.00*) 

• 18–25 years: €2.00

• Under 18 years of age: free 

• Timings: Tuesday to Sunday: 9 a.m.–7 p.m. and Mondays off 

• Ideal Duration: 3 to 5 hours 

6. Experience Peace at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

 

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, or the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, is of Latin origin and is one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome, also the largest one in Rome, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

While you are at the church, don’t forget to spend time appreciating the architecture and artwork of the place. The gold detailing and the marble columns inside the premises will definitely take your breath away.  

• Location: P.za di Santa Maria Maggiore, 00100 Roma RM, Italy

• Ticket Price: 

• Entrance is free.

• Entrance to the basilica + audio guide: €7.50; 

• Ticket to the Dome (including Basilica Papale Loggia delle Benedizioni, Sala dei Papi, Scala di Gian Lorenzo Bernini): €12 

• Timings: 

• Basilica 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

• Polo Museale: 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. 

• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 hours 

7. Familiarize Yourself with Vatican City’s St. Peter’s Basilica

 

Located in Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica is a church of the Italian High Renaissance. This is also the burial site of Saint Peter, who was the first bishop of Rome. You can even find the huge Dome of Saint Peter inside the church. 

It is also believed that if someone walks through all four holy doors of Rome in a single day during a jubilee, they will be absolved of their sins. 

 

Location: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

• Ticket Price: Free to Visit 

• Timings: 

• April to September: 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

• October to March: 7:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

• Ideal Duration: 2 to 4 hours 

8. Observe the Ancient Roman Architecture at Palatine Hill 

 

Palatine Hill is also known as the “first nucleus of the Roman Empire” since it is the most ancient part of the city and is the center point of the seven hills of Rome. As of now, the place has been converted into a large open-air museum. 

Take some time and explore each attraction in great detail, learning about the history and analyzing the architecture. 

• Location: 00186 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy

• Ticket Price: €19.23

• Timings: 

• April to August: 8:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m. 

• September to March: 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

• Ideal Duration: 2 to 4 hours 

9. Behold the Beautiful Ceiling at Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

The Vatican Museums hold an enormous collection of art, varying in origin. You’ll find more than 26 different Vatican museums, making Vatican City the most popular destination for art and museums in Rome. 

The Sistine Chapel is one of the main attractions inside the Vatican Museum in Rome and attracts billions of tourists every year. The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is a marvel not to be missed! The whole ceiling is decorated by Michelangelo Buonarroti, who painted more than 300 figures. 

• Location: 00120 Vatican City

• Ticket Price: 

• Adult: €31 

• 6 to 17 years: €22

• 0 to 5 years: free 

• Timings: Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. (last entry at 4 p.m.) and closed on Sunday 

• Ideal Duration: 3 to 4 hours 

10. Relax and Chill at Piazza Navona 

 

Piazza Navona is a bustling square in Rome, boasting vibrant street art, many lively performances, historical fountains, and noisy but warm cafés.

This elongated square is one of the most popular centers in Rome and is perfect for a relaxing time with your loved ones, people-watching, café hopping, and street portrait artists. 

• Location: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

• Ticket Price: Free to visit 

• Timings: Open 24 hours

• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 hours

11. Relive the History at Castel Sant’Angelo

 

Castel Sant’Angelo or Castel of the Holy Angel, was originally built as a mausoleum in the 2nd century and was later rebuilt and converted into a castle in the year 280, with a total of six floors and more than 58 rooms.  

What many don’t know is that the castle was even used as a prison and execution site for centuries. You might know this building from the very famous movie “Angels and Demons,” a movie adaptation of Dan Brown’s novel of the same name. 

• Location: Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Roma RM, Italy

• Ticket Price:

• Above 17 years: €23

• Below 17: €3.50

• Ticket with audio guide: €32

• Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and closed on Monday, January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th. 

• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 hours 

12. Do Some People Watching at Piazza di Spagna

 

Piazza di Spagna or the Spanish Steps, is also a prominent attraction in Rome. The Spanish steps are a group of 13 stars with 3 terraces that represent the Holy Trinity and connect Piazza di Spagna Square to the French Monastery Church. 

You can chill and relax on the stairs while overlooking city life. Also, do not miss the breathtaking Fontana Della Barcaccia, which is shaped in the form of a leaking or drowning boat. 

• Location: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

• Ticket Price: Free to Visit 

• Timings: Open 24 hours

• Ideal Duration: 1–3 hours 

13. Experience the Eerie Atmosphere of the Capuchin Crypt

 

If you are bored with the beautiful and religious places of Rome, let me take you to something unique but sinister. The crypt is creepy in the way it houses the remains (bones) of more than 3600 Capuchin brothers; hence, not everyone will call this place among the most fun things to do in Rome. 

The bones, or remains, of the Capuchin brothers are used to decorate this massive arena. The place is honestly very creepy; you’ll definitely start getting goosebumps the moment you enter. 

Learn about the history of Capuchins while investigating the bone structures (no touching). You can even explore the underground crypts and catacombs. 

• Location: Via Vittorio Veneto, 27, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

• Ticket Price: 

• Adult: €8.50

• Up to 18 years and above 65: €5 

• Audio guide: €6

• Timings: Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• Ideal Duration: 1 to 3 hours

14. Witness the Grandeur of Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II

 

The unique and fun things to do in Rome are mainly connected to the history and culture of the place. Monument to a Vittorio Emanuele II is an amazing white building dedicated to honoring Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II, along with his huge bronze statue right outside the building.

The massive White War monument is a marvel in itself, but the rooftop of Altare della Patria is something you definitely can’t miss! Take a lift to the top and witness the beautiful view of Rome. 

• Location: Piazza Venezia, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

• Terraces and Museums Ticket Price: €12 

• Timings of the Elevator and Museum: Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and closed on January 1st and December 25th 

• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 hours 

15. Spend Your Time at Piazza del Popolo

 

Piazza del Popolo or People’s Square, is another well-known square in Rome. This neoclassical square is a welcoming place for travelers and offers much more than just fountains and people-watching.

You can witness the twin churches Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto in the square, which are two buildings that are almost identical to each other. 

Another main attraction of the place is the Basilica Santa Maria del Popolo, the 12 side chapels are what make it so popular.  

• Location: Piazza del Popolo, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

• Ticket Price: Free to Visit 

• Timings: Open 24 hours

• Ideal Duration: 2 to 4 hours 

16. Witness the Gothic Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano

 

The church originally served as a papal residence for some time and was one of the four papal churches of Rome. The inside of the church is decorated with relics to give it a gothic look. 

The twelve statues in the church represent apostles, made by the students of the very popular Bernini. Follow the dress code and do not wear flip-flops in the church. 

• Location: P.za. San Giovanni In Laterano, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

• Ticket Price: Free to Visit 

• Timings: 

• Basilica: 7 a.m.–6:30 p.m. 

• Sacristy: 8 am — 12 am / 4 pm — 6 pm; 

• Cloister: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. 

• Museum of the Arch Basilica: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 

• Lateran Palace: 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Closed on Sundays and Wednesdays

• Ideal Duration: 2 to 4 hours 

17. Delve into the Eternal Beauty of Palazzo Colonna 

 

Palazzo Colonna or Colonna Palace, is one of the largest privately owned palaces in Rome. The breathtaking interior, the details, and the warm atmosphere are sure to leave you spellbound. 

One of the rarest art pieces you’ll find in the castle is the painted night clock, kept between two ancient chests in the Hall of Fountain. 

If you want to study the art in the castle in great detail, you can get a help book at the entrance, which will take you through 270 works of art. 

• Location: P.za dei Santi Apostoli, 66, 00187 Roma RM, Italy 

• Ticket Price: 

• Colonna Gallery + Princess Isebelle’s private apartment: €21; 

• Only Colonna Gallery: €15 (for 13 to 17 years old: €10 and free entrance for 12 years and younger)

• Timings: Open only on Saturday from 9:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.; closed for the rest of the week. 

• Ideal Duration: 2 to 4 hours 

18. Experience the Peace of the Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano Church

 

This historical church in Rome is mainly famous for the multiple churches that have been built on top of each other. San Clemente Church does not come under the top fun things to do in Rome, but it’s more of a hidden and lesser-known place in the depths of Rome. 

Do not forget to discover this hidden church and all about its history! It’s a must-visit while you’re in Rome. 

  

• Location: Piazza di S. Clemente, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

• Ticket Price: 

• Entry to San Clemente is free.

• Entry for excavations on the lower two levels for 17 and older is €10, and entry for 16 years and younger is free. 

• Closed on 25 December, and 1 January

• Timings: Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday and public holidays: 12 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 hours 

19. Witness the Ancient Roman Bath at Terme di Caracalla

 

Terme di Caracalla, or the ancient Roman Bath, is the bath house of the emperor of Caracalla and a marvel on its own. The house in itself spans over 11 hectares, with rooms for over 2500 people. 

The best thing about this attraction is that it was not just for the nobility; even common people were allowed on the premises. What you can witness now is just a broken-down image of what it looked like in its true glory, since the monument could not stand the attacks of the earthquake and the raids.  

• Location: Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

• Ticket Price: 

• Adults: €10

• Guided Tour + Circus Maximus: €49

• Timings: From Tuesday to Sunday: From 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. (last admission at 3.30 p.m.); closed on Monday, January 1st, December 25th

• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 hours 

20. Domus Romane of Palazzo Valentini

 

Domus Romane of Palazzo Valentini is another hidden gem—lliterally! The reason this Roman house is so popular is that a hidden gem was found seven meters deep under the Palazzo Valentini in 2005.

Art historians and archaeologists restored the house; you can still see the remains of the complex under a glass floor. The tour of the complex is different; you can witness the excavations coming to life with animations and virtual reality. 

• Location: Foro Traiano, 85, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

• Ticket Price: 

• Standard ticket: €12

• Open full ticket: €13

• For Poste Italiane employees, Rome residents over 65, special agreement holders, and youth ages 6–17: €8

• School ticket: €6

• For children under 6 years: free

• Closed on 25 December, and 1 January

• Timings: 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 hours

21. Witness the Most Celebrated Meeting Place at Foro Romano 

 

Foro Romano is located quite close to the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum. For several centuries, this place used to be the center of day-to-day life in Rome. What’s left of it are the ruins of some of the most important Roman government buildings. 

You’ll find some of the city's most significant structures near this forum. In the heart of ancient Rome, this place was also known as one of the most celebrated meeting places in the world. 

• Location: 00186 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy

• Ticket Price: €19.23

• Timings: Every day from 9 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.; closed on December 25 and January 1

• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 hours

22. Take a Romantic Stroll in the Villa Borghese 

Villa Borghese is a garden containing several buildings and museums, making it the third-largest public park in Rome. A fun fact about this 17th-century garden is that it’s built on a former vineyard. 

You can take a romantic walk in the garden with your partner while experiencing the breathtaking architecture and museums. Bicycle or golf cart tours are also available if you think you can’t cover the whole place in a day on foot. 

• Location: 00197 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy

• Ticket Price: Regular ticket: €13, 18–25 years of age: €2.00, and under 18: free.

• Timings: From Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 a.m.; closed on Mondays, 25 December, and 1 January. 

• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 hours 

23. Experience the Eternal Beauty of Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio di Loyola

 

This is another Catholic Church in Rome dedicated to Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus in Rome. You’ll notice that the church was built in baroque style around the early 17th century. 

• Location: Piazza S. Ignazio, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

• Ticket Price: Entrance is free, but you’ll have to pay a small price for clicking pictures on the ceiling. 

• Timings: Every day from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 hours 

Conclusion 

Rome is home to beautiful architecture, museums, and detailed gardens. With its blend of ancient ruins, renaissance art, and modern vibrancy, Rome offers something for every traveler. 

So pack your bags, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to discover the timeless beauty of Rome.