Introduction: Falling in Love with the Eternal City
Rome isn’t just a city you visit, it’s an experience that unfolds around every corner, in every piazza, through layers of ancient Rome and modern life entwined. From the moment you arrive, whether stepping off a train at Termini or touching down at Fiumicino Airport, you realize you’ve joined a story more than 2,500 years in the making. Welcome to the Eternal City, where emperors once strode beside the Tiber River, where popes still preside from St. Peter’s Basilica, and where la dolce vita can be found on every rooftop terrace.
Whether you’re here for the famous sights or the hidden gems, this guide will show you the best things to do in Rome, plus insider tips, like how to arrive early to beat tourist traps, and why having reliable connectivity with Firsty’s eSIM makes exploring Rome, Italy smoother than ever.
1. Step Back in Time at the Colosseum & Imperial Forums
When you think of Rome, images of gladiators and marble arches likely pop into your mind. The Colosseum is the quintessential symbol of the Roman Empire, an icon of power and spectacle. To truly immerse yourself:
Buy Colosseum Tickets in Advance: Secure skip‑the‑line access, then plan to arrive early, before the morning crowds swarm.
Descend to the Colosseum Underground: Explore tunnels where gladiators and animals waited before battling in the arena above.
Wander the Imperial Forums: Once the political heart of ancient Roman life, these wide plazas are rich with crumbling temples and arches.
Tip: From the Palatine Hill, just a short walk away, you can gaze down on both the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus. This vantage offers unparalleled context for Rome’s history. And if you want to cover ground efficiently, consider an e‑bike tour that glides you from the Colosseum to the historic center in minutes.
2. Delve into the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Adjacent to the Colosseum lies the sprawling Roman Forum, once the bustling marketplace and civic center of ancient Rome. Here, you’ll trace the footsteps of Roman Emperor Hadrian and other rulers whose statues you can still glimpse amid the ruins.
Palatine Hill: Legend says Romulus founded Rome here. Hike to its terrace for unrivaled views of the Forum and pageantry below.
Temple of Saturn & Arch of Titus: Two of the famous sights that illustrate Rome’s grandeur and its role in shaping Western civilization.
Pro tip: Join a guided tour that interprets weather‑worn columns and mosaic fragments. Without context, they’re just stones, but with a guide, they spring back to life.
3. Vatican City: A Sovereign State of Splendor
No list of the best things to do in Rome is complete without a pilgrimage to Vatican City. Enclosed within the city walls of Italy’s capital, this micro‑state is the epicenter of the Catholic Church.
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
The Vatican Museums house one of the world’s largest art collections: tapestries, tapestries, sculptures, and classical antiquities.
End your visit in the Sistine Chapel to stare upward at Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling, one of the most stunning architecture achievements in history.
St. Peter’s Basilica & Dome Climb
Pope Francis presides here, and crowds gather daily at Peter’s Square.
For €10–€12, ascend the dome climb to the cupola, then push on to the top for a panorama that stretches from orange garden groves to the spires of piazza navona.
Arrive early—the line for the dome and Basilica can snake around Peter’s Square for hours. Or join a guided tour that fast‑tracks you inside.
4. Toss a Coin at the Trevi Fountain & Find the Famous Fountain at Night
The Trevi Fountain is often called the most beautiful fountain in the world. Legend holds that tossing a coin over your shoulder ensures a return visit to Rome. When you come:
Visit at Late Afternoon or After Dark: The crowds dissipate, and the statue‑lined basin glows under soft lighting.
Avoid Tourist Traps: Street vendors peddling “fast‑track” lines aren’t needed if you go before 10 AM or after 8 PM.
Wander around the late afternoon shadows for great photos, then use Google Maps on Firsty’s eSIM to hop over to pantheon or piazza della rotonda, both within walking distance.
5. Stroll Through Campo de’ Fiori & Discover the Lively Square
By day, Campo de’ Fiori is a riot of carts laden with produce, flowers, and trinkets. By night, it transforms into a lively square where locals and visitors mingle over wine and pizza bianca.
Food Tour Stop: Sample street‑food staples, supplì (fried rice balls), porchetta sandwiches and local markets bursting with color.
Jewish Quarter & Jewish Ghetto: A short wander takes you to Rome’s Jewish Quarter, one of Europe’s oldest. Explore synagogues and taste kosher‑style Roman dishes.
Firsty tip: When you find an e‑bike tour that passes through the Jewish Ghetto, you’ll learn about this district’s storied past—and maybe spot its famed cat sanctuary at Largo di Torre Argentina, where felines roam among ancient temple ruins.
6. Climb the Spanish Steps & Shop Piazza di Spagna
The Spanish Steps, 172 risers linking piazza di spagna to the Trinità dei Monti are Rome’s preferred people‑watching perchoir. Sit, sip a granita, and savor life as Romans do.
High Season Strategy: In early spring or autumn, the staircase crowd thins, giving you room to pose for the perfect Instagram moment.
Via Condotti Shopping: From the Steps, stroll along designer boutiques; even window‑shopping here feels glamorous.
From the top, you can continue to villa borghese, a beautiful park with shaded paths and terraces overlooking the river Tiber.
7. Picnic in the Orange Garden & Overlook the Tiber River
Hidden above piazza del popolo, the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) is one of Rome’s best hidden gems. Benches beneath fragrant orange trees offer:
Views of the River Tiber flowing beneath ancient bridges
A serene spot for a picnic—grab local cheese and grapes from a nearby deli
This spot is so peaceful you might forget you’re in a 3‑million‑person metropolis. Bring a mat, some street food snacks, and stretch out.
8. Wander the Narrow Alleys of Trastevere
Cross the river Tiber via Ponte Sisto to reach Trastevere, a bohemian enclave of ivy‑clad churches and rustic trattorias. Here you’ll find:
Great Ideas for Dinner: From wood‑fired pizza to artichoke alla giudia in the Jewish Ghetto.
Late‑Night Aperitivo: Join locals at a boutique hotel rooftop or cozy wine bar.
Don’t miss Santa Maria in Trastevere! One of Rome’s oldest churches, dating to the 3rd century.
9. Lose Yourself in Piazza Navona & Its Three Fountains
Piazza Navona is built on the footprint of the ancient Stadium of Domitian. Today, the oval plaza hosts artists, musicians, and the celebrated Fountain of the Four River, courtesy of Bernini.
Wedding Cake Architecture: Look up to see the Baroque palaces and façades that inspired the cake‑like layering of Rome’s skyline.
Coffee at Caffè Domiziano: Overlook the lively square with a cappuccino in hand.
From here, you’re just a stroll from the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Roman engineering.
10. Explore the Catacombs & the Ancient Appian Way
Venture beyond the historic center to explore Rome’s subterranean world:
Catacombs of San Callisto: Walk the corridors where early Christians sought refuge and carved frescoes into the walls.
Ancient Appian Way (Via Appia Antica): Rent a bike to pedal this ancient Roman road, once the empire’s main artery to the south.
Combine these as a half‑day guided tour! It’s a fantastic day trip from the city center without the usual tourist attractions crowds.
11. Marvel at the Capitoline Museums & Piazza del Campidoglio
Michelangelo’s Piazza del Campidoglio crowns the Capitoline Hill, home to the Capitoline Museums. Inside, you’ll find masterpieces like the statue of the She‑Wolf and Roman portrait busts.
Sunset from the Terrace: Exit onto the museum’s balcony for a sweeping view over the Roman Forum and Imperial Forums.
Modern Rooms: The renovated museum spaces blend sleek design with ancient artifacts—a delightful contrast.
12. Relax in Villa Borghese’s Beautiful Gardens
Escape the bustle in Villa Borghese, Rome’s answer to Central Park. This beautiful park boasts:
Galleria Borghese: Book months ahead to see Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings.
Rowboat Rental: Drift on the artificial lake while admiring the façade of the Borghese Gallery.
It’s the perfect early spring activity when orange blossoms scent the air.
13. Discover the Wonders of Vatican Gardens
Often overlooked, the Vatican Gardens are a verdant haven behind St. Peter’s Basilica. Access requires:
Advance Booking: Only small, guided tours are allowed, and spaces fill fast.
A Peaceful Stroll: Meander among cypress groves, ornate fountains, and secret grottos—hard to believe you’re still in Rome.
Rome
14. Uncover Free Things in Rome’s Historic Center
On a budget? You’d be surprised by how many free things Rome offers:
Pantheon: Free entry year‑round.
Basilica di San Clemente: Explore multiple subterranean layers! For only a small donation you can see 12th‑century mosaics and a Catholic Church built over a pagan temple.
Churches: Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano and Santa Maria in Trastevere welcome visitors at no charge.
Pair this with a self‑guided walking distance tour using Google Maps to map out a loop of free sights.
15. Food Tour & Street Food: A Culinary Adventure
No visit to Rome, Italy is complete without indulging. Dive into:
Testaccio Food Market: Sample modern rooms–style pizza al taglio, fresh pasta, and sweet maritozzi.
Supplì & Gelato: Seek out artisanal gelaterie hidden down narrow alleys.
Jewish Ghetto Specialties: Carciofi alla giudia (fried artichokes) at Da Giggetto.
Join a food tour to get context on each dish and meet the passionate vendors behind them.
16. Day Trip to Tivoli: Villa d’Este & Hadrian’s Villa
Escape the high season crowds and head east:
Villa d’Este’s Stunning Architecture: Fountains, terraces, and sculptures in one of Italy’s greatest beautiful gardens.
Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s Villa): Walk the remains where Roman Emperor Hadrian entertained guests in palaces, theaters, and thermal baths.
Both are reachable by train in under an hour, making for a rewarding day trip beyond tourist traps of the city core.
17. Terme di Caracalla & the Circus Maximus
For a taste of ancient Rome leisure:
Terme di Caracalla: Explore the grand ruins of public baths that once hosted thousands of bathers.
Circus Maximus: Imagine chariots thundering past on the world’s largest racetrack—now a grassy field perfect for a picnic.
At late afternoon, the low sun bathes both sites in golden light, ideal for photos.
18. Insider Tips: Touring Rome Like a Local
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Cobblestones demand sturdy soles.
Beat the Crowds: Arrive early at major sites; afternoons are for hidden gems.
Use Firsty’s eSIM: Real‑time navigation on Google Maps, instant dome climb reservations, last‑minute restaurant bookings, and on‑the‑fly translation.
Seek Out Rooftop Terrace Bars: For sunset cocktails over orange trees and domes.
Embrace the Beaten Path: Wander narrow alleys east of Campo de’ Fiori for art studios, avant‑garde galleries, and the occasional pop‑up market.
19. Where to Stay: Boutique Hotels & Modern Rooms
Quality lodgings enhance your visit:
Boutique Hotel in Monti: Close to ancient Roman ruins yet brimming with contemporary flair.
Modern Rooms Near Vatican City: Ideal for early access to St. Peter’s Basilica.
Rooftop Terrace Accommodations: Sip espresso as you gaze over the city center at dawn.
Booking early—especially in high season—secures the best rates and availability.
Stay Connected with Firsty
Exploring Rome’s ancient ruins, narrow alleys, and stunning rooftop terraces is unforgettable. But staying connected makes your trip smoother and more flexible. Whether you're navigating to a hidden trattoria in Trastevere, checking the Vatican Gardens tour times, or booking your Colosseum underground tickets, Firsty helps you stay online wherever you are in the Eternal City.
Tourist using mobile phone near the Colosseum at dusk, staying connected with Firsty during a late‑night gelato run.
Firsty uses eSIM technology to provide fast and reliable internet access throughout Italy. There’s no need to buy a local SIM card or rely on unpredictable café Wi‑Fi. Just install the eSIM, choose your plan, and go. From the Roman Forum to the banks of the Tiber River, your connection moves with you.
Why choose Firsty?
Worldwide coverage: Stay connected to the strongest local networks across Italy, from Rome’s city center to day‑trip destinations like Tivoli. No SIM swapping required.
Affordable plans: Pay only for what you need. Firsty offers transparent, flexible pricing with no hidden fees.
Flexible options: Switch plans, add days, or adjust usage anytime. Whether you're here for a weekend break or a month‑long Italian odyssey, you're always in control.
Reliable connection: Use your data for Google Maps, instant translation, last‑minute museum bookings, and sharing sunset views from your rooftop terrace. Firsty works in the city’s busiest squares and its most tranquil corners.
With Firsty, you don’t miss a moment. Travel smarter, stay connected, and explore Rome with confidence.
20. Final Thoughts: Why Rome Remains a Wonderful, Amazing City
Rome’s magic lies in its seamless blend of past and present. Whether you’re tracing the steps of gladiators in the Roman Forum, tossing coins in the Trevi Fountain, or sipping wine in a lively square beneath Baroque façades, you’re part of a tradition that stretches back to ancient Rome itself. With hidden corners like the cat sanctuary at Largo di Torre Argentina and verdant hideaways like the Orange Garden, there’s always something new to explore Rome.
And with Firsty’s eSIM in your pocket—no local SIM swapping, no hunting for spotty Wi‑Fi—you stay connected, free to roam from the city walls of the Vatican to the far reaches of the ancient Appian Way. So lace up your shoes, pack your sense of wonder, and get ready to fall head over heels for this wonderful city.
