What to do in Rome

Activities, attractions and tours

Ancient ruins with columns and a large dome structure.
A bustling square with historic buildings, a prominent dome, and a central monument.
The Colosseum at night with illuminated arches and a busy street in the foreground.
The Colosseum with tourists walking in front.
A grand interior with high ceilings, ornate columns, and a large central statue.

Places to Visit in Rome

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Rome, Lazio while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Rome attractions from NZ$9, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Rome tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 1267 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Rome. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

Colosseum & Ancient Rome Guided Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Colosseum Tour with Forum & Palatine Hill, Day/Night + Arena Access Option

NZ$97
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Colosseum Tour with Forum & Palatine Hill, Day/Night + Arena Access Option
Rome in 1 Day: Vatican & Colosseum Guided Tour – Choose Your Option

Rome in 1 Day: Vatican & Colosseum Guided Tour – Choose Your Option

NZ$347
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Rome in 1 Day: Vatican & Colosseum Guided Tour – Choose Your Option
Rome: Colosseum with Arena, Roman Forum and Palatine Guided Tour

Rome: Colosseum with Arena, Roman Forum and Palatine Guided Tour

NZ$197
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Rome: Colosseum with Arena, Roman Forum and Palatine Guided Tour
Skip-the-line: Colosseum & Forum Tour with Special Gladiator’s Gate & Arena Floor Access

Gladiator’s Gate:Special Access Colosseum Tour & Arena Floor in Small Group

NZ$222
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Gladiator’s Gate:Special Access Colosseum Tour & Arena Floor in Small Group
Skip-the-Line Tickets: Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums

Skip-the-Line: Vatican & Sistine Chapel Admission with Optional Audio Guide

NZ$156
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Skip-the-Line: Vatican & Sistine Chapel Admission with Optional Audio Guide
Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica and Papal Tombs Tour

Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica and Papal Tombs Tour

NZ$71
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica and Papal Tombs Tour
Castel Sant’Angelo Skip-the-Line Ticket in Rome

Rome: Castel Sant’Angelo Entry Ticket and Audioguide

NZ$69
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Rome: Castel Sant’Angelo Entry Ticket and Audioguide
3 in 1 Cooking Class near Navona: Fettuccine, Ravioli & Tiramisu

3 in 1 Cooking Class near Navona: Fettuccine, Ravioli & Tiramisu

NZ$103
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
3 in 1 Cooking Class near Navona: Fettuccine, Ravioli & Tiramisu
Skip the Line: Vatican Museums Tickets with Hosted Entry

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour + St. Peter with Skip the Line

NZ$214
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour + St. Peter with Skip the Line
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Top places to visit

1. Colosseum

Work on the Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre in the world, was started under the rule of the emperor Vespasian in 70 AD and completed ten years later by his successor and heir, Titus. In its day, it could hold a crowd of 50,000 rowdy Romans who would cheer and hurl abuse at the gladiators performing in the bloody entertainments down below. Although the thronging masses are now a distant memory, the physical building is very much still in existence despite being rocked by earthquakes, ransacked by stone thieves and eroded by air pollution.
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The Colosseum in Rome with tourists around.

2. Trevi Fountain

The world-famous Fontana di Trevi (literally the fountain at the junction of ‘tre vie’ or three roads) is the work of Nicola Salvi and Giuseppe Pannini and was completed in 1762, taking some thirty years to complete. Salvi was awarded the commission by Pope Clement XII after initially losing out to the Florentine Alessandro Galiliei, but died before his work was finished and as a result, Pannini was brought in to complete the project. The fountain stands 26 metres high and is 49 metres wide making it the largest Baroque fountain in Rome and a truly imposing sight to behold.
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The Trevi Fountain with sculptures and a large archway.

3. Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps (Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti), built with money bequeathed by French diplomat Étienne Gueffier in 1723-1725 and designed by architects Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi, scale the steep incline between the Piazza di Spagna at the bottom and the Piazza Trinità dei Monti at the top. For many visitors to Rome it is the obvious place to meet friends before moving on to a bar or restaurant, and in summer it can get unbelievably busy, literally teaming with young backpackers trooping between the nearby Trevi Fountain and the Steps.
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A historic church with twin bell towers and a central obelisk, surrounded by a crowd of people on the steps.

4. Piazza Navona

Originally a stadium built in the 1st century for athletics and chariot racing, Piazza Navona was reworked in the 15th century and then added to in the 17th century to take on its present form consisting of Baroque palaces, lavish churches, three spectacular fountains and several smart cafés and restaurants.
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A historic fountain with sculptures in a city square.

5. Pantheon

This beautiful 2000-year-old temple in the very heart of Rome remains an emphatic symbol of the might of the Empire, and it stands out in a city which is literally jam-packed with architectural marvels.
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A large neoclassical building with columns and the inscription "MAGRIPPA COSTERTIVI".

6. St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica, which was designed by Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini and Bramante, is for many the reason why they came to Rome. The utterly mind-blowing church is not only the centre of the Catholic Church and place of pilgrimage for millions each year, but it also holds a particular fascination for non-believers too, who come to marvel at the beauty of the architecture and works of art on show there. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the largest church in the world, nor is it the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, yet it holds a unique position as the greatest of all churches in Christendom.
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St. Peter's Basilica with its grand facade, large steps leading up to the entrance, and the iconic dome.

7. Piazza di Spagna

Embrace the hustle and bustle as people from all over the world converge beside the charming Sinking Boat Fountain in the Piazza di Spagna. Almost every visitor who steps foot in Rome finds themselves at this busy piazza at some point. Admire the lovely fountain, climb up the iconic Spanish Steps and see frescoes inside the rustic French Chiesa della Trinita dei Monti.
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A grand staircase leading to a historic church with twin bell towers, surrounded by classic European architecture.

8. Villa Borghese

Rome’s premier green space, Villa Borghese is not only home to glistening lakes and peaceful gardens, but also contains several interesting cultural institutions. Amble along the pathways and lawns, view a collection of stunning Renaissance masterpieces at the Galleria Borghese and check out rare pre-Roman artifacts at the Museo Nazionale Etrusco.
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A grand historical building with ornate sculptures and a central staircase.

9. Vatican Museums

Rome’s Vatican Museums, considered among the world’s most famous art collections, are an awe-inspiring combination of magnificent masterpieces from the Renaissance and historic Roman relics.
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A detailed ceiling with intricate frescoes and gold accents.

Recommended things to do in Rome

Number of things to do
1267
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Rome's Baroque Art Walking Tour: Who Killed Caravaggio?: NZ$9
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Rome

Stay near popular Rome attractions

The Colosseum in Rome with tourists around.

Colosseum

9.4/5 (44,408 reviews)
Ancient Rome's grand arena once hosted gladiatorial battles and spectacular events for 50,000 spectators. Tour the underground chambers where gladiators and wild animals awaited their fate in the ring.
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Our guide on where to stay in Rome

Find the best Rome areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A classical fountain with multiple statues, including a prominent figure holding a staff, surrounded by water.

Rome Historic Centre

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and charming cafes, there's plenty to explore in Rome Historic Centre. Top attractions like Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona are major draws. Catch the metro at Venezia Tram Stop or Colosseo Station to see more of the city.

A restaurant named Ditta Trinchetti with outdoor seating and chalkboard menus.

Trastevere

Spend some time visiting places like Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere while getting to know Trastevere, and be sure to check out the colourful gardens. You can hop aboard the metro at Trastevere/Min. P. Istruzione Tram Stop or Induno Tram Stop to see more of the area.

The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, with tourists walking around and taking photos.

Monti

Known for its prominent churches and charming cafes, there's plenty to explore in Monti. You can visit top attractions like Via del Boschetto and Imperial Fora, and jump on the metro at Cavour Station or Colosseo Station to see more of the city.

The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, with tourists walking around and street vendors.

Prati

Via Cola di Rienzo and Palace of Justice are top sights in Prati, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Risorgimento/S. Pietro Tram Stop or Ottaviano - San Pietro - Musei Vaticani Station to see more sights in the area.

An aerial view of a historic city center with a river, a prominent bridge, and classical architecture.

Testaccio

Well liked for its churches and live music, Testaccio is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Testaccio Market and Tiber River, and jump on the metro at Marmorata/Vanvitelli Tram Stop to get around the city.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Rome

A historic city with a prominent castle on a hill, surrounded by residential buildings and a coastal view.

Marino

Ancient ruins with columns and arches reflecting in a body of water, surrounded by trees and a hill with a building.

Tivoli

A panoramic view of a historic town with dense architecture, a prominent bridge, and rolling hills in the background.

Frascati

A vineyard with rows of grapevines, a town in the background, and a cloudy sky.

Monterotondo

St. Peter's Square with the obelisk, colonnades, and Bernini's sculpture of a man with a scythe.

Vatican City

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, a mountain in the background, and scattered buildings.

Pomezia

A coastal town with historic buildings and a pier extending into the water.

Anguillara Sabazia

A coastal cityscape with a beach, dense urban area, and surrounding greenery.

Ladispoli

Frequently asked questions

Is Rome worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Rome is visit Villa Borghese. Tick this leading attraction off your list, then experience more of the area's dining and culture.
How do I spend a day in Rome?
Once you've checked off key attractions like Villa Borghese and Vatican Museums, spend some time discovering Rome's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rome?
You can't go home without exploring Villa Borghese, rated the top tourist attraction in Rome.
Is three days enough to stay in Rome?
Three days in Rome is enough to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many travellers spend three days on average. Villa Borghese, St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican Museums are top-rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Fiumicino.
Is Rome a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Rome, like Villa Borghese and St. Peter's Basilica, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.32 kilometres from the city centre of Rome is Municipio I and Rome Historic Centre is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Rome with kids?
Deciding what to do in Rome with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or toddlers, there are lots of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Rome for adults?
Via Veneto and Via del Corso are just two of the things to do in Rome. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Rome?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Rome. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Villa Borghese is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their travel adventures.

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