Home to a vibrant food, arts and fashion scene, the Italian city of Rome has plenty to offer. The Eternal City is undisputedly one of the most charming parts of Italy, and one that the world loves.

From comforting pasta dishes and authentic gelato on every other street to incredible historical sites and Baroque-inspired churches which fill the Eternal City, it would certainly be difficult for you to sit idly and be bored out of your wits.

Here are 12 Things To Do When In Rome for an unforgettable and meaningful trip. Your next holiday is waiting for you.

#1 VISIT THE VATICAN CITY

One cannot say that they have visited Rome if they have not stepped inside Vatican City. The smallest state in the world based in Rome, the Vatican City was built over the tomb of St. Peter.

However, we should not judge a book by its cover. Although small in size, the Vatican City is home to 11 Vatican Museums, which holds the restored Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and the beautiful Vatican Gardens, which even has an enclosure for rabbits!

The Vatican City is also famous for the St. Peter’s Basilica (the world’s largest basilica of Christianity) and the St. Peter’s Square, which fronts the Vatican.

Should you wish to also catch a glimpse of 266th Pope of Rome, Pope Francis, who will appear at St. Peter’s Square every Sunday for a short period of time.

Vatican City
Vatican City, 00120, Italy
Nearest Station: Farmacia Vaticana

#2 ROAM AROUND IN ROME’S PIAZZAS

One of the best ways to truly experience life in Rome is to roam around in Rome’s piazzas. One particular piazza you must not miss out on is the Piazza Navona, which also happens to be our favourite one.

Highly raved as the most beautiful of all piazzas in Rome, Piazza Navona is charming and boasts incredibly stunning views. At the centre of this Piazza lies the Fountain of the Four Rivers, which is often incorporated into films as a backdrop or film set.

You will also find plenty of bars, markets, artists at work and street performers at the piazza, which transforms the piazza into a perfect place to wind down or enjoy a hot cup of coffee.

Other notable piazzas worth checking out include the Piazza della Madonna dei Monti and Campo de’ Fiori.

Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma, Italy
Nearest Station: Ospedale Santo Spirito / Spagna / Barberini

Piazza della Madonna dei Monti
Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, 00184 Roma, Italy
Nearest Station: Cavour

Campo de’ Fiori
Piazza Campo de’ Fiori, 00186 Roma, Italy
Tel: +39 06 0608
Nearest Station: Ospendale Pediatrico Bambino Gesu

#3 TRY THE GELATO

Gelato, we love you. You are our one true love and our addiction to you will never cease. Lucky for all of us ice cream lovers, you can find a gelateria at almost every street in Rome and it is too easy to grab a scoop of gelato whenever the craving kicks in!

What is so special about gelato in Rome is that there is less butterfat in the formulation of the gelato, which contributes to its signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. Gelato in Italian is also always made fresh and from great ingredients, yet prices remain very affordable, usually at €2 per scoop.

Check out our guide to Rome’s Best Gelato for some ideas on where to visit for a yummy treat!

#4 EAT TIRAMISU IN ITALY

A popular coffee-flavoured Italian custard dessert, the tiramisu dessert is built upon a layer of ladyfingers dipped in coffee before layered over with a cream layer, which is a combination of eggs, sugar and mascarpone cheese.

Ask any local on the street, and they would point you to Pompi for the best Italian tiramisu in town! Known as the kingdom of tiramisu, Pompi’s dessert racks are stocked with plenty of boxed tiramisus of different flavours and sizes.

Pompi Tiramisu
Via Albalonga, 7, 00183 Roma, Italy
Tel: +39 06 700 0418
Tues to Sun: 7am – 1.30am
Nearest Station: Re di Roma

#5 MAKE A WISH AT THE TREVI FOUNTAIN

When you throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, legend has it that your first coin would grant you a return to Rome, and your second coin would also promise you an exciting, new romance.

Although this is typically considered a cheap thrill (or even some would say a waste of money), it is actually on many’s bucket list.

Well, if it is not on yours, you still have to visit the iconic fountain. Why, Fendi even made a runway out of it last year with Supermodel Kendall Jenner strutting her stuff!

Trevi Fountain
Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma, Italy
Tel: +39 06 0608
Nearest Station: Barberini

#6 PASTA IN ROME

Rich, fresh, and ravishing pasta; like Italy’s amazing gelato, pasta can be found along any streets in Rome. There is really no better place to get an authentic taste of your favourite pasta specialities in Rome.

Some places to dine at include Da Danilo which positions carbonara as royalty, Roscioli if you love raw ingredients, and IL Sanlorenzo for seafood pasta dishes.

Da Danilo
Da Danilo, Via Petraca 13, Roma, Italy
Tel: +39 06 7720 0111
Mon: 8pm – 11.30pm
Tues to Sat: 1pm – 2.45pm, 8pm – 11.30pm
Nearest station: Manzoni

Roscioli
Roscioli, Via dei Giubbonari 21/22, Roma, Italy
Tel: +39 06 687 5287
Mon to Sat: 8.30am – 12am
Nearest Station: Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesu

Il Sanlorenzo
Il Sanlorenzo, Via dei Chiavari 4/5, Roma, Italy
Tel: +39 06 686 5097
Mon: 7pm – 11pm
Tues to Fri: 12.45pm – 2.45pm, 7pm – 11pm
Sat: 7pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesu

#7 VISIT THE CATACOMBS

Some may feel that a visit to the home of the dead is somewhat a weird activity, but really, it is not. The catacombs of Rome are ancient catacombs, which have people of all Roman religions buried in them.

However, a word of caution—this attraction may not be suitable for children, in light of the extensive collection of human bones that “decorate” the walls of the catacombs.

Today, the catacombs play a significant role in our understanding of Early Christian Art and also serves as the reminder of how one of the world’s biggest religions, Christianity, came about.

For those who are interested in how Christian burial practices are conducted, it is recommended that you drop by The Bone Chapel (aka The Capuchin Crypt). Otherwise, a visit to the Catacomb of Callixtus would be a great place to discover and explore the Crypt of the Popes.

Capuchin Crypt
Via Vittorio Veneto, 27, 00187 Roma, Italy
Tel: +39 06 8880 3695
Daily: 9am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Barberini

Catacomb of Callixtus
Via Appia Antica, 110/126, 00179 Roma, Italy
Tel: +39 06 513 0151
Thurs to Tues: 9am – 12pm, 2pm – 5pm
Nearest Station: Garbatella

#8 EXPLORE THE COLOSSEUM

Living up to the glory of being one of the wonders of the world, the Colosseum is one of the greatest examples of ancient Roman architecture that we are lucky to have sight of today. In the past, the Colosseum was used as an amphitheatre where the Romans would be entertained by bloodshed and other cruel forms of entertainment.

Despite being built over 2,000 years ago, the majority of the Colosseum remains intact, and this architectural feat is one to really admire.

For those who are visiting Rome for the first time, make sure you do not miss out on the grandeur of this magnificent amphitheatre for it will be an experience you will never forget.

Colosseum
Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma, Italy
Tel: +39 06 3996 7700
Daily: 8.30am – 3.30pm
Nearest Station: Colosseo

#9 CLIMB THE SPANISH STEPS

A trip to climb the Spanish Steps has to be on your itinerary.

Built in between 1723 to 1725, the Spanish Steps first existed with the purpose of linking the Trinità dei Monti church (which was under the patronage of the king of France) with the Spanish square below.

The Spanish Steps has also served as a place of inspiration for painters, artists, and poets. Gradually, the Spanish Steps evolved into a place where people of diverse backgrounds would gather and meet. At present, the Spanish Steps still serves as a meeting place for many.

Do not deny yourself the opportunity of climbing these memorable steps; you never know who you may meet, or what you may find.

Spanish Steps
Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma, Italy
Nearest Station: Spagna

Photo Credit: e-Architect

#10 ADMIRE MUSEUM WORKS

A state rich in the arts, history, and culture, Rome is packed with many different museums for all to wander in.

Maxxi—the National Museum of Art from the 21st century—is one of the most impressive contemporary art museums in Italy, which recently received a donation of 58 works from the collection of the late Milanese art dealer and historian, Claudia Gian Ferrari.

If you are interested in architecture, the Palazzo Altemps is definitely one of the best places to get immersed in Renaissance architecture. The Palazzo Altemps was also recently acquired by the state in 1982 and opened as a museum in 1977.

Entering the Palazzo Altemps, you would find a great collection of classical sculptures and a 3rd-century sarcophagus, carved from a single block of stone.

Maxxi
Via Guido Reni 4A, Roma, Italy
Tel: +39 06 399 67350
Tues to Wed, Fri to Sun: 11am – 7pm
Thurs & Sat: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Lepanto

Palazzo Altemps
Piazza di Sant’Apollinare 48, Roma, Italy
Tel: +39 06 399 67600
Tues to Sun: 9am – 7.45pm
Nearest Station: Ospedale Santo Spirito

#11 THE GREAT PANTHEON

Because no one leaves Rome without seeing the Pantheon and believing just how magnificent it is.  It was formerly a Roman temple and now a church. It is considerably among the most well-preserved ancient Roman buildings in the city.

The Pantheon’s interior is extravagant. Upon entering, you’d be greeted by an enormous rounded room covered by the dome. The opulent interior of the dome was possibly intended to symbolize the arched vault of the heavens.

#12 SIP COFFEE AND PEOPLE WATCH

The Italians love their coffee and idyllic way of life. In Rome, do what the Romans do. Pop by one of the many coffee shops in the city and enjoy a cup of Joe while people-watching. It is a nice feeling; you should try it some day.

Besides breathtaking landscapes, friendly locals, lips-smacking Italian cuisine and a rich history and culture, what we most loved about Italy is their love for gelato. You can find a gelateria in almost every street – and sometimes, a few gelaterie side by side – and once you have tried gelato in Italy, you will never see it in the same light again.

Rome, in particular, has so many good gelaterie. What could be better than enjoying a gelato while admiring the Colosseum and Pantheon? Here is our scoop on the best ice cream and gelato shops in Rome.

Flor Gelato Italiano

With branches in Doha, Beirut and Dubai, and upcoming shops in Asia – Hong Kong, Singapore, Philippines, China and Macau – Flor’s gelato empire is on a mission to bring its gelato – freshly made with natural ingredients and no artificial preservations – to the world.

Besides cup and cone, you can also have the ice cream in a hot brioche, or a hot sponge cake. If you have already hit your gelato quota for the day, Flor serves milkshake, hot chocolate, crepes with nutella.

Via Cavour, 337
Tel: +39 338 5637096
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12midnight
Nearest Landmark: Colosseum

Gelateria Della Palma

If you are the type who cannot make up your mind on what gelato flavours to get, you will probably spend some time staring at the ice cream selection at Gelateria Della Palma. With 150 gelato flavours to choose from, it is not exaggerating to say that you will be spoiled for choices here.

Via della Maddalena, 19-23
Tel: +39 06 6880 6752
Daily: 8am – 2am
Nearest Landmark: Pantheon

Gelateria del Teatro

This has ought to be our new favourite gelato shop that we discovered during our recent trip. Gelateria del Teatro is not a secret for those in-the-know; it has been featured in many guides to the best gelato in Rome.

It uses the freshest ingredients – like pistachio from Sicily, walnut from Sorrento – and there are many interesting flavour combinations such as white chocolate and basil, pear and caramel, cheese and cherry, custard and pine nuts. But our favourites are their cheese almond and fig, and rosemary honey and lemon. Our only gripe is the ice cream scoops here are much smaller than most of the gelaterie in Rome.

Via di San Simone, 70
Tel: +39 06 45474880
Daily: 12pm – 12midnight
Nearest Landmark: Piazza Navona

Gelateria Valentino

There are a dozen gelaterie around Fountain di Trevi, but the place that you should head to – besides the famous San di Crispino – is Gelateria Valentino. There are no outrageous flavours, or mind-blowing selection, but what Gelateria Valentino offers is authentic gelato with classic Italian flavours.

Its Love Me (ferraro rocher flavoured gelato) is worth a try. Otherwise, go for a scoop of its signature dark chocolate. But a word of caution: the dark chocolate is so rich that we think that it is more suitable to call it the sore-throat inducing gelato.

Via Del Lavatore, 96
Tel: +39 06 6783219
Nearest Landmark: Trevi Fountain

Grom

Any discussion of gelato in Italy will inevitably lead to Grom, which is quite possibly one of the most famous Italian gelaterie, with outlets in Florence, Venice, Milan, Rome and even New York!

We have tried Grom’s gelato on many occasions, and to be frank, while it is good, it is not outstanding. Nonetheless, Grom serves a respectable scoop of gelato made with natural flavouring, and if you have not tried it before, it is worth a shot.

Via della maddalena, 30A
Tel: +39 06 68210447
Sun to Thu: 11am – 11pm, Fri & Sat: 11am – 12midnight
Nearest Landmark: Pantheon

Giolitti

Despite the mixed reviews on Giolitti – some people find it too toursity and over-hyped – it will always remain as our favourite gelato shop, and a place that we return to again and again whenever we are in Rome. Its nutella flavour is unbeatable. We have sampled nutella ice cream from many gelaterie, but no one else comes close.

Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40
Tel: +39 06 699 1243
Daily: 7am – 2am
Nearest Landmark: Pantheon

Il Gelato Di San Crispino

An establishment in Rome, Il Gelato Di San Crispino has been serving up gelato to locals and tourists alike, so it is fair to say that they know their gelato well. Google “Trevi Fountain’s gelato” and chances are, you will find most of the articles raving about the gelato from Il Gelato Di San Crispino.

Via della Panetteria, 42
Tel: +39 06 679 3924
Daily: 12pm – 12.30am
Nearest Landmark: Trevi Fountain

If you are planning a trip to Europe, Rome – the capital city of Italy, and the eternal city – should be at the top of your to-go list. Here are 3 reasons why you must visit Rome.

Old Bridge

After a day of exploring the Vatican City, take a short walk to Old Bridge, which serves some of the best scoops in the city. An institution in Rome, Old Bridge uses only whole milk, whipped cream and fresh fruits, and it features popular flavours like stracciatella, creme caramel, pistachio, fior di latte and nutella.

Viale Bastioni di Michelangelo, 5
Tel: +39 06 4559 9961
Daily: 9am – 2am
Nearest Landmark: Vatican City

Read our guide on Rome’s Top 10 Budget Restaurants

From a famous bakery which serves freshly-baked bread and pizzas, to an old-school eatery that dedicates itself to fried cod fillet, and restaurants in the vicinity of popular attractions like Pantheon and Colosseum, here is our take on Rome’s Top 10 Budget Restaurants where you can enjoy Rome’s impressionable culinary offerings sans the exorbitant prices.

Almando al Pantheon

Another place that is worth checking out in the Pantheon area is Almando al Pantheon. Established in 1961, this homely Italian restaurant is located just beside the famous landmark, and it is fully packed every day. Spaghetti cacio e pepe (€10.50) and Trippa alla Roman (€15) are two of the signature Roman dishes that you must try here. Reservations are required.

Salita dè Crescenzi, 31
Tel: +39 06 6880 3034
Daily: 12.30pm – 3pm, 7pm – 11pm
Nearest Landmark: Pantheon

Antico Forno Roscioli

One of the most popular bakeries in Rome, Antico Forno Roscioli offers a huge variety of traditional Italian bread and pastries, but what locals come back regularly for is its delicious pizzas. Among the ones that we tried across several occasions, we have to say that the mozzarella with tomato pizza is the most satisfying one.

In addition, Roscioli also has a dine-in area that serves a small selection of freshly-cooked pastas (€6 – €7), which includes fettuccine with mushroom in a cheese sauce, risotto pomodoro, ravioli ricotta and pesto linguine.

Via dei Chiavari 34
Tel: +39 06 686 4045
Daily: 7am – 8pm
Nearest Landmark: Campo de’ Fiori

Barnum Cafe

Barnum is a café which combines comfort food, wine, cocktails, music, art and every day homemade cakes. It offers different daily specials for lunch; choose from a selection of Italian meats, cheese and salads. Blackboard specials (€4 - €8) include quiche, hamburger and pasta. The café offers free wifi, and is a wonderful place to chillout and spend a few hours.

Via del Pellegrino, 87
Tel: +39 06 6476 0483
Daily: 9am – 1.30am
Nearest Landmark: Campo de’ Fiori

Ciampini Bistrot

Take little breaks in between shopping, enjoy the vibe of Piazza di Spagna and rest your feet over cakes and pastries over at Ciampini Bistrot. Its baby pizza set (€10), which comes with a small pizza and a soft drink/prosecco/wine, is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

The outdoor terrace seats are a great place to people-watch, and you get a gorgeous view of the Spanish Steps.

Via Fontanella Borghese, 59
Tel: +39 06 6813 5108
Nearest Landmark: Piazza di Spagna

Da Francesco

One day, we will go to Naples, but for now, we are contented with the pizzas from Da Francesco – a pizzeria tucked in one of the streets near Piazza Navona. We ordered the Capricciosa – a toothsome pizza filled with generous toppings of tomato, mozzarella, mushrooms, prosciutto, artichoke, and olives. As far as we are concerned, this is the best we’ve had in Rome and it was supremely delicious that we would give anything to have another serving right about now.

We also tried the Carbonara, and while it was well-cooked, it paled in comparison to the pizza. Vongole is another signature pasta which you should try. Pastas are below €10, while the basic Margherita pizza starts from €6.

Da Francesco dishes out authentic Italian cuisine at affordable prices, and it is a place that we would return to every time we are in Rome.

Piazza del Fico, 29
Tel: +39 06 686 4009
Daily: 12pm – 4pm, 7pm – 12.30am
Nearest Landmark: Piazza Navona

Dar Filettaro

An old-school restaurant which specialises in fried cod fillet (€5) – the only main dish on the menu. You can also order an assortment of antipasti (€5) like fried zucchini, salami and mushrooms. Come here for an inexpensive meal when you are in the Old Rome area.

Largo dei Librari, 88
Tel: +39 06 686 4018
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Landmark: Campo de’ Fiori

Enoteca Corsi

Most of the restaurants at Piazza del Spagna are either too expensive or serve mediocre food. Enoteca Corsi is a rare exception. Expect friendly price tags (€10 – €12) for pastas, and main courses (start from €12) – there is really nothing to pick on for an affordable location as such in the said prime district.

Via del Gesù, 87/88
Daily: 8.30am – 1pm, 5pm – 8pm
Nearest Landmark: Piazza di Spagna

La Taverna Dei Quaranta

By and large, restaurants surrounding the main places of attractions are nowhere near authentic and affordable, but La Taverna Dei Quaranta is an exceptional find. It is just a 5-minute walk from the Colosseo, and we enjoyed a good lunch without breaking a hole in the pocket. Pastas are priced below €10, while main courses are available from €10 to €16.

Via Claudia, 24
Tel: +39 06 700 0550
Daily: 12.30pm – 3.30pm, 7.30pm – 12 midnight
Nearest Landmark: Colosseum

Li Rioni

This busy neighhourhood pizzeria is a stone’s throw away from the Colosseum. Take a stroll and avoid the touristy area and treat yourself to a hearty local fare. The antipasti, pastas and main courses are all well-prepared and inexpensive, but what you must not miss are the thin crust Roman-style pizzas that will instantly whet your appetite once they are out from the wood ovens. From the classic Margherita and Funghi, to calzone and Capricciosa, there are more than 30 choices on Li Rioni’s pizza menu, and there is bound to be one that you will love.

Via S. Quattro, 24
Tel: +39 06 7045 0605
Nearest Landmark: Colosseum

Taverna del Seminario

This place may be catered to mainly tourists, but it is still our top pick because it has a comprehensive menu at very pocket-friendly prices, and the strategic location makes it a perfect lunch or dinner spot after visiting Pantheon.

Pastas are mostly between €5 to €9, while second courses like steak, grilled lamb, and sea bream are around €6 to €12. It also has a set menu which includes bruschetta, pasta, main course and dessert for only €15. While the food may not be out-of-the-world good, it is decent and portions are generous – perfect for cold winter days. For the extremely reasonable prices, there is really nothing to gripe about. And oh, did we mention that the restaurant has free-wifi, too? Don’t be surprised to see a line here during meal times.

Via del Seminario, 105
Tel: +39 06 8110 9909
Daily: 12pm – 11.15pm
Nearest Landmark: Pantheon

Also read our guide on 3 Reasons to visit Rome