Visiting Rome for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do

Rome is home to some of the most visited monuments in the world, and waiting in long lines to enter highlights like the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums can steal precious hours from your day. Prebooking skip-the-line entry is essential if you want to maximize your time admiring the magnificent amphitheater where gladiators once fought, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, and other unforgettable sights.

Rome is a sprawling city, and it can be a hike to get from one attraction to the next on foot. Hop aboard a Vespa, a vintage Fiat 500, an Ape Calessino tuk-tuk, a bike, or even a Segway, and zip from square to square to take in the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Pantheon. If you want to do some walking, a hop-on hop-off bus tour is ideal.

Opt for early entry or night tours to stretch your day to the max, and enjoy the added benefits of fewer lines and crowds (and cooler temperatures, if you're visiting in the summer). Experience the peaceful atmosphere of the Vatican at dawn, the la dolce vita vibe of the historic center at dusk, and the timeless romance of the Colosseum by moonlight.

Rome offers more than world-famous landmarks and museums. This historic city is a patchwork of unique neighborhoods, each with a distinct character. Discover bohemian Trastevere, chic Monti, and the storied Jewish ghetto.

Rome has a proud culinary tradition, and its outdoor food markets are centers of community life. Take a morning walk through stalls selling seasonal produce, artisan cheeses, cold cuts, and other specialties. Foodies can opt for a cooking experience that combines a market stroll with a hands-on lesson.

Rome’s delights aren’t confined to its urban center. Just outside the city walls, you can bike along the ancient Appian Way, head to the Castelli Romani for a wine tasting, or see where popes have summered for centuries at Castel Gandolfo.