What to do in Rome? Here it is our list of 13 plans for you visit

Rome is one of the most memorable cities in the world. If you are lucky enough to visit this cradle of history on business, you have endless options to do in Rome. The capital of Italy, birthplace of Western culture, offers so much to visitors both inside and outside.

The city is home to no less than 2,800 years of history. It presents itself in every corner of the streets, dominated by beauty and chaos in equal measure: it is said that Rome is one of the noisiest cities in Europe, partly because of the messy traffic (not forgetting to mention the gesticulating Italians), but this is simply just part of its charm. Follow our tips for things to do in Rome and enjoy the culture of this marvelous city.

1. Shop where the Romans shop

The hustle and bustle of a busy shopping street in Rome gives you a true sense of daily life in the city, even if you choose only to window shop. But with the incredible selection on show, it can be hard to resist the temptation.

Via Vittorio Veneto and Via del Corso are well-known shopping thoroughfares catering for mainstream and top-end tastes alike, however, if you are here on a Sunday morning, pop along to Porta Portese in the Trastevere neighborhood for an authentic local market.

2. Ancient ramparts for scenic drinks

Castel Sant’ Angelo will definitely be in most generic guidebooks of what to do in Rome but that doesn’t remove the 2nd century circular castle from our list. Locals keep this site in mind for beautiful days or evenings as a great place to relax with a coffee or cocktail with a wonderful vantage point above the city and overlooking the River Tiber.

There is plenty of shade from the summer sun and shelter from the wind, if needed, as you snuggle into the ramparts.

3. Pasta and pizza with the Romans

Another perfect plan is to try the local gastronomy. Come to mind is feasting on local pasta and pizza. Whether you decide on the classic spaghetti carbonara or try the delectable paccherri with fresh tuna, you can be sure that Ristorante Il Piccolo Mondo, on Via Aurora, will serve up a treat.

They provide gluten-free selections and have an extensive wine list to ensure your taste is matched. Another suggestion is Pizzeria San Marco, on Via Sardegna…a true saint of the oven-baked crusts.

4.More dining options in Rome

But Italian cuisine goes beyond pizza and pasta. If you want to enjoy a unique dining experience, visit any of the award-winning restaurants such as La Pergola or Il Pagliaccio. Make sure you make a reservation well in advance. Other restaurants that are renewing Italian cuisine are the Hostaria Glass, in the Trastevere, or Pipero to Rex, located very close to Termini Station and to our hotel NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento.

As for sweet, try a gelato (ice cream) at San Crispino (near Trevi Fountain) or Fiocco di Neve. Near the Pantheon is the famous ice cream shop Giolitti, which is one of the oldest in the city. And of course, don’t forget to try the tartufo nero (black truffle ice cream) at Tre Scalini in Piazza Navona.

And if at night you want to take a break, there is always a great atmosphere on Via Marmorata (Testaccio) with many restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Another option is the EUR district, the business center of the city located several kilometers to the south. You’ll find elegant restaurants and nightclubs, away from the crowded center.

5. Looking through the keyhole

Maybe you did not know this tip about what to do in Rome, but once you experience it you may be surprised to note that many visitors to the Eternal City leave without knowing it even existed. There is a keyhole at the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Maita, which allows you to see right into the Basilica di San Pietro. As you look, you’ll see there are two rows of trees creating a natural frame giving you an image to remember.

6. Villa Borghese: A park of one hundred points

Another thing to do in Rome is exercise in the open air; a relaxing read of your favorite book on the lush grass; a drink or snack on one of the many terraced cafes; a stroll around the works of Raphael and Rubens. As Rome’s largest green space, the Villa Borghese provides everything a central park should, and so much more. There are no less than 100 points of interest within the park including a cinema, a boating lake, a Shakespeare theater, a zoo, a modern art museum as well as that gallery.

Whether refreshing the senses or just taking a break from the city scene, this park will look after you well. You can start the tour at the Pincio terrace, which is accessed via a set of steep stairs from Piazza del Popolo. From this viewpoint you can enjoy fabulous views of the city. Once inside the park, you can admire the art collection of the Gallery, including works by Tiziano, Raffaello and Caravaggio, among others.

7.The night-time views of Rome

At nightfall, Rome is even more breathtaking. Make sure you use this as an excuse to regain your strength with a delicious dinner and take stroll back through its squares and monuments to see them illuminated. This is the perfect time to climb one of its seven hills and enjoy the best views of the city. 

One option is the Gianicolo hill: at the top is the Villa Doria Pamphili, a park with beautiful gardens, statues and fountains. NH Roma Villa Carpegna is located at the foot of the hill.

8. What to do in Rome when travelling with kids

If you’ve got kids with you then don’t miss out on a chance to let them learn about the adult world while having plenty fun in doing so. The Explora Museo dei Bambini takes them into a miniature life where they can learn about money, take on the role of train driver, join the fire brigade, or get creative in the kitchen, amongst many other options. 

It’s up to them to play the roles as they see fit. Anarchy is always possible, but you’ll be impressed just how much they step up to ‘fun’ responsibility when they have to and how they leave with a new understanding of the way things work.

9. Living La Dolce Vita

Ever dreamt of reliving one of the classic films of a generation? Well, if so, Rome gives you that chance. The 1960 Oscar-winning La Dolce Vita by Federico Fellini told the engaging stories around a week in the life of philandering tabloid journalist Marcello.

The setting for many of his antics was Corso d’Italia – our NH Collection Roma Vittorio Veneto hotel also graces this street – and you can check out the bars, restaurants and cafes from that that era, most of them still embracing the sweet life to this day. Reliving la Dolce Vita is truly one of the best things to do in Rome.

10. The catacombs of San Callisto

If you have time, be sure to visit the catacombs of San Callisto, an impressive underground cemetery, formed by a network of galleries stretching nearly 20 kilometers. 

For movie lovers, one of the things to do that you cannot miss is visit legendary Cinecitta studios, where you can see sets and prop areas of legendary movies such as ‘Cleopatra’ or many films by Fellini and Visconti.

11. Outside the city for a seafront treat

It’s easy to be trapped by all that Rome has to offer but we’d also recommend you take a short trip to the outlying neighborhood of Ostia.

It sits on the mouth of the River Tiber and lets you experience a blend of both Ancient Rome and the modern culture of today. The seafood restaurants looking out over the Tyrrhenian Sea towards Sardinia are a delight.

12. Dancing in the Eternal moonlight

Rome knows how to let its hair down. Just walking around the districts of Monti, Trastevere and Testaccio give you a sense of the often-intoxicating nightlife, especially during the warmer months.

Terraces and open windows mean the atmospheres within the bars spill out onto the sidewalks and river paths and there’s a real sense of inclusion as young revelers, romantic couples and the older generations all take up their space for the evening’s fun.

13. Roman gems: you just can’t avoid them

 It’s no secret that the Italian capital is a giant open air museum, full of historic images that form part of our DNA. Images that, even without having been there, are carved into our memory.

However, nothing compares to arriving there for the first time. When you already know what to do in Rome and visit the sight of its monuments, the smell of its cuisine, its famous cappuccino, the frenetic noise of the center, and the spirit of the people and the city itself will win you over forever. Make sure you visit some of these iconic monuments of Rome:

• Visit the Colosseum and imagine what happened in its dungeons. The Roman Colosseum was inaugurated in the year 80 A.D. with a bloody festival which lasted 100 days and ended the lives of thousands of gladiators. It became an important meeting place in Roman society as it was the largest amphitheater in Rome and could accommodate more than 50,000 people during its battles and executions. If you are interested in obtaining in-depth knowledge of the Colosseum, go for a guided visit. Be sure to purchase your ticket in advance and select the option to visit the subterranean dungeons. Given its age, you’ll be surprised to find that the colosseum is well preserved despite receiving around 7 million visitors per year. 

• Battle to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain. Concealed in the middle of hotels, restaurants, and shops, dating from the mid-1700s is one of the world’s most impressive fountains. La Fontana di Trevi was designed in the Baroque style, is filled with beautiful details and has been the scene of millions of stories both real and fiction., La Fontana di Trevi is always surrounded by tourists, so be sure to bring your good sense of humor. Don’t forget to follow the tradition of throwing a coin over your shoulder to ensure your return to Rome!

• Explore Trastevere and try a gelato. Trastevere is an enchanting neighborhood to explore. It is outside of the center but very well connected to public transportation. You can get there easily by taking the tram from Plaza Largo di Torre Argentina. Its picturesque streets are filled with trattorias, gelaterias, and small traditional shops selling goods typical of the bohemian neighborhood. Enter the first gelateria you see, choose your favorite flavor, and enjoy this family friendly neighborhood, characterized by its small, winding, cobblestone streets. Of course, don’t forget to visit the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome. Its exterior might not draw much attention, but the interior is sure to make your jaw drop.

• Enjoy Rome’s many squares or piazzas. Piazza Navona, Piazza Spagna or Piazza del Popolo are some of the most popular ones. One highlight is Campo dei Fiori; in the morning you can find a market with fresh products, but at night the Piazza transforms and comes alive and you’ll find yourself shoulder to shoulder with locals and tourists alike.

• Cross the Tiber River by one of its many bridges. A favorite of ours is the one that leads to Castel Sant’Angelo that is full of statues of angels. Additionally, on the Milvio Bridge tourists leave locks hanging as a symbol of eternal love.

About Federica Diomedi

Ciao! I’m Federica Diomedi. I’ve been part of NH Hotels for four years and two years ago I started working on the Guest Relations team. I love taking care of our guests’ needs and I’m so proud of my work and that of my colleagues, especially when guests tell me their stay with us was perfect and unforgettable!! I try every day to leave something special for guests, something they can feel… and we always try to exceed their expectations.