Best Things to Do in Rome (Besides the Colosseum)

The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, is no doubt iconic. But if you visit Rome and that's all you see, you're missing out on a big chunk of the heart and soul of this ancient city.

Beyond the picture-perfect postcard views, the Eternal City is a city packed with hidden piazzas, lush local markets, and ancient buildings dating back to the Roman Empire worth lingering over.

In this guide, we're going off the beaten path. We're wandering down the cobbliest of cobbled alleys to share some of the lesser-known (but equally captivating) experiences Rome has to offer.

So grab an espresso and read on to discover the best things to do in Rome that you may not find on the front page of a brochure in a tourist shop.

Get Funky in Trastevere, the Bohemian Heart of Rome

Even though Trastevere is just a short walk across the Tiber River, it's like it's a completely different world compared to Rome's city centre. It's quieter, a lot quirkier, and it feels like a place you could see yourself living in.

Local Vibes and Cobblestone Streets

When you first arrive, take time to wander through all of the side streets packed with eclectic shops, street artists, and bakeries serving maritozzi (and of course, tiramisu). If you need something a bit more substantial, skip the main drag and see what restaurants and cafés you can find hidden away on the even quieter backstreets. The best trattorias (i.e. casual restaurants) won't be so obvious to spot if you're not looking in the right places.

Evening Aperitivo Scene

When late afternoon turns into evening, Trastevere becomes one of Rome's liveliest aperitivo hubs. Italians take this pre-dinner ritual very seriously, and you'll be able to find plenty of open-air bars with outdoor seating (perfect for people watching), where the drinks and appetisers will be flowing. Aperitivo tends to begin around 6 pm, so make sure to perch up, order a drink, and soak in all the good vibes.

If you're not quite sure where to go in Trastevere, having ZenSim in your pocket means you can find that perfect spot for a spritz, with a riverside view at that!

Visit St. Peter’s Basilica

Even if you skip the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel queues, you absolutely cannot not go to St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s more than just a catholic church. It’s an iconic piece of Roman history and Renaissance architecture on a breathtaking scale.

Vatican City Without the Vatican Museum Queue

The absolute best part about St. Peter's Basilica is that the entrance is completely free. To avoid the crowds, aim to arrive early in the morning or later in the evening. When you arrive, take just a couple of minutes to soak it all in. It really does take your breath away.

For a small fee, you can also climb to the top of the dome. The view from the top offers some of the best panoramic views in Rome, stretching across the Vatican gardens and the city's ancient streets.

Get Lost in the Centro Storico (Rome's Historic Centre)

Rome's historic centre, or Centro Storico, is like a massive maze (and you need to get lost in it). This is the place to wander around without a map. Just see what you can find and embrace it!

Piazzas, Fountains, and Rich History

Start near the Pantheon at Piazza della Rotonda. This is one of the best-preserved buildings in ancient Rome, and it's worth stepping inside to have a look around. Make sure to look up at its coffered dome, dating back to the second century, which is still an architectural marvel. From there, take a walk toward Piazza della Minerva. You'll pass numerous ancient sculptures, including Bernini’s statue of an elephant carrying an obelisk.

Another spot you won't want to miss is Campo de' Fiori, where you'll find local market stalls with fresh flowers and produce.

Just Wander Around

Exploring Rome's city centre is all about flow. There's no right or wrong route; just let yourself wander around and explore all the cool things this city has to offer.

You don't want to feel stressed or disoriented, though, so make sure to use a travel SIM, like ZenSim's eSIM, when you're out exploring. You won't want to have your phone out all day, but having access to the internet will still be helpful for translating menus, searching nearby cafés, and checking opening hours and prices for museums and churches.

Go on, Toss a Coin at the Trevi Fountain (Then Go Eat Nearby)

Aside from the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain may be one of Rome’s most visited landmarks. Yes, a bit touristy. But there's a reason why people keep coming back (and why it made this list!).

A Tradition That Never Gets Old

Tradition says that if you make a wish and toss a coin over your shoulder into Trevi Fountain, you're guaranteed to return to the city. This alone is reason enough to make a pitstop, because who wouldn't want to manifest another trip to Rome?

Even if you don't believe the legend, the moment you throw the coin over your shoulder feels meaningful. You're a part of a long-standing tradition, and that's actually pretty cool!

To avoid the dense crowds, try to visit early in the morning or later in the evening. You'll have a better chance of actually appreciating the foundation if you don't have to elbow your way past other tourists.

Dine Like a Local

Once you’ve made a wish, it’s time to eat! The area around the Trevi Fountain is known for its tourist traps. But if you know where to look, you can still find some great spots (without the laminated menus, cartoon chef signage, and pushy waiters begging you to take a seat).

This is another chance for your travel eSIM, like ZenSim, to shine. Before committing to a place for lunch, do a quick Google search to check reviews and discover local favourites.

Escape the Crowds at Aventine Hill

Ancient Rome was built on seven hills, and Aventine Hill is one of them. Even though it's only about a half-hour walk from the busy Trevi Fountain, it's quite serene and peaceful. And it's well worth the journey if you need to walk off all that pizza al taglio and fresh pasta!

A Keyhole With a View

After you've reached Aventine Hill, look for the Knights of Malta keyhole, which is located in the gate at the Villa del Priorato di Malta (Knights of Malta Priory). It sounds a bit silly to go all the way up the hill just to look through a keyhole, but the view is worth it. Why? Because you'll get a perfectly framed view of St. Peter's Basilica. Definitely worth the climb.

Don't Miss the Views from the Orange Garden

Just a couple of steps away from the Knights of Malta keyhole, you'll find the Orange Garden (called the Giardino degli Aranci). This is a peaceful park lined with citrus trees overlooking the Tiber River. Make sure to look out on the terrace, where you can see the dome of St. Peter's Basilica peeking above the rooftops.

Get Yourself Underground

With so much going on in Rome, it's hard to imagine that a whole other world exists underneath it all. Taking a guided tour is the best way to head underground and peel back some of the layers of Rome's history.

Catacombs, Crypts, and Hidden Roman Temples (Oh My!)

A good place to start is San Clemente, a 12th-century basilica. What's unique about this particular basilica, though, is that it's built on top of another basilica that dates back to the 4th century. And then, under that basilica, lies (okay, not another basilica) but ancient Roman ruins dating back to the 1st century. Entering the main basilica is free, but you can purchase tickets from the ticket office to go underground and see the layers for yourself.

Another underground experience worth adding to your list is the Capuchin Crypt on Via Veneto. Here, you'll find an impressive collection of bones of over 3,000+ monks, arranged in decorative patterns across five rooms within the crypt. An odd but interesting experience if you're up for something a bit different!

Booking and Navigation

It's not possible to explore Rome's underground as freely as you can above ground, and many underground sites require you to book a guided tour in advance. These amazing tours can fill up fast (especially in peak season from June to August), so it's important to go ahead and book your spot if this is something you want to do. Travel SIMs, like ZenSim, make it easy to check opening times, reserve your tickets, and read up on the history so you can arrive prepared.

Stay Out After Sunset

There's just nothing like Rome at night. It's way less busy, and nothing beats a late-night gelato on the way back to your hotel or hostel. It really is like you're in a movie (and of course, you're the main character).

Evening Walks and Lit-Up Landmarks

One of the best evening spots is the Piazza di Spagna, where you can climb the Spanish Steps. From there, head toward Ponte Sant’Angelo, which is an ancient Roman bridge that crosses the Tiber River. If you haven't had dinner yet, grab a slice of pizza while you walk or look for a trattoria for a casual, home-cooked bite to eat.

Another excellent spot to see at night is the Colosseum and Roman Forum, which can be viewed from Palatine Hill or Capitoline Hill. Over the course of your trip, you'll probably pass by the Colosseum and Roman Forum at least a few times during the day, but it's definitely worth catching these major sights at night so you see them in all their illuminated glory.

Staying Safe at Night

Like any major city at night, it's important to be aware of your surroundings while walking around. Try to stick to well-lit areas and keep your belongings in a cross-body bag that's fully zipped to avoid pickpocketing. It's also a good idea to stay connected with your phone (don't forget your power bank and eSIM), just in case you need to ring a taxi or make an emergency call.

Practical Tips for Exploring Rome

Rome is definitely a place where you can feel free to relax and be spontaneous. But a little planning and research ahead of time can make your trip go a lot smoother.

Getting Around

Rome's metro system is simple, but also limited. You can get pretty much anywhere with the buses and trams, but expect the schedules to be irregular. The very best way to explore Rome is by walking, so make sure to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes!

Staying Mindful of the Culture

In terms of the vibe, Rome is very warm and social. Like any other major city, some locals may be friendly while others may not be so warm toward tourists.

If you plan to visit any churches, especially major sites like St. Peter's Basilica, it's important to follow the dress code. Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered, and avoid wearing flip flops or flimsy sandals. Closed-toed shoes are best, which will be more comfortable if you're planning on doing a lot of walking.

Having a few Italian phrases under your belt is also appreciated, and it shows locals that you've made an effort to respect their city and customs.

Avoiding Tourist Traps

Rome is a very popular tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. Yes, you'll want to have a 'local' experience, but if you're doing a lot of sightseeing, you're going to stumble upon the inevitable tourist trap.

When choosing a place to eat, avoid restaurants that do not have prices on the menu. And if a host is overly persistent about getting you to sit down in your restaurant, avoid. The best places to eat in Rome don't need to convince anyone to eat there, and they'll always display their prices fairly to both locals and tourists.

Another common tourist trap is street vendors who offer "free" gifts that turn into awkward demands for payment. Common examples of this are photographs with costumed characters, impromptu friendship bracelets, and flowers (oftentimes a single rose). If you're approached, just give a firm "no" and move on. This is the best way to avoid these uncomfortable conversations.

Making Rome Your Own

Rome is such an incredible city, absolutely packed with history, iconic sites, and monuments that mean a lot to a lot of people.

But despite the millions of tourists that visit each year, there's still plenty of opportunity to make the city your own. It's the quiet espresso bar you found that isn't even on Google Maps (go you!). Or the quirky Italian cooking class and food tour you just so happened to stumble upon. It's the lesser-known spots and activities that other people miss that make your trip to Rome feel so personal.

So go see the Colosseum... and then let yourself get lost in this Eternal City.