The first time I stepped foot in Rome, it felt like walking into a film set. Every corner seemed unreal, golden ruins, hidden courtyards, fountains gushing in the middle of lively piazzas. But what truly surprised me wasn’t just the grandeur. It was the quiet moments: sipping espresso in Trastevere, listening to a street violinist by the Pantheon, or catching sunset from a hill I hadn’t even planned to climb.
If you’re heading to Rome for the first time (or maybe you’re returning for more), this guide includes all my personal highlights from the famous landmarks to the under-the-radar gems that made the trip feel magical.
Exploring the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Let’s start with the big one, the Colosseum. I booked a morning tour that also included Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, and it truly made the history come alive. Standing inside the Colosseum’s belly, where gladiators once waited beneath the arena floor, gave me chills. The sheer size of it is overwhelming; you can almost hear the roar of the crowds and the clang of swords in your imagination.
Next, I wandered over to Palatine Hill, the legendary birthplace of Rome. This peaceful, elevated area is dotted with ruins of imperial palaces and offers sweeping views of the Forum and Circus Maximus. It’s easy to imagine Roman emperors relaxing in their marble courtyards here.
And finally, the Roman Forum was once the center of daily Roman life. As I walked past crumbling temples and ancient basilicas, I could picture orators giving speeches, vendors calling out their wares, and senators in togas passing by. Having a guide or audio tour helped put the ruins into context and made the whole experience far more vivid.
Pro tip: The combo ticket covers all three sites and is totally worth it. Book in advance and aim for an early morning or golden hour slot to beat the crowds and catch the best light for photos.
Tossing a Coin in the Trevi Fountain
I almost skipped this one, thinking it was “too touristy.” I’m so glad I didn’t. I visited the Trevi Fountain just after sunrise, and for a few moments, it was blissfully quiet. The morning light danced on the water, and yes, I tossed a coin. They say it guarantees you’ll return to Rome. I really hope that’s true.
Villa Borghese & Galleria Borghese
I wasn’t prepared for how much I’d love this place. Villa Borghese feels like a dreamy escape from the city bustl,e think tree-lined walking paths, boat rentals on a small lake, and locals lounging in the grass with a book or a gelato. It’s one of the few places in Rome where you can take a breather from the crowds and still feel immersed in beauty.
But the real jewel here is the Galleria Borghese. Housed inside a grand 17th-century villa, this art museum is small but mighty. Every room is a visual feast, from the richly decorated ceilings to the marble floors. Bernini’s sculptures, especially Apollo and Daphne and The Rape of Proserpina, are jaw-dropping in their movement and detail. Caravaggio’s moody paintings feel electric in person. Even the less famous works shine thanks to how carefully everything is displayed.
Heads up: Entry is by reservation only and includes a two-hour time slot. I booked mine online a week in advance and was glad I did, spots fill up fast, especially in peak season.
Joining a Cooking Class in a Roman Home
One of the best decisions I made in Rome was signing up for a local cooking class and not just any class, but one held in a real Roman apartment. Our host greeted us with wine and snacks, and we got to work rolling out dough, grating cheese, and chatting about how Italian food varies from region to region.
We made cacio e pepe, one of Rome’s signature pastas, using nothing but pecorino, pepper, and pasta water. Simple and delicious. We also assembled a decadent tiramisu, layer by layer, while laughing over shared travel stories with the other guests.
These classes aren’t just about food, they’re about connecting with locals, learning family recipes, and experiencing the joy of Italian hospitality. It felt like being welcomed into someone’s home, not just a tourist activity.
If you’re a foodie or just curious about how Romans actually eat at home, skip the restaurants for a night and try this instead.
Wandering Through Trastevere’s Backstreets
Trastevere felt like stepping into a sun-drenched film set. The ochre-colored buildings are older and more textured than in the city center, vines spill over balconies, and scooters line narrow cobblestone alleys that twist and turn like a maze. It’s romantic, bohemian, and full of character.
I wandered without a map, which is honestly the best way to experience it. Every turn revealed something new a tiny chapel, a street performer, a local chatting with their neighbor across the street. I eventually found myself in Piazza Santa Maria, where locals gather for evening drinks while kids kick around a soccer ball.
Dinner that night was at a small trattoria I stumbled upon with only three tables outside. I ordered amatriciana, a Roman pasta made with guanciale, tomato, and pecorino. Paired with a glass of house red and a view of the glowing piazza, it was one of the simplest and most satisfying meals of the trip.
Catching Sunset from the Orange Garden & Aventine Keyhole
At sunset, I made my way to Aventine Hill to see the famous Keyhole of Rome. It’s a small, unassuming door on the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, but peeking through it reveals something magical St. Peter’s Basilica perfectly framed in the distance, surrounded by manicured hedges. It’s like looking into a secret world.
Just a few minutes’ walk away is the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci). This peaceful spot is perched above the Tiber River and offers some of the best panoramic views in Rome. Locals come here with books, couples sit on benches sharing a gelato, and photographers gather for golden hour. I brought a scoop of pistachio gelato and watched the sun slowly melt over the skyline, with the dome of St. Peter’s glowing in the distance.
It was quiet. The kind of quiet that makes you stop scrolling, take a deep breath, and just be there. Someone nearby strummed a guitar, birds chirped in the trees, and for a moment, I felt completely still in a city that’s always in motion.. Locals sat reading on benches. Someone was playing soft guitar. I exhaled and felt… completely at peace.
Touring the Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica
Even if you’re “not a museum person,” the Vatican Museums are an experience unlike any other. The place is massive over 7 kilometers of art-filled corridors. I saw ancient Egyptian statues, intricate tapestries, and ceiling frescoes that made me stop in my tracks. The Raphael Rooms were a personal favorite, with layers of symbolism in every corner.
And then, the Sistine Chapel. Photos aren’t allowed, which makes it feel even more sacred. I tilted my head up and just stared at Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam, the Last Judgment, the way colors and light seemed to move despite being frozen in time.
After the museums, I headed into St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s the largest church in the world and it feels like it. Marble columns, gilded altars, Michelangelo’s Pietà there’s no shortage of jaw-dropping moments. I paid a few euros to climb to the dome, and after hundreds of winding steps, I reached the top. The view over Rome was worth every breathless second. Red rooftops, ancient ruins, and that unmistakable Roman glow stretched out in every direction. the dome at St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s a workout, but the view from the top? Rome at your feet red rooftops, domes, and distant hills.
Relaxing at Janiculum Hill
Janiculum Hill wasn’t on my original list but it quickly became one of my favorite spots in Rome. Unlike the busy historic center, this hill has a slow, almost meditative energy. It’s technically outside the traditional seven hills of Rome, but still offers some of the best views of the city.
I arrived just before noon to catch the daily cannon salute, a tradition that’s been happening since the 1800s. The cannon fires once a day at 12 p.m. a startling but fun reminder of Rome’s layered military past. Afterward, I walked along the scenic promenade, passing monuments of Italian patriots and leafy trees casting shade.
The panoramic lookout offers sweeping views over the city domes, bell towers, rooftops, all bathed in golden light. It’s perfect at sunset, but peaceful any time of day. You’ll find fewer tourists here, and more locals on a midday stroll or sipping espresso from a small terrace café nearby., but it became one of my top sunset spots. There’s a daily cannon salute at noon, a breezy panoramic path, and statues peeking through tall trees. It’s where Rome slows down a bit and the views? Spectacular.
More Things to Do in Rome
Seeing the Pantheon Up Close
There’s something surreal about stepping into the Pantheon. One moment, you’re weaving through narrow alleyways and the next, this massive domed wonder appears out of nowhere. I went mid-morning and found myself just… staring. The oculus lets in a beam of light that shifts through the day. It felt sacred, even without saying a word.
Trying a New Gelato Every Day
I made it my personal mission to try a different gelato flavor every day in Rome. Favorites? Gelateria del Teatro for the ricotta-fig combo, and Fatamorgana for creative picks like basil-lime-walnut. Rome’s gelato scene is full of inventive, seasonal flavors don’t just settle for vanilla.
Discovering Campo de’ Fiori & Testaccio Markets
I spent one morning at Campo de’ Fiori, picking up sun-dried tomatoes and handmade pasta. Later, I wandered over to Testaccio Market, a spot filled with locals, family-run food stalls, and zero tourist fluff. If you want to see what everyday Roman life feels like start here.
Exploring the Jewish Ghetto & Portico of Octavia
The Jewish Quarter is quiet, historic, and beautiful. I had lunch there carciofi alla giudia (crispy fried artichokes) while sitting near the Portico of Octavia, a Roman ruin integrated right into the neighborhood. The stories and flavors here linger long after you leave.
Descending into San Clemente Basilica
From a beautiful medieval church, you descend into a 4th-century basilica, and then even deeper into a 1st-century Roman temple. San Clemente is like a time machine layered in stone. Bring a light jacket it’s chilly, ancient, and unforgettable.
Spotting Street Art in Ostiense
Ostiense isn’t your typical Rome neighborhood. It’s industrial, gritty, and full of bold murals. I took a street art walking tour that ended with aperitivo on a rooftop bar, surrounded by gas tanks and neon walls. Unexpectedly cool.
Picnicking at Parco degli Acquedotti
One afternoon, I grabbed fresh bread, cheese, and fruit and took the metro to Parco degli Acquedotti. Giant Roman aqueducts cut across golden fields where locals jog and kids play. It was one of the most peaceful spots I found in all of Rome.
Visiting the Keats-Shelley House
Right next to the Spanish Steps is the quiet Keats-Shelley House. I wasn’t planning to stop but as a poetry lover, it felt right. Inside are letters, paintings, and the room where Keats spent his final days. I left with a postcard and a lump in my throat.
Enjoying a Long, Lazy Dinner in a Roman Courtyard
One night in Monti, I followed a glowing lantern into a courtyard restaurant. String lights, clinking wine glasses, locals passing plates across tables. I ordered saltimbocca alla romana and ate slowly, smiling at the simple joy of it all.
Practical Travel Tips for Rome
Getting from the airport: Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) airport is about 45 minutes from the city. You can take the Leonardo Express train to Termini Station or book a shared shuttle/taxi.
Public transport: Rome’s metro is limited but efficient. For short distances, walking or buses are better. Buy transport tickets at newsstands or tabacchi shops.
Roma Pass: Great for museums and transit if you’re sightseeing nonstop for 48–72 hours. Skip if you prefer a slower pace.
Where to stay:
- Trastevere: Charming, walkable, ideal for foodies.
- Monti: Central, stylish, close to the Colosseum.
- Prati: Near the Vatican, more local.
Dress codes: Wear modest clothes (shoulders/knees covered) for churches.
Safety: Rome is generally safe, but beware of pickpockets around tourist spots. Avoid giving money to aggressive street vendors.
Water: Refill your bottle at the city’s public fountains clean, cold, and free!
3-Day Itinerary for Rome
Day 1: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Trevi Fountain, Dinner in Trastevere
Day 2: Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza Navona
Day 3: Villa Borghese, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori, Sunset at Orange Garden
Final Thoughts
Rome is layered. It’s loud and romantic, ancient and alive, overwhelming yet full of tiny, quiet moments that stick with you long after you’ve left. Don’t rush through it. Wander. Sip slowly. Sit often.
Some of my favorite memories weren’t the grand landmarks; they were in between: a surprise art exhibit, a hidden alley café, a sunset view I almost missed. That’s where the soul of Rome lives.
