Things to do in Rome for self travelers
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appTop sights in Rome
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Step inside one of Rome’s most important churches and uncover its treasures with this self-guided in-app audio tour of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, including an entrance ticket. Explore the basilica at your own pace, following expert narration directly on your smartphone as you move through one of the four Major Papal Basilicas of Rome. This tour is perfect for travelers interested in early Christian art, sacred architecture, and Roman history, as well as anyone wishing to understand the deep devotion to the Virgin Mary that shaped the Eternal City. The route begins on Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, by the Marian Column, and leads you inside the basilica through its monumental façade. Along the way, you will admire priceless fifth-century mosaics, the Cosmatesque marble floor, the gilded Renaissance ceiling, and the majestic central nave. You will explore the Sistine and Pauline Chapels, discover relics of the Holy Crib beneath the high altar, and contemplate the famous icon Salus Populi Romani. The tour concludes on Piazza dell’Esquilino, beside the ancient obelisk behind the church. Important information: the Basilica of Saint Mary Major is open daily from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. Modest dress is required to enter. Some areas may have limited access during religious services or special events. A small pair of binoculars is recommended to better view the high mosaics.
Age before beauty? Not when it comes to art! See both combined at Palazzo Barberini, home to Renaissance highlights from Raphael, Caravaggio and more. See the frescoed ceiling, crucifixes and works by regional painters of popes and cardinals and get free access to Palazzo Corsini.
We invite you to Vatican to explore the famous St. Peter's Basilica. See Michelangelo's Pietà, Bernini's Baldacchino, and more priceless works. You will learn about the modern-day Vatican, the history of the area, and the architecture of this epic church as you wander through it. Renaissance-style St. Peter's Basilica is one of the largest churches in the world. Over its 120-year-long construction, many top architects including Raphael and Michelangelo added personal flourishes. Michelangelo, in fact, added the dome – to this day the tallest in the world!
If you've stared at old Romantic paintings and wished you could step inside them, head to Parco Villa Gregoriana for the next best thing. Enjoy spectacular nature just a stone's throw from Rome. Hike easy trails, explore unique woodlands littered with ancient ruins, and peek into natural caves. All this in a park commissioned by Pope Gregory XVI in the early 19th century!
The name says it all: MagicLand. It's a place full of magic that manages to keep the kids entertained and content for a full day, without taking a toll on adults! And, it's just 45 minutes out of Rome! Explore lush jungles alive with rides, slides, and good vibes. Jump on board a boat to escape an erupting volcano, race around jungle-reclaimed temple ruins in off-road vehicles, go wild in Italy's biggest playground, and scream your way down looping roller coasters.
Embark on a journey through time with a self-guided audio tour crafted for history enthusiasts and culturally curious travelers. Included with your exploration is a ticket to the starting point, the Capitoline Museum, a treasure trove of Roman history perched atop the city's famous hills. Immerse yourself in the origins of a civilization that has shaped the world without stepping inside the museum itself; this tour focuses on the city's streets and ancient remains. The route is a vivid tapestry of Rome's splendor, encompassing landmarks such as the Theater of Marcellus, the Pons Aemilius, and the Mouth of Truth. History is etched into the very stones beneath your feet, as you witness the might of the Circus Maximus and the grandeur of the Arch of Constantine. Let the past come alive in whispers of gladiators while standing in the Colosseum's shadow. Savor the past's echo in each step and turn, finishing with the tales of Trajan's towering column. Along the way, experience the wonders of ancient Roman architecture and the stories embedded within, touching the remnants of a bygone era. While the comprehensive audio narrative weaves together a landscape of visible relics, please note that it does not include a tour inside the Capitoline Museum itself. Be sure to capture moments of your walk through Rome's history, as these memories will linger long after your journey concludes.
Ostia Antica Archaeological Park is one of Italy's important historical sites, founded by Rome's King Anco Marzio in 620 B.C. Once a busy commercial center, Ostia now invites you to explore its quiet streets. With your ticket, you can discover the necropolis and 2nd-century tombs. Visit the Roman theater and see the ancient mosaics, all standing as reminders of a once-thriving society.
Embark on a self-guided audio tour designed for anyone with an interest in exploring the depths of Rome beyond the well-trodden tourist paths. Perfect for the traveler who enjoys a blend of ancient history and modern vibrancy, this tour offers an engaging way to connect with Rome's layered past and colorful present. Starting at the historic Catacombs of Saint Callixtus and ending at the poetic Catacombs of Commodilla, participants will navigate the winding narratives of the Eternal City, propelled by detailed narratives accessible through their own device. The route leads from the solemn pathways beneath Rome's surface to the vivacious streets of neighborhoods like Garbatella, inviting an exploration of not only Rome's catacombs but also its marvelous basilicas, iconic garden homes, and spirited street art murals. The journey brings to light the hidden gems nestled within the city's bustling landscape and uncovers the silent stories of early Christians intertwined with the daily rhythms of modern Roman life. Memorable experiences along the way include standing in the hallowed halls of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls and contemplating the vivid street art of Garbatella. Throughout the tour, the contrasts of Rome's imperious history and its contemporary culture will captivate the mind and senses, leaving travelers with a profound understanding of the heart and soul of this timeless metropolis.
When you visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, you will discover much more than just the Dome, you can also explore the Blessing Loggia, the Hall of Popes, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Staircase. Wonder at the intricate mosaics, centuries-old frescoes, and the architectural beauty of one of Rome's major basilicas. Don't miss the Crypt of the Nativity and the relic of the Holy Crib, believed to be part of the manger where Jesus was laid.
Want proof that Rome wasn't built in a day? The Case Romane del Celio hides 20 ancient underground rooms, built on different levels under the Basilica Santi Giovanni e Paolo. Highlights include several Roman homes from various periods, a domus (house) that was converted into an early-Christian church, and even an apartment block. These archaeological wonders date from between the second century and fourth century A.D. You see – it took much longer than a day!
About Rome
The best walking tours to do in Rome are:
The best tours to do in Rome with kids are:
The must-see attractions in Rome for a first visit are:
Insider tips for visiting Rome
Kseniya Strukova is a local guide who has been publishing tours since 2024 for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Rome on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Rome.
When I visit Rome for shopping, I usually split my time between Monti, Prati, and the stretch around Via del Governo Vecchio. In Monti, Rome feels creative and local: small designers, vintage shops, and artisan jewelry tucked along Via del Boschetto. Prati is where I go for polished Italian brands, especially around Cola di Rienzo, but locals know the side streets have the better independent boutiques. Near Piazza Navona, I like browsing leather goods and curated homeware without the big-chain feel. If you visit Rome and want a practical travel guide Rome tip, combine these areas with nearby things to do in Rome so you shop between aperitivo stops and evening walks.
When I visit Rome, I always mix the classics with small local rituals. Among the best things to do in Rome, I recommend seeing the Colosseum early, then walking through the Roman Forum before the heat builds. In Trastevere, I like to wander side streets until aperitivo, and at sunset I head to the Orange Garden for one of my favorite views in Rome. If friends ask me what to see in Rome, I also suggest Campo de’ Fiori in the morning and the Pantheon in the evening, when the light is softer. The most memorable attractions in Rome often sit between the famous stops people associate with tours in Rome.
When I’m choosing where to spend time in Rome, I usually send people first to Trastevere, Monti, and Testaccio. Trastevere gives you that lived-in Rome feeling, especially on quiet morning streets near Santa Cecilia before the dinner crowds arrive. In Monti, I love the lanes around Via Urbana for small shops and cafés between major attractions in Rome like the Colosseum area. Testaccio feels more local, with its market, traditional food spots, and the walk up Monte dei Cocci. If you’re deciding what to see in Rome, these neighborhoods show very different sides of the city, beyond the standard routes people imagine with tours in Rome.
In my travel guide Rome advice, I usually say Rome works best on foot, with buses and trams filling the gaps. The historic center is compact, so when I visit Rome, I walk between Campo de’ Fiori, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona rather than waiting for a taxi in narrow streets. For longer stretches, I use tram 8 to Trastevere or the metro mainly for bigger jumps like Termini to the Colosseum area. In Rome, buses can be slow at rush hour, so I plan around that and wear comfortable shoes on cobblestones. Honestly, many of my favorite things to do in Rome happen between stops, not at them.
When I visit Rome for nightlife, I usually choose Trastevere, but not the busiest strips right away. I like the quieter lanes off Piazza di Santa Maria, where wine bars and small cocktail spots feel more Roman and less staged. For a younger, more local scene in Rome, San Lorenzo stays lively late, especially around student hangouts and casual bars. Pigneto is another favorite of mine for creative energy, natural wine, and late dinners that turn into long evenings. If you visit Rome and want a practical travel guide Rome tip, go out after 10 pm. It’s one of the most enjoyable things to do in Rome, especially from Thursday to Saturday.
When I want to show a quieter side of Rome, I often head to the Aventine. The Giardino degli Aranci is one of my favorite lesser-known attractions in Rome, especially near sunset, and the famous keyhole nearby still feels fun if you go early. In Rome, I also love Basilica di San Clemente, where you descend through layers of history beneath the church itself. Another spot I recommend is Quartiere Coppedè, a tiny pocket of eccentric architecture most visitors skip. If you’re wondering what to see in Rome beyond the obvious, these places add depth people often miss while following standard tours in Rome.
In my travel guide Rome advice, I usually recommend late April to June and then September to early November. Rome feels lively then, but the heat is still manageable for long walks between neighborhoods. When I visit Rome in August, the light is beautiful, yet afternoons can be punishing and some local businesses slow down or close for holidays. Winter in Rome has its own charm too: fewer crowds, easier reservations, and a calmer rhythm around major sights. If you want comfortable weather for the best things to do in Rome, spring and early autumn make Rome much easier to enjoy from morning espresso to late evening strolls.