Things to do in Rome for self travelers
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appTop sights in Rome
All self-guided activities
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.
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.
Discover the Pantheon in Rome with an included entry ticket and a self-guided audio tour, complemented by a city walk. Start the tour outside by exploring the magnificent façade and portico of the Pantheon. Then, step inside and explore one of the world’s best-preserved ancient temples and its history. Discover the Pantheon’s magnificent dome and learn how Roman engineers achieved this architectural miracle. Visit the tombs of Italy's kings and queens and the resting place of Raphael. Learn why this illustrious artist is buried here. After you visit the Pantheon, continue your experience with a curated audio route through Rome’s historic streets, featuring highlights such as Piazza di Pietra & Temple of Hadrian. Finish your walk at the Trevi Fountain – one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Italy. Enjoy the flexibility to explore independently with no live guide required.
Welcome to this self-guided audio tour of Rome, a journey that will take you through some of the city's most iconic and historically rich sites. This tour is perfect for anyone interested in history, architecture, and the cultural heritage of Rome. Your tour begins at Castel Sant'Angelo, a majestic circular fortress situated on the banks of the Tiber River. Note that the ticket to Castel Sant'Angelo is included, but an audio guide of the castle is provided via a separate app. From here, you will make your way through various significant locations such as Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Capitoline Hill, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum. Each stop offers a unique glimpse into Rome's complex past. As you navigate through the historic landscape of Rome, you will discover the grandeur of the Pantheon, the political and religious significance of Capitoline Hill, and the engineering prowess of the Colosseum. You will also explore the Roman Forum, the Arch of Titus, and the Circus Maximus, each revealing aspects of ancient Roman life and architecture. Along the way, you will have memorable experiences, including taking in the panoramic views from Castel Sant'Angelo, admiring the intricate reliefs on the Arch of Titus, and imagining the chariot races at the Circus Maximus. This self-guided audio tour allows you to explore Rome at your own pace, providing you with a deep understanding of the city's rich history and cultural significance.
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.
Take this free mini-tour to try a self-guided in-app audio tour format and explore some iconic sights of Rome at your own pace! The tour starts at Piazza Della Repubblica where you will learn about an amphitheater that was once here, and see the remains of the ancient Roman baths. Next, you will walk to the Monumento Della Caravella celebrating the twinning of Rome and Paris. Continue along the square to discover the ancient traditions of taking baths while standing by the Temple of Cosmos. You will then find one of the integral parts of Rome's architecture, a papal coat of arms above the door of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and of the Martyrs. Finally, marvel at the fascinating Fountain of the Naiads in the center of the square and learn the history of its construction. By taking this tour, you will also get recommendations on other walking and museum tours of Rome.
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.
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.
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.
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About Rome
The best walking tours to do in Rome are:
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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.