Rome can be overwhelming — ancient ruins on every block, unforgettable food around every corner, and crowds wherever you turn. But if you're looking for things to do in Rome that go beyond the basic checklist, you're in the right place. With a few smart moves, you can sidestep the tourist traps and dive into the city the way locals do. Here’s how.
1. Avoid Staying Near Termini Station
Yes, it’s central and well-connected. But Termini is noisy, hectic, and not the most comfortable area, especially after dark.
Better idea: Stay in a neighborhood with charm and character. Trastevere offers lively squares and cobblestone alleys, Monti is full of hip cafés and artisan shops, Prati is ideal for Vatican access, and Testaccio is a haven for serious food lovers. This way, you're waking up in the real Rome.
2. Don’t Limit Yourself to the Tourist Icons
Sure, the Colosseum and the Vatican are essentials when listing things to do in Rome. But that’s just the beginning.
Dig deeper: Visit the lavish Palazzo Colonna, the beautifully bizarre Centrale Montemartini, or the eerie-yet-intriguing Capuchin Crypt. These lesser-known gems offer a quieter, richer experience of the city’s layers.
3. Skip the Entry Fees (When You Can)
Museums can add up — fast.
Smart travelers know: Many museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month, and the Vatican Museums are free on the last Sunday (until 2 PM). Plan accordingly, and use your savings for an extra round of gelato or aperitivo.
4. Don’t Buy Bottled Water
There’s no need to spend a cent on water here.
Do like locals do: Carry a reusable bottle and refill at the city’s 2,000+ “nasoni” fountains. The water is cold, fresh, and totally safe — and the fountains themselves are part of the city’s charm.
5. Pasta’s Great — But There’s So Much More
Yes, you’ll eat your fill of carbonara and cacio e pepe. But don’t stop there.
Add to your food list: Crunch into a supplì (fried rice ball), sample a trapizzino (half sandwich, half pizza), and finish with a fluffy maritozzo (sweet bun stuffed with cream). These local favorites are essential things to do in Rome if you want to eat like a Roman.
6. Forget the Cheesy Souvenirs
That mini plastic Colosseum won’t impress anyone.
Shop smart: Pick up hand-crafted leather at Sufir Roma, vintage art prints at Mercato delle Stampe, custom perfume from Eau d’Italie, or one-of-a-kind gifts at Polvere di Tempo. These souvenirs have a story — and that’s what makes them special.
7. Don’t Just Stick to Rome Proper
The city is amazing, but its surroundings are equally worth exploring.
Take a quick trip: Just outside Rome, you’ll find the dreamy fountains of Villa d’Este in Tivoli, the ancient ruins of Ostia Antica, or the lakeside calm of Castel Gandolfo. Want more? Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and Civita di Bagnoregio are all reachable with a little extra time.
8. Don’t Order Cappuccino After Lunch
Locals don’t — and neither should you.
Coffee rules 101: Have your cappuccino in the morning with a flaky cornetto. After noon, stick to espresso or a macchiato if you need a pick-me-up. It's one of those subtle cultural cues that makes you blend right in.
9. Don’t Sit on the Spanish Steps
It may look like a picturesque place to rest, but you’ll pay for it — literally.
Heads up: Sitting or snacking on the Spanish Steps is illegal and can cost you up to €400. Respect the rules, snap your photos, and find a nearby café instead.
10. Don’t Treat Rome Like a Race
Trying to “see it all” is the quickest way to miss what makes the city magical.
Instead: Take your time. Wander side streets. Linger over your espresso. Watch life unfold in a sunny piazza. Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain — not just for good luck, but because you'll truly want to return.
If you're hunting for the most memorable things to do in Rome, think beyond the guidebooks. The city rewards patience, spontaneity, and curiosity. So stroll slowly, eat boldly, and let the Eternal City work its magic — one unexpected moment at a time.