✨ What to Do in Rome – Travelicious Tips & Highlights
Rome is one of those cities you simply must experience at least once in your life. With ancient ruins on every corner, charming piazzas, world-famous cuisine, and a history that goes back thousands of years — it’s a dream destination. Whether you’re planning a quick city trip or including Rome in your Italian road trip itinerary, we’ve got the best tips and highlights lined up for you!
🌆 City Trip to Rome: Why You’ll Love It
Rome is like a giant open-air museum — one moment you’re standing in front of the Colosseum, the next you’re enjoying creamy gelato by a centuries-old fountain. It’s a city full of contrasts: ancient history meets buzzing street life, high-end shopping blends with street-side espresso bars. And let’s not forget: pasta, pizza, antipasti, limoncello… need we say more?
Getting There – By Car or Plane?
Rome is about 1600 km from Utrecht. Quite a drive, but perfect if you’re on a summer road trip through Italy — like we did! Combine Rome with Venice, Florence, Pisa or even San Marino for the ultimate Italian route.
Prefer to fly? You’re in luck! From Amsterdam, Rome is just under a 2-hour flight away. Direct flights are available with KLM, Transavia and other airlines. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best travel dates and comparing those prices with Tix.nl. Sometimes the conditions differ, so it’s worth checking both!
✈️ Need-to-know travel extras:
- Airport transfer: From just €6 p.p. — super convenient. Book your transfer here.
- Rental car: We always use SunnyCars — all-in insurance and no hidden surprises. Want something cheaper? Compare prices on EasyTerra or RentalCars.
- Parking at the airport: Book in advance for the best deals. For Schiphol, Eindhoven, Rotterdam or Maastricht, we recommend Parkos.
🏛 Top 12 Must-See Sights in Rome
There’s so much to see in Rome, so make sure to plan enough time. We stayed for 6 nights and took it easy — which we highly recommend, especially when traveling with kids. Here are our top 12 highlights:
- The Colosseum
This iconic amphitheater is one of the most famous landmarks in the world — and for good reason. Built in 72 AD, it was once the site of epic gladiator battles. It’s beautiful by day and magical by night when lit up.
✈️ Travelicious Tip: Want to go inside? Book your skip-the-line ticket in advance here — and get access to the Roman Forum too!
- The Roman Forum
Right next to the Colosseum lies this breathtaking ruin site, once the heart of ancient Rome. Walk through old streets and temples where Roman citizens gathered over 2,000 years ago. A true time machine moment!
- Vatican City
Technically its own country — and the smallest one in the world! Tick it off your scratch map. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and St. Peter’s Square.
- St. Peter’s Basilica
An absolute must. From the outside it’s stunning, but wait until you step inside — it’s jaw-dropping. You can even climb to the top for a spectacular city view.
✈️ Tip: The climb is 551 steps (or 321 if you take the elevator partway), but it’s 100% worth it!
- Trevi Fountain
One of the world’s most famous fountains. Toss a coin to ensure you’ll return to Rome! Pro tip: go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
- Castel Sant’Angelo
Once a mausoleum, now a museum with beautiful views from the top. Don’t miss the Bridge of Angels — perfect for photos!
- The Pantheon
A marvel of ancient engineering, with a giant oculus (hole) in the ceiling. You’ll find tombs of Italian royals inside too.
- Piazza Navona
One of the most atmospheric squares in Rome. Less touristy than Trevi, but full of charm, fountains and beautiful facades.
- Church of Sant’Ignazio
A hidden gem we stumbled upon while wandering. Inside, you’ll find golden details and breathtaking frescoes — and barely any crowds!
- Il Vittoriano
A huge marble monument honoring the first king of unified Italy. Italians call it “the wedding cake” — love it or hate it, it’s impressive!
- Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
One of the largest and oldest churches in Rome. Step inside for a visual feast of gold, mosaics and murals.
- The Spanish Steps
A favorite meeting spot for tourists and locals alike. Great for photos and surrounded by cute streets for a stroll or some shopping.
💡 What to Do in Rome (Besides Sightseeing)
✅ Climb St. Peter’s Dome
The view is unbeatable. Just make sure you pre-book your ticket and wear comfy shoes!
✅ Wander the Backstreets
Seriously, just stroll. Some of the most beautiful spots are the ones you don’t plan. Rome is full of charming corners, local bakeries, and tiny piazzas.
✅ Take a Guided Bike Tour
We love exploring cities by bike, especially with kids. Baja Bikes offers fun and family-friendly bike tours that cover all the major sights — plus a few hidden gems.
✅ Taste Everything!
Rome is a foodie paradise. Try a new pasta every night, snack on antipasti, sip limoncello or Spritz on a sunny terrace, and finish your day with gelato — every single day (we won’t judge)!
🧳 Bonus Tip from Travelicious
Heading to Rome this summer? Don’t forget to check out our Sunny Holiday Packing List — it’ll save you time and stress.
Rome is romantic, historic, vibrant and delicious — a city that speaks to every age and interest. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with the whole family, you’ll find something (actually, many things) to fall in love with. 💛
Planning your Rome trip and need help? Just drop us a message — Travelicious is here to make your family adventure unforgettable!