Things to do in Rome: A curated guide for discerning travelers

After a good night’s sleep, stroll in the early morning light down to the Trevi Fountain, a Baroque masterpiece completed in 1762 and under 15 minutes' walk from Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese. Then meander to the Spanish Steps, connecting Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church above. At this hour, they are mostly yours: a golden glow falls on the travertine, and the city stirs to life below with unhurried elegance.

Since February 2026, a €2 ticket is required to access the Trevi's basin-level platform between 9am and 10pm; the piazza above remains free at all hours, with a full-height perspective that's equally breathtaking.

This iconic amphitheater, completed in 80 AD, once held up to 80,000 spectators. Choose a private guided tour to skip the queues, and opt for the exclusive arena floor experience, which places you where gladiators once stood. The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are behind the Colosseum – here, walk in the footsteps of emperors and generals on the Via Sacra, and admire the House of the Vestal Virgins. End your first day with a well-deserved aperitivo at Settimo rooftop bar, overlooking the timeless dome of St. Peter’s and the white marble of the Altare della Patria.

While away your second day west of the Tiber exploring the seat of the Roman Catholic Church. Admire works by Michelangelo and Bernini in St. Peter’s Basilica, then ascend 551 steps to the top of the Dome – the highest in the world – for a privileged 360-degree view over St. Peter’s Square and the private Vatican gardens behind. Stroll to the Vatican Museums, home to the Sistine Chapel as well as an extensive collection of works curated across five centuries of papal patronage.

Speak to your Sofitel concierge about booking a private after-hours Vatican tour to experience the chapel in rare solitude.

Not in the mood for the Vatican crowds? Castel Sant’Angelo, with Bernini’s 10 angel statues gracing its bridge, offers a compelling alternative thing to do in Rome. Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and later transformed into a papal fortress, it conceals a secret escape corridor – the Passetto di Borgo – running directly from the Vatican walls, used by popes to flee during sieges. Look out for it from the fortress’s northwestern bastion.

For dinner, immerse yourself in Trastevere, historically a working-class quarter that retains a soulful atmosphere in striking contrast to the power and privilege of the Vatican. Venture away from the main piazza to discover trattorie with classic Roman dishes like cacio e pepe and amatriciana, paired with a crisp Frascati or robust Cesanese from the local Lazio region.

Built on the site of an earlier temple, the Pantheon embodies continuity: first used as a pagan temple, then as a Christian church (its official name is the Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs). Expect to spend more time here than you’d think, lingering amid the ornate tombs of architects and kings, and gazing at the open sky through the Oculus. Then discover intimate courtyards tucked off Rome's main streets as you meander towards Piazza Navona, a dynamic square anchored by Bernini’s awe-inspiring Fountain of the Four Rivers.

Stop for a refreshment at the Campo de’ Fiori market, where vibrant stalls brim with fresh produce and delicious snacks like supplì rice balls and Roman pizza al taglio.

Right on your doorstep if you're staying at Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese, the Museo Pietro Canonica occupies the sculptor's former studio and private apartment, with a beautiful collection of marbles and bronzes. Wander across the Villa Borghese gardens to find the Galleria Borghese's exquisite Baroque marble sculptures, including Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne.

Elevate your journey into Roman art and architecture with an after-hours private tour of the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj. Still owned and lived in by the Doria Pamphilj family, this private palace contains one of Rome's greatest art collections, including works by Velázquez, Caravaggio and Raphael.

Prefer to stay close to the hotel? Speak to your Sofitel concierge about arranging one of these singular experiences:

• Embark on an exclusive access art and architecture tour of the 16th-century Villa Medici (12 minutes' walk from the hotel)
• Discover hidden sculptures and secluded terraces on an after-hours stroll through Villa Borghese Gardens with an expert guide (7 minutes' walk)
• Visit Via dei Condotti’s couture houses with a personal stylist for private fittings (14 minutes' walk)
• Taste rare Italian vintages from Lazio and beyond at one of the Pinciano district's intimate enotecas

The essentials covered, it's time to wander without agenda. Start at the Capitoline Museums, on the hill above the Forum, where you can gaze upon the original equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, and Caravaggio’s St. John the Baptist. Stroll towards the Tiber to the Jewish Quarter for a traditional lunch: carciofi alla giudia (fried artichokes), batter-fried baccalà cod, and ricotta and cherry jam pastries.

While away your afternoon indulging in a quintessential thing to do in Rome: browsing Via Condotti and Via del Corso's flagship luxury stores and independent boutiques, steps from your 5-star Rome hotel. Or head to the Monti district instead, with its fascinating mix of stores selling ceramics, leather goods, and deli treats.

Ask your Sofitel concierge about arranging a private lesson at one of Rome's working artisan studios, including mosaic makers. Traveling with kids? They'll love a private pizza or gelato making class!

Discover these quintessential Roman dishes at restaurants close to Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese:

1. Carciofi alla giudia: A defining dish of Rome’s Jewish culinary heritage, these artichokes are fried until delicately crisp, revealing layers of texture. BaGhetto in the Jewish Quarter offers a consistently polished interpretation.
2. Fiori di zucca: Whether lightly fried or filled with molten mozzarella, zucchini flowers capture the essence of Roman seasonality. Ai Fienaroli prepares them with finesse.
3. Cacio e pepe: This trio of pecorino, black pepper and pasta is sublimely simple, originating from the cucina povera (peasant cooking) tradition started by itinerant shepherds. Savor it at Hostaria Farnese, close to Campo de' Fiori market.
4. Pinsa Romana: Distinct from Neapolitan pizza, pinsa is lighter, often served with the classic Capricciosa topping of prosciutto, mushrooms, olives, artichokes and tomatoes. Stop at one of the city’s many pinserie for a quick bite, or head to Pinsere for a well-executed version with a crisp, delicate base.
5. Saltimbocca alla Romana: A study in restraint, this delicious 19th-century dish comprises veal wrapped in prosciutto crudo, seasoned with sage and flash-fried with white wine. Da Gino al Parlamento executes this classic with elegance.
6. Porchetta: Rich, herbaceous and slow-roasted, porchetta is one of Rome’s great street-food pleasures. At La Vita è Un Mozzico near Piazza del Popolo, it’s carved to order and served at its most flavorful.

The Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) is one of the oldest roads in Roman history, begun in 312 BC. Opt for a private guided walk along its ancient paving stones to either the Catacombs of San Callisto or San Sebastiano. San Callisto is the larger complex and contains the Crypt of the Popes, where 16 early popes were buried.

Consider visiting the atmospheric Capuchin Crypt near Piazza Barberini, where the bones of around 3,700 Franciscan friars have been arranged across six small chapels in elaborate decorative patterns, including chandeliers, archways and wall reliefs.

As you head back into central Rome, explore the fascinating and rarely crowded Baths of Caracalla, encompassing libraries, gardens, and art galleries alongside bathing halls that hosted up to 1,600 bathers at once. A short detour west past the Circus Maximus ruins takes you to the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) on the Aventine Hill; its belvedere terrace offers a sweeping panorama stretching from the Tiber to the dome of St. Peter's. Linger over an Aperol Spritz at a nearby bar before returning to Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese to enjoy these vistas of the Eternal City with a sumptuous final dinner.