Rome for First-Timers: Exclusive Tips and Things to Do!

If it’s your first time in Rome, get ready for a city that’s equal parts awe-inspiring and overwhelming in the best way. Between ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and crowded piazzas, it’s a place where history and modern life constantly collide. There’s a lot to take in, and knowing where to start can be half the battle.

A quick note for 2025 travellers: This year marks the Catholic Church’s Jubilee, a special holy year occurring every 25 years. With major events and celebrations happening throughout the year, the city is experiencing a significant increase in visitors. It’s advisable to book accommodations and tickets well in advance and anticipate larger crowds at popular sites!

Also read: UK and Europe Travel in 2025: New Rules, Fees, and What You Need to Know

The Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum: A walk through time

Start your Roman adventure with the heavyweights. The Colosseum is perhaps the most recognisable symbol of the city, a grand amphitheatre where gladiators once fought for glory. Its scale and grandness are certainly impressive, and give you a real sense of the spectacle and engineering brilliance of ancient Rome.

Just next door is Palatine Hill, the most central of Rome’s seven hills and the supposed birthplace of the city. You’ll get sweeping views over the Roman Forum, which was once the bustling heart of public life. 

Travel tip: I took a guided tour of this entire area, and I highly recommend it to understand the layers of history contained in each fragment and structure. As of late 2024, tour groups had to exit the Colosseum together, so you may not be able to linger. It’s worth checking the latest rules before your visit!

Appreciate masterpieces in the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Whether you’re an art buff or not, the Vatican Museums are a cultural must-see. Inside, you’ll find an astounding collection of classical sculptures, Renaissance art, and of course, the iconic Sistine Chapel. 

In case it’s confusing, the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Gardens are all within the same complex. The Sistine Chapel visit is included in your museum ticket and is located at the very end of the route. Definitely give yourself plenty of time to explore!

Travel tip: I would strongly recommend visiting the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum on separate days. Each experience is packed with historical detail, and trying to take in both back-to-back will likely be too overwhelming!

Also read: A Vienna Art Museums Guide: My Top 5 Picks

St Peter’s Basilica: Grand, glorious and free

St Peter’s Basilica stands as the crown jewel of Vatican City. Ornate, colossal, and spiritually significant, it’s one of the most awe-inspiring churches in the world. The interior is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, with immense marble columns and gold-covered ceilings. 

Travel tip: The official website states that Tuesday morning is the most optimal time to visit the basilica, and I can confirm that this is true! I arrived around 9am and got in with minimal waiting. The queue was short and constantly moving, and I was inside much quicker than expected.

Baths of Caracalla: Soaking up Roman leisure

For a glimpse into Roman leisure life, the Baths of Caracalla are a fascinating and often uncrowded stop. These enormous ruins once held swimming pools, saunas, libraries, and gardens, a reminder that ancient Romans took relaxation seriously! Bring a bit of imagination and maybe a picnic; the peaceful grounds are perfect for a quiet break from the city hustle.

Trevi Fountain: Toss a coin, make a wish

There’s something undeniably enchanting about the Trevi Fountain, even when you’re jostling with hundreds of other visitors. The dramatic Baroque sculptures and the sound of rushing water make it a magical spot, especially in the early morning or late at night when the crowds thin.

Travel tip: When I visited, the Trevi Fountain was unfortunately still under renovation, so I didn’t get to see it in all its glory. But good news, the works have since been completed, and from what I’ve seen, the refreshed look is absolutely worth a visit!

Trastevere: Laid-back charm and local vibes

Across the Tiber River lies Trastevere, one of Rome’s most charming neighbourhoods. You won’t find major landmarks here, but you will stumble across tucked-away churches, buzzing trattorias, and little piazzas where locals gather in the evenings. By day, it’s a lovely place to stroll and grab a gelato. By night, it comes alive with lively trattorias and wine bars.

Travel tip: A local guide recommended Trastevere to me as a must-see spot. Sadly, I didn’t have enough time to fully explore it, but you can be assured that this is a spot that captures the authentic atmosphere of Rome, even according to locals! 

The Pantheon: An architectural marvel

Stepping into the Pantheon is like stepping back in time. This former Roman temple, now a church, has stood for nearly 2,000 years and still boasts the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. The oculus in its ceiling lets in a perfect beam of light, giving the whole space a serene, celestial feel.

Travel tip: The Pantheon might not have the hype of the Colosseum or St Peter’s, but I was genuinely surprised by how impactful it was. I did the guided audio tour, and it was excellent! I highly recommend making time for it.

Explore the Roman Catacombs

For something truly different, descend into the Roman Catacombs, a network of underground burial tunnels dating back to early Christianity. The Catacombs of San Sebastiano and San Callisto along the Appian Way are among the most visited.

These slightly eerie but fascinating spaces offer a glimpse into Rome’s early Christian communities and funerary practices. Guided tours are mandatory, and it’s best to bring a jacket as it stays cool underground year-round.

Extra practical tips for your first visit

1. Check for events: With Jubilee 2025 in full swing, it’s worth researching ahead to see which are the best timings to visit.
2. Use public transport: Rome’s metro system is simple and useful, especially for reaching spots like the Vatican or the Colosseum. Buses and trams fill in the gaps. 
3. Walking is inevitable: Many of Rome’s highlights are clustered in pedestrian zones. Wear comfortable shoes and expect uneven cobblestone streets.
   
4. Dress for churches: When visiting the Vatican or other religious sites, remember to cover your shoulders and knees.
   
5. Pace yourself: With so much to take in, it’s easy to burn out. Mix your museum visits with piazza stops and quiet neighbourhood strolls to keep things enjoyable!

Also read: 12 Common Mistakes That Travellers Make When Going to Europe

Take Your Time in the Eternal City

If there’s one piece of advice I would like to give for first-timers in Rome, it’s this: give the city time. There’s simply too much to see in a quick visit, and Rome really rewards those who slow down and soak it all in. Yes, the big-name landmarks are touristy, but they’re iconic for a reason and worth experiencing, in my opinion. At the same time, the quieter corners and lesser-known gems are just as enchanting, and often offer a deeper glimpse into the city’s character. So remember: don’t rush it, it’s a city that deserves your time.