There are so many things to do in Rome, visitors might wonder where to start. Rome, or Roma, is the capital of Italy and the largest city in the country. It was the center of the ancient Roman civilization and thus its history spans more than 2,000 years. One of the main Rome Italy attractions, the Vatican, is also located in the city, west of the river Tiber. Activities in Rome must include a visit to its historic center, which has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.

Pantheon

Located in the Piazza della Rotonda, this ancient Roman temple is dedicated to the pantheon of Roman gods and goddesses. In the Middle Ages it was converted to a church, and since the Renaissance it has also functioned as a tomb; the famous Renaissance painter Raphael is buried here. The Pantheon is still used as a church today, and Masses and weddings are common occurrences. A visit to the Pantheon should be high on any traveler's list of the top ten things to do in Rome.

Colosseum

In its original incarnation, the Colosseum—known as the Amphitheatrum Flavium in ancient Rome—could accommodate 50,000 people. It was used to hold various public entertainment shows, from gladiatorial combats to animal hunts and mythological plays. The remains of the Colosseum are among the most popular of the Rome Italy attractions.

Roman Forum

Lying between the Capitoline and Palatine Hills, the Forum includes many of the oldest surviving structures from ancient Rome. Among other things, there are about nine temples, four arches, and the Tabularium, which was the house of official records stored in ancient Rome. Exploring the Forum on foot with the help of an audio guide is one of the best things to do in Rome for visitors interested in history and archaeology.

Sistine Chapel

Located within the Vatican, this chapel is renowned for its association with the most famous renaissance painters—Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, and Bernini were all involved in decorating the church. A visit to the Sistine Chapel is a must among the many things to do in Rome even if it’s only to see the exquisitely painted ceiling. The ceiling took Michelangelo four years to complete, and frescoes by Raphael and Botticelli also cover the chapel’s walls.

Lido di Ostia

Lido di Ostia is a beach near Rome. If you want to get away from the architectural ruins and just relax, then Lido should be on your list of fun things to do in Rome. A train ride away from the main city, Lido di Ostia has a burgeoning nightlife and some fabulous restaurants serving local seafood.

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain dates back to the eighteenth century. Located in the Modern Center of Rome, It is a classic example of Baroque architecture and is one of the best-known Rome Italy attractions. Legend has it that throwing coins into the fountain is lucky, if you’re desperately seeking such luck then one of your activities in Rome should be throwing three coins over your left shoulder into the fountain. At this popular attraction, more than 3,000 euros find their way into the fountain daily.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Activities in Rome must include a visit to St. Peter’s. Located in the Vatican, as is the Sistine Chapel, the basilica has the capacity to accommodate up to 60,000 people. Again, Michelangelo’s hand can be seen everywhere in this awesome structure. He designed many parts of the basilica, including its monumental dome, though he did not live to see it completed. Michelangelo’s marble sculpture Pieta is located in the first chapel, in the north aisle.