PlanoPlanoEvery street corner in Rome reveals another layer of history, from underground catacombs to Baroque churches competing for grandeur. Things to do in Rome extend well beyond the ancient ruins into vibrant neighbourhood trattorias, early-morning market visits, and leisurely passeggiata along the Tiber.
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April, May, September
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Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
One of the oldest churches in Rome, founded in the 3rd century, features stunning 12th-century Byzantine mosaics on both its facade and interior apse.
Aventine Hill Keyhole
The keyhole at the Knights of Malta priory gate on the Aventine Hill frames a perfectly aligned view of St Peter's dome through a garden hedge.
Capitoline Museums
The world's oldest public museum, opened in 1734 on the Capitoline Hill, holds the original bronze She-Wolf statue and the Dying Gaul.
MAXXI Museum
Zaha Hadid's concrete-and-steel contemporary art museum in the Flaminio district opened in 2010 and hosts rotating installations of 21st-century art and architecture.
Testaccio food quarter
The working-class neighbourhood south of the Aventine is where Romans eat, with the Mercato di Testaccio serving supplì, trapizzino, and cacio e pepe since 2012.
Appian Way
The 2,300-year-old Roman road stretches from the Porta San Sebastiano past catacombs and ancient tombs, and is open to pedestrians and cyclists on Sundays.
Monti neighbourhood
Rome's oldest rione sits between the Colosseum and Termini station, its narrow streets packed with vintage shops, aperitivo bars, and the Sunday Mercato Monti.
Ostia Antica day trip
The remarkably preserved port city of ancient Rome, 30 km southwest, features intact mosaics, a 3,000-seat theatre, and far fewer crowds than Pompeii.
Porta Portese Sunday market
Rome's largest flea market operates every Sunday morning along the Tiber in Trastevere, stretching over a kilometre with antiques, vinyl, and clothing.
Freni e Frizioni aperitivo
A converted mechanic's garage in Trastevere serves craft cocktails alongside a generous aperitivo buffet, filling its Piazza Trilussa terrace nightly from 18:30.
The best months to enjoy things to do in Rome are April, May, September, October, November. Plan around these months for the best weather and fewer crowds.
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