Rome is often celebrated for its world-famous landmarks like the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Pantheon. But to truly experience the Eternal City in 2025, you’ll want to step off the beaten path and immerse yourself in the places where Romans live, eat, relax, and connect with their heritage. This guide unveils a blend of iconic sites and hidden treasures that reflect the authentic rhythm of local life. Whether it’s your first time in the city or your fifth, these hand-picked destinations and experiences offer a fresh perspective on the top things to do in rome this year.
Rediscover the Classics—With a Local Twist
Yes, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City will always top every travel list, but even these classics are being reimagined in 2025. Early morning or twilight tours offer more intimate encounters, avoiding the crowds and heat. Skip the typical entrances and instead join smaller, locally guided groups that share forgotten stories and insider facts. For example, take a moonlit tour of the Colosseum or a rooftop climb at St. Peter’s Basilica for sunset. These timeless attractions remain among the top things to do in Rome, but seeing them like a local means choosing times, guides, and angles that aren’t in every travel brochure.
Explore Trastevere—Rome’s Bohemian Heartbeat
For a taste of authentic Roman living, spend a day in Trastevere, a charming neighborhood west of the Tiber River. Known for its cobblestone lanes, ivy-covered buildings, and colorful piazzas, this district pulses with local energy. In 2025, Trastevere’s street art and boutique shops have grown in popularity, drawing creative minds and independent businesses. Enjoy a cappuccino at a corner café, browse handcrafted jewelry, or stumble upon a hidden church like Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest in Rome. Dining in Trastevere offers some of the city’s best trattorias, where recipes are passed down generations. Walking these streets is easily one of the top things to do in Rome to feel its heartbeat.
Discover the Secrets Beneath Rome’s Surface
Rome’s history isn’t only above ground—some of its most fascinating secrets lie below. Start with the Catacombs of San Sebastiano, where early Christians buried their dead in vast underground tunnels. Continue with a visit to the Capuchin Crypt, a chapel decorated with the bones of thousands of monks. In 2025, guided subterranean tours have become more immersive, offering VR headsets and augmented audio that breathe new life into the ancient past. These haunting yet intriguing spaces are among the top things to do in Rome for travelers craving something beyond the ordinary. They challenge visitors to see Rome not just as a city of light but of layered darkness and depth.
Eat Like a Roman—Beyond the Tourist Traps
To eat like a local in Rome is to understand its culture from the inside out. Move past the pasta-and-pizza clichés to explore seasonal markets, family-run trattorias, and trendy Roman street food. Testaccio Market is a hub for food lovers, offering everything from freshly made porchetta sandwiches to artisanal cheeses and olive oils. In 2025, locals are embracing modern twists on traditional recipes—think carbonara with truffle or plant-based amatriciana. Cooking classes with Roman chefs are on the rise too, offering an unforgettable way to dive into the flavors of the city. Sampling the real culinary scene is undeniably one of the top things to do in Rome, whether you’re grabbing a gelato or learning to roll fresh pasta by hand.
Soak in the Atmosphere of Rome’s Green Spaces
Even in a city of stone, there are moments of quiet and nature to be found. Romans cherish their green spaces, and so should travelers looking to balance sightseeing with serenity. Villa Borghese is the city’s most famous park, home to bike paths, museums, and manicured gardens. But in 2025, lesser-known spots like Parco degli Acquedotti and Villa Doria Pamphili are becoming popular among those who want to picnic under ancient aqueducts or jog past Baroque fountains without the crowds. These parks offer beautiful backdrops for reflection, romance, or just a break from the urban rush. Recharging in these green retreats easily ranks among the top things to do in Rome, especially in between more energetic sightseeing.
Get Lost in Rome’s Lesser-Known Neighborhoods
Rome’s most interesting stories are often tucked away in neighborhoods that don’t make the cover of travel guides. In 2025, areas like Pigneto, Monti, and Garbatella are winning hearts with their quirky character, youthful energy, and unexpected elegance. Pigneto, once gritty and industrial, is now a magnet for creatives and foodies. Monti, near the Colosseum, blends historical charm with a bohemian vibe and independent shops. Garbatella, meanwhile, showcases unique 20th-century architecture and a tight-knit community spirit. Exploring these neighborhoods is one of the top things to do in Rome if you’re seeking authenticity over tourism. Each district tells its own story—and invites you to write yourself into it.
See Rome from a Different Viewpoint
One of the best ways to appreciate the city is to look at it from above. In 2025, several vantage points have become must-visits for travelers and locals alike. Climb to the Gianicolo Hill (Janiculum) to watch the noon cannon fire and take in sweeping views of the rooftops. The Orange Garden on the Aventine Hill offers another spectacular vista, especially through the famous keyhole at the Knights of Malta Gate, where a perfectly framed St. Peter’s dome awaits. Many of Rome’s rooftop bars and terraces also double as scenic lookouts—ideal for sunset Aperitivos. These breathtaking perspectives are not just picture-perfect—they’re spiritual reminders of Rome’s grandeur. Taking in the skyline from above is one of the top things to do in Rome to feel its timelessness.
Experience Rome After Dark—The City of Light
When the sun sets, Rome transforms. In 2025, the city’s night scene has expanded to include outdoor performances, night markets, and late-entry museum hours. Enjoy a twilight stroll along the Tiber River, where pop-up bars and music stages keep the energy alive. Attend a jazz concert in Villa Celimontana or catch an open-air film at Piazza Vittorio. The city’s historic monuments—lit with elegance—offer a surreal experience when seen without the daytime crowds. Even simple moments, like sipping wine in Campo de’ Fiori or enjoying a midnight gelato near the Spanish Steps, feel magical. Experiencing Rome by night is one of the top things to do in Rome to connect with the city’s living pulse.
Conclusion
Rome in 2025 offers so much more than what you’ll find in travel brochures. From world-famous landmarks to underground catacombs, bustling food markets to peaceful gardens, and bohemian neighborhoods to illuminated piazzas after dark—every corner of this city offers something unforgettable. By embracing both the iconic and the undiscovered, travelers can experience the Eternal City like true locals. The top things to do in Rome this year are about blending the awe of history with the intimacy of everyday life. Come with curiosity, and leave with stories you’ll tell forever.
