The Ultimate Guide: Top 5 Things to Do and Say in Rome 🇮🇹
Welcome to the Eternal City! Rome is a breathtaking blend of ancient history, stunning architecture, and world-class cuisine. Whether you are wandering through millennia-old ruins or savoring a plate of authentic pasta, Rome promises an unforgettable experience.
To help you make the most of your trip, we have put together the Top 5 Things to Do in Rome, along with the essential Italian phrases you’ll need to confidently interact with locals!
🏛️ Top 5 Things to Do in Rome
1. Step Back in Time at the Colosseum
No trip to Rome is complete without visiting the Colosseum, the largest ancient amphitheater ever built. Walk the same grounds where gladiators once fought and soak in the magnitude of the Roman Empire. Pro Tip: Book your tickets online in advance to skip the massive queues!
2. Toss a Coin into the Trevi Fountain
The stunning Trevi Fountain is a masterpiece of Baroque art. Legend has it that tossing one coin over your left shoulder guarantees your return to Rome, two coins ensure you’ll fall in love, and three mean marriage!
3. Marvel at the Pantheon
The Pantheon, a former Roman temple now serving as a Catholic church, boasts the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. The sheer architectural genius of the oculus (the opening at the top) will leave you speechless.
4. Explore the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Cross the border into the smallest country in the world! The Vatican Museums house immense collections of art amassed by popes throughout the centuries, culminating in Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling in the Sistine Chapel.
5. Wander Through the Roman Forum
Adjacent to the Colosseum lies the Roman Forum, the sprawling ruins of ancient government buildings. It was the epicenter of Roman public life, elections, and public speeches.
🗣️ Essential Italian Phrases for Your Trip
Knowing a little Italian goes a long way. Italians love it when travelers make an effort to speak their language. Here are some crucial phrases to know:
Greetings & Basics
- “Buongiorno” - Good morning. Use this until the afternoon.
- “Buonasera” - Good evening. Use this from around 4:00 PM onwards.
- “Per favore” - Please.
- “Grazie mille” - Thank you very much!
- “Prego” - You’re welcome (or “Go ahead”).
Ordering Food Like a Local
- “Vorrei una carbonara, per favore.” - I would like a carbonara, please.
- “Il conto, per favore.” - The bill, please.
- “Un caffè, per favore.” - A coffee, please. (Remember, in Italy, a caffè is an espresso!)
Navigating the City
- “Dov’è il bagno?” - Where is the bathroom?
- “Parla inglese?” - Do you speak English?
- “Quanto costa?” - How much does it cost?
[!TIP] Want to learn more? Check out our dedicated Phrases page to learn hundreds of situational expressions, or dive into our Grammar guides to start building your own sentences from scratch!
💡 A Quick Insider Travel Tip
In Italy, milk-based coffees like cappuccinos are considered a breakfast drink. If you order a cappuccino after 11:00 AM (and especially after a heavy meal like pasta!), expect some funny looks from the waiter. Stick to a classic espresso (caffè) or a macchiato in the afternoon!
Buon viaggio! (Have a good trip!)