A City Where the Past Meets the Present
Rome, the Eternal City, is one of those rare destinations where ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and modern Italian life coexist in beautiful harmony. As 2025 unfolds, the city continues to mesmerize travelers from across the globe with a renewed energy shaped by historical milestones, culinary evolution, and innovative experiences. If you’re planning a visit, you’re in for a culturally rich and palate-pleasing adventure. This guide will take you on a journey through the best of Rome Italy things to do in 2025—from the grand monuments to local street corners bustling with flavor and history.
Dive Into Rome’s Ancient Wonders
Any cultural journey in Rome begins with its world-renowned ancient ruins, and in 2025, many of these landmarks are more accessible and immersive than ever before. Thanks to ongoing restoration projects and the integration of augmented reality, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill offer visitors a deeper, more interactive understanding of their history. Booking a guided tour—especially one using AR or VR—is a smart move if you want to see these sites come to life.
Don’t miss the Pantheon, an architectural marvel that still boasts the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. Nearby, the Largo di Torre Argentina, a lesser-known site housing the ruins of four Republican-era temples, has recently opened new pedestrian paths, allowing closer views of this historic gem. These awe-inspiring landmarks are at the top of any list of Rome Italy things to do, not just for their visual grandeur but for the palpable sense of history they exude.
Savor the City Through Its Food
Rome’s culinary scene is a journey in itself, especially in 2025 as the city continues to embrace both traditional flavors and modern interpretations of Italian cuisine. Whether you’re savoring a rustic cacio e pepe at a family-owned trattoria in Trastevere or tasting inventive dishes at a Michelin-starred ristorante, every meal becomes a memory.
Start your day with a cappuccino and cornetto at a local café, then head to Testaccio Market for a lunchtime sampling of Roman street food like supplì and porchetta. For a deeper culinary experience, sign up for a food tour or cooking class. Many new classes offer vegan, gluten-free, and even kosher options to cater to all travelers.
Rome’s gelato game is also on point in 2025. Artisanal gelaterias such as Fatamorgana, Gelateria del Teatro, and Otaleg continue to push the boundaries with seasonal and unconventional flavors, all made from natural ingredients. Culinary exploration remains one of the most popular rome italy things to do and it’s easy to understand why once you’ve had your first bite.
Explore Museums and Hidden Artistic Treasures
Beyond the Vatican Museums, which remain a global draw thanks to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome is home to a vast array of lesser-known artistic treasures. The Galleria Borghese, nestled within the Villa Borghese gardens, is a must-see for fans of Bernini and Caravaggio. In 2025, many museums are offering extended evening hours and exclusive night tours that make the experience more intimate and enchanting.
Check out Palazzo Altemps, a quieter museum filled with Greco-Roman sculptures and Renaissance architecture, or the Centrale Montemartini, where classical statues are displayed against an industrial backdrop in a former power plant. Street art is also booming in districts like Pigneto and Ostiense, offering an edgy, contemporary contrast to Rome’s ancient aesthetic. For art lovers, museum-hopping is easily among the best Rome Italy things to do this year.
Embrace the Spirit of the Jubilee Year
One of the most defining aspects of Rome in 2025 is the Jubilee Year, declared by the Vatican. This sacred event, held once every 25 years, draws millions of pilgrims and tourists to the city. For travelers, it’s an extraordinary opportunity to witness religious processions, special papal blessings, and extended visiting hours at basilicas across Rome.
Key pilgrimage sites like the Basilica of St. John Lateran, Santa Maria Maggiore, and St. Paul Outside the Walls are expected to welcome unprecedented crowds. If you’re spiritually inclined or simply fascinated by religious heritage, participating in Jubilee-related events is one of the most meaningful Rome Italy things to do in 2025. Be sure to book tours and tickets early, as demand is extremely high during this holy year.
Experience Rome’s Outdoor Life
Rome’s mild climate and picturesque landscapes make it perfect for outdoor exploration year-round. In 2025, the city continues to expand its green spaces and walking paths, allowing visitors to experience its beauty at a leisurely pace. The Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) is ideal for renting a bike and cruising past aqueducts, tombs, and ruins while soaking in serene countryside vibes.
The Villa Borghese gardens, often called the “green heart” of Rome, offer boat rides, bike rentals, and panoramic views from Pincian Hill. The nearby Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) and Aventine Keyhole provide hidden gems for photography lovers and romantics alike. Rome also offers themed walking tours—ranging from gladiator routes to food-focused jaunts—so you can blend fitness and sightseeing. If you’re compiling a list of relaxing yet engaging Rome Italy things to do, don’t skip its outdoor gems.
Discover Rome’s Neighborhoods Like a Local
One of the most rewarding ways to experience Rome in 2025 is by immersing yourself in its diverse neighborhoods. Trastevere remains a favorite for its bohemian spirit and lively piazzas, while Monti, near the Colosseum, charms visitors with indie boutiques and artisan gelaterias.
Testaccio, once Rome’s meatpacking district, is now a hotspot for authentic Roman cuisine and nightlife, while Prati, near the Vatican, offers a more elegant and less touristy vibe. For a deeper dive into local life, venture to Garbatella or San Lorenzo, where you’ll find vibrant street art, community markets, and budget-friendly eateries.
Exploring neighborhoods on foot or by e-bike allows you to truly understand Roman daily life beyond the major landmarks. For cultural travelers, this local immersion ranks high on the list of Rome Italy things to do, offering authentic experiences far from the crowds.
Make Time for Day Trips and Surrounding Wonders
While Rome has enough to fill weeks of exploration, it’s also the gateway to several fantastic day trips that add depth to your journey. Just 30 minutes from the city center lies Tivoli, home to the spectacular Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These gardens and palaces offer a peaceful escape filled with fountains, sculptures, and Roman imperial history.
Another popular day trip is to Ostia Antica, an ancient harbor city with remarkably preserved mosaics, baths, and an amphitheater. It’s often described as a quieter alternative to Pompeii. For wine lovers, the Frascati wine region provides a scenic and tasty break from urban life. In 2025, improved public transportation options make these excursions more accessible than ever, placing them firmly on the list of Rome Italy things to do that combine convenience and culture.
Conclusion: Rome in 2025 Awaits Your Journey
As 2025 unfolds, Rome stands ready to offer a travel experience like no other—layered with centuries of history, bursting with flavors, and glowing with spiritual and cultural resonance. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, indulging in street food, or discovering new art in unexpected places, you’ll find that there’s no shortage of unforgettable Rome Italy things to do.
With the Jubilee Year bringing renewed attention to the city’s spiritual heritage and technological enhancements improving accessibility and personalization, there has never been a better time to explore the Eternal City. Let your curiosity guide you and your tastebuds lead the way—Rome is waiting to welcome you on your own unique cultural and culinary journey.
