Rome, the capital city of Italy, has been named by US News as one of the best places to visit in Europe in 2025. This is because, whether visiting in the spring, summer, autumn, or winter, there are a plethora of wonders to experience all year round.

From renting a Vespa to enjoying the views inside the Vatican City, this article will explore five of the most wonderful things to see and do on your next trip to Rome.

Rent A Vespa

Vespa (Italian for ‘wasp’) is an Italian brand of scooters and mopeds manufactured by Piaggio, popular with locals and tourists alike.

For tourists, renting a Vespa is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to explore Rome. Not only are Vespa’s super stylish, but riding around on a scooter ensures you have more time to visit all the landmarks. Prices start at around €60 for 24 hours but vary depending on the company.

In addition, many Vespa hire companies offer small group and private tours so that you can ride around the Italian capital with a knowledgeable guide.

Go On A Walking Tour

If you aren’t confident riding a Vespa or want a cheaper alternative, then embark on Rome’s free walking tour.

You can see some of the Eternal City’s most famous landmarks alongside a knowledgeable guide. This gives you a better understanding of the deep history behind the Roman landmarks you visit, including the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Trajan’s Market, and the Pantheon.

In addition, there are many food and wine walking tours across the Italian capital, allowing you to try some local cuisine and visit some of the city’s best restaurants and bars.

Visit The Colosseum

We can’t write an article about the wonders of Rome and not include one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Colosseum.

Rome’s Colosseum is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built, measuring an impressive 187 feet in height, 617 feet in length, and 512 feet in width. It is also still the largest standing amphitheatre in the world, despite being built over 1950 years ago.

Formerly used for chariot races, gladiator combats, and contests between men and animals, Rome’s Colosseum is now one of the most popular landmarks in Europe. You can buy a ticket online or from one of the many tour guides around the Colosseum.

Indulge In Local Cuisine

Chefs in Rome, like those in other regions of Italy, use traditional cucina povera (‘the kitchen of the poor’) cooking techniques to transform humble ingredients into works of gastronomic art. Here are some of Rome’s local dishes that I think you should try:

• Pasta alla carbonara. This is one of the most popular Roman dishes, known worldwide as ‘Carbonara’. The dish mixes pasta with fried pork bits, a beaten egg yolk, pecorino cheese, and black pepper.
• Pasta cacio e pepe. Translated to ‘pasta with cheese and pepper’ in English, this is one of the Lazio region’s oldest dishes. It mixes pasta with pecorino cheese and black pepper.
• Trippa alla Romana. Translated to ‘Roman tripe’ in English, this dish isn’t for the squeamish among us. It is essentially the lining of a cow’s stomach, but the Roman version is simmered in tomato sauce with mint and pecorino cheese.
• Abbacchio allo Scottadito. Translated roughly to ‘burnt finger lamb’ in English, this dish is popular at Roman family barbecues on Easter Monday and served in restaurants across Rome during the spring. The cutlets of young lamb are marinated in garlic, olive oil, and rosemary and then grilled until almost burnt.
• Maritozzi. After all these hearty pasta and meat dishes, we had to finish the list with a dessert, which even has its own day (Maritozzi Day) on the first Saturday of December each year. These sweet buns are stuffed with whipped cream and often enriched with pine nuts, raisins, and candied orange peel.

Unfortunately, you will likely find many expensive tourist traps across Rome, so be careful and try to eat at smaller, family-owned restaurants.

Enjoy The Vatican Views

The Vatican City is an independent sovereign city in the heart of Rome, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, and the home of the Pope.

Inside the walls of the Vatican City, tourists can marvel at St Peters Basilica (a Renaissance church) and the large St Peters Square, which sits in front of it and features an Egyptian obelisk and a fountain. In addition, you can take a walk around the well-kept Gardens of the Vatican City, which is home to fountains and sculptures.

If the historical views aren’t enough, head to the Vatican Museum to see ancient Roman sculptures, Renaissance frescoes, and the Sistine Chapel. Admission tickets range from €13 to €25, whilst guided tours range from €28 to €40.

A Whirlwind Ride Through The Wonders Of Rome

Whilst there are many more things to do and see in the Eternal City, we have taken you on a whirlwind ride through the wonders of Rome that you can’t miss on your next visit.