Tourists visiting Colosseum in Rome
Photograph: Shutterstock
Photograph: Shutterstock

The 27 greatest things to do in Rome in 2025

Come celebrate the Jubilee this year, a rare event that brings new life to the Eternal City

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Rome in 2025: Rome is always great, but this year is extra special – 2025 marks the year of the Rome Jubilee, a historic Catholic event held every 25 years, offering pilgrims a chance to receive ‘plenary indulgence’, and travellers a chance to experience one of the city’s holiest traditions.

As its name suggests, the Eternal City could take a lifetime to explore  but 2025 is an especially exciting time to visit. In preparation for the Jubilee, Rome has undergone a sweeping restoration effort, with hundreds of monuments, fountains and churches getting a fresh glow. But it’s not just the city’s historic landmarks getting a refresh: Rome is always evolving. New boutique hotels and concept restaurants are popping up alongside centuries-old trattorias and artisan studios, adding a fresh edge to the timeless capital. Whether you’re here for food, faith or just to soak in the city’s beguiling charm, 2025 is set to be an unforgettable year to visit.

How long do I need in Rome?

Even I know that we don’t all have a lifetime to spare, so the good news is that three days in the Eternal City is an ideal amount of time for a dolce vita escape with all the big hitters. If possible, plan to come on a Saturday, the one day a week when the private residence of Galleria Colonna opens to the public. But whenever you get to visit this city, trust us, it’s as brilliant as they say it is. Here are the best things to do in Rome. 

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Natalie Aldern and Livia Hengel are writers based in Rome. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelinesThis guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines

Best things to do in Rome

What is it? A major Catholic event held every 25 years, the Jubilee is a sacred tradition that welcomes millions of pilgrims to Rome. This year long event includes special religious celebrations, the opening of the Holy Doors at the city’s four papal basilicas and a year-long program of cultural events.

Why go? Even if you’re not religious, the Jubilee has led to sweeping restoration efforts across Rome, meaning it’s the best time to visit newly sparkling marble monuments, fountains and piazzas. You can expect a livelier city, new exhibitions and access to religious sites that are normally off-limits to visits.

🤫 Insider tip: The Vatican is always a must-visit, but 2025 offers something truly special. Visitors can now enter St. Peter’s Basilica through its central, Holy Door: an experience only possible during a Jubilee year.

📍 Discover more of the world’s best events in 2025

  • Attractions
  • Historic buildings and sites

What is it? We’re going to assume you’ve already got an idea of this one: it’s the Colosseum, after all. Built between 72-80 AD, this is the largest amphitheatre in the world (holding 80,000 people back in the day), and seeing it up close is just about as cool as you can imagine. 

Why go? Local Romans used to come here to see violent gladiator battles or animal hunts, but now it’s a lot more peaceful. Once you get to the 5th level for that 360-degree view over the theatre, it’s pretty magical. Just make sure to book in advance to avoid long queues. 

🤫 Insider tip: The views are great, but make sure to book a visit to the recently opened arena floor to experience it the way the gladiators did.

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  • Museums
  • Art and design

What is it? Founded by Pope Julius II in the 16th century, the Vatican Museums house one of the largest and most important art collections in the world and is set across 54 galleries, courtyards and hallways. You’ll find thousands of ancient sculptures, works by Raphael and, of course, Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.

Time Out tip: If you have time and plan well in advance, book tickets to descend into the Vatican Necropolis, located beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican Gardens filled with fountains, flora and a replica of the Grotto devoted to Our Lady of Lourdes.

👀 Our take: ‘Book a late entry time and linger in the museum until nearly closing time. It’s oh-so worth it to be the last one under Michelangelo’s frescoes.’ 

  • Attractions
  • Historic buildings and sites

What is it? Built in 125 AD by Emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon is one of the best preserved buildings from ancient times.

Why go? Its dome, measuring 142 feet in diameter, is the largest in the whole world, and its oculus (the central opening at the top of the dome) is a unique source of natural light and serves as a symbolic connection between the temple and the heavens. It’s an ancient marvel and a must-see in Rome. 

🤫 Insider tip: If you’re heading to the city during Pentecost weekend, you’re in for a treat – during Sunday Mass, tons of rose petals get dropped from the oculus to mark the occasion, and the sight is really something.

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  • Attractions
  • Monuments and memorials

What is it? Rome is known as the city of fountains – there are over 2,000 throughout the city, both big and small – but none are grander than the Trevi Fountain. Commissioned by Pope Clement XII in the 18th century, this majestic work of Baroque art was carved out of Carrara marble and took 30 years to complete. The marvel features Oceanus, the god of the sea, sitting triumphantly atop a chariot pulled by seahorses at the center. On either side are Tritons, mythical sea creatures that resemble mermen, blowing into conch shells.

Why go? According to local legend, if you throw a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain, you’ll return to Rome again in your lifetime. Each year, millions of coins are tossed into the fountain: they’re regularly collected and donated to charitable causes. 

🤫 Insider tip: The Trevi Fountain is crammed with tourists most of the day, but if you visit before 8am (yep, it’s early!) you’ll likely have it almost to yourself. 

6. Learn all about the Romans at Castel Sant’Angelo

What is it? Castel Sant’Angelo, ‘The Castle of Angels,’ is an eye-catching cylindrical fortification built on the banks of the Tiber River by Roman Emperor Hadrian in the second century AD.

Why go? Originally commissioned as a mausoleum for Hadrian and his family, it was later used as a fortress and castle by the popes. It even includes a secret escape passageway that links the structure to the Vatican City. Today, it is a museum with frescoed rooms, a collection of medieval weaponry and sweeping views of the city of Rome and nearby St Peter’s Basilica.

🤫 Insider tip: The castle’s cafe is actually worth visiting – not because of the food, but for its marvellous view of the Vatican.

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7. While away an afternoon in Villa Torlonia

What is it? Located in an elegant residential neighborhood, Villa Torlonia is a neoclassical estate that was built for the powerful Torlonia family in the early 19th century. It later served as Benito Mussolini’s private residence from 1925 to 1943. Today, the villa and its gardens are open to the public, offering a unique mix of history and art surrounded by beautiful nature.

Why go? Unlike Rome’s more famous villas, Villa Torlonia is blissfully uncrowded. Stroll through its landscaped English-style gardens, admire frescoes inside the Casino Nobile, and step inside the Mussolini Bunker, a fascinating underground air raid shelter built during World War II.

🤫 Insider tip: Don't miss the Casina delle Civette (House of Owls), a whimsical architectural gem tucked inside the park that features colorful stained glass and fairy-tale turrets.

  • Shopping
  • Markets and fairs

What is it? One of the best places to sample Rome’s diverse cuisine and excellent street food is at the Testaccio Market, a luminous and contemporary building filled with tantalizing stands that serve everything from artichoke sandwiches and tripe stews to freshly-cooked pasta and craft beers.

Why go? Rome’s culinary traditions are rooted in the Testaccio neighbourhood, making it an essential stop for gourmands and intrepid diners. But it’s also got a fascinating history; the area once housed the largest slaughterhouse in Europe, and employees were usually paid in leftover animal parts (affectionately referred to as the ‘quinto quarto,’ or fifth quarter). 

🤫 Insider tip: Grab a legendary panino at Mordi e Vai or pizza al taglio from CasaManco, one of the best pizzerias in Rome. Be sure to arrive before 3:30pm when the market closes.

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  • Museums
  • Art and design

What is it? Commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the 16th century to house his impressive art collection, Galleria Borghese remains one of the premier museums in Rome.

Why go? An avid art collector, the Cardinal was one of Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s early patrons and a huge fan of Caravaggio’s works, so expect to find exceptional creations here. Some highlights include Apollo and Daphne by Bernini, Paolina Bonaparte by Canova and Boy with a Basket of Fruit by Caravaggio.

🤫 Insider tip: The ‘pleasure palace’ was originally built as a suburban villa and it remains immersed in Villa Borghese’s extensive gardens, so be sure to take a stroll around the park after your visit.

10. Soak up the views at Gianicolo

What is it? Fondly referred to as the city of Seven Hills, Rome is known for its scenic vantage points and numerous terraces that give way to stunning views of the city skyline.

Why go? Located above the Trastevere neighbourhood, Gianicolo isn’t technically one of the fabled hills, but it is worth the trek because it’s the highest point in Rome and offers an expansive vista over the Eternal City.

🤫 Insider tip: Just a few minutes away you’ll find the elegant Fontana dell’Acqua Paola, a fountain featured in the opening scene of La Grande Bellezza. 

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