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Adventurous Things to do in Rome

Want to experience the more wild side of Rome? Here are our top picks!
By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak

If you're bored of the landmarks, why not get the blood pumping with some engaging activities such as thrilling skydiving, a vespa ride around the streets or a spooky ghost tour?

Rome is a city that’s built for laidback sightseeing, with many of its most famous ancient monuments within easy strolling distance of each other. Think the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon. Then there’s the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Vatican and St Peter’s Basilica. Gentle cruises on the Tiber, romantic walks through scented orange groves. We could go on.

In short, think of Rome and you’re more likely to imagine gazing at world-famous ceiling frescoes in awed silence than, for example, skydiving over the city or wielding a gladiatorial sword. But, if you’re game, Rome boasts a surprisingly large number of high-octane activities for thrillseekers and those who simply enjoy getting out of their comfort zone. Read on for our pick of the most adventurous things to do in Rome.

Whiz Through the Streets on a Vespa

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Does anything say ‘Rome’ more than revving up a Vespa – that colorful icon of Italian design – and zipping through the city streets with the wind in your hair? It’s a great way to get around the top attractions in style, drawing admiring glances from passers-by as you pause to snap Instagrammable shots at the Colosseum and Spanish Steps. And, of course, of yourself on your cool new ride. Note that this one is for experienced riders only. Driving in central Rome is frankly terrifying so only the most confident Vespa handlers need apply. Top tip: you can also ride sidecar and let a professional tour guide do all the hard work for you.

Become a Gladiator

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Don the gladiatorial garb, enter the arena, raise your sword and prepare to meet your destiny with the Gruppo Storico Rome on the ancient Appian Way. This two-hour class will leave you well-versed in the noble art of gladiatorial combat, bringing all of your Russell Crowe/Kirk Douglas fantasies to life. The venue also hosts evening shows with actors in heavy-duty armor wielding real weapons, who come face-to-face in (pretend) mortal combat for the entertainment of the baying mob (that’s you) in the stands. Snacks and drinks favored by the ancient Romans are also provided.

Enter the Rome Catacombs

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Deep beneath the streets of Rome, a network of more than 50 ancient catacombs holds the mortal remains of scores of Christian martyrs and even some former Popes. Five of these catacombs are open to the public with tours running regularly, showcasing the fine frescoes, sculptures and other examples of early Christian art within. You can expect to feel a chill in the air as you descend into these narrow passageways, so those of a nervous or claustrophobic disposition may wish to give it a miss. For those brave enough to enter, however, the rewards are immense.

Take to the Skies

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A world away from the dank, dark tunnels under the city streets, this one is strictly for adrenaline junkies and easily ranks as one of the most adventurous activities in Rome. Head out of town and get ready to take a leap of faith – at 4,000 feet. Tandem skydives are increasingly popular around Rome and there are several companies operating day excursions for precisely this purpose. Expect a strong sense of impending doom, followed by a thrilling leap with – if you can keep your eyes open – sweeping views of the coast and the city of Rome. DVDs and photos of your jump are usually included in the price, for a memorable souvenir of your trip.

Get Spooked on a Ghost Tour

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With nearly 3,000 years of famously violent history under its belt, you can be sure that Rome has its fair share of restless spirits, from the killing fields of the Colosseum to the bone-chilling Catacombs. For that very reason, you’ll find dozens of evening ghost walks with knowledgeable, entertaining guides who will regale you with legendary tales of the Eternal City’s most haunted spots, including the spooky Sant’Angelo Bridge and its namesake castle, actually a mausoleum where the ashes of second and third-century Roman emperors were interred.

Learn to Cook like Nonna

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Barely capable of boiling an egg? Here’s your chance to return from your vacation with a whole new set of cooking skills to wow your friends and family. Everyone knows Italian cuisine is the best in the world – find out how to prepare simple but effective pasta dishes (with your own homemade pasta, no less!) and how to rustle up an authentic tiramisu, all delicious coffee and cocoa flavors, sweet whipped cream and mascarpone, just like nonna used to make.

Go Rafting on the Tiber

Get a different perspective on Rome with this fun city-center rafting experience. Hop aboard and paddle the Tiber’s gentle waters, cruising beneath ancient, picture-perfect bridges and taking in views of the fortress-like Castel Sant’Angelo, the soaring dome of St Peter’s Basilica and much more. Evening tours are available if you fancy seeing the city lit up at night with the lights from the beautiful bridges reflecting in the river’s still waters. And, let’s face it, why wouldn’t you?

Ride Like the Wind

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Picture the scene. The year is 143 AD and you’ve just entered the Circus Maximus to the roars of over a quarter of a million spectators. The emperor is growing impatient, and you have only one chance to earn his favor. Guide your trusty steeds to the starting line and get ready to go full Ben-Hur mode on an adrenaline-fueled chariot ride around the arena. Ok ok, so it’s not real, but this virtual reality experience is still thrilling enough to get the blood pumping. All you have to do is keep your head.

Tour Rome by Segway

It probably won’t win you any friends among locals forced to leap out of the way to avoid you, but a Segway tour is a fine way to see the city sights in double-fast time. There are dozens of different providers, but a typical tour will tick off bucket-list attractions like the Colosseum, the Forum, Capitoline Hill and the Villa Borghese. Again, evening tours are available, as well as the option to visit some of Rome’s interesting neighborhoods, like trendy Trastevere with its atmospheric piazzas and world-class pizzas.

Soar Over the Roman Landscape at Sunrise

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Take a hot-air balloon ride over the Roman countryside at sunrise, an adventure that’s sure to melt the hearts of hopeless romantics everywhere. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of cute medieval villages, rolling hills and golden wheat fields as the sun comes up over the horizon, and there’s usually a chance to breakfast on local cheeses and charcuterie at the end of your ride. Book a luxury package and you’ll even get a nerve-steadying glass of champagne thrown in. Perfect.

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Save on admission to Rome attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Woman enjoying a glass of wine at sunset in Rome
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Relaxing Things to do in Rome

Tired from ticking off all your bucket list Rome sights? Put your feet up and indulge in some peaceful Italian scenery, culture and cuisine.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Woman taking photographs in a picturesque square in Trastevere, Rome
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Week in Rome

Planning to spend a week in Rome? Well, lucky you! Many visitors to the Eternal City make the error of booking just two or three days here, then end up rushing around, frantically trying to tick off as many bucket-list attractions as possible. The best way to experience this sometimes chaotic city is sloooowly, pausing for Italian espresso and cannoli when the mood takes you and lingering at attractions like the Colosseum and St Peter’s Basilica long enough to get a real feel for the place, rather than just a few hurried photographs. There’s so much to see and do in Rome. Seven days feels just about right to enjoy a relaxed sightseeing break and to really fall in love with the place. Do bear in mind though that time spent queueing at the more popular attractions will add up. So decide on your must-sees, book skip the line tickets where possible and be inspired by our suggested itinerary for a week in Rome. Day 1: Ancient Rome Good news! Many of the most sought-after attractions in Rome are within fairly easy walking distance of each other. It’s perfectly possible, for example, to experience the well-preserved ancient ruins of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill in a single day. Start at the Colosseum, where a tour of the interior really brings this vast amphitheater to life. Close your eyes and imagine the roar of the crowd baying for thieves and swindlers to be thrown to the lions 2,000 years ago. Wander the avenues of the Roman Forum, taking in huge arches, ruined temples, great columns and spooky headless statues before heading up Palatine Hill. It’s here, among the colorful wildflowers, hilltop ruins and sweeping views of the ancient city, that Romulus and Remus, Rome’s mythical founders, are said to have been raised by a she-wolf. If you've got enough gas left in the tank after all that, spend your first evening in town getting to know atmospheric Piazza Navona, with its beautifully illuminated Bernini fountain, theatrical street entertainers and fairytale churches and palazzos. Day 2: Villa Borghese and a Few Bucket List Biggies This one is a little hectic, and you may wish to skip one or two of the attractions on the list and return to them on a less packed day. Start your morning with a visit to the Pantheon, one of Rome’s best-preserved Ancient Roman structures, with its fine portico featuring 12 grand Corinthian columns, checkerboard marble floors and impressive concrete dome complete with oculus, a central opening that allows sunlight (and indeed rain) to pour inside. It’s less than half a mile from here to the Trevi Fountain. And can you truly say you’ve visited Rome before you’ve jostled your way through the crowds to toss in your coin? Another half mile takes you to the foot of the Spanish Steps. Steel yourself for the 135-step climb to the top, where the majestic Trinità dei Monti church with its elaborate decorative features and pair of 17th-century anamorphic frescoes are your well-deserved reward. Spend the afternoon exploring Villa Borghese’s sumptuous formal gardens and exquisite villas, and pay a visit to the Galleria Borghese, where landmark works include Caravaggio’s Saint Jerome, Raphael’s Deposition, and Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne sculpture. Or, you know, just grab a smooth, creamy gelato and sit on the lawns people-watching for a few hours. Day 3: Trastevere A week in Rome most definitely merits at least one day spent exploring the medieval cobbled lanes, atmospheric alleyways and pretty piazzas of Trastevere, a laidback neighborhood just downriver from the Vatican. Here’s where to find beautiful churches, ocher-colored houses draped in vines and brightly blooming window boxes, and some of the finest pizza this side of Naples – wafer-thin, crispy crusted, wood-fired and fresh from the oven. A walk up Janiculum Hill reveals sweeping city panoramas, as well as plenty of Instagrammable attractions, including an imposing statue of Garibaldi on horseback, a monumental 17th-century fountain with marble carvings of eagles and dragons, and a sprawling botanical garden. Day 4: Museums and More If ancient artifacts are your thang, you’ve come to the right place. The Capitoline Museums atop Capitoline Hill are reached via a long and graceful Michelangelo-designed staircase, and the climb is well worth it for the multiple museums containing classical statues, medieval bronzes, Roman pottery and a veritable treasure trove of paintings and sculptures from the likes of Caravaggio, Rubens, Titian and van Dyck. Highlights here (and, believe us, there are many!) include the famous statue of the Dying Gaul and the symbolic Capitoline Wolf, a large bronze piece depicting the mythical Romulus and Remus being suckled by the she-wolf who raised them. Afterwards, wander downriver to take your chances with the Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità) – a forbidding medieval marble mask that invites you to place your hand inside its mouth, at peril of having it bitten clean off if you've ever told a lie. Then, hopefully with both hands intact, make your way to Aventine Hill for one of the coolest views in town: the dome of St Peter’s Basilica framed by an avenue of perfectly manicured cypress trees, seen through the keyhole of an otherwise fairly unassuming door. Magical. Day 5: The Appian Way A walk on the Appian Way is an absolute must when spending a whole week in Rome. Seemingly frozen in time, much of this ancient Roman road remains unaltered since Julius Caesar marched his armies along it 2,000 years ago. The fine cobbled avenue stretches around 40 miles south of the city (significantly shorter than in its heyday when it went all the way to Brindisi!). Beyond the soaring pines that flank the road are fields and fields containing dozens of ancient monuments to explore. We’re talking catacombs, mausoleums, temples, Roman baths and stacks more. Take a bike to cover more ground and make a real day out of it – a market-sourced picnic of salamis and cheeses will be the icing on the cake. Day 6: The Vatican Museums It should go without saying that the Vatican should be on your Rome itinerary and it’s worth setting a whole day aside for, just in case you become transfixed by the beauty of the Sistine Chapel Ceiling for, like, three hours (not entirely unheard of, but also not recommended unless you want to take home a neck brace as a souvenir of your visit). Other highlights of the Vatican’s complex of museums include Raphael’s unfinished Transfiguration, an ancient marble statue depicting Trojan priest Laocoön and his sons being attacked by sea serpents, and a gallery of fine 16th and 17th-century tapestries. Make sure to take a close look at the ceiling in this one: though apparently sculpted in relief, it is in fact completely flat. That’s down to 18th-century painters whose skill at painting light and shadow meant they were able to create an utterly convincing 3D illusion. Day 7: Souvenir Shopping Whaddya mean you haven’t bought any souvenirs to take home yet? Better get yourself down to the weekend Campagna Amico market by the Circus Maximus. This is the place for the best local produce, with everything sold here grown, reared, pressed, baked or brewed within a 100-kilometer radius. Pick up fruity Lazio wines, moreish extra virgin olive oils and fine cured meats to gift to friends and relatives, then head to Rome’s main tourist drags for the lovably naff novelty nick-nacks you so desperately need in your life: Colosseum keyrings, Trevi Fountain snow globes and plastic Pope Francis figurines for the win. Save on things to do in Rome Save on admission to Rome attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
The Trevi Fountain in Rome, illuminated at dusk
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5 Days in Rome

Packed to bursting with more household-name attractions than you could shake a very large scepter at, Rome is one big open-air museum. Think the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, the Baths of Caracalla, the Circus Maximus and St Peter’s Basilica. And that’s just for starters. There are also lush green parks to relax in, hills to climb for sigh-inducing city views and, of course, all the authentic wood-fired pizza and creamy gelato you can eat. Spend five days in Rome and you’ll just about scratch the surface of this endlessly fascinating city, experiencing just enough of its atmospheric cobbled lanes, charming piazzas and ancient monuments to whet the appetite for a second visit. The sheer number of things to see and do around the city is staggering, making it difficult to know where to even start. Fear not though: our suggested 5-day Rome itinerary is here to help guide and inspire you. Day 1: Ancient Rome Bucket List Bonanza There’s no point beating about the bush: you came to Rome to snap a selfie in front of the Colosseum. Everything else is just gravy, right? So let’s dive straight in with a day one itinerary that takes in not just one, but four of Ancient Rome’s biggest hitters. First stop on your self-guided walking tour is – you’ll be pleased to hear – the Colosseum. Grab that much-anticipated snap then step inside to experience the largest and best-preserved ancient amphitheater ever built. It doesn’t take a whole lot of effort to imagine the roar of the crowd baying for gladiator blood in one of the deadly battles that were staged here on an almost daily basis nearly 2,000 years ago. Suitably roused, it’s onwards to the Roman Forum, the city’s ruined former heart, which contained markets, temples, brothels and more, then up Palatine Hill where, legend has it, Rome’s mythical twin founders Romulus and Remus were raised by a she-wolf. Wildflowers grow among the ancient ruins atop this verdant oasis and there are excellent views of the Forum and Aventine Hill from one side, and the Circus Maximus, Colosseum and Capitoline Hill from the other. Not ready to throw in the towel just yet? Continue your walk to the ancient Baths of Caracalla, a spa complex that would have accommodated up to 1,300 bathers at a time back in the day. If you still have energy after that, you’re not a million miles from Aventine Hill, atop which stars of the show include the legendary Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità) and a keyhole through which you can view the dome of St Peter’s Basilica framed by perfectly manicured cypress trees. After all that, your first large glass of chilled pinot grigio will be richly deserved. Pro-tip: Go City’s Rome Explorer Pass includes an audio tour that covers part of this itinerary, taking in the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill. Day 2: Villa Borghese Footsore and hungover, you’ll be looking for something a little less taxing on day two of your 5-day Rome itinerary. Step forward Villa Borghese, Rome’s great green lung, packed with beautiful villas, gardens and monuments. Grab a picnic from the morning market on Campo dei Fiori – some salami, pecorino and fresh focaccia ought to fit the bill – and find a shady spot among the park’s towering plane and pine trees to stretch out, savor your lunch and enjoy some blissful Rome relaxation. Afterwards, pop by the Galleria Borghese, home of landmark works by Italian masters, including Raphael’s Deposition, Caravaggio’s Saint Jerome, and Bernini’s dramatic Apollo and Daphne sculpture in smooth Carrara marble. There’s also a temple, a slew of grand villas, several fountains and gardens, a lake and a puppet theater to explore in and around the park. The ever-popular Spanish Steps are tantalizingly close by, too, should you wish to tick off another of the city’s top attractions before returning to your hotel. Day 3: Trastevere For the third of your five days in Rome, head for the laidback Trastevere neighborhood. Just downriver from the Vatican, it feels a long way from the honking car horns of the city center, with oodles of atmospheric alleys, pretty piazzas and Instagrammable ocher-colored houses with painted shutters, vines that wrap around wrought-iron balconies and window boxes that burst with joyful blooms. Take time to visit the duo of stunning churches here. One of Rome’s oldest, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere has sections that date from the 4th Century, as well as a Romanesque 12th-century bell tower and incredible mosaics by artist Pietro Cavallini. Cavallini’s masterpiece, a huge fresco depicting the Last Judgment, can be seen at the nearby Church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, alongside several other fine medieval artworks. Climb Janiculum Hill for sweeping views along the Tiber to the dome of St Peter’s Basilica and beyond, find your inner zen in the Japanese garden at the Botanical Gardens, and take in a little more art at the Palazzo Corsini where the collection includes fine pieces by Caravaggio, van Dyck, Rubens and more. Reward yourself with an authentic artisan gelato – flavors in these parts range from traditional stracciatella to a somewhat more challenging artichoke sorbet – and stick around for evening, when Trastevere’s piazzas burst into life as locals come together for fine wine, delicious local craft ales and the best thin and crispy pizza this side of Naples. Day 4: Vatican City and Castel Sant’Angelo There aren’t many cities you can visit where you get two countries for the price of one, but this is one of them, and a visit to the Vatican City should be considered an essential part of any 5-day Rome itinerary worth its salt. You’ve spent the last three days snapping St Peter’s Basilica from various other vantage points around the city. Now’s your chance to get inside and see Michelangelo’s iconic dome up close, with its biblical scenes by Botticelli, Perugino and Michelangelo himself. The basilica also contains dozens of other works of fine art and sculpture, including Michelangelo’s Pieta and Bernini's vast bronze Baldacchino, as well as relics such as St Peter’s chair and tomb. And of course no visit to Rome would be complete without visiting the planet’s most famous fresco on the planet. You can get a combi ticket for access to the Sistine Chapel as well as several other Vatican museums, including impressive collections of classical sculpture, modern art and more. Sure, there’s a lot to take in here, but if you arrived early enough it’s worth making time to pop over to Castel Sant’Angelo for a quick mooch around. This imposing cylindrical fortress was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian as a family mausoleum 2,000 years ago. It’s now a fantastic museum chock-full of frescoes, sculptures, paintings and military weaponry, all topped off with far-reaching views across the Eternal City from the lofty castle terrace. Day 5: A Spot of Souvenir Shopping Now’s the time to mop up any of those must-see attractions that you just didn’t have time to visit. Whaddya mean you haven’t thrown a coin into the Trevi Fountain yet? Or enjoyed the uniquely mesmerizing experience of watching rain cascade through the Pantheon’s oculus during a downpour? Make time to grab some gifts for loved ones and a few souvenirs for yourself. We’re talking fruity Lazio region wines and olive oils, tangy pecorino cheeses and – naturally – armfuls of Colosseum keyrings, Forum fridge magnets, Vatican votives and Trevi Fountain t-shirts. Finish up with an atmospheric evening stroll through baroque Piazza Navona, pausing for a romantic selfie at Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers), before settling in at one of the local trattoria for wood-fired pizza and a few local craft ales. Save on things to do in Rome Save on admission to Rome attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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