Rome has always been a timeless treasure—layered with history, rich in culinary wonders, and brimming with adventurous opportunities. But in 2025, the Eternal City is shining brighter than ever. With restored landmarks, modernized museums, and an evolving food scene, it is the ultimate playground for curious travelers. Whether you’re a gourmet food lover, a die-hard history buff, or a thrill-seeking adventurer, Rome in 2025 offers experiences tailored for every taste and passion. And if you’re making a travel bucket list, the top things to see in rome this year are more interactive, flavorful, and awe-inspiring than ever.
For the History Buffs: Travel Back in Time
History breathes from every corner in Rome. In 2025, newly restored sites and augmented reality tours have made the ancient past more vivid and accessible. Start with the Colosseum, where gladiator battles are reimagined through immersive VR headsets, giving visitors a front-row seat to the roar of ancient Rome. The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill continue to captivate with their temples, basilicas, and remnants of imperial palaces—many of which now feature digital overlays for deeper context.
Don’t miss the newly renovated Mausoleum of Augustus, which opened fully to the public in recent years. For a glimpse into everyday Roman life, the excavations at Ostia Antica offer a remarkably preserved harbor town just outside the city. These historic sites are more than ruins—they’re stories brought to life, and they top every list of the top things to see in Rome in 2025.
For Foodies: Rome’s Evolving Culinary Scene
Rome has always delighted with its hearty, comforting cuisine, but in 2025, it’s experiencing a culinary renaissance. Traditional trattorias coexist with innovative eateries that put a modern twist on Roman classics. Begin your day with a cappuccino and maritozzo (sweet cream-filled bun) at a local café in Trastevere, then wander into the bustling Testaccio Market for mouthwatering bites of supplì, porchetta, and fresh pasta.
Rome’s food tours are more immersive than ever. Book a hands-on cooking class in the heart of Monti or join a walking aperitivo tour across Campo de’ Fiori. Vegan, gluten-free, and kosher food options are now widely available, making the city’s culinary scene inclusive and exciting. Be sure to visit food-forward districts like Prati and Pigneto, where hidden bistros and rooftop dining offer a modern twist on ancient flavors. Food isn’t just sustenance in Rome—it’s an essential part of exploring the top things to see in Rome.
For the Adventurers: Hidden Paths and Active Exploration
Adventure in Rome doesn’t always mean extreme sports—it means exploring its less-trodden paths and engaging with the city on a physical and sensory level. In 2025, adventure-seekers are embracing new walking and cycling tours that go beyond the usual sights. Rent an e-bike and follow the Appian Way (Via Appia Antica), an ancient Roman road that winds past catacombs, aqueducts, and scenic countryside.
For those seeking vertical excitement, book a dome climb at St. Peter’s Basilica or hike to the Janiculum Hill for panoramic city views. Kayaking along the Tiber River has also become a trending activity, offering a fresh perspective of the city’s skyline. And if you’re feeling bold, explore the Vatican Necropolis, a hidden underground world beneath St. Peter’s. Rome offers layers of discovery, and for adventurers, these experiences are among the most exhilarating top things to see in Rome today.
Museums & Galleries: A Blend of Classical and Contemporary
Rome’s museums in 2025 are embracing modernity without compromising on their rich past. The Vatican Museums remain a must-see, housing timeless masterpieces from Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel to Raphael’s frescoes. But other galleries are also stealing the spotlight. The Galleria Borghese, home to Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings, now offers guided twilight tours, enhancing the museum’s romantic atmosphere.
Art lovers should explore the MAXXI Museum (National Museum of 21st Century Arts) and Centrale Montemartini, where classical statues meet industrial aesthetics. Street art has taken hold in districts like Ostiense, where entire building façades have been transformed into vibrant murals. This creative blend of ancient and avant-garde has placed Roman art museums and galleries among the top things to see in Rome, not only for their content but for their evolving presentation styles.
Festivals & Local Events: Rome’s Cultural Calendar
2025 is packed with festivals that reflect Rome’s vibrant culture and deep traditions. The Jubilee Year, a rare religious celebration declared by the Vatican, has transformed the city into a global pilgrimage destination. Major basilicas—including St. John Lateran, Santa Maria Maggiore, and St. Paul Outside the Walls—are hosting special masses, exhibitions, and spiritual gatherings.
For secular celebrations, the Estate Romana festival fills summer nights with outdoor cinema, live music, and food markets along the Tiber. Spring brings the Rome Marathon, while autumn features the RomaEuropa Festival, showcasing cutting-edge theater, dance, and digital arts. Even everyday life in Rome often feels like a festival—especially in neighborhoods like Trastevere or Campo Marzio. Participating in these events is not just fun—it’s a deeper dive into the top things to see in Rome for cultural connoisseurs.
Day Trips & Escapes Beyond the City
While Rome itself is a living museum, 2025 also presents great opportunities for enriching day trips. Just 30 km from the city lies Tivoli, home to the magnificent Villa d’Este with its stunning fountains, and Villa Adriana, an imperial complex that rivals Rome’s own Forum in grandeur. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and perfect escapes from the urban rush.
Castel Gandolfo, overlooking Lake Albano, offers both papal history and breathtaking views. Meanwhile, the vineyards of Frascati and the olive groves near Sabina are calling all food and wine lovers for tours and tastings. With high-speed trains and improved transit routes, these destinations are easier than ever to reach, and they expand your understanding of Roman culture beyond the city walls. In many updated guides, these day excursions are becoming increasingly recognized as the top things to see in Rome and its surroundings.
Make the Most of Rome in 2025: Plan Smart, Travel Deep
Rome rewards both the spontaneous explorer and the meticulously prepared planner. In 2025, smart travel is about combining real-time digital tools with timeless curiosity. Many official tourism platforms now offer AI-generated itineraries, AR-enhanced tours, and multilingual guides, helping visitors personalize their journey based on interests like food, history, or adventure.
Public transportation has improved with eco-friendly buses, faster metro lines, and convenient ride-sharing apps. And thanks to a wider push for accessibility, more sites now cater to visitors with mobility issues or language barriers. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, Rome always has something new to reveal. With so many layers to peel back, it’s no wonder that this eternal city remains full of surprises. No matter your passion, the top things to see in Rome in 2025 are certain to leave you inspired, fulfilled, and ready to return.
Final Thoughts
Rome in 2025 is not just a destination—it’s an immersive journey that satisfies the soul, delights the palate, and ignites the imagination. Whether you’re wandering the ruins of empires, sipping wine in a cobblestone alley, or chasing adrenaline through the city’s secret corners, every moment in Rome is unforgettable. From the perspective of a foodie, a historian, or an adventurer, there are countless top things to see in Rome, each offering its own kind of magic.
If you’re planning your next great escape, let Rome be your canvas and your playground. The Eternal City awaits—with its open piazzas, ancient echoes, rich aromas, and thrilling paths. Make 2025 the year you truly live Rome.