So it's your first day in
Rome. You're either a tourist who just traveled to Italy for the first time or a new resident of the city getting to know your new hometown. Once you've settled down and you're free to do whatever you want, what do you do? Well, a lot! So much so that it's hard to decide. Let's start with the quintessential things to do in Rome, which include visiting the Vatican, seeing the Colosseum, tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain, shopping at Prati, and more. As touristy as things this may be, they are the perfect introduction to what the world calls the “Eternal City.”
See The Iconic Landmarks
First things first, you'll want to Rome's iconic landmarks in person. It's not that you have to do them all at once to get them over and done with, but since you're finally in the 'Eternal City,' it's worth seeing what makes the city as famous as it is today. Fortunately, some of the most popular ones like the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and the Spanish Steps are all in
Centro Storico. While a few others, namely Castel Sant'Angelo, Piazza Navona, and Villa Borghese are not too far from here. You can easily spend your entire first day in Rome just sightseeing.
Visit The Pope at The Vatican
What's another must-see sight in Rome? The
Vatican! Home to the Pope and the seat of power of the global Roman Catholic Church, it's one of the most famous places on the planet. Its popularity is such that even those who don't belong to the Roman Catholic faith visit the place. They bask in the glory of the Vatican, especially the iconic St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, among many others. The Vatican Museums never fail to fascinate either, showing off artworks, artifacts, and antiques that convey Rome and Catholicism's colorful, extensive, and tumultuous history.
Dine in a Traditional Trattoria
Now that you've got sightseeing out of the way, what are you gonna do next? Eat out, of course! Rome proudly stands as the ultimate Italian food capital and its culinary scene is unrivaled! The city is arguably the best place to eat Italian food because they do it the best here. And you don't have to dine in
Rome's best Michelin-starred restaurants to do it! If you can't afford to eat at such expensive hotspots, any of the city's traditional trattoria's will be more than enough. Some would even argue that what these humble diners serve is much more authentic than what you'll get in the upscale restaurants.
Indulge in Some Authentic Gelato
Gelato in Rome is also something else. This isn't to say that other Italian cities don't know how to make the treat right. They do and they're worth checking out when you're there. But as the saying goes, “
When in Rome, do as the Romans do!” So why not go the gelato shops they frequent too? Fortunately, you can't miss Fatamorgana since it has various locations throughout the city. Their elaborate gelato servings are out of this world! Fiordiluna on Via della Lungaretta, on the other hand, arguably serves the best chocolate gelato in town. Every spoonful is heaven!
Ride a Vespa Throughout The City
Perhaps it's because of Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in “Roman Holiday” (1953), but riding Vespa through many of
Rome's central neighborhoods has become a must-try. It's become a bit cliche these days because of the many romantic movies that feature it over the years, but there's no denying that it's still a fun thing to do. Especially on a particularly sunny day in Rome. When the sun shines extra brightly and the heat is at an all-time high, riding a Vespa through the city's cobbled streets, narrow alleys, and grand public squares is cool in every sense of the word!
Shop in Prati
If you want to spend your first day in Rome shopping and money isn't an issue, you'll want to head to Prati right away. Not only is it the most affluent area in the city, but it's the go-to district for luxury shopping in Rome. It's here where you'll find Via dei Condotti, an entire trip of high-end brands and luxury boutiques just waiting for a shopaholic like you. Famous names like Gucci, Fendi, Christian Dior, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, and more line this beloved street, all offering the latest trends and the finest pieces money could buy.
Check Out Cinecittà Studios
Cinecittà Studios was built as an answer to America's Hollywood during the country's Fascist era in the 1930s. Despite its admittedly nefarious beginnings, it's become the ultimate hub for Italian cinema, thanks in large part to cinematic masters like
Federico Fellini, Vittorio De Sica, and Alberto Sordi, among many others. Fortunately, the studios still stand and you can visit it on your first day in Rome if your cinephilic heart is pulling you to this movie paradise. Many iconic blockbusters were filmed here, including “Ben-Hur” (1959), “La Dolce Vita” (1960) “Cleopatra” (1963), “Gangs of New York” (2002), and “The Passion of The Christ” (2004), to name a few.
See The Views on Aventine Hill
Since you just landed in Rome, you might want to take it slow and relax a bit, right? You can leave the sightseeing and shopping at another time. Since it's your first day in Rome, why not get some botanical bliss on Aventine Hill? Not only does it have some of the best parks in Rome, but it also offers the most breathtaking city views you'll ever find near the city center. The
Aventino neighborhood on the hill itself is pretty chill too, allowing you to rest a bit before you truly start exploring the Italian capital.
Get Lost in Garbatella
Let's say you
moved to Rome years ago and you've been away on a long business trip. It's your first day back in Rome and all you want to do is just get lost in the city. What's the best place to do just that? Garbatella! Located not too far from Centro Storico, it's a relatively underrated neighborhood known for its hidden gardens, inner courtyards, narrow alleys, and cobbled streets. The place also feels like a maze, allowing you to get lost in your own little world at every corner. As such, you won't find a better place to truly immerse yourself in the romance of Rome when you just got back to the city.
Party in Pigneto
Now that you know the quintessential things to do on your first day in Rome (or first day back if you're already a resident), it's time to end the day right. And for most locals and tourists alike, partying in Pigneto is the perfect way to cap off any day in the Italian capital. Known for its myriad of nightlife hotspots and as the LGBTQ+ hub of Rome, you won't find a better place to let loose, release your inhibitions, and have the time of your life. From gay bars that feature flamboyant drag shows to nightclubs that rave all night long, Pigneto is the party spot of Rome!
If it's your first day in Rome, these are the things you need to do! From the iconic landmarks to indulging in authentic Italian cuisine, have a true Roman experience the moment you step foot in the Italian capital.
