There are WAY more than just 10 things to do in Rome. Planning to see and do it all is beyond overwhelming, so I found it was helpful to break it up into small, more manageable segments. Many of the things you want to see and do are buildings, fountains, piazzas, etc., all of which are outdoors, making them easy to check off your list! Staying outside on your first day has an added bonus: It’s the best way to beat jet lag. Here are the best things to do outdoors in Rome!

Visit Vatican City

Vatican City, and specifically St. Peter’s Square, is an iconic spot you can’t miss when you go to Rome. It’s a totally different country that fits entirely within the city of Rome, which is unique in itself. You can just walk right in—no border checks or anything like that. Once you’re there, you’ll find beautiful architecture, symbolism emanating from every stone, and an Egyptian obelisk with an unexpected history. Try and visit on a beautiful, blue sky day to get the full effect. 

More here: The Top 10 Things to Do and See in Vatican City

Tour the Colosseum

This is the #1 thing to do in Rome for a reason! Its history is so notorious, its size so truly colossal, its events so unique, you have to see it for yourself. I highly recommend a guided tour for this particular site. There are some exhibits in the interior hallways, but it’s all open-air. Be sure to take in the view from the upstairs level to truly get the magnitude of the site. It’s a must do when in Rome!

Essential info: 7 Ways to Avoid Pickpockets in Rome

Walk up Palatine Hill

Fun fact: “Palatine” means “palace.” Many palaces were built here for the more affluent individuals of Rome, starting with Augustus. You’ll walk right past here on your walk from the Colosseum to the Forum, but you should turn left and explore it instead. The ruins here overlook both the Forum and Circus Maximus. In Roman mythology, the cave located on this hill is the place where the she-wolf Lupa found Romulus and Remus; Romulus was the mythological founder of Rome. 

Keep reading: 5 Steps to Become a Solo Traveler

Walk through the Forum

The Roman Forum is not as famous as the Colosseum, but its history is more consequential. Many of the ruins here are what’s left of several government buildings from the epicenter of the Roman Empire. Elections were held here, speeches were given, trials played out, and more. A walk (or guided tour, which I recommend) through the Roman Forum will give you unique insight to ancient Rome and ancient Romans. 

Keep reading: Ruined: Beauty in the Broken Places

Grab a Pizza Romano for Take Away

You’ve heard of New York style, Chicago style, and Neapolitan style, but when in Rome, it’s all about the Roman style pizza. Pizza Romano is a large, rectangular slab of pizza, which is cut on the spot and sold to customers for take-away. Roman pizza shops can be found throughout the city, and it’s the perfect lunch or snack on a busy day of touring the Eternal City. 

Keep eating: The Best Places to Eat in Rome

Dine Alfresco—even in Winter!

Even when you’re not grabbing a pizza for take-away, alfresco is the way to dine in Rome for all seasons! I love this about Rome, and about Europe in general. No matter the weather or season, you’ll see people eating outside at a sidewalk cafe or full-scale restaurant. Chilly outside? They have a blanket and heater for you. Hot day? You’ll find shade and refreshing food and beverages. It’s the best way to truly experience Rome: Authentic food with a view. 

Read next: What to Know Before You Visit Rome

Toss Coins into Trevi Fountain

You will recognize this iconic fountain as an establishment location of Rome from movies (such as the classic Three Coins in the Fountain), TV, and articles about the city. Roman tradition says that if you toss a coin into Trevi Fountain over your left shoulder, using your right hand, you will return to Rome. People have been doing this for decades, tossing millions of Euros’ worth of currency, domestic and foreign, into the famous fountain each year. That’s an awful lot of cash being thrown away, right? Not quite. The money is collected regularly, then donated to a variety of local charitable organizations. 

Read on: Tips for Visiting the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Take in the View from a Rooftop Terrace

I do love a great view! Many hotels and restaurants offer rooftop access, so be sure to take advantage of it. I love to see all the domes across the city, and a rooftop terrace is the best place for it. There are also several high vantage points to take in epic Roman views, like the St. Peter’s Basilica Cupola and Castelo Sant’Angelo. Many hotels feature breakfast or a bar on their rooftop terrace, which might just be the best way to start or end your days in Rome. 

More here: Tips for Visiting Vatican City

Go Inside the Pantheon 

Go inside? But this is an “outside things to do” article! That’s true, but the Pantheon has one particularly unique feature. The most intact building from the Roman Empire still standing, it’s been in continuous use from its beginnings around 125 A.D. Its dome is the largest unsupported dome in the world. But what’s “outdoors” about this building is its oculus. There is an intentional, round opening at the top of the dome, so you can see the sky above you, even indoors. 

Also helpful: 5 Mistakes I Made in Rome (and how to avoid them)

Hike up the Spanish Steps

As you enter Piazza di Spagna, you really can’t help but notice the picturesque Spanish Steps and the Trinitá dei Monte church at the top. As with Trevi Fountain, you’ll likely recognize this iconic stairway from movies such as the classic Roman Holiday, TV, magazines, and the like. There are 135 travertine steps, beginning at the piazza and ascending to the church above. The staircase dates to 1725 and is a national icon. Eating and loitering on the Steps is forbidden, with fines up to €400. You can walk up the steps any time of day, but your least crowded option is before 8:00am!

Read next: The Top 7 Things to Consider when Booking Flights

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