Whether you are a first-time visitor to Rome or return often, there are plenty of things to explore to keep you entertained. Popular Rome attractions include villas-turned-museums, Baroque churches, archaeological sites, and shopping for handicrafts to haute couture clothing. Here are five of the most popular things to do in Rome:

Ostia Antica

A visit to Ostia Antica gives a perfect opportunity to explore one of the top-rated tourist attractions in the city. This archaeological site dates back 2000 years and includes the beautifully preserved harbor city which is amazing to explore in person. It is one of the less crowded attractions to visit and just a 45 minute train ride from central Rome.

The Colosseum

When deciding on what to do in Rome, a must-see destination is certain to include visiting the oval amphitheater known as the Colosseum. This was the largest amphitheater constructed for the Roman Empire and a place for gladiators, lions, and criminals to fight to the death. Even though this is one of the more congested sites to explore on a trip to Rome it is certain to be included at the top of most peoples list of sites to visit in this city.

Villa dei Quintili

Villa dei Quintili is one Rome attraction often forgotten, but it can be fascinating for those that make the effort to explore this ancient villa. It is still well-preserved and built for Emperor Commodus, who was a Roman Emperor until 192 AD. It is quite a hike to reach the villa with the closest main road about ½ mile away. Also, because the Villa dei Quintili is away from the major tourist areas there are little to no crowds.

Vatican Museums

A visit to Rome Tours the Vatican Museums is certain to appeal to those wishing to get a historical appreciation of the city. The Vatican Museums house an extensive collection of historical pieces and artwork, while also giving the opportunity to explore the Sistine Chapel. Plus, there are several guided tours to make it possible to fully appreciate the art, villas, and gardens.

Hadrian's Villa

Hadrian's Villa gives access to another well-preserved villa that was the private residence of Roman Emperor Hadrian. The property spans nearly 250 acres so it will be different to fully appreciate the entire grounds, but if the effort is put in to see the most exciting areas, such as the pools, this can be a very rewarding experience.