About Rome - What to do and what to avoid

Are there any suggestions on what to do?

Yes, don't go in the summer when it is hot, humid, and there are crowds.
But if you are forced to go in the summer, be prepared for heat, humidity, and large crowds.
And buy a guidebook.

Many travel sites and publications can give you a good list of the top sights of the eternal city with their respective website links.
Just use Google and it will work wonders.
You are going to Rome on the next 4th of July weekend, a busy time during the tourist season, therefore you should expect to find crowds at most if not all important sights.

There is SO much to "do" in Rome, all dependent on tastes, preferences, timing, etc... that as was suggested, your best bet is to buy a guidebook (may I suggest Rick Steves? hehehe), explore this site or start searching the internet (ie - Trip Advisor, Google...) and go from there - especially if you want prices and links, unless some kind hearted soul out there wants to do all that research for you. Rick Steves' books even have specific itinerary ideas for 3-day trips.
Avoiding large crowds is likely impossible in Rome. I am also going to be in Rome in July. Having been there in July before, I can say it is hot. But it is what it is and it surely doesn't have to spell a miserable time.
Also, it is hard to tell someone to "avoid" something. For example, you hate crowds but would I dare tell you to avoid the Fountain of Trevi? Crowds, heat, no water, whatever - I would consider it a must see. Unless something is a blatant sham, I would not tell anyone to "avoid" it, especially not knowing your tastes. Hope this helps.

Hello Jody. If you wish to avoid being in a very large crowd of people, I guess you would not enjoy walking through the Vatican Art Gallery (in the month July). Many people who like art felt disappointed when they were in the Vatican Art Gallery. They could not see the paintings, because other people stood between them and the paintings. And persons working in that art gallery forced the visitors to walk, continuously. The visitors were forced to move through that art gallery. A visitor could not linger at one painting.
Persons doing the picking of pockets (stealing money, wallets, women's hand bags, ...) are in the METRO train stations (underground) in Rome. And people are packed into the METRO trains, like many little sardines in a tin can. If I will be at Rome again, I will ride in a Taxi car, not in METRO trains (underground).

For general information about Rome, see RonInRome.com. He address just about every subject and question you may ever have.

I find the best information about Rome and Italy in the Italian forum. Just saying.

Reserve ahead to visit the Borghese Gallery art museum; since they strictly limit the number of visitors inside, it's nowhere near as crowded as the Vatican Museum. I also doubt that you'll find crowds in the National Museum of Rome. The Palatine Hill is not as high on most people's list as are the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and not as high on our list either, so likely to be less crowded. Churches other than St. Peter's Basilica don't usually have lines to get in. Plan to give yourself a break in a quieter spot, such as along the Tiber river, in the Borghese Gardens, or whatever green space is available. But I would think twice about choosing a gelato shop with no line over gelato with a line; maybe ask for a sample.

The Borghese is a good idea, since it's never crowded. You'll probably do better in general to get out early to line up for the big sights before they open. As others have said, skip the Vatican Museums. Go to St. Peter's at 7 a.m. You can use the early hours for sight-seeing, then have long relaxing lunches and/or afternoon naps, before going out again later. The less well-known sights will probably have fewer visitors. The City of Rome museums, the Doria Pamphilj . . . Every church in Italy is a small museum. Pop into the smaller ones.

There really are a lot of things you can enjoy in Rome without going to the "must-sees."

I agree with Chani... get up early to wander around and see all the outdoor sites that you can. I would try to be up for the sunrise. You can get some amazing photos as well as enjoy the city a bit before it becomes so crowded and hot. Using the afternoon the rest, etc. is a great idea. Then I would go out for the evening when it is cooler... the crowds aren't quite as intolerable when it is not hot and steamy. If you eat at an earlier time than most tourists there will not be as long of a wait. Wander around when everyone else is at dinner...

As everyone already said, there will be crowds, but there are always crowds in Rome no matter what time of year. The Rick Steves Rome guide book is an excellent source to have. I would look at the chapter on Rome churches and see the churches as that is where the great art is in Rome. The churches are so huge that you won't feel crowded and they are amazing. And they are free!
But remember you must not wear sleeveless tops, low cut tops or shorts in the churches. Also go to an outdoor cafe on Piazza Navona, very crowded piazza, but have a drink at a cafe and watch the people. You will be sitting down at your own table. Make a reservation as soon as possible ( don't know how far in advance but check the website) for the Borghese Gallery as suggested. They only let so many people in for a 2 hour visit. You won't feel crowded. Have a gelato at a cafe, any where you can sit down for a short rest, will make you feel better.

If you don't like crowds go to the Doria Pamphij Gallery, ( in RS Rome book), I went two years ago and it was a nice museum with an english audio guide and hardly anyone in it. Not many people go see this as everyone wants to see the major sights. It is off the beaten path. Have a great time. Eat gelato, drink water, wear very light clothing, sneakers, and sunscreen. Have a safe trip.

It just takes a little bit of planning and strategy.

My grandson and I are spending our last night in Rome tonight after 3-1/2 very busy days. We had three mornings to work with, so we used those for the biggies. We were at the Colosseum at 0830, Roma Pass in hand, and shared the monument with just a handful of people. The next day, we were at the Pantheon's door when it opened at 0830. There are no people in my interior photos. This morning we got to St. Peter's at 0800. The security line took about half an hour, but that's nothing compared to what it was when we left.

The rest of the days were spent just wandering back streets and visiting sites not on the usual 'A' list -- Ostia Antica, St Peter in Chains, Ara Pacis, Baths of Caracalla, Circus Maximus, etc., are all comfortably uncrowded even at mid-day.

Like many have said, it will be hot. My husband and I found that following the "siesta" schedule was best for us. We got up and out early. Returned to our room for a nap and shower after lunch. Then headed out for the evening (when it was cooler) rested and refreshed.

To avoid some of the over crowded at the Vatican as said previous you can. Purchase a ticket for early entry at 7am or visit later in the day maybe 2 to 3 hours before they close. Or they have an evening tour /self guided walk I believe only on Friday nights

Its been talked about in several threads on the forum but go to the biggies early in the a.m. before the heat and crowds. Get Ricks book, tear out the rome section and carry it with you. Read it ahead of time to learn how to skip long ticket lines and find decent food.
Coloseum, Vatican museum and Sistine chapel, Borghese, Pantheon and one or two of Rick's guided walks. Get up early, siesta in the hot afternoon, eat a late, late dinner.