Done the majors what to add to short return trip to Rome

This will be my 17th time in Rome - it never gets less than wonderful. My favorite repeat items: meandering around after dark. I start at the Foro, which is magical under the 'ghostly' lights. Then a walk by Trevi, drinks at the Piazza Rotunda (Pantheon), sit with a gelato next to the Bernini fountain at Piazza Navona. Sometimes I delay the Navona a bit and head over to St. Peter's. My second itinerary would be a long evening in Trastevere including drinks at Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, dinner and a walk around the area. Then I head back across Ponte Sisto, walk through the shops leading to Campo de Fiori. No matter what, I always end at Piazza Navona with a gelato (so many flavors, so little time!). It hasn't gotten old . . . how could it in the 'eternal city'?

A bike tour on electric assisted bikes — I did the Appian Way, catacombs, Aqueduct Park, and a cheese , wine and bread snack. Great fun! Top Bikes Rome

I did the Venice/Florence/Rome trip a couple of years ago and stayed a couple of extra days in Rome at the end. The two things that I did that I really enjoyed was to take transit out to Ostia Antica and wander that site, and the other was to wander down the Apian Way. The Rick Steves guide book tells you how to get to both by transit. Ostia Antica is a hidden gem, and I spent about three hours just wandering through all of the buildings. There are some wonderful mosaics there. Along the Apian way there are ruins and churches you can visit, and if you're feeling energetic you could rent a bike.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ostia_Antica
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appian_Way

It might help to know more exactly which "majors" you've done? I'm sure that included the Colosseum/Forum/Palatine and Vatican, and it looks like you did the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps (that one isn't a "major" for me) but what else? Also, what sorts of things do you enjoy?

I like Robert's ideas! So jealous about 17 visits!

This will be my 17th time in Rome - it never gets less than wonderful. My favorite repeat items: meandering around after dark. I start at the Foro, which is magical under the 'ghostly' lights. Then a walk by Trevi, drinks at the Piazza Rotunda (Pantheon), sit with a gelato next to the Bernini fountain at Piazza Navona. Sometimes I delay the Navona a bit and head over to St. Peter's. My second itinerary would be a long evening in Trastevere including drinks at Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, dinner and a walk around the area. Then I head back across Ponte Sisto, walk through the shops leading to Campo de Fiori. No matter what, I always end at Piazza Navona with a gelato (so many flavors, so little time!). It hasn't gotten old . . . how could it in the 'eternal city'?

I am so with you on the meandering at night and gelato and Piazza Navona. We had 3 magical days in Rome, and of all the fantastic things we did/saw, my favorite moments were the wandering at night with a gelato in hand, admiring the Berninis. And the Pantheon at night is an amazing sight.

• Walk to the top of the Gianicolo (Janiculum in English) for the view in the late afternoon/early evening before sunset.
• Galleria Doria Pamphilj is a wonderful collection often missed. Great audio tour.
• Basilica of San Clemente
• Bicycles in Villa Borghese
• Get out to the Aqueduct Park or stroll the Appian Way

Also, see the book "Rome the Second Time".

How could I forget San Clemente! Talk about a walk back in time . . . way back! Actually, even after all these trips (1 as a teenager, 1 as a young adult, 15 as an opera singer (hey, it's a rough life! Someone had to volunteer for it!), none of Italy has lots its ability to make me walk around with jaw on the ground. I always end up in Rome for about 2 weeks. Where else can you get tired of one century (maybe the 21st century) and all you have to do is turn at the next intersection and voila! you have your choice of several other centuries to visit. Hmmm, I leave in less than a month - must be time to pack!

If you haven't been yet, yes, do not miss San Clemente! Also nearby is the church San Giovanni in Laterno with the Holy Stairs across the street. Not far from the Colosseum is St. Peter in Chains Church with Michelangelo's Moses (unfinished, but still worth a look). We also found the Capitoline Museums well worth a visit. If you haven't done the Appian Way and a catacomb visit that would be a great way to spend at least half a day.

I highly suggest the Domus Aurea (Nero’s Golden Palace) but you need to plan and book ahead and dress warm as it is very chilly inside (even in the summer). It’s a fantastic place.

I went last year for a return very short trip and was in a similar boat.
All I did was explore the ancient center part ; walking around the cobblestone street pedestrian areas primarily.
(the area around the Pantheon as a general guide)
Was really nice to not have a set plan of places to go or directions I needed to walk.
Just wandered around and took breaks in the piazzas that had something going on, street performers, music.

This return trip for me was in the summer so hotter for walking but also the piazzas had more entertainment going on.

Also, made it our really early in the AM and saw the sunrise from the overlook over the Forum (Capitoline Hill) which was really nice and not a view most tourists experience.

I consider it a “main thing,” but lots of people still miss it... the Borghese Gallery. One of my favorite gallery experiences.

I was going to suggest the food tour, but you already nailed it. We just did one and it was awesome.. If you are an animal lover, you could do the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary. Not just at street level, but go down the stairs to the cat shelter. There are cats for adoption, and they also care for cats with special needs. You can make a donation or buy something to help the shelter. We did both, and they invited us to the nursery where we could pet all the cats. Some are blind, or old, or three legged, but they are all sweet. They have an old blind black cat named Ray Charles (true story). Not a typical tourist place and it won't take more than a half hour, but it may warm your heart a little to see the good work that they do...

Ostia antica and basilica of San Clemente

i have looked into each and everything y'all suggested! thanks so much