Rome   Travel Guide

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24 Best Things to Do in Rome

Take time to enjoy  la dolce vita  – even a week isn't long enough to experience everything Rome has to offer. From historic tours through ancient Rome to admiring art-filled institutions to climbing the Spanish Steps or  St. Peter's Basilica ,

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Colosseum (Colosseo) Colosseum (Colosseo)

U.S. News Insider Tip: A normal ticket includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (valid for 24 hours) and you can visit all three in one day. It doesn't include a visit to the Colosseum's underground tunnels. For that, you'll have to book a guided tour. – Laura Itzkowitz

The site of many bloody gladiatorial fights, the Colosseum, which was opened in A.D. 80, could then hold about 50,000 spectators. With a circumference of 573 yards and sitting on marshland, experts say the Colosseum is an engineering wonder… not to mention an animal and human rights atrocity. Not only were gladiators pitted against each other, but gladiators fighting animals and animal-on-animal fights were common as well. Today, it's considered one of the world's most famous landmarks .

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Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

U.S. News Insider Tip: The Vatican Museums contain some of the greatest artworks ever made, but it's also one of Rome's most crowded spots. Consider paying a bit extra to join an early morning tour before the museum opens or check for late opening hours. – Laura Itzkowitz

While Vatican City is home to both the Roman Catholic Church's governing body and its leader, the pope, this small nation within Rome offers a wealth of attractions open to visitors of any faith.

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St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) free

The epicenter of Roman Catholicism, St. Peter's Basilica is centered in Vatican City and is renowned for its stunning architecture. What's more, it's open daily for free. (Though it's closed on Wednesday mornings for pope appearances.) Many visitors enjoy trekking to the top of the dome. For a fee of 8 euros (about $8.65), you can climb the 551 steps to the summit; for a fee of 10 euros (about $10.80), you can take an elevator to a terrace where you'll climb just 320. Regardless, you'll take in a panorama of Rome's spectacular landscape. If you've come hoping to catch a glimpse of the pope, you should consider attending the Wednesday General Audience, when he addresses the crowd in St. Peter's Square with prayers and songs. It's free to attend, but tickets are required ; you should request them well in advance of your visit. You'll also want to make sure he is in residence; check the Vatican website to view the schedule. No ticket is required to see the pope on Sundays, when he usually address the crowd in St. Peter's Square at noon.

Keep in mind that this is an active church with daily Mass services. Likewise, a stringent dress code is enforced: No short skirts, low-cut tops, hats or bare shoulders, and be sure to cover any tattoos. Because St. Peter's Basilica is one of the area's major attractions, there is almost always a long queue – though it tends to go fast. Recent travelers recommend you spring for a tour guide ; the depth of insight they bring to the basilica really makes the experience. For more information on tours, read our tips for visiting the Vatican and its attractions.

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Roman Forum Roman Forum

Though it's not as popular as the  Colosseum  (but located nearby), the Roman Forum is more interesting, according to some reviewers. The Roman Forum comprises much of the Ancient Rome's most important structures, from shrines to government houses to monuments. Although much of the complex is in ruins, you can see the remains and imagine the former glory of the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus and the House of the Vestal Virgins, among other structures.

Recent travelers called a visit to the Roman Forum a "must," but they do advise future visitors to rent or stream an audio guide or sign up for one of the best Rome tours (according to reviewers, little is written on the informational plaques). Past visitors also suggest allotting plenty of time to see the ruins and wearing weather-appropriate attire as there is little to no shade at the site.  

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Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) free

A must-see on many travelers' itineraries, the Trevi Fountain is situated amongst a high concentration of hotels , shopping and nightlife in the Trevi district. Finished in the mid-1700s, the Trevi is a powerful example of a baroque design with a distinctly mythological character. The god of the sea, Oceanus, emerges from the pool, flanked by his trusty Tritons. 

According to Roman lore, throwing one, two or three coins into the Trevi, with your right hand over your left shoulder ensures you'll return to Rome; you'll fall in love with an attractive Roman; and you'll marry that same Roman. An added bonus? The city collets the money tossed into the fountain and donates it to a local charity.

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Pantheon Pantheon

U.S. News Insider Tip: After visiting the Pantheon, stop for an espresso at the historic Tazza d'Oro Caffè or walk a few blocks to the old-school gelateria, Giolitti, for a cone of the good stuff. – Laura Itzkowitz

The Pantheon, a former Roman temple and now a present-day church, is known for its perfect proportions, which is amazing, seeing as it was raised in A.D. 120. While you're there, you can also pay your respects to Raphael, as well as Italian kings Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I, who are all buried there.

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Piazza Navona Piazza Navona free

U.S. News Insider Tip: To enjoy a coffee or Aperol spritz on the piazza, grab a table at Camillo, but if you want to eat, it's best to avoid the tourist trap restaurants on the piazza and explore the side streets instead. – Laura Itzkowitz

The centuries-old Piazza Navona is perhaps one of the best-known public squares in Rome. People sipping coffees while watching street performers and artists fill the square. Cafes abound, and there are a number of shops, too, although recent visitors said both tend to be expensive. You'll also find a number of impressive monuments, including one by Gian Lorenzo Bernini ( Fountain of the Four Rivers ) and another by Francesco Borromini (Sant'Agnese in Agone). 

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Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi free

Much like Piazza del Popolo , Piazza Navona 's centerpiece features an obelisk. However, in this case, the obelisk is surrounded by one of Bernini's masterpieces: Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi. The four figures at each corner of the statue are a personification of the four rivers best known to Europe in the 1600s. The rivers are the Ganges (Asia), the Danube (Europe), the Nile (Africa) and Río de la Plata (Americas). Animals, plants and other iconography help to further differentiate the four nudes.

Travelers invariably have high praise for the fountain's artistry, saying that it is a must-see.

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Expert Guided Tour of Colosseum Underground, Arena and Forum

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Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) free

U.S. News Insider Tip: During the era of the Grand Tour, the area around the Spanish Steps earned the nickname of the English Ghetto. Immerse yourself in the area's English past with a visit to the Keats-Shelley House or afternoon tea at Babington's. – Laura Itzkowitz

Found at the Piazza di Spagna, the Spanish Steps (which get their name from the nearby Embassy of Spain among the Holy See) are another must-do for many travelers. Here, visitors can tread the same stairs that writers and artists have climbed for centuries. The steps are especially alluring come spring when they're flanked by blooming azaleas.

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Piazza del Popolo Piazza del Popolo free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you want to do some people-watching on the piazza, skip the expensive and overrated Rosati and go to Canova across the piazza instead. It was frequented by famed filmmaker Federico Fellini, whose drawings decorate the halls inside. – Laura Itzkowitz

Piazza del Popolo is yet another Roman square where you can take in phenomenal architecture and magnificent sculpture. The square dates back to the mid-1500s and is the historic center of Rome. In fact, three major roads intersect here: Via di Ripetta, Via del Corso and Via del Babuino.

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Galleria Borghese Galleria Borghese

U.S. News Insider Tip: Don't forget to purchase your timed ticket in advance. Afterward, spend some time strolling through the Villa Borghese park, which has attractions like a little lake, a replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and a few small museums. – Laura Itzkowitz

A favorite among travelers to Rome, the Galleria Borghese is half-villa/half-museum, and it has some resplendent gardens, too. Originally commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the 17th century to shelter his massive art collection, it's now considered one of the premier art galleries in the city. The villa's extravagant rooms, spread across two floors, are filled with famous works, including Canova's Venus Victrix, Bernini's sculptures David and Apollo and Daphne, and Caravaggio's "Boy with a Basket of Fruit" and "David with the Head of Goliath," among other masterpieces.

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Campo de' Fiori Campo de' Fiori free

The Campo de' Fiori is worth visiting twice in a trip – once during the day for its bustling market, and again as the sun sets for its convivial nightlife. According to historians, the Campo de' Fiori looks much the same as it did in the early 1800s, except for the numerous pizzerias, cafes and gelaterias that line the periphery.

Recent travelers raved about the people-watching throughout the day; the fresh veggies and fruits at the market and the hopping bar scene at night. Some warned that the market is overrun with tourists and not the most authentic market experience in Rome. Even if you don't plan on eating or buying anything within the area, the architecture alone may be enough of a draw, as it was for some.

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Church of St. Louis of the French Church of St. Louis of the French free

If you're a fan of Caravaggio, you'll want to visit the San Luigi dei Francesi, or the Church of St. Louis of the French. Inside this church near  Piazza Navona are three of the baroque artist's works, including the "The Calling of St. Matthew" (one of his most famous paintings), "Saint Matthew and the Angel" and "The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew."

Recent visitors recommend stopping in the church, especially if want to get a glimpse of some of Caravaggio's most famous works. Several reviewers recommended reading up on the works before visiting as there is no information within the church. However, you can access a prerecorded audio tour by downloading it to your smartphone from a QR code available on-site.

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Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini) Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini)

The  Musei Capitolini  (Capitoline Museums) dates back to the 1400s, and it holds Rome's symbol, the bronze Capitoline She-wolf. According to lore, the wolf nursed the half-wolf, half-god founders of the city, twins Romulus and Remus. Its namesake museum contains busts of Roman emperors, statues – including a famous one of Marcus Aurelius – and paintings by Caravaggio and Battista, among others. It also offers spectacular views of the Roman Forum .

Several travelers mention that though the Capitoline Museums wasn't high on their list of things to do or see, they're very happy they did see it. Reviewers also urge visitors to look up at the magnificent ceilings. Some note that the museum has a bit of an odd layout with little information about the paintings. Others say the staff can be rude.

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Trastevere Trastevere free

If you want a look at the real Rome, experts and travelers strongly recommend you visit Trastevere. Located southeast of Vatican City, this neighborhood is home to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, as well as numerous restaurants and neighborhood shops (it's often compared to New York City 's Greenwich Village or Paris 's Left Bank thanks to its charming cobblestone streets and narrow roads). 

Although a little farther from the city center, Trastevere is a hit with visitors who appreciated the distance, noting that after so many days weaving through crowds and getting stuck in tourist traps, it's nice to explore a quieter neighborhood (with cheaper, more authentic food). Travelers also said they felt like they experienced a genuine look into life as a Roman after having visited Trastevere.

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Santa Maria della Vittoria Santa Maria della Vittoria free

This featured chapel from Dan Brown's "Angels & Demons" is now heavily trafficked by Robert Langdon wannabes. But baroque art fans might want to brave the crowds for a look at Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Cornaro Chapel, which features the Ecstasy of St. Teresa statue.

Recent visitors can't stop gushing about Santa Maria della Vittoria. Many said the church is nothing short of stunning, noting that the detail of Bernini's Ecstasy of Saint Teresa is truly incredible. However, travelers also noted that the church is relatively small compared to some of the city's other masterpieces, so prepare for a tight space during peak tourist season (summer). Others warn of odd opening times.

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Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo

The Castel Sant'Angelo has had many purposes over its lifetime. Originally built as a mausoleum for Roman emperor Hadrian, the castle has also been a place of protection for popes during invasions, papal residences, military barracks and a prison. Today, it's a museum showcasing not only the site's military history but also incredible frescoes (which were added to the building when the castle became a residence).

For many visitors, admiring the frescoes and learning the history of the site made for a pleasant stop. However, the top draw for many are the views. The top floor terrace (Terrace of the Angel) provides outstanding vistas of Rome.

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Basilica di San Clemente Basilica di San Clemente free

Archaeology buffs might find the Basilica di San Clemente interesting as it's a veritable nesting doll of churches. It's a second century pagan temple, underneath a fourth-century church, which is underneath a 12th-century church. Enter the 12th-century church from the street level, take stairs down to the fourth-century one and finally end up at a shrine for Mithras, the god whom was known to gain popularity in the second and third centuries. The oldest structure is believed to have been an ancient mint.

Travelers are fascinated by the story of the church and recommend visiting for the history lesson that it provides. Past travelers also said you should ignore the panhandlers who linger around the church, as some pretend to be affiliated with the church and tell visitors they can't enter unless they give a donation. The church is free to enter, but there is a fee to go down to the lower levels, which people say is worth the cost. To visit the lower levels, you'll pay 10 euros (about $11) for adults and 5 euros (about $5) for students up to age 26. Children younger than 16 explore for free.

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Ancient Appian Way Ancient Appian Way free

The Ancient Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) has a history that dates back to 312 B.C. and includes the site of Spartacus' execution (in 71 B.C.), the tomb of Caecilia Metella, and many a Roman military march. These days, it stretches for 38.5 miles, though several monuments and historic sites are centered around an approximately 2-mile stretch along Parco dell'Appia Antica. The park sits roughly 2 miles south of the Colosseum . 

Recent visitors said the Appian Way is worth the long trek. Some even recommend hiring a tour guide to tag along with you, as even the smallest details along the walk provide a lot of insight into days past. Many agreed that visitors should come prepared with good walking shoes and water. Other advised visiting during the day as some areas can be seedy at night. 

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Colle del Gianicolo Colle del Gianicolo free

To the west of the Tiber River (near another top attraction,  Trastevere ), Colle del Gianicolo, or the Janiculum Hill, is just waiting to be climbed. Although a hike, the site provides unobstructed, panoramic views of the Eternal City. Once at the top, visitors will be able to spot some of Rome's most famous buildings, including  St. Peter's Basilica  and the Altare della Patria. Interestingly, since it sits outside the ancient city, it's not considered one of the seven hills of Rome. Along with the spectacular views, you'll also spot a few monuments, including the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola, or Il Fontanone, which was originally built in the early 1600s.

Travelers report being impressed by the views of Janiculum Hill, with many recommending a visit at sunrise or sunset for a truly breathtaking experience. Though many don't consider it a "must-see," especially for first-time visitors, reviewers did concede that a trek here offers a nice respite from the city's crowded tourist spots.

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Palazzo Doria Pamphilj Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

Rome is full of aristocratic palaces whose splendors are hidden behind closed doors. One such place is the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj right on the bustling Via del Corso. Enter and you'll find yourself in a quiet courtyard that feels a world away from the crowds. Upstairs, spend some time marveling at the hall of mirrors, which looks like a smaller version of the one at Versailles , with gold-framed Venetian mirrors, antique statues and chandeliers. The palazzo dates all the way back to the 16th century and the gallery that encircles the courtyard was renovated in the 18th century, with the paintings that form the family's private art collection still displayed as they were in the 1700s. Among them are paintings by Raphael and Caravaggio. In the Velázquez Cabinet at the end of one of the halls is a marble bust of Pope Innocent X by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and a portrait of the pope by Velázquez.

For a few extra euros, you can also visit the "secret apartment," which is supposedly still used sometimes by the princess. Inside it, you'll see the family's furniture and personal objects, like a desk with writing implements, hairbrushes and beds. It's far more intimate than the typical museum experience and might just make you feel like you've stepped into a scene from the Oscar-winning film "La Grande Bellezza," director Paolo Sorrentino's modern-day take on "La Dolce Vita."

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Jewish Ghetto Jewish Ghetto free

Sandwiched between the Tiber River and Campo de' Fiori is a neighborhood that was historically home to Rome's Jewish population, the oldest Jewish community in Europe. A papal edict in 1555 created the ghetto, which was walled off from the rest of the city until 1888. It also established laws about what professions Jews could and couldn't hold. To learn more about the neighborhood, you should visit the Jewish Museum of Rome attached to the Great Synagogue, which displays religious artifacts and explains the area's history in a series of panels. A guided tour of the Great Synagogue is included in the museum's admission price and is the only way to see the ornately decorated synagogue without attending religious services.

Recent visitors praised the beautiful synagogue and said the neighborhood is a "hidden gem" in Rome. Travelers say the neighborhood is worth a few hours of your time.

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Mercato di Testaccio Mercato di Testaccio free

For a less touristy alternative to the market at Campo de' Fiori , venture beyond the historic center to the Mercato di Testaccio. The large covered market is filled with stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meat, where Romans do their daily shopping. It's also home to a handful of stalls where you can purchase prepared food, like sandwiches and pizza. Take a number and wait your turn for delicious pizza al taglio at Casa Manco. Ask for a few small slices so you can try more than one topping.

For sandwiches, the place to go is Mordi e Vai, a hole-in-the-wall stall serving sandwiches made with the offcuts that form the backbone of Roman cuisine. Indeed, the quinto quarto tradition of Roman cooking was born in right here in Testaccio. The neighborhood was once home to the city's slaughterhouse and the working-class families who lived here created recipes using the less prized cuts of meat, including the organs, that were cheaper. Many restaurants in the neighborhood are known for this type of cooking, with signature dishes like trippa alla romana (Roman-style tripe with tomato sauce, pecorino and mint) and coda alla vaccinara (oxtail stew). If you're not into that kind of stuff, Mordi e Vai always has a vegetarian option available.

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MAXXI MAXXI

If you've had enough of ancient and Baroque art, consider visiting one of Rome's modern and contemporary art museums. MAXXI – an acronym for the National Museum of 21st Century Art – is located in the residential Flaminio neighborhood north of Piazza del Popolo and was designed by the late Iraqi-British starchitect Zaha Hadid. The building itself is a masterpiece of modern architecture, with dramatic sweeping lines, steel staircases that seem to float in the air, and galleries with glass ceilings. The collection comprises more than 400 works of art by Italian and international artists, including Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente and Gerhard Richter, as well as a collection of material related to architecture. It ranges from photography and film to art installations and performance art.

Before you go, check to see what's on display. Past exhibitions have featured Bob Dylan's videos, the work of Italian filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini, and the architecture of Lina Bo Bardi, a midcentury modern trailblazer and one of the few female architects working at that time. MAXXI has also hosted special off-site exhibitions and events, including guided tours of Casa Balla, the apartment of futurist artist Giacomo Balla.

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Things to do in Rome: attractions & landmarks

Top 25 rome tourist attractions, sightseeing, what to do & highlights.

Rome attractions

The top 25 Best things to do in Rome Italy, sightseeing and all must-see sites, tourist attractions, Roman monuments and famous landmarks. What to do, highlights and best attractions to see in Rome?

Best things to do in Rome Italy - Top 25 Rome attractions

Rome is a city full of museums, squares, Roman landmarks and other highlights. The Italian city has more to offer than just the main Rome tourist attractions like the Colosseum , the Pantheon and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. During your visit to this city, these are the top 25 of the most famous sightseeing and most popular Rome attractions . Click one of the must-see highlights, places to visit or Roman landmarks for more information on this unique monuments, museums , tourist attractions and best things to do in Rome Italy :

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23 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Rome

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

In a city so filled with icons of antiquity and the Christian faith, it's hard to know where to go first. Of course, your own interests will govern your choices, but there are certain sites that are almost obligatory landmarks of Italy and top attractions in the world , such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon.

View over Rome from Castel Sant'Angelo

A word of caution: try to vary your experiences as you explore Rome, so that you don't visit too many ancient sites or churches in a row. And intersperse these more serious attractions with a few that are simply tourist icons: the Spanish Steps and that place all tourists must go to toss in their coin, the Trevi Fountain.

Rome is so big that it can overwhelm you, so even the most devoted sightseer needs to take some time to kick back and enjoy la dolce vita in a park or sidewalk café.

You'll be able to choose the best places to visit with this handy list of the top attractions in Rome.

1. The Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine

2. vatican city, 3. the pantheon, 4. roman forum, 5. trevi fountain, 6. vittorio emanuele ii monument, 7. centro storico & the spanish steps, 8. via del corso, rome's shopping street, 9. santa maria maggiore, 10. piazza navona, 11. piazza del popolo & santa maria del popolo, 12. palatine hill, 13. villa borghese gallery and gardens, 14. castel sant'angelo national museum, 15. trastevere, 16. capitoline museum, 17. baths of caracalla, 18. san giovanni in laterano (basilica of st. john lateran), 19. the catacombs and via appia antica (appian way), 20. palazzo doria pamphilj, 21. basilica of san clemente, 22. domus aurea: nero's golden house, 23. terme di diocleziano (baths of diocletian national museum), where to stay in rome for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to rome, rome, italy - climate chart, more things to see and do in rome.

The Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine

As the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, the silhouette of the Flavian Amphitheatre is to Rome. The largest structure left to us by Roman antiquity , the Colosseum still provides the model for sports arenas - present-day football stadium design is clearly based on this oval Roman plan.

The building was begun by Vespasian in AD 72, and after his son Titus enlarged it by adding the fourth story, it was inaugurated in the year AD 80 with a series of splendid games. The Colosseum was large enough for theatrical performances, festivals, circuses, or games, which the Imperial Court and high officials watched from the lowest level, aristocratic Roman families on the second, the populace on the third and fourth.

Beside the Colosseum stands the Arch of Constantine , a triumphal arch erected by the Senate to honor the emperor as "liberator of the city and bringer of peace" after his victory in the battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312.

Lines are long and move slowly, so you can save time by joining the Skip the Line: Ancient Rome and Colosseum Half-Day Walking Tour and have a knowledgeable guide, as well.

Author's Tip: For an unforgettable experience, especially in the heat of mid-summer, visit the Colosseum on a special night tour. Not only is it cooler then, but the monument is magical with its interior bathed in golden light.

  • Read More: Visiting the Colosseum: Highlights, Tips & Tours

Vatican City

The Vatican is the smallest independent state in the world , with an area of less than half a square kilometer, most of it enclosed by the Vatican walls.

Inside are the Vatican palace and gardens, St. Peter's Basilica , and St. Peter's Square , an area ruled by the Pope, supreme head of the Roman Catholic Church. This compact space offers a lot of things to see, between its museums and the great basilica itself.

Inside St. Peter's Basilica is Michelangelo's masterpiece, Pieta , along with statuary and altars by Bernini and others.

The unquestioned highlight of the Vatican museums is the Sistine Chapel , whose magnificent frescoed ceiling is Michelangelo's most famous work.

In the Vatican Palace are the Raphael Rooms ; the Borgia Apartments ; the Vatican Library , and a number of museums that include the Picture Gallery, Museum of Secular Art, Etruscan Museum, and others. The collections you can see in these cover everything from papal coaches to 20th-century art reflecting religious themes.

Ticket lines for the Vatican's attractions are incredibly long, and you can spend several hours waiting in line. To save time, purchase a Skip the Line: Vatican Museums with St. Peter's, Sistine Chapel, and Small-Group Upgrade tour in advance. This three-hour tour allows you to bypass the long lines and walk straight into the museums with a knowledgeable guide. Headsets are provided, and you can choose from several different departure times or upgrade to an evening or small-group tour.

The Pantheon

The Pantheon - the best-preserved monument of Roman antiquity - is remarkably intact for its 2000 years. This is despite the fact that Pope Gregory III removed the gilded bronze roof tiles, and Pope Urban VIII ordered its bronze roof stripped and melted down to cast the canopy over the altar in St. Peter's and cannons for Castel Sant'Angelo.

The Pantheon was rebuilt after damage by fire in AD 80, and the resulting brickwork shows the extraordinarily high technical mastery of Roman builders. Its 43-meter dome, the supreme achievement of Roman interior architecture , hangs suspended without visible supports – these are well hidden inside the walls – and its nine-meter central opening is the building's only light source.

The harmonious effect of the interior is a result of its proportions: the height is the same as the diameter.

Although the first Christian emperors forbade using this pagan temple for worship, in 609 Pope Boniface IV dedicated it to the Virgin and all the Christian martyrs, and since then, it has become the burial place of Italian kings (Victor Emmanuel II is in the second niche on the right) and other famous Italians, including the painter, Raphael.

Author's Tip: If you visit the Pantheon on a rainy day, be careful of the floor in the center. There is no umbrella over the hole in the roof, and the floor can get very slippery when wet.

  • Read More: Visiting the Pantheon in Rome: Highlights, Tips & Tours

Roman Forum

Walking through the forum, now in the middle of a throbbing modern city, is like stepping back two millennia into the heart of ancient Rome. Although what survives of this center of Roman life and government shows only a small fraction of its original splendor, the standing and fallen columns, its triumphal arches, and the remains of its walls still impress, especially when you consider that for centuries, the history of the Forum was the history of the Roman Empire and of the Western world.

Roman political and religious life was centered here, along with the courts, markets, and meeting places. After the seventh century, the buildings fell into ruin, and churches and fortresses were built amid the ancient remains. Its stones were quarried for other buildings and it was not until the 18th and 19th centuries that systematic excavations brought the ancient buildings to light from under a 10-meter layer of earth and rubble.

Highlights of the Roman Forum are the Temple of Antoninus Pius, the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimus Severus, the Curia, the Temple of Vesta, and the Arch of Titus.

Tip for Parents: If you're traveling in Rome with children, unless they are fascinated by the Romans, the Forum might be a place best seen from above, instead of by walking through its five acres of largely ruined buildings. It is one of Rome's most popular and important tourist attractions, but it's a lot for kids to take in and it doesn't have the lure of the Colosseum's tales of lions and gladiators.

Trevi Fountain

One of the city's most popular tourist attractions, this 17th-century masterpiece has been immortalized in films until it is almost a required visit. Throwing a coin (not three) into the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is a tradition that is supposed to assure your return to Rome.

Rome's largest fountain, Fontana di Trevi is supplied by an aqueduct originally constructed by Agrippa, the great art patron of the first century BC, to bring water to his baths. The fountain was created for Pope Clement XII between 1732 and 1751 by Nicolò Salvi, and built against the rear wall of the palace of the Dukes of Poli.

It depicts the sea god Oceanus (Neptune), with horses, tritons, and shells. The water swirls around the figures and the artificial rocks and collects in a large basin, always filled with coins.

What happens to all that money? Twice a year it is gathered using long-handled brushes, and donated to Caritas, Rome's Catholic charity.

Vittorio Emanuele II Monument

It's ironic that this grandiose monument, considered one of the national symbols of Italy, is rarely admired by Romans, who liken it to a wedding cake or a giant typewriter. Like it or not, the vast neo-classical structure crowns Capitoline Hill, the symbolic center of ancient Rome, overlooking the later city across Piazza Venezia.

Built between 1885 and 1935, it is a monument to King Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of the unified Italy, represented here in an equestrian statue. Italy's tomb of the unknown soldier is here, along with a museum of the Italian unification. A lift will take you to the topmost terrace for 360-degree views of Rome.

Address: Piazza Venezia, Rome

The Spanish Steps

Take a look at a Rome tourist map, and you'll see one area so filled with things to do that it's hard to read the street names. This is the Centro Storico, the historic center of Rome , with so many art-filled churches, resplendent palaces, and lively squares that you could spend your whole vacation strolling its ancient streets and lanes.

Spend some time just to absorb the neighborhood's atmosphere instead of going from one of its must-see sights to the next. Along with Piazza Navona , the Trevi Fountain , and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore , stop in less well-known churches, such as Santa Maria del Popolo, where you'll find works by Bernini and Caravaggio.

Pause at the Spanish Steps, the flight of irregular stairs and landings that lead up to the French church of Trinità dei Monti. The stairs take their name from Piazza di Spagna , the plaza at their base and one of Rome's most typical squares. The stairs have long been a favorite haunt of tourists.

You can no longer channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and eat gelato on the steps as she did in Roman Holiday . Sitting or eating on the steps is banned to protect them after a complete cleaning and restoration, and the ban is enforced.

The boat-shaped fountain at the foot of the Spanish Steps is known as the Barcaccia and was created by Pietro Bernini, father of the great Baroque architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Via Condotti , leading southwest from Piazza di Spagna, is Rome's most fashionable shopping street , where the Caffè Greco is famous for the artists, writers, and musicians who have frequented it.

Address: Piazza di Spagna, Rome

Via del Corso in Rome

Marking a straight line from Piazza the Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo, Via del Corso is Rome's Main Street . Lined with shops and places to eat, and a few palaces housing art museums, including the magnificent Palazzo Doria Pamphilj. Work is underway to restore and re-design the century-old landmark Alberto Sordi Gallery, which will reopen as Agorà, with fewer shops and more public space for arts and entertainment.

While the shops are mostly name brands, you'll find some designer boutiques here and on the radiating side streets. Not all of Italy's fashion comes from Milan's catwalks, and fashionistas will find more high-end boutiques and prestigious names on streets around Piazza di Spagna, especially Via Venizia and Via dei Condotti .

Between Piazza del Popolo, at the end of Via del Corso, and Piazza di Spagna, look for antique shops and art galleries on Via del Babuino . To mix charm and cinema history with shopping, and find small shops and galleries on the parallel Via Margutta .

Note to Movie Fans: Federico Fellini lived on Via Margutta and Gregory Peck's apartment scenes in Roman Holiday were filmed at No. 51.

Santa Maria Maggiore

One of the most majestic of the churches in Rome , Santa Maria Maggiore has stood here since the fourth-century Pope Liberius had a vision of the Virgin directing him to build a church where snow fell the following day. Although it was August, snow did fall on the Esquiline hill the next morning, so here the great basilica was built.

Mass has been celebrated here every day since the fifth century. The three aisles of its 86-meter-long interior are separated by 40 columns of marble and four of granite, and the apse added in the 13th century is lined with mosaics of Old and New Testament themes, masterpieces of Rome's famous mosaic artists.

Rome's oldest mosaics, as old as the fourth century, decorate the upper walls, and the floor is inlaid with colored stone in the style of the expert 12th-century artisans of the Lake Como region. The first gold to reach Italy from the Americas shines on the coffered ceiling. Two popes are buried here; it's one of Rome's four papal basilicas, an important place of pilgrimage.

Author's Tip: Although admission to Rome's churches is free, you may need to put a euro in the meter to illuminate some artworks or chapels. Keep some coins handy for a better look at the mosaics in Santa Maria Maggiore. It is also a nice gesture to put a few coins in the offering boxes to help the churches maintain their priceless treasures.

Address: Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome

Piazza Navona

One of Rome's most characteristic Baroque squares, Piazza Navona still has the outline of the Roman stadium built here by Emperor Domitian. It was still used for festivals and horse races during the Middle Ages, and was rebuilt in the Baroque style by Borromini, who also designed the magnificent series of palaces and the church of Sant'Agnese, on its west side.

Its facade, campanile, and dome highlight the way Baroque architecture weaves convex and concave surfaces, gables, windows, columns, and piers into a unified design. In the crypt of Sant'Agnese are Alessandro Algardi's 1653 The Miracle of St. Agnes and the remains of a Roman mosaic floor. Sant'Agnese provided a model for Baroque and Rococo churches in Italy and elsewhere.

Although Borromini designed the square and its surrounding facades, it was his archrival, Bernini, who created its centerpiece, the beautiful Baroque fountain, Fontana dei Fiumi . The spirited fountain represents the four rivers then thought to be the largest on each of the known continents, with figures personifying the Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Rio de la Plata around the large basin, each accompanied by plants and animals of their respective regions.

The two other fountains in the square are the 16th-century Fontana del Moro in front of the Palazzo Pamphili, erected by Giacomo della Porta, and the 19th-century Fontana del Nettuno with its figure of Neptune. Today, the square is filled with Romans, tourists, street artists, musicians, souvenir kiosks, cafés, and during December, one of Rome's best Christmas markets.

Nearby, between the Piazza and the Pantheon, the church of San Luigi dei Francesi contains three major paintings by Caravaggio from the late 16th century, including one of his most famous, The Calling of St. Matthew. No information about the paintings is available in the church, but you can download an audio guide in English on the San Luigi dei Francesi website. The church itself is worth seeing for its elaborate ceiling and inlaid marble floors. Like others in Rome, the church is free to enter

Piazza del Popolo

Symmetrically situated at the apex of a triangle of streets that include Via Corso, Rome's main shopping street, Piazza del Popolo was designed in the early 19 th century as the northern entrance to the city center. At its center, the Egyptian obelisk, called Flaminio, rises above a fountain, where four white marble lions spout fans of water into four round travertine pools.

Facing one side like mirror images at either side of Via della Corso are the twin churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto, and at the opposite side of the grand piazza is the Augustinian Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo.

Inside, you'll find Pinturicchio frescoes and two tombs by Andrea Sansovino in the choir, and two beautiful chapels. The Chigi Chapel was designed by Raphael in 1515, and the Cesari Chapel holds two important Caravaggio paintings.

Next to the basilica, climb the steps to the Pincio Terrace for views down onto the piazza and across the city of Rome.

The Stadium of Domitian on Palatine Hill

Strategically set 50 meters above the Tiber, the Palatine Hill shows evidence of Rome's earliest settlement: rock cuttings found in front of the Temple of Cybele show human activity as long ago as the ninth century BC. Later, this was the site chosen by the emperors and great aristocratic families for their palaces.

The Farnese Gardens were laid out on the hill in the 16th century for Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, a pleasure park of terraces, pavilions, lawns, flowerbeds, trees, and fountains designed as a kind of stage-setting for social gatherings.

Highlights of the Palatine Hill are the House of Livia (Augustus' wife), the semi-subterranean Cryptoporticus , Domus Flavia , Domus Augustana, and most imposing of all, the Baths of Septimius Severus. The Palatine Hill is a lovely place to explore, combining a park with magnificent and impressive ruins of ancient Rome.

Borghese Gallery and Gardens

One of Rome's largest parks, the Borghese Gardens contain multiple attractions that include two museums, the most prominent of which is the Villa Borghese. Built as a party villa and to house the Borghese art collection, the gallery contains paintings, sculptures, mosaics, and reliefs, most from the 15th to the 18th century, and include works by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Bernini, Dürer, and Rubens .

Elsewhere in the park, Villa Giulia was built as a summer residence for the 16th-century Pope Julius III and houses the Etruscan Museum . More villas are from the world exposition that was held in Rome in 1911.

The park is an English-style landscape garden, with walking paths and ponds where you can rent row boats. You can also rent bikes or a surrey to explore the park. There is a good zoo, Bioparco di Roma , with naturalized enclosures and a miniature trail connecting its various sections. A number of its attractions will appeal to children, including playgrounds, weekend pony rides, and occasional puppet shows.

Many of its attractions will appeal to children , including playgrounds, weekend pony rides, and occasional puppet shows, making it one of the most popular things to do in Rome for families .

One of the secrets of the Borghese Gardens is the replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, where you can watch opera performances or Shakespeare plays. Plays are always in Italian, but an occasional opera is in English. You can rent a cushion and sit on the floor or you can sit in the balconies that ring the interior.

Address: Piazzale del Museo Borghese, 5

Castel Sant'Angelo

Begun in AD 135 as a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian and his family, Castel Sant'Angelo is a massive drum-shaped structure overlooking the Tiber near the Vatican. Over the millennia of its existence, Castel Sant'Angelo has been used as a papal residence and a fortress, and more recently as a National Museum.

In AD 271, Emperor Aurelian took advantage of its position guarding the northern approaches to the city and incorporated it into his new system of walls surrounding the city. As a bastion, it protected the city from barbarian attacks, and by the Middle Ages had become a substantial fortress. In times of peril, popes fled here across a secret elevated corridor, the Passetto di Borgo , and stored their most precious riches in the castle's treasury.

Visitors reach the castle across a pedestrian bridge lined with statues of angels (by Bernini), and ascend to its five floors on a spiral ramp. At its various levels are prison cells, a large collection of weapons, and splendidly decorated papal apartments covered in Renaissance frescoes. At the top is a terrace with stunning views of the city.

Address: Lungotevere Castello 50, Rome

A street in Trastevere, Rome

Across the Tiber River and off the most popular tourist routes, Trastevere feels like an earlier Rome, with its medieval lanes and narrow alleys . You'll find bits of Roman stonework in its old buildings, and occasional inscriptions that remind you that this was for three centuries the Jewish Ghetto, its gates closed and guarded at night.

Today it is a charming neighborhood with two outstanding churches that are rarely on tourist itineraries. In the third century, before Rome's Jewish population gravitated to this side of the river, Santa Maria in Trastevere was one of the first places where Christians could worship except in secret.

Renovated several times, the last in the Baroque period, the church interior is decorated with patterned marble floors, a gold-washed coffered ceiling, and exceptional medieval mosaics. Also with good mosaics, and a fine 13 th -century fresco, Santa Cecilia in Trastevere hides the foundations of a Roman home.

Author's Tip: It's no secret that Trastevere is a good place to find restaurants serving authentic Roman dishes, but you'll find them less crowded than those in the popular tourist areas.

Statue at the Capitoline Museum

Two palaces on Piazza del Campidoglio house Europe's oldest public collection of art, founded in 1471. Primarily devoted to sculptures from across the ancient world, the highlights of the Capitoline Museum treasures include the realistic Hellenistic bronze Boy with a Thorn ; Capitoline Venus , from a 4 th -century BC original by Praxiteles; a 4.24-meter-tall Roman equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius; a Roman sculpture of the Dying Gaul ; and the Capitoline She-Wolf , an Etruscan work from the 6th century BC.

More "modern" sculptures include a head of Medusa, by the 17 th -century Baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Although the Capitoline Museum is best known for its outstanding collection of classical sculptures, its Capitoline Picture Gallery exhibits paintings by Titian, Veronese, and Rubens, along with Caravaggio's compelling John the Baptist.

Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome

Baths of Caracalla

Completed by Caracalla in 216, these were much more than public baths. They were a complete sports center, with hot and cold baths, a swimming pool, dry and steam saunas, gymnastics and sports facilities, social rooms, gardens, libraries, hairdressers, and shops.

The massive and imposing structure covered an area of 300 square meters, a complex of gigantic halls whose domes and vaulting were supported by huge columns and piers. It could accommodate 1,500 people at a time. The floors and walls were covered with marble, mosaics, and frescoes; even in ruin, their splendor is still evident.

Address: Via delle Terme di Caracalla 52, Rome

San Giovanni in Laterano (Basilica of St. John Lateran)

As you might expect for the episcopal church of the Pope, St. John Lateran is one of Rome's most impressive churches. After centuries of alterations, it still retains its original form from the age of Constantine, when it was built.

Its façade, by contrast, is a purely Baroque embellishment and a fine example of that period. Along with the mosaics in the apse, be sure to notice the beautiful 16th-century wooden ceiling. If the octagonal baptistery, San Giovanni in Fonte , looks a bit familiar, it's because it provided the model for later ones throughout Europe.

Built by Constantine, it is the world's oldest Christian baptistery. Across the piazza, in the church of the Scala Santa, is the Holy Staircase, 28 steps believed to have been brought to Rome in the fourth century by St. Helen, from Pilate's palace in Jerusalem.

The Catacombs and Via Appia Antica (Appian Way)

The Catacombs of San Callisto (St. Calixtus) and San Sebastiano , both underground burial places in the Via Appia Antica, are extensive — the San Callista Catacomb fills an area of 300 by 400 meters — with intricate multi-layered networks of passages and chambers carved into the soft tufa. In addition to the tombs, St. Calixtus has six sacramental chapels, constructed between 290 and 310, with both pagan and early Christian wall paintings.

In the Papal Crypt are the tombs of most of the martyred Popes of the third century identified by Greek inscriptions. San Sebastiano, one of Rome's seven pilgrimage churches, was built in the fourth century on the site of old cemeteries and catacombs that, along with the foundations of a Constantinian basilica, can be explored.

Tomb chambers are on several levels with fine paintings, stucco decorations, and inscriptions dating to the first century AD. Although venerated remains are thought to have been brought here for safekeeping during persecutions, these were cemeteries, not hiding places for Christians.

A little west of the Via Appia Antica, not far from the catacombs of San Callisto, the Catacombs of Domitilla are the largest and among the most impressive in Rome, with 15 kilometers of underground chambers and passages and a complete subterranean basilica.

Dedicated to the martyred saints entombed there, Nereus and Achilleus, the basilica was a major pilgrimage destination until the Middle Ages. More than 80 painted tombs and a second-century fresco of The Last Supper survive in its galleries.

Outside the Porta San Sebastiano, the Arch of Drusus is near the beginning of the Via Appia Antica, one of the oldest and most important of the Roman highways, built around 300 BC and extended to the port of Brindisi about 190 BC.

Running parallel with the road are the ruins of some of the aqueducts that supplied the city with water, and among the cypresses along its sides are remains of tombs belonging to aristocratic Roman families. The most prominent of these is the first-century tomb of Caecilia Metella and her husband.

Address: Via Appia Antica, Rome

Courtyard and a fountain in the Doria Pamphili Gallery

Rome's finest private collection of art is displayed in the magnificent Baroque galleries, state rooms, and chapel of the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj. Representing works by European masters from the 15 th through the 18 th centuries, the collections include paintings by Filippo Lippi, Brueghel the Elder, Correggio, and Raphael, along with major works by Caravaggio ( Rest in the Flight into Egypt) and Titian ( Salome with the Head of John the Baptist).

Velázquez's Portrait of Innocent X is one of the collection's highlights. Another image of the same Pope is a sculpture by Bernini. The palace itself almost outshines its contents, with frescoed ceilings and Baroque decoration; a good audio guide in English enlivens the tour. The gardens are beautiful, with an intricately patterned parterre with labyrinth elements.

Address: Via del Corso 305, Rome

Mosaic in the Church of San Clemente

One of Rome's oldest churches and with the city's most beautifully decorated apse, covered in mosaics of Old and New Testament scenes, San Clemente has a further fascination: the multiple layers of its history as each era built upon the last.

You can descend from the 12 th -century church into a previous church, a 4 th -century basilica with Romanesque frescoes of New Testament scenes. Below that are the excavated foundations of a Roman home from the 2 nd century AD, with a shrine to the sun god Mithra, with a carved relief on the altar. From the foundations of the house, you can walk on the ancient streets of this former Roman neighborhood.

But do take time to look around the upper church, to see the mosaics, the inlaid marble floors, and the early Renaissance frescoes by Masolino in the St. Catherine's Chapel.

Address: Via San Giovanni in Laterano 108, Rome

Domus Aurea, built by Emperor Nero

In July of 64 CE, a six-day fire destroyed almost three-fourths of the city. The cruel and unpopular emperor Nero took advantage of the cleared land to build a palace of unheard-of proportions, the Domus Aurea, or Golden House. Rooms were lined in rare marble and elaborately decorated in gold and precious stones.

The palace was never finished, and Nero's successors, attempting to erase all memory of the hated ruler and his reign, buried it, and Rome grew over it. Excavations continue to disclose more of its splendors, and you can tour the active archaeological site to see the halls and rooms that have been uncovered, some with excellent frescoes.

With the help of a video outlining the history and virtual reality technology that recreates the atrium and one hall , you can get a sense of what the palace looked like in Nero's time. Both are included in tours.

Tip: Even on the hottest days, bring something with long sleeves, as the underground excavations site is quite cold year-round.

Historical Note: Did Nero really fiddle while Rome burned? Although he took advantage of the destroyed city to build his extravagant villa, and there was disgruntled mumbling at the time that he had ordered the fire set to clear the land, no historical evidence or contemporary account mentions his playing any musical instrument.

Address: Via della Domus Aurea, Rome

Terme di Diocleziano (Baths of Diocletian National Museum)

Diocletian's baths were so enormous that today, they contain two churches, large parts of a Carthusian monastery and a major museum. Michelangelo used the vast tepidarium (hot baths) as the shell for his church of Santa Maria degli Angeli , and the Museo Nazionale Romano , Rome's National Museum, fills another section with treasures of antiquity: Greek and Roman sculpture, pre-Christian and later sarcophagi, and beautiful mosaics and frescoes.

The late-16th-century church of San Bernardo alle Terme was built in a rotunda at the corner of the baths; its dome is like that of the Pantheon, but only half its size.

While Rome's main tourist attractions don't exactly cluster, most of the major ones are within a 20- to 30-minute walk of each other, so several areas are convenient for sightseeing. The Monti neighborhood is perhaps the most central to the Forum, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and even the Spanish Steps and Borghese Gardens. Here are some highly rated hotels in Rome's best locations for sightseeing:

Luxury Hotels :

  • Palazzo Manfredi - Relais & Chateaux is next to the Colosseum, and you can overlook it while enjoying breakfast in the rooftop restaurant.
  • Boutique Hotel Campo de Fiori has a rooftop garden overlooking the colorful daily market in one of Rome's most traditional neighborhoods, near the Pantheon and an easy walk from Palatine Hill and the Vatican.
  • Two blocks from the Colosseum, Hotel Capo d'Africa is in a neighborhood filled with small restaurants.

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • The four-star Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo is an easy walk from the Colosseum, which you can see from the hotel's rooftop swimming pool and from some of the guest rooms.
  • In Monti, close to both the Colosseum and Forum, Hotel Fori Imperiali Cavalieri is surrounded by restaurants and shopping.
  • Opposite the Opera House in Monti, iQ Hotel Roma has a covered rooftop terrace and modern décor.

Budget Hotels:

  • Amid restaurants and shops in Monti, between the Forum and opera house, Hotel Artorius is not adjacent to any major attractions, but lies within a 20- to 30-minute walk from the Forum, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Vittoriano, and museums.
  • Also in the lively Monte neighborhood, and an easy walk from the Colosseum and other attractions of ancient Rome, Hotel Grifo offers a rooftop terrace and free breakfast.
  • On the west bank of the Tiber, south of Vatican City, Trastevere is one of the city's most colorful neighborhoods. Although Trastevere has several small B&Bs, Cassiodoro is one of its few hotels, surrounded by traditional restaurants and shops.
  • Sightseeing Tour by Bus : For maximum flexibility while you're seeing all the top attractions, sign up for the Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour on an open-air double-decker bus. Accompanied by audio commentary, this convenient ticket covers all the top sights, with eight different stops, and you can hop on and off at your favorite attractions. You can choose a tour that's valid for either 24 or 48 hours and upgrade to packages that include time-saving skip-the-line admission to attractions like Palatine Hill, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum.
  • Segway Tour: Another way to see the top sights without worrying about navigating your way around the city is on the Rome Segway Tour . Included in this three-hour excursion are a brief orientation session, helmets, wet weather jackets (if needed), and audio commentary. Meet your guide near Piazza Venezia and see the sights of Ancient Rome, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Circus Maximus, learning all about them as you zoom around the city.
  • Gladiator Experience : If you've always wondered what it's like to brandish a sword like Spartacus, consider signing up for the Roman Gladiator School: Learn How to Become a Gladiator experience on the Appian Way, near the Colosseum. This two-hour private lesson is suitable for anyone aged six years and older and includes entrance to the Gladiator School of Rome Museum as well as clothing and weapon hire.
  • Tivoli Day Trip : Organized tours are a great way to explore the attractions in the beautiful countryside around Rome. You can relax and let a professional guide do the work without the hassle of driving, finding your way, and parking. On the Tivoli Day Trips from Rome: Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa tour, you can explore two World Heritage-listed historic villas, built as vacation homes for the Roman elite, as well as their gorgeous gardens. The tour includes transportation in a comfortable coach, villa admission, and headsets so you can easily hear the guide.
  • Pompeii Day Trip : Another popular excursion is the Pompeii Day Trip from Rome . On this full-day tour, you can hike to the crater of Mt. Vesuvius (in summer) or visit the National Archeological Museum of Pompeii (November 16 through March 31), as well as see the sights of Pompeii. Entrance fees and lunch are included.

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Where to Go near Rome: When you have seen Rome's ancient sites, you'll want to explore some of the city's surroundings. The town of Tivoli lies 30 kilometers east of Rome, with Hadrian's Villa and one of the most beautiful gardens in Italy .

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Places to Visit from Rome: In just over an hour by train, you can step into the exuberant street life of the vibrant city of Naples . From here, you are only a short ferry ride from the idyllic island of Capri , across the Bay of Naples. Or take a train the short distance to the ancient city of Pompeii , under the still smoldering cone of Mt. Vesuvius.

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25 Top Tourist Attractions in Rome

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Ah, Rome. The city where hope springs eternal. It is a city that is proud of its ancient glorious heritage, a city that once expanded its empire throughout Europe, Africa and Asia. Rome is a city drenched in history and Christianity. First-time visitors may be easily overwhelmed by all this magnificent city has to offer. After all, one can find history and art on almost every street corner. That’s why visitors may want to do their homework to narrow down what they want to see and do before they get on a plane or train bound for the Italian capital.

Rome is divided into several districts with its center, the Colosseo district, containing the most ancient attractions like the Colosseum, Capitoline Hill and the Roman Forum. On the outskirts of the center is Old Rome, featuring the Pantheon, stunning cathedrals, plazas and Renaissance architecture.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to see all the top tourist attractions in Rome in a few days or even a few months. Wise travelers won’t even attempt to see everything in one trip. To ensure they’ll return to Rome, they’ll toss a coin into the Fountain of Trevi. Legend has it that those who do will return to Rome again.

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Rome Map

25. Baths of Caracalla

Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla, the second largest public baths in Rome, were built by Emperor Caracalla in the third century for political propaganda purposes: The emperor simply wanted people to like him.

The baths were functional for over three hundred years. Negligence, looting and an earthquake turned the complex into ruins but their sheer size and ingenuity continues to impress visitors.

24. Villa Farnesina

Villa Farnesina

Visitors who want a peek at how the wealthy lived during the Renaissance may want to visit Villa Farnesina , a villa located in the Trastevere district. The Villa Farnesina is well known for the frescoes depicting the myths of Cupid and Psyche that were painted by Raphael.

Works by various other artists were commissioned by a banker who was also a papal treasurer, and who had the villa built in 1506.

23. Appian Way

Appian Way

The Appian Way is the most famous ancient road in Rome, connecting the city with Brindisi in southeastern Italy. Named after Appius Claudius Caecus, a Roman censor, it was originally a military road.

Many historical monuments can be found along the first 8 km (5 miles) of the 560 km (350-mile) stone road today. This old highway has heavy vehicle traffic at the beginning, but is safe for pedestrians after a couple of miles.

22. National Roman Museum

National Roman Museum

If you want to soak in as much of Rome’s history, heritage and culture as possible, then don’t miss the National Roman Museum, or the Museo Nazionale Romano .

This Roman museum does not house its entire collection in one spot. Instead, exhibits are located in multiple destinations throughout the city. Find amber, Roman artifacts and jewelry within the incredible Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, admire breathtaking use of marble and stunning sculptures within the Palazzo Altemps and get an up-close look at Roman baths at the restored historic site of the Baths of Diocletian.

21. Victor Emmanuel II Monument

Victor Emmanuel II Monument

Built in honour of Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy, this bombastic monument may appear to be solid white marble but actually contains many rooms inside. It was designed by Giuseppe Sacconi in 1885 and completed in 1925.

There are two permanent museums, one on Italian Reunification and one on emigration from Italy, as well as other spaces that host rotating exhibitions. The Victor Emmanuel Monument is not exactly known as one of Rome’s most beautiful structures but it is nevertheless well worth the visit, even if only for the great views from the top.

20. Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo

The Piazza del Popolo is a large oval square in northern Rome that has been around since the days of the Roman Empire. At one time, it was the start of the most important road north.

Three churches border the square but the eye-catcher is an obelisk from ancient Egypt. On the north side the square is dominated by the Porta del Popolo, which leads to the Via Flaminia, a road connecting Rome with the Adriatic coast.

19. Santa Maria in Trastevere

Santa Maria in Trastevere

Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome, with most historians believing it was first built in the 4th century. The church has impressive mosaics from the 12th and 13th centuries; it has been enlarged and restored over the years.

Located in the popular Trastevere neighborhood, its atmospheric piazza is enhanced by the mosaics on the façade, especially at night when the church and its tower are illuminated.

18. Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica is an important archeological site that once was the seaport for Rome. It is located less than 20 miles from Rome at the mouth of the River Tiber. The site has well-preserved ancient buildings, some of which date back to the fourth century BC.

Ostia Antica is known for the outstanding frescoes and mosaics on these old buildings, as well as ancient public toilets that turned bathrooms into a social setting.

17. Basilica of San Clemente

Basilica of San Clemente

Located just a few blocks from the Coliseum, the 12th century Basilica of San Clemente is built on top of a 4th century Church and older Roman temple. The present church is noted for its fabulous frescoes and mosaics.

For an admission fee, it is possible to explore the excavations of the lower two levels, which is a fascinating journey into the history of Rome.

16. Capitoline Museums

Capitoline Museums

It may have taken the Romans 400 years to build the Capitoline Museums , after they were designed in 1536 by Michelangelo, but the wait was worth it. This outstanding collection of art and archeological museums, which started with a papal donation in the 15th century, can be found at Piazza del Campidoglio atop Capitoline Hill. The collections include medieval and Renaissance art, old Roman statues and jewels.

15. Palatine Hill

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Palatine Hill, one of the Seven Hills of Rome, has links to Roman mythology, as it was here a wolf allegedly found the twin boys Romulus and Remus, and cared for them until a shepherd rescued them.

Even if this legend is not true, Palatine Hill is still the place where Rome was founded. Today only ruins remain but during the Imperial era, the hill was completely built up with large palaces.

14. San Giovanni in Laterano

San Giovanni in Laterano

San Giovanni in Laterano (St. John Lateran) is one of four major basilicas in Rome. Dedicated to John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, it is the home cathedral for both the archbishop of Rome and the pope.

It is believed to be the first Catholic church built in Rome. Its exterior doesn’t seem as ornate as other churches, but inside it’s beautiful decorated, with wall ornaments, columns, mosaics and paintings.

13. Galleria Borghese

Galleria Borghese

The Galleria Borghese is an art gallery that was built as a party house by Cardinal Sciopione Borghese in the 17th century. A nephew of Pope Paul V, the cardinal also was a patron of the arts.

The galleria today houses many pieces of paintings, sculptures and other antiquities from his collection. Paintings by Titian, sculptures by Bernini, and the National Museum of Musical Instruments can be seen here.

12. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Founded in the 4th century, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) is considered one of the most important Catholic churches in Rome. Its 18th-century exterior conceals one of the best-preserved Byzantine interiors in the city.

Travelers who are in Rome on August 5 may want to attend the Miracle of the Snows celebration when thousands of white petals are dropped from the ceiling.

11. Saint Peter’s Square

Saint Peter's Square

Located in Vatican City, St. Peter’s Square is the most famous square in Rome. Hundreds of thousands of people gather here to hear messages from the pope. Created in the 17th century by Bernini, the square has an elliptic shape, surrounded on two sides by colonnades before St. Peter’s Basilica.

Statues sit atop the colonnades. At the center of the ellipse stands an Egyptian obelisk that was transported from Egypt to Rome during the reign of Emperor Augustus.

10. Campo de’ Fiori

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Campo de’ Fiori is a rectangular square south of Piazza Navona used as a marketplace during the day, and party central for college students and tourists at night. The name means “field of flowers” and was first given during the Middle Ages when the area was actually a meadow.

Today the market is a lively place, especially when the daily vegetable market is held here (every morning except Sundays). Visitors can buy fresh produce at the market, as well as fish, meat, flowers and spices. The square is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, making it a good place to eat after shopping or just wile away the afternoon.

9. Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona

One of the most famous of Rome’s many squares, Piazza Navona was established towards the end of the 15th century, and preserves the shape of the Stadium of Domitian that once stood here.

Built by Emperor Domitian in 86 AD, the stadium, which had a larger arena than the Colosseum was mainly used for festivals and sporting events. The buildings surrounding the square stand where the spectators once sat.

Today, the square features no less than three magnificent fountains and is an immensely popular place to sip a cappuccino, shop, and watch street performers.

8. Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo was built to be a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian and his family. Built in 123 BC, it later was turned into a fortress and castle by the popes. It was once Rome’s tallest building.

The ashes of other emperors were buried there, but scattered when the Visigoths invaded in 410. It also served as a prison, but today the castel is a museum. Among the most well known sights in Rome, film buffs will recognize it as a setting from “Angels and Demons”.

7. Roman Forum

Roman Forum

Located in the small valley between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, The Roman Forum (or Forum Romanum in Latin) was for centuries the teeming heart of ancient Rome: the site of triumphal processions and elections, venue for public speeches, and nucleus of commercial affairs.

The Forum today is a sprawling ruin of architectural fragments and includes the Arches of Septimius Severus and Titus, the Temple of Antoninus Pius and Faustina and the Temple of Saturn.

6. Spanish Steps

Spanish Steps

A truly monumental stairway of 135 steps, the Spanish Steps were built with French funds between 1721‑1725 in order to link the Bourbon Spanish embassy to the Holy See with the French church, Trinità dei Monti.

The steps are usually very crowded attracting tourists as well as locals who use it as a gathering place. Each year in May the steps are decorated with pink azaleas. At the foot of the Spanish Steps is the Piazza di Spagna (Spanish square) and the Fontana della Barcaccia, a sober fountain designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

5. Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain

Completed in 1762 to a design by Nicola Salvi, this world famous Baroque fountain features a mythological sculptural composition of Neptune, god of the sea, flanked by two Tritons.

The location of the Trevi fountain marks the terminus of the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct and is so named on account of its position at the junction of three roads (tre vie).

The fountain was the setting for an iconic scene in Fellini’s film Dolce Vita starring Anita Ekberg and Marcello Mastroianni. Since than, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome. The legend says that one who throws a coin in the fountain shall one day return to Rome.

4. Vatican Museums

Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums began in the 16th century with a collection of sculptures by Pope Julius II. Today, they encompass several museums inside the Vatican City and include some of the world’s most important relics. Attractions of the museums include the spiral staircase, the Raphael Rooms and the exquisitely decorated Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo painted the chapel ceiling between 1508 and 1512.

Today the ceiling, and especially The Last Judgment, are widely believed to be Michelangelo’s crowning achievements in painting. To keep the massive crowds under control, the museums have 4 itineraries that range from one and a half hours to more than 5 hours. All itineraries end in the Sistine Chapel.

3. Pantheon

Pantheon

One of the best preserved Roman buildings, The Pantheon was built in 126 AD as a temple for all the Roman gods. The temple has served as a Roman Catholic Church since the 7th century. Eight graceful granite Corinthian columns extend across the front of this circular building, with lesser columns in back.

Though it is 2,000 years old, the Pantheon’s famous dome remains the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. It is believed Marcus Agrippa built the Pantheon to be his private temple. The current building was reconstructed by Emperor Hadrian in the second century.

2. St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica

The center of the Catholic world and a major tourist attraction, the Basilica of St. Peter is a huge church: with an interior height of 120 meter (400 feet), the space shuttle, together with its booster rockets, could fit inside, as could the Statue of Liberty.

The basilica stands on the traditional site where Peter, the apostle who is considered the first pope, was crucified and buried. Construction on the current building began in 1506 and was completed in 1615. Many famous artists worked on the complex and its surroundings: Michelangelo designed the dome while Bernini designed the great St. Peter’s Square.

1. Colosseum

Colosseum

The Colosseum is another of Rome’s major tourist attractions. Its construction was started by emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty in 72 AD and was finished by his son Titus in 80 AD.

The elliptical amphitheater could hold up to 50,000 people who turned out to watch gladiators do battle, people be publicly executed and enjoy other forms of entertainment. This stone and concrete structure, built in the first century, was the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire. It is considered one of the Romans’ greatest architectural and engineering feats.

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October 1, 2017 at 5:15 am

Rome is really majestic! I would love to see these beautiful architectures soon.

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May 22, 2014 at 10:50 am

this is so nice

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February 1, 2014 at 2:29 am

it is very nice to see Italy, the famous pantheon, koloseum and a lot of other places to see. When i visit it i saw a lot. Bravoo Italy, the most beautiful place in the world.

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TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Rome, Italy is one of the great cities of the world. With its history spanning thousands of years, the city features monumental architecture, fabulous piazzas (squares), colorful mercatos (markets), and character-filled streets. It is truly dazzling at every turn. Rome's top tourist attractions include famous ruins as well as majestic churches, high-caliber art museums, charming piazzas, amazing food and shopping, and more.

Those going to the Eternal City will need a strategy to avoid being overwhelmed by the huge number of things to see. Tourists may need several visits to see everything in Rome, but even one trip will bring a lifetime of memories. 

Savor Italian Flavors

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Many people go to Italy to try the remarkable food, which is well-known around the world. So when in Rome, do as the Romans do: dine on the delicious pizza, pasta, gelato (Italian ice cream), and more. Grab something to eat at the mercatos, full of colorful, fresh produce. Sip on an espresso or a cappuccino at a local café. Some of the best-known cafés in Rome are Tazza d’Oro near Pantheon—started in 1946 and known for the granita , a partially frozen coffee with whipped cream—and Sant 'Eustachio Il Caffè, dating back to 1938 and located near Piazza Navona.

Head to MAXXI—National Museum of 21st Century Art

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MAXXI—National Museum of 21st Century Art is located in the Flaminio neighborhood of northern Rome. The museum designed by architect Zaha Hadid opened in 2010. Known Italian and international artists display their photography, paintings, and multimedia installations. Guests can also view conferences, workshops, screenings, shows, and more. Also, check out the Mediterranean Ristorante e Giardino, The Palombini Cafeteria for some coffee and chocolate, and the Museum Bookshop.

Go on a Great Day Trip

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The ancient city of Ostia Antica , around 35 minutes southwest of Rome, makes an exciting day trip. See well-preserved apartment buildings, a bakery, and even public toilets from this community that was abandoned by the fifth century.

Naples , a vibrant city just over an hour from Rome on the high-speed train, is a worthwhile destination. History buffs love the old markets, churches, castles, and more. Plus, it's the birthplace of pizza and a wonderful chance to eat a delicious one made in a wood-burning oven.

Lovely beaches aren't far from Rome, either. If you'd enjoy partying along with many young Romans, check out Fregene, about a 40-minute drive from Rome. Santa Marinella, around one hour by car, offers pleasant beaches, along with seafood restaurants and bars. An attractive town an approximately two-hour drive from Rome, Sperlonga is one of the best day trips. Expect clean water and sand along with a great place to relax and enjoy cafés, eateries, and shops.

Shop for Italian Goods

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Italy is famous for its fashion, and Rome has some of the country's best designer shops to explore. Via del Corso, one of Rome’s main shopping streets, has plenty of reputable clothing stores. Stroll down Via Condotti and the surrounding streets or Via Veneto for designer boutiques. If you are seeking antiques or art, try Via del Babuino, which connects Piazza di Spagna to Piazza del Popolo. 

Dating back to 1922, the Galleria Alberto Sordi, a mall with skylights made of stained-glass and mosaic floors, is among the most beautiful places to shop in Europe. You'll find everything from clothing and accessories to books and cosmetics in the mall.

Enjoy the Roman Nightlife

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If you would like an early evening aperitivo (drink before your meal) or some after-dark explorations of Roman nightlife, the city offers plenty of options. The colorful Trastevere neighborhood, about 15 minutes from the city center, is one of the top areas, offering craft beer in various creative bars, some featuring live entertainment. Pigneto , a trendy neighborhood around 15 minutes east of the Colosseum, has pubs and live music venues, LGBTQ+ clubs, and places to see modern dance and theater. Dance clubs and bars can also be found just outside of the city center, in neighborhoods such as Ostiense.

Gaze at The Colosseum

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Dedicated by Emperor Vespasian in A.D. 80, the Colosseum (so-named for a colossal statue of Emperor Nero that once stood on the site) once held up to 50,000 people and was the scene of countless deadly gladiatorial and wild animal fights. The ancient amphitheater—located in the city center a bit east of the Roman Forum—is now the symbol of Rome and a requisite stop on most tourist itineraries.

Buy your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in a long, slow-moving line to see one of the largest arenas in the world.

Learn About The Roman Forum

Adjacent to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum is a huge complex of ruined temples, basilicas, and arches. One of the  top ancient sites in the city, the Roman Forum was the ceremonial, legal, social, and business center of ancient Rome. Wandering its iconic ruins dating back to as early as the seventh century B.C. is an essential part of any Rome visit.

Your ticket to the Colosseum includes entry at the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, and tours of all three sites are available.

Climb The Palatine Hill

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson 

Many visitors to the Colosseum and Forum don't make the climb up to the adjacent Palatine Hill, and they're missing out. One of the famous Seven Hills of Rome near the Tiber River, this was the high-rent district of ancient Rome, where emperors, senators, and other wealthy nobles built their homes. Though it's difficult to make sense of the many layers of ruins, it's rarely very crowded, and there is plenty of shade.

Get Inspired at St. Peter's Basilica

One of the most important churches in all Christendom and one of the largest in the world, St. Peter's Basilica is majestic and awe-inspiring, from its grand exterior to the soaring ceiling and ornate decoration of its interiors. You can limit your visit to the inside, or see the underground tombs of the popes. An alternative is to climb the dome (or take the elevator part-way) for an unforgettable view of Rome.

Experience the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

The vastness of the art and antiquities collection of the popes, coupled with the volume of people who visit every day means you'll need to devote at least half a day just to hit the highlights at the Vatican Museums in the Vatican City. From ancient Roman and Egyptian sculptures and artifacts to works by some of the greatest painters in Western art, the collections are mind-boggling. The Raphael Rooms in the Papal apartments are a must-see as is the Sistine Chapel, with its ceiling and wall frescoes by Michelangelo depicting stories from the Old Testament. 

Stroll Around Piazza Navona

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Even though it's often overrun with tourists and souvenir vendors, Piazza Navona is one of Rome's most stunning squares (though this one is an oval shape). It's also one of the city's largest. The entire piazza is a pedestrian area, lined with touristy restaurants and shops, plus the 17th-century church of Sant’Agnese in Agone. In the center of the piazza is Gian Lorenzo Bernini's famous Fountain of the Four Rivers. 

Note that while Piazza Navona is beautiful for a daytime or evening stroll, we don't recommend dining here—instead, find someplace more authentic off the piazza.

Delve Into History at The Pantheon

There's nothing quite like exiting the narrow medieval streets of Rome's centro storico (historic district) and stumbling upon the Pantheon , one of the world's best-preserved ancient buildings. The round structure was the "temple to all gods" for the ancient Romans. It's been a church since the 7th century A.D., which is one reason why it has managed to stay standing all these years. The only source of natural light in the cylinder-shaped, domed building is the 7.8-meter oculus (round skylight) at the top. One of the prettiest piazzas in Rome is the Piazza della Rotunda on which the Pantheon sits.

Take a Photo at The Spanish Steps

Built by the French in the 1720s, the Spanish Steps are not particularly important historically, but the elegant site draws visitors to Rome. Many people photograph and climb the 138 shallow steps, take a drink of water from the 18th century Fontana della Barcaccia ,  and enjoy a gelato while window shopping—or dropping some serious cash—in the designer shops lining the streets around the steps. In the springtime, the steps are decked out with colorful azaleas, and make for an even better photo op.

Look at the Beautiful Trevi Fountain

Rome's most famous fountain was completed in 1762 in the historic city center and is a grand example of high baroque public sculpture. The gleaming white marble Trevi Fountain depicts sea god Neptune surrounded by mermen, seahorses, and cascading pools. In an effort to control the dense crowds gathered in front of the fountain,​ guards keep people moving along. You'll still have time to toss a coin over your should (said to guarantee a return trip to Rome) and take a picture, but don't expect to sit and eat a gelato in front of the rushing waters.

Visit The Capitoline Museums

Set on top of the Capitoline Hill, one of the Seven Hills of Rome, the Capitoline Museums in the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo buildings house archaeological treasures from antiquity, as well as paintings from the Renaissance and Baroque eras.

Established by Pope Clement XII in 1734, the Capitoline Museums were the first in the world opened to the public. Some of the most famous pieces include fragments and a bust from a colossal statue of Constantine, a gigantic equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, and an ancient sculpture of twins Romulus and Remus suckling the she-wolf. 

View World-Class Art at Galleria Borghese

Galleria Borghese , one of Rome's top museums for art lovers, requires advance reservations, as attendance is limited via timed entry. So plan ahead to visit this world-class collection of art and antiquities, including masterful sculptures from Bernini, and paintings from Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Rubens, and other giants of the Renaissance and Baroque.

The Galleria Borghese is within the grounds of the Villa Borghese, a vast public park that was once the private gardens of the popes. Tourists enjoy the lake with boat rentals, plus playgrounds, and picnic areas. In the summertime, kids love the amusement rides and pony rides.

Imagine the Past at Baths of Caracalla

Completed in 216 A.D., the massive complex of the Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla) could hold up to 1,600 bathers simultaneously, who soaked in hot, cold, and tepid pools, and exercised in the gymnasium. Nobles, freemen, and slaves mingled at the baths. The Baths of Caracalla were richly decorated with mosaics, sculptures, and frescoes though today only fragments of the mosaics remain. The site impresses visitors with its sheer size and the genius of the engineering and design that kept the giant bathing complex operating for hundreds of years. 

Check Out Coins and Sculptures at National Roman Museum

The Museo Nazionale, or National Museum of Rome , is actually four different museums run by the same entity: The Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, the Palazzo Altemps, Baths of Diocletian, and the Crypta Balbi. A huge collection of Roman sculpture, coins, frescoes, and inscriptions can be found at The Palazzo Massimo, while the Palazzo Altemps is a more intimate collection of Roman works. The Baths of Diocletian were once Rome's largest—the Renaissance church built on top of them was designed by Michelangelo. Finally, the Crypta Balbi museum examines the development of a city block, from ancient Roman to medieval times.

Your admission ticket gains you entrance to all four museums within a three-day period.

Take in the Ornate Basilica di San Clemente

Like the majority of churches in Rome, the Basilica di San Clemente was built on top of a pagan site of worship. It's one of the best places in the city for understanding the complex "layering" of Rome, and of how buildings developed on top of other buildings. While the church itself is ornately beautiful, the real attraction here is the underground, self-guided tour, which includes a second-century Mithraeum, where worshipers would ritually slaughter bulls, an early Roman house. an underground river, and some of the oldest Christian frescoes in Rome.  

See the Ancient Trajan's Markets/Museum

This highly-recommended site often falls off many tourists' radar, and that's too bad. Trajan's Markets were a multi-level, arcaded shopping complex—basically the world's first mall—with individual stores that sold everything from food to clothing to housewares. The Museum of the Imperial Forums presents the history and development of the businesses and adjacent forums, and you can walk through the ancient market arcades, which are usually free of crowds. 

Catch City Views at Piazza del Popolo

One of Italy's largest piazzas, this grand space centers around an Egyptian obelisk and is anchored by three churches. The most important one, Santa Maria del Popolo, is on the north end of the square and contains works by Bernini, Raphael, and Caravaggio. Above the piazza, the Pincio Hill offers sweeping views of the city and behind it, elegant Villa Borghese park spreads out for acres. Piazza del Popolo is a rare Roman piazza in that it is not lined with cafés and restaurants, though there are many in the vicinity.

Tour Castel Sant'Angelo

Built as the mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, this massive, round building near St. Peter's was subsequently used as a fortress, a prison, and as private apartments for the popes—its history is especially entwined with the infamous Borgia family. The Castel Sant'Angelo tour begins on the sixth-floor terrace, which is famous from Puccini's opera, "Tosca," and offers terrific views of Rome, then winds on a circular route down to the lower levels of the castle.

Sample Roman-Jewish Food in The Jewish Ghetto

Though it is now a charming neighborhood and a great place to sample traditional Roman-Jewish fare, the Roman Ghetto has a grim past. The walled neighborhood was established by a papal bull (a public decree) in 1555, and all Rome's Jewish population were required to live in the swampy, disease-prone district near the Tiber. While the ghetto was abolished in 1882, in the waning years of WWII, Nazis deported most of the area's Jews to concentration camps—and only a handful returned to Rome. 

Appreciate the Catacombs & the Appian Way

Plan at least a half-day of exploring this fascinating area on the outskirts of Rome. The Via Appia Antica is the most famous of Rome's roads. It is lined with the tombs of ancient Romans, from the massive Tomb of Cecilia Metella, a Roman Consul's daughter, to those with humble portrait busts of their occupants. There are miles of Christian catacombs along the Appian Way, but only three areas are open to the public: the catacombs of Saint Domitilla, Saint Callixtus, and Saint Sebastian. Some people only see one set of catacombs, so choose the one that works best for your interests and schedule.

Glance at Ancient Art at Palazzo Barberini

Despite its name, this art museum in the magnificent Barberini palace has mostly works from the Renaissance onwards, including important paintings from Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio and other names you'd recognize from art history class. The palace itself, as well as the famous fountain out front, were designed by Bernini.

Admission to Palazzo Barberini also includes entrance to its sister museum, Galleria Corsini, housed in a handsome 16th-century palace.

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Visit Rome: Top 27 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in rome: the 27 best places to visit and highlights.

So, you’re planning to visit Rome during your next trip to Italy ?

With your lover or family, Rome is the perfect place to spend a 2-3 days weekend, especially since the city can be easily visited on foot!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have written this guide of the best things to do in Rome , with all the must-see attractions and points of interest.

At the end of the article, you will also find itineraries to visit Rome in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days (or more!) as well as my suggestions of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best places to visit in Rome? Let’s find out!

1. The Colosseum and its murderous games

2. the roman forum, 3. the palatine hill, 4. piazza venezia, 5. piazza del campidoglio (capitol square), 6. the pantheon, 7. piazza navona, 8. trevi fountain, 9. enjoy a gelato (italian ice cream), 10. the vatican, 11. st. peter’s square, 12. st. peter’s basilica, 13. the vatican museums and the sistine chapel, 14. the bridge and castel sant’angelo, 1) go shopping in via del corso, 2) go shopping in via condotti, 16. piazza di spagna, 17. visit rome’s churches, 18. villa borghese gardens, 19. the borghese gallery, 20. other museums to visit in rome, 21. piazza del popolo, 22. trastevere district, 23. where to eat in rome: have lunch in a trattoria, 24. campo di fiori, 25. san lorenzo district, 26. aventine hill, 27. visit the catacombs of rome, 28. the 6 best things to do around rome, getting around rome on foot, how many days to visit rome, 1 day in rome, 2 days in rome, visit rome in 3 days, 4 days in rome, 5 days in rome, 6 days in rome, one week in rome, where to stay in rome,  the 7 best things to do in rome with family, things to do in rome when it rains, things to do in rome at night, rome off the beaten path: the best lesser-known places to visit, best time to visit rome, tourist map of rome, how to go to rome, how to reach the city centre from rome airport, best things to do in rome: i answer all your questions, you’re traveling in italy these articles will help you, visit rome: 27 must-see attractions.

In order to help you plan your stay in Rome, I have prepared detailed itineraries depending on your trip duration . You should read them after reading this guide.

You can find them here, simply click on the orange links to read the articles:

  • 2 Days in Rome – How to visit Rome in 48h
  • 3 Days in Rome – The best itinerary to visit Rome in 72h
  • 4 Days in Rome – The best places to visit in 4 days
  • 5 Days in Rome – How to spend 5 days in Rome
  • One week in Rome – The perfect 7-day itinerary

They will allow you to plan your trip very easily!

And if you have any question, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section located at the end of each guide. I would be glad to help you plan your stay.

Lets start this list of the must-see attractions with the Colosseum, located in the Historic Center (“Centro Storico” in Italian). It’s the most emblematic monument to visit in Rome!

With a capacity of more than 50,000 spectators, it’s the largest amphitheater in the Roman world. Quite much blood was shed in these arenas, where the famous gladiatorial combats, animals fights and Roman games were held, always followed by horrific deaths.

The visit isn’t free and you will probably have to wait for a few hours before getting there if you are going in high season.

Here is my tip: to avoid waiting in line for hours, you can:

  • Buy skip the line tickets for the Colosseum, with or without guided visit.  You need to buy them here .
  • Purchase the Rome Tourist Card (click here) , an all access pass with no time limit and free skip the line entrances to the most famous touristic sites of Rome and Vatican. (Colosseum is of course included). You also get rebates of 20% or more on other activities.

And you know the best about this pass? It also include a free audio guide.

It’s new and it offers an amazing value for money!

  • Buy the Vatican & Rome City Pass (Omnia Card) – click here : it’s the most complete pass to visit Rome. You will get rebates on more than 40 attractions + free public transport.

colosseum rome

The ticket purchased at the Colosseum also includes access to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill (I will talk about it just below), so it would be a shame to miss them, as the 3 touristic sites are linked together.

The forum was the centre of the city and you can see ruins of ancient markets, administrative and religious buildings . However, you will not find any explanation on the site, so if you’re interested in history, you should really opt for a guided tour.

I recommend you to choose the small group tour of the Colosseum + Roman Forum + Palatine Hill . It’s the most complete and it’s available in English, Italian, Spanish or French, which is really convenient!

Book by clicking on the button below:

Roman Forum

This is the third point of interest included in the Colosseum ticket.

Palatine Hill , one of the 7 hills of Rome , is according to mythology the place where the city was founded by Romulus and Remus. As you might know, they are the two twins who would have been found and suckled by a wolf in a cave.

At the top of Palatine Hill , you will have access to this cave and ruins of the residences of historical figures such as Augustus, the first Roman emperor.

Palatine Hill

Not far from the Roman Forum, at the other end of Via dei fori impierali, you can find piazza Venezia , one of Rome’s main squares. From there, all the streets leads to Rome’s main tourist attractions!

This is where you can admire the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, also called “Altare della Patria” or “Vittoriano”, a huge white marble building dedicated to the first king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II.

Next to the square, there is also the famous Trajan’s column , with bas-reliefs retracing the military conquests of the Emperor Trajan.

From the roof of the building you can also enjoy a superb panoramic view of the whole city . Access is via a glass lift at the back of the building.

Tickets for this lift can be booked in advance by clicking here!

They also include a 25-minute film on Ancient Rome , a ticket for the Risorgimento Museum and the National Museum of the Palace of Venice .

You’re going to Rome?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

And that’s even worse in the large European capitals 😅.

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Tens of thousands of people will be visiting Rome on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Rome.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Rome, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Rome!

Monument to Victor-Emmanuel II, Piazza Venezia

Climb the broad staircase leading to the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II and you will arrive on Capitol Square. Designed by Michelangelo himself, it was formerly the political and religious heart of Rome. On Capitol Square , you can see:

  • The Palazzo Senatorio or Senatorial Palace
  • The Palazzo dei Conservatori or Palace of the Conservators
  • Palazzo Nuovo or New Palace , which now houses the Capitoline Museums and the Museum of Art and Archaeology. One of the most famous art piece you can find there is the Capitoline Wolf statue : The one with the mythical she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus. You may have already seen it, it’s in almost all history books! Don’t forget to buy your tickets in advance here.

The Capitoline museums is for sure one of the best museums in Rome !

Piazza del Campidoglio

The Pantheon is the best preserved ancient building in Rome and another must-see touristic attraction to add to this list!

Originally dedicated to all mythology divinities, it became a Christian church in the 7th century.

Inside, admire the immense dome and the oculus (the opening in the dome), giving the place a unique lighting.

In the Pantheon, you can also see the tombs of Raphael (the famous artist) and Victor Emmanuel II (1st king of Italy, as mentioned above when I talked about the beautiful building dedicated to him on Piazza Venezia).

Since July 2023, access to the Pantheon has been subject to a charge and requires an admission ticket (cost: €5) . To visit, you should book your ticket on the official website .

And if you want to get more historical information , it’s better to get the fast track ticket + audioguide by clicking here:

And for more detailed explanations, you can also choose a guided tour of the Pantheon by clicking here!

visit Rome Pantheon

The Piazza Navona is located in the heart of the historic center, not far from the Pantheon. it’s one of the most beautiful and famous square of Rome! There, you can admire the 3 following fountains:

  • The Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi
  • The Fontana del Nettuno
  • The Fontana del Moro

It’s a great place to have a drink or eat ice cream on one of the many terraces, but beware, since this place is very touristic, the prices are too!

piazza Navona

Looking for romantic things to do in Rome?

Well, you should go see the famous Trevi Fountain , also located close to the Pantheon!

 There, you’ll find the most famous fountain of Europe: The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi in Italian). A must see for anyone visiting Rome.

Because of the legend surrounding it, this fountain is also renowned for hosting a large number of wedding proposals! Legend has it that in order to save her virginity, a young girl had to reveal the location of the source to the Romans.

In the basin, there are numerous statues representing an allegory of the sea, with Neptune on his chariot in the center. The tradition says you should throw 2 coins: one to make a wish and the other one to be sure to return to Rome. 

Behind the fountain, a large baroque palace contributes much to the charm of the place. Just one thing: the place is always crowded, so you will have a lot of trouble to make a perfect photo of the fountain with no unwanted heads!

Nevertheless, the Trevi Fountain is a major point of interest in Rome.

Trevi Fountain Rome

After Trevi fountain, to recover from your emotions (if you were proposed or if you knelt down on your knees while sweating with stress!) or simply to take a short break during the day, it’s time to enjoy an ice cream.

The great new is that you’re in the ideal place, very close to one of the 2 best ice cream shops of Rome: San Crispino located on the Via della Panatteria . The queue is often impressive, but the best things in life are the hardest to obtain!

And since opinions often differ on THE best ice cream in Rome, I also give you the name of San Crispino’s direct competitor, the gelateria “Giolliti” located in Via Uffici del Vicario.

Whichever you choose, you will face the same problem of long waiting line and multiple choice of perfume dilemma.

And yes, as you know from my articles on Nice or Annecy , I am a big ice cream fan! So I have a pro advice to give you: test both! It’s the best way to make up your own mind, isn’t it?

Italian Ice cream Rome

Even if you’re not a believer, a visit to the Vatican is a must during a stay in Rome.

It’s the smallest country in the world, yet is one of the most visited places during a tour in Italy. Only priests and nuns, some dignitaries, guards, and of course the pope are allowed to live there.

During your visit to the Vatican , you shouldn’t miss:

  • Saint Peter’s Square
  • Saint Peter’s Basilica
  • The Vatican Museums
  • The Sistine Chapel.

I will give you all the info you need to visit these places a bit below in this article.

To visit the Vatican and all its monuments without queuing, you should opt for the Vatican Pass. It’s very convenient, as it gives you priority access to the museums and a guided tour of Saint Peter’s Basilica .

To book your Vatican Pass, simply click on the green button below:

A little fact about the guards: they are only Swiss and must of course be Catholic. They swear an oath of fidelity to the Pope himself.

This tradition goes back to the sack of Rome in 1527, when the Swiss guards protected the pope during his escape to the Sant’Angelo castle .

Vatican

You will enter the Vatican through the famous St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro in Italian). Every year, millions of pilgrims and tourists comes to see this square!

St. Peter’s Square was designed with the following principle in mind: they wanted to allow the greatest number of people to see the Pope give his blessing from the balcony of  St. Peter’s Basilica .

Two colonnades surround the square, consisting of nearly 280 columns and 145 saints statues . In the center of St. Peter’s Square stands an Egyptian obelisk surrounded by 2 large fountains.

The long waiting lines to visit the basilica start from this square.

St Peter's Square Vatican

To visit St. Peter’s Basilica , you will have to be patient (or be smarter than others and buy the skip the lines tickets here! ).

However, once inside, the impressive basilica will make forget the long waiting hours. There, you can admire many altars and monuments and be impressed by the rich baroque decoration. To see:

  • The many funerary monuments of the popes
  • The famous Saint Peter’s statue
  • The gigantic dome designed by Michelangelo.

On the right side of the basilica, you can access the dome. You need to take an elevator first, and then, the hardest thing, to climb 323 extra steps.

It’s not recommended for claustrophobes, the ceiling is low and the corridors narrow, but your effort will be greatly rewarded by the magnificent view of the city of Rome.

As the entrance to Saint Peter’s Basilica is free of charge, there is always a very long waiting line (and by this I mean several hours!) at any time of the day.

To avoid wasting too much time, especially if you are planning to spend a weekend in Rome and want to see as much as possible, you should book a skip the line ticket or a guided tour.

Both will grant you priority access.

You can also access the dome for a fee. It needs to be booked in advance.

Book your ticket or guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica by clicking directly on the green button below:

If you have bought the Rome Tourist Card or the Vatican Pass , the guided tour of the Basilica is already included.

St. Peter's Basilica

While visiting the Vatican, you should really go to the Vatican museums .

There are more than 13 museums grouped together in a huge architectural complex of nearly 7 kilometers long!

Tapestries, paintings, sculptures, the museums house an impressive collection of works of art by prestigious artists such as Michelangelo, Caravaggio or Raphael

Here are my favorite parts of the museums:

  • The Vatican Pinacoteca , where Italian paintings are exhibited in chronological order
  • Raphael’s rooms, with sumptuous frescoes tracing the history of the papacy
  • The gallery of geographical maps and its ceiling decorated with paintings of the 16th century
  • Bramante’s Staircase, a particularly photogenic double helix staircase that is located at the exit of the Vatican Museums.

To discover them, there are several possible itineraries ranging from 1h30 to 5 hours of visit. So I advise you to allow 3 hours on average to visit the Vatican museums.

But don’t worry, all the tours end at the very famous Sistine Chapel! Its ceiling painted by Michelangelo is one of the most famous works of art in Vatican City.

Important: the Vatican museums are closed on Sundays.

Just like for the Colosseum, it’s imperative to buy a skip the line ticket for the Vatican Museums if you don’t want to wait at least 2 hours before entering!

Simply click on the button below to book your priority access tickets:

Guided tours are also available by clicking here!

Let’s now head to another main tourist attraction of Rome: Castel Sant’Angelo.

Just walk along the Tiber River up to St. Angelo Bridge, and you will find the castle of the same name on the opposite bank. You can also reach the castle in just 5 minutes on foot from St. Peter’s Square.

The bridge is decorated with 10 statues representing angels, all designed by Bernini. From the bridge, you will have a magnificent view of the city and the river.

The Castel Sant’Angelo , on the other hand, was built by Emperor Hadrian to serve as a mausoleum. Later on, it started to play an important military role: it even served as a place of refuge for the popes during invasions! They have even created a direct access to the Vatican.

You can visit the castle, see the tombs and the ancient popes apartments. You shouldn’t miss the great view from the rampart walk.

As always, you need to buy skip the line tickets in advance here:

The bridge and Castel Sant'Angelo

15. Go shopping in Rome

Still wondering what to do in Rome?

You can for example go for a little shopping session in one of the 2 main commercial streets of the Italian capital:

Go to Via del Corso to do some shopping at reasonable prices with big brands such as Zara or H&M.

If you have a higher budget or just want to admire the shop windows, continue your way on Via Condotti. It’s the most prestigious street of Rome with brands like Gucci, Armani or Prada. A bit like the Champs Elysée in Paris!

Shopping Thessaloniki

The Via Condotti will take you straight to the charming Piazza di Spagna , certainly one of the most popular squares, thanks to the beautiful perspective it offers.

The  Piazza di Spagna is located at the foot of the monumental staircase leading it to the Trinità dei Monti church. The flowery staircase is the perfect place to take a short break for tourists and Italians alike. A popular gathering place!

On the square, you can also see the Barcaccia fountain ,which adds to the charm of the place.

Piazza di Spagna Rome

Let’s continue this guide of Rome with a few very beautiful churches.

As I was saying, at the top of the Piazza di Spagna stairs, there is the Trinità dei Monti church which offers a breathtaking view of the city. Its location makes it one of the most famous churches in Rome. Did you knew that the city has no less than 900?

Here is a list of the most beautiful churches in Rome, some of them are true architecture masterpieces!

Let’s start with the 4 largest basilicas in the world , which fortunately are all in Rome:

  • The St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican city , which I am talking about in detail below
  • The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano , second largest after the Basilica di San Pietro, it’s also the cathedral of Rome,
  • The Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura ,  which marks the location of St. Paul’s tomb.
  • The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, the largest shrine in the city erected for the virgin Mary

Some other interesting churches to see in Rome:

  • Chiesa del Gesù
  • Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
  • Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli
  • Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano
  • Chiesa di Santa Maria della Concezione
  • Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola  (my favorite in rome)

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome

North of Piazza di Spagna , there is the largest and certainly the most beautiful public park in Rome.

The Villa Borghese gardens offers a bit of very welcomed calm, after the crowded streets and tourist attractions! You will be able to walk in the wide shady alleys and at the edge of a lake surrounded by temples, statues and many fountains. The park also has a beautiful botanical garden.

To get there, go to Porta Pinciana or Piazzale Flaminio , the 2 park entrances.

Villa Borghese gardens

In Villa Borghese Gardens, you will also find one of the most visited museums in Rome: the Borghese Gallery .

During your visit, you will be able to admire numerous paintings and sculptures in the twenty or so sumptuous rooms of the Borghese villa . It was owned by a rich family that was very influential in the Roman aristocracy.

To be able to admire what is considered one of the richest collections of Italian art , it is absolutely necessary to book your tickets as early as possible (most of the time, they don’t even offer them at the ticket office because everything is already sold out online):

The Villa Borghese Gardens also houses 2 other museums:

  • The Etruscan National Museum (click here) and its collection of pre-Roman objects and jewelry
  • The National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art (tickets available there), featuring paintings by Van Gogh and Cézanne.

In addition to the museums located in the park and the Vatican museums , there are of course many other museums to see in Rome , such as:

  • The Capitoline Museums, located on Piazza del Campidoglio. I already mentioned them a bit earlier in this guide of Rome
  • Palazzo Barberini, known for housing works of famous Italian painters. If you couldn’t get tickets for the Borghese Gallery, this is a good alternative.
  • The Palazzo della Cancelleria and its exhibition dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci
  • The Doria-Pamphilj Gallery houses paintings by Caravaggio
  • The Colonna Gallery , dedicated to the Baroque period.
  • Museo Palatino, with everything archaeologists discovered on Palatine Hill
  • Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica or National Gallery of Ancient Art, with a collection of Italian and European paintings. You should go there to admire the works of Raphael or Caravaggio.

museum rome Borghese Gallery

The Piazza del Popolo or People’s Square is located near Villa Borghese .

It’s one of the largest squares of Rome. It’s a major point of interest, with its fountains, 3 churches and obelisk. From the square, climb the stairs to the top of the hill, you will have a beautiful view up to the Vatican.

piazza del Popolo

During your city trip to Rome, you should definitely visit the Trastevere district.

It’s located on the right bank of the Tiber, on the same side as the Vatican City .

This neighbourhood is becoming more and more trendy and a little “Hipster”, but for now it has retained all its original charm.

You will be (relatively) away from the crowd to discover its typical narrow and flowery streets. There is no big historical monument here like in the rest of Rome, but a real “Italian” neighborhood with its inhabitants and local shops.

I personally visited Trastevere in October, but it seems many tourists visit the area in high season and it becomes less quiet!

On your way to the north of the district, go up the Gianicolo hill to admire a beautiful panorama of the city.

Trastevere district, in Rome

The Trastevere district is also the ideal place to enjoy pizza or good pasta in a traditional trattoria. There are a lot of authentic local restaurants with nice small terraces and without too many tourists, it’s the perfect match!

Some nice places in the district:

  • Roma Sparita : Big terrace, traditional Roman cuisine. Don’t miss the speciality of the restaurant: the “cacio e pepe” spaghetti with pecorino cheese and pepper served in a cheese shell. This is my favorite for its great value for money. Requires reservation.
  • Antico Arco : Excellent dishes (especially the risotto) and a very good wine list. Bonus: they bring you a sample of your partner’s dish in a small plate so you can taste it.
  • Tonnarello : Typical, excellent cuisine on a very pleasant setting. Generous dishes at affordable prices.

Of course, if you’re not in the neighborhood for lunchtime, you won’t starve to death with the many choices of trattorias, restaurants and sandwich shops right in the heart of Rome’s historic centre:

  • Birra e sale : Located next to Piazza Navona. Sandwiches are delicious and made with fresh products. You should definitely try the cold cuts and cheeses!
  • Pizzeria Loffredo : Very good pizzas and fresh pasta. Great selection of dishes. Friendly atmosphere and very welcoming staff. Booking strongly recommended. Perfect price / quality!
  • Il Tamburello di Pulcinella : little family restaurant with food made by the mama. Pizzas, pastas, desserts, all home made for a reasonable price. Booking recommended.

Since I’ve made your mouth water with Italian cuisine, let’s keep going! To enjoy the smell of fresh produce and admire their bright colors, I advise you to take a little walk through the campo di Fiori.

Every morning (except Sunday) there is a fruit, vegetable, meat and fish market. Although appreciated by tourists because it’s located in Rome historical centre, this small market has managed to preserve all its authenticity.

It’s the perfect place if you want to bring home high quality products from Italy , and it’s much cheaper than in Rome touristic areas!

If you want to discover Rome’s gastronomy and typical products , you should book a street food guided tour with a local guide.

It’s clearly the best way to discover off the beaten track places and enjoy great italian food!

This tour is so amazing that they offer you a full refund if you don’t enjoy your time.

To book it, you simply have to click on the button below:

Campo de Fiori market

Like Trastevere district, the San Lorenzo district is less known to tourist and clearly worth a look.

Originally a working-class district, it’s nowadays the student district, with Roman universities. In addition to students, it’s also the street artists favorite place.

And for amateurs, the nightlife is great and beer isn’t expensive at all!

A peaceful neighborhood, beautiful gardens and an incomparable view of the city, this is what the Aventine Hill (“Aventino” in Italian) has to offer!

You can also add:

  • Basilica di Santa Sabina all’Aventino
  • The famous Aventine Keyhole, located Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta . You will see people standing in line to look through the keyhole (I won’t say anything more!).

The Aventine hill will also offer you one of the most beautiful views of Rome. Did I say that already? 😄

aventine keyhole rome hidden gems

I will finish this list of the best things to do in Rome with an unusual activity: visiting the catacombs. I recommand you the Catacombs of Callixtus, the best to visit in my opinion!

Once used as cemeteries for Jews and Christians, they are the largest in the city and cover almost 15 hectares. On the walls, you can see representations of Christian life such as baptism and scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

The visit of Rome catacombs takes about 30 minutes and must be done with a guide.

Book the tickets for the tour here!

If you want to visit Rome’s catacombs during your stay, the easiest is probably to go to the Capuchin Crypt, as it’s located downtown, next to the Trevi Fountain. You should book the tickets for the tour here (the guide is included).

Other catacombs such as San Sebastian , Domitilla or  Catacomb of Priscilla can also be visited.

Rome catacombs

You’re wondering what are the best things to do around Rome? Which city you can visit near Rome?

To help you out, I have selected the 6 best day trips from Rome.

All these excursions are super convenient: you don’t have to prepare anything, as everything is already included: the transportation from Rome (and back), the guide, the visits and sometimes even the lunch!

Here are the best places to visit near Rome (simply click on the orange links for more info and to book):

1) Visit to Pompeii and Vesuvius: for a whole day, go discover the crater of Vesuvius and visit Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Maximum 25 people per group.

2) From Rome – shuttle bus to Pompeii and back : this shuttle bus service takes you to Pompeii and back to Rome in the evening. Departure at 7:15 am – Return at 7 pm. You will have about 4.5 hours to visit Pompeii.

3) Rome: Day trip to Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa: Day trip from Rome to Tivoli to see two of the most beautiful Renaissance villas in Italy. Round trip + visit to the villas and gardens with guide + meals included.

4) Visit to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast from Rome: the tour includes a guided visit to Pompeii and the beautiful village of Positano, one of the most famous on the Amalfi Coast.

5) Day trip to Florence and Pisa , to discover the 2 most beautiful cities in Tuscany: 3 hours free time in Florence and 1.5 hours in Pisa.

6) Day trip to Venice from Rome: you will take the high speed train to Venice and have a day to enjoy a gondola ride, discover St. Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs.

Florence, one of the most visited city in Italy

Here is a one day itinerary to visit Rome on foot . It will allow you to discover most of the city’s main tourist attractions . If you choose to do it in 1 day, you will have to content yourself with seeing the monuments from the outside only.

If you spend more time in Rome , you can split this walk on a few days : I will show you to the best way to do it a bit further down in this guide, in my itineraries to visit Rome in 2, 3, 4, or 5 days.

let’s start this walking tour at the Colosseum , to admire its impressive architecture. Then, head to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum , the 2 other touristic sites in the Ancient Rome area.

To continue this walk, let’s go to the  piazza del Campidoglio and then piazza Venezia, where you can enjoy the beautiful  Monument to Victor Emmanuel II.

Now, it’s time to head to Piazza Navona and enter Rome Historical Center (“Centro Storico” district in Italian). After Piazza Navona, you can go to the Pantheon and the famous Trevi Fountain.

After this, let’s go north, taking Via Condotti (Rome’s shopping street), it will take you directly to the Piazza di Spagna. From there, go West to reach the Tiber river and walk on the quays until Sant’Angelo bridge. Cross it to arrive at Castel Sant’Angelo.

For the last part of this walk, you will go to the Vatican City . Simply take the Via delle Conciliazione, it will take you directly to St Peter’s square , just in front of the superb St Peter’s Basilica.

Not bad for a day in Rome, right?

Arch of Constantine Rome

The time you will want to spend in Rome will depend on 2 things:

  • The type of traveler you are : you’re fast and don’t like idle times? Or do you prefer to take your time?
  • The season of your trip: In high season, the waiting lines are much longer!

If you are a ”fast” traveler

It’s possible to visit Rome in 2/3 days.  It’s really the ideal time to discover the italian capital main points of interest without any downtime.

If you are a slower traveler (or with children)

In this case, it’s better to plan about 4-5 days in Rome, which will allow you to explore the tourist attractions of the city at your own pace.

In order to help you out, I have prepared for you itineraries to visit Rome in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days (or even for a week !). You will find them just below.

For these itineraries, I’m assuming you will have purchased a City Pass ( Rome Tourist Card / Omnia Card ) or Skip-the-Line tickets .

Without that, it’s not possible to do everything I mention, as you would waste hours everyday just waiting in line to buy your entrance tickets!

Here are the details of the 2 City passes I recommend for a visit to Rome:

  • The Rome Tourist Card , which includes a visit to the Colosseum and the Vatican + a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica.

As there is no public transport included with the Rome Tourist Card, you can also book the Rome Transport Card by clicking here . It includes:

  • Unlimited public transportation in Rome for 3 days
  • Airport transfer by taxi: upon arrival, a professional taxi driver will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your hotel (available from the 2 airports of Rome: Ciampino and Fiumicino)
  • The Omnia Card

The Omnia Card will allow you to enjoy free entrance to the main places of interest in Rome and the Vatican, free skip the line tickets , free public transportation and a city tour with the hop-on hop-off bus.

To buy your Omnia Card now , simply click on the green button below:

For those who only have a day to visit Rome , I advise you to focus on the Ancient Rome area . Here is an itinerary that can be done in one day:

  • Start with the Colosseum (don’t forget your skip the line ticket)
  • Then head to the 2 other Ancient Rome touristic sites: the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill  for a great view of the city.
  • It’s then time to go to the  piazza del Campidoglio to visit the Capitoline museums.
  • End your day of visit at piazza Venezia , with the  Monument to Victor-Emmanuel II

If you want to get a very good overview of the city in just 1 day (without visiting the inside of the monuments), you can also do the Itinerary I have suggested you in the “Rome on Foot” part of this travel guide.

Another solution for a quick visit to Rome is to only visit everything from the outside (and don’t have to wait in line!). In this case, it’s possible to see the vast majority of places described in this guide in a day.

It’s nevertheless quite a run and you will have to walk relatively quickly! It’s the Itinerary I told you about in the “Getting around Rome on foot” section of this travel guide.

Or if you don’t want to walk, you should opt for the hop-on hop-off bus tour (click here) .

Visiting Rome by bus is the best way to see everything in a short amount of time. It’s very convenient if you don’t want to walk too much!

If you have 2 days in Rome , in addition to the first day presented above, you should go for a walk on the Vatican side for your 2nd day in the Eternal City:

  • Start with the visit of the  Vatican, its museums and Sistine Chapel
  • Then head to St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Visit the Sant’Angelo castle and admire the Sant’Angelo bridge 

You should read my detailed 2-day in Rome itinerary here: 2 Days in Rome – The best itinerary

With 3 days in Rome , in addition of the 2 days above, you should now visit Rome Historic Center.

  • Start at the  piazza Navona
  • then visit the Pantheon
  • Head to the Trevi fountain
  • Go shopping on  Via Condotti
  • head to the Piazza di Spagna.
  • To relax at the end of the day, you should visit the Villa Borghese gardens .
  • If you have the time (and the motivation!) You can visit one of the museums located in the gardens.

You can find the detailed itinerary for your 3-day stay in Rome in my dedicated article: How to spend 3 days in Rome?

4 days in Rome is perfect to discover all the points of interest of the city:

  • Start with a visit of the Campo di Fiori market
  • Take time to stroll around Trastevere’s neighborhood
  • Relax on the Aventine hill , enjoy the gardens and view of Rome.
  • Visit the  catacombs of Rome.

All the necessary information to plan your 4 days in Rome is in my article: The best 4-day itinerary to visit Rome.

If you’re lucky enough to spend 5 days in Rome , I suggest you to take a day trip from Rome for the last day.

Here are the best ones:

  • Visit of Pompeii and Vesuvius with a guide
  • Shuttle bus to Pompeii and back
  • Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa
  • Visit to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast (Positano or Amalfi)
  • Day trip to Florence and Pisa
  • Day trip to Venice

If you’re planning to spend 5 days in Rome, you should read my detailed article: How to spend 5 days in Rome?

You’ve planned 6 Days in Rome?

In that case, you should do the 4-day itinerary and add day trips for the 2 last days!

You can read my detailed itinerary here: 6 days in Rome: The Perfect itinerary .

You wan to spend one week in Rome?

Then you should read my detailed itinerary: The perfect one week itinerary in Rome .

You’re wondering where to stay in Rome ?

In Rome, finding accommodation at a good price isn’t that easy. In oder to help you out, I have selected for you the best hotels depending on your budget.

One last advice: Book now if you can , there is a lot of demand in Rome, so the best hotels rooms are sold out very quickly!

  • Biancaluna: B&B located near Termini Station, 1.5 km from the Colosseum. Modern, comfortable and very clean room from 70€. Strong points: the warm welcome and the advice to visit Rome, the location. An excellent choice for a cheap stay in Rome!
  • Hotel Balilla: Located 1.6 km from the Colosseum and close to a metro station. Well-equipped and quiet double room, impeccably clean, from 99€, breakfast at 5€. Strong points: the friendly staff, the comfort of the beds, the location at 10 min walk from the Colosseum. This is our favorite for its excellent value for money!
  • Alice Vatican House : Located 450 meters from St. Peter’s Square. Contemporary room with neat decoration from 95 € per night, breakfast included. Strong points: ideal location, terrace overlooking the Vatican, warm welcome. This is the best choice for your stay in Rome under 120 euros!
  • MZ Hotel: Located near the Campo di Fiori and not far from the Pantheon. Modern double room from 150€, breakfast at 12€. Strong points: the location near the historical center, the warm welcome, good bedding, new hotel.
  • Roma Luxus Hôtel : High end hotel located at only 400 meters from Piazza Venezia. Beautiful double room starting at 200€ per night, breakfast at 20€. Strong points: The room design, the 5 stars service, the superb breakfast, the spa, the amazing staff. It’s the best hotel for a high end stay in Rome!
  • NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali: This 5* hotel located right next to the Roman Forum offers sublime rooms from 580€, breakfast included. Strong points: the exceptional location, the attentive staff, the view, the comfort. This is our recommendation for a luxury stay in Rome!

if you want to save a bit of money, you can find an accommodation around Rome. I recommend you he bungalows of Camping Village Rome , located at only 15 minutes by car from the Vatican city.

The price starts at only 30€ per night! It’s the best “budget” solution if you don’t mind not being in the city center. It’s also a great choice for families, with the swimming pool!

If you’re planning a family trip to Rome, I have prepared for you a list of the best things to do with your kids:

  • Visit the Colosseum of course! The monument might not be what will captivate them the most, but the stories about gladiators and wild beasts will for sure catch their interest.
  • Go to Trevi fountain and let them throw a few “luck coins”
  • Go to Villa Borghese park for a family picnic and enjoy the greenery. There are several children playgrounds, you can rent a bike and you can even rent rowing boats. There is also a very nice zoo (you need to buy your tickets here ).
  • Take your kids to the Gladiator school! This activity is a very fun way to learn more about gladiators, the whole family will love it! It must be booked in advance here.
  • Discover Explora , a museum designed especially for kids, with many interactive activities.
  • Enjoy an Italian ice cream: no need to search a lot to find an ice cream shop in Rome! And to be honest, your kids would never forgive you if you don’t buy them at least 1 during your stay in Rome 😄

If it starts to rain during your stay in Rome and you don’t really know what to do, no need to worry!

I have prepared for you a list of the best things to do in Rome on a rainy day:

  • Visit Rome’s museums: considering the number of museums in town, it can for sure keep you busy for a few days, especially if you go to the Vatican museums and Sistine Chapel.
  • Going to the Pantheon: you may not know it, but when it’s raining in Rome, it’s actually raining inside the Pantheon! The central oculus is just a hole, so the rains falls through it. Inside, the ground has a slight slope and a few holes, allowing the water to drain away.
  • Discover (and probably purchase!) amazing local products at Eataly , an indoor market entirely dedicated to Italian gastronomy. The hardest thing will be not to overload your luggage!
  • Discover the catacombs , an unusual visit to do in Rome when it rains.
  • Take an Italian cooking class , to learn how to make pasta or pizza like a pro!
  • Go to one of the indoor karting race tracks: Beyond Roma , Karting Roma, Holykartroma .
  • Go play bowling: the Bowling Roma is the closest from the city center – Address: 181 viale Regina Margherita.

Here is my selection of the best things to do in Rome at night , or in the evening.

  • Visit the Colosseum at night , VIP style. Yes! You can visit the Colosseum + its underground with a guide after it closes for the general public. The ambiance is totally different, it’s the most exclusive way to discover this marvel of Ancient Roman civilization. You need to purchase your tickets in advance here.
  • Discover Rome Catacombs at night : An even better way to discover the catacombs is at night, with this VIP tour. You have to book it here .
  • Visit Rome by night in Segway . This 3 hours guided tour in Segway is a lot of fun! It needs to be booked there.
  • Go have a drink in the Trastevere district , for sure the best place to enjoy Rome’s nightlife.
  • Simply walk around and discover the illuminated squares and monuments : Rome is extremely beautiful at night.

In addition to this guide of the best things to do in Rome, I have written another guide focused on Rome’s hidden gems and secret spots.

You will discover places unknown to tourists such as:

  • Palazzo Doria Pamphilj
  • Galleria Sciarra
  • Quartiere Coppedè
  • The Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)
  • The Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità)

To discover the best secrets spots of Rome, click here:  Rome’s Hidden Gems – The Definitive Guide

Rome Colosseum night

In my personal experience, the best time for visiting Rome is in spring and fall, specifically from April to June and September to November.

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months.

However, Rome can be visited all year round!

If you don’t mind the crowds of summer holidays, summer is also a good time to explore the city. Just be prepared for busier attractions and potentially higher accommodation prices .

In both cases, it’s really important to book your skip the line tickets (or even better, a Rome Tourist Card or an Omnia Card ) and your accommodation in advance ( click here to see the best deals and book your hotel).

Winter months in Rome , from December to February, are generally cooler and wetter, but they also have their own charm.

During this time, you can expect fewer tourists , which means shorter lines and more availability at popular attractions.

Additionally, Rome’s mild winters make it still quite comfortable to explore the city on foot . You may even get the chance to enjoy the festive atmosphere during the holiday season, with Christmas lights, decorated shop windows, and beautiful Christmas markets.

So, if you don’t mind cooler temperatures and some occasional rain, a Rome winter visit can also be a wonderful and unique experience.

Regardless of when you decide to visit, you’ll surely be captivated by Rome’s enchanting beauty and remarkable history.

This tourist map of Rome, handy to download on your phone, will certainly be useful during your trip:

Rome tourist map

As all roads lead to Rome, this shouldn’t be too difficult 😆.

Getting to Rome by plane remains the easiest solution, especially since there are really cheap flights from the other European big cities with lowcost airlines like Easyjet. Moreover, the great advantage of the city is, as I said in the introduction, it’s very easy to visit on foot!

If you are arriving at Fiumicino Airport , you can book your transfer in advance by clicking on one of the links below:

  • Bus transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Rome
  • Ticket for the Leonardo Express – Transfer by TGV from Fiumicino to Termini station . This is really the most convenient as there are more frequent buses and it is also the fastest, no risk of getting stuck in traffic!

For an arrival at Ciampino airport:

  • Ciampino airport shuttle tickets to/from Rome-Termini

So, how long would you like to stay in Rome? What do you plan to do?

The best areas to stay in Rome for sightseeing are the Centro Storico (Historic Center), where you can find most of the famous monuments and museums, and near the Vatican City , where you can visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.

The best way to skip the lines at the Colosseum and other popular attractions in Rome is to buy your priority tickets online in advance .

You can also buy a Omnia Card or the Rome Tourist Card , which give you free or discounted access to many attractions and public transport.

Some of the best day trips from Rome that you can do by train, bus or with an organized day trip are:

  • Ostia Antica: an ancient Roman port city with well-preserved ruins and mosaics
  • Tivoli: a town famous for its beautiful villas and gardens, such as Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana
  • Orvieto: a medieval hilltop town with a stunning cathedral and an underground labyrinth
  • Pompeii: an ancient Roman city buried by a volcanic eruption in 79 AD

The best time of year to visit Rome depends on your preferences and budget.

Generally speaking, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the most pleasant seasons in terms of weather and crowds.

Summer (June-August) i s very hot, crowded and expensive, while winter (December-February) is cold, rainy and less crowded.

However, winter can also offer some advantages such as lower prices, fewer tourists and festive atmosphere around Christmas and New Year.

Rome is famous for its cuisine , which is based on simple ingredients, fresh produce and local specialties.

Some of the must-try foods in Rome include:

  • Pizza al taglio (sliced pizza)
  • Pasta alla carbonara (pasta with eggs, cheese and bacon)
  • Supplì (fried rice balls with cheese)
  • Cacio e pepe (pasta with cheese and pepper)
  • Artichokes alla romana (braised artichokes)
  • Saltimbocca alla romana (veal with ham and sage)
  • and of course gelato! (Italian ice cream).

And if you’re looking to try italian drinks in Rome, you can get:

  • Espresso (strong coffee)
  • Cappuccino (coffee with milk foam)
  • For alcohols: Italian red and white wine, spritz (a cocktail with prosecco, Aperol or Campari).

Here are some examples:

  • Galleria Sciarra: a beautiful courtyard with stunning Art Nouveau frescoes depicting female virtues. It’s located near the Trevi Fountain, but it’s often overlooked by tourists.

You can enter for free during business hours.

  • Vicus Caprarius: This underground archaeological site reveals the ancient origins of Rome. You can see ruins of Roman houses, temples and aqueducts, as well as a pool where the water from the Trevi Fountain flows.

You need to book a guided tour for this visit.

  • Basilica di San Clemente: a fascinating church that has three layers of history: a 12th-century basilica, a 4th-century church and a 1st-century pagan temple. You can descend into the lower levels and admire the ancient mosaics, frescoes and sculptures.
  • Palazzo Doria Pamphilj: one of Rome’s most impressive private art collections, housed in a magnificent palace that dates back to the 16th century. You can admire paintings by Caravaggio, Titian, Velázquez and more, as well as elegant rooms and galleries.

For more off the beaten path places to visit in Rome, you should read my dedicated article: Rome’s best secret spots.

Italy travel Guides

  • Buy the Lonely Planet Italy guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
  • Buy the Rick Steves Italy guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all my articles about Italy : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Italy are listed there.

  • The 20 Best Things to do in Italy – All the must-see places!
  • Cinque Terre: The definitive guide to plan your visit
  • Florence: The 27 best things to do and must-see attractions
  • Milan: The Top 15 things to do in the city and around
  • Pisa: Top 21 must-see attractions + Tips
  • Rome: The 25 best things to do and see
  • Siena: Top 20 best places to visit
  • Turin: The 20 must-see attractions
  • Venice: The 31 best things to do (+ Tips)
  • 2 days in Florence
  • 3 days in Florence
  • 4 days in Florence
  • 5 days in Florence
  • 2 days in Milan
  • 3 days in Milan
  • 4 days in Milan
  • 6 Days in Rome – The ultimate Itinerary + Where to stay
  • 2 Days in Venice – An Epic 48h itinerary
  • 3 Days in Venice – The perfect 72h itinerary
  • 4 Days in Venice – Itinerary + Best Things to do + Tips
  • Where to stay in Milan? My guide to the best areas and hotels for a perfect stay
  • Where to stay in Rome? – The definitive guide of the best areas!
  • Where to stay in Venice? My selection of the best hotels and districts for an epic stay
  • Omnia Card: The definitive guide
  • Colosseum: The 7 best skip the line tickets
  • Trevi Fountain: History, Secrets and Facts
  • Rome’s Hidden Gems : The Definitive Guide with 17 secret spots!
  • The 20 Best museums in Rome – With all my best tips!
  • Rome in May: The definitive guide to plan your visit: weather, things to do, itineraries and more!
  • Rome in June: Guide + All my best tips

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

Visit Rome

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Discussion 4 comments.

melody bearden

If you get cancellations for borghese gallery Aug 8, please contact me by email. Thank you so much.

Vincent

Hello Melody,

I’ve looked at all the websites that sell tickets to visit the Borghese Gallery and unfortunately it’s sold out everywhere.

Even if there are cancellations (I will not know about it) and I think it will be booked up in a minute.

I hope you will have a great time in Rome anyway!

Joshua

Thank you so much! I travel a bunch and this has been very helpful. I love that you put destinations in order of location, rather than a tier list. Keep up the great work, this is an amazing article.

Hello Joshua,

Thank you very much for your kind comment! I am delighted if my blog helped you to visit Rome.

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Must-see attractions in Rome

Rome Lazio Italy. The Vatican Museums in Vatican City. Raphael rooms frescoes

Vatican Museums

Vatican City, Borgo & Prati

Founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century and enlarged by successive pontiffs, the Vatican Museums boast one of the world's greatest art…

tourist site rome

Ancient Rome

Everyone wants to see the Colosseum, and it doesn’t disappoint, especially if accompanied by tales of armored gladiators and hungry lions. More than any…

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St Peter's Basilica

In the city of outstanding churches, none can hold a candle to St Peter's, Italy’s largest, richest and most spectacular basilica. Built atop a 4th…

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Roman Forum

An impressive – if rather confusing – sprawl of ruins, the Roman Forum was ancient Rome's showpiece center, a grandiose district of temples...

Farnese Gardens built a top Domus Tiberiana on Palatine Hill at the Roman forum in Rome, Italy.

Sandwiched between the Roman Forum and the Circo Massimo, the Palatino (Palatine Hill) is one of Rome's most spectacular sights. It's a beautiful,…

tourist site rome

Capitoline Museums

Dating from 1471, the Capitoline Museums are the world's oldest public museums, with a fine collection of classical sculpture.

The Roman Pantheon is the most preserved and influential building of ancient Rome. It is a Roman temple dedicated to all the gods of pagan Rome.

Centro Storico

With its revolutionary design, this awe-inspiring temple has served as an architectural blueprint for millennia.

Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy

Piazza Navona

With its showy fountains, baroque palazzi and colorful cast of street artists, hawkers and tourists, Piazza Navona is central Rome’s elegant showcase…

tourist site rome

Museo e Galleria Borghese

If you only have time for one art gallery in Rome, make it the Museo e Galleria Borghese.

tourist site rome

Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

San Giovanni & Testaccio

This monumental building is Rome’s official cathedral and the pope’s seat as the bishop of Rome.

tourist site rome

Trevi Fountain

Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale

Don't miss a visit to Rome's iconic Fontana di Trevi, or Trevi Fountain.

tourist site rome

Via Appia Antica

Southern Rome

Via Appia Antica is a beautiful cobbled thoroughfare flanked by grassy fields, ancient Roman structures and towering pine trees.

tourist site rome

Museo Nazionale Romano: Palazzo Massimo alle Terme

Monti, Esquilino & San Lorenzo

One of Rome's pre-eminent museums, this treasure trove of classical art is a must-see when you're in the city.

September 2017: Interior of the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore.

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

One of Rome's four patriarchal basilicas, this 5th-century church is an architectural hybrid.

Castel Sant Angelo or Mausoleum of Hadrian in Rome.

Castel Sant'Angelo

This castle is an instantly recognizable landmark now home to the Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo.

ROME, ITALY, JUNE 14, 2015 : interiors and architectural details of saint louis des francais church, june 14, 2015, in Rome, Italy; Shutterstock ID 306327644; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; Project no. or GL code: 56530; Network activity no. or Cost Centre: Online-Design; Product or Project: 65050/7529/Josh Vogel/LP.com Destination Galleries

Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi

This opulent baroque church is home to a celebrated trio of Caravaggio paintings.

tourist site rome

Piazza di Spagna & the Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are the perfect place for some people watching and great views over Rome.

tourist site rome

Villa Farnesina

Trastevere & Gianicolo

Admire the interior of this gorgeous 16th-century villa, fantastically frescoed from top to bottom.

tourist site rome

Catacombe di San Sebastiano

Extending beneath the Basilica di San Sebastiano, these underground burial chambers were developed in the 1st century.

tourist site rome

Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere

Tucked away in Trastevere, this is said to be Rome's oldest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

View of Vatican gardens on a sunny summer day. The square garden with green lawn, benches and trees

Vatican Gardens

The Vatican stands atop the low-lying Vatican hill, just west of the Tiber. Much of its 109 acres are covered by the perfectly manicured Vatican Gardens.

The beautiful art on the ceilings of Sistine Chapel, Vatican Rome...This a HDR of 3 shots, corrected for perspective and cropped to get a symmetrical look...Press H+M for best view

Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is the one part of the Vatican Museums that everyone wants to see, and for good reason.

Rome, Italy - March 10, 2014: The  Palazzo Barberini facade seen from the entrance garden

Gallerie Nazionali: Palazzo Barberini

Commissioned to celebrate the Barberini family’s rise to papal power, this sumptuous baroque palace impresses even before you view its breathtaking art…

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Explore monuments, fountains and gardens on the verdant hill of Gianicolo (or Janiculum).

Vittoriano at sunrise

You can't ignore the Vittoriano, built at the turn of the 20th century to honor Italy's first king, Vittorio Emanuele II.

tourist site rome

Villa Borghese

No one can resist the lure of Rome's most celebrated park, full of wooded glades, gardens and grassy banks.

ROME, ITALY, JUNE 14, 2015 : interiors and architectural details of Doria Pamphilj Gallery, june 14, 2015, in Rome, Italy; Shutterstock ID 310592036; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; Project no. or GL code: 56530; Network activity no. or Cost Centre: Online-Design; Product or Project: 65050/7529/Josh Vogel/LP.com Destination Galleries

Galleria Doria Pamphilj

Hidden behind the grimy grey exterior of Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, this wonderful gallery boasts one of Rome’s richest private art collections, with works…

Tempietto (Small Temple) in the courtyard of San Pietro in Montorio, marking the traditional site of St. Peter's martyrdom, Janiculum Hill.

Tempietto di Bramante & Chiesa di San Pietro in Montorio

Bramante’s sublime tempietto (Little Temple) is a perfect surprise in the courtyard of the Chiesa di San Pietro in Montorio.

The church of Saint Agnes Outside the Walls (Sant'Agnese fuori le mura) is an ancient church located on the Via Nomentana In Rome, Italy

Basilica di Sant’Agnese Fuori le Mura & Mausoleo di Santa Costanza

Although a bit of a hike, it’s well worth searching out this intriguing medieval church complex. Set over the catacombs where St Agnes was buried, it…

Baths of Caracalla - Ancient Roman Ruins. Rome, Italy.

Terme di Caracalla

The remains of the emperor Caracalla’s vast baths complex are among Rome’s most awe-inspiring ruins. Inaugurated in AD 212, the original 10-hectare site,…

Sant'Ignazio di Loyola in Rome

Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola

Flanking a delightful rococo piazza, this important Jesuit church boasts some celebrated artworks.

Basilica di San Clemente in Santa Maria dei Servi Church in the Valdimonte Quarter of Siena, Tuscany, Italy

Basilica di San Clemente

Nowhere better illustrates the various stages of Rome's turbulent past than this fascinating multilayered church. The ground-level 12th-century basilica…

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Catacombe di San Callisto

These are the largest and busiest of Rome’s catacombs. Founded at the end of the 2nd century and named after Pope Calixtus I, they became the official…

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Villa dei Quintili

Towering over green fields, this 2nd-century villa is one of Rome's unsung splendours. It was the luxurious abode of two consuls, the Quintili brothers,…

Courtyard of Villa Giulia in Rome city

Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia

Pope Julius III’s 16th-century villa provides the often-overlooked but charming setting for Italy’s finest collection of Etruscan and pre-Roman treasures…

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La Galleria Nazionale

Housed in a vast belle époque palace, this oft-overlooked modern-art gallery, known locally as GNAM, is an unsung gem. Its superlative collection runs the…

Rome, Italy, Coppedè, novembre, 2018 - District Coppedè fountain of the frogs

Quartiere Coppedè

The compact Quartiere Coppedè, centering around the magnificent Piazza Mincio, is one of Rome's most extraordinary neighbourhoods. Conceived and built by…

Rome, Lazio, Italy, 9th of August 2023, A landscape of Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica (Palazzo Corsini alla Lungara) with its garden.

Galleria Corsini

Once home to Queen Christina of Sweden, whose bedroom reputedly witnessed a steady stream of male and female lovers, the 16th-century Palazzo Corsini was…

Santa Cecilia in Trastevere

Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere

The last resting place of the patron saint of music features Pietro Cavallini's exquisite 13th-century fresco in the nuns' choir of the hushed convent…

The Cimitero Acattolico ("Non-Catholic Cemetery") of Rome. It is the final resting place of non-Catholics including but not exclusive to Protestants or British people

Cimitero Acattolico per gli Stranieri

Despite the roads that surround it, Rome’s 'non-Catholic' cemetery is a verdant oasis of peace. An air of Grand Tour romance hangs over the site where up…

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Palacce of the Popes, Viterbo

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The 23 Best Things to Do in Rome

By Maresa Manara and Katie Parla

Rome is such an ancient and dense place that prioritizing which attractions to visit can be an overwhelming task. How do you even start to figure out what to do in Rome? To shed some light on that impenetrable question we've pulled together a list of world-famous sites and lesser-known destinations—museums, markets, archeological and architectural marvels—that will provide you with the full spectrum of outstanding experiences the Italian capital has to offer. Whether you have only a day in the city or a couple weeks to explore every detail, this list will help you pull together an itinerary you won't forget.

Read our complete Rome travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

San'Ivo alla Sapienza Rome

Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza Arrow

Most artists and architects working in the characteristically ornate and emotional Baroque style leaned heavily on color and materials to create strong visual impressions. Not Borromini, in this magnificent church originally designed for the Università di Roma. Using simply molded stucco forms and daylight, the maestro created an interior space that's at once intimate and infinite, simple and complex. If you've seen Bernini's interior design at St. Peter's Basilica, this is a great place to see how his rival achieves absolute architectural perfection without using scale and color as a crutch. There's no guide. Walk in, take a seat, and take it in.

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj Rome

Galleria Doria Pamphilj Arrow

This museum houses Rome's largest private collection, a trove assembled by the Doria, Pamphilj, Landi, and Aldobrandini families and brought together through marriage. It’s set in a noble palace still owned by the Doria Pamphilj family and the ornate halls provide a grand setting for such an overwhelming amount of art. The collection is acclaimed among 16th and 17th-century art aficionados but is off the average visitor’s radar even though it's located just off Piazza Venezia and close to the Forum.

Villa Pamphil Park Rome

Villa Doria Pamphilj Arrow

Rome's largest public park is divided into manicured gardens, stretches of forest, pine groves, and bits of wild vegetation. There are wide open fields, as well as intimate nooks for romantic picnics. It's a perfect destination for runners or cyclists who want to get in a few miles without the nuisances of car traffic and smog. Whether you visit for a stroll, a meal, or a workout, be sure to have a map. The place is huge and some exits spit you out into residential neighborhoods.

Image may contain Building Architecture Arched and Arch

Colosseum Arrow

If you know the background of the building, a visit to the Colosseum will be truly amazing and totally live up to the hype. The place was used for wild beast hunts, public executions, and gladiator fights for several hundred years, then became a condo of sorts as medieval Romans made their homes in the hulking ruins. Spend a little time on the second story exhibition area, check out the artists' renderings of the building's ancient and medieval incarnations, and you'll be anxious to learn more.

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The back room of the main hall of the old Pharmacy and Apothecary Farmacia di S. Maria della Scala in Piazza della Scala...

Ancient Pharmacy of Santa Maria della Scala Arrow

Entering this ancient apothecary, the oldest in Europe, feels a little like stepping back in time. You enter through the ground floor of the building, which is now a functioning, modern pharmacy, before heading upstairs to the ancient iteration. Visitors are welcomed by a friar, who talks you through the various herbs, potions, unguents, balms, and oils that they used to heal the ancient Romans. He knows his stuff. Ask him to show you some of the original wooden furniture from the 18th century, and the instruments they used for weighing ingredients and making the medicines. Look out for the teriaca, a potion created and used by Romans as an antidote—ingredients include viper meat.

Maxxi National Museum Of 21St Century Arts Via Guido Reni Rome 4 A 00196 Roma Italy Architect Zaha Hadid Architects 2009...

MAXXI Rome Arrow

MAXXI is the kind of place you go to spend half a day, with no plans other than to take the entire place in. Designed by Zaha Hadid, this is Rome’s museum for all things contemporary, with exhibitions spanning modern fashion, cinema, art, and architecture. Heck, it’s worth visiting just to check out the building, a piece of art in itself. The labyrinthine space at MAXXI is astounding. It gets busy, but there's so much space that you wouldn't notice. Big, wide halls give way to rooms of different themes and sizes, resulting in five floors of non-stop, incredible artwork. Spaces range from performing arts to galleries with modern artworks to open cinemas. For some, this might feel a little incoherent, but it helps if you take it in as a whole rather than different spaces.

A view of St Peter's Basilica in Rome Italy with the Ponte Sant Angelo and Tiber River in the foreground

The Tour Guy: Vatican Night Tour with the Sistine Chapel Arrow

There’s no denying it—The Tour Guy’s tours are slick. They somehow manage to keep things professional feeling relatively impromtu, rather than big and organized. The tour meets at the stairs in front of Caffe Vaticano on Viale Vaticano, located directly across the street from the Vatican Museum's entrance. With a maximum group size of 14, it feels a bit like you’re out with a bunch of your new best friends. This tour is popular, so booking is a must. Despite the name, the guides aren’t just ‘guys’–they’re all genders. What we loved about our guide was her ability to structure the tour towards the individuals on the day, rather than just regurgitating a memorized spiel. She was able to answer everyone’s questions (about the tour and about life in Rome in general), and even gave us an extra hour of her time. By the end of it, we felt like old friends. Plus, being able to skip the long lines, and being inside the Vatican Museums after dark felt delightfully exclusive. 

Capitoline Museums Rome

Capitoline Museums Arrow

Home to one of the finest collections of ancient sculpture in Rome (and therefore the world), the Capitoline Museums are—weirdly—rarely crowded. They attract school groups, local history and art buffs, and travelers, all of whom tend to meander through the museums' various buildings, two of which were designed by none other than Michelangelo. Thanks to its collection and its proximity to Rome's main archeological attractions, it's a logical place to stop after visiting the Roman Forum and Colosseum.

Palatine Hill and Imperial Palaces Rome

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The Palatine Hill is a big, sprawling open-air museum. There are emperors' palaces, manicured gardens, medieval churches, and a terrace overlooking the Forum and beyond. The admission fee is about $18 and covers the Roman Forum and Colosseum, too, making it a pretty great deal. Although the Palatine has monuments from every major era in Rome's history, the real draw is a first-century palace built by Domitian, a mad emperor with a very serious architecture addiction.

Jubilee Church rome

Jubilee Church Arrow

Chiesa di Dio Padre Misericordioso, also known as the Jubilee Church, was designed by American architect Richard Meier as part of the Vatican's grand church-building and city revival program leading up to the Millennium Jubilee, a Catholic pilgrimage year held in 2000. The church is free, though getting there may cost you. It's about six miles from central Rome, so a taxi could easily cost more than €25 ($28). Alternatively, you can reach the church via public transport for €3 ($4) round trip.

San Zeno Chapel at Santa Prassede

San Zeno Chapel at Santa Prassede Arrow

The San Zeno Chapel is a small chapel and major pilgrimage destination inside the church of Santa Prassede (aka Saint Praxedes). The church, chapel, and mosaics all backdate to the 9th century when Pope Paschal I built the chapel and its Byzantine mosaics for his mother. Because the chapel houses the remains of a pillar believed by many Catholics to be from the Flagellation of Christ, it draws some pilgrims. Other visitors are travelers specifically there to see the Byzantine mosaics.

Domus rome

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A sprawling palatial pavilion built by emperor Nero in the 1st century that will blow you away with the design taste and command of concrete and space on display. You can only visit on weekends—the site's under restoration during the week—but admission includes a guided tour. Ours was led by an archeologist who not only worked on the site but was totally obsessed with it; the passion made for a terrific tour. Try your luck.

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Despite being Rome's largest farmers market, the Mercato di Campagna Amica remains down to earth and not at all corporate—as demonstrated by the fact it's only open on weekends. The stalls adhere to the "0 km" philosophy, shorthand for products made or grown within 100 kilometers from the point of sale; and vendors come mostly from Lazio, Rome's home region. It's a crash course in the local leafy greens, amusing in their number and variety, especially to visitors from northern climates. Both the olives and the olive oil you'll find here are worth a splurge, but one of the market's best uses is as a source of super-fresh (and super-cheap) picnic material. Grab some bread, a little fresh pecorino, a few slices of prosciutto, some fruit, and make yourself a lunch.

Villa Farnesina Rome

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The Villa was the private residence of Agostino Chigi, one of the Renaissance's richest men; he liked to showcase his wealth by hiring artists to paint elaborate frescoes on the walls and ceilings in his palace. That makes this a great place for Renaissance fans who want to take their time and see the art in-situ without the crowds. Thanks to Raphael's emphasis on mythological themes, it's also a great place for kids who know about the Roman gods—or want to!

Janiculum Hill Rome

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This is a leisurely stroll beginning in Trastevere and winding up via Garibaldi to the top of Janiculum Hill. The mood changes from urban at the beginning to monumental at the end; it's a bit of work, but rewards those willing to do it with a unique perspective on Roman history and some of the best views of the city. Best to do the walk during the day, or early in the morning if it's summer. If you're on a tight schedule, don't want to brave the hill in the heat, or just want to get a view, skip the hike and take a taxi directly to Piazzale Garibaldi.

tourist site rome

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This museum takes you beneath the Trevi district, through an intricate maze of ancient vestiges to the archaeological ruins of Vicus Caprarius (which roughly translates to “City of Water”), an old Roman apartment complex dating back to the first-century A.D.. You get to see first-hand how the rich Romans lived, using their very own aqueduct–the same one that feeds the Trevi fountain–for their running water. The entrance is unassuming, and if you hadn’t been told it was there it would be easy to walk right past. There’s a fairly comprehensive website but all bookings are made (and confirmed) via a Whatsapp chat. Skip the guided tour—there were 8 of us in the tour group, but we shared the same (small) space with  self-guided individuals, many of whom had just showed up and booked on the day. If you're keen on a post-museum cocktail, head upstairs to Harry's Bar.

Santa Maria del Popolo

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Santa Maria del Popolo is a Renaissance church at the edge of Piazza del Popolo and just within Rome's 3rd-century walls. It was decorated during Rome's most recent artistic peak, the 15th to 17th centuries, and is packed with masterpieces. The church is free, though some coins will come in handy for turning lights on in chapels. The place mostly draws visitors on the Caravaggio trail. Two canvases painted by that controversial and innovative artist hang in the chapel next to the main altar.

Trajan's Column at Piazza Venezia Domus Romane Rome Tour

Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini Arrow

The Domus Romane are ancient Roman villas and other structures that were abandoned in antiquity, filled in with debris, and inadvertently used as foundations for Palazzo Valentini, a Renaissance palace turned government office building. They are now underground, obscured by buildings and pavement just beside Piazza Venezia. Booking is required and must be done online.

Santa Maria in Trastevere Church Rome

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There are hundreds of churches in Rome, but Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the most breathtaking. Not only are the mosaics and gilded ceiling spectacular, the very skeletal structure of the church is mind-boggling. The columns that support the nave and separate the aisles are single, solid pieces of granite that were lugged across the river in the 12th century after being plundered from the 3rd-century Baths of Caracalla. The church will help you develop a taste for medieval Rome, a period often outshined by the Renaissance and Baroque eras.

Palazzo Massimo Rome

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The Palazzo Massimo's building itself was built by Jesuits in the late 19th century and was only turned into a state-owned museum in 1980. It's next to Stazione Termini, Rome's busiest station, yet few travelers make the trip to see the museum's masterpiece-packed halls. The collection is a mix of Classical sculpture, Imperial frescoes, and Hellenistic baroque-style statuary. After the Vatican Museums and Capitoline Museums, the Palazzo Massimo is a must for ancient art lovers.

Rome Testaccio Market

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This market in one of Rome's most bustling central neighborhoods has all the usual suspects: bread bakeries, produce stalls, fishmongers, butchers, and delis. You'll also find seasonal vegetables like artichokes or zucchini, cuts typical of the local cuisine like tripe and liver, and little chewy pizzas common to Roman bakeries. If you're looking for lunch (or to stock a picnic), hunt down takeaway stalls like the stellar Mordi e Vai, which serves Roman sandwiches near the Via B. Franklin exit. The stalls on the eastern side of the market mainly sell clothes, shoes, and housewares. There's even a hair salon, in case you're needing a touchup.

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Pigneto is popular with Italian college students and twenty- and thirty-somethings who frequent the bars on the "Isola," a pedestrianized stretch of Via del Pigneto, the neighborhood's central artery. It's also a destination for Pasolini fans who visit the streets that were the backdrop for his Neorealist films. It's an acquired taste and may feel too rough-around-the-edges for some, but anyone interested in urbanism and street art, or just thirsty to explore neighborhood's outside of Rome's historic center, will enjoy it.

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The Baths of Caracalla were a massive public bathing complex built in the third century. Throughout the year, the site is open during the day for visitors to stroll through ruins that were so magnificent they inspired the Main Concourse at Grand Central Terminal. Each summer, the city of Rome's Opera company performs at the Baths, using the towering brick ruins as a backdrop. The contrast of the ancient buildings, celebrated operas, and modern acoustics and lighting is stunning.

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This working-class neighborhood near Termini station first gained international prominence when Soho House opened their Rome outpost there last year. Over the past few years it’s evolved from a rough-around-the-edges student hangout into a decidedly bohemian district, with street art, street food, lively bars, and cool fashion boutiques. To get the most out of the neighborhood, visit in the late afternoon, when fashion boutiques like L’Anatra all’Arancia and La Maison de la Mode will still be open. Refuel with a coffee at the diminutive Giufà Libreria Caffè bookstore-bar, then check out the street art around Via dei Sabelli and Scalo San Lorenzo. Stop by Blackmarket San Lorenzo for a pre-dinner cocktail and vegetarian small plates, or pop into Sanlollo for pizzas, bruschetta, and salted cod. Gelato San Lorenzo does some of the best ice cream in town, all of it organic. Still, don't bring your parents or your fussiest friends here; rather, come with someone who’s up for a cheap-ish night out in a gritty but very cool neighborhood.

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Palazzo Ripetta

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Rome‘s Colosseum

10 unmissable attractions in Rome

Take a look at the best of the best attractions in Rome, from magnificent churches and ancient ruins to world-famous artworks

Alex Floyd-Douglass

Rome sells itself; we all know that. An unmissable attraction in Rome is about as unmissable as you are going to find, and this famous old city is packed with iconic spots that most cities would give their right arm for. Okay, cities don’t have arms, but you get the point. The Eternal City stands head and shoulders above most for historical and cultural might, and the best attractions in Rome are seriously impressive. You’d be forgiven for thinking Rome can’t possibly deliver on all its hype. Well, prepare yourself because it hits all the notes and then some. It has world-beating restaurants , fabulous bars , genre-defining galleries and all the history you could hope for. These are the most essential attractions in Rome, your ultimate Eternal City bucket list.

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our   affiliate   guidelines .

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Best Rome attractions

Colosseum

1.  Colosseum

  • Attractions
  • Historic buildings and sites

The Colosseum is a monument of epic proportions dating from AD 72. Stories of gory battles between gladiators, slaves, prisoners and wild animals have emerged from this Flavian amphitheatre with a seating capacity of over 50,000 people; nowhere in the world was there a larger or more glorious setting for mass slaughter. This is a necessary pilgrimage for history buffs and the ideal starting point to take in the Roman remains of the city: the jaw-dropping Forum, the Domus Aurea and the Pantheon.

Foro Romano and Palatino

2.  Foro Romano and Palatino

The oldest of Rome’s fora, the Foro Romano (Roman Forum), was once the centre of state ceremony, commerce, law and bureaucracy. Above the Colosseum to the west (and visited on a cumulative ticket with the Foro Romano and the Colosseum) is Rome’s birthplace, the Palatine. Later, the Palatine became the home of the movers and shakers of both the Republic and the Empire as sumptuous palaces were built. The choice of location was understandable: the Palatine overlooks the Foro Romano yet is a comfortable distance from the disturbances and riff-raff down in the valley.

Musei Vaticani and Cappella Sistina

3.  Musei Vaticani and Cappella Sistina

  • Art and design

If you met the Pope, what would you say? Well, you probably won't, but you can join an audience with him on Wednesday mornings. If the weather is fine, he'll hold this general audience in St Peter's Square; otherwise, it takes place in the Sala Nervi audience hall. Expect to join clusters of Catholic devotees and flocks of camera-waving tourists. Afterwards, you can take the opportunity to wander through St Peter's Basilica, admire Michelangelo's stunning frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and visit the famous 'Belvedere Apollo' and 'Laocoön' at the Museo Pio-Clementino among the Vatican Museums.

Pantheon

4.  Pantheon

The Pantheon is the best-preserved ancient building in Rome. Hadrian built it in AD 119-128 as a temple to the 12 most critical classical deities. The simplicity of the building’s exterior remains largely unchanged, and it retains its original Roman bronze doors. Inside, the Pantheon’s glory lies in the dimensions, which follow the rules written by the top Roman architect Vitruvius. The diameter of the hemispherical dome is equal to the height of the whole building; it could potentially accommodate a perfect sphere. At the centre of the dome is the oculus, a circular hole 9 metres (30 feet) in diameter, the only light source and a symbolic link between the temple and the heavens. 

MAXXI

5.  MAXXI

Even from a distance, it’s pretty clear that the Museum of the Arts of the 21st Century (or MAXXI, for short) is a celebration of all things modern. Designed by cutting-edge architecture firm Zaha Hadid and opened in 2009, the MAXXI is a dramatic, impression-leaving work of art. Not forgetting, of course, that it houses the works of some of Italy’s most exciting and boundary-pushing contemporary artists.

Musei Capitolini

6.  Musei Capitolini

This is the city that has nurtured the art of Michelangelo. Housed in twin palaces on opposite sides of his piazza del Campidoglio are the Capitoline Museums, the oldest public gallery in the world, having opened their collection to the public in 1734. Once inside, you can admire breathtaking paintings by Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and Caravaggio and beautifully crafted statues by the Baroque genius Bernini. While on the art trail, don't miss the Borghese Gallery and the Palazzo Barberini Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica.

Santa Maria in Via

7.  Santa Maria in Via

  • Religious buildings and sites

Perk yourself up with a cupful of miraculous water in the church of Santa Maria in Via. In 1286 a stone bearing an image of the Virgin’s face floated to the surface of a well, over which this church was later built, and locals and visitors alike are still going crazy for the water.

Fontana di Trevi

8.  Fontana di Trevi

  • Monuments and memorials

Worm your way through the heaving crowds of its tiny piazza, and you’ll see why everyone makes such a fuss about the Fontana di Trevi. Basking in the glow of constant camera flashes, Trevi’s gleaming travertine looks stark beneath the roaring washes of water. The sculpture itself is a fantastical scene of conch-blowing tritons, sharp rocks and flimsy trees, all bursting from in front of the wall of the Palazzo Poli. No one knows why people started chucking coins in the water, but you probably should – it gets drained once a week, with all the money going to the Italian Red Cross. Our top tip? Avoid the crowds by going as late or early in the day as possible.

Piazza di Spagna

9.  Piazza di Spagna

Piazza di Spagna takes its name from the Spanish Embassy to the Vatican but is chiefly celebrated for the elegant cascade of stairs down from the church of Trinità dei Monti. Known in Italian as the Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti, the English Grand Tourists referred to them as the Spanish Steps. At the foot of the stairs is a delightful boat-shaped fountain, the Barcaccia; it’s ingeniously sunk below ground level to compensate for the low pressure of the delicious Acqua Vergine that feeds it. The steps are best seen first thing in the morning before the crowds arrive.

Pincio

10.  Pincio

  • Parks and gardens

Overlooking Piazza del Popolo, and now an integral part of the Villa Borghese, is one of the oldest gardens in Rome: the Pincio. The Pinci family commissioned the first gardens here in the fourth century. Pincio is best known for its view of the Vatican at sunset, with the dome of St Peter’s silhouetted in gold. The paved area behind the viewpoint is popular with cyclists (bikes can be hired nearby) and skaters. To the southeast of the Pincio is the Casina Valadier, now a pricey restaurant with a to-die-for view.

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Guía turística de Rome

Rome was called the “ Eternal City ” by the ancient Romans because they believed that no matter what happened in the rest of the world, the city of Rome would always remain standing . Exploring the city center by foot surrounded by glorious monuments and colossal remains takes you back in time to the “glory that was Rome”.

Rome Travel Guide

  • General Information
  • Top Attractions
  • Getting to Rome
  • Public Transport
  • Money-saving tips
  • Where to Eat
  • Where to Stay
  • 3-Day Itinerary

Why visit Rome?  

With its unparalleled history, Rome is the third most visited city in Europe and the fourteenth worldwide. It attracts visitors from all over the world who are impatient to discover the city’s impressive monuments and archaeological sites ; not to mention its renowned cuisine and its lively atmosphere.

When exploring the Colosseum , visitors will easily imagine how the gladiators fought for their lives in the arena, cheered by the crowd. In the Circus Maximus , travelers will picture the chariots crashing into each other in order to be first in the race, and in the Roman Forum visualize what the Roman public life was like.

Looking for accommodation?

If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, we suggest visiting our search engine , where you’ll find all types of hotels, hostels, and apartments with the best rates guaranteed . You can get up to a 75% discount and pay once you get to your destination.

  • Accommodation in Rome - find the best deals​

top activities

Colosseum Tour + Gladiator's Entrance When in Rome, don’t miss the eternal Colosseum! Access the arena through the Gladiator’s Gate, the entrance used by the ancient Roman fighters.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour On this guided tour of Vatican City, you'll visit the Vatican Museums & the Sistine Chapel . As an added bonus, you won't have to wait in endless queues!

Rome Combo: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica + Colosseum Combine the most-visited places in Rome with a guided tour of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s, then the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill.

Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tour Travel back in time to Ancient Rome and discover the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on this guided tour with priority access !

Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums + St Peter's Basilica On this tour, you'll get access to the Sistine Chapel first thing in the morning, avoiding all the crowds . We'll also visit  St Peter's Basilica .

Pompeii & Naples Day Trip Set off on a full day trip and discover the ruins of Pompeii , followed by a panoramic tour of Naples , one of the world's oldest constantly populated cities.

Rome Ciampino Airport Shuttle Bus With this shuttle service between Ciampino Airport and Rome, you'll be in the centre of the Italian capital in less than an hour. The eternal city awaits you!

Private Walking Tour of Rome Explore the Eternal City's most iconic sights accompanied by an expert guide just for you and your partner, family or friends.  Discover the best of Rome !

Borghese Gallery Guided Tour Discover the extraordinary collection of paintings and sculptures housed in the Borghese Gallery , one of Rome's must-see art museums .

The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi With this classical music concert, you'll experience all Four Seasons of the famous Antonio Vivaldi . An unforgettable concert in an incomparable setting!

Castel Sant'Angelo Tour + Terrace Access A refuge for popes and an ancient Roman mausoleum , Castel Sant'Angelo harbours great secrets. On this guided tour we'll unveil its most hidden mysteries.

Rome Catacombs Tour & Appian Way Visit the catacombs of Rome with an expert English-speaking guide during a 3-hour half day-trip, also discovering the fascinating Villa di Massenzio.

Trastevere Food Tour Feast your eyes and stomach during a 3-hour food tour in Trastevere, one of Rome’s most bohemian neighborhoods and sample the delicious Italian gastronomy.

Audience With Pope Francis An audience with Pope Francis is a unique spiritual experience . Your guide will take care of everything, so you can go relaxed.

Rome Fiumicino Airport Shuttle Bus Are you travelling to Rome? Book this shuttle bus between Fiumicino Airport and Rome so you can get into the city centre comfortably and quickly.

Set off on a day trip from Rome across the Italian countryside to discover the birthplace of St Francis  in the charming town of Assisi .

Rome Tuk Tuk Tour Tour Rome in the most comfortable way on this tuk tuk tour. We'll explore its seven hills and learn tons of historical fun facts about the eternal city.

Rome Bike Tour Tour the Italian capital on two wheels whilst you enjoy an electric bike tour of the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and much more .

Papal Audience & Vatican Museums Tour Enjoy this unique experience of the Holy See with this combination tour which includes an  audience with Pope Francis and a visit to the Vatican Museums .

Rome Night Tour On this night tour of Rome ,   we'll visit the most iconic piazzas , streets and monuments of the Italian capital when the city comes to life at dusk.

OMNIA Rome & Vatican Card The OMNIA Card is a sightseeing pass that includes priority access to Rome’s main attractions like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City .

Capitoline Museum Guided Tour Marvel at one of Rome’s most important museums , the Capitoline Museums, followed by a visit to Piazza del Campidoglio on top of the Capitoline Hill.

La Traviata with Ballet Entrance Ticket Enjoy one of the most famous operas of all time in the magical setting of the St Paul's Within the Walls Church with this La Traviata Ballet Entrance Ticket.

Lake Albano Kayak Tour If you're in Rome and want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city , join us on this kayak tour on Lake Albano .

Castel Sant'Angelo Ticket + Audio Guide Explore the intriguing history of Castel Sant'Angelo with this admission ticket + audio guide. Uncover the mysteries of one of Rome's most cryptic monuments !

Rome Sightseeing Cruise on the Tiber River Take a sightseeing cruise along the Tiber River and enjoy spectacular 360º views of Rome from the water. You can hop on and off as many times as you want!

Bioparco di Roma Ticket With your ticket to the Bioparco of Rome you will discover this zoo located in the heart of the city, inside Villa Borghese, an ideal plan for families!

The Three Tenors Concert The church of  St. Paul's Within the Walls in Rome opens its doors to you to offer you the show The Three Tenors. Enjoy an unforgettable opera concerto.

The impressive dome of the Pantheon of Agrippa has fascinated the whole world for centuries. Discover it with this guided tour of Ancient Rome .

This tourist bus is the perfect way to discover Rome . You can choose different routes with numerous stops and hop on and off as many times as you want!

Rome Mysteries & Legends Free Tour Wandering ghosts and enigmas in Caravaggio's works ... Discover the hidden side of the city with this free tour of Rome's mysteries and legends.

Italian Pasta & Tiramisu Workshop If you're passionate about Italian cuisine, then don't miss out on this  Italian Pasta & Tiramisu Workshop . You'll learn how to make some staple Italian dishes!

Ostia Antica Half-Day Tour from Rome Discover the legacy of the Imperial City on a guided tour of Ostia Antica, an ancient harbor town only 30 km from Rome.

St Peter's Basilica Guided Tour + Dome Climb Enjoy the best views of Rome by climbing the 320 steps leading up to the dome of St. Peter's . We'll also visit the interior of the Basilica!

Baths of Caracalla & Circus Maximus Guided Tour Go back in time on this walking tour of the Bath of Caracalla, the most luxurious thermae of the Roman Empire . Then marvel at the remains of the Circus Maximus.

St. Peter's Basilica Tickets: Dome Access + Audioguide Secure your ticket to St. Peter's Basilica for an experience that includes access to its magnificent dome and a self-guided tour with an English audio guide .

Palazzo Santa Chiara Opera Concert Treat yourself to a unique experience during your stay in Rome when you attend a fantastic opera concert at the Palazzo Santa Chiara .

Italian Pizza Workshop Visit Rome and enjoy a delicious pizza made with your own hands . Try this Italian Pizza Workshop and learn how to make one of the country's most famous dishes.

Visit the largest Roman amphitheater in the world on this guided tour of the Colosseum. An absolute must if you're in the Italian capital!

Day Trip to Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti On this tour to Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti , we'll discover the beautiful region of Tuscany - including medieval towns, and a visit to a wine cellar!

Basilicas Tour and Secret Underground Catacombs Discover some of the most symbolic sites in Christian history: the Catacombs and two of the world's most important Basilicas on this tour of the Eternal City.

Rome Photo Tour Discover the most Instagrammable locations in the Italian capital and show off your trip with this Rome Photo Tour.

Tiber River Cruise with Appetizer Discover Rome from a privileged perspective as you relax with this Tiber River Cruise with Appetizer. You'll see symbolic places such as the Umberto I Bridge.

Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto Tour Enjoy a walking guided tour of Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto and soak up the neighborhood’s bohemian atmosphere with numerous landmarks to visit.

Day Trip to Venice by High Speed Train Experience a day trip from Rome to Venice on a high-speed train and explore its beautiful canals and historic centre at your own pace.

Mostra di Leonardo Ticket Discover some of the most amazing inventions by the Italian genius Leonardo da Vinci with this ticket to the Mostra di Leonardo museum.

Rome Private Tour with Driver Fall in love with Rome with this private tour with driver. Choose your route, and enjoy a comfortable tour solely for you and your travel companions.

Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este Day Trip Visit the two treasures of Tivoli on this day trip: Hadrian's Villa, Roman Emperor's retreat, and Villa d'Este, a Renaissance mansion with magnificent gardens.

Rome Hard Rock Cafe Come to the Rome Hard Rock Cafe and enjoy an exquisite menu of American food in an emblematic place where the rhythm of rock is felt in every corner. 

Rome Squares and Fountains Guided Tour Set off on a walking guided tour of Rome and discover some of its iconic landmarks, such as the Fontana di Trevi, Piazza di Spagna, and Piazza Navona .

Florence & Pisa Day Trip Discover two incredible jewels in Tuscany on our Florence & Pisa Day Trip from Rome. You'll see the Duomo , the Ponte Vecchio and the Leaning Tower .

Rome Fascist History Tour discover the architecture designed in Rome at the time of Benito Mussolini's fascist dictatorship with this Rome Fascist History Tour.

Wine Tasting in Rome Italy is world-renowned for its tradition of wine-making. Indulge your senses on this wine tasting tour of Rome with an expert sommelier!

Welcome to Rome Tickets Immerse yourself in Rome's thrilling history when you buy a ticket for the fascinating Welcome to Rome multimedia experience .

Janiculum, Trastevere and Jewish Quarter Guided Tour On this fascinating tour of the Gianicolo , Trastevere and   the Jewish Quarter  in Rome, we'll gain a truly unique perspective of the Italian capital.

Entrance to IKONO Rome Looking for a unique plan in the Italian capital? With a ticket to IKONO Rome , you'll get to explore this creative space and become a part of the art!

Roma World Entrance Ticket Don't miss out on your ticket to Roma World , a theme park in which you'll travel back in time to the ancient and powerful Roman Empire .

Rome Street Art Tour Discover secrets and the most interesting glimpses throughout the most colourful district with this Rome Street Art Tour. Explore the captivating capital city!

Rome Private Day Trips Explore the beautiful Italian cities of Naples, Pompeii, Ostia or Assisi with these Rome Private Day Trips. You'll have an exclusive guide just for your group.

Cinecittà World Ticket With this entrance ticket to Cinecittà World you can visit real film sets and travel to the imaginary worlds of movies and TV series .

Go City: Rome Explorer Pass Unlock Rome's top attractions with the Go City: Rome Explorer Pass – the very best & most comfortable way to make the most of your trip to Rome.

Rome Layover Tour Take advantage of your time at Rome airport to explore the Italian capital with this Rome Layover Tour. You'll discover the charm of the beautiful Eternal City.

Naples to Capri Tour: 2/3 Days Relax in southern Italy with this Naples to Capri Tour lasting 2/3 days. Discover Pompeii's incredible history, Sorrento's cuisine and Capri's beauty .

Private Tuk-Tuk Tour of Rome Would you like to see the Eternal City in the most comfortable way ? On this private tuk-tuk tour of Rome , we'll tour the capital of Italy in an exclusive group.

Rome Electric Tuk Tuk Tour Explore the Eternal City through an eco-conscious lens with our electric tuk tuk tour of Rome  and roam the Italian capital's streets in a zero-emission vehicle!

Trevi Fountain and its Underground World On this  tour of the Trevi Fountain and its underground world , we'll reveal the hidden treasures and history of the most  fountain in Rome . 

Roam the underbelly of Rome on this tour of its underground system . Walk  the Appian Way and Caffarella and   dive into the lesser-known side of the Eternal City !

Florence Excursion by High Speed Train Known as the "City of Art", Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. On this day trip, we'll tour its historic centre and the Uffizi Gallery.

Rome Pub Crawl Are you ready to discover the vibrant nightlife of the Italian capital ? Join us on this pub crawl through Rome and experience it for yourself!

Private Photoshoot outside of the Colosseum Remember your trip to Rome forever with this private photoshoot outside the Colosseum - we'll make sure you look your best beside the iconic monument!

5 Day Tour: The Best of Italy The best of Italy in just 5 days! Asisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Padua, Venice and Montepulciano  are the cities we take in on the tour.

Ischia 5-Day Tour Are you in Rome? Join us to visit the most beautiful islands in the Napolitan archipelago  on this  5-day tour of Ischia . You'll love it!

Capri Day Trip Like the writers and artists before you, you'll fall in love with Capri on this unmissable tour. Discover the island's myths, legends and Blue Grotto .

Puzzle Hunt: Angels and Demons, the Illuminati Hunt Impersonate Robert Langdon himself for a day in this puzzle hunt in Rome: Angels and Demons , the Illuminati Hunt. The best way to explore the city!

Free Walking Tour of Rome The city of the Caesars, of Baroque and, of course, The Eternal City. Discover Rome with this free walking tour of the Italian capital .

Vatican Gardens + Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Ticket Discover the green lung of Vatican City on this tour of its gardens. You'll also visit the Sistine Chapel and take a self-guided tour of the Vatican Museums.

Ponza Island Day Trip Enjoy a  day trip from Rome to Ponza Island . Cruise along the waters, feel the breeze in your hair and cool off with a dip in the Tyrrhenian Sea!

Colosseum Guided Night Visit Visit one of Rome's most iconic monuments all lit up at the most magical time of day on our  Colosseum Guided Night Visit at dusk .

Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo Day Trip From Pope Alexander VII to Benedict XVI , numerous popes have spent the holidays at the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo . Explore its links with the Vatican!

Capri Tour: 2/3 Days Be captivated by the glamour of the Italian island with this Capri Tour lasting 2 or 3 days. Explore the fascinating Mediterranean cave, the Blue Grotto.

Vatican Museums Private Tour Step into the legacy of the Italian city-state on this Vatican Private Tour. Visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel with just your family or friends!

Colosseum Private Tour Discover the World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World with this  Colosseum Private Tour . Explore the Roman site with an exclusive guide.

Pompeii & Minori Tour: 3 Days Discover the impressive ruins of Pompeii , explore the Almafi Coast  & enjoy 2 nights in Minori on this incredible 3-day tour.

The most complete guide of Rome

This guide has been written by travelers like yourself and it's designed to help you plan your stay in Rome, so that you get the most out of the city as possible, whether you're staying for 2 days or a month. Find out what the top attractions  and the best places to eat are, which museums are worthwhile, and where to stay in Rome. If you’re traveling on a budget, we have also an article on how to save money while visiting this fascinating city, and the daily costs , so that you're prepared before getting to Italy.

The information provided in this guide was updated in  January 2023 . If you find a mistake or would like to make a suggestion, please do not hesitate to  contact us .

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She never hides her years, but still wears them well: after all, Rome is the Eternal City

A walk through the streets of Rome is a stroll through History with a capital H. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, it offers and almost demands endless new discoveries, thanks to the enormity of its artistic heritage. As a matter of fact, it is home to two capitals in one city: the Italian capital and the home of the Pope in the Vatican, a place of universal pilgrimage to St Peter's Square.

What to see in Rome

  • Art & Culture
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2 days in Rome: the itinerary

2 days in Rome: the itinerary

rome sustainable tourism hero

Rome is the perfect destination for sustainable tourism

Rome: the irresistible allure of the Eternal City

Rome: the irresistible allure of the Eternal City

Rome: The Imperial Fora

Rome: The Imperial Fora

Rome in 7 stages: on the sets of the TV series Skam Italia

Rome in 7 stages: on the sets of the TV series Skam Italia, the everyday life of people in Rome

Exclusive aperitifs in Rome's most evocative locations

Exclusive aperitifs in Rome's most evocative locations

maxxi rome hero

At the MAXXI museum in Rome, art combines sustainability and inclusion

The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, wonders second to none in the world

The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, wonders second to none in the world

Michelangelo's Moses at San Pietro in Vincoli

Michelangelo's Moses at San Pietro in Vincoli

The 'great beauty' of Palazzo Sacchetti, in the heart of Rome, set of the Oscar-winning film by Paolo Sorrentino

The 'great beauty' of Palazzo Sacchetti, in the heart of Rome, set of the Oscar-winning film by Paolo Sorrentino

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At MAXXI in Rome, data becomes matter

The works by Caravaggio in Rome

The works by Caravaggio in Rome

Colosseum

Roman Forum

basilica di san pietro

Basilica of Saint Peter

Piazza del Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill)

Campidoglio

Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona

pantheon

Borghese Gallery and Museum

Jewish Ghetto of Rome

Jewish Ghetto of Rome

Trastevere

Campo de' Fiori

Trips into the countryside starting from Rome

Trips into the countryside starting from Rome

The parks of Rome. Ideas and suggestions for full-immersion in nature in the heart of the Eternal City

The parks of Rome. Ideas and suggestions for full-immersion in nature in the heart of the Eternal City

5 favourite destinations for Romans in the snow

The 5 favourite destinations for Romans to ski near Rome

Castelli Romani Regional Park

Castelli Romani Regional Park

Seven sites of art, history and culture just one hour from Rome

Seven sites of art, history and culture just one hour from Rome

Murals and graffiti colour villages and towns

Murals and graffiti colour villages and towns

Acea Run Rome The Marathon

Acea Run Rome The Marathon

concerto primo maggio

May Day concert

ITALIAN OPEN BNL

ITALIAN OPEN BNL

Natale di Roma 2024

Natale di Roma 2024

Acea Run Rome The Marathon

The irresistible allure of the Eternal City

The beauty of Rome and its 3,000 years of existence is that it always knows how to surprise, including with unusual places to explore, such as the Coppedé Quarter, the Orange Garden or the Jewish Ghetto, some of the oldest in the world. To be immersed in the Roman way of life, you of course also have to sample the typical cuisine of the capital, and it never disappoints; after all, humble but delicious dishes such as cacio e pepe, carbonara, and gricia were born here.

1600X1600_fontana_di_trevi_roma.jpg

She never hides her years, but still wears them well: after all, Rome is the Eternal City. A walk through the streets of Rome is a stroll through History with a capital H. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, it offers and almost demands endless new discoveries, thanks to the enormity of its artistic heritage. As a matter of fact, it is home to two capitals in one city: the Italian capital and the home of the Pope in the Vatican, a place of universal pilgrimage to St Peter's Square.

Viterbo

Viterbo and surroundings The province of Viterbo lies in the Tuscia region, in northern Lazio. Renowned for its natural beauty dotted with Etruscan and Roman remains, this area also offers villages and towns perched atop hills. You can begin your exploration in Viterbo, the City of Popes. After admiring the majestic Palazzo dei Papi and the San Pellegrino quarter, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the spa. Among the local villages, we recommend visiting Bagnaia and the magnificent Villa Lante with its Italian-style gardens, the medieval Caprarola with its impressive Palazzo Farnese, and the abandoned villages of Celleno and Civita di Bagnoregio, “the dying town”. Not forgetting Sutri, perched on a tuff cliff. Further down is ancient Sutri, with a Roman amphitheatre and necropolis. Be sure to visit Bomarzo, famous for its Sacred Grove, nicknamed the Park of the Monsters, with sculptures of mythological and grotesque creatures. For nature walks, check out the volcanic Lake Vico, a nature reserve surrounded by the Monti Cimini hills, or the shores of Lake Bolsena. To explore the area’s Etruscan origins, head to Tarquinia. Today it is a medieval village, but it preserves splendid Etruscan treasures, like the Monterozzi Necropolis with tombs cut into the rock decorated with frescoes.

Rieti

In the footsteps of the Sabatini In the most authentic heart of Lazio, the province of Rieti stretches between rivers and lakes in a predominantly mountainous territory, surrounded by the Sabini and Reatini Mountains. Located in the north-east of the region, it borders, along the Tiber, the province of Viterbo, the capital and the region of Umbria. Unspoilt nature amidst parks and protected areas, history and ancient traditions, Franciscan sanctuaries, fortresses and castles come together in a province whose origins go back to the times of the ancient Italic people of the Sabines. Visiting the towns and villages that characterise the area is an experience not to be missed. Take a tour around the town of Sabina and be sure to visit the Abbey of Farfa, an ancient monastery named after the nearby river Farfarus. The regional capital, Rieti, is also called “the navel of Italy” due to its geographical location. Dominated by the summit of Terminillo, it is an excellent tourist destination particularly appreciated for its tranquillity and beauty. Among the monuments and main places of interest is the Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Once you have finished exploring the surroundings, refresh yourself with traditional cuisine. Typical dishes include spelt with Leonessa truffles, strangozzi alla reatina and sagne scandrigliesi.

Latina

Testimony of 20th-century Italy The city of Latina lies in the heart of the Pontine Plain. Once known as Littoria, it still boasts rationalist architecture, bearing witness to the history of 20th-century Italy. The most iconic example is Palazzo M, built in the shape of Mussolini’s initial. For panoramic views of the city, you can climb the 32-metre-high civic tower. The province offers unexpected surprises: medieval villages, cliffs, caves and the beautiful Circeo National Park — what it lacks in size it makes up for in flourishing flora, fauna and architectural gems, like the ruins of the Villa di Domiziano. Near the capital are the towns of Formia and Gaeta. The latter still boasts an intact medieval historic centre (Gaeta Vecchia) and the Angevin-Aragonese Castle. We also recommend visiting the town of Sperlonga, on the Ulysses Riviera, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, with caves and breath-taking views around every corner. Don’t miss the Gardens of Ninfa, where plants grow among the ruins of an abandoned city. From the mainland, you can reach the Pontine Islands in a couple of hours by ferry. Ventotene, Ponza, Palmarola, Gavi, Zannone and Santo Stefano offer crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches and wild nature.

Frosinone

A thousand-year-old city, among ancient Roman ruins and traces of papal history Between Rome and Naples, Frosinone is a city with a history dating back thousands of years. Traces of its glorious past can be found at the Roman Amphitheatre built in the 1st-2nd century AD, the town’s archaeological museum and the Tomb of Sant’Angelo in Maniano. The province, known as Ciociaria, is home to countless picturesque villages steeped in history, as well as natural areas such as Lake Canterno, also known as the “ghost lake”, due to its karst origin dating back to the early 19th century. We also recommend stopping by the Monti Simbruini Regional Park, a protected natural area where mountains, majestic panoramas, valleys and rivers reign supreme. Fumone, home to the Rocca Longhi De-Paolis castle, is famous not only for having served as the prison and place of death of Pope Celestine V, but also for its extraordinary, 800-metre-high hanging garden, the highest in Europe. Another location closely linked to papal history is Anagni, remembered in books for the famous, humiliating “slap” inflicted by Philip IV of France on Pope Boniface VIII in 1303. Ferentino is also worth visiting, with its spectacular remains of megalithic walls, which have been attributed to the Cyclopes due to their sheer scale.

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How to Live La Dolce Vita in Rome

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Things to know, how to get around, best hotels, best restaurants, things to do, best shopping, neighborhoods to know, apps to download.

It famously straddles seven hills, but Rome often feels like several cities. There's the ancient one, of course – the Rome of emperors and amphitheaters, still visible today. Then there's grand, baroque Rome, a city of immense squares, florid churches and fountains, each more spectacular than the next. There's the Dolce Vita vibe, still, in elegant boutiques, bars, and restaurants, and landmark hotels still on Via Veneto. But Rome is also modern, with formerly residential neighborhoods such as Testaccio, Monti, and Ostiense now as attractive to tourists for their nightlife as the classic areas.

It all swirls together into one timeless gumbo. In the space of a day you can go from a Roman emperor's home to a hipster market; you can peel away the layers simply by stepping down into the basement of a church. Of course, all this excess needs some restraint. You should find that in the Vatican; but instead, you'll find Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel there. So when it all gets too much, there are the parks: the Giardino degli Aranci with its sublime views of the dome of St Peter's; the Villa Borghese, whose sprawling grounds contain several museums; and the Via Appia Antica, a Roman road strewn with mausoleums, catacombs, and ancient aqueducts. Even out in nature, Rome can't help but go over the top.

Central European Standard Time

Fall is famously stunning in Rome, known for soft-lit afternoons and a warming sun. To avoid the crowds, go in early-to-mid December — the religious visitors start piling in for the Pope's Christmas address after that — or in January and February.

Currency: Euro (Check the current exchange rate )

Language: Italian I don't speak Italian: Non parlo italiano I'm lost: Mi sono perso/a How much is...: Quanto costa... I would like…: Vorrei… How do I get to…: Per andare a... Learn more Italian phrases

Calling Code: +39

Capital City: Rome

Trains : Roma Termini is one of the biggest railway stations in the country, perfectly placed on the high-speed lines for fast access to Naples, Florence, Milan, and beyond. Fast direct trains to Fiumicino airport also leave from here.

Buses : Rome has a decent bus network although there's not much coverage in the historic center. It's easy to get out to places just beyond the city walls, such as Testaccio, Piramide, and the Via Appia Antica however. The metro system skims the city center.

Taxis : Taxis are plentiful, with stands at major sites — you can also use the FREE NOW hailing app. Fixed rates are in place for rides from airports Fiumicino and Ciampino, with prices clearly marked on doors.

Car service : Most hotels can arrange transfers; those to and from Fiumicino are normally good value, with prices only a little higher, but with no risk of arguments over fares and supplements at the end.

Rooms of Rome

Address: Via S. Remo, 3/int C3, 00182 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 345 178 1615 Book Now

Alda Fendi paused her fashion career to launch an art foundation; this hotel, which doubles as a gallery, is the next step. Below the Palatine Hill and near the Bocca della Verità (immortalized in Roman Holiday ) it's an 18th-century palazzo stripped to the brick bone and rebuilt by Jean Nouvel. There are mind blowing Palatine views from the terrace, while guests have out-of-hours access to exhibitions located in the hotel.

Palazzo Manfredi

Address: Via Labicana, 125, 00184 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 7759 1380 Book Now

No hotel in the city can claim such a jaw-dropping view as this modern, tranquil retreat which sits plum opposite the Colosseum. Enjoy the panoramas from the rooftop restaurant; or book a front-facing room to see one of the world's most famous buildings from your bed. This is one place that's worth splashing out for a fabled room with a view.

Inn at the Roman Forum

Address: Via degli Ibernesi, 30, 00184 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 6919 0970 Book Now

History lovers, this one's for you. After breakfast, take a look at the underground level, where archeologists have dug down to find Roman ruins – part of Trajan's Forum, just around the corner. Then head to the roof terrace, where the views of the Eternal City are endlessly spectacular. Rooms mix the grandiose with the contemporary.

Residenza Ruspoli Bonaparte

Address: Via della Fontanella di Borghese, 56, 00187 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 342 886 1007 Book Now

Looking for a hotel fit for royalty? This is the place for you – the childhood home of Napoleon Bonaparte III, former French emperor. The staircase is a marble architectural marvel, the ceilings are coffered and the walls are clad in silken damasks. The apartment-sized suites are more modern – so you don't feel like you're sleeping in a museum.

Il Campo Marzio

Address: Via di Campo Marzio, 46, 00184 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 8115 7571 Book Now

Within the grand Palazzo Magnani, an 18th-century mansion in the super-central Campo Marzio area, is this intimate, 13-room hotel. With most rooms holding two double beds, it's a great pick for friends and family. Leave room in your suitcase for a few bottles from the in-house liquor store which sells exclusively Italian-brewed booze.

Gigli d'Oro Suite

Address: Via dei Gigli d'Oro, 12, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 6880 3579 Book Now

One of the mini hotels that Rome does so well, this former family home now holds six rooms that bring a startling contemporary feel to the cobbled street behind Piazza Navona. 'Floating' beds hover under ancient beams; stark white chairs sit beside a carved fireplace. The tiny breakfast room doubles as a bar.

Address: Piazza della Trinità dei Monti, 6, 00187 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 699340 Book Now

Everyone from Tom Cruise to Princess Diana have been welcomed to the Hassler by owner Roberto Wirth — incredibly, this world-famous grande dame, perched at the top of the Spanish Steps, is still family-owned and run hands-on. It's a sumptuous, marble-drenched affair as you'd expect from one of Rome's fanciest five stars — its slogan, "stairway to heaven," is no mere PR puff. The seventh-floor, guests-only terrace has once-in-a-lifetime 270-degree views of the Eternal City — with the dome of St Peter's straight ahead, the Spanish Steps unfurling beneath, and seagulls swooping overhead.

Villa Spalletti Trivelli

Address: Via Piacenza, 4, 00184 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 4890 7934 Book Now

If it feels like you're staying at the home of Roman aristocracy, that's because you are – the Spalletti family opened their home to guests in 2004, and you'll still find their family photos dotted about. Rooms are super-comfy and traditional, but it's the public areas that are the real draw, from the stately drawing rooms to the garden outside and the spectacular hot-tubbed rooftop.

Baglioni Hotel Regina

Address: Via Vittorio Veneto, 72, 00187 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 421111 Book Now

Lady Gaga is rumored to have stayed here in 2021; back in the day, the buzzing Via Veneto was the heart of the Dolce Vita scene. It may be an art deco grande dame but it's thoroughly modern, with slick décor and neutral palettes. Perched above the city, you'll get panoramic views of Rome from the terrace.

Hotel Locarno

Address: Via della Penna, 22, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 361 0841 Book Now

Everyone from Federico Fellini to Rupert Everett has spent time at the art deco Locarno, near the Tiber at the Villa Borghese level. Not that you'll want to venture far from the opulent rooms, with their damask walls, sensual heavy drapes and retro herringbone parquet. Stay in for cocktails at the bar to catch some dolce vita.

Fifteen Keys

Address: Via Urbana, 6, 00184 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 4891 3446 Book Now

A converted townhouse in hipster Monti offers 15 guest rooms surrounding a pretty courtyard. The look's contemporary-meets-urban, with exposed stone walls, creams-on-creams and pops of color from the modern art.

Villa Laetitia

Address: Lungotevere delle Armi, 22/23, 00195 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 322 6776 Book Now

Another hotel owned by fashion royalty, this Tiber-side retreat belongs to Anna Fendi. Past the swarthy naked giants on the door, you're through to a chic retreat of dogtooth floors and painted ceilings, all wrapped in an art nouveau palazzo. Pick from a room in the villa itself or the Garden House – an easy stagger from the Michelin-starred restaurant.

Address: Piazza della Trinità dei Monti, 6, 00187 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 06 6993 4726 Website

This extraordinary Michelin-starred restaurant sprawls over the sixth floor of the iconic Hassler Hotel at the top of the Spanish Steps. The views of the city are incomparable; and the food, by 29-year-old wunderkind Andrea Antonini, matches it. The six-course tasting menu (with multiple amuse bouches) is a stunningly inventive take on traditional Roman and Italian food, from pumpkin flowers stuffed with prawns and spaghetti with mint, pecorino and sea urchin, to a sublime take on Italy's famous rabbit dish, coniglio al cacciatore. Reservations recommended.

Address: Via Urbana, 47, 00184 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 4788 4006 Website

This is in hipster Monti, and it doesn't disappoint. Locally sourced food with an extra zing – like three types of pepper on the cacio e pepe pasta – it also does take-out pasta (or freshly rolled, if you're staying in an apartment). Reservations recommended.

Address: Via Monte dè Cenci, 9, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 6880 6629 Website

Family-owned since 1860, this stalwart of the Jewish Quarter — which dates back over 2,000 years and was behind many of the city's most famous dishes — serves some of Rome's most memorable meals from rich-sauced pasta to the city's famous carciofi alla giuda artichokes. Eat outside on the pedestrianized, cobbled square. Reservations recommended.

Address: Via Labicana, 125, 00184 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 9761 5109 Website

It's all about the view at Aroma, the rooftop restaurant of Palazzo Manfredi hotel, which looks square onto the Colosseum. It has a retractable roof and glass doors that open up, leaving you to watch circling seagulls in the Colosseum's spotlights. Executive chef Giuseppe di Iorio's tasting menus take you through Roman classics, jazzing them up with modern touches.

Address: Vicolo del Malpasso, 9, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 687 7365 Website

Chef Giulio Terrinoni has won a Michelin star for the "striking originality" at his restaurant, 'For Me.' Go for the full 10-course tasting menu at dinner to get a handle on his work; for something more informal, try lunch, where he makes tapas-style "tappi." Reservations recommended.

Agustarello A Testaccio

Address: Via Giovanni Branca, 100, 00153 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 574 6585 Website

The Testaccio has long been known for its hearty restaurants. This laidback osteria is one of the best – and serves one of the best cacio e pepe in Rome. Don't miss the rosetta ripiena : bread rolls stuffed with pancetta, pecorino and mozzarella.

SantoPalato

Address: Piazza Tarquinia, 4 a/b, 00183 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 7720 7354 Website

Young chef Sara Cicolini has created an ultra-modern take on the "quinto quarto" – the 'fifth quarter,' or Rome's beloved offal. Unlike more traditional places, here it's jazzed up, so you'll get dishes like a frittata poached around a heart of chicken offal; wagyu heart tartare; and oxtail meatballs with a sauce of peanut and cocoa powder.

Address: Via Guglielmo Calderini, 64, 00196 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 323 5531 Website

Stanley Tucci raves about the cacio e pepe at this restaurant, run by Japanese chef Kotaro Noda, who's won a Michelin star for his imaginative takes on classic Roman dishes. It's much cheaper than your average high-class restaurant, though; his five-course tasting menus start at just €50 ($60). Reservations recommended.

Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina

Address: Via dei Giubbonari, 21, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 687 5287 Website

This is a true Roman institution – a deli-restaurant hybrid using top-quality ingredients. Sit at the counter to watch platters of everything from cold cuts to anchovies being prepared, and try the pizza rossa , straight from the Roscioli family's own bakery. Reservations recommended.

Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 250, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 6813 9022 Website

Ciro Scarmadella is the young chef at the helm of this super-sophisticated Michelin-starred restaurant, but maître d' and host Alessandro Pipero is the one whose name it bears. Try the innovative seven-course Carta Bianca ('carte blanche') tasting menu, or stick with the more traditional à la carte. Reservations recommended.

Flavio al Velavevodetto

Address: Via di Monte Testaccio, 97, 00153 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 574 4194 Website

This Testaccio restaurant does a mean gricia , cacio e pepe, and amatriciana ; but you're not really here for the food. This is one place you'll want to eat inside, since it's dug into the side of the Monte Testaccio: a grassy hill formed by a Roman rubbish dumb of terracotta amphorae – which you can see through a glass wall in the main room.

Armando Al Pantheon

Address: Salita de' Crescenzi, 31, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 6880 3034 Website

Forget the touristy location, right by the Pantheon; this is the real, Roman deal, going back three generations. In a tiny, wood-lined room, and on tables outside, the Bib Gourmand holder serves classic Roman pasta dishes, seared pajata, and the signature dessert – a sour cherry tart. Reservations recommended.

Il Goccetto

Address: Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 14, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 9944 8583 Website

There are hundreds of wines (literally – over 800 at the last count) to choose from at this gorgeous, old-timey bar in a building dating back to the 16th century. There's a rotating selection by the glass; pair yours with their extremely elevated bar snacks.

Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure

Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 3996 7700 Website

All roads famously lead to Rome – and once you get there, sometimes it feels like all roads in Rome go past the Colosseum. The great amphitheater is every bit as spectacular as you imagine – book a ticket that includes a guided tour of the underground area, to see the gateways and holding pens for the animals and gladiators before they were sent out to fight.

Address: Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 3996 7700 Website

The sprawling Roman Forum has several entrances, but start from the one behind Piazza Venezia for the most spectacular route, walking through the grand Arch of Titus and through the ancient city, the Colosseum looming at the other end.

Vatican City

Address: Viale Vaticano Phone: +39 06 6988 4676 Website

A jurisdiction of its own in the middle of Italy, the Vatican dominates Rome. Visit St Peter's basilica — the largest church in the world — to see Michelangelo's "Pietà," a heartrending tribute to motherhood, as well as his giant dome. Leave the best part of a day to explore the Vatican Museums, home to masterpieces such as the ancient sculpture group Laocoön, Raphael's frescoes and, of course, the Sistine Chapel.

Trevi Fountain and Quirinal Hill

Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Early mornings and late nights are the best time to see the Trevi Fountain, the city's most outrageous monument to the baroque age. While you're there, head up the nearby Quirinal Hill – the highest of the seven – to the grand piazza outside the presidential palace, for superb views.

Villa Borghese

Address: Piazzale Napoleone I, 00197 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 841 3979 Website

Set within the Villa Borghese gardens – with some of the loveliest grounds in Rome – is this superb art gallery which occupies a grand 17th-century villa. The marble-clad interiors are glorious, but even they're outshone by the contents: a room full of Caravaggios and the hall of lifelike Bernini sculptures for starters.

Mausoleo di Augusto

Address: Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Website

The mausoleum of Rome's first emperor, Augustus, was once the grandest, highest building in the city. Over the centuries it lost its marble cladding, its roof and much of its elegance, but following a 13-year restoration it reopened to the public in 2021 – ancient Rome's newest site.

Walk the Tiber

The Tiber has one of Europe's loveliest riversides, studded with historical remains and buildings and shaded by trees. The stretch from the Foro Boario – where two ancient temples sit opposite the Bocca della Verità – up to the marble Ponte Sisto, is lovely, passing the grand synagogue and the mid-river island, Isola Tiberina. Or go from the grand Piazza del Popolo, past the Mausoleo di Augusto and the ancient Ara Pacis monument, across the Roman bridge to the Castel Sant'Angelo – the castle-like mausoleum of the emperor Hadrian, which then became the Pope's fortress.

Basilica di San Clemente

Address: Via Labicana, 95, 00184 Roma RM, Italy Phone: + 39 06 774 0021 Website

This church not far from the Colosseum is a prime example of Rome's layered history – and here you'll get to peel back time, tier by tier. The current church is medieval; underneath is an early Christian basilica from the fourth century; and below that is a mithraeum (an ancient Roman temple) and a Roman house.

Baths of Caracalla

Address: Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Roma RM, Italy Website

It's just off the tourist map (literally), beyond the Circus Maximus, which means this jaw-dropping Roman bath complex is rarely visited. Wander the sprawling complex to see mosaics still in situ, hulking walls and arches, and – if it's having a special opening – the underground mithraeum.

Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini

Address: Foro Traiano, 85, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 2276 1280 Website

This lesser known site has a fantastic sound-and-light show taking you straight back to ancient Rome. Ruined Roman houses in the bowels of a grand palazzo have not only been excavated – so you walk above them on glass floors – but projectors show you how it would have been 2,000 years ago.

Cripta dei Cappuccini

Address: Via Vittorio Veneto, 27, 00187 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 8880 3695 Website

A memento mori warning to the Dolce Vita set, this church crypt on the famous Via Veneto houses the remains of 3,700 bodies – assumed to be capuchin monks. But it isn't gruesome – the bones and skulls have been arranged artistically, into altarpieces, chandeliers, and even a Grim Reaper skeleton brandishing a scythe.

Giardino degli Aranci

Address: Piazza Pietro D'Illiria, 00153 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 6710 5457

Follow the avenue of skinny pine trees to watch the sun set over St Peter's. This lovely little park atop the Aventine hill has prime views of the city skyline – and points straight towards Michelangelo's famous dome.

Via Condotti

Address: Via dei Condotti

This street – the flashiest in Rome – offers world-class window-shopping. Most designers have branches on Via Condotti (technically Via dei Condotti, though it's never referred to as such) and its cobbled side streets.

Laura Bosetti Tonatto

Address: Via dei Coronari, 57, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 686 4224 Website

Italy's best known 'nose' and parfumier to the great and good including the Queen of England, Laura has created dozens of exclusive perfumes and scents at her laboratory on trendy Via dei Coronari.

Ape Camiceria Artigianale

Address: Via di Pallacorda, 1, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 689 2401 Website

Master tailor Piero Albertelli made elegant clothes for royals and celebrities across the globe. Although he passed away in 2018, his team continues, making made-to-measure shirts, coats and sweaters. There's a ready-to-wear collection, too.

Address: Via dei Coronari, 197, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 6871645 Website

Lisa Corti was born and brought up in Ethiopia, and she pays homage to her upbringing with her bright, highly patterned textiles. You'll find everything from throws and curtains to tablecloths and bed covers; as well as interiors there's also a collection of kaftans and kurtas.

Mondelliani

Address: Via dei Prefetti, 11, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 679 3481 Website

This eyeglass brand has been going strong since 1961, and it shows in the retro designs. You'll find bright colors, the odd leopard print and even octagonal frames – they're design objects in themselves.

Ferdinando Codognotto

Address: Via dei Pianellari, 14, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 335 824 0400 Website

Artists and artisans tend to have been squeezed out of the city center in recent years. Wood sculptor Ferdinando Codognotto is one of those who remains – his extraordinary works of art can be seen around the city, while his workshop is on a cobbled street behind Piazza Navona.

Address: Via dei Chiavari, 39, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 6830 7297 Website

Elisa Nepi handcrafts brightly colored bags, made from vegetable-dyed Tuscan leather (which she personally selects). Try her two-tone satchels, over-shoulder bags and wallets.

La Grotta Dipinta

Address: Via dei Chiavari, 73, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Phone : +39 339 272 5780 Website

Step back in time into this mosaic workshop, where pots of tesserae line the shelves and ancient designs are propped up against the walls. Artisans Tiziana Ferraresi and Francesca Nicosia split the large tesserae over a spiked tree stump – just as the ancient Romans used to do. They teach mosaic classes, too.

Address: Via di S. Pantaleo, 68-69, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 06 6880 2547 Website

'Strategic Business Unit' isn't the most authentically Italian-sounding name, but these slick jeans, button-downs and t-shirts bear all the hallmarks of Bel Paese fashion. The ultra-soft denim comes from Japan, though it's tailored in Italy.

Address: Le Tartarughe Eat & Drink, Piazza Mattei, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Phone: +39 392 413 2158 Website

Rita Salvadori grows 80,000 chili pepper plants on her biodynamic Tuscan farm, including some of the spiciest strains on the planet. They're sold here, at this great little café and deli – try her chilli-laced salt and jam.

Trastevere : On the Vatican side of the Tiber – the Ponte Sisto bridge is the entrance point – Trastevere is one of the center's trendiest neighborhoods, with exceptional restaurants and buzzing bars alongside quiet lanes and cobblestone streets that feel far from a city. This has always been an area of artists and artisans, and there's still a boho feel to the air.

Testaccio : A port of ancient Rome, this Tiber-side district south of the city center used to be best known as the location for the city's slaughterhouse. Today, that slaughterhouse hosts modern art exhibitions, and there's a slew of trendy bars straddling this and Ostiense, the district next door. As a working class area, its restaurants have always been top-notch.

Monti : Hipsters love Monti, the former down-at-heel neighborhood sitting between Termini railway station and the Colosseum. Back in ancient times, this was the Suburra (slums); more recently it was the Red Light district. But in the last couple of decades, its cobblestone streets have been transformed by artisans, bars, and boutique stores, making it Rome's nightlife capital, spiraling off from Piazza della Madonna dei Monti.

Vatican City : This is of course the seat of the Catholic faith, and life revolves around the church here in the Vatican, an independent city stage within Rome. You're here for the museums and St Peter's Basilica of course, but there are other finds, such as the Auditorium Conciliazione concert hall and its chic Chorus Caffe.

Campitelli : If you're here for all things ancient, this is where you'll spend most of your time. Campitelli is home to the most famous parts of ancient Rome, including the Forum, the Palatine, and the Campidoglio; the Colosseum skims its edge.

Campo Marzio : If you're looking to splash some cash, you'll want Campo Marzio. One of the most ancient areas of Rome, it pairs sites such as the Mausoleo di Augusto and the Ara Pacis with the chic shopping streets around Via Condotti and the Spanish Steps, and finishes at Via del Corso, where you'll find the high-street stores.

Fall in Rome is spectacular – so much so that there's a name for the city's warm and sunny October days: ottobrata , where temperatures can hit the 70s in the sun. Winters are mild, although January temperatures can plummet to the 40s, and it can rain. Spring, like fall, is a beautiful time to go, with trees in blossom and temperatures in the 60s. Summer is hot and humid – so much so that most Romans abandon the city for the month of August.

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Full Suitcase Travel Blog

23 TOP Sights & BEST Things to Do in Rome, Italy (+Map, Photos & Info)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: September 28, 2023

23 TOP Sights & BEST Things to Do in Rome, Italy (+Map, Photos & Info)

Looking for the best things to do in Rome, Italy, and wondering what’s worth your time the most? Of course, you have to see the most famous places in Rome, such as the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Vatican, or the Colosseum! But there’s so much more to do in Rome than that, and the choice of what to visit and what to skip can get overwhelming…

So to help you figure out where to go and what to do when in Rome, in this guide we share the  VERY BEST experiences, TOP sights, and MOST POPULAR tourist attractions in Rome that you really shouldn’t miss .

For each place, we also include our experience-based tips and useful info for your visit. In addition, we also created a  map of Rome attractions  that should help you plan your sightseeing itinerary. Find out!

The capital city of Italy, Rome is one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in Europe. It’s a place where you’ll find so much history everywhere you look. I often call Rome a city–museum because it truly feels like it. Every building, every monument, and every stone you come across has an interesting story behind it.

There is SO MUCH to see and do in Rome that any list of ‘the best things to do‘ would never be complete and also quite biased. On the other hand, there are also the most iconic landmarks and the most special experiences in Rome that everyone would agree are the absolute must-do’s in Rome.

So in this article, we share all of the ‘musts’ the main sights and most unique experiences in Rome that you really should try to do in the Eternal City. In addition, we also include some of our personal favorite things to do in Rome based on our various trips and personal experiences in the city.

These are all places and activities that we enjoyed the most, and we are confident that they’ll make your visit to Rome so much more special and more memorable than just ticking off the standard list of the must-sees.

This is our ultimate Rome bucket list, with lots of pictures , to give you a better idea of what exactly there is to see and do in Rome. Take a look!

Rome bucket list - top things to see and do in Roma, Italy

How to use this guide: We start our list of the best places to visit and things to do in Rome with the musts. So the first 16 sights and attractions on our list are really considered a must, and the ones you should focus on if you have little time.

However, it’s those additional experiences listed from #17 on that will make your trip to Rome so much more special. So I highly recommend that you try to include a few of those in your sightseeing itinerary as well.

To help you plan your time, at the bottom of this article, you can find the map indicating all the main places we mention in this guide. Plus, we share some sample Rome itineraries for various trip durations.

But first, here are some of the VERY BEST places to see and things to do in Rome:

1. Colosseum

MUST DO: Visit the Colosseum Underground, Arena Floor & Upper Levels.

The Colosseum is one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome, and an absolute must-see. No matter how much time you have in the city, it should be on every Rome itinerary!

Built as an entertainment arena at around 70 AD, this impressive stone amphitheater still stands today, giving you a unique opportunity to get a glimpse into its 2000-year-old past.

There are several things that you can do at the Colosseum and various levels that you can visit. I recommend going for the full experience – from discovering the secrets of the Colosseum Underground to taking the unique opportunity to stand on the partially restored Arena Floor, to soaking in the most impressive views from the upper levels.

Good to know: The Colosseum is one of the most-visited places in Rome and booking tickets (or a guided tour) in advance is essential! If you go on your own, you can get regular priority tickets (often unavailable) or – a bit more expensive – priority tickets that also include a visit to Arena Floor .

However, the crowds here are overwhelming and it’s not always clear where to go… So we highly recommend that you visit the Colosseum with a local guide! That way, you don’t have to worry about any practicalities and have a much better idea of what you are seeing, how this arena functioned, and what life looked like in Rome during the glory days of the Roman Empire.

There are countless options when it comes to guided tours, but be sure to read carefully what they include.

TIP: We recommend this amazing tour that includes ALL the levels of the Colosseum + a guided visit to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. We visited all these places on a tour and it was a great choice. The priority entrance surely helps but having the guide with us made the visit so much more enjoyable. We didn’t have to stress about where exactly to go, which entrance to take, how to get from one level to another, or what to see at the overwhelmingly huge Roman Forum – Palatine Hill site.

READ ALSO: How to Visit Colosseum (all levels, tickets, and tours explained in detail)

Colosseum - must see in Rome Italy

2. Pantheon

MUST DO: See the oculus of the Pantheon.

The Pantheon , located on the beautiful Piazza della Rotonda , is another place everyone should see in Rome!

Originally built as a temple to all gods, the Pantheon dates from before Christianity. The building as we know it today was built around 125-127 AD on the site of an even older temple. The Pantheon is the world’s oldest building that is still in use today .

While most old temples and ancient landmarks in Rome have suffered from looters and plundering, the Pantheon was saved by the fact that it was converted into a church at the beginning of the 7th century.

Best known for its impressive dome with an oculus in the middle, the Pantheon is also one of the most fascinating buildings in Rome. The construction of this dome by an unknown ancient architect has been an inspiration to Michelangelo’s dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, and – subsequently – all the other domes in the world.

Good to know: The Pantheon is still a working church, but it’s also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome so there’s always a very long queue to get inside. Nowadays, you need an entry ticket to visit the Pantheon. While you can just wait in line and get a ticket on the spot, we highly recommend booking a timed-entry slot in advance or you’ll waste way too much time queuing (often for over an hour in the heat with no shade).

Visiting the Pantheon is one of the absolute must-do things in Rome, so you really cannot skip seeing the interior of this unique building. But booking upfront is definitely the best way to visit. If you rather not worry about tickets and all the practicalities, you can also visit here with a guided tour .

TIP: Almost 2000 years old, the Pantheon is a fascinating place with so much history, so be sure to read a bit about it before you go. Online tickets usually include an audio guide so you can learn more about the Pantheon and everything you see inside.

Best things to do in Rome - Pantheon

3. Trevi Fountain

MUST DO: Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain.

No trip to Rome would be complete without seeing the famous Trevi Fountain . And, as the legend goes, you also have to throw a coin in the fountain, if you ever want to return to the Eternal City. Having thrown quite some coins in here over the years, I have to say that it definitely works – we always go back to Rome. 😉

There are two more reasons to throw a coin in the Trevi fountain – one is to find love in Rome, and the other one – to get married in Rome. Each of these ‘wishes’ requires a separate coin and you can’t throw them all together.

In addition, before you simply toss a coin in the water, you should know that there is a whole instruction on ‘the only right way’ to do it . You should stand with your back towards the fountain and toss the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder. Oh, and try to have someone take a picture of you without too many other people around…

TIP: If you want to see the Trevi Fountain without the crowds, you’ll have to come very early in the morning, probably at around sunrise. For the rest of the day and in the evening, it’s always crowded here.

Good to know: If you have more time and are looking for something a bit more unique to do in Rome, you may want to explore the Trevi district underground . It’s truly fascinating to discover the remains of the old city of Rome that most tourists don’t even realize are right under their feet.

Trevi Fountain is a must see in Rome Italy

4. Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums

MUST DO: Admire the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, visit Raphael Rooms, Vatican gardens, and see Momo Staircase.

Seeing the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican Museums is another ‘must’ that should be at the top of any Rome bucket list! The Sistine Chapel ( Cappella Sistina ) is the papal chapel built at the end of the 15 th century. Originally called ‘Cappella Magna’, it was later renamed after the Pope that built it, Pope Sixtus IV.

It’s here that the papal conclave takes place when the new Pope has to be elected. But don’t look for the famous chimney where the black or the white smoke comes out during the conclave – it’s only installed at that time and is not something you can see when you visit.

The Sistine Chapel is best known for its incredible ceiling painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512. It’s one of the most important works of High Renaissance art and a true masterpiece! But you have to take your time to really appreciate it – all the details and the perspectives.

If you spend some time looking at the frescoes above you, some of the figures almost look three-dimensional. It’s an incredible piece of art and once you see it, it’s easy to understand why it’s considered one of the most important pieces of art of all time.

But there’s more to the Vatican Museums than just this famous chapel! Some of our favorites include the four Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Maps, a stroll through the gardens (some parts are accessible from the museum, while some others can only be seen with an extra tour), and the famous Momo Staircase.

TIP: The Vatican Museums are always busy and the tickets usually sell out days in advance. So it’s essential to book the entrance tickets upfront . However, I highly recommend visiting here with a tour instead of just going on your own. That’s if you want to be sure that you see all the musts; otherwise, just stroll around and you’ll eventually get to the Sistine Chapel by following the signs. Keep in mind that the Vatican Museums are really overwhelming for a first-time visitor.

Our recommendation: Check out this amazing early-morning tour of the Vatican . It gives you unique access to the Sistine Chapel before anyone else arrives! Of course, it includes all the musts of the Vatican too.

Sistine Chapel ceiling is a must see in Rome

5. St. Peter’s Basilica

M UST DO: See Michelangelo’s Pietà, visit Papal Tombs & climb the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. And don’t miss the famous Swiss Guard!

St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest and most important Catholic church in the world. The building is massive and it’s difficult to imagine its scale by seeing it in the pictures or even when standing outside. You really have to see it from the inside to try to comprehend the sheer scale of this church!

Built at the site of St. Peter’s tomb, this is also the place where many Popes are buried. So in addition to seeing the church itself, I also highly recommend visiting the underground crypts .

But one of the most unique experiences in the Vatican is climbing to the top of St. Peter’s Dome . Not only do you have some of the best views in the city (and over the Vatican itself), but you can also walk on the interior gallery at the top of the dome itself. Seeing the church and the people below from here gives you a better idea of how huge the church really is.

On your way out of the church, on your right and just before the post office, you’ll be able to see the famous Swiss Guard in their colorful uniforms, guarding the official entrance gate to the Vatican.

Good to know: St. Peter’s Basilica can be visited free of charge and there are no tickets or reservations, but there is usually a very long queue with an airport-style security check in order to get inside. If you want to climb the Dome, you’ll have to wait in yet another line and get a ticket on the spot. We highly recommend taking the elevator for the first part, because you still have 330 steps to do inside the Dome itself afterwards.

TIP: Some Vatican Museum tours ( like this one ) include a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica and use a separate corridor between the two, which saves you lots of time (not having to queue twice). Or you can also take a separate tour of the Basilica if you have more time and rather visit the two places separately and also take your time to climb the dome.

We did this St. Peter’s tour that included a tour of the church itself, the underground crypts, as well as the Dome climb.

St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican - must visit when in Rome

6. Roman Forum

MUST DO: Walk on Via Sacra and see the (ruins of) some of the oldest buildings in Rome.

If you want to get a better idea of what the city of Rome looked like two 2000 years ago, there’s no better place to be than the Roman Forum ( Forum Romanum ). This is a huge archeological site right next to the Colosseum (and included with the same ticket ).

For centuries, this place was the heart and soul of public life in ancient Rome. As you walk on the main street of ancient Rome, Via Sacra , it’s easy to imagine that this road was the main route where the triumphal parades were held. Here, you can see the ruins of so many buildings dating from the times of the Roman Empire.

This is also the best place in the city to understand what people mean by the ‘dust of centuries’. The entire site lies much deeper than the current street level. Note the famous ‘hanging’ door of The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, with no steps leading to it. This shows how the street level has changed during the centuries.

TIP: While you could spend at least half a day at the Roman Forum alone, it’s best visited together with the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill (mentioned below). All three sites are included with the Colosseum ticket. Many Colosseum tours also come here and I highly recommend visiting the Roman Forum with a local guide . It gives you a much better understanding of all the places and ancient landmarks that you see around you.

We took this tour that included the Colosseum underground and all the other levels, as well as Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, and we were really glad we did. This was not the first time we visited these places, but we learned so much and saw so much more than on the previous individual (unguided) visits. Highly recommended.

There are many other tours that come here as well , so pick one that best suits your itinerary and interests. We really recommend going with a guide.

Best places to visit in Rome - Forum Romanum

7. Palatine Hill

MUST DO: Admire the views from Terraza Belvedere del Palatino, see the old palaces, gardens, and fountains.

Palatine Hill is the most famous of the seven hills of Rome and one of the oldest parts of the city. In ancient times, this was the chicest and most desirable neighborhood of Rome, the place-to-be for the rich and the famous.

Nowadays, Palatine Hill is an open-air museum/ archeological site, where you can see the remains of some grand palaces of the Roman empire. It also offers some of the best views in the city, with the Roman Forum and Colosseum on one side and Circus Maximus on the other side.

There are several viewpoints on Palatine Hill. By far the best view is from the terrace overlooking the Roman Forum and the city center, Terrazza Belvedere del Palatino .

Good to know: An entrance ticket to the Palatine Hill is included with your Colosseum/ Forum Romanum ticket, and a visit here is not to be missed. You could spend hours exploring all the ruins, but in all honesty, going without a tour guide, it will be difficult to understand what you are seeing.

TIP: Just as with the Colosseum and Forum Romanum, we highly recommend that you visit the Palatine with a guided tour . There are so many great tours that include all these places in just a few hours, so you’ll definitely find one that will suit your interests. No matter which one you choose, it will be a hundred times better than trying to make sense of all the ruins on your own.

As already mentioned, we did and recommend this highly-rated tour that includes the Colosseum underground, Arena Floor, and Roman Forum + Palatine Hill. Even though it’s quite rushed, we saw (and learned) so much more in 3 hours than we did on any of our previous visits to Rome without a guide.

Rome city as seen from the Belvedere terrace on the Palatine Hill

8. St. Angel’s Bridge

MUST DO: Admire the angels of St. Angel’s Bridge .

Probably the best-known and definitely the most photographed bridge in the Eternal City, St. Angel’s Bridge ( Ponte Sant’ Angelo ) is another landmark not to be missed in Rome.

The bridge was built in 134 AD by Emperor Hadrianus in order to connect his mausoleum (that is now known as Castelo Sant’ Angelo) to the city. This beautiful bridge and its surroundings have a long history and it’s been improved a lot over the centuries.

If you walk to the Vatican from the historic center of Rome, be sure to walk over St. Angel’s Bridge. It’s so impressive! This pedestrian bridge is lined with the statues of 10 angels (5 on each side) and right in front of you, stands Castello Sant’Angelo. The angels were commissioned by Pope Clement IX and made by the pupils of Bernini (17th century).

Interesting fact: Bernini himself made two angels for this bridge as well, but the Pope found them too beautiful and too valuable to be placed on the bridge. So the originals were replaced by the copies. If you want to see the two original angels, you can admire them at the Sant’ Andrea delle Fratte church in Rome.

This bridge serves as a gateway to the Vatican and is often extremely busy, especially during the opening hours of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. But if you can come here early in the morning before the crowds arrive, it’s absolutely magical!

TIP: If you want to see some nice views of Rome’s cityscapes, visit Castel Sant’Angelo and go to the rooftop. If you are short on time, this museum is not an absolute must in Rome. But if you decide to visit, be sure to get fast-track tickets in advance !

Sant'Angelo Bridge and Castel Sant'Angelo

9. Piazza Navona

MUST DO: See the fountains .

Probably the best-known of all the town squares in Rome, Piazza Navona is the biggest and also the most beautiful one. And no trip to Rome would be complete without at least a quick visit here.

Piazza Navona has a rather unique – very long – shape. This is because it was built on the site of the ancient Roman Stadium of Domitian and follows its form.

In the center of Piazza Navona, stands a big obelisk and the 17th-century Fountain of the Four Rivers ( Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi ). It was designed by Bernini and is one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome. In addition, don’t miss two other impressive fountains – the Fountain of Neptune ( Fontana del Nettuno ) on the northern side of the square and the Moor Fountain ( Fontana del Moro ) on the southern end.

In addition, check out the impressive 17th-century Baroque church of Sant’Agnese in Agone . The church is dedicated to St Agnes, an early Christian martyr, who was executed at the Stadium of Domitian at this location.

Nowadays, Piazza Navona is a bustling meeting place, with lots of cafes and restaurants lining its sides. Just beware that a cup of coffee here costs 2-3 times the price of other cafés nearby, and the quality of the food isn’t amazing. But if you want to sit down and do some people-watching, it’s a beautiful place for that!

TIP: While the early morning is the best time to take pictures of Piazza Navona without the crowds, be sure to come here in the evening as well. It’s such a lively and bustling place and it feels totally different than during the day.

Interesting to know: Piazza Navona was built over the ancient Roman site of the Stadium of Domitian. It is now possible to visit this fascinating archeological site underneath the square. You can find more info and get tickets here .

Piazza Navona - one of the top places to see in Rome

10. Campo de’Fiori market

MUST DO: See the statue of Giordano Bruno and buy some local delicacies at the market.

Campo de’ Fiori is one of the nicest town squares in Rome. As its name suggests, in the past, it was a field of flowers and was only developed in the 15th century. It quickly became a popular gathering and trading place, but also a site for many religiously-tinted executions.

In the center of the square, stands the statue of martyr Giordano Bruno. He was a 16th-century philosopher who was burned alive for his progressive thinking (supporting Copernic’s idea that the Earth is rotating around the sun and not the other way around).

Nowadays, Campo de’ Fiori is the site of a bustling market where you can buy all kinds of local produce, exotic fruit, flowers, etc. While some market stalls are catering mainly to tourists with all kinds of Italian pasta, colorful liquors, etc., the market is also popular with the locals who come here for fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses, and meat.

Good to know: The market is open daily except on Sundays, between 7 AM and 2 PM. In the evening, Campo de Fiori is a popular gathering place, and there are lots of nice restaurants and cafes in this area. But – as it usually is with places to eat in Rome – the restaurants on the square itself are quite expensive and don’t always have the best reputation. So check out the ones a bit further away.  

Campo de Fiori square and market in Rome

11. Piazza Venezia

MUST DO: See the huge, temple-like Altar of the Fatherland monument.

Piazza Venezia is a big and very busy square squeezed in between the city center on one side and the Roman Forum on the other. It’s one of the must-see places in Rome that you’ll inevitably pass on your way to/from the Colosseum.

Piazza Venezia is best known for the colossal monument – Altar of the Fatherland ( Altare della Patria ) – and the equestrian statue of Vittorio Emanuele II . But – just as everywhere in Rome – there’s so much more to see and do here, including ancient ruins, several churches, the nearby Capitoline Hill and Museums, etc.

TIP: If you have some time to spare, you can also  take an elevator to the top of the monument for panoramic views of Rome. It’s well worth it. You can find more info and get tickets here .

Piazza Venezia and the Altar of the Fatherland in Rome

12. Trajan Forum & Via dei Fori Imperiali

MUST DO: Walk Via dei Fori Imperiali.

One of the must-see streets of Rome – Via dei Fori Imperiali  – links Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum. This wide avenue lined with statues of the Roman emperors is like a museum in itself.

On one side, you have the earlier-mentioned Roman Forum, and on the other – the archeological sites of the Forum of Augustus , Trajan Forum , and many other historic places.

You can see a lot from the street and there are some information panels here and there. So you can just walk around a bit and try to imagine what Rome must have looked like more than 2000 years ago. If you have some extra time, you can also visit several museums here. Trajan’s Market, a 2nd-century Roman market, is quite interesting to see. For more info and tickets, see here .

Trajan Forum in Rome

13. Capitoline Hill

MUST DO: See the Capitoline She-wolf, the symbol of Rome.

Capitoline Hill  ( Campidoglio ) sits right next to Piazza Venezia. This beautiful square and the impressive staircase leading to it were designed by Michelangelo. Here, you’ll also find the City Hall of Rome and Capitoline Museums , which house a big collection of Roman, Greek, and Egyptian antiques.

This is also where you can see the statue of the  Capitoline Wolf ( Lupa Capitolina ), the symbol of Rome.

This statue depicts an old legend, according to which a she-wolf saved and cared for Romulus and Remus, the twin brothers who later founded the city of Rome. The original statue can be found inside the museum , but you can also see its replica outside.

TIP: Behind the city hall, you can also find a panoramic terrace with nice views of the Roman Forum. This is one of the best viewpoints of Rome that is really easy to visit.

Capitoline Hill in Rome

14. Spanish Steps & Piazza di Spagna

MUST DO: Explore Piazza di Spagna and walk to the top of the stairs.

Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps is another of the must-see places in Rome.

Built in the early 18th century, these stairs connect Piazza di Spagna in the historic city center to Piazza Trinità dei Monti on top of the hill. It’s an impressive staircase that has been featured in various movies and is also often depicted on many postcards and travel guides. Every spring, the staircase is decorated with beautiful flowers, and it looks even more beautiful!

At the bottom of the stairs, you’ll see the Fountain of the Boat ( Fontana della Barcaccia ), just one of the many of Bernini’s masterpieces in Rome. Piazza di Spagna is also lined with colorful buildings and surrounded by the most luxury boutique shopping area in Rome. Here, you’ll also find some nice cafes and restaurants. If you like cakes or the English tea experience (and don’t mind the high price tag), check out the famous Babington’s tea room at the bottom left of the stairs.

At the top of Spanish Steps stands Trinità dei Monti church . The church is nice, but not an absolute must, but it’s worth going up the stairs just to say that you’ve done it and also for the nice views of the city. For even better views, don’t go back the same way you came, but continue to the left in the direction of Pincio Terrace and Piazza del Popolo (more info below).

Good to know: It is forbidden to sit or eat on the Spanish Steps. It’s a beautiful monument and the city tries to preserve it that way.

Spanish Steps in Rome with flowers in spring

15. Villa Borghese Gardens & Gallery

MUST DO: See the art masterpieces at Villa Borghese Gallery and also be sure to explore the park.

Villa Borghese  is one of the biggest and most beautiful parks in Rome. It’s best known for the Borghese Gallery , a beautiful villa-museum that houses some of the most beautiful artworks by Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael, Canova, and others. Art lovers consider this as one of the best museums to visit in Rome !

While the Gallery only requires an hour or two, the park itself is huge and you could spend an entire day walking around. There are several other museums here, fountains, walkways lined with sculptures and art, flower gardens, playgrounds for kids, and even a zoo. In summer, you can also rent a boat on the small lake, rent bikes, etc.

Good to know:  If you want to visit the Borghese Gallery, you have to book in advance! Also, the tickets are timed, so be sure to arrive on time. You can opt for  a regular entrance ticket , or join this amazing guided tour that covers the museum as well as the beautiful gardens. If you want to see the best of the museum and the gardens in just a few hours, we recommend going with a tour. If you are short on time, just get a ticket and walk through the museum on your own.

Villa Borghese gallery in Rome

16. Piazza del Popolo

MUST DO: See the obelisk and the fountains.

Piazza del Popolo  (literally ‘the People’s Square’) is another large and impressive town square that deserves a quick visit. It’s located at the Aurelian city walls, right at one of the old city gates of Rome, Porta Flaminia .

Piazza del Popolo is a huge square, a place where several big streets meet. One of the streets leads in the direction of the Vatican, the other – towards the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. The famous Via del Corso leads towards Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum, and Via del Babuino – towards Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps.

In the center of Piazza del Popolo, stands an  Egyptian Obelisk  and the  Fountain of the Lions . There are two other fountains – Fontana del Nettuno and Fontana della Dea di Roma – at the western and eastern sides of the square. And it’s also flanked by two impressive churches  Santa Maria dei Miracoli  and  Santa Maria di Montesanto .

TIP: If you want to experience the ‘wow’ effect that Rome’s first-time visitors must have had upon arrival, be sure to enter the square via the city gate.

Piazza del Popolo in Rome

Now that we covered the absolute must-see places in Rome, I really want to add a few more places and experiences to this list. It’s these additional sights and activities that will make your trip to the Eternal City so much more special!

These are worth it just as much as the ‘musts’ listed above!

Here are some more amazing things to do in Rome that we highly recommend :

17. Check out some of Rome’s best viewpoints

The city of seven hills, Rome has quite a few places from where you can admire some panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

We already mentioned the views from St. Peter’s Dome, Palatine Hill, or from the top of the monument at Piazza Venezia . In addition, don’t miss the views from Pincian Hill, Gianicollo Hill, and potentially also from Aventine Hill. We indicated all of these on our map of Rome attractions at the bottom of this post.

Pincian Hill is located between Piazza del Popolo and Villa Borghese gardens. Some of the best views can be found at Terrazza del Pincio and a smaller terrace to the east of it. These are very popular sunset viewpoints in Rome offering stunning views of the city center with St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance.

Belvedere del Gianicolo viewpoint on Gianicollo Hill is located on the other side of the river, and almost on the opposite side from Pinician Hill. It gives a great view of the city center as well.

Orange Garden ( Giardino degli Aranci ) on Aventine Hill is another beautiful place for stunning cityscapes and panoramas.

LEARN MORE: Best Views in Rome (+ photos & a map with exact locations)

Rome city view from Gianicolo Hill

18. Bicycle on the Ancient Appian Way

If you are looking for more unique things to do in Rome, then I can highly recommend a visit to the ancient Appian Way . Walking or driving over a road that’s been there for over 2300 years is such a unique experience. I can’t even try to describe the feeling this place gives you – it’s something you just have to experience.

Built around 312-264 BC, the Appian Way connected Rome to Brindisi in Southern Italy. It was mainly used for military purposes in order to facilitate the expansion of the Roman Empire. Once completed, the road spanned for over 563 km (350 miles).

Since it was forbidden to bury people inside the city in the past, Appian Way is also lined with many mausoleums and ancient family graves. You can still see (parts of) some of them today.

While you can discover the Appian Way on foot, I highly recommend that you come here by bike. The nicest sections near Rome are quite far from the city center, so you’d need to take a bus otherwise. And you can’t walk that far if you need to take the bus back to the city center. Whereas if you come by bike, you can easily explore a much bigger section of the Appian Way and get a much better feeling of what this road was about.

TIP: Appian Way is quite bumpy and coming here with a regular bike won’t be that much fun either. Ideally, you have a sturdy electric mountain bike. We visited the Appian Way on this amazing e-bike tour and it was one of the most memorable experiences in Rome. In addition to driving on the Appian Way, we also explored the Catacombs of St. Calixtus, visited the ancient aqueducts, walked on the city walls, and so much more. Highly recommended!

To me, and also to my teenage son, this was one of the absolute favorites of our recent 4-day trip to Rome . Hands-down, one of the most special things you can do in Rome.

Good to know: There are various tours that include a visit to the Appian Way in their itinerary (by bus, bike, etc.). No matter which tour you choose, it’s well worth it. Going with a guide, you don’t have to worry about getting there (and back), and you can be sure to visit the most impressive parts of this centuries-old road and learn more about its fascinating history.

Ancient Appian Way is one of the most special places to visit in Rome

19. Take a food tour

While there are so many incredible landmarks that you must-see in Rome, as far as ‘things to do’, taking a food tour is definitely one of the VERY BEST things to do in Rome!

There is probably no better way to get to know the real Rome than by taking a food tour with a local guide! In the past, I always thought that you can just ‘organize’ your own food tasting by checking out some local shops, markets, or researching the better restaurants, and that food tours weren’t really worth it… But it’s really not even comparable…

Recently, we did a few food tours in various places, and it has become one of my favorite ways to explore a place. It’s such a great way to get to know the city just a bit better, hear some local anecdotes, learn various new dishes, and visit some cool places that most tourists don’t know about.

Anyway, back to food tours in Rome. There’s such a big variety of food tours that it might be difficult to choose. I’d say just pick one that suits your itinerary best (in terms of starting times, but also the area they visit).

Here are some of our hand-picked recommendations for some of the best food tours in Rome:

  • Street food tour . This is the tour that we did on our recent visit in Rome and it was excellent. It runs twice a day (lunch or dinner), and starts and ends in the heart of the historic city center, making it quite easy to include it in any itinerary. It also includes a visit to the Jewish Ghetto (and a delicious cake there!).
  • Food tour in the city center + Trastevere . This is a nice food tour for those who are looking to try a bigger variety of local dishes and wines. It’s more expensive because it also includes a 3-course dinner.
  • Food tour near the Vatican . This is an excellent dinner tour that takes you to some very local places, far from the areas frequented by tourists. If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, you can’t go wrong with this highly-rated tour.
  • And there are many others, or you can opt for various cooking classes as well.

No matter which tour you choose, I’m sure it will make your visit to the Eternal City so much more special. For us, it was one of the best experiences in Rome, and the only regret we had was that we didn’t think to foresee more time and do several food tours instead of just going for lunch or dinner.

Next time we’re in Rome, we’re going for a different food tour every day!

READ ALSO: Rome Street Food Tour: Review & Tips

Roman pizza on local food tour in Rome

20. Explore the fascinating underground sites

With a rich, centuries-long history, Rome is full of unique underground sites where you can literally take a trip back in time. So no list of the best things to do in Rome would be complete without mentioning some of the best underground experiences in the city.

There are so many interesting underground sites to see in Rome and quite a few of them are open to the public and can be easily visited (albeit, often only with a guide). It can be overwhelming to even know where to start or which ones are worth it the most. So to help you out, we made a small selection of some of the best ones.

Here are a few of our favorite underground places to visit in Rome and how to see them:

  • Colosseum Underground . Easy to visit with a guided tour of the Colosseum. Just be sure that the tour you book actually includes the underground level (standard tickets don’t). Here you can find a selection of tours that visit the Underground . And this is the tour that we did (and highly recommend).
  • Papal Tombs . Right under St. Peter’s Basilica and can be visited free of charge, but do expect a queue. We went with this guided tour of the Basilica that also included the dome climb, and somehow just entered the crypts without having to wait. So I’m not exactly sure if they have some kind of priority. But you can also visit this level and see where many Popes are buried on your own. The actual St. Peter’s tomb is located even deeper and that level is not easy to visit (requires a special Vatican tour).
  • Capuchin Crypts . Located close to Piazza Barberini and quite easy to visit on your own. Many underground tours include a visit here , some in addition to some interesting places that are located much further away from the city center.
  • Domus Aurea – the ‘Golden House’ of Emperor Nero. It’s located close to the Colosseum, and you can join one of the guided tours if you want to visit inside.
  • St. Clement Basilica. Located just a few minutes walk from the Colosseum, this is a truly unique place. Under the 12th-century church, there’s a 4th-century basilica, and yet another level deeper, a 1st-century pagan temple. You can easily visit on your own. Tickets are available online , but you can also just get a ticket on the spot.
  • Catacombs . There are many ancient catacombs in Rome, and they’re all located outside the historic city walls. So you’ll need some kind of transportation for them. The most famous are the Catacombs of St. Callixtus , and entrance tickets include a guided tour (you can only visit with one of their guides). We recommend visiting the catacombs with organized tours – that way, your transport is taken care of, and these tours usually include a few other sites. We visited the catacombs with this wonderful e-bike tour that included the Appian Way, ancient aqueducts, and more.

These are just a few examples of the best underground sites that you can easily see in Rome. Even if you just visit a few of these places, it will make your trip to the Eternal City so much more memorable. Well worth it!

LEARN MORE: Rome Underground (Best Sites + Map & Info)

Bone chapel of the Capuchin Crypt in Rome

21. Get off the beaten path

In addition to all the famous landmarks and popular tourist attractions in Rome, one of the best ways to get to know the real Rome is to get a bit off the beaten path .

We already mentioned the underground sites that are totally worth your time. But there’s more, so much more to see in Rome! So if you have some time to spare, check out some local neighborhoods and lesser-known sights as well!

Discover the colorful streets of Trastevere , try some local restaurants in the Jewish Ghetto , or check out the quirky architecture of Quartiere Coppede . Visit some lesser-known archeological sites, admire the stunning art at one of the many museums, or spend some time at a local market… There’s so much more to see and do in Rome than just visiting its main sights!

This is not only a great way to escape the crowds, but you also get to know the city a bit better and get a better idea of what Rome is truly like. If you are not sure where to start, through the link below, you can check out our guide to some of the nicest lesser-known places that we recommend to see in Rome.

  LEARN MORE: Rome Hidden Gems

Quartiere Coppede in Rome

22. Go (window) shopping at luxury boutiques

Among many other things, Italy is also famous for its fashion. And while Rome isn’t as famous for fashion as Milan , you’ll find all the big names in the fashion industry represented here. So no trip to Rome would be complete without doing some (window) shopping at some of the most famous luxury boutiques !

One of the best areas to go shopping in Rome is the neighborhood around the Spanish Steps – Piazza del Popolo . Here, you’ll find some of the most expensive fashion retailers in the world. In addition, there are also lots of main-street brands too.

One of the best-known luxury shopping streets is Via dei Condotti . Here, you’ll find brands like Gucci, Prada, BVLGARI, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana, and many others. For (much) more affordable fashion, head to Via del Corso . Here you’ll find stores like GAP, Levi’s, Nike, and similar.

And even if you aren’t planning to buy anything, you really can’t say you’ve been to Rome and not walked on Via dei Condotti…

Good to know:  Most stores are open daily from 10-11 AM to 7.30-8 PM.

Via dei Condotti at the Spanish Steps in Rome

23. Have some of the best gelatos in the world

No list of the best things to do in Rome would be complete without mentioning its gelatos . Rome has some of the best ice cream in the world! And even if you are only visiting Rome for a day , you should make some time for at least one or two gelatos.

There are so many really good gelaterias in Rome that it would be difficult to mention even a small part of them. Here are some of the most famous: Giolitti and Della Palma (both very centrally located), and also Venchi (with multiple stores in the city).

TIP: Don’t just assume that every gelateria you come across is just as good, however. There are quite some places (especially close to the main tourist attractions) that sell mediocre ice cream. It’s usually still quite ok, but can’t even compare to the best artisanal ice cream, so make a bit of effort and locate a really good one!

We also indicated these and some other really good gelaterias in Rome on our map of Rome attractions below.

Gelato at gelateria della Palma in Rome

Map of Rome Attractions & Sightseeing Itinerary Suggestions

To help you get a better idea of where all the main Rome attractions are located, we created a  map  indicating all the main points of interest and top sights mentioned in this article.

This should help you plan your time a bit better. Just please keep in mind that you can only visit a few of the main tourist attractions in a day. It’s busy everywhere, distances between some sights are quite big, and even with the skip-the-line tickets, you’ll need several hours for each place (if you visit inside). So plan your time well!

TIP:  If you are not sure where to start, we have some sample sightseeing itineraries that can help you plan your time in Rome:

  • 1 Day in Rome
  • 2 Days in Rome
  • 4 Days in Rome

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

So, this is our guide to the best of Rome. Of course, there’s SO MUCH more to see and do in Rome than we covered here. Much more than you could ever see in one short visit…

But if you want to experience the VERY BEST that Rome has to offer, this list should help you do just that.

We also highly recommend that – in addition to the ‘musts’ – you try to add to your itinerary a few extra places and activities that we included in this guide. Take a food tour, bike the Appian Way, or visit an underground crypt… – it’s these more unique experiences that will make your visit to Rome even more memorable and more special.

For more information and useful tips for your visit, please also see our guide with top travel tips for Rome via the link below. It’s an essential read when planning your trip!

LEARN MORE: Tips for Visiting Rome & Rome Airport Transfers (from Fiumicino or Ciampino)

Where to Stay for Sightseeing in Rome

PRO TIP:  In order to make the most of your visit to Rome, we recommend staying in the heart of the city.  Our favorite area to stay for sightseeing in Rome  is close to the Pantheon – Piazza Navona.

It’s so conveniently located that you’ll be able to visit most of the main sights of Rome on foot. Plus, there are lots of good restaurants here too.

Here are some hotel recommendations in the heart of the historic city center of Rome, for all budgets:

  • €€€€€  Eitch Borromini Palazzo Pamphilj  – a very popular luxury 4* hotel overlooking Piazza Navona.
  • €€€€  9HotelCesari  – a nice, recently renovated 4* hotel with the most beautiful rooftop bar/ restaurant.  This is where we stayed on one of the recent trips. Would go back, even if just for their terrace where we had so many amazing breakfasts and cocktails.
  • €€€  Albergo Abruzzi  – a popular 3* hotel close to the Pantheon.
  • €€  Navona Theatre Hotel  – 3* hotel with a very good price/ quality/ location ratio. One of the bestsellers.
  • €+  Hotel Primavera  – a popular 2* hotel offering good value for the location.

LEARN MORE: Where to Stay in Rome: the BEST Area for Sightseeing

Rooftop terrace of Hotel Cesari in Rome

READ ALSO: Where to Eat in Rome (tips for finding the best food and some restaurant recommendations)

More travel inspiration for your trip to Italy:

  • Where to go: Best places to visit in Italy
  • Cities: Best Italian cities to see
  • How to plan your time: Italy itinerary for 2 weeks
  • Florence: Best things to do in Florence + 1 day in Florence + Florence rooftop bars
  • Siena: Best things to do in Siena + Siena Cathedral
  • Bologna: Best things to do in Bologna
  • Venice: Top sights & attractions in Venice + Tips for Venice gondola + 1 day in Venice + 3 days in Venice
  • Milan: Top sights & attractions in Milan + How to see the best of Milan in 1 day
  • Naples: Best things to do in Naples + 1 day in Naples + Best day trips from Naples
  • Lakes: Best of Lake Garda + Best Towns of Lake Como + Bellagio + Where to stay at Lake Como
  • Mountains: Best places in the Dolomites + Hiking in the Dolomites + Trentino
  • Coastal areas: Amalfi Coast itinerary + Capri Island + Cinque Terre + Italian Riviera + Amalfi Coast Travel Tips
  • More… for more information and inspiration for a big variety of destinations, please check our Italy travel guide .

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Best places to see and things to do in Rome, Italy

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Monday 24th of January 2022

Information on Rome is excellent. No words to say thank you for interesting suggestions, valuable tips and lot more. My salute. Great information

KIRAN OZA BHAVNAGAR INDIA

Thank you for the kind feedback, Kiran. Happy travels!

Travels & Treasures

An Easy Travel Guide to Rome, Italy

V isiting the Eternal City for the first time? Rome is one of the most visited cities in Italy and we created an easy travel guide to Rome so that you know the best things to see and do.

In this post, we’re sharing all we’ve learned from our vacations in Rome to help you plan your getaway. We’ll cover the most popular neighborhoods, the best things to see and do, how to get around in Rome, the best time of the year to visit, how to get to central Rome from FCO Airport, and tips for traveling.

Where is Rome

Rome is located in the region of Lazio, near the and is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in Italy. It has the highest population of all cities in Italy and sits about 1 hour from the western coast.

And when it comes to tourism, it’s no surprise that visitors from around the globe travel to Rome to see its beauty and Renaissance art, experience Roman cuisine and Italian cooking , shop the fashion capital, discover the piazzas and fountains, explore the historical landmarks, or even practice Italian phrases that they’ve learned.

The various neighborhoods are the most widely visited by tourists because they are where most attractions can be found. Traveling through the city is easy on foot, but you should also consider the Rome sightseeing bus or the Rome golf cart tours .

The Best Time of Year to Visit Rome

Rome can be extremely uncomfortable in the summer months (primarily June through September). In April and May, the spring temperatures are nice, the mornings are cool, and by noon you probably won’t need a jacket.

The Best Things to See and Do (by Neighborhood)

Each neighborhood of Rome has museums, churches, gardens, parks, and iconic spots to visit. This list gives a brief description of each district, and helps you understand what to see in each neighborhood. It will come in handy for deciding where to stay in Rome while planning your trip.

You may need to take public transportation to reach a specific neighborhood depending on where you stay. However, once you arrive, the area is completely walkable and getting from one point of interest to another is easy.

Modern Center

This neighborhood is located around Via Veneto and the Spanish Steps, the Modern Center neighborhood combines classic and contemporary influences. It has a mix of upscale boutiques, trendy cafes, and luxurious hotels, making it a hub for shopping, dining, and experiencing the modern side of Rome.

Palazzo del Quirinale

Complesso delle Quattro Fontane

Trevi Fountain

Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica a Pallazo

Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri

Castro Pretorio

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria

Museo e Cripto dei Frati Cappuccini

The heart of Rome’s historic center, the Old Rome neighborhood captivates with its cobblestone streets, charming piazzas, and awe-inspiring landmarks like the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

Scalinta di Trinita dei Monti (Spanish Steps)

Museo dell’Ara Pacis

Campo de’ Fiori

Palazza Farnese

Piazza Navona

Museo di Roma Palazzo Braschi

Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi

Chiesa di Sant’Agnese in Agone

By far this is the most popular neighborhood in Rome for travelers. Trastevere is a bohemian neighborhood located on the west bank of the Tiber River. It is known for it narrow, winding streets, nightlife, and charming piazzas. Trastevere has a lively atmosphere with trendy bars, and traditional trattorias.

Villa Farnesina

Galleria Corsini

Basilica di Santa Maria

Orto Botanico

Home to the iconic Colosseum, the Colosseum neighborhood in Rome immerses visitors in ancient history as they explore the grandeur of the Roman Empire, marvel at ancient ruins, and soak in the architectural splendor of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Roman Forum

Palatine Hill

Bocca della Verita

Circo Massimo

Piazza Venezia

Altare della Patria

Aventino – Tastaccio

Testaccio is a historic working-class neighborhood that has transformed into a culinary hotspot. It offers a vibrant food scene with traditional trattorias, gourmet restaurants, and a bustling food market.

Basilicia di San Giovanni

Terme di Caracalla

Knights of Malta Keyhole

Esquilino – San Giovanni

Located near Termini Station, the Esquilino neighborhood is a melting pot of cultures and flavors. Known for its diverse immigrant communities, Esquilino is a mix of ethnic restaurants, colorful markets, and architectural gems like the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore

Palazzo Massimo alle Terme

Museo Nazionale Romano

Basilica di San Pietro in Vincole

Nomentano combines residential tranquility with commercial areas. This neighborhood is characterized by its leafy parks, elegant villas, and the iconic University La Sapienza. There is a mix of students, locals, and dining. Nomentano has a relaxed and intellectual atmosphere.

Sapienza University

North Center

The North Center neighborhood of Rome, encompassing areas like Villa Borghese and Parioli, presents a more tranquil and residential atmosphere. With its leafy parks, elegant villas, and cultural institutions like the Galleria Borghese, this area provides a peaceful retreat from the city center.

  • Museo e Galleria Borghese
  • Villa Borghese
  • La Galleria Nazionale
  • Museo Nazionale Etrusce di Villa Guilia

Vatican City

Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world and the spiritual center of Catholicism. Home to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, this iconic neighborhood offers a rich blend of religious significance, magnificent art, and awe-inspiring architecture.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Vatican Gardens

Vatican Museums

Castel Sant’Angelo

Southern Rome

The southern part of Rome is less touristy and has an authentic atmosphere that portrays a taste of local Roman life. From food markets and traditional trattorias to vibrant street art and a strong sense of community, Southern Rome provides a glimpse into the city’s everyday charm.

Via Appia Antica

Catacombe di San Sebastiano

Catacombe di San Callisto

Museo Capitoline Centrale Montemartini

How to Get Around Rome

Getting around the cobbled-stoned streets of Rome is not hard. I’ve walked, biked, and bused throughout Rome and loved it! All are great ways to get around and the method you choose depends on how much time you have and your personal preference.

I recommend the  Big Bus Tour  or a Golf Cart Tour in Rome if you are short on time or if you booked your travel in the dead heat of summer (which can be intensely hot).

With these tours, you’ll see all the top Rome attractions with audio commentary in your language of choice. If you choose an open top tour bus, the added benefit is free wi-fi and for 3 extra euros, you can use your ticket for two days (it is worth it).

When it comes to seeing Rome, walking can not be avoided especially when getting to an attraction that require climbing hilly pathways or navigating ancient streets. In my opinion, being on foot is one of the best ways to travel in Rome.

Exploring the narrow streets can lead you to the most marvelous pasta, the creamiest gelato, or the most perfect pasta! I highly recommend visiting the Trastevere neighborhood for  Italian street food . 

Public Transportation

This is the best option for getting to a part of town that is more than 20 minutes on foot, especially if visiting a museum or park. Save your energy and use public transportation for less than 2 euros. You can purchase them at the tobacconist store.

You will need to validate your ticket upon boarding the bus (it’s an honor system). Getting caught with an un-validated ticket can result in a fine. You should also use a really good map of Rome. 

Bike or Vespa

Peddling around the city on your own time feels so liberating. Bike rental is very affordable and is an enjoyable way to experience the outdoors, get some exercise to make up for all the  Italian breakfasts  that you eat, and explore Rome.

You can find rentals for as little as 13 euros for 24 hours, complete with lock, for a standard bike. The price for e-bikes is higher.

Getting around on a two-passenger scooter is loads of fun!  Rent a Vespa to skirt traffic or explore outside the city. They can be rented by the hour or day. This will make your trip to Rome memorable as you travel in true Italian style!

How to Get to Central Rome from FCO Airport

There are several options to get from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport to the center of the city. I found the train to be the quickest and most affordable especially if you’ve had a long day of travel and want to get to Termini station.  

The most economical way to get from the airport to the city center is via a shuttle bus service from the airport. You can travel conveniently between Rome’s city center and the airport and take pleasure in a stress-free arrival or departure from the city.

The ride takes about 50 minutes and departures run from the airport every 30 to 40 minutes so you have time to collect your luggage. Shuttles stop in Terminal 3’s arrivals section. Look for the respective service at the arrival platform.

Terravision offers a shuttle service for less than 8 euros it’s quite popular. The buses are air-conditioned and there is no cost to bring your luggage aboard. It goes directly to Termini station with no extra stops. 

Another option is the public transportation system, which costs about 6 euros. The bus stops multiple times in the city center, including one close to the Vatican and one at Termini Station, throughout the 45- to 1-hour one-way trip.

Buses halt in Terminal 3’s arrivals section, at number 14. You can purchase tickets at the airport desk or online. 

A taxi is quite expensive. It will set you back almost 50 euros and the ride takes just as long as a shuttle service (about 50 minutes). You can find the taxis at the arrival level of Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

The Leonardo Express train is less than 20 euros and runs every 15 minutes during peak periods. It is operated by Trenitalia and the ride takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

If you wait to collect your luggage, and then make your way to the window or kiosk to purchase your ticket, note that many others will be doing the same. Hate long lines? You can purchase tickets in advance and be ready for validation after boarding the train.

I can’t recommend a car rental unless you plan a day trip and need a set of wheels. Rome is completely walkable. Not to mention, even Italians know that finding a parking space can be a hassle.

Tips for Visiting Rome

I adore visiting Italy. And no trip would be complete without seeing some of the most iconic and historic spots in the Eternal City.

Don’t make the mistake (that I made on my first trip) and skip these incredible spots! Fortunately, I was able to see them on return visits!

Whether you are visiting the Vatican for the first time or returning because you tossed a coin into the Trevi fountain, these Rome travel tips will come in handy to make your stay enjoyable.

  • Be prepared! Read these tips on the essentials for an international flight .
  • Think comfort when flying coach , it will help you stay calm and confident.
  • Beware of scammers, pickpockets, and panhandlers. It’s a thing in Europe and it can happen when you least expect it. 

So, what are you waiting for? Book that flight to Rome and thank me later.

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As 2024 travel hits pre-covid levels, here’s when to go to europe.

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The best time to visit Rome might be in March when the weather is pleasant and flights are cheaper

2024 is going to be the year when global tourism rebounds to pre-pandemic levels, making popular tourist destinations overcrowded. There are sweet spots, however—times when you can still visit firm favorites like Rome and Paris with fewer crowds, cheaper airfares and still find some pleasant weather (also avoiding the extreme heat that local summers now bring).

Global tourism figures continued to grow throughout 2023 and according to the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer , tourist numbers finished the year at 88% of pre-pandemic levels, helped in no small part by China's reopening. The UN World Tourism Organization predicts that by the end of 2024, travel will be back to pre-pandemic levels.

This is despite the incertitude brought on by the continued conflict in Europe and the Middle East and an unprecedented number of elections taking place this year in countries where travel contributes immensely to the economy.

It will be welcome news for the global economy, if not for the climate crisis—nothing has even come close to halting the industry's growth as the travel bans did in 2020 when Covid-19 first emerged. Between 1980 and 2019, international arrivals grew from 277 million per year to 1.5 billion, and the impact of SARS in 2003 and the global financial crisis of 2009 were insignificant blips compared to the pandemic.

That means, during a year of predicted travel unpredictability it might be worth rethinking the usual times and places to vacation. That doesn't mean that you need to avoid the old favorites like New York, Rome and Paris—just visit off season, a term that itself is increasingly complicated when people can work remotely as they travel. That doesn't mean visiting in winter, when the skies are at their bleakest either.

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The Washington Post believes the sweet spot for Rome is February to March, just after the busy festive season in December and before things heat up in April. The weather is pleasant and the flight booking site, Skyscanner, reports that this is also the time for the lowest airfare between Italy's capital and the U.S. Incidentally, to avoid the crowds, Thanksgiving is also a solid choice.

Stunning Istanbul had over 20 million international visitors in 2023 so it might be a great time to visit in September, when everyone else leaves (most people traditionally hit Turkey in July and August). The second-best time is March and Skyscanner reports that flights are cheapest in March from the U.S., but not that much more in September.

Hotel rooms and flights between the U.S. and Paris are lowest in February to April and again in September, and for Tokyo , it's a good idea to head some time between April to May. For New York , the best time might be September (but not during Fashion Week).

If you're still planning to travel during the peak summer season regardless, now is the time to book for the best deals . The Washington Post also advocates using Google Flights to see if you're being offered good value—it can say if the cost offered by the airline is higher or lower than seasonal averages.

For the world's most popular spots, like Paris, London and New York, you should be working to a four-to-seven-month booking window—essentially, to find great value deals, shop for flights in the opposite season to the one you're currently in.

Alex Ledsom

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COMMENTS

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    5. Trevi Fountain. Trevi Fountain. One of the city's most popular tourist attractions, this 17th-century masterpiece has been immortalized in films until it is almost a required visit. Throwing a coin (not three) into the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is a tradition that is supposed to assure your return to Rome.

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    On the north side the square is dominated by the Porta del Popolo, which leads to the Via Flaminia, a road connecting Rome with the Adriatic coast. 19. Santa Maria in Trastevere. Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome, with most historians believing it was first built in the 4th century.

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    Phone +39 06 774 0021. Web Visit website. Like the majority of churches in Rome, the Basilica di San Clemente was built on top of a pagan site of worship. It's one of the best places in the city for understanding the complex "layering" of Rome, and of how buildings developed on top of other buildings.

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    Rome is a city full of history and offers countless things to see and do including museums, monuments and parks. Discover the most popular attractions. ... it is a must-see tourist attraction. Piazza di Spagna & the Spanish Steps. As the site of many events and fashion shows, the Spanish Steps is one of the most renowned places in Rome. Piazza ...

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    Get planning now with our ten favorite experiences in Rome. 1. Lose yourself in Ancient Rome (but not all in one day) Any Italian will tell you how downright anarchic Rome is and immediately after, every one of them will say, "but Rome is Rome.". There is simply no place like it in the world, and the only thing to do is abandon yourself to ...

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    From the Colosseum to the catacombs, and sprawling parks to virtual time travel, Rome promises a memorable trip for the whole family. Read article. 5 Shops. Discover architectural jewelry, local design, vintage finds, and tiny treasures in Rome's independent shops and markets. Read article.

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    4) Visit to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast from Rome: the tour includes a guided visit to Pompeii and the beautiful village of Positano, one of the most famous on the Amalfi Coast. 5) Day trip to Florence and Pisa, to discover the 2 most beautiful cities in Tuscany: 3 hours free time in Florence and 1.5 hours in Pisa.

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    Palazzo Massimo. The Palazzo Massimo's building itself was built by Jesuits in the late 19th century and was only turned into a state-owned museum in 1980. It's next to Stazione Termini, Rome's ...

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    5. MAXXI. Museums. Art and design. Even from a distance, it's pretty clear that the Museum of the Arts of the 21st Century (or MAXXI, for short) is a celebration of all things modern. Designed ...

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    Why visit Rome? With its unparalleled history, Rome is the third most visited city in Europe and the fourteenth worldwide.It attracts visitors from all over the world who are impatient to discover the city's impressive monuments and archaeological sites; not to mention its renowned cuisine and its lively atmosphere.. When exploring the Colosseum, visitors will easily imagine how the ...

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    Visit St. Peter's Basilica. St. Peter's Basilica may be a pilgrimage site for Catholics, but even non-believers can appreciate the church's architectural majesty. The original dates back to ...

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    As well as attentiveness on the part of travellers, policies in step with the times that facilitate responsible tourism are also widespread. Rome is an example from which to draw inspiration. 4 minutes. Cultural cities Like. Rome: the irresistible allure of the Eternal City The centre boasts legendary sites such as the Colosseum, the Fori ...

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    Things to Do in Rome. In between bites of pasta and pizza, discover ancient architecture like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain —get a local guide to show you all the hidden gems. Top Things to Do in Rome, Italy: See Tripadvisor's 5,691,675 traveller reviews and photos of Rome tourist attractions.

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    Address: Via dei Gigli d'Oro, 12, 00186 Roma RM, Italy. Phone: +39 06 6880 3579. Book Now. One of the mini hotels that Rome does so well, this former family home now holds six rooms that bring a ...

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    2. Pantheon. MUST DO: See the oculus of the Pantheon. The Pantheon, located on the beautiful Piazza della Rotonda, is another place everyone should see in Rome!. Originally built as a temple to all gods, the Pantheon dates from before Christianity. The building as we know it today was built around 125-127 AD on the site of an even older temple.

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    The best time to visit Rome might be in March when the weather is pleasant and flights are cheaper. getty. 2024 is going to be the year when global tourism rebounds to pre-pandemic levels, making ...