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For centuries, Rome, Italy, has been a city of great importance. Once the center of the ancient Roman empire, today it’s one of the most popular cities in the world for tourists, with millions arriving annually to explore the history, art, and famous landmarks in Rome. The city is so packed with great things to see and do that it’s impossible to visit them all in one trip to the Eternal City. Here are some of my favorite places to explore in Rome!
Note: There are so many great places to see in Rome that it can be easiest to see them by tour. Check out these options for Rome golf cart tours and Rome hop-on, hop-off buses!
The Best Things To See in Rome
The Colosseum
If there’s one Rome landmark that’s the most iconic, it would have to be the Colosseum.
This monument of Ancient Rome is the largest such amphitheater ever constructed. It held between 50,000 and 80,000 attendees for events such as gladiator contests, battle reenactments, dramas, animal hunts, and executions.
There are several different Colosseum tours available. Some visit only the upper floors, while some will allow you to see the underground areas where gladiators once prepared to fight.
Book your hotel in Rome now!One of my favorite things to do in Rome is take the nighttime tour of the Colosseum. These tours let you see this highlight of ancient Roman architecture in a new light with fewer crowds.
There are two ways to book Colosseum tours.
You can book through the official website, though tickets can be challenging to get, and the website can be finicky.
Alternatively, you can book through tour sites such as GetYourGuide. I recommend first checking the official site to see if that will work for you, but if there is no availability on the day you want to visit, book via a provider on GetYourGuide instead.
Note: If you purchase third-party tickets far in advance, some tour providers might not yet have the tickets and are hoping to get them before the tour date. As always, check the reviews to see what others are saying and stick with the providers with the most (and best) reviews.
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
First things first. However much time you think you’ll need to properly explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, one of the most important places to visit in Rome, plan on spending more time there.
We spent almost an entire day at the Roman Forums, but it still didn’t seem like it was enough.
There are so many buildings, monuments, and ruins to see, and the area is so expansive that we still had to skip some parts. That said, not everyone is as obsessed with history as I am, so for many people taking a guided tour of the Forum for a couple of hours will be sufficient.
The Roman Forum was the center of life in Ancient Rome. Today, there are dozens of notable sites to explore and learn about ancient Rome architecture, history, and life, including museum spaces.
Highlights of the Roman Forum include the Temple of Saturn, the Antoninus and Faustina Temple, the Septimus Severus Arch, the Basilica of Maxentius, the Temple of Venus and Rome, the House of Augustus, Domus Flavia, and Stadio Palatino.
There are various tickets available for the Roman Forum, including guided tours.
Many tickets also include the Colosseum, but you may want to consider if you can thoroughly do both in one day. Tickets are available through the official website. If no tickets are available for the days you want to visit, consider using a third-party ticket provider who can also offer tours.
Mercati di Traiano Museo dei Fori Imperiali
The Imperial Forums are a series of forums located near the Roman Forum.
Trajan’s Market, considered the world’s oldest shopping mall, is also part of this complex of ruins.
In 2007, the Museum of the Imperial Fora (official website) opened inside Trajan’s Market. The museum showcases the wealth of history, art, and architecture of these ancient Roman buildings.
Forum of Augustus
The Forum of Augustus is on the opposite side Via dei Fori Imperiali from the much larger Roman Forum complex.
However, it’s accessed as part of the same ticket. There are tunnels underneath the road that connect the two.
Not nearly as many visitors to the Roman Forum go to the Forum of Augustus, so we found it to be a nice place to get a bit more peace and quiet while also getting closer views of Trajan’s Forum and the other Imperial Forums. Much of it can be viewed from the road, should you not have the time to visit.
Trajan’s Column
Trajan’s Column stands proudly above central Rome and Trajan’s Forum.
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The column dates back to 113 AD. The spiral bas relief on the column commemorates Trajan’s victory in the Dacian Wars.
Monument to Victor Emmanuel II
The Monument to Victor Emmanuel II (official website) is one of the most prominent landmarks in Rome.
Dedicated to Italy’s first king, the building stands tall above the Roman Forum and Piazza Venezia. It contains statues, fountains, and museums.
For spectacular city views, visitors can take an elevator to a panoramic terrace on the roof.
Capitoline Museums
Capitoline Hill is one of the Seven Hills of Rome. Thanks to its location, it was an important location of temples and other buildings in Ancient Rome. The top of the hill was redesigned by Michaelangelo, with several buildings surrounding Piazza del Campidoglio.
Today, these buildings house the Capitoline Museums. The museums are an excellent way to explore the history and art of ancient Rome, as well as the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
I especially enjoy their statue collection.
Teatro di Marcello
From the outside, Teatro Di Marcello looks like a smaller version of the Colosseum.
The Teatro Di Marcello was first proposed by Julius Caesar, and then completed by Augustus. The open-air theater was the largest in ancient Rome. It was used as a theater for hundreds of years before eventually becoming a palace. Summer concerts maintain a connection to the theater’s historic use.
I recommend walking from the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II and the Capitoline Museums past Teatro Di Marcello to see the building’s exterior and other nearby temple ruins. This pedestrian path then leads to the Portico of Octavia and the Jewish Quarter.
Portico of Octavia
The Portico of Octavia is a beautiful set of Roman ruins located right between the Teatro Di Marcello and the Jewish Quarter (where I highly recommend stopping for some of the best food in Rome).
This center of the Roman Ghetto featured various local gathering places over the years, including temples, a library, and markets.
Largo di Torre Argentina
The ruins known as Largo Di Torre Argentina are famous for two things.
Historically, this was the place where Julius Caesar was killed. The area was home to a square with temples, Pompey’s Theater, markets, and meeting places.
In modern times, these ruins have become the home to a colony of cats. You can see them exploring the grounds, plus there’s also a cat sanctuary (official website) at the bottom of the stairs along one side.
It’s one place where you can see how the modern city continues around historic sites, making it one of my favorite places in Rome.
Trevi Fountain
While the Colosseum is likely the most famous landmark of Rome, the Trevi Fountain is also high on that list.
Every year, millions of visitors to Rome flock to the fountain, designed by architect Nicola Salvi and constructed between 1732 and 1762. Legend says that if you toss a coin in the fountain, you will someday return to Rome. At the very least, this money has a positive impact: it’s collected for charity.
Of course, this popularity has led to overcrowding. The best time to see the Trevi Fountain is as early or as late as possible in the day. In recent years, the city government has implemented crowd control measures, including limiting access through the central staircase to just 400 people at one time.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of my favorite buildings in Rome. Constructed in the 2nd century, this impressive Roman temple has stood strong as one of the best-preserved buildings of Ancient Rome.
Even if you didn’t know how old the Pantheon is, it would still be an architectural wonder. Gaze up at the open oculus and see blue skies and clouds above. It’s still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.
In addition to being filled with beautiful architecture and art, the Pantheon is the resting place of the artist Raphael and King Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy.
Tickets are required. Book ahead through their official website to avoid queues.
Piazza Navona
There are several grand pedestrian plazas in Rome that serve as popular gathering places.
Piazza Navona in Centro Storico is one of the busiest. Its open space and fountains are surrounded by bars, restaurants, and shops.
Vatican City – St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums, & The Sistine Chapel
One of the most popular places to see in Rome technically isn’t even in Rome. The Vatican City is a sovereign country that is home to the Catholic Church.
Every year, millions of visitors to Rome head to the Vatican City for religious services and to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.
The museum & Sistine Chapel require a ticket, which can be purchased through the official website.
If tickets are unavailable for the day you wish to visit, consider booking one of these Vatican City skip-the-line tickets or tours.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo (official website) is one of the most iconic sights in Rome, thanks to its prominent design and location along the Tiber River.
Initially built in the 2nd century as Emperor Hadrian’s tomb, it later became a papal residence, fortress, and prison. Today, it is now a museum.
The castle is surrounded by Parco della Mole Adriana.
Book Castel Sant’Angelo tickets here
St. Angelo Bridge
The impressive St. Angelo Bridge is a spectacular way to get to (and see) Castel Sant’Angelo.
The ancient bridge, first built by Emperor Hadrian in 134 AD, connects Centro Storico to Prati and the Vatican. It’s lined with marble statues.
Tiber River
The Tiber River is the lifeblood of Rome.
While the river can be seen from Rome’s bridges and elevated roads along the embankments that protect the city from floods, I enjoy it the most from the walking and cycling paths at the water’s edge.
Here, you can get a quiet break from the hustle and bustle of Rome, along with some shade on a hot day.
There are also boat tours available that showcase many of the best places to see in Rome.
Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is Rome’s most impressive park. I love walking through it on a nice day.
Highlights of the park include Passeggiata del Pincio, Piazza di Siena, the Temple of Aesculapius, Fountain of the Seahorses, Bioparco di Roma, Museo Civico di Zoologia, Museo Carlo Bilotti, Museo Pietro Canonica, and Galleria Borghese (see below).
Piazza del Popolo
Piazza Del Popolo is a massive plaza just inside of the northern ancient wall of Rome.
The center of the plaza features a massive Egyptian obelisk surrounded by fountains.
Throughout Roman history, Piazza Del Popolo was the first place most visitors from the north saw upon arrival. I recommend having a similar journey by taking the Metro to Flaminio station and then walking south through Porta Del Popolo.
You can then follow the pedestrian shopping street of Via Del Corso, eventually turning left to head to another famous Rome landmark, the Spanish Steps.
Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are one of the most iconic places to see in Rome.
The staircase, which connects Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinità dei Monti, has been featured in many movies and TV shows set in Rome, including “Roman Holiday,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” “Fast X,” and more.
Quirinal Palace
Quirinal Palace sits atop Quirinal Hill, the highest of the Seven Hills of Rome.
This hill has been a home to rich Romans for centuries. Today, it is the official residence of the President of Italy.
Visiting the massive palace is possible, but tours must be booked in advance through the official website.
Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore
Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore (official website) is one of four major papal basilicas. Despite being in Italy, it’s actually owned by the Vatican. It’s one of the most impressive things to see in Rome.
The original church was built in the 5th century. Subsequent expansions and reconstructions resulted in a beautiful church filled with spectacular art and frescoes.
Most recently, it became the final resting place of Pope Francis.
Admission is free.
Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli
The Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli is a beautiful church, but most visitors come for one particular work of art.
The basilica is home to Michaelangelo’s impressive Moses, which is part of the Tomb of Pope Julius II.
Domus Aurea
Domus Aurea is one of my favorite places to visit in Rome.
Built by Emperor Nero, this vast underground space across the road from the Colosseum was once a landscaped villa complex covered in frescoes and mosaics. Few remain today, but the space inspired Renaissance artists such as Raphael and Michaelangelo when it was first rediscovered.
Visiting Domus Aurea is best done through a guided tour. It also contains a virtual reality portion so you can see what the area would have originally been like.
The surrounding park also contains other Roman ruins, including the Baths of Trajan.
Tickets through the official website can be challenging to get (if the site works), so booking third-party tickets through a reliable tour site such as GetYourGuide may be easier, especially if you need to visit on a particular day and/or are booking last minute.
Basilica of San Clemente
Just past the Colosseum and Domus Aurea is another one of my favorite notable places in Rome.
The Basilica of San Clemente (official website) is more than just one church.
Underneath the newer, art-filled 12th-century building is an entirely different ancient Roman world.
A self-guided archeological tour winds through underground passages containing a 4th-century church and 1st-century buildings and temples.
Circus Maximus
Circus Maximus was the largest stadium in ancient Rome.
For centuries, Circus Maximus held chariot races and other special events for crowds of up to 150,000 people. The space is still used for events and as a park today, but some archeological remnants can be seen.
Baths of Caracalla
The Roman Forum is a spectacular area of ancient Roman buildings that shouldn’t be missed. However, if you’re unable to get tickets or you don’t want to deal with massive crowds, the Baths of Caracalla are a great way to see massive Roman ruins in a much quieter environment.
The Baths of Caracalla are located south of the Forum, Colosseum, and Circus Maximus, north of the Appian Way.
This massive complex was the second-largest bath in Ancient Rome, after the Baths of Diocletian. The Baths of Caracalla are an important example of ancient Roman architecture that has inspired architects to this day. It also was a filming location for “John Wick: Chapter 2.”
Today, they’re a fantastic place to see some of the best-restored buildings of Ancient Rome without having to battle too many large groups of people.
Ancient Rome City Walls (Aurelian Walls)
Unlike some old cities that destroyed their walls entirely, there are still several great places to see the ancient Roman city walls.
In particular, much of the southern sections remain.
Porta San Sebastiano is my favorite spot to visit, as it is well-preserved and contains a museum.
You can also walk inside the wall and climb to the gate’s roof.
Other notable areas include Porta Latina, Porta Metrona, Porta San Giovanni, and Porta Pinciana.
Park of the Appian Way
If you want to see ancient Roman architecture but you’re tired of the crowds at other places to visit in ancient Rome, head to the Park of the Appian Way.
This massive archaeological park extends miles southeast of other prominent Rome landmarks such as the Colosseum and Baths of Caracalla. The Appian Way Regional Park is the 2nd-largest park in Europe.
The Appian Way was one of the main roads of Rome. Today, the Appian Way is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring dozens of monuments, ruins, catacombs, and other notable landmarks of ancient Roman history.
Given how expansive the Appian Way is, I recommend booking an e-bike or golf cart tour to see as much as possible.
Ancient Catacombs of Rome
There are dozens of ancient catacombs scattered around Rome. These burial places of centuries of Roman residents are filled with extensive tunnel networks, art, and burial remnants.
Several catacombs are located along the Appian Way, while others are in other suburban areas.
A few catacombs are open to the public (San Sebastiano, San Callisto, Priscilla, Domitilla, and Sant’Agnese). Booking a tour is generally recommended, as some sites require reservations. The tours also include transportation to get you from place to place.
Book a Rome catacombs tour here
Museo e Cripta dei Cappuccini
While Rome’s catacombs might get more attention, the Museo E Cripta Dei Cappuccini (official website) is not to be missed.
This museum and former monastery includes an audio guide detailing the history of the place, including the beautifully arranged bones of the Capuchin monks who lived (and died) there.
The Capuchin Crypt is a popular stop on Rome tours that also include catacombs and/or other macabre sights.
Book a Capuchin crypt and catacombs tour here
Villa Doria Pamphilj
The premier park in western Rome is Villa Doria Pamphilj (official website). The Pamphilj family once privately owned the park’s massive grounds in Monteverde, but today, the land is owned by the City of Rome.
Highlights include landscaped gardens, the old villa trails, bird watching, and concerts.
Galleria Borghese
Galleria Borghese is an impressive museum located in Rome’s spacious Villa Borghese.
The former villa has a variety of art from the 15th to 18th centuries. Artists featured include Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael, Rubens, and more.
The Hall IV of the Emperors is not to be missed, as every inch of it is covered in some notable decoration, from the floors to the ceilings.
Note: Galleria Borghese requires advance ticket bookings, with only a limited amount available for walk-up sales. I have also found their website to be run by a hamster on a spinning wheel, rarely loading.
Instead, you can book advance tickets, skip-the-line tickets, and guided tours here.
Doria Pamphilj Gallery
Not to be confused with Villa Doria Pamphilj, Galleria Doria Pamphilj (official website) is a beautiful palace in central Rome. In addition to being an art museum, the private residence also hosts opera concerts.
The museum’s collection focuses primarily on artists from the 17th and 18th centuries, including works from Velazquez, Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, and Pieter Bruegel the Elder.
Book a Doria Pamphilj Gallery tour or opera concert here
Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica
Rome’s National Gallery of Ancient Art (official website) has two locations, Palazzo Barberini and Galleria Corsini. There is one ticket for both museums, valid for 20 days.
Palazzo Barberini is a Baroque palace, while Galleria Corsini in Trastevere is a late Baroque palace. Many famous artists are exhibited at the two museums, including Caravaggio, El Greco, Raphael, Tintoretto, and more.
National Roman Museum
The National Roman Museum consists of several locations inside various historic Rome buildings.
These landmarks include Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Palazzo Altemps, Crypta Balbi, and the Baths of Diocletian. The Baths of Diocletian were the largest baths in Rome.
Each exhibits ancient Roman archeological findings, architecture, and art. Admission to the permanent exhibitions is free.
National Etruscan Museum
The National Etruscan Museum (official website) is located in the Villa Giulia, near Villa Borghese.
The museum, which houses a variety of objects from the Etruscan civilization, is the largest such museum.
National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art
While many art museums in Rome understandably focus on the country’s rich history from the Ancient Romans through the Renaissance and beyond, some excellent museums also focus on more modern art.
The National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art (official website) is the best place in Rome to see art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Located just outside Villa Borghese, the museum’s vast collection includes over 1,000 artworks. While the focus on Italian artists is strong, there are also works from international artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, Rodin, Jackson Pollock, and more.
MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Art
MAXXI, the National Museum of 21st Century Art (official website), showcases the newest stars of the Italian art world and beyond in a striking building designed by Zaha Hadid.
MACRO Museum (Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome)
The Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome (official website), known as MACRO, has a variety of modern works. The main collection is located in the former Peroni brewery.
Ara Pacis Museum
The Ara Pacis Museum (official website) is dedicated to showcasing a Roman altar that dates back to 9 BC.
Somewhat controversially, the altar is now inside a museum building designed by architect Richard Meier.
Museum Leonardo Da Vinci Experience
Leonardo Da Vinci remains a popular figure in Italian culture, with museums and other facilities nationwide named for the legendary inventor and artist.
In Rome, the Museum Leonardo Da Vinci Experience (official website) near the Vatican is dedicated to showing his inventions and reproductions of his art.
Book tickets to the Museum Leonardo Da Vinci Experience
Stadio Olimpico
Rome hosted the Summer Olympics in 1960. Stadio Olimpico was the centerpiece of those Games.
Today, Stadio Olimpico is the home ground of Rome’s premier football clubs, AS Roma and Lazio.
The stadium, which also hosts other major events, is open for public tours.
If you love food and you’re visiting Rome, why not take a food tour? Check out these excellent food tour options. There are even classes where you can learn how to make pasta, pizza, tiramisu, gelato, and more!
Here are some great Rome tours.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out these Rome hotels.
