Rome is incredible – it’s a living museum brimming with art, culture, and history collected over many centuries. One minute you’re soaking up the sights of one the greatest civilizations, then turn the corner and you bask in the city’s Baroque glory.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Rome’s main attractions are sure to captivate your heart.
We’ve spent many a day wandering the Eternal City and here’s our list of the 20 top sights in Rome that you simply cannot miss.
Colosseum
Why Visit the Colosseum
No trip to Rome is complete without marveling at the mighty Colosseum. An iconic symbol of the city, the Colosseum once hosted gladiator battles and public spectacles. There’s something about this magnificent arena that sparks your imagination and sends you back in time.
Colosseum Visitor Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds
- Tickets: Must book in advance. All tickets include the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill – more info and booking site
- Tours: Opt for a guided tour that let’s you walk onto the arena – just like a gladiator. We highly recommend this one
About the Colosseum
This ancient amphitheater once hosted gladiator battles and has stood the test of time as a testament to ancient Roman engineering prowess. Commissioned by Emperor Vaspasian and constructed over 8 years, the Colosseum was completed in 80 A.D. when the third story was added. Imagine the roar of the crowd and the thrill of gladiators and beasts entering the arena as you explore this iconic landmark.
📌 Want a personalized itinerary for your trip to Rome? Book a call with one of our travel experts today and make the most of your Roman adventure!
2. Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Why Visit the Vatican Museums
Home to one of the world’s most impressive art collections, culminating in Michelangelo’s masterpiece on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, the museums are an art-lover’s dream.
Visitor Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning (before main opening time) or late afternoon / evening to avoid peak crowds
- Tickets: Must book tickets in advance – ticketing info
- Tours: The galleries are not well marked. A guided tour can provide deeper insights into the artworks and history – recommended tours
About the Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums comprise over 1,400 rooms bursting with treasures amassed over many centuries. Art lovers can easily spend a full day exploring the collections and barely scratch the surface.
Wander through halls filled with masterpieces before ending your visit in the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes will leave you in awe.
We love the Egyptian collection – a treasure trove of antique pieces collected during the Roman Empire.
3. St. Peter’s Basilica
Why Visit St Peter’s Basilica
A Renaissance-era church renowned for its architecture and spiritual significance, the basilica is the home of the Roman Catholic church.
Visitor Tips
- Entry: Free, but security lines can be long. Arrive early
- Climb the Dome: For panoramic views of Rome and up close perspective on another of Michelangelo’s masterpieces. Ticket required for this experience
- Dress Code: Ensure shoulders and knees are covered as expected courtesy of entering all churches in Italy
About St Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica was built over the site believed to be the burial place of Saint Peter, one of Jesus’s apostles and the first pope. The current structure, completed in the 17th century, brought together architectural giants like Bramante, Michelangelo, and Bernini to create one of the most important churches in Christendom.
4. The Pantheon
Why Visit the Pantheon
Visitor Tips
- Entry: Timed entry ticket required – more information
- Best Time to Visit: Morning before the crowds arrive
- Nearby: Spot Bernini’s elephant in nearby Piazza della Minerva
About the Pantheon
Simply one of the most astonishing structures on Earth – the Pantheon has stood for almost 2,000 years. Step inside the best-preserved ancient Roman building, and gaze up at its magnificent dome. This former temple, now a church, is a masterpiece of ancient architecture with a stunning oculus that opens to the sky.
5. Piazza Navona
Why Visit Piazza Navona
Rome’s iconic lively square featuring Baroque architecture and the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers. Piazza Navona is one of our favorite places for taking photos and people watching.
Visitor Tips
- Activities: Head underground to visit the ancient archaeological site
- Best Views: From the top floor of the Museo di Roma or Terrazza Borromini
About Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona was built on the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, where Romans once gathered for athletic competitions. Its long, oval shape follows the outline of the original arena, later transformed into a Baroque showpiece in the 17th century with fountains, palaces, and churches.
6. Trevi Fountain
Why Visit the Trevi Fountain
A stunning Baroque fountain where tradition says tossing a coin ensures your return to Rome. It’s the ultimate selfie spot for Rome
Visitor Tips
- Best Time: Very early morning – before 7am – or late evening to avoid crowds.
- Photography: Nighttime offers beautiful lighting for photos
- Tradition: Use your right hand to toss a coin over your left shoulder
About the Trevi Fountain
Designed by Nicola Salvi, blending Baroque drama with classical mythology to celebrate Rome’s ancient aqueducts, the fountain was completed in 1762. It marks the end point of the Aqua Virgo, a Roman aqueduct built in 19 BCE that still supplies water to the fountain today. Good to know – all the money collected in the fountain is distributed to charities supporting homeless people in the city.
TIP: Avoid the crowds and enjoy the Trevi Fountain and other Rome attractions after dark.
7. Spanish Steps
Why Visit the Spanish Steps
This grand staircase connecting Piazza di Spagna and its beautiful fountain with the Trinità dei Monti church is one of the classic sights of Rome. It’s a stunning spot for photos and a popular for relaxation and people-watching.
Visitor Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Day and night it’s a buzzing central spot in Rome
- Nearby: Explore the upscale shopping streets like Via dei Condotti
- Good to know: Sitting on the steps is prohibited to preserve the monuments
About the Spanish Steps
Built in the 18th century, the famous Spanish Steps are made up of 12 ramps and 135 travertine steps. Funded by a French diplomat but named for the nearby Spanish Embassy, the staircase became a fashionable meeting point for artists, writers, and travelers.
📌 Want a personalized itinerary for your trip to Rome? Book a call with one of our travel experts today and make the most of your Roman adventure!
8. Piazza Venezia and Altare della Patria
Why Visit Piazza Venezia and the Altare della Patria
You can’t miss this huge monument dedicated to the first king of untied Italy Vittorio Emmanuele II offering wonderful views of the Roman Forum and beyond.
Visitor Tips
- Break: Grab a coffee or spritz at the caffe overlooking the Roman Forum at the rear of the structure.
- Museum: Houses the Museum of the Risorgimento (unification of Italy)
- Views: Take the elevator to the top for panoramic city views
About Piazza Venezia
At the heart of Rome, Piazza Venezia is where several historic roads intersect. The imposing Vittoriano monument, known locally as the “wedding cake” dominates the square and offers a panoramic terrace with breathtaking views of the city. Take the elevator to the top of the monument for the most spectacular vistas in Rome.
9. Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Why Visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
The former beating heart of the Roman Republic and Empire and site of many important historic events
Visitor Tips
- Combined Ticket: Access both sites with Colosseum entry – more information
- Best Time: Morning to avoid heat and crowds.
- Tours: Guided tours provide context to the ruins which are a living archaeological site – this one is great
About the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Once the beating heart of Rome, this area is now a sprawling archaeological site. Explore the ruins of the Roman Forum, once the center of political and social life in ancient Rome. Here you are walking in the footsteps of great leaders like Julius Caesar, Augustus and Hadrian. Continue your exploration up to Palatine Hill, where legend says Romulus founded the city. The views over Rome are simply unforgettable.
10. Mouth of Truth
Why Visit the Bocca della Verita
Known as the “Mouth of Truth,” this ancient marble mask is said to bite the hand of liars. It’s one of Rome’s most playful photo ops, with a backstory that blends legend and Roman history.
Visitor Tips
- Location: Outside the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, near the Tiber River
- Photo Tip: You’ll only have a few seconds so have your camera ready!
- Bonus: Step inside the church to see its beautiful medieval interiors and ancient crypt
About the Bocca della Verità
Visit the Bocca della Verità, or Mouth of Truth, and see if you can tell the truth while placing your hand inside its mouth. This ancient marble mask is located in the portico of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church and is steeped in legend.
📌 Want a personalized itinerary for your trip to Rome? Book a call with one of our travel experts today and make the most of your Roman adventure!
11. Villa Borghese
Why Visit Villa Borghese
This large public park houses the brilliant Borghese Gallery and features beautifully landscaped gardens.
Visitor Tips
- Borghese Gallery: Requires advance booking and features works by Bernini and Caravaggio – ticketing information
- Activities: Rent bikes or enjoy a leisurely walk around the park
- Views: Pincian Hill offers a scenic overlook of Piazza del Popolo
About Villa Borghese
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at Villa Borghese, Rome’s third-largest public park. Rent a bike or take a leisurely walk through its lush gardens, and don’t miss the stunning views from the Pincio Terrace. If you’re traveling with children, the gardens offer the perfect break from sightseeing – don’t miss the playground and caffe.
12. Galleria Borghese
Why Visit the Galleria Borghese
This stunning collection of Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces is beautifully curated, and home to unforgettable works by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Canova. Whilst the Vatican Museums are often consider the main attraction in Rome for art lovers, Galleria Borghese is smaller and more manageable but also magnificent.
Visitor Tips
- Reservations Required: Book timed-entry tickets in advance. Walk-ins are not allowed – ticket information
- Highlights: Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne, Caravaggio’s Boy with a Basket of Fruit, and Canova’s Pauline Bonaparte.
- Visit Duration: Allow around 2 hours to explore the gallery comfortably.
- Don’t Miss: The ceiling frescoes and sculpture-filled central salon are worth a slow look.
About Galleria Borghese
Commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the early 1600s, the Galleria Borghese was originally designed to showcase his personal collection of antiquities, sculptures, and contemporary art. The villa itself was built as a showpiece of wealth and culture, blending architecture, gardens, and curated art into one of Rome’s earliest private museums.
13. Piazza del Popolo
Why Visit Piazza del Popolo
This grand, symmetrical square welcomes travelers entering Rome from the north, Framed by twin churches, fountains, and an ancient Egyptian obelisk at its center, it’s a grand entrance worthy of the city.
Visitor Tips
- Photo Spot: Climb up to the Pincian Terrace (Terrazza del Pincio) above the square for sweeping views, especially at sunset.
- Nearby: You’re just steps from the entrance to Villa Borghese and close to Via del Corso for shopping.
- History Note: The name means “People’s Square,” but it may also refer to poplar trees (pioppi) that once grew nearby.
About Piazza del Popolo
Redesigned in the 16th and 17th centuries Piazza del Popolo is a grand entrance to Rome for travelers arriving via the Via Flaminia, the ancient Roman road from the north. Its centerpiece, the Flaminian Obelisk, was brought from Egypt by Emperor Augustus in 10 BCE to celebrate the conquest of Egypt and originally stood in the Circus Maximus.
14. Castel Sant’Angelo
Why Visit the Castel Sant’Angelo
Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, this imposing structure was later used as a fortress and castle.
Visitor Tips
- What to See: Inside there is a museum with historical artifacts – more information
- Views: Offers panoramic vistas of the city and the Tiber River
- Bridge: Ponte Sant’Angelo, one of Rome’s most beautiful bridges, leads to the castle, and is adorned with angel statues
About the Castel Sant’Angelo
Originally built in the 2nd century AD as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family. Over the centuries Castel Sant’Angelo was transformed into a fortress, papal residence, and prison, playing a key defensive role in protecting the Vatican through a secret passageway called the Passetto di Borgo.
📌 Want a personalized itinerary for your trip to Rome? Book a call with one of our travel experts today and make the most of your Roman adventure!
15. Baths of Caracalla
Why Visit the Baths of Caracalla
These vast ruins offer a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Roman leisure. Once able to accommodate over 1,500 bathers, they remain some of the best-preserved examples of imperial Roman bath complexes.
Visitor Tips
- Entry: Tickets are available online or at the entrance – more information
- Best Time: Go early or late to avoid the midday sun as shade is limited.
- What to See: Don’t miss the towering brick walls, mosaic floors, and remnants of heating systems.
About the Baths of Caracalla
Built between 212 and 216 AD under Emperor Caracalla, the baths were once among the largest and most luxurious in Rome. The complex included hot and cold baths, gyms, libraries, and lush gardens and served as both a social hub and symbol of Roman engineering and opulence.
16. Domus Aurea
Why Visit the Domus Aurea
The “Golden House” of Emperor Nero is one of Rome’s most fascinating underground archaeological sites. Hidden beneath a public park near the Colosseum, it reveals the extravagant tastes of a controversial emperor and offers a rare glimpse into ancient imperial interiors.
Visitor Tips
- Guided Tours Only: Visits are only possible on small-group guided tours on weekends and you must book in advance – more information
- What to Expect: You’ll explore dimly lit tunnels, frescoed rooms, and virtual reconstructions with VR headsets. It’s one of the best historic experiences in the city
About the Domus Aurea
The Domus Aurea was built by Nero after the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, stretching across 100 acres with palaces, gardens, and artificial lakes. After Nero’s death, later emperors buried the complex, erasing it from view until rediscovered during the Renaissance.
DISCOVER: The Best tours in Rome – Guided experiences for every traveler.
17. Via Appia
Why Visit the Via Appia Antica
One of the oldest roads in Rome, the Appian Way offers a peaceful escape from the city with ancient ruins, aqueducts, and catacombs lining the cobbled path. Walking or biking here feels like stepping into a living Roman history book.
Visitor Tips
- Best Day to Visit: Sundays, when the road is closed to cars and easier to explore on foot or by bike.
- How to Get There: Bus or taxi to the visitor center at the start of the route (Cecilia Metella is a popular landmark).
- What to See: Catacombs of San Sebastiano and San Callisto, Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, and stretches of original Roman paving stones.
About the Via Appia Antica
The Via Appia Antica was built in 312 BC to connect Rome to the southern regions of Italy, playing a vital role in military and trade movements. Known as the “Queen of Roads,” it was also a popular route for burials, which is why so many tombs and catacombs line the way.
Rent an ebike and make your way across the huge cobblestones and imagine what it would have been like to see marching legions pass by.
📌 Want a personalized itinerary for your trip to Rome? Book a call with one of our travel experts today and make the most of your Roman adventure!
18. Capuchin Crypt
Why Visit the Crypt
An unforgettable and contemplative experience, the Capuchin Crypt at the church of. Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini is a series of chapels beneath a modest church, where the bones of approximately 4,000 Capuchin friars are arranged into intricate patterns and symbolic displays.
Visitor Tips
- Location: Via Vittorio Veneto 27, near Piazza Barberini.
- Tickets: Entry includes access to the museum – ticket information
- What to Expect: Six chapels, each with unique bone arrangements—chandeliers, arches, and even full skeletons in Capuchin robes
About Rome’s Capuchin Crypt
Built in the 1630s under the direction of Cardinal Antonio Barberini, the crypt was intended as a memento mori or a reminder of the fleeting nature of life. The soil was brought from Jerusalem, and the bones were transferred from the order’s previous monastery. A plaque inside reads: “What you are now, we once were; what we are now, you shall be.”
19. Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere
Why Visit Santa Maria in Trastevere
One of the oldest churches in Rome, Santa Maria in Trastevere is beloved for its golden mosaics, peaceful interior, and deep connection to the local neighborhood. We love the ancient graffiti and recycled stones in the portico.
Visitor Tips
- Location: In the heart of Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere – perfect for a rest stop while exploring the area
- What to See: The 12th-century mosaics by Pietro Cavallini, the stunning apse, and the ancient columns (some reused from Roman temples)
About Santa Maria in Trastevere
The foundations of the basilica date back to the 3rd century, making it one of the first places where Christians could openly worship in Rome. Rebuilt in the 12th century, it has been a spiritual anchor for the Trastevere community ever since.
20. Ara Pacis
Why Visit the Ara Pacis
Also known as the Altar of Peace, the Ara Pacis is a beautifully preserved marble monument that honors Emperor Augustus and the peace he brought to the Roman Empire. Housed in a modern glass pavilion near the Tiber, it’s a striking blend of ancient symbolism and contemporary design.
Visitor Tips
- Location: Along the Lungotevere, just off Piazza del Popolo.
- Tickets: Entry is ticketed and includes access to rotating exhibitions in the museum – more information
- What to See: Intricate reliefs depicting Roman religious rituals, family processions, and mythological scenes.
About the Ara Pacis
Commissioned in 13 BC to celebrate Augustus’s return from campaigns in Spain and Gaul, the Ara Pacis was completed in 9 BC as a symbol of stability and prosperity. It was buried by floods for centuries before being excavated and reconstructed in the 20th century.
The airy air-conditioned space is a welcome respite on hot or rainy days in Rome.
<h2″>Main Attractions in Rome continued…
Rome is a city where every corner holds a story, and each street is steeped in history. From ancient ruins to vibrant piazzas, there’s something for every travel enthusiast. If you want explore deep into the Eternal City, check out our guide to Rome’s hidden gems for inspiration.
Ready to explore Rome’s main attractions and uncover the city’s secrets? Pack your bags and immerse yourself in the magic of the Eternal City.
📌 Want a personalized itinerary for your trip to Rome? Book a call with one of our travel experts today and make the most of your Roman adventure!
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