Rome Places to Visit

The Best Attractions in Rome on a Map

To make it easier for you to plan your trip, we’ve created a map with all 22 Rome tourist attractions from this guide. It’s the easiest way to see the best places to visit in Rome at a glance.

Colosseum

You need to know this: The Colosseum is the ultimate must-see in Rome and one of the most famous sights in the world. Built almost 2,000 years ago, it’s still the largest amphitheater on earth. A Colosseum ticket also includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, so you get the full archaeological park in one visit.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! The Colosseum is breathtaking from the inside, and exploring the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill makes the visit even more memorable. Plan at least half a day here — or join a guided tour to see the highlights quickly and get the full story.

Our tip: Book a ticket with an audio guide or, even better, a guided tour. You’ll save time and get explanations in detail. On site, most signs are only in English and Italian.

Book your Colosseum ticket with audio guide
Book your Colosseum ticket with guided tour

Roman Forum

What you need to know: The Roman Forum was once the heart of the city, lined with temples, markets, and government buildings. Today it’s a fascinating set of ruins, but with a guided tour or audio guide you’ll really understand what you’re looking at. The Forum is part of the Colosseum Archaeological Park and lies right next to it.

Is it worth it? Definitely. A stroll through the Forum is one of the best things to do in Rome — and since it’s included in your Colosseum ticket, there’s no reason to skip it.

Our tip: There are information boards around the site, but they’re only in English and Italian. For a better experience, go with a guide or grab an audio guide — it makes the ruins come alive.

Palatine Hill

You need to know this: The Palatine Hill is the third part of the Colosseum Archaeological Park. Legend has it Rome was founded here nearly 3,000 years ago. Later, emperors built their lavish palaces on this hill — some ruins are still remarkably well preserved.

Is it worth it? Yes, the Palatine Hill is one of the best attractions in Rome, especially if you’re into Roman history. Since it’s included in your Colosseum ticket, it’s an easy and worthwhile addition.

Our tip: Just like in the Forum, the signs are only in English and Italian. A guide or audio tour will give you the context you need to really enjoy the site.

Trevi Fountain

Here’s what you need to know: The Trevi Fountain is one of the most iconic Rome tourist attractions and an absolute must on any list of things to see in Rome. You’ll find it tucked into the small Piazza di Trevi in the city center, with a dramatic palace façade and statues rising from a rocky backdrop. Since 2025, only 400 visitors are allowed in the square at the same time, so you might have to wait a bit. After 9 pm, however, access is usually much easier.

Is it worth it? Without question. The Trevi Fountain is one of the best attractions in Rome, especially in the evening when it’s beautifully lit. It’s always crowded, but it’s one of those sights you just can’t miss.

Our tip: Toss a coin over your right shoulder into the fountain — legend says it ensures your return to Rome. Two coins mean you’ll fall in love with a Roman. All coins are collected regularly and donated by the city.

Castel Sant'Angelo

You need to know this: Castel Sant’Angelo started as a mausoleum in ancient Rome and was later transformed into a fortress by the popes. Inside you’ll find everything from prisons to papal apartments, burial chambers, and even a secret corridor leading to Vatican City. The highlight, though, is the rooftop terrace with panoramic views of many of the best places to visit in Rome.

Is it worth it? If you have extra time in Rome, definitely. Otherwise, enjoying the view from the Bridge of Angels in front of the castle is a nice alternative. Entry is free with a Rome City Pass.

Our tip: Stop for a drink at the rooftop café. The view is especially magical at sunset.

Skip-the-line ticket for Castel Sant’Angelo

Calixtus Catacombs

You need to know this: Rome has many catacombs, but the Calixtus Catacombs are the most famous and the most spectacular to visit. These were the first Christian catacombs in Rome, spread over several underground levels reaching up to 20 meters deep — a vast underground cemetery.

Is it worth it? Yes, if you’re spending more than a couple of days in Rome. Since they’re outside the center, they’re best for visitors who have some extra time and want to explore beyond the usual Rome attractions on a map.

Our tip: You can only visit with a guided tour, offered daily in several languages. Tickets are cheapest on the official website, where they cost around 10 euros.

Bocca della Verità

You need to know this: The Bocca della Verità, or Mouth of Truth, is a 2,000-year-old marble relief of a face with an open mouth, carved from a special type of marble that originally came from Turkey. Legend has it that if you put your hand in its mouth and tell a lie, it will be bitten off. Most likely, though, it was used as a manhole cover in ancient Rome.

Is it worth it? It’s a fun stop, especially if you’re visiting Rome with kids. The Mouth of Truth is on the way from the Roman Forum to Trastevere, so it’s easy to fit in — but you don’t need to go out of your way just for this.

Our tip: Visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid long queues.

Monumento Vittorio Emanuele II

You need to know this: The “Typewriter” is Italy’s national monument, dedicated to King Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy. You’ll find it in Piazza Venezia. At 130 meters wide and 80 meters high, it’s impossible to miss. It plays the same symbolic role as the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin does for Germany.

Is it worth it? Yes, and you’ll pass it anyway, since Piazza Venezia is one of Rome’s busiest intersections, close to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

Our tip: Take the glass elevator up to the terrace for sweeping views of Rome. Entry to the monument itself is free, the elevator costs 12 euros. Tickets can’t be reserved, so come early to avoid the line.

Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel

You need to know this: The Vatican Museums are among the world’s greatest museums, home to priceless works collected by the popes. The highlight is the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s legendary ceiling fresco — one of the best attractions in Rome and in the world.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. But be prepared: with around 1,300 rooms, it’s a huge complex. You don’t need to see everything, but plan at least three to four hours here.

Our tip: Book your tickets online as early as possible, ideally for a weekday morning. The Vatican Museums are one of the most visited places in Rome, so they’re always busy.

Tickets for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Spanish Steps

You need to know this: The Spanish Steps are one of the most famous Rome tourist attractions. The 136 steps link Piazza di Spagna with the church of Santa Trinità dei Monti. From the top you’ll get a lovely view over Rome and Via Condotti, the city’s most exclusive shopping street. The steps are named after the Spanish Embassy, which sits at the bottom of the square.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. The Spanish Steps are one of the best attractions in Rome. Just note that sitting on the steps is forbidden, but walking up and down is no problem.

Our tip: The steps are almost always crowded. For photos with fewer people, come early in the morning or late at night.

Pantheon

Here’s what you need to know: The Pantheon was originally a Roman temple before being converted into a church in the early Middle Ages. Its huge dome was the largest in the world for 1,700 years. At the center is a 9-meter-wide opening that lets sunlight pour into the interior. Thanks to clever drainage, rain never collects inside.

Is it worth it? Definitely. The Pantheon is one of the top things to see in Rome. Entry is just 5 euros.

Our tip: If you want more background, there’s a ticket that includes an audio guide.

Pantheon ticket with audio guide

St. Peter's Basilica

You need to know this: St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the best attractions in Rome and the heart of the Catholic Church. Inside you’ll see Michelangelo’s famous Pietà and Bernini’s massive bronze canopy. You can also climb to the top of the dome, but you’ll need a ticket for that.

St. Peter’s Basilica dome ticket with audio guide

Is it worth it? Yes — both inside and out, the basilica is breathtaking. The line may look long, but it usually moves quickly as it’s just a security check.

Our tip: Dress modestly: no bare shoulders or short skirts. With a guided tour, you can skip the line and also access the dome.

Guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica with dome climb

St. Peter's Square

You need to know this: St. Peter’s Square stretches out in front of the basilica and is a must-see in Rome. The vast square is framed by Bernini’s twin colonnades, which also mark the border between Vatican City and Italy.

Is it worth it? Yes. St. Peter’s Square is the grand entrance to the Vatican and one of the most impressive things to do in Rome.

Our tip: The Pope holds his general audience here every Wednesday morning. If you don’t plan to attend, visit another day as large sections of the square will be closed off.

Piazza Navona

You need to know this: Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful squares in Rome and a favorite stop on any list of what to see in Rome. It’s famous for its three grand fountains, especially Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, which represents the great rivers known in the 17th century: the Danube, Nile, Ganges, and Río de la Plata.

Is it worth it? Yes. With cafés, street performers, and artists, it’s a lively spot to stroll, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Our tip: In the evening, Piazza Navona turns into a buzzing meeting place and is one of the most atmospheric things to do in Rome at night.

Piazza del Popolo

You need to know this: Piazza del Popolo (meaning “People’s Square”) is one of the best-known squares in Rome. In the middle stands the second-largest and second-oldest obelisk outside Egypt. The square’s real landmark, however, is the pair of twin churches: Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli.

Is it worth it? If you follow Via del Corso from Piazza Venezia to the very end, you’ll arrive right at Piazza del Popolo. It’s a great spot to stop for an aperitivo in one of the cafés or restaurants around the square.

Our tip: The Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum is located right on the square. We’ve already been to it in Florence and can highly recommend it—especially with kids!

Capitol Square

You need to know this: Capitol Square (Piazza del Campidoglio) is one of the most beautiful squares in Rome, designed by Michelangelo himself. It’s home to Rome’s City Hall and the Capitoline Museums—some of the most important museums in Rome, with collections going back to antiquity.

Is it worth it? Even though the square isn’t very high, it offers fantastic views of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. It’s one of the best places to take photos of Rome’s old town.

Our tip: Be here at noon and you’ll hear the daily cannon shot from the Gianicolo Hill—it’s a quirky local tradition.

Book your ticket for the Capitoline Museums with multimedia experience

Via del Corso

What you need to know: Via del Corso is Rome’s main shopping street. From designer boutiques to international brands, you’ll find it all here. At the same time, the street connects several of the best attractions in Rome.

Is it worth it? Walking along Via del Corso is one of the easiest things to do in Rome, since you pass so many highlights on the way: the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Venezia with its national monument. The Colosseum is just a 10-minute walk from here too.

Our tip: Shops along Via del Corso are open seven days a week—perfect if you want to squeeze in some shopping on a Sunday.

Trastevere Nightlife District

You need to know this: Trastevere is on the far side of the Tiber and is one of the best places to visit in Rome at night. The area is packed with trattorias, wine bars, boutiques and clubs where life goes on until late.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. During the day, Trastevere is just as charming: cobbled alleys, ivy-clad façades, small workshops and colorful laundry lines—it feels like stepping back in time.

Our tip: Dedicate at least one evening to Trastevere. Sip an Aperol Spritz, try authentic Roman dishes, or join a local food tour to discover hidden gems.

Book a culinary tour through Trastevere

Villa Borghese Park

You need to know this: Villa Borghese is not just a villa, but one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Rome. You’ll find manicured gardens, fountains, a boating lake, a zoo, cafés and even a racecourse. Right next to it is the Terrazza del Pincio, one of the best viewpoints in Rome.

Is it worth it? Yes, especially if you’re traveling with kids. The park is a great way to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy some fresh air.

Our tip: Don’t miss the Galleria Borghese museum inside the park. Since entry numbers are limited, you’ll need to book tickets online well in advance.

Tickets for the Galleria Borghese

Orange Garden

You need to know this: The Orange Garden, officially called Parco Savello, is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Rome. It’s filled with evergreen orange trees that even bear fruit in winter (though they’re too bitter to eat). The garden sits on the Aventine Hill, just south of Trastevere.

Is it worth it? Yes, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing break in between sightseeing.

Our tip: Come at sunset for the best view of Rome, then head down to Trastevere for aperitivo.

The Campo de' Fiori market

What you need to know: The Campo de’ Fiori market takes place daily in the square of the same name. Despite its name (“flower field”), it’s not a flower market—it’s just a nod to the meadow that once stood here in ancient times. Today, you’ll find fresh produce, spices, Roman specialties, cheeses, leather goods, jewelry and clothing.

Is it worth it? If you love local markets, this is one of the best attractions in Rome to check out. Its central location makes it easy to fit into your sightseeing route.

Our tip: Always haggle! Vendors often start with higher prices for tourists, but bargaining usually gets you a much better deal.

Flea market Mercato di Porta Portese

What you need to know: The market takes place every Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm in the Monteverde district, spread out along Via Portuense, Via Ippolito Nievo, and Via Clivio Portuense. You’ll find just about everything here: antiques, books, vintage decorations, jewelry, clothes, car parts, furniture—simply everything.

Is it worth it? The market is famous across Italy, yet surprisingly few tourists visit. That makes it one of our true Rome insider tips if you’re looking for authentic local experiences beyond the classic things to see in Rome.

Our tip: Haggling is a must here! Sellers expect it, and if you don’t bargain, you’ll almost certainly pay too much.

General Tips to Visit Rome

Finally, here are some general travel tips for Rome to make planning your trip easier.

Where to Stay in Rome?

Rome is large, but most of the main attractions are in the historic center. To save time on buses and metro rides, it’s best to stay somewhere central so you can reach the best places to visit in Rome on foot.

Here are our three favorite hotel tips for Rome in great locations. All three are highly rated and perfect for exploring the city by walking:

Palazzo Lupardi: Right in the heart of Rome, just steps from the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Castel Sant’Angelo. Rooms feature wooden beam ceilings and terracotta floors—truly Italian style.
Doria Palace: Ideally located between Termini station and the Colosseum. Cozy modern rooms and breakfast with a view on the roof terrace.
Hotel Isa: A 4-star hotel with excellent value for money, located between the historic center and the Vatican.

Individual Tickets or a Citypass?

Rome has several city passes, each promising convenience and savings. In our Rome City Pass comparison, we checked them carefully and found that in most cases they don’t really pay off.

Instead, we recommend buying your tickets individually. We’ve put together a full guide here: How to buy Rome tickets. It shows you how to get the cheapest tickets for the best attractions in Rome and what to keep in mind when booking.

Getting around Rome

Many Rome tourist attractions are within walking distance if you stay central, so you don’t necessarily need a 72-hour metro pass.

Still, if you want to get around faster, Rome has two metro lines: A and B. Line C is still under construction.
Line A takes you to the Vatican and Spanish Steps, while line B serves the Colosseum. Both lines intersect at Termini Station. For areas like Trastevere, you’ll need to hop on a bus—or simply walk.

Metro stations are marked with a red “M.” To access the platform, you’ll need a valid ticket. Tickets are sold online, in tobacco shops, and at vending machines in the stations. A single ticket costs 1.50 euros, is valid for 100 minutes, and can also be used on buses. Kids under 10 travel free.

Visit Rome with the hop-on hop-off bus

The hop-on hop-off bus is an easy way to reach all the main things to see in Rome with a 24-hour ticket (or longer).

There are several providers, but our top pick is the Big Bus Rome.

We’ve also written a detailed comparison of the different providers:

How many days do you need in Rome?

Even a whole week isn’t enough to see everything, but on a weekend trip you can cover the most important things to do in Rome. If you have more time, even better—you definitely won’t get bored.

Our tip: Combine your Rome city break with a beach holiday. There are several lovely seaside towns near Rome, perfect for mixing culture with relaxation. Around 10 days is ideal to enjoy both sightseeing and the sea.

Read also: The most beautiful beaches near Rome

What to see in Rome in one weekend

If you only have a weekend, focus on the absolute highlights. Here’s what we recommend:

• Colosseum
• Roman Forum
• Trevi Fountain
• St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica
• Pantheon
• Sip a cappuccino on Piazza Navona
• Climb the Spanish Steps

If it’s your first visit, we recommend taking a guided city tour of Rome and booking a hotel in the historic center so you’re close to all the best attractions in Rome.

Check out our detailed guide for the best areas to stay in Rome.

Do you have more tips for places to visit in Rome?

These were our 22 recommendations for the must-see Rome tourist attractions. Have you been to the Eternal City? Do you have any insider tips for sightseeing in Rome? Share them in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!