Rome Attractions: Don’t Miss These 22 Highlights

The most important attractions in Rome on one map

To help you find your way around more easily, we’ve put together a map featuring all 22 of the Rome highlights from our article. You can also download the map and view it offline.

Monuments

Colosseum

What you need to know: The Colosseum is Rome’s most famous must-see and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. It’s around 2,000 years old and remains the largest amphitheater ever built. When you buy a Colosseum ticket, you get access to the entire Archaeological Park — including the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. The Colosseum is seriously impressive, and you should explore the inside as well as the full archaeological park. Just make sure you set aside at least half a day — or book a guided tour to make the most of your time.

Our tip: Book a ticket with an audio guide or join a guided tour. You’ll cover the whole area efficiently and get all the context you need. Note that the information boards on-site are only in English and Italian.

Colosseum ticket with audio guide

Colosseum ticket with guided tour

Roman Forum

What you need to know: The Roman Forum was the heart of ancient Rome — home to administrative buildings, temples, market halls, and triumphal arches, much like the downtown core of a modern city. They’re all ruins now, of course, but with an audio guide or on a guided tour, you get a vivid sense of what life was like here. The Roman Forum is included in the Colosseum Archaeological Park and sits right next to it.

Is it worth it? Yes! Strolling through the Roman Forum is a total must if you have a Colosseum ticket — and especially if you’re into ancient history. It’s included in the ticket price, and there’s no standalone ticket for the Forum alone.

Our tip: There are plenty of information boards on the grounds, but they’re only in English and Italian. For a richer experience — actually understanding what you’re looking at — we really recommend a guided tour or audio guide.

Palatine Hill

What you need to know: Palatine Hill is the third part of the Colosseum Archaeological Park. This is where the first Roman houses were built nearly 3,000 years ago, and it later became the residential district of the Roman emperors — you can still see some of their villas, many of which are surprisingly well-preserved.

Is it worth it? Definitely. Palatine Hill is just as much of a Rome highlight as the Roman Forum. If you have any interest in Roman history, don’t skip it. Like the Forum, it’s included in your Colosseum ticket — there’s no separate entry.

Our tip: Just like at the Forum, the information boards here are only in English and Italian. An audio guide or tour guide will bring the ruins to life in a way the signs simply can’t.

Trevi Fountain

What you need to know: The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world and an absolute must-see in Rome. It stands in the small Piazza di Trevi right in the city center — a massive palace facade with statues of water spirits rising from a white rock landscape. Starting in 2025, only a maximum of 400 people will be allowed in the square at any one time, so if it’s crowded, you may have to wait a bit. After 9 PM, though, you can usually walk right through.

Is it worth it? We think the Trevi Fountain is one of the most impressive places to visit in Rome — especially in the evening when it’s all lit up. Yes, it’s always packed. But you simply have to see it.

Our tip: Toss a coin over your right shoulder into the fountain — legend has it this brings good luck. Two coins and you’ll fall in love with a Roman. The coins are regularly collected by the city and donated to charity.

Castel Sant'Angelo

What you need to know: In ancient Rome, Castel Sant’Angelo started life as a mausoleum before the popes converted it into a castle during the Middle Ages. There’s a lot to explore inside: a prison, the papal apartments, burial chambers, and treasure chambers — even a secret passageway to Vatican City. But the real highlight is the rooftop terrace, which offers a fantastic panorama over Rome’s major sights.

Is it worth it? If you have a bit of extra time, yes — totally worth it. If you’re short on time, the view from the Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge is a decent alternative. Worth knowing: entry is free with a Rome City Pass.

Our tip: There’s a restaurant on the rooftop terrace with sweeping views. The late afternoon, as the sun sets, is hands down the best time to visit.

Skip-the-line ticket for Castel Sant’Angelo

Catacombs of Callixtus

What you need to know: Rome, just like Naples, has many catacombs. The most impressive are the Catacombs of Callixtus — the first Christian catacombs in Rome. They span several underground levels and reach up to 20 meters deep, making them a truly vast underground cemetery.

Is it worth it? The Catacombs of Callixtus are located just outside the city center, so they’re really only worth adding to your itinerary if you’re spending more than just a couple of days in Rome.

Our tip: You can only visit the catacombs on a guided tour, which run throughout the day. It’s worth buying tickets on the official website, where they cost just 10 euros.

Bocca della Verità

What you need to know: The Bocca della Verità, or Mouth of Truth, is a 2,000-year-old marble slab featuring a face with an open mouth. It’s made from a type of marble found only in Turkey. According to legend, anyone who puts their hand in the mouth and tells a lie will have it bitten off. Nobody really knows the true meaning of the relief — the most likely theory is that it served as a manhole cover in ancient Rome.

Is it worth it? The Mouth of Truth makes for a fun stop, especially if you’re visiting Rome with kids. It sits on the route between the Roman Forum and Trastevere, so it’s easy to include — just don’t make a special trip for it.

Our tip: Visit early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the lines. Midday can get seriously crowded here.

Monumento Vittorio Emanuele II

What you need to know: The “Typewriter” is Italy’s national monument — dedicated to the former King of Italy — and sits in Piazza Venezia. At over 130 meters wide and 80 meters tall, you really can’t miss it.

Is it worth it? The National Monument is definitely worth seeing. And honestly, you’ll probably walk past it anyway — Piazza Venezia is a major hub right near the Colosseum.

Our tip: The real highlight here is the observation deck, reached by a glass elevator. Entry to the building is free, but the elevator costs 12 euros. Tickets can’t be reserved in advance, so try to arrive early before the line builds up.

Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel

What you need to know: The Vatican Museums are among the largest and most significant museums in the world. Here you can explore art collections assembled by the popes over centuries — true treasures of human history. The undisputed highlight is the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s world-famous ceiling fresco.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. That said, a visit is a real time commitment — there are around 1,300 rooms. You don’t need to see them all, but plan on spending three to four hours here at minimum.

Our tip: Buy your tickets online and book the earliest available slot on a weekday morning. The Vatican Museums are one of Rome’s top attractions and get seriously busy.

Skip-the-line tickets for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Spanish Steps

What you need to know: The Spanish Steps are one of Rome’s most iconic spots. With over 136 steps, the staircase connects Piazza di Spagna with the church of Santa Trinità dei Monti. From the top, you get a great view over Rome and straight down the super-chic Via Condotti — Rome’s designer shopping street. The name comes from the Spanish Embassy, which sits directly at the foot of the steps.

Is it worth it? The Spanish Steps are a must-see in Rome. Note that sitting on the steps is prohibited — but you can walk up and down freely.

Our tip: The steps are almost always packed with tourists. If you want a photo with fewer people in the frame, come early in the morning or late at night.

Pantheon

What you need to know: The Pantheon was once a Roman temple before being converted into a church in the early Middle Ages. For 1,700 years, its massive dome was the largest in the world. It features a nine-meter-wide circular opening at the center through which sunlight streams into the hall — and thanks to a sophisticated drainage system, not a single drop of rain ever falls inside.

Is it worth it? Yes, definitely. The Pantheon is one of Rome’s top highlights. Admission costs 5 euros.

Our tip: If you want more context about what you’re seeing, there’s a ticket option that includes an audio guide — well worth it.

Pantheon ticket with audio guide

St. Peter's Basilica

What you need to know: St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest churches in the world and the center of the Catholic faith. Inside, you’ll find Michelangelo’s famous sculpture La Pietà and Bernini’s monumental bronze canopy. You can also climb up to the dome, but only with a ticket.

Tickets for St. Peter’s Basilica with dome access
Is it worth it? St. Peter’s Basilica is genuinely impressive both inside and out, and the wait is absolutely worth it. The line can be long, but it moves quickly — there’s only one security checkpoint.

Our tip: Make sure you’re dressed appropriately — no strapless or crop tops. Skirts are fine, but they need to cover the knees. If you book a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, you’ll skip the line entirely. The tour also includes the dome climb.

Guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica

Squares

St. Peter's Square

What you need to know: St. Peter’s Square lies directly in front of St. Peter’s Basilica and is a must-see in Rome. The enormous square is framed by two sweeping colonnades that mark the border between Vatican City and Italy.

Is it worth it? St. Peter’s Square is the first thing you see of Vatican City — and yes, it’s absolutely worth it. The sheer scale of the place is genuinely awe-inspiring.

Our tip: Every Wednesday morning, the Pope’s General Audience takes place in St. Peter’s Square. If that’s not on your agenda, consider visiting on a different day — large sections of the square get cordoned off.

Piazza Navona

What you need to know: Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most famous squares, known above all for its three large fountains. The most spectacular is the Fountain of the Four Rivers, whose statues represent the major rivers of the continents known in the 17th century: the Danube, the Nile, the Ganges, and the Río de la Plata.

Is it worth a visit? Absolutely. There are great cafés and restaurants, street performers and musicians — it’s simply a wonderful place to wander.

Our tip: Piazza Navona is also one of Rome’s liveliest evening spots. It’s a great place to ease into the nightlife after dinner.

Piazza del Popolo

What you need to know: Piazza del Popolo — “People’s Square” — is another of Rome’s most celebrated open spaces. At its center stands the second-largest and second-oldest obelisk outside of Egypt. But its real hallmarks are the twin churches of Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli.

Is it worth it? If you walk all the way down Via del Corso from Piazza Venezia, you’ll end up right here. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants for an aperitivo — a great way to wrap up the afternoon.

Our tip: Right on Piazza del Popolo you’ll find the Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum. We visited it in Florence and loved it — especially with kids!

Capitoline Hill

What you need to know: The Capitoline Hill (Piazza del Campidoglio) is a truly beautiful vantage point. This square, designed by Michelangelo, is home to Rome City Hall and the Capitoline Museums — among the most important museums in Rome, with art collections stretching back to antiquity.

Is it worth it? Even though the Capitoline Hill is only slightly elevated, it sits right in the heart of the historic center and offers a fantastic view of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. It’s the perfect spot for photos of Rome’s ancient core.

Our tip: If you’re at the square at noon, you can see — and hear — the Gianicolo cannon fire from here. It goes off every day on the dot from Gianicolo Hill.

Tickets for the Capitoline Museums with multimedia experience

Streets and neighborhoods

Via del Corso

What you need to know: Via del Corso is Rome’s ultimate shopping street — everything from chic fashion designers to major chains. It also connects many of the city’s key points of interest.

Is it worth it? When you stroll down Via del Corso, you’re killing several birds with one stone. Side streets branch off to the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain, and the street ends at Piazza Venezia, home to Italy’s National Monument. The Colosseum is just a ten-minute walk from there.

Our tip: All the shops along Via del Corso are open Monday through Sunday — so you can squeeze in a relaxed shopping trip even on a Sunday.

The Trastevere nightlife district

What you need to know: Trastevere is located on the other side of the Tiber and is Rome’s nightlife district. The neighborhood is packed with restaurants, bars, boutiques, and clubs that stay lively well into the night.

Is it worth it? Trastevere is also a great place for a daytime stroll. The narrow alleys, ivy-covered walls, small artist studios, and colorful laundry lines are simply charming.

Our tip: Make sure you plan an evening here — an Aperol Spritz and some Italian food in Trastevere is a Rome experience you won’t forget. There are even dedicated street food tours where a local guide takes you to the neighborhood’s best spots.

Book a culinary street food tour of Trastevere

Parks and viewpoints

Villa Borghese Park

What you need to know: Villa Borghese is actually not a building — it’s a beautiful, expansive park right in the center of Rome. You’ll find Italian gardens with fountains, a lake for pedal boating, a zoo, various cafés, and even a horse racing track. Right next to the park is a great viewpoint called Terrazza del Pincio.

Is it worth it? Especially if you’re traveling with children, the park is a welcome change of pace — a real breath of fresh air after a day of sightseeing.

Our tip: The Galleria Borghese art museum is also on the grounds. Visitor numbers are strictly limited, so you must book tickets online in advance — and the earlier, the better.

Tickets for the Galleria Borghese

Orange Garden

What you need to know: The Orange Garden is officially called Parco San Savello, and it offers one of the most beautiful panoramas in all of Rome. The park is filled with evergreen orange trees that bear fruit even in winter — though you can’t eat them, as they’re very bitter. Entry is free and open to everyone. The park sits on the Aventine Hill, just south of the Trastevere neighborhood.

Is it worth it? The park is perfect for winding down a summer day in Rome. The view alone makes it worth the short detour.

Our tip: The vista at sunset is absolutely stunning. It’s the ideal spot before heading down to Trastevere for an aperitivo!

Markets

The Campo de' Fiori Market

What you need to know: The Campo de’ Fiori market runs seven days a week in the square of the same name. Translated, the name means “flower meadow” — which leads many visitors to expect a flower market, but the name simply comes from the fact that a flower meadow once stood here in ancient times. You’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables, spices, Roman sausages and cheeses, as well as leather goods, jewelry, and clothing.

Is it worth it? If you enjoy markets, Campo de’ Fiori is absolutely worth a stop. It’s also very centrally located, so it’s easy to weave into your sightseeing day.

Our tip: Haggle! Vendors often quote higher prices to tourists. If you negotiate, you can save a decent amount.

Mercato di Porta Portese Flea Market

What you need to know: The market runs every Sunday from 9 AM to 2 PM in the Monteverde neighborhood — specifically along Via Portuense, Via Ippolito Nievo, and Via Clivio Portuense. You can buy just about anything: artwork, books, décor, jewelry, clothes, car parts, furniture — absolutely everything.

Is it worth it? The market is famous throughout Italy, but few tourists find their way here. That makes it one of our true insider tips for Rome.

Our tip: Same rule applies: haggle! Sellers automatically expect you to negotiate. If you don’t, you’ll pay more than you need to — guaranteed.

The Best Way to Explore Rome

Finally, here are a few general tips for your city trip to Rome to make planning easier.

#1 Where to stay in Rome?

Rome is a big city, but the vast majority of its attractions are concentrated in the center. To avoid wasting time on public transportation, staying centrally is a smart move — you’ll be able to reach most highlights on foot.

These are our top three hotel recommendations for Rome in a central location. All three are highly rated, and you can reach many sights on foot:

Palazzo Lupardi: It doesn’t get more central than this — just around the corner from the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Castel Sant’Angelo. Rooms with wooden beam ceilings and terracotta floors — genuinely Italian. Doria Palace: Right between the main train station and the Colosseum. Modern, cozy rooms; breakfast on the rooftop terrace.

Hotel Isa: A 4-star hotel with really solid value for money, between the historic center and the Vatican.

#2 Should I buy individual tickets or is a Rome City Pass worth it?

There are many different city passes in Rome, all promising significant savings and convenience. In our Rome City Pass comparison, we took a close look at the options and, in most cases, can’t recommend them.

We recommend buying your tickets individually instead, and we’ve written a detailed guide to help: Buying Rome Tickets. There, we show you how to get the cheapest tickets and what to watch out for.

#3 Getting Around in Rome

You can reach many of Rome’s attractions on foot, especially if you’re staying in the city center. That’s why you don’t really need a 72-hour metro pass or anything similar.

But if you ever need to cover ground faster, Rome has two metro lines: lines A and B. Line C is still mostly under construction.

The Vatican and the Spanish Steps are on Line A, and the Colosseum is on Line B.

Both lines intersect at Termini Central Station. Note that the metro doesn’t reach all parts of Rome — Trastevere, for example, isn’t served. In that case, you’ll need a bus. Or just walk.

Metro stations are marked with a red “M.” You need a valid ticket to pass through the turnstile onto the platform.

Tickets are available online, at tobacco shops, or at ticket machines right at the station. A ticket is valid for 100 minutes and costs 1.50 euros — and you can use it on the bus too.

Children under ten ride for free.

Explore Rome by hop-on hop-off bus

The hop-on hop-off bus takes you to all of Rome’s major highlights on a 24-hour ticket or longer.

There are various providers; our favorite is Big Bus Rome.

We’ve written a detailed comparison of providers on this topic:

#4 How many days do you need in Rome?

Even if you spend a whole week in Rome, you won’t run out of things to see.

On a weekend trip, you can cover Rome’s most important highlights. If you have more time, all the better — you certainly won’t be bored.

Our tip: Consider combining your city trip to Rome with a beach vacation! The area around Rome has some beautiful seaside spots well worth a detour. Ideally, plan for around ten days so you can mix sightseeing with some proper relaxation by the coast.

Read also: The most beautiful beaches near Rome

#5 These Rome attractions you can see in a weekend

If you only have a weekend, you’ll need to focus on the absolute must-sees. Here’s what we’d recommend:

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

If this is your first time in the city, we recommend booking a guided city tour of Rome and staying in the historic center so you’re within walking distance of all the major sights.

In our detailed Rome hotel tips, you’ll find the best neighborhoods and places to stay.