What to see in Rome: 170 places, experiences, and wonders of the Capital

What to See in Rome, Places of Interest: 25 Things to Do and See in the Capital

A Rome the things to see are really many: archaeological finds, museums, ancient monuments make it an attraction for tourists coming from every corner of the world to visit. The monuments and places to visit in Rome are countless, making the eternal city a true open-air museum. Visiting Rome in three days, five days, a month, is possible with the awareness that the capital of Italy has so many things to see that a lifetime is not enough.

With this awareness, we have created a short list of things you cannot miss during your trip: what there is to see in Rome and what to do to not miss the curiosities of the capital.

Main things to see in Rome: curiosities of the eternal city

Among the numerous attractions the city offers, the main things to see in Rome, those not to be missed. If you plan to visit Rome, the capital of Italy, with your family or partner, Rome is a fantastic city to spend a 2-3 day weekend. Renaissance streets like Via Giulia, workshops, theaters in Rome every corner exudes Roman history.

The historic center, and this is a tip, should be explored on foot or by bike because only in this way can you also discover hidden corners of Rome. If you are looking for a guide on things to see in Rome or simply want to be guided on what to see in the capital, follow me. I have selected the best places to see in Rome, with all the attractions and points of interest not to be missed in the capital city. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s discover together what to see in Rome

Discover Rome in video

A short visual journey to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Rome, created by Turismo Roma:

The 12 Most Famous Attractions in Rome

Rome is an open-air museum, with hundreds of places to discover. Here is a selection of the 12 most iconic attractions to start exploring the Capital by its unmissable symbols.

Places to visit in Rome: the most important points of interest

1 Colosseum

Colosseum An old saying goes “when the Colosseum falls, Rome will fall.” This proves that it is the representative symbol of Rome, the one by which the city is known worldwide. Built between 72 and 90 AD, the Flavian Amphitheater, commonly known as the “Colosseum, UNESCO heritage”, could hold up to 50 thousand people. The Colosseum was the meeting place for fights between gladiators and animals, a symbol of strength and power just like the Roman Empire. Commissioned by Emperor Vespasian, the Colosseum was erected over the Domus Aurea of one of Nero’s palaces. It is open every day from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM, except for the winter closing time which is at 4:30 PM. It is one of the first stops on the list of “must-sees in Rome“.

2 St. Peter’s Basilica

The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica designed by Michelangelo and the colonnade designed by Bernini are the main features of this building, a worldwide symbol of Christianity. Inside are the tombs of several Popes and treasures of Renaissance art, such as Michelangelo’s Pietà. The St. Peter’s Basilica holds about 60 thousand people and is a building dating back to the early 16th century. Initially, Bramante was called for its design but, after his death, Raphael (who succeeded him) changed several things. Michelangelo, who followed, also introduced several modifications. The Basilica was inaugurated in 1626 and presents its typical Greek cross plan. The Basilica is open every day from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, in winter (October-March) the closing time is 6:00 PM. The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is visitable from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and from November to March from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica must be done respectfully, wearing modest clothes. A must-see!

3 Trevi Fountain

The beautiful and imposing construction of the Trevi Fountain represents the sea. It will leave you breathless. The Trevi Fountain was made famous by Anita Ekberg in the film “La dolce vita” by Federico Fellini and is a majestic Baroque-style fountain designed by Nicola Salvi in 1730. It is the outlet of the Roman aqueduct Acqua Virgo and is always crowded with a large number of tourists. If you want to return to Rome, remember to toss a coin into the fountain! To be included among the top entries in the list “10 things to see in Rome in 2 days“.

4 Pantheon

The Pantheon is known for its colonnade and the imposing dome, symbols of the temple dedicated to all gods, built between 118 and 125 AD during the reign of Hadrian. Among the buildings of classical antiquity, the Pantheon is certainly the best-preserved, thanks to its transformation into a church (Santa Maria ad Martyres) in 609. The original construction was erected between 27 and 25 BC by order of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa in honor of Augustus and later dedicated to the main deities of the Julio-Claudian family. Its current form dates back to the early years of Hadrian’s reign (118-125). A huge cylindrical wall (the Rotunda) over 6 meters thick supports the monumental dome, the largest masonry vault, with a diameter of 43.30 meters and equal height. From the Renaissance onwards, this place has been used as a tomb for illustrious figures including Raphael. The Pantheon is located in Piazza della Rotonda and is open from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM, Sundays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Free entrance.

5 Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona was built on Domitian’s Stadium (1st century AD) and owes its particular oval shape to it. The main attraction of the square is Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers which represents the Danube, the Ganges, the Nile, and the Rio de la Plata. Worth mentioning also are the Fountain of Neptune by Giacomo della Porta and the Fountain of the Moor located in the same square. Piazza Navona is particularly loved by Romans and tourists and is the place to have a relaxing coffee, proving to be a truly pleasant experience. It is also where young people gather, enlivening Rome’s nightlife. Nearby, do not miss the Church of St. Louis of the French and the Palazzo Braschi, extraordinary examples of Baroque art.

6 Spanish Steps

A stunning setting used for film and fashion events, thanks to its 135-step staircase, Trinità dei Monti, Spanish Steps is an icon of Rome, known worldwide. The staircase consists of 138 steps and was commissioned to connect the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See. Sitting for a moment on this staircase is among the things to include in the list “Things to do in Rome.” It will allow you to observe the true soul of the city. Nearby, you can admire the Church of Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.

7 Altar of the Fatherland

Known as the Altar of the Fatherland, the Vittoriano is located in Piazza Venezia and is a monumental complex built in honor of King Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy. Upon his death in 1878, it was decided to erect a monument celebrating the Father of the Fatherland and with him the entire Risorgimento era. The Vittoriano was intended to be an open space for citizens. The monumental complex was inaugurated by Victor Emmanuel III on June 4, 1911. It was the climax of the International Exposition celebrating fifty years of a united Italy. The general model of the Vittoriano is inspired by classical Greek and Latin examples. The majestic monument is also known as the “typewriter” or “wedding cake” due to its shape. It houses the remains of the “unknown soldier” next to which there is always a burning flame watched over. It is also the seat of the Museum of the Risorgimento. The monument and the museum are open every day from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. In winter it closes an hour earlier.

Rome what to see: the museums

8 Vatican Museums

Vatican Museums: they are among the most important museums in the world and contain priceless works of art, including the Last Judgment, by Michelangelo, in the Sistine Chapel. The Raphael Rooms are unmissable, but the entire route is worth doing at least once in a lifetime. In summer, the Vatican Museums also offer evening entry during weekends. The entrance to the Vatican Museums is on Viale Vaticano, at number 100. The opening hours of the Vatican Museums: in summer, Monday to Friday from 8:45 AM to 4:45 PM (last entry at 3:20 PM); Saturdays and the last Sunday of the month from 8:45 AM to 1:45 PM (last entry at 12:20 PM); from November to February, from 8:45 AM to 3:45 PM. It is advisable to book skip-the-line tickets to avoid long queues.

9 Capitoline Museums and Capitol Hill

It was Michelangelo who designed the Capitoline Square and the museum buildings. The Capitoline Museums are located in the Palazzo dei Conservatori and in the Palazzo Nuovo, which are connected by the Gallery of Connection. In the Capitoline Museum, located in the Palazzo dei Conservatori, statues and artifacts are housed. On the second floor of the palace are works, among others, by Caravaggio and Tiziano. Hours: from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM; closed on Sundays.

10 The Ara Pacis Augustae

The Ara Pacis Augustae, dedicated to the Peace guaranteed by the first emperor in the territories dominated by Rome, represents one of the highest examples of classical art to reach us today. The Ara was decreed by the Senate in 13 BC on the occasion of Augustus’ return from the provinces of Spain and Gaul and was significantly built in the northern Campus Martius, already the site of gymnastic and military exercises of the youth of the Urbs. Buried and forgotten for centuries, some large fragments of the altar were identified at the end of the 19th century and then reassembled in 1938 inside a structure that did not guarantee proper preservation. The current Museum, completed and inaugurated in 2006, was designed by the American architect Richard Meier and represents the first architectural work built in the historic center of Rome after the last world war.

11 Rome’s Must-See Museums

• Capitoline Museums;
• Vatican Museums;
• Museum of the Risorgimento;
• Museum of the Imperial Forums;
• Museum of Villa Doria Pamphilj;
• Museum of the Ara Pacis Augustae;
• Museum of Etruscan and Italic Antiquities;
• Museum of Antique Carriages;
• Wax Museum of Rome;
• Borghese Museum and Gallery;
• Jewish Museum of Rome;
• Napoleonic Museum;
• National Museum of Arts;
• National Museum of Folk Arts and Traditions;
• National Museum of Castel Sant’Angelo;
• National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia;
• Numismatic Museum of the Mint;
• Historical Museum of the Carabinieri;
• Mastroianni Museum;
• Museum of Corso.

16 Keats-Shelley house

The Keats-Shelley Museum is located in the heart of the historic center of Rome, in an 18th-century building situated in Piazza di Spagna, to the right of the Trinità dei Monti staircase. The place, especially beloved and remembered by painters, writers, poets, and English musicians, was the last residence of the poet John Keats who lived in the building for a few months and died there in February 1821. In 1903, a group of American, English, and Italian enthusiasts and scholars founded the Keats-Shelley Memorial Association which in 1906 purchased the building to preserve works of the romantic poets Keats, Shelley, and Byron.

17 Less known museums in Rome

• Museum Archive of historical photography: the Museum/Archive of Historical Photography is composed of three sections: Permanent exhibition section of photographic equipment from the 19th to the 20th century; Archive of Historical Photographic Funds; Library specialized in the history of photography consisting of the bibliographic collection of the National Photographic Cabinet (GFN), part of the Becchetti Collection as well as subsequent acquisitions.
  The Museum is engaged in the constant work of conserving, protecting, and enhancing the photographic heritage. It acquires new funds and archives that would otherwise be lost to public access.
• Civic Museum of Zoology: with its spectacular exhibitions and about 3 million preserved specimens, the Civic Museum of Zoology is one of the main reference centers for the knowledge and conservation of biodiversity. Located in Rome, in the heart of Villa Borghese, it presents through an interactive and multimedia path the central themes of the animal world: from reproduction strategies and species survival guarantees, to extraordinary adaptations to extreme environments – such as deserts, caves or polar ice – from the complexity of life in a coral reef, to the secrets of our home in the room dedicated to the wetlands of Lazio. The route is complemented by some important historical collections displayed to the public. The calendar of activities and events for all ages is also rich.
• Museum of Horrors by Dario Argento: the museum, founded in 1989 by the famous director Dario Argento, hosts reproductions of environments and special effects related to horror and fantasy cinema. The museum is located in the basement of a horror goods store named “Profondo Rosso” (the same name as the famous director’s film) and is accessed via a spiral staircase. The facility consists of a single corridor on whose sides there are dark cells. Inside the cells, you can admire reproductions of scenes from the most famous horror films, as well as memorabilia (many of which are original) belonging both to films directed by Dario Argento and to those directed by other Italian and foreign directors. During the visit, you will be accompanied by a guide voice and various sound effects that help maintain the suspense.
• Museum of Torquato Tasso: Dedicated to the poet Torquato Tasso, it was inaugurated in 1939 in the premises of the Convent of S. Onofrio al Gianicolo, managed by the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. The poet died in this building on April 25, 1595: his tomb is located in the church chapel. Some of his memorabilia are preserved there, such as the urn that kept his ashes for many years, an autograph letter, and some personal objects including a crucifix and an ancient ceramic. Inside display cases, old editions of La Gerusalemme Liberata and other works of his are also exhibited. In addition to the museum, it is also possible to visit the convent and the cloister.
• Museum of the Ancient Near East: The Ancient Near East is part of the Polo Museale La Sapienza. The PMS constitutes an integrated system of university museums that preserve a heritage of collections capable of illustrating different fields of knowledge, in relation to both scientific and humanistic disciplines. Born in 1962 to preserve artifacts from excavations conducted in the Ancient Near East, it has since been significantly enriched with collections that have important educational and scientific significance.
• Museum of the Walls of Rome: The Museum is hosted inside the Porta S. Sebastiano of the Aurelian walls and offers visitors an educational itinerary that was realized in 1990, but the history of the monument’s usage for more or less appropriate purposes begins much earlier. In 1939, despite the opposition of the Antiquities and Fine Arts Department, which opposed the transformation of the monument into an artist’s studio, already open to the public for years, some work was carried out inside the Porta to adapt it as a residence and private studio of the secretary of the fascist party Ettore Muti, who stayed there from 1941 to ’43. New floors were rebuilt since the masonry vaults had collapsed, new rooms with dividing walls were created, wooden and masonry stairs installed, and the flooring in travertine and bricks redone, with the insertion of two mosaics on the first floor.
• Museum of Crystallographic Instrumentation and Information: the municipal museum of Campagnano displays materials related to the mansio of Vacanas (1st-5th century AD) found near km 31 of the Cassia road. Archeological exploration of the site has revealed remains of the Roman consular road and a series of buildings, including some tabernae and a bath complex. The finding is of considerable interest, as it is the only Roman post station currently under excavation in Italy.
• “Giuseppe Sergi” Anthropology Museum: in 1984, the Anthropology Museum affiliated with the Polo Museale of the University La Sapienza was named after Giuseppe Sergi, who founded it exactly one century earlier. The museum preserves artifacts and collections that are of interest for anthropology, paleoanthropology, and the natural history of primates. The exhibition sector hosts an audio-visual room and two educational paths regularly open to the public.
• Physics Museum of Rome: The Museum of the Department of Physics of Sapienza preserves tools used in teaching and research in the field of physical sciences from the late 18th century to the 1960s, including the mechanical calculator used by Enrico Fermi. The Museum, a concrete testimony to the evolution of physics in Rome, was opened in 1978.

Things to do in Rome

18 Campo dei Fiori

During your stay in Rome you should make a stop at Campo de’ Fiori also simply called “Campo“. A lively square during the day, with a rich open-air market, and busy in the evening, with all its bars and venues. Campo dei Fiori is the alternative to Piazza Navona as it is more popular even though today it has also become a less rustic square. At the center of the square stands the statue of Giordano Bruno, philosopher burned alive for his ideas that placed philosophy above religion.

19 Trastevere

The Trastevere neighborhood is especially known for its nightlife. Located across the Tiber, hence its name, Trastevere is lively with young people, tourists and Romans. The trattorias, the trendiest bars and the streets are always full of people enlivening the neighborhood. It is definitely one of the most beloved places by Romans and tourists. A place of places. Worth visiting is the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, located in the square of the same name.

20 Jewish Ghetto

In the Jewish Ghetto, located on the banks of the Tiber River, there are venues with Jewish cuisine (famous are the carciofi alla giudia), the Synagogue with museum and typical Jewish shops. It was here that Jews were deported by the Nazis during the Second World War and here they sought refuge fleeing centuries of Vatican oppression. The Jewish community of Rome dates back over 2000 years and is the oldest in Europe.

21 Villa Borghese

Villa Borghese is the green soul of Rome, an ideal place for a relaxing walk away from the city chaos, but still staying in the city center. A walk among the groves, along the artificial lake or in the biopark inside it should be included in the list “Rome: things to do”.

Quick info about Rome: where to eat, how to get there, how to get around

22 How to get to Rome

Besides by car, you can reach Rome by train, arriving at the Rome Termini railway station, or by plane, arriving at the Rome Fiumicino Airport or at Ciampino Rome Airport.

23 How to get around Rome

To get around Rome, we recommend using the metro service (faster and avoids traffic) or the bus service. Using a car, on the other hand, is not advisable due to consistently heavy traffic. The alternative is a taxi, which, however, is not exactly cheap. If you want to move by car, you can also consider the various car sharing services available locally, but watch out for traffic!

24 Where to eat in Rome

Wandering around the city, you will realize how many restaurants and pizzerias there are on every corner, especially in the most touristy areas. The typical Roman cuisine is really very good, so we recommend that you do not miss the following dishes on the “Rome: what to eat” list: amatriciana, gricia, cacio e pepe, and carbonara, four very famous and really tasty first courses; abbacchio alla romana as a main course and maritozzo alla panna as a dessert. Avoid the busiest and most touristy places. In Garbatella, south of Rome, for example, you will find places with “authentic” Roman cuisine, while in the Jewish Ghetto you can enjoy artichokes alla giudia.

25 Where to sleep in Rome: recommended areas and useful tips

Finding accommodation in Rome can be a challenge, especially during the high season. To save money, you can choose well-connected but slightly outlying areas, such as Garbatella, San Giovanni, Colosseo, or Ostiense: all served by the metro and perfect for visiting the center without spending too much.

Central areas like Prati, Piazza Navona, or Trastevere are beautiful but often more expensive, especially during peak periods. Rome does not have a true low season, but in winter and August it is possible to find more convenient offers.

🛏️ Tip: check out our selection of hotels and accommodations in Rome to find the option that best suits your needs or how to save money on sleeping in Rome.

💡 Or look for deals on: Booking.com

If you’re in a hurry and want to discover what to see in Rome, here’s what to do

If you have little time available, here are some ideas to discover Rome in a few hours. Each itinerary will allow you to visit the city’s wonders, adapting to the time you have available, without giving up the most iconic experiences.

What to see in Rome in one day

If you only have one day to visit Rome, it’s important to focus on the main attractions of the capital, those that best tell the history and culture of this city without wasting too much time. Start your day with a visit to the Colosseum, the most famous amphitheater in the world, symbol of the greatness of Ancient Rome. Immediately after, head to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, two of the most fascinating archaeological sites, where you can walk among the ruins of the ancient city and discover its extraordinary history. In the afternoon, don’t miss a walk to the Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most iconic monuments, and be sure to toss a coin to return to the eternal city. The Spanish Steps, leading to Piazza di Spagna, are another unmissable spot for a panoramic view. Conclude your visit with an evening stroll along Via del Corso, which will also allow you to discover luxury shopping in the heart of Rome.

What to see in Rome in 2 days

If you have two days available to visit Rome, you have the opportunity to explore a little more and also discover some of the city’s most evocative places. In addition to what you already saw in one day, dedicate yourself to the Vatican City on the second day, which represents one of the most significant destinations in the capital. Start your visit with the St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most imposing religious sites in the world, then climb to the dome for a breathtaking view of Rome. A few steps away, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s frescoes, are a must for art and history lovers. After exploring the Vatican, stroll through the Prati district and visit the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved Roman temples, and Piazza Navona, with its evocative Fountain of the Four Rivers designed by Bernini. If you have time, don’t forget to stop for a coffee in one of the city’s historic cafés to fully experience the Roman atmosphere.

What to see in Rome in 3 days

Three days in Rome allow you to discover its treasures more deeply, from the most famous monuments to the less frequented neighborhoods by tourists. On the first day, you can follow the one-day itinerary, with the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza di Spagna. On the second day, after exploring the Vatican, dedicate your time to exploring Trastevere, one of Rome’s most characteristic neighborhoods, famous for its cobbled streets and lively nightlife. Trastevere is the ideal place to discover the most authentic Rome, with its traditional restaurants and the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in the city. On the third day, visit Castel Sant’Angelo, an imposing castle offering spectacular views of the Tiber River and the city. Stroll through the Gardens of Villa Borghese, where you can relax and go for a bike ride, before visiting the Borghese Gallery, which houses one of Italy’s most important art collections, with works by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Titian. Don’t forget to make a stop at the Pincian Hill, one of the most beautiful panoramic points of the city, from where you can admire a breathtaking view of Rome.

What to see in Rome off the beaten path

Rome is a city full of surprises and unusual places that often escape the most common tourist circuits. If you are looking for unique experiences, start with a visit to the Coppedè district, a hidden corner of Rome characterized by Art Nouveau buildings and unique artistic decorations, which will make you feel like you are in another era. Another unusual place not to be missed is the Basilica of San Clemente, which houses three levels of history inside: from the medieval church, through an ancient Roman temple, to a house from the 2nd century. For a truly extraordinary experience, visit the Catacombs of San Callisto, an underground labyrinth of funerary galleries dating back to the early centuries of Christianity. If you want to discover a more authentic and gastronomic side of the city, stop at the Testaccio Market, a historic market where you can savor typical Roman dishes like coda alla vaccinara or supplì. Another unusual experience awaits you at the Museum of the Souls of Purgatory, a small and curious collection of religious objects linked to the theme of the afterlife, located inside the Church of the Sacred Heart of the Suffrage.

Frequently Asked Questions about What to See in Rome