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’s sights are truly many: archaeological finds, museums, ancient monuments make it an attraction for tourists coming from every corner of the world to visit it. The monuments and places to visit in Rome are countless, making the eternal city a real 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 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, the unmissable ones. 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, shops, theaters in Rome—every corner breaths Roman history.

The historic center, and this is a tip, should be visited 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 about 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 places 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 brief 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 from its unmissable symbols.

Places to Visit in Rome: The Most Important Sights

1 Colosseum

Colosseum An ancient saying goes that “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 Amphitheatre, commonly known as “Colosseum, UNESCO heritage site,” hosted up to 50,000 people. The Colosseum was the meeting place for the battles between gladiators and animals, symbolizing strength and power as well as the Roman Empire. Commissioned by Emperor Vespasian, the Colosseum was erected on the Domus Aurea of one of Nero’s palaces. It is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM, except for winter closing hours which is 4:30 PM. It is one of the first stops on the list of “must-see places in Rome.”

2 St. Peter’s Basilica

The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica created by Michelangelo and the colonnade by Bernini are the main features of this building, a global 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 60,000 people and is a building dating back to the early 16th century. Initially, Bramante was called for the design but after his death, Raphael (who replaced him) changed several things. Michelangelo, his successor, also made various modifications. The Basilica was inaugurated in 1626 and features its typical Greek cross plan. The Basilica is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and in winter (October-March) it closes at 6:00 PM. The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica can be visited 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, with modest clothing. 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 Federico Fellini’s film “La Dolce Vita” and is a majestic Baroque fountain designed by Nicola Salvi in 1730. It is the outlet of the Roman aqueduct Acqua Virgo and is always watched over by a large number of tourists. If you want to return to Rome, remember to throw a coin in the fountain! It belongs among the top entries on the list “10 things to see in Rome in 2 days.”

4 Pantheon

The Pantheon is known for its colonnade and imposing dome, which are symbols of the temple dedicated to all deities, built between 118 and 125 AD during the reign of Hadrian. Among classical antiquity buildings, 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 at the behest 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 onward, this place has been used as a tomb for illustrious figures including Raphael. The Pantheon is located in Piazza della Rotonda and is open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM, Sunday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Free entry.

5 Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona was built on the Stadium of Domitian (1st century AD) and owes its particular oval shape to it. The main attraction in the square is Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, which represents the Danube, the Ganges, the Nile, and the Rio de la Plata. Also noteworthy are the Neptune Fountain by Giacomo della Porta and the Moor Fountain located in the same square. Piazza Navona is especially beloved by Romans and tourists and is the place to have a relaxing coffee, revealing itself as a truly pleasant experience. It is also the place where young people gather, enlivening Rome’s nightlife. Nearby, don’t miss the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi and the Palazzo Braschi, extraordinary examples of Baroque art.

6 Piazza di Spagna

A wonderful setting used for film and fashion events, thanks to its stairway of 135 steps, Trinità dei Monti, Piazza di Spagna is an icon of Rome, known worldwide. The stairway consists of 138 steps and was built to connect the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See. Sitting for a moment on this stairway is one of 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 Victor Emmanuel Monument 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 raise a monument celebrating the Father of the Fatherland and with him the entire Risorgimento era. The Victor Emmanuel Monument was meant 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 Exhibition celebrating fifty years of a united Italy. The general model of the monument is inspired by classical Greek and Latin examples. The majestic monument is also known as the “typewriter” or “wedding cake” because of its shape. It houses the remains of the “unknown soldier,” next to which there is always a burning flame vigilantly watched. It is also the home of the Museum of the Risorgimento. The monument and the museum are open daily 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 whole route is to be done at least once in a lifetime. In summer the Vatican Museums also have evening access on 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 admission at 3:20 pm); Saturdays and the last Sunday of the month from 8:45 am to 1:45 pm (last admission at 12:20 pm); from November to February, from 8:45 am to 3:45 pm. It is recommended to book skip-the-line tickets to avoid long queues.

9 Capitoline Museums and Capitoline 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 exhibited. On the second floor of the palace there 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 ruled by Rome, represents one of the highest examples of classical art to have survived to this day. The Altar was decreed by the Senate in 13 BC on the occasion of Augustus’s return from the provinces of Spain and Gaul and was significantly built in the northern Campo Marzio, already a site for gymnastic and military exercises of the city’s youth. Buried and forgotten for centuries, some large altar fragments were identified at the end of the 19th century and then reassembled in 1938 inside a structure which did not guarantee proper preservation. The current museum, completed and inaugurated in 2006, was designed by American architect Richard Meier and represents the first architectural work built in the historic center of Rome after the last world war.

11 Must-see Museums in Rome

• Capitoline Museums;
• Vatican Museums;
• Museum of the Risorgimento;
• Museum of the Imperial Forums;
• Villa Doria Pamphilj Museum;
• Ara Pacis Augustae Museum;
• Museum of Etruscan and Italic Antiquities;
• Museum of Vintage Carriages;
• Wax Museum of Rome;
• Borghese Museum and Gallery;
• Jewish Museum of Rome;
• Napoleonic Museum;
• National Museum of Arts;
• National Museum of Popular 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 Corps;
• Mastroianni Museum;
• Museo del Corso.

Rome: see also

• Basilica di San Cesareo de Appia, Rome
• Museum of Rome in Trastevere, Rome

15 MACRO Museum of Contemporary Art

The MACRO is the museum hub of the city of Rome dedicated to Contemporary Art, committed to presenting to the public the most significant artistic expressions that the capital and the world offer. The MACRO circuit consists of two museum locations: the first and main one in via Nizza, at the site of the former Peroni factory, while the second – MACRO Testaccio and Pelanda – is in the area of the former slaughterhouse.

16 Keats-Shelley house

The Keats-Shelley Museum is located in the heart of Rome’s historic center, in an eighteenth-century townhouse situated in Piazza di Spagna, to the right of the Trinità dei Monti staircase. The place, especially loved and remembered by English painters, writers, poets, and 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 of Rome

• Historical Photography Archive Museum: the Historical Photography Museum/Archive consists of three sections: Permanent exhibition section of photographic instruments from the 19th to the 20th century; Archive of Historical Photographic Collections; Library specialized in the history of photography made up of the bibliographic collection of the National Photographic Cabinet (GFN), part of the Becchetti Collection as well as subsequent acquisitions.
  The Museum is committed to the constant work of conservation, protection, and enhancement of photographic heritage. It acquires new collections and archives otherwise lost to public access.
• Civic Museum of Zoology: with its spectacular displays and about 3 million preserved specimens, the Civic Museum of Zoology is one of the main reference centers for 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 strategies put in place for reproduction and species survival, to extraordinary adaptations to the most 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 hall dedicated to the wetlands of Lazio. The route is completed by some important historical collections exhibited to the public. A rich calendar of activities and events for all ages is also provided.
• Dario Argento’s Museum of Horrors: 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 film by the director) and is accessed via a spiral staircase. The structure consists of a single corridor with dark cells on both sides. Inside the cells you can admire reproductions of scenes from the most famous horror movies, as well as memorabilia (many original) belonging to films directed both by Dario Argento and other Italian and foreign directors. During the visit, you will be accompanied by a guide voice and various sound effects that help keep the suspense alive.
• Museum of Torquato Tasso: Dedicated to the poet Torquato Tasso, it was inaugurated in 1939 in the premises of the Convent of S. Onofrio on the Janiculum, managed by the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. In this building the poet died on April 25, 1595: his tomb is located in the church chapel. Some of his relics are kept there such as the urn that preserved his ashes for many years, an autograph letter and some personal objects including a crucifix and an ancient ceramic. In display cases there are also ancient editions of La Gerusalemme Liberata and other works by him. In addition to the museum, it is also possible to visit the convent and the cloister.
• Museum of the Ancient Near East: The Near East is part of the La Sapienza Museum Hub. The PmS constitutes an integrated system of university museums that preserve a collection heritage capable of illustrating different fields of knowledge, relating to both scientific and humanistic disciplines. Founded in 1962 to preserve finds from excavations carried out in the Near East, it has since been greatly enriched with collections of important educational and scientific value.
• Museum of the Walls of Rome: The Museum is housed inside the Porta S. Sebastiano of the Aurelian Walls and offers visitors an educational itinerary that was created in 1990 but the history of the use of the monument for more or less appropriate purposes begins much earlier. In 1939, despite the opposition of the Department of Antiquities and Fine Arts, 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 the private residence and studio of the fascist party secretary Ettore Muti, who stayed there from 1941 to ’43. New floors were rebuilt since the masonry vaults had collapsed, new rooms were created with dividing walls, wooden and masonry stairs were installed, and the floors were redone in travertine and bricks, with the insertion of two mosaics on the first floor.
• Museum of Crystallographic Instrumentation and Information: the civic museum of Campagnano exhibits materials relating to the mansio of Vacanas (1st-5th century AD) found near km 31 of the Cassia road. The archaeological exploration of the site revealed remains of the Roman consular road and a series of buildings, including some tabernae and a thermal complex. The find is of considerable interest as it is the only Roman posting station currently under excavation in Italy.
• “Giuseppe Sergi” Anthropology Museum: in 1984, the Anthropology Museum belonging to the La Sapienza Museum Hub was named after Giuseppe Sergi who founded it exactly a century before. The museum preserves finds and collections of interest for anthropology, paleoanthropology, and natural history of primates. The exhibition sector includes 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 instruments 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 of 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 must make a stop at Campo de’ Fiori also known simply as “Campo“. A lively square during the day, with a rich open-air market, and crowded at night, with all its bars and clubs. Campo dei Fiori is the alternative to Piazza Navona as it is more popular although today it has also become a less rustic square. At the center of the square stands the statue of Giordano Bruno, a philosopher burned alive for his ideas that placed philosophy above religion.

19 Trastevere

The district of Trastevere is mainly known for its nightlife. Located beyond the Tiber, hence its name, Trastevere is animated by young people, tourists, and Romans. The trattorias, the trendiest bars and the streets are always full of people who liven up the district. It is certainly 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 places with Jewish cuisine (famous are the carciofi alla giudia), the Synagogue with museum and typical Jewish shops. It is here that the Jews were deported by the Nazis during the Second World War and it is here that they took refuge fleeing the centuries-old vexations by the Vatican. The Jewish community of Rome dates back over 2000 years and is the oldest in Europe.

21 Villa Borghese

Villa Borghese is the green heart of Rome, an ideal place for a relaxing walk away from the city chaos, yet still in the city center. A walk through the groves, along the artificial lake or in the biopark contained within it are to be included in the “Rome: things to do” list.

Quick information 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 Roma 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 subway service (faster and avoids traffic) or the bus service. Using a car is instead not advisable due to consistently heavy traffic. The alternative is a taxi, which, however, are not exactly cheap. If you want to move around by car, you can also consider the various car sharing services available locally but be careful with the traffic!

24 Where to Eat in Rome

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

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

Finding accommodation in Rome can be a challenge, especially in 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 in peak periods. Rome doesn’t have a true low season, but in winter and August it is possible to find more affordable deals.

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

💡 Or search for deals on: Booking.com

If you are 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 wonders of the city, 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 is 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 grandeur 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 the most iconic monuments in Rome, and be sure to toss a coin to return to the eternal city. The Spanish Steps, which lead to Spanish Square, are another unmissable spot for a panoramic view. End 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 see in one day, dedicate the second day to the Vatican City, 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 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-see for lovers of art and history. 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 suggestive 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 neighborhoods less frequented by tourists. The first day you can follow the one-day itinerary, with the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. On the second day, after exploring the Vatican, dedicate your time to exploring Trastevere, one of the most characteristic neighborhoods of Rome, 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 the Castel Sant’Angelo, an imposing castle that offers a spectacular view over the Tiber River and the city. Stroll through the Villa Borghese Gardens, where you can relax and take a bike ride, before visiting the Borghese Gallery, which houses one of the most important art collections in Italy, with works by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Titian. Don’t forget to stop at the Pincian Hill, one of the most beautiful panoramic points in the city, from which you can admire a breathtaking view of Rome.

What unusual things to see in Rome

Rome is a city rich in 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: from the medieval church, through an ancient Roman temple, up to a 2nd-century house. For a truly uncommon 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 taste typical Roman dishes like coda alla vaccinara or supplì. An additional unusual experience awaits you at the Museum of the Souls of Purgatory, a small and curious collection of religious objects related to the afterlife theme, located inside the Church of the Sacred Heart of Suffrage.

Frequently Asked Questions About What to See in Rome