What are the best places to visit in Rome?

The best places to visit in Rome are Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica, Trevi Fountain, and Borghese Gallery.

Where can I buy tickets to visit the best places in Rome?

You can purchase tickets to visit the best places in Rome <link linkType="internal" newTab="false" url="" id="c6MY0JNt" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="68061cf4e0c023bd48859032" text="online" uid="www.tickets-rome.com" />. You can also get tickets from the box offices of the attractions, but in that case, you run the risk of missing out on the popular attractions that get booked out in advance.

What are the best places to visit in Rome with kids?

The best places to visit in Rome with kids are Orto Botanico, Rome Bioparco, and Colosseum.

What are the best places to visit in Rome for architecture?

The best places to visit in Rome for architecture are Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Borghese Gallery.

What are the best places to visit in Rome to unwind and relax?

The best places to visit in Rome to unwind and relax are Rome Bioparco, St. Peter’s Square, and Orto Botanico.

What are the best places in Rome to eat?

The best places in Rome to eat are the Jewish Ghetto, Trastevere, and Testaccio.

What are the best places in Rome to stay?

The best places in Rome to stay are the Piazza di Spagna and the Trastevere areas.

What is Rome known for?

Rome is known for its cultural diversity, heritage architecture, and abundance of tourist attractions.

What are the top attractions in Rome?

The top attractions in Rome are Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica, Borghese Gallery, and Rome Pantheon.

Is it expensive in Rome?

Yes, Rome can be a bit expensive. The average daily cost of visiting Rome is US$140 for one person. For two people, the weekly cost can be US$2000.

What should you not miss while visiting Rome?

When visiting Rome, you shouldn’t miss a laidback evening in the Roman squares, getting a view of the city from the Vittoriano, and a visit to the Borghese Gallery.

30 Best Places to Visit in Rome| Top Attractions

30 Best Places to Visit in Rome

Best places to visit in Rome Roman Colosseum

1. Roman Colosseum

Historical Landmark | Must See

This magnificent structure is one of the world's most famed and iconic landmarks, and a trip to Rome would be incomplete without a visit to the Colosseum. The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, was built between 70 and 80 AD and could hold 80,000 spectators at its peak.

Why Visit: The 80 recognizable arched arches and columns were designed and built over a ten-year period using travertine limestone and concrete, and witnessing it is a spine-chilling experience.

Tip: If you're on a budget and visiting the Colosseum, keep an eye out for normal skip-the-line tickets. Basic entrance to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill is provided by these tickets.

Location: 00184 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy Find on map

from €21

Best places to visit in Rome St. Peter's Basilica

2. St. Peter's Basilica

Religious Landmark | Must See

St. Peter's Basilica, arguably the most distinguishable and heralded religious building in the world, exists as a true victory against the power and depravity of the Catholic religion, and it is regarded as one of the sanctified shrines of its adherents. The Basilica’s front facade is topped with figures of the Apostles and Jesus.

Why Visit: Check out the magnificent creations of Renaissance masters like Bernini, Donato Bramante, Carlo Maderno, and others.

Tip: The best way to tour every inch of this historic site is to sign up for a guided St. Peter's Basilica tour. You can opt for this tour in the language of your choice.

Location: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City Find on map

from €27

Best places to visit in Rome Roman Pantheon

3. Roman Pantheon

Historical Landmark

The mighty Pantheon is one of Rome's most famous attractions and one of the finest examples of ancient Roman buildings in the world. The current structure, which was built in 118 AD by Emperor Hadrian, was built on the site of an earlier temple commissioned by Agrippa.

Why Visit: Discover the hypotheses around how Hadrian contributed to the construction of the Pantheon and how it changed from a pagan temple to a Christian church.

Tip: Connect your multimedia audio guide, and it will take you on a tour where you can see everything from memorial monuments to the open-air oculus.

Location: Piazza Della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

from €5

Best places to visit in Rome Vatican Museums

4. Vatican Museums

Museum | Architecture

Perhaps the greatest ways to define Vatican Museums are Michelangelo, Renaissance-era artwork and architecture, the Sistine Chapel, and the unchanging center of Roman Catholicism. Vatican City is a haven for art enthusiasts from all over the world since it is the center of fascinating history and culture.

Why Visit: Explore the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Maps, and the Gallery of Tapestries at your own speed as you follow in the Pope's (or Popes') footsteps.

Tip: Discover the largest art collections in the world, Renaissance masterpieces, and historic sculptures by taking a trip through the museum.

Location: 00120 Vatican City Find on map

from €27.50

5. Sitine Chapel

Museum | Sightseeing

The Sistine Chapel is without a doubt the centerpiece of every trip to the Vatican Museum. When you enter the Sistine Chapel, the atmosphere changes immediately; everyone in the space will be staring up at the breathtaking ceiling and the chamber will become eerily quiet.

Why Visit: Additionally, you may see frescoes by Renaissance artists like Botticelli, Perugino, Pinturicchio, Ghirlandaio, and Rosselli that depict the lives of Moses and Christ.

Tip: The Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums are only accessible to individuals who are properly clad.

Location: 00120 Vatican City Find on map

from €27.50

Best places to visit in Rome Palazzo Barberini

6. Palazzo Barberini

Architecture | Historic

View the magnificent Baroque façade and permanent collection of the palace, which features important pieces by Raphael and Lippi. Visit the Tempo Barocco Exhibition, which features 40 works by prominent Baroque artists, and the freshly opened Mithraeum.

Why Visit: See the stunning stairs that Bernini and Borromini both created. Enjoy the stunning ceiling frescoes created by the Italian architect and painter Pietro da Cortona.

Tip: By purchasing your Palazzo Barberini tickets online, you may reserve your slots in advance and avoid discovering that all of the entry slots are taken.

Location: Via Delle Quattro Fontane, 13, 00184 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

from €15.95

Best places to visit in Rome Roman Catacombs

7. Roman Catacombs

Historic

They were created at the end of the second century and given the name Calixtus I after Pope Calixtus I, becoming the official graveyard of the newly founded Roman Church. Archaeologists have discovered the tombs of 16 popes, dozens of martyrs, and thousands upon thousands of Christians in the 20 km of tunnels.

Why Visit: Visit the St. Callixtus Catacomb, a historic underground burial site, by going underground into the Eternal City.

Tip: When the grounds are open, take the almost 1-kilometer access road rather than the adjacent section of the Via Appia Antica to go to the catacombs. There are lush trees and wide views, and it is considerably quieter.

Location: Via Appia Antica, 110/126, 00179 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

from €20

Best places to visit in Rome Castel Sant-Angelo

8. Castel Sant-Angelo

Historic Landmark | Must See

The Castle Saint Angelo, also recognized as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, is a circular fort and palace complex that was once the tallest structure in Rome. The castle was built in 129 AD and was originally designed to function as the Emperor's Mausoleum.

Why Visit: You can tour the hidden passageway that connects the Vatican to the Castel Sant'Angelo while you're there, and visit the superbly preserved frescoes, weapons, and old treasures.

Tip: A trip through history can be started by plugging in your audio guides as you explore the centuries of history that the castle walls have been hiding.

Location: Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

from €17.50

Best places to visit in Rome Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea

9. Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea

City Landmark | Architecture

A collection of 20th-century paintings and sculptures by Italian painters Giorgio de Chirico, Franco Gentilini, Giacomo Balla, and Giorgio Morandi can be found in this gallery, which is housed in a former Carmelite convent from the 18th century. It is run by the municipality and features sporadic exhibits.

Why Visit: The 19th century is highlighted on the bottom floor, where paintings by Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Paul Cezanne will welcome you.

Tip: The price of tickets is decreased for children aged 5 to 12, students aged 18 to 26, and seniors aged 65 and over.

Location: Viale Delle Belle Arti, 131, 00197 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

from €13

10. Rome Bioparco

Zoo

On its 18-hectare grounds in Villa Borghese, Rome's zoo keeps 200 species of animals from five different continents. It's unlikely to be at the top of your list of things to do in Rome, but if you're struggling to come up with anything to do with the kids, it's worth thinking about.

Why Visit: Learn more about the park's different displays, including The House of the Giraffes and The Asiatic Lion Area. and become familiar with creatures from different geographical areas of the world.

Tip: There are no facilities at Bioparco for storing food or other personal items or luggage.

Location: V.le del Giardino Zoologico, 1, 00197 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

from €16

Best places to visit in Rome Borghese Gallery

11. Borghese Gallery

Museum | Family Friendly

The Borghese Gallery, a museum housing priceless works of art dating back centuries, is tucked away in the lovely Villa Borghese Gardens. A rare collection of paintings by once-in-a-generation artists like Bernini, Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio are housed within a beautiful 17th-century villa.

Why Visit: Take in the sweat, blood, and tears that some of the greatest artists in history—people like Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael—have shed.

Tip: The Borghese Gallery is always open to the public. To avoid crowds, it's preferable to go early in the morning or late in the day, as well as out of peak travel times.

Location: Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, 00197 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

from €21

12. Leonardo Da Vinci Museum

Museum

Rome is the best location to discover Leonardo da Vinci's genius. Over 200 wooden machines and 65 functional models inspired by da Vinci's codes are on display at the Leonardo da Vinci Experience Museum. These include bicycles, machine guns, and lifting and digging tools, among others.

Why Visit: For those who appreciate cultural history, the museum makes the ideal day trip. Visit the museum with your kids, friends, or family to explore the works of art.

Tip: Enter the Room of Mirrors to learn how Leonardo da Vinci's investigation of light resulted in the development of projection and photography.

Location: Via Della Conciliazione, 19, 00193 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

from €9

Best places to visit in Musei Capitolini

13. Musei Capitolini

Architecture | Family Friendly

The Capitoline Museums are the oldest public museums in existence, having been founded in 1471. They have one of Italy's best collections of ancient sculpture, including the famous Lupa Capitolina (Capitoline Wolf), a life-size bronze depicting a she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus.

Why Visit: There are some spectacular show-stoppers in Palazzo Nuovo. The most notable of these is the Galata Morente, a Roman reproduction of a Greek original from the third century BC.

Tip: The entrance to the museum is located at Palazzo Dei Conservatori, which is on your right as you ascend the Cordonata staircase. The original core of the sculpture collection is located on the first floor of this building.

Location: Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

from €29

14. Piazza Venezia

City Landmark

The Piazza Venezia, regarded as a central boulevard and hub in the city of Rome, is one of the busiest parts of the city and serves as a crossing point for several major roads. Located at the foot of Capitoline Hill, several crucial streets branch off here, including the Fori Imperiali, which leads to the Colosseum.

Why Visit: The Piazza Venezia, the Altar of the Fatherland, and Trajan's Column are all important and must-visit landmarks in the vicinity.

Tip: If you are planning a busy day out of sightseeing, make sure to stop by this lively square and take in the Roman vibe in the evening.

Location: Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy Find on map

Best places to visit in Rome Palazzo Lateranense

15. Palazzo Lateranense

Religious | Architecture

Immerse yourself in the complex's extensive religious history and papal culture. This consists of the Sancta Sanctorum church, the Holy Stairs, the Baptistery, and the Cloister. Early Christian history can be seen at the St. John Lateran Basilica, which was also the Pope's residence until the XIV century.

Why Visit: Feel the peaceful spirit of this 800-year-old building as you enjoy a self-guided tour of the complex, which was originally a place for monks to rest, worship, and meditate.

Tip: An educational audio guide is provided in English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian, allowing you to learn about this holy site at your own leisure.

Location: P.za di Porta S. Giovanni, 00184 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

from €10

Best places to visit in Rome Trevi Fountain

16. Trevi Fountain

City Landmark | Leisure

There aren't many fountains in the world that are as ornately decorated and sculpted as the Trevi Fountain. The fountain, erected in 1762 by Nicola Salvi, pays homage to the Roman God Oceanus, who can be seen cruising his chariot drawn by Tritons and controlling several Hippocamps.

Why Visit: The beauty of the fountain not only comes from its age-old sculpting but also from the meticulous maintenance that the public attraction still goes through.

Tip: Visit later in the evening so you may enjoy the fountain's lovely lighting and frothy magnificence in a more tranquil setting.

Location: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

Best places to visit in Rome Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

17. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Religious | Architecture

On top of Esquiline Hill lies a church from the fifth century that is one of Rome's four patriarchal basilicas. The basilica has had extensive renovations over the years. Its hybrid architecture includes a magnificent collection of 5th-century mosaics as well as a 14th-century Romanesque campanile.

Why Visit: The Loggia Delle Benedizioni, where visitors can obtain a close-up view of the mosaics on the facade that Filippo Rusuti made in the 13th century, is the most fascinating feature.

Tip: Don’t miss out on the church's guided tour that offers many insights you may miss during the self-guided tour.

Location: P.za di Santa Maria Maggiore, 00100 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

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Best places to visit in Rome Galleria Doria Pamphilj

18. Galleria Doria Pamphilj

Art Gallery

One of Rome's largest private art collections, with paintings by Raphael, Tintoretto, Titian, Caravaggio, Bernini, and Velázquez, is housed in this superb gallery, which is concealed within Palazzo Doria Pamphilj. The sumptuous picture galleries are filled with chronologically arranged, floor-to-ceiling paintings.

Why Visit: There are several masterpieces, but the undoubted highlight is Velázquez's portrayal of the obstinate Pope Innocent X, who complained that the image was "too genuine."

Tip: With family memories and historical context, the superb free audio tour, narrated by Jonathan Pamphilj, brings the location to life.

Location: Via del Corso, 305, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

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Best places to visit in Rome Basilica di Santa Maria del Popolo

19. Basilica di Santa Maria del Popolo

Architecture

One of Rome's richest Renaissance churches, this building houses two Caravaggios among an extraordinary collection of artwork. The church includes four chapels on each of its four sides, as well as a central nave. Here, the first chapel was constructed in 1099 to drive away the spirit of Nero.

Why Visit: Caracci's Assumption of the Virgin and numerous Pinturicchio frescoes are among the church's great artworks. In the Della Rovere Chapel, look for his Adoration of the Christ Child from 1484 to 1490.

Tip: Watch out for the Cappella Chigi, which was started in 1514 by Raphael for wealthy banker Agostino Chigi but finished under Bernini's direction 100 years later.

Location: Piazza del Popolo, 12, 00187 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

Best places to visit in Rome Piazza di Spagna

20. Piazza di Spagna & the Spanish Steps

Leisure | Family-Friendly

The Spanish Steps, a popular tourist destination since the 18th century, offer a great vantage point for people watching. From Piazza di Spagna, 135 sparkling stairs lead up to the iconic Chiesa della Trinità dei Monti. The excellent views of Rome from the top of the steps are noteworthy.

Why Visit: The Colonna dell'Immacolata, which was constructed in 1857 to commemorate Pope Pius IX's proclamation of the Immaculate Conception, dominates the nearby Piazza Mignanelli to the southeast.

Tip: Don’t forget to check out the impressive frescoes by Daniele da Volterra that can be found at the top of the stairs.

Location: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

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Best places to visit in Rome Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere

21. Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere

Religious

This church is thought to be the oldest Virgin Mary shrine in Rome, and it is tucked away in a quiet nook of Trastevere's main piazza. It was originally built in the early third century, but a significant 12th-century renovation added a Romanesque bell tower and a sparkling facade.

Why Visit: The church is said to be located where, in 32 BC, a miraculous oil fountain sprang out of thin air.

Tip: Watch for Christ and his mother in the apse, flanked by a number of saints, and Pope Innocent II on the far left, holding a model of the building.

Location: Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, 00153 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

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Best places to visit in Rome Basilica di Santa Sabina

22. Basilica di Santa Sabina

Architecture

Peter of Illyria laid the foundation for this somber basilica, one of Rome's most exquisite early Christian buildings, about the year 422. Just before it was granted to the newly established Dominican order in 1216, it was expanded once again in the ninth century.

Why Visit: High nave windows that were constructed in the ninth century, along with the sculpted choir, pulpit, and bishop's throne, let in plenty of light and are a sight to behold.

Tip: Although it is fairly difficult to see, the upper left corner of the image shows Jesus and the two thieves, but oddly not their crosses.

Location: Piazza Pietro D'Illiria, 1, 00153 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

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23. St. Peter's Square

Square

The Vatican's center square, which is overlooked by St. Peter's Basilica, was constructed between 1656 and 1667 according to a layout created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Two semicircular colonnades, each with four rows of Doric columns, form what appears to be a huge keyhole when viewed from above.

Why Visit: The plaza is impressively big, measuring 320 m by 240 m at its broadest. 140 saints are perched atop the colonnades' 284 columns.

Tip: The square is usually quite busy and crowded, so be careful about your belongings as there are known cases of theft in the area, especially during the high season.

Location: Vatican City Find on map

Best places to visit in Rome Villa Medici

24. Villa Medici

Sightseeing

This lavish Renaissance castle, which was constructed in 1540 for Cardinal Ricci da Montepulciano, was bought by Ferdinando de' Medici in 1576 and stayed in the Medici family until Napoleon purchased it. Galileo, who was imprisoned in the villa between 1630 and 1633 while he was on trial for heresy, was its most well-known occupant.

Why Visit: Nowadays, its outbuildings house artist studios that are available to French-speaking artists and researchers for one-year residencies; they are, of course, in high demand.

Tip: The walls of the villa contain fragments of old Roman sculptures from the Ara Pacis that you must not miss on your visit.

Location: Viale della Trinità dei Monti, 1, 00187 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

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25. Vittoriano

Sightseeing

Whether you like it or not, you can't avoid the Vittoriano, the enormous white marble mountain that dominates Piazza Venezia and is also known as the Altare Della Patria. It was constructed at the turn of the 20th century to honor Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy's first king, who is commemorated in the structure's enormous equestrian statue.

Why Visit: The structure serves as the tomb of the Unknown Soldier's dramatic backdrop. The Complesso del Vittoriano, a gallery that frequently presents significant art exhibitions, is also located there.

Tip: The magnificent 360-degree views from the top of the monument are just as breathtaking as any of the on-display works of art.

Location: Piazza Venezia, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

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26. Cinecittà

Sightseeing

Mussolini founded Cinecittà, Italy's top film production facility, in 1937. Numerous classic Italian and foreign films have been produced there. The studios are open for tours, and there are fascinating exhibits in addition to a number of stunning sets, such as those from 1500s Florence and ancient Rome.

Why Visit: Mussolini had planned for the studios to produce propaganda films, but they later served as a hospital and a refugee camp during World War II, serving an important role in the circumstances.

Tip: You can opt for various languages in your guided tour and explore the works of Federico Fellini and other major Italian filmmakers.

Location: 00174 Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy Find on map

Best places to visit in Rome Orto Botanico

27. Orto Botanico

Sightseeing | Leisure

Rome's 12-hectare botanical gardens, which were formerly the private grounds of Palazzo Corsini, are a little-known, perhaps underappreciated jewel and a terrific spot to unwind amid a tree-shaded expanse covering the steep slopes of the Gianicolo. The current gardens were built in 1883, however, plants have been grown here since the 13th century.

Why Visit: The garden now includes up to 8000 species, including of the rarest plants in Europe. There are also many beautiful architectural features, such as Ferdinando Fuga's Scalineta Delle Undici Fontane.

Tip: At the very end of Via Corsini lies the garden entrance. Keep in mind that the top of the gardens on the Gianicolo has no access or exit.

Location: Largo Cristina di Svezia, 23 A - 24, 00165 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

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Best places to visit in Rome Palazzo Farnese

28. Palazzo Farnese

Architecture | Historic

This magnificent Renaissance palace, one of Rome's tallest, was begun in 1514 by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, continued by Michelangelo, and completed by Giacomo Della Porta. There are frescoes by Annibale and Agostino Carracci, which some have likened to Michelangelo's work in the Sistine Chapel.

Why Visit: The massive ceiling fresco Amori Degli Dei (The Loves of the Gods) at the Galleria dei Carracci is the showpiece and was created between 1597 and 1608.

Tip: Huge stone baths from the Terme di Caracalla were used to create the twin fountains outdoors in the square and are now quite popular among shutterbugs.

Location: Piazza Farnese, 67, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

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Best places to visit in Rome Chiesa di Santa Maria Antiqua

29. Chiesa di Santa Maria Antiqua

Religious

This historic church is a priceless collection of early Christian artwork and is the oldest and most significant Christian site on the Roman Forum. Its vast interior, which underwent extensive repair and was reopened in 2016, is covered in beautiful murals from the 6th to the 9th centuries.

Why Visit: A picture of Christ and the founders of the Eastern and Western churches are absolutely magnificent and is located on the east wall.

Tip: If you purchase the ticket for this attraction you can also visit the nearby Oratorio dei Quaranta Martiri and Rampa di Domiziano.

Location: Piazza Santa Maria Nova, 53, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

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Best places to visit in Rome Palazzo Corsini

30. Palazzo Corsini

Architecture

The 16th-century Palazzo Corsini was designed by Ferdinando Fuga in the opulent Versailles style and once served as the residence of Queen Christina of Sweden, whose bedroom is said to have encountered a steady stream of male and female lovers. It now houses a portion of Italy's national art collection.

Why Visit: Highlights include the San Giovanni Battista by Caravaggio, Salome with the Testa of San Giovanni Battista by Guido Reni, and the Corsini Triptych by Fra' Angelico.

Tip: This is one of the offbeat attractions to visit in Rome. If you are an art enthusiast but don’t want to brave the hordes, Palazzo Corsini is the best place to head to.

Location: Via Della Lungara, 10, 00165 Roma RM, Italy Find on map

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