Rome attracts visitors with its history that radiates from every corner. And what better place to remember it than in the museums that take you through history from the Etruscans, through the ancient period, to the Renaissance and the present day? Check out these 10 tips for the best museums in Rome.
- Which museums in Rome are worth a visit?
- Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Capitol Museums
- Borghese Gallery
- National Roman Museum
- How much is the entrance fee to the National Roman Museum?
- Are reservations required for the National Museum of Rome?
- National Museum of Rome: Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
- National Roman Museum: the Baths of Diocletian
- National Roman Museum: Palazzo Altemps
- National Roman Museum: Crypta Balbi
- Hotels in Rome 😴
- Trajan's Forum – Museo dei Fori Imperiali
- Castle of the Angels (Castel Sant'Angelo)
- National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia (Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia)
- National Gallery of Ancient Art (Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica)
- National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art (Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna)
- MAXXI – National Museum of Art of the 21st Century
- Museums in Rome – MAP
- Ticket Reservation
- Where to stay in Rome?
- More about Rome
Which museums in Rome are worth a visit?
There are 83 museums in Rome. Yes, 83. It takes several visits to Rome to get around them all.
In truth, not all of them are worth the visit. Today we’ll show you the museums in Rome that are sure to delight and entertain you.
There is something for everyone, whether you are a lover of ancient Rome (we are applying) or those who are looking for more contemporary artists from the times of neoclassicism or surrealism.
HOW TO GET FROM THE FIUMICINO AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTRE: Private transfer from the airport is the most convenient way to get to Rome. Buses are the most popular mode of transfer – there are several carriers to choose from, the most reliable being SIT Bus-Shuttle. They stop at the Vatican and Termini station. Just show your ticket on your mobile phone on the spot. The advantage is that if you miss the original connection, you can take the next one without any problems. The third and fastest option is the Leonardo Express.
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
The Vatican Museums are some of the largest museums in the world, with more than 20,000 works on display, collected by popes over the centuries. And that’s just a fraction. Most of the art and works are not on display.
Vatican Museums are 5th most visited art museum in the world. You will be amazed by Roman sculptures and masterpieces of Renaissance art.
The Vatican Museums complex is housed in the Palazzo Apostolico. A huge complex with galleries connected by several kilometres of corridors. The visit will take 2-3 hours of your time, but you won’t have a chance to look at each work more carefully.
But you should not miss the Map Gallery with painted topographical maps of Italy (1st photo), Raphael’s fresco of the Athenian School in the Raphael Rooms and Sistine Chapel,where you will see two important works by Michelangelo (2nd photo) – a ceiling panel depicting nine episodes from the book of Genesis and the Last Judgement on the west wall showing how God pronounces judgment on the souls of the dead.
At the very end of the Vatican Museums, you will walk up the spiral staircase (3rd photo).
The Vatican Museums are always crowded. The best times to visit are Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, when there are the fewest tourists.
- Where is it? Viale Vaticano 51, Vatican City
- How do I get there? Metro – line A → stop Cipro or Ottaviano
- What are the opening hours? Monday to Saturday 8:00-19:00 (last entry at 17:00), in high season from April to the end of October opening hours on Fridays, Saturdays and selected days are extended until 20:00 (last entry at 18:00), last Sunday of the month 9:00-14:00 (last entry at 12:30)
- How much is the entry fee? Full admission 20 €, reduced admission 8 € (children 6-18 years and students 19-26 years), free admission on the last Sunday of the month (no reservations possible)
- Booking: yes; booking fee
- Part of the Rome&Vatican Pass: yes
How to skip the queues for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel: You can skip the queue by ordering tickets to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel online. You will then take the middle entrance for those who have booked tickets in advance.
Capitol Museums
In the small, perfectly oval Campidoglio Square you’ll find the Town Hall and the Capitoline Museums, the oldest public museum in the world.
The museums are housed in two of the three palaces, which are connected by an underground passageway (the third building is the Roman town hall, Palazzo Senatorio).
You will start your visit at the Palazzo dei Conservatori, where in the courtyard you will enjoy the marble body parts that belong to the giant statue of Constantine from the Forum Romanum. Don’t miss the bronze Capitoline Wolf upstairs and the second floor picture gallery with works by Caravaggio, Titian and Rubens.
The Capitoline Museums tell the story of Rome from antiquity to the Renaissance. The ticket will cost you 13 € and you should set aside 1-2 hours. Along with the Vatican Museums and the Borghese Gallery, the Capitoline Museums are another must-visit for all art and history lovers.
The square sits on the Capitoline Hill, giving you the best views of ancient Rome – especially of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum in the distance. The ancient Romans had their temple in the Piazza, later Michelangelo redesigned the square into its present form.
In the middle of the square stands an equestrian statue by Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Copy. The original can be found in the Capitol Museums.
- Where is it? Piazza del Campidoglio
- How do I get there? 1 km from Colosseo metro station (line B)
- What are the opening hours? 9:30-19:30
- How much is the entry fee? Full admission 13 €, reduced admission 11 €
- Booking: not compulsory, but you can book at www.museicapitolini.org
- Part of the Roma Pass: yes
Hotels in Rome 😴
Borghese Gallery
The Borghese Gallery is located in the Villa Borghese Park, known as the Green Lungs of Rome. It’s a place to relax, take a bike ride, enjoy the view of Rome and have a bite to eat.
And you’ll be amazed by the art in the gallery, which is one of the best in Rome.
It houses one of the world’s finest collections of art in sculpture, painting and architecture. The collection was created by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the 17th century and today remains on display in the villa he built to protect it. That is why it is called the Queen of all private collections in the world.
What will make the Borghese Gallery stand out? With its floor mosaics depicting gladiators, ancient sculptures, Egyptian art, Renaissance paintings by Raphael, Caravaggio and Titian or some of Bernini’s most famous sculptures.
They only let in a limited number of tourists, so it’s not crowded like the Vatican Museums.
Ticket price is 13 € + 2 € for reservation. As with many other Roman monuments, you must reserve your place in the Borghese Gallery. You have 3 options: by phone, by email or via the website.
- Email [email protected] with the number of people, age, date and approximate time that would work for you. They will reply within 48 hours.
- Another popular option is to make a reservation for the Borghese Gallery online.
Please note: The Borghese Gallery usually sells out long in advance. You must be there with your ticket at least half an hour in advance. In the meantime, you can stroll through the gardens.
- Where is it? Piazzale del Museo Borghese 5
- How do I get there? Metro – line A → stop Piazza di Spagna, bus – lines 5, 19, 52, 53, 63, 86, 88, 92, 95, 116, 204, 217, 231, 360, 490, 491, 495, 630, 910, 926
- What are the opening hours? Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-19:00 (last entry 17:00)
- How much is the entry fee? Full admission 13 €, reduced admission 4 € (EU citizens 18 – 25 years), booking fee 2 €
- Reservation: yes (procedure above)
- Free admission for everyone on the first Sunday of the month – advance reservation required
- Part of the Roma Pass: yes
TIP: Want to save on entrance fees and transport around Rome or use one card for everything? See Roma Pass and Roma and Vatican Passwhich give you free entry to a number of sights, including public transport and sightseeing bus rides.
National Roman Museum
The National Roman Museum is divided into 4 main collections, which are housed in different palaces. Before your visit, you buy one combined ticket that gets you into all the places. You have 1 week to visit all sites.
How much is the entrance fee to the National Roman Museum?
- Combination ticket: full admission 12 €, reduced admission 8 € (EU citizens 18 – 25 years), booking fee 2 €
- Ticket for 1 museum: Full admission 8 €, reduced admission 2 € (EU citizens 18 – 25 years), booking fee 2 €
- Free admission for everyone on the first Sunday of the month – no advance reservations possible
Are reservations required for the National Museum of Rome?
In high season, it is better to book online – the official website of the National Museum of Rome . You can also buy tickets at the door, but you risk not getting in at busier times. Off-season during the week or any evening shouldn’t be a problem.
National Museum of Rome: Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
The Renaissance palace Palazzo Massimo is the headquarters of the National Museum of Rome. Here you will find an extensive art collection of ancient art. The ground floor and the first floor are dedicated mainly to sculpture.
But the best is waiting for you on the second floor. Beautiful mosaics and frescoes of the flowering garden that decorate almost the entire room.
- Where is it? Largo di Villa Peretti, 2
- How do I get there? Metro – line A → Repubblica or Termini station, bus C, H, 16, 36, 38, 40, 64, 86, 92, 92, 105, 157, 170, 175, 204, 217, 310, 360, 492, 590, 649, 714 and 910
- What are the opening hours? Tuesday-Friday 14:00-19:45, Saturday-Sunday 10:30-19:45 (last entry at 19:00)
- How much is the entry fee? 12 € (8 € reduced for EU citizens 18-25 years of age) for the combination ticket, 8 € (2 € reduced for EU citizens 18-25 years of age) for the regular ticket
- Free admission for everyone on the first Sunday of the month – no advance reservations possible
- Reservation: not required
- Part of the Roma Pass: yes
National Roman Museum: the Baths of Diocletian
Diocletian’s Baths, the historic home of the National Museum of Rome, are very close to Palazzo Massimo. In 4. It was once the largest and most spectacular bath complex in ancient Rome, accommodating up to 3,000 people at a time.
The main part of the museum is devoted to an extensive collection of ancient Roman inscriptions and written texts. Don’t miss the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, designed by Michelangelo, but completed the following year by his pupil Jacopo Lo Duca.
Outside is the beautiful open space of the Michelangelo Cloister, one of the largest in Italy.
- Where is it? Via del Circo Massimo
- How do I get there? Metro – line A or B → Termini station, bus C2, H, 36, 38, 40, 64, 86, 90, 92, 105, 170, 175, 217, 310, 360, 714 and 910
- What are the opening hours? Tuesday-Friday 14:00-19:45, Saturday-Sunday 10:30-19:45 (last entry at 19:00)
- How much is the entry fee? 12 € (8 € reduced for EU citizens 18-25 years of age) for the combination ticket, 8 € (2 € reduced for EU citizens 18-25 years of age) for the regular ticket
- Free admission for everyone on the first Sunday of the month – no advance reservations possible
- Reservation: not required
- Part of the Roma Pass: yes
National Roman Museum: Palazzo Altemps
Palazzo Altemps is a sumptuously decorated 15th-century palace near Piazza Navona. Here you will be treated to the greatest works of ancient sculpture, Egyptian collections, the famous frescoes of Pallavicini Rospigliosi and other finds and collections.
- Where is it? Piazza S. Apollinare, 46
- How do I get there? Bus C3, 30, 70, 81, 87, 116, 130, 186, 492 and 628.
- What are the opening hours? Tuesday-Friday 14:00-19:45, Saturday-Sunday 10:30-19:45 (last entry at 19:00)
- How much is the entry fee? 12 € (8 € reduced for EU citizens 18-25 years of age) for the combination ticket, 8 € (2 € reduced for EU citizens 18-25 years of age) for the regular ticket
- Free admission for everyone on the first Sunday of the month – no advance reservations possible
- Reservation: not required
- Part of the Roma Pass: yes
National Roman Museum: Crypta Balbi
At the Crypta Balbi site, you will be transported back in time to the past of Rome thanks to the excavations here, which reveal how the site was used from ancient times through the Middle Ages and Renaissance to the modern era.
You will also see archaeological material from other excavations and historical collections of other Roman museums.
- Where is it? Via delle Botteghe Oscure, 31
- How do I get there? Bus H, 30, 40, 46, 62, 63, 64, 70, 87, 119, 130, 186, 190, 271, 492, 571, 630, 780, 810 and 916
- What are the opening hours? Tuesday-Friday 14:00-19:45, Saturday-Sunday 10:30-19:45 (last entry at 19:00)
- How much is the entry fee? 12 € (8 € reduced for EU citizens 18-25 years of age) for the combination ticket, 8 € (2 € reduced for EU citizens 18-25 years of age) for the regular ticket
- Free admission for everyone on the first Sunday of the month – no advance reservations possible
- Reservation: not required
- Part of the Roma Pass: yes
Hotels in Rome 😴
Trajan’s Forum – Museo dei Fori Imperiali
Trajan’s Markets (Mercati di Traiano) on the slopes of the Quirinal Hill were the dominant focus of Trajan’s Forum in the early 2nd century. century, which was the last and most spectacular of the imperial forums.
It was originally thought to be an ancient shopping centre, but scientists now believe they were designed to house the forum’s administrative offices.
The museum focuses on the history and architecture of imperial forums. What gets you the most is the building itself. A huge three-storey semicircle centred on the enormous Great Hall, from where there are great views of the surrounding forums.
Although Trajan’s Markets are not as famous as the Colosseum, for me they are definitely worth seeing. Just because of how well preserved they have remained for centuries.
- Where is it? Via IV Novembre, 94
- How do I get there? Metro line B → stop Colosseo or Cavour, bus – lines 40, 53, 60, 64, 70, 80, 85, 57, 117, 170, 175, 186, 271, 571, 810, H, N7, N8, N9, N15, N18 → stop Piazza Venezia
- What are the opening hours? Daily 9:30 – 19:00
- How much is the entry fee? Full admission 16 €, reduced admission 12 € (EU citizens 18 – 24 years)
- Reservation: no
- Part of the Roma Pass: yes
Castle of the Angels (Castel Sant’Angelo)
A short distance from the Vatican, on the right bank of the Tiber River, you will find the fortress of the Castle of the Angels, known as Hadrian’s Tomb. It is one of the oldest monuments in Rome. It was built by the Emperor Hadrian in 139 AD as his mausoleum. It was subsequently fortified and taken over by the papacy, which used the church as a refuge.
The name of the castle is derived from a vision of an angel that Pope Gregory had here in 590. Today, the Angel’s Bone is a popular museum where you can learn more about its long and turbulent history and experience the lavish papal apartments.
The Paolina Hall is also worth seeing, with its Renaissance frescoes and spectacular views from the terrace.
- Where is it? Lungo teverre Castello 50
- How do I get there? Bus – lines 23, 34, 49, 64, 87, 280, 492, 926, 990
- What are the opening hours? Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-19:30 (ticket office closes at 18:30)
- How much is the entry fee? Full admission 16 €, reduced admission 3 € (EU citizens 18-24 years); first Sunday of the month free for all (no reservation needed)
- Booking: during holidays and weekends it is recommended to book in advance (booking fee € 1). I recommend booking any time of the season from April to October – there are already queues in April.
- Part of the Roma Pass: yes
National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia (Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia)
In the beautiful Renaissance building of Villa Giulia, on the edge of the Villa Borghese Park, there is something for everyone interested in pre-Roman antiquity. In the National Etruscan Museum you will find a valuable collection of Etruscan objects ranging from gold jewellery, pottery, vases, bronzeware to the famous Sarcophagus of the Betrothed of the 6th century. The famous Sarcophagus from the 14th century.
- Where is it? Piazzale di Villa Giulia, 9
- How do I get there? Metro A → Flaminio stop, tram 2, 3 and 19
- What are the opening hours? Tuesday-Sunday 9:00 – 20:00 (last entry at 19:00)
- How much is the entry fee? Full admission 10 €, reduced admission 2 € (EU citizens 18 – 25 years)
- Free admission for everyone on the first Sunday of the month – no advance reservations possible
- Reservation: no
- Part of the Roma Pass: yes
National Gallery of Ancient Art (Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica)
Palazzo Barberini is an impressive baroque building from the 17th century, which houses the National Gallery of Ancient Art.
The Italian architect Carl Maderna, who also designed St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, was responsible for the design of the façade.
Bernini and his rival Borromini worked on the building after Maderno’s death and both contributed monumental staircases.
Here you will find over 1400 works of art from the 13th to 18th centuries by Titian, El Greco, Caravaggio, Tintoretto and Raphael’s famous painting of his mistress La fornarina.
- Where is it? Via delle Quattro Fontane, 13
- How do I get there? Metro A → Barberini stop, buses 52, 53, 56, 58, 58, 60, 61, 95, 116, 175, 492 and 590.
- What are the opening hours? Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00 (box office closes at 17:00)
- How much is the entry fee? Full admission 12 €, reduced admission 2 € (EU citizens 18-25 years), combined ticket with Palazzo Corsini
- Free admission for everyone on the first Sunday of the month – no advance reservations possible
- Reservation: no
- Part of the Roma Pass: yes
National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art (Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna)
Want to take a break from ancient ruins and Renaissance palaces? At the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, or GNAM, you’re sure to do just that.
Here you will find Italy’s largest art collection 19. – 20th century from Neoclassicism, Impressionism, Futurism to Surrealism – sculptures by Italian masters Antonio Canova and Umberto Boccioni and paintings by Modigliani and Giorgio de Chirico. French artists Cézanne, Rodin, Degas, Monet and Vincent Van Gogh, or the Austrian world-famous artist Gustav Klimt.
- Where is it? Viale delle Belle Arti, 131
- How do I get there? Metro line A → Flaminio stop, tram 3 and 19, bus 61, 89, 160, 490, 495 → Piazzale del Fiocco stop
- What are the opening hours? Tuesday-Sunday 09:00-19:00 (last entry 45 minutes before)
- How much is the entry fee? Full admission 10 €, reduced admission 2 € (EU citizens 18-25 years), reduced admission 5 € if you have visited MAXXI (see below)
- Reservation: not required
- Part of the Roma Pass: yes
MAXXI – National Museum of Art of the 21st Century
MAXXI or Museo Nazionale delle Arti del XXI Secolo is Rome’s finest contemporary art. It has over 300 works in its permanent collection, but the temporary exhibitions that the museum organizes are especially worth seeing. They usually include innovative and avant-garde artists from all over the world.
The building in which the museum is housed was formerly a military barracks. It then underwent a radical transformation by Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid and became a major architectural work. The museum is located in the Flaminio district.
- Where is it? Via Guido Reni 4
- How do I get there? Metro line A → Flaminio stop, tram 2, bus 53, 168, 910
- What are the opening hours? Tuesday-Sunday 11:00-19:00
- How much is the entry fee? Full admission 12 €, reduced admission 9 € (EU citizens 14 – 25 years)
- Reservation: no
- Part of the Roma Pass: yes, including priority entry
HOW TO GET FROM THE FIUMICINO AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTRE: Private transfer from the airport is the most convenient way to get to Rome. Buses are the most popular mode of transfer – there are several carriers to choose from, the most reliable being SIT Bus-Shuttle. They stop at the Vatican and Termini station. Just show your ticket on your mobile phone on the spot. The advantage is that if you miss the original connection, you can take the next one without any problems. The third and fastest option is the Leonardo Express.
Museums in Rome – MAP
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map of museums, monuments and attractions to visit and see in Rome. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in my guide to Rome. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.
Ticket Reservation
Where to stay in Rome?
I recommend staying near Termini Station, where you arrive from Fiumincino or Ciampino Airport. There are several nice hotels, many good restaurants nearby, grocery stores (Coop), good metro connections to the whole of Rome and you can walk to the centre in a few minutes.
Tips for the best accommodation in Rome:
- Hotel Impero – cheap hotel with excellent breakfast and roof terrace; older facilities but clean and cosy; quiet at night
- Hotel Borromeo – 3* hotel with air conditioning and roof terrace; minutes from the metro and within walking distance of the historic centre
- Hive hotel – 4* hotel with modern and clean rooms; rooms and suites for up to 4 people available; spacious roof terrace with seating and restaurant
- hu Roma Camping in Town – accommodation in air-conditioned bungalows or chalets, restaurant, refreshments, free parking, jacuzzi, swimming pool, bar
Hotels in Rome 😴
We’ve created a detailed guide on where to stay in Rome (best neighbourhoods and hotels, a map and how to get from your accommodation to the sights or the airport).
These were our picks for the best museums in Rome. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
More about Rome
THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN ROME: In our article on what to visit in Rome, you will find detailed descriptions of the most beautiful places, including information on admission fees and opening times. We also have special guides for the monuments of ancient Rome.
We’ve created a detailed guide to the Vatican that tells you everything you need to know before your visit.
Read the guides for the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum to avoid queues on site. What not to miss in the Sistine Chapel is covered in a separate article.
ROME ITINERARY: Get inspired by our itinerary for Rome in 1 day or Rome in 3 days.
ACCOMMODATION IN ROME: We’ve created a detailed guide on where to stay in Rome (best neighbourhoods and accommodation on a budget, a map and how to get from your accommodation to the sights or the airport).
HOW TO ENJOY ROME: For tips on the best things to do in Rome, check out our article on what in. We also share some tips on how to save in Rome and more than 35 tips for travelling around Rome. In a separate article, you can find out about all the ways to get from Fiumicino Airport to the centre of Rome.
