35 Best Places to Visit in Rome (2026): Map, Local Tips & More

Planning a trip to Rome and wondering which places you shouldn’t miss? Here are 35 of the best places to visit in Rome – from the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain to the Pantheon, the Vatican and and a few hidden gems you might not have heard of.

We’ll show you both the famous landmarks and the hidden corners of Rome, so you can go beyond the tourist trail and explore the city like a local.

You’ll also find plenty of practical information throughout the article: updated entrance fees, opening hours, and how to get to each monument. Plus tips on where to stay, where to eat, and even how to navigate public toilets in Rome – everything you need to plan your trip quickly and without stress.

We keep all admission fees, opening times and practical details regularly updated. The latest update is always shown at the beginning of the article.

Rome is a stunning city, filled with history that meets you at almost every corner. It’s also loud, crowded and, in some places, a little dirty.

You’ll quickly forget the chaos once you stroll across Piazza Navona, see the Pantheon with your own eyes or treat yourself to an Italian gelato.

You may have heard Rome being called the Eternal City. The term was first used by the poet Tibullus back in the 1st century BC.

Did you know? Rome was the first city in the world to reach one million inhabitants – as early as 133 BC. For comparison, Paris didn’t get there until 1850.

When to Visit Rome

Rome is one of the most visited places in the world. Everyone wants to see the impressive Colosseum and the Vatican Museums full of art.

Within Europe, Rome ranks third after London and Paris. But Paris has wide boulevards where crowds spread out more easily. In the narrow streets of Rome, however, you often weave through masses of people during the high season, and in the Sistine Chapel you can practically stand still.

The best time to visit is from late autumn to early spring. We’ve been here in April and November, and there were still plenty of people. Winters in Rome are mild, so if you’re looking for the quietest months, January and February are hard to beat.

Best Places to See in Rome: MAP

HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above, you’ll find a detailed map with all the best places to visit in Rome. Click the top-left corner to open the individual layers with highlighted locations. You can show or hide different layers, or tap on the icons to see the names of the places mentioned in this Rome guide. If you’d like to save the map, simply mark it with a star ⭐. It will be saved to your Google Maps, and you can access it anytime from your phone or computer. For a larger version, click the icon in the top-right corner.

Best Places to Visit in Rome: Attractions and Must-See Sights

Rome is full of landmarks, historic sites and museums. Exploring all of them takes time, energy and—let’s be honest—sometimes plenty of patience when waiting in ticket lines.

Here, you’ll find all the key information about entrance fees, opening hours and practical tips on how to avoid queues at the most popular places to visit in Rome.

We’ve visited the city during both the high and low seasons, and throughout this article you’ll find photos from different periods of the year, so you can get a better idea of what Rome looks like as the seasons change.

For each attraction, we’ve also indicated whether it’s included in the Roma Pass — the official tourist card that gives you two free entries, discounts on additional Rome attractions and unlimited public transport. You’ll find more details about the card later in the article.

1. Colosseum (Colosseo)

You know that feeling when you expect a place to be amazing, and then it disappoints you in real life? The Colosseum is the complete opposite. 

It truly lives up to the hype — at least it absolutely did for us.

Come here again during an evening walk. It’s beautiful, and surprisingly quiet. One of the best views of the Colosseum is from Parco del Colle Oppio, just above the amphitheatre, where you’ll also find other ancient remains, including the remains of Nero’s house.

Did you know? The Colosseum is one of the most iconic Rome attractions, with almost 2,000 years of history. It’s also one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and holds a Guinness World Record as the largest amphitheatre ever built.

More than 6 million people visit it every year, making it one of the most visited places to see in Rome — and in the entire world.

The Colosseum is also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. For more than 500 years, it served as the centre of public entertainment: exhibitions of exotic animals, executions of prisoners and gladiator fights all took place here.

There’s a darker side to it as well — experts estimate that around 400,000 people and more than one million wild animals died in the arena. Interestingly, in ancient times the blood of gladiators was believed to bring strength and health, and it was even prescribed as a treatment for fertility or epilepsy.

Want to know more? We’ve written a detailed guide dedicated entirely to the Colosseum.

Where the Colosseum Is Located: Piazza del Colosseo

How to Get to the Colosseum:

• Metro – line B → Colosseo station. You’ll see the Colosseum the moment you step out of the metro.
• Bus – lines 75, 81, 175, 204, 673
• Tram – line 3

Colosseum Opening Hours:

• 1 January – 28 February: 8:30–16:30
• 1 March – 29 March: 8:30–17:30
• 30 March – 30 September: 8:30–19:15
• 1 October – 25 October: 8:30–18:30
• 26 October – 28 February 2026: 8:30–16:30
• You can enter up to 1 hour before closing.
• The Colosseum is closed on 1 January and 25 December.

How Much Is the Entrance Fee to the Colosseum?

• Full admission: €16
• Reduced admission: €2 (EU citizens aged 18–25)
• It’s best to book your tickets in advance (€2 booking fee). The number of on-site tickets is limited and queues tend to form quickly, so booking ahead saves you a lot of time.
• The ticket is combined, which means you can visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for the same price. Both sites are located right opposite the Colosseum.
• Entry is free on the first Sunday of the month, but you can’t reserve in advance and the queues are usually very long.
• Included in the Roma Pass: Yes (more information on how to reserve with the Roma Pass here).

Note: Children under 18 and visitors with disabilities (plus one accompanying person) can enter free of charge. Make sure to reserve the free ticket in advance and present the required documents at the entrance.

You have 24 hours to visit all the sites (with one entry per site). All locations are right next to each other. For the Colosseum, you need to book a specific time slot, while the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill can be visited before or after.

What to Do If Tickets to the Colosseum Are Sold Out?

This is completely normal in Rome – tickets for the Colosseum and other places often sell out weeks in advance. Always check the current availability.

If there are no free time slots, you can try your luck on-site (a limited number of tickets is released each day), or you can take a look here at all the available options for visiting the Colosseum.

2. Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is, together with the Colosseum, one of the greatest reminders of ancient Rome. This is where religious and public life took place in ancient times. Interestingly, the whole area was originally a swamp.

The Roman Forum lies between Palatine Hill and the Colosseum. If you walk towards Piazza Venezia (the direction most visitors go), you’ll get an elevated view of the Forum from above. But nothing compares to walking among the ruins themselves, which is included in the Colosseum ticket.

Even though many structures in Rome have survived in excellent condition, the exposed ruins represent only about 10% of the original city.

The ancient city lies deep underground for two main reasons:

• first, the Tiber River used to flood regularly and deposited layers of mud and dirt over the city;
• second, during later construction, the roofs of older houses were removed, the buildings were filled with earth, and new structures were built directly on top.

The Roman Forum is part of the combined ticket together with the Colosseum and Palatine Hill – see the details in the Colosseum section. Unlike the Colosseum, you don’t need to book a specific time slot to enter the Roman Forum.

• Roman Forum Opening Hours: Hours vary by season but follow the same schedule as the Colosseum (see above). Entry is allowed up to 1 hour before closing. The site is closed on 1 January and 25 December.
• Included in the Roma Pass: Yes

Where to stay in Rome

Note: We only recommend services we personally use and trust.

H10 Palazzo Galla (€€)

4-star hotel near the Trevi Fountain, with a rooftop terrace and excellent breakfast

Hotel Hive (€€)

Modern hotel with a wellness area, close to both the station and the city centre, with a rooftop terrace

3. Palatine Hill (Colle Palatino)

This is where it all began. Romulus founded Rome here in 753 BC.

Palatine Hill was a symbol of power and wealth. Wealthy Romans built their homes here, later replaced by imperial palaces. The English word palace actually comes from Palatine.

Palatine Hill forms one archaeological area together with the Roman Forum, with a shared entrance. It rises about 40 metres above the Forum, offering a great view of the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and the Circus Maximus behind it.

Palatine Hill was one of my favourite places in Rome, partly thanks to the beautiful views.

Palatine Hill is part of the combined ticket together with the Colosseum and the Roman Forum – see the Colosseum section for more details.

• Opening Hours: The schedule varies by season and follows the same hours as the Colosseum. Entry is allowed up to 1 hour before closing. Closed on 1 January and 25 December.
• Included in the Roma Pass: Yes

Colosseum Tickets

You can choose from several ticket types depending on what you want to see:

• Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill + audio guide (skip-the-line)
• Basic ticket – Colosseum + Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
• Extended ticket – Colosseum with arena and underground
• Rome Tourist Card – Colosseum and Vatican Museums

4. Arch of Constantine (Arco di Costantino)

You can’t miss the Arch of Constantine – it stands between the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. And it always surprises me how few people stop here, unlike the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, which is surrounded by crowds.

The Arch of Constantine is the largest surviving Roman triumphal arch, built in 315 to commemorate Emperor Constantine’s victory. Historically, it is extremely important – it symbolises the turning point when Christianity began to gain influence in the Roman Empire.

More information: We’ve written more about the monuments of ancient Rome here.

5. Piazza Venezia

Piazza Venezia is one of the busiest squares in the heart of Rome, just a short walk from the Colosseum.

Here you’ll see Palazzo Venezia, which once served as Mussolini’s residence. It was from this balcony that he declared war in 1940. Today, the building houses an art museum.

Complesso del Vittoriano

But as soon as you step onto the square, your eyes will almost certainly land on something else — the massive Complesso del Vittoriano, also known as the Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland). This monumental structure was built at the end of the 19th century to honour Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy.

Romans, however, never really warmed up to it, and over the years they’ve given it plenty of nicknames — from the “Wedding Cake” to the “Typewriter”. In the middle of the monument stand two soldiers guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame.

Tip: You can take the lift up to the panoramic terrace for a beautiful view of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the whole of Piazza Venezia. The ticket costs €18 (€5 reduced for EU citizens aged 18–24, free for children under 18 and visitors with disabilities). The price also includes entry to the Risorgimento Museum and Palazzo Venezia. Open daily 9:30–19:00.

Did you know? The structure is so enormous that an entire neighbourhood of medieval houses had to be demolished to make space for it. This is one of the reasons why locals still view it with mixed feelings — for Italy it symbolises unity, but for Romans it’s more of an interruption of the city’s historic character.

More information: If you’re planning your days step by step, take a look at our Rome in 3 Days itinerary.

6. Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)

Many consider the Trevi Fountain to be the most beautiful fountain in the world.

And where does the name come from? The little square is the meeting point of three streets — hence “Trevi”.

The square is surprisingly small. Most of the space is taken up by the fountain, which is built into Palazzo Poli. This makes the whole scene feel even more monumental.

It feels like standing on a theatre stage, watching an incredible performance unfold right in front of you.

Interesting Fact: The Trevi Fountain symbolises abundance and good health. It was designed by the Italian architect Nicola Salvi, although many people associate its Baroque appearance with Bernini, who originally planned a different fountain for this spot.

Tradition says that if you toss one coin into the fountain, you’ll return to Rome one day. Two coins are said to bring love, and three coins lead to marriage. So you might even get hit by a flying coin — just like we did. 🙂

It’s estimated that around €3,000 is thrown into the fountain every day — up to €1.4 million a year. All of it goes to a local charity helping people without a home and those in need.

• Where the Trevi Fountain Is Located: Piazza di Trevi
• How to Get There: Metro – line A → Barberini station
• Entrance: The fountain is free to visit, but since December 2024 new rules apply. Only 400 people are allowed inside the square at the same time — which is still quite a lot considering the size of the space.
• Opening Hours: Open daily from 9:00 to 21:00 (last entry at 20:30). On Mondays and Fridays, it opens at 11:00 due to coin collection, and every second Monday at 14:00 for basin cleaning. After 21:00, access is free without restrictions.

When we first visited a few years ago, the crowds were huge — even late in the evening in November. Getting anywhere close to the fountain was a struggle. We came back the next morning at 8 a.m. and there were only a few people around.

That has changed in recent years. During our latest visit, there were already plenty of people early in the morning — and it wasn’t even peak season. The city is therefore considering introducing a small fee (€2) to help manage the crowds a little better. It’s not in place yet, though.

So when should you visit the Trevi Fountain? Early morning is still your best bet — there will definitely be fewer people. Just keep in mind that locals still live in the surrounding buildings, so it’s important to stay respectful and quiet.

Hotels in Rome with a pool

Note: We only recommend services we personally use and trust.

Hotel Villa Pamphilly (€€)

Modern accommodation with a pool, wellness area and a rooftop terrace

hu Roma Camping in Town (€)

Air-conditioned bungalows or cabins, with a restaurant and a pool

7. Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti)

The Spanish Steps are just a 10-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain. They’re the most famous staircase in Rome — and still hold the title of the widest staircase in Europe.

Their shape is slightly irregular, almost like butterfly wings, and they date back to the 18th century. At the top stands the church of Trinità dei Monti, and at the bottom you’ll find Bernini’s boat-shaped fountain, Fontana della Barcaccia.

The Spanish Steps were built with one purpose: to connect the church above with the square below. Their name comes from the Spanish Embassy, which was located here from the 16th century.

Important: Sitting on the Spanish Steps is prohibited. In the past, everyone used to sit here, and during high season it was almost impossible to get through. The city eventually introduced a ban on sitting, drinking and eating on the steps to protect the monument.

8. St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)

One of the most sacred places of the Catholic Church — and the largest church in the world, holding up to 60,000 people at once. St. Peter’s Basilica is the heart of Vatican City and the place where the Pope leads major liturgies throughout the year.

It stands on the site of the original church, directly above the tomb of the Apostle Peter. Its construction took more than 120 years, and some of the most famous architects took part in it, including Bramante, Michelangelo, Maderno and Bernini.

If you climb all the way to the top, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of St. Peter’s Square. Along the way you’ll see mosaics up close, statues of the apostles on the rooftop, and from the first level a narrow staircase leads you to the very top. 

It’s 551 steps, and you’ll feel them — but the view is absolutely worth it.

Interesting Fact: Piazza San Pietro was the first place in Rome where small basalt paving stones were used. They’re still called sanpietrini, and you’ll find them all over the city.

Did you know? Even though St. Peter’s Basilica is the most visited church in Rome, it’s not the most important one. The title belongs to the Basilica of St. John Lateran — the official seat of the Pope and the only cathedral in Rome.

• Where St. Peter’s Basilica Is Located: Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City
• How to Get to St. Peter’s Basilica: Metro – line A → Ottaviano station, then about a 15-minute walk along the Vatican walls.
• Entrance: Entry is free. You can buy an audio guide on-site (available in English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, Chinese, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese and Russian).

St. Peter’s Basilica Opening Hours:

• April to September: 7:00–19:00
• October to March: 7:00–18:30
• Important: On Wednesdays, the Pope usually holds an audience, and the basilica opens later — typically between 12:30 and 13:00. If you want to see the Pope, you can reserve a spot for free here.
• Cupola (Dome) Opening Hours: The dome opens between 7:30 and 8:00. Closing time is 18:00 from April to September and 16:45 from October to March.

How Much Is the Entrance Fee to St. Peter’s Basilica:

• Entrance to the basilica is free. You only pay to access the dome:
  • €15 — elevator to the terrace + 320 steps on foot
  • €10 — 551 steps on foot (no elevator)
• Payment is cash only.
• You’ll find the ticket kiosk on the right-hand side shortly after entering the basilica.

Tip: If you buy the audio guide online in advance for €7, you can use a designated entrance on-site — you’ll still go through security, but the queue is much shorter.

How to Skip the Lines at St. Peter’s Basilica: The queues for St. Peter’s Basilica often stretch across the entire square. Everyone must pass through security screening. Since the basilica opens two hours earlier than the Vatican Museums, the best time to visit is right after opening. Another good option is to come later in the afternoon (after 4 p.m.), when the biggest crowds are already gone.

9. Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina)

The Sistine Chapel may well have the most beautifully decorated interior in the world. As soon as you step inside, most people do the same thing — they look up. On the ceiling you’ll see Michelangelo’s famous frescoes, known all over the world.

But the Last Judgment above the altar is just as striking. And if you look around the room, you’ll also notice works by other great masters who painted here before Michelangelo — Botticelli, Perugino, Pinturicchio, Ghirlandaio and Rosselli.

Interested in more? We’ve put together a detailed guide to visiting the Sistine Chapel.

• Where the Sistine Chapel Is Located: The Sistine Chapel is inside the Vatican Museums. You’ll visit it as part of the regular museum route — there is no separate ticket and you can’t miss it.
• How to Get to the Sistine Chapel: Metro – line A → Ottaviano or Cipro station, then about a 10-minute walk to the entrance of the Vatican Museums.
• Sistine Chapel Opening Hours (2026):
  • Monday to Saturday: 8:00–20:00 (last entry at 18:00)
  • Last Sunday of the month: 9:00–14:00 (last entry at 12:30)

How Much Is the Entrance Fee to the Sistine Chapel?

Entry to the Sistine Chapel is included in the Vatican Museums ticket — there is no extra charge.

• Full admission to the Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel is €20 + booking fee.
• Reduced admission is €8 (children 6–18, students 19–25 with valid ID) + booking fee.

Tip: We booked our tickets in advance — they’re often completely sold out weeks or even months ahead.

10. Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani)

The Vatican Museums welcome more than 6 million visitors every year, making them one of the most visited museums in the world. You’ll find a collection of over 20,000 artworks, divided into themed galleries — and that’s just a fraction of the entire collection, most of which remains behind closed doors.

Interested in more? We’ve put together a separate article on what to see in the Vatican Museums. There’s so much inside that it’s best to pick a few highlights that interest you the most.

Many people come mainly for the Sistine Chapel, but it would be a shame to just “rush through” the other galleries. The Gallery of Maps and the Raphael Rooms are some of the most beautiful places you’ll see in Vatican City.

I was genuinely amazed by how many incredible spaces the museums hide — and I’ll be happy to hear your thoughts on whether you also feel there’s so much more to see than most people expect.

Vatican Museums Tickets

You can choose from several ticket types:

• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel ticket
• Omnia Card & Roma Pass – free or discounted entry to major sights + free public transport
• Rome Tourist Card – includes the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums
• Guided tour

• Where the Vatican Museums Are Located: Viale Vaticano 51, Vatican City
• How to Get to the Vatican Museums: Metro – line A → Ottaviano station, then a few minutes on foot. The entrance to the museums is not through St. Peter’s Square — that entrance leads to St. Peter’s Basilica. You’ll find more details in our guide to the Vatican Museums.
• Vatican Museums Opening Hours (2026)
  • Monday to Saturday: 8:00–20:00 (last entry at 18:00)
  • Last Sunday of the month: 9:00–14:00 (last entry at 12:30)

How Much Is the Entrance Fee to the Vatican Museums?

• Full admission: €20 + booking fee
• Reduced admission: €8 (children 6–18, students 19–25 with valid ID) + booking fee
• The ticket also includes entry to the Sistine Chapel, located at the end of the museum route — you can’t miss it.
• Tickets often sell out weeks or even months in advance, so it’s definitely best to book ahead to skip the line.
• Free admission on the last Sunday of the month — reservations are not possible, and the queues tend to be very long.

How to Skip the Lines at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: You can skip the line by booking your Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel ticket online. Once there, use the middle entrance, which is reserved for visitors with pre-booked tickets.

11. Castel Sant’Angelo

Just a short walk from the Vatican stands Castel Sant’Angelo, originally built as the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian and his family. Later, the papacy took it over, fortified it and used it as a safe refuge in times of danger.

Today, Castel Sant’Angelo houses a museum where you can learn more about the fortress’s history, step inside the lavish papal apartments and enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Rome.

For us, it’s definitely one of the most impressive places to visit in Rome — and one of the best viewpoints you can find in the city.

• Where Castel Sant’Angelo is located: Lungotevere Castello 50
• How to Get to Castel Sant’Angelo: Bus – lines 23, 34, 49, 64, 87, 280, 492, 926, 990
• Castel Sant’Angelo Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday: 9:00–19:30 (The ticket office closes at 18:30.)

How Much Is the Entrance Fee to Castel Sant’Angelo?

• Full admission: €16
• Reduced admission: €3 (EU citizens aged 18–24)
• Free entry on the first Sunday of the month (no advance reservations possible)
• Reservation: We booked our tickets in advance — during the high season from April to October, queues can stretch up to an hour.
• Included in the Roma Pass: Yes (you can reserve your Roma Pass entry here, although it’s not mandatory).

12. Pantheon

The Pantheon is an exceptionally well-preserved temple from 126 AD, famous above all for its architecture — the circular building has the same diameter as its height, 43.5 metres.

The dome is even larger than the one at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and still holds the record as the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.

We just stood there, trying to figure out how they did it. The Romans were clever — as the concrete layers rose higher, they used lighter and lighter materials. At the very top, the bricks are made from extra-light pumice stone.

The Pantheon is also the oldest building in the world that is still in continuous use, which is one of the reasons it has survived in such remarkable condition.

• Where the Pantheon Is Located: Piazza della Rotonda
• How to Get to the Pantheon: Metro – line A → Barberini station
• Pantheon Opening Hours: Daily 9:00–19:00 (last entry at 18:30). Closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.
• How Much Is the Entrance Fee to the Pantheon? Since 3 July 2023, entrance is ticketed — full admission is €5, reduced admission €2 for visitors aged 18–25, and free entry is available for everyone on the first Sunday of the month.
• How to Avoid the Lines: Come right at opening time — there are no queues early in the morning. By lunchtime, the line usually circles the entire square, and it’s surprising how many people can fit into such a small space.
• Reservation: If you want to skip the line, advance booking is required (included with the audio guide).

13. Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is a beautiful square just a five-minute walk from the Pantheon — one of those places where you can simply sit on a bench and watch the city go by.

In the centre stands another masterpiece by Bernini: the Fountain of the Four Rivers, where four river gods represent the major rivers of the then-known continents. Can you guess which one is which?

But the square isn’t only about the fountain. It’s also dominated by the Baroque church Sant’Agnese in Agone, which you can peek into for free (open until 19:00 except on Mondays).

On the southern side you’ll find one of the branches of the Museo di Roma, which covers the city’s history from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.

14. Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini)

The Capitoline Museums sit on one of Rome’s seven hills — the Capitoline Hill. The museums frame Piazza del Campidoglio, a square designed by Michelangelo himself. In the middle stands a copy of the famous equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius — the original is displayed inside.

What’s waiting for you inside? A rich collection of sculptures, paintings and historical treasures that trace the story of Rome. Among them is one of the city’s most iconic pieces: the she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus.

Legend says that Romulus later founded Rome — and it’s no coincidence that the she-wolf appears in the emblem of AS Roma football club.

• Where the Capitoline Museums Are Located: Piazza del Campidoglio
• How to Get There: About 1 km from Colosseo metro station (line B)
• Opening Hours: 9:30–19:30 (last entry one hour before closing)
• How Much Is the Entrance Fee to the Capitoline Museums: Full admission €15, reduced admission €9.50 for visitors aged 6–25.
• Included in the Roma Pass: Yes

15. Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli (Basilica di Santa Maria in Aracoeli)

A hidden gem in the heart of Rome? That’s exactly how Santa Maria in Aracoeli feels. From the outside it looks quite plain, but don’t let that fool you — inside you’ll find a richly decorated interior with Renaissance frescoes by Pinturicchio.

You’ll spot the basilica on the left at the top of the long staircase between Piazza Venezia and Piazza del Campidoglio, home to the Capitoline Museums.

• Where the Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli Is Located: Scala dell’Arce Capitolina 12
• How to Get There: Metro – line B → Colosseo station, then about a 10-minute walk
• Opening Hours: 7:00–19:00
• How Much Is the Entrance Fee: Free

16. Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore)

Santa Maria Maggiore is one of Rome’s four papal basilicas — and also one of the oldest. Several popes are buried here, as well as the famous Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the artist behind many of Rome’s masterpieces (including the Fountain of the Four Rivers on Piazza Navona, the colonnade in St. Peter’s Square and the baldachin inside St. Peter’s Basilica).

Inside, you’ll find mosaics from the 5th century depicting 36 scenes from the Old Testament. They’re among the most valuable mosaics in all of Rome.

• Where the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore Is Located: Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, just a short walk from Termini Station
• How to Get There: Termini metro station
• Opening Hours: 7:00–18:45
• How Much Is the Entrance Fee: Free

17. Trastevere

If you’re looking for the best place to eat in Rome, head to Trastevere. You’ll find restaurants and trattorias on almost every corner — and one is better than the next. 

Just wander through the narrow streets and follow whatever pulls you in, whether it’s the smell of pizza or freshly made pasta.

The neighbourhood has its own charm. Narrow cobblestone alleys, orange-toned facades, laundry hanging between windows, ivy climbing the walls… it all feels wonderfully Roman — exactly how I imagine Rome myself. 

18. Archbasilica of St. John Lateran (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano)

The Lateran Basilica is the oldest church in Rome. In 896 it was almost destroyed by a strong earthquake and was rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries.

You might be surprised to learn that St. John Lateran — not St. Peter’s — is the official cathedral of Rome and the Pope’s ecclesiastical seat. That’s why it carries the title of “archbasilica” and holds the highest rank among Rome’s churches.

• Where the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran Is Located: Piazza del Laterano
• How to Get There: San Giovanni metro station (line A)
• Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday 9:00–16:30
• How Much Is the Entrance Fee: Free

19. Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (Basilica Papale San Paolo fuori le Mura)

St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of Rome’s four papal basilicas. It may not be as famous as St. Peter’s or St. John Lateran, but if you’re interested in pilgrimage sites or historically important churches, it’s definitely worth the trip.

The basilica itself — and its surroundings — are beautiful. Inside, you’ll see medallions of every pope, from St. Peter all the way to the present. The basilica was built right above the tomb of the Apostle Paul.

One big advantage? You won’t run into the same long queues you’ll find at St. Peter’s Basilica, so you can enjoy the place in much more peace.

• Where St. Paul Outside the Walls Is Located: Piazzale San Paolo 1
• How to Get There: Garbatella metro station (line B)
• Opening Hours: Daily 7:00–18:30
• How Much Is the Entrance Fee: Free

20. National Roman Museum (Museo Nazionale Romano)

The National Roman Museum is spread across four different locations in Rome, each housed in a separate historic palace. The good news? One combined ticket is all you need — it’s valid for a full week, so you can visit all four sites at your own pace.

One place that definitely deserves a mention is Crypta Balbi. Thanks to archaeological excavations, you can literally walk through the entire history of the site — from ancient times to the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the modern era.

It’s a different kind of museum experience, and that’s exactly why it’s worth seeing.

How Much Is the Entrance Fee to the National Roman Museum:

• Combined ticket: Full admission €12, reduced admission €8 (EU citizens aged 18–25), plus a €2 reservation fee.
• Single-site ticket: Full admission €8, reduced admission €2 (EU citizens aged 18–25), plus a €2 reservation fee.
• Free entry for everyone on the first Sunday of the month (advance reservations not possible).
• Included in the Roma Pass: Yes

21. Borghese Gallery (Galleria Borghese)

If you love art, this is one place in Rome you really shouldn’t miss. The Borghese Gallery houses one of the finest collections of sculpture, painting and architecture in the world.

The collection was started by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the 17th century, and he even had the entire villa built just to display it. To this day, you’ll find masterpieces here by giants like Caravaggio, Bernini and Titian — which is why the gallery is often called the queen of all private collections.

• Where the Borghese Gallery Is Located: Piazzale del Museo Borghese 5, inside Villa Borghese Park
• How to Get to the Borghese Gallery: Metro – line A → 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
• Opening Hours: Closed on Monday; Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 9:00–19:00; Wednesday 9:00–22:00; Thursday 9:00–21:00 (you’ll choose a specific time slot when booking).
• How Much Is the Entrance Fee to the Borghese Gallery: Full admission €17, reduced admission €4 (EU citizens aged 18–25), plus a €2 reservation fee — including for visitors with free entry (children under 18). Free entry for everyone on the first Sunday of the month (advance reservation required).
• Included in the Roma Pass: Yes

Reservations

Yes. You have three options for making a reservation: by phone, by email or through the official website.

• You can send an email to [email protected], stating the number of people, ages, the date and your preferred approximate time. They usually reply within 48 hours.
• The second option is to book your Borghese Gallery tickets online.

Note: The Borghese Gallery is often fully booked well in advance — make sure to reserve early. You must arrive at least 30 minutes before your time slot. In the meantime, you can enjoy a walk through the surrounding gardens. If tickets are sold out, you can try your luck on a partner website, where extra slots sometimes appear.

22. Villa Borghese

After the busy streets of the historic centre, a walk through Villa Borghese is more than welcome. Locals often call it the “green lungs” of Rome — the park is huge, and it’s easy to spend several hours here without even noticing.

You can rent a rowboat on the little lake, relax in the shade of the trees, watch parrots fluttering around or simply wander between statues and villas. There are playgrounds for children, too. And if you’re in the mood for art, the famous Borghese Gallery sits right inside the park.

From the upper part of the gardens, you also get a beautiful view over Piazza del Popolo and the rooftops of Rome — look for the Passeggiata del Pincio viewpoint. It’s lively during the day, but when we came early in the morning, we had the whole place to ourselves.

23. Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo spreads out right below Villa Borghese. In the centre of the square stands an Egyptian obelisk covered in original hieroglyphs — one of the oldest and largest in Rome.

You might wonder how it got here. The first emperor, Augustus, brought it from Egypt as a war trophy. For centuries it stood at the Circus Maximus, and only at the end of the 16th century was it moved to Piazza del Popolo.

24. Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla)

The Baths of Caracalla were built by Emperor Caracalla between 212 and 216 AD.

They were one of the largest thermal complexes of the ancient world — and it wasn’t just about bathing. You’ll come across what’s left of ancient pools, gyms, libraries and even gardens — all part of a once-bustling thermal complex.

Imagine this: up to 1,600 people could bathe here at the same time.

• Where the Baths of Caracalla Are Located: Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
• How to Get There: Metro – line B → Circo Massimo station, Bus – lines 118, 160, 628
• Opening Hours:
  • In high season (March–August), open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00–19:15.
  • Outside the main season, closing times are earlier depending on sunset (last entry is always one hour before closing).
• How Much Is the Entrance Fee: Full admission €8, reduced admission €2 for EU citizens aged 18–25, free entry for children under 18 and visitors with disabilities (plus one accompanying person). Free entry for everyone on the first Sunday of the month (advance reservations not possible).
• Included in the Roma Pass: Yes

25. Circus Maximus

Circus Maximus is one of the most famous landmarks of ancient Rome and lies just a short walk from the Colosseum. On one side it borders Palatine Hill, and on the other it’s framed by the slopes of the Aventine — which we’ll talk about in a moment.

You might be surprised by how little of it has survived, but its charm lies in the atmosphere and in imagining what once took place here. This is where the famous chariot races were held, and in its heyday the arena could hold up to 300,000 spectators.

• How Much Is the Entrance Fee: A ticket is required only for access to the archaeological area: full admission €5, reduced admission €4 (EU citizens aged 18–25).
• Opening Hours:
  • Summer (April to late September): Tuesday–Sunday 09:30–19:00
  • Winter: Tuesday–Sunday 09:30–16:30
• How to Get to Circus Maximus: Metro – line B → Circo Massimo station. Or about a 15-minute walk from the Colosseum (walk straight past the Arch of Constantine).
• Included in the Roma Pass: Yes

26. Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità)

The Mouth of Truth is a popular little attraction located just beyond Circus Maximus. In reality, it’s an ancient manhole cover carved with a face.

According to legend, it works as a lie detector — you put your hand into its mouth, and if you’re lying, it will bite it off. Who’s brave enough to try? 🙂

The Mouth of Truth is located right next to the entrance of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church, which you’ll walk through to exit. The church is smaller and more intimate than Rome’s grand basilicas, but it definitely has its charm.

Just be prepared for queues. The best time to come is right at opening time, 9:30, when both the church and the Mouth of Truth open. If you arrive earlier, you can at least see it through the gate.

More information: Rome Travel Guide — tips on transport, food, prices and practical experience from our trips.

27. Trajan’s Market and Trajan’s Forum (Mercati di Traiano)

Trajan’s Forum was essentially the first “shopping mall” in Rome. Built under Emperor Trajan, it had six levels with more than 150 shops, known as tabernae.

Part of the complex is the famous Trajan’s Column, which spirals upward telling the story of the emperor’s military campaigns.

You can get a good view of part of the forum from Via dei Fori Imperiali (the main road leading from the Colosseum toward the historic centre). But if you want to walk through the market itself and visit the museum, you’ll need a ticket.

• Where Trajan’s Forum Is Located: Via IV Novembre 94
• How to Get There: Metro line B → 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 → Piazza Venezia stop; Trajan’s Forum lies between the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia.
• Opening Hours: Daily 9:30–19:30
• How Much Is the Entrance Fee: Full admission €15, reduced admission €9.50 (EU citizens aged 18–24)
• Reservations: Not required
• Included in the Roma Pass: Yes

Budget accommodation in Rome

Note: We only recommend services we personally use and trust.

Hotel Borromeo

3-star hotel with great value for money, close to both the station and the city centre

Hotel Impero

Budget, clean accommodation with a rooftop terrace and excellent breakfast

28. Aventine Hill (Aventino)

Aventine Hill is one of Rome’s seven historic hills. You’ll find it not far from the Colosseum, tucked between Circus Maximus and the Tiber River. The hill is lined with medieval walls and home to several beautiful churches, villas and gardens.

One of the loveliest spots is the Giardino degli Aranci — the Orange Garden — filled with fragrant orange trees and a terrace offering one of the best views of Rome.

Right by the entrance to the garden, you’ll see a fountain featuring a carved mask tucked into the wall and an Egyptian granite basin discovered during excavations in the Roman Forum. For us, it’s a more interesting spot than the more famous Mouth of Truth — even if there’s no legend attached to it.

Another popular place on the Aventine is the keyhole of the Villa del Priorato di Malta, which gives you a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica. However, the queue is usually so long that I’d honestly skip it without regret.

29. Campo de’ Fiori

Campo de’ Fiori is a lively square that turns into a bustling market during the day, filled with fruit, vegetables, flowers and spices.

You’ll find all sorts of things here — from fresh artichokes to colourful souvenir pasta. The atmosphere is more touristy than it used to be, but it still has its charm.

30. Roman Catacombs (Catacombe di Roma)

The Roman catacombs are a network of underground tunnels that served for centuries as burial sites for Jewish, pagan and early Christian communities. They were created between the 2nd and 5th centuries AD and are believed to stretch up to 20 km. You’ll find them in several locations on the outskirts of Rome — each with its own atmosphere and story.

• Catacombs of St. Sebastian – Smaller but easy to access and open daily. According to legend, this is where the remains of Saints Peter and Paul rested before being transferred elsewhere.
• Catacombs of St. Callixtus (San Callisto) – One of the largest and most visited catacomb complexes. Several popes from the 2nd and 3rd centuries were buried here, which is why it’s sometimes called the “little Vatican”.
• Priscilla Catacombs – Famous for their early Christian frescoes, including the oldest known depiction of the Virgin Mary with the baby Jesus.
• Domitilla Catacombs – The only catacombs that still include a small underground basilica. Nearly 15 km of tunnels.

If you’re planning to visit the catacombs, here are the practical details for each site:

Catacombs of St. Callixtus (Catacombe di San Callisto)

• Where They Are Located: Via Appia Antica 110/126
• How to Get There: Metro line A (from Termini) → Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano; then transfer to bus 218 (direction Ardeatine) → Fosse Ardeatine stop.
• Opening Hours: Monday–Tuesday and Thursday–Sunday: 9:00–12:00 and 14:00–17:00
• How Much Is the Entrance Fee: Full admission €8, reduced admission €5 (children 7–16)

Priscilla Catacombs (Catacombe di Priscilla)

• Where They Are Located: Via Salaria 430
• How to Get There: Metro line B1 → Libia or Sant’Agnese/Annibaliano; Bus lines 63, 92, 310 → Priscilla stop.
• Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday: 9:00–12:00 and 14:00–17:00
• How Much Is the Entrance Fee: Full admission €8, reduced admission €5 (children 7–16)

Domitilla Catacombs (Catacombe di Domitilla)

• Where They Are Located: Via delle Sette Chiese 282
• How to Get There: Metro line A (from Termini) → Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano; then transfer to bus 218 (direction Ardeatine) → Fosse Ardeatine stop (same stop as for the St. Callixtus Catacombs).
• Opening Hours: Closed on Tuesday; all other days 9:00–12:00 and 14:00–17:00.
• How Much Is the Entrance Fee: Full admission €8, reduced admission €5 (children 7–16)

Catacombs of St. Sebastian (Catacombe di San Sebastiano)

• Where They Are Located: Via Appia Antica 136
• How to Get There: Metro line A (from Termini) → Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano; then transfer to bus 218 (direction Ardeatine) → Fosse Ardeatine stop (same stop as for St. Callixtus).
• Opening Hours: Daily 10:00–17:00
• How Much Is the Entrance Fee: Full admission €8, reduced admission €5 (children 7–16)

31. Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo)

Another beautiful viewpoint in Rome is Janiculum Hill. It’s not one of the city’s famous seven hills, but it’s absolutely worth the climb. On a clear day, you can even see the Apennines stretching behind the city.

Gianicolo lies just northwest of Trastevere, so you can easily combine the visit with dinner in one of our favourite neighbourhoods in Rome.

32. Testaccio

Want to experience Rome a little differently? Head to Testaccio, the neighbourhood where true Roman cuisine was born. Local trattorias serve traditional dishes like coda alla vaccinara and trippa alla romana.

At the modern Mercato di Testaccio, you can taste fantastic street food — from trapizzino (a stuffed triangular pizza pocket) to arancini and fresh porchetta panini.

This part of the city feels far more authentic than the historic centre — mostly locals live here, young people gather in the bars in the evening, and around the football stadium you’ll feel the unmistakable energy of AS Roma fans. 

How to Save Money on Attractions and Transport in Rome

One of the easiest ways to save money in Rome is by using the Roma Pass or the Rome & Vatican Pass. It always depends on your plans and how many places you want to visit, so it’s a good idea to calculate the entrance fees and transport costs first — then compare everything with the passes below.

The Roma Pass gives you free or discounted entry to more than 45 attractions and museums in Rome, along with unlimited public transport and several additional benefits.

The Rome & Vatican Pass includes everything above, plus free entry to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, as well as unlimited hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus travel for 3 days.

You’ll find more details in our full review.

Where to Stay in Rome: Our Top Tips

I recommend staying near Termini Station, where you’ll arrive from both Fiumicino and Ciampino airports. The area has several nice hotels, plenty of good restaurants, grocery stores (including Coop), great metro connections across the city and you can walk to the historic centre in just a few minutes.

We stayed at Hotel Borromeo — mainly because of its location. It’s close to Termini, and at the same time we were able to walk to almost everywhere in Rome.

The hotel has air conditioning, a lovely rooftop terrace, clean rooms and very good prices considering the location. Below you’ll find a few photos of the hotel interiors. You can see more information about the hotel here.

More of Our Favourite Hotels in Rome

• Hotel Impero – an affordable hotel with great breakfasts and a rooftop terrace; the rooms are older but clean and cosy; quiet at night.
• Cardinal Hotel St. Peter – comfortable rooms for 2–4 people, optional half board, a rooftop terrace, a calm location and very good prices.
• hu Roma Camping in Town – stay in air-conditioned bungalows or cabins; there’s a restaurant, snack bar, free parking, hot tub, pool and a bar on site.

We’ve also created a detailed guide on where to stay in Rome, including the best neighbourhoods, hotel tips by budget, a map and practical advice on getting from your accommodation to major sights or the airport.

Where to stay in Rome

Note: We only recommend services we personally use and trust.

H10 Palazzo Galla (€€)

4-star hotel near the Trevi Fountain, with a rooftop terrace and excellent breakfast

Hotel Hive (€€)

Modern hotel with a wellness area, close to both the station and the city centre, with a rooftop terrace

Tips Before Visiting Rome

• Be extra careful when crossing the streets. Locals love to honk, traffic can be chaotic and rules are often treated as optional. Our bus driver even knocked off a side mirror once — and didn’t seem bothered at all. 🙂
• Wear comfortable shoes. Rome is famous for its uneven cobblestone pavements.
• There are more than 2,000 fountains across the city, most of them nasoni — literally “big noses”. These small street fountains provide fresh drinking water you can refill for free.
• Throughout the city, you’ll also find several P-Stop information points. They’re glass booths where you can use a clean, air-conditioned toilet for €1. There’s always a staff member on site, so they double as small tourist info points. You’ll find P-Stops near the Lateran Basilica, Termini Station or on Via Giuseppe Zanardelli by Piazza Navona.
• You can also use the restroom at a restaurant, but it’s not guaranteed. Just ask — and in some places you may need to order something small if toilets are for customers only. The fee is usually around €1. 
• Toilets are readily available at major sights like the Colosseum, the Vatican and museums. Public toilets outside attractions typically cost €1–1.50 (usually cash only).

Booking Tickets for Rome’s Attractions

During our own visits we quickly learned one thing: without reservations, you often won’t get in at all. Tickets sell out weeks in advance, and queues can easily swallow half your morning. That’s why we share only the booking links we personally use and trust.

Tickets we highly recommend booking in advance:

• Ticket to the Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel
• Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill + audio guide (skip-the-line)
• Ticket to Castel Sant’Angelo
• Pantheon skip-the-line ticket
• Ticket to the Borghese Gallery

These were our top tips on what to see in Rome. Which places are you planning to visit? Have a question? Feel free to ask in the comments below — we’ll be happy to help.

Enjoy your trip! 

More Information About Rome

If you’re planning a trip to Rome, here are some of our other guides that will make your visit easier — and help you enjoy the city to the fullest:

• Rome Travel Guide — transport tips, food, prices and practical insights from our own trips
• Rome Itinerary: 3 Days — a day-by-day plan covering all the essential sights
• Rome in 1 Day — what to see if you only have a few hours in the city
• Where to Stay in Rome — the best neighbourhoods and hotels for every budget + map
• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel — what not to miss and how to avoid the lines
• Colosseum & Ancient Rome — tickets, opening hours and tips for your visit
• Best Museums in Rome — from the Capitoline Museums to the Borghese Gallery
• How to Save Money in Rome — tourist passes, cheap entrances and transport tips
• How to Get From Fiumicino Airport to Rome — all transport options explained clearly

FAQ – Best Places to Visit in Rome