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Map of Rome: Top attractions

Map of rome: top things to do & top attractions in rome, transportation & tourist maps of rome.

Map of Rome: Historic Areas Source: http://www.atac.roma.it

Map of Rome Source: http://www.atac.roma.it

Map of Rome: Metro (subway) Source: http://www.atac.roma.it

Interactive Map of Rome: Subway Linea A Source: http://www.atac.roma.it

Interactive Map of Rome: Subway Linea B Source: http://www.atac.roma.it

Rome is a beautiful city full of history and culture. Around every corner you'll come across architectural and art treasures. There is so much to see and do it's sometimes hard to know where to start, and how to get the most out of your trip.

To help you out, this guide points you in the direction of the top 20 things to do and see in the city .

Spend a few minutes planning your time in this eternal city to get the most out of its attractions. Don't forget to leave yourself some time for relaxing over a cup of coffee and enjoying al-fresco dining on the flavors of Italy.

1. The Colosseum

The Colosseum must be one of the city's most thrilling sights . As you stare in awe at it, try and imagine it clad in Travertine stone and marble and supporting a huge canvas awning designed to keep the sun off 50,000 spectators.

In its cavernous underground world , gladiators lived and trained and wild animals were caged ready to be raised up to the crowds in pulley-operated lifts.

Its inaugural games were in 80 AD, when 50,000 animals were slaughtered over 100 days. Abandoned in the 5th century, it was later used as a fortress and its precious Travertine stone and marble stripped to decorate many of Rome's palaces.

2. The Roman Forum

Leave yourself at least a couple of hours to explore the sprawl of ruins that cover the site of the Roman Forum . Building started on the site of an Etruscan burial ground in the 7th century BC, becoming the magnificent central showpiece of the ancient city.

The area was home to temples, public spaces, baths and basilicas and with the help of informative maps and information boards you can still make out the outlines of important buildings and streets, such as the Via Sacra, the Forum's main road and the spot where Julius Caesar was cremated, the Tempio del Divo Giulio.

3. St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica is at the heart of the Vatican City , and is the most spectacular and richest of Italy's churches. St. Peter's is full of beautiful works of art, including La Pietà, Michelangelo's evocative sculpture of Mary and Jesus .

The church took 120 years to construct, eventually being consecrated in 1626. Be prepared to queue to get in and follow the strict dress code of this Catholic place of worship. No mini-dresses, shorts or bare shoulders are allowed in.

4. Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

Also in the Vatican City are a collection of museums containing some of the world's greatest art works . On show are Etruscan bronzes and Egyptian mummies, frescoes by Raphael and works by Caravaggio and Leonardo da Vinci .

Part of the museum complex contains the Sistine Chapel , or Capella Sistina, where one of the world's most iconic ceilings can be viewed. It is well worth being patient to get a glimpse of this fresco which took took Michelangelo four years to complete, working from a scaffold in a cramped and narrow space.

5. The Trevi Fountain

The eternal city is full of imposing and playful statues, but the Trevi Fountain is probably one of the most iconic . This fountain is known around the world for Anita Ekberg's dip in the film, La Dolce Vita .

Recently restored, this water feature is an over-the-top collection of baroque mythical figures and wild horses. Tradition states that throwing a coin into the fountain will ensure your return to the city. As an average of 3,000 € a day is tossed into its waters, it is apparent many people hope this is true.

6. The Pantheon

This is one of the oldest and most influential buildings in the Western world , having stood for over 2,000 years. Its magnificent bronze, gilded and painted interior belies the rather drab and pock-marked exterior it shows to the world.

The Pantheon has the largest un-reinforced concrete dome ever built in the world. The Pantheon's massive dimensions are perfectly symmetrical, while its most fascinating feature is a central hole, of nearly 9 meters, in the dome.

Symbolically this connects the temple to the gods, but in reality spreads the load of the concrete roof. The interior marble floor is sloped to allow rainwater to drain away without causing damage.

7. Piazza Navona

This ornate square was for many centuries the site of the city's main market . It is still a popular place for street artists and hawkers to entertain tourists while they relax at a street cafe.

The Piazza is surrounded by old baroque palaces and dominated by Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers - the rivers Nile, Ganges, Danube and Plate.

8. Villa and Galleria Borghese

This outstanding gallery contains one of the best private art collections in the world , with stunning works by Raphael , Titian , Bernini and Caravaggio .

The collection was put together in the late 16th century by one of the most ruthless art collectors of all times, Cardinal Scipione Borghese.

If you only have time to visit one gallery in the city, then it should be this one. Tickets need to be pre-booked and you will be given a two-hour slot.

9. The Spanish Steps

Nearly every visitor has their photo taken on the Spanish Steps . Built in 1727, they wind their way up from the Piazza di Spagna to the French church, Chiesa della Trinita dei Monti .

At the foot of the steps is an intriguing fountain, the Barcaccia , also known as the 'sinking boat' fountain.

Taking a seat on the Spanish Steps for a while is a great way to rest your legs and people-watch.

10. Castel St. Angelo

This grim and imposing circular palace near the Vatican was built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian .

Over the centuries it has also been a prison, a papal residence and a place of refuge for popes in times of trouble , being linked to the Vatican City by an underground passage.

Visit its museum and then have a coffee on the ramparts, a great way to view the city.

11. Capitol (Campidoglio)

The Capital area is home to the world's oldest public museums and contains some of the finest collection of classical sculpture in Italy .

The entrance to the museum complex is through the Palazzo dei Conservatori, where you'll find a courtyard littered with a huge head, hand and foot.

These are the remains of a 12 meter high statue of Constantine that originally stood in the Roman Forum.

12. Trastevere

The narrow alleys of Trastevere contain some of the most photographed washing in the world , because despite its popularity with the tourists, the area is still very much residential.

At its heart is the lovely Piazza Santa Maria de Trastevere , where locals and tourists mingle day and night.

13. Campo de' Fiori

This square is in the Parione district and used to be a site for races and executions. Today it is home to a busy street market during the day and a popular center of nightlife for youngsters once the sun goes down .

Surrounded by the palaces of medieval nobility, it has always been a place to see and be seen.

14. Circus Maximus

Although there isn't much to see above ground today, the Circus Maximus , where chariot races were regularly held, was enormous, and the largest stadium in the ancient world .

At the height of its glory it was able to seat 250,000 people , a quarter of the ancient city's population.

The original track is still visible in the grassed area today.

15. Mouth of Truth

The Mouth of Truth is a large marble face mask, probably a depiction of the sea god Oceanus, with his eyes, nostrils and mouth open.

It can be found against the wall of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin Church , in the Piazza della Bocca della Verita.

No-one knows the original purpose of this piece of stone but legends have grown up around it. If you are brave enough to put your hand in its mouth, be sure that you don't tell lies, or it will snap shut on your wrist.

16. Piazza Knights of Malta and Keyhole

This attraction , located on the Avertine Hill , is a little off the beaten track. Look for the sealed door leading to the gardens of the Knights of Malta.

A quirk of fate, or a clever architectural trick, means that if you put your eye to its keyhole you will see the extraordinary site of St. Peter's dome .

17. Giardino degli Aranci

We're coming to the end of our trip around the eternal city and this tranquil Garden of Oranges is the perfect setting to relax for a while , maybe enjoy a picnic or take in one of the shows at its outdoor theater.

Saint Dominic named the garden, presenting the monastery here with its first orange tree. Legend says that Saint Catherine of Siena picked its oranges, which she candied and presented to Pope Urban VI.

18. Tiber Island

Tiber Island is a place of mystery and shrouded in legend . It is linked to the banks of the river by the first stone bridge built in the city, the Ponto Rotto, or broken bridge.

Shaped like an ancient Roman warship, the island held a small fort in the middle ages and has always had links with healing.

Its spring is said to hold health-giving water, which was thought to have been effective during medieval plagues.

19. Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla sit near the Appian Way and were built by prisoners and slaves on the orders of Emperor Caracalla.

The complex was huge, and its imposing ruins are still visible today. These, along with a fascinating museum, provide us with a glimpse into an ancient world . Originally clad with marble, and covered in bright frescoes and mosaics , these baths would have been used by up to 6,000 Roman citizens a day.

It is worth seeing them floodlit at night, or trying to get tickets to one of the operas regularly held in their grounds during the summer months.

20. Piazza del Popolo

The Piazza del Popolo sits to the north of the city, where three famous streets meet - Via del Corso , Via del Babuino and Via di Ripetta . These streets are home to many high-class shops and boutiques.

This enormous square opens out from the gate through the Aurelian Walls, and was the first sight visitors had of the city when arriving from the north. The Piazza has been remodeled many times over the centuries and is now connected to a park on the Pincio Hill above it by a curving flight of stairs.

The design of this flight gives the appearance of trees and plants cascading down into the square below. The Piazza del Popolo contains an Egyptian obelisk and is surrounded by three churches dedicated to the Virgin .

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25 Top Tourist Attractions in Rome

By Mike Kaplan · Last updated on April 3, 2024

Ah, Rome. The city where hope springs eternal. It is a city that is proud of its ancient glorious heritage, a city that once expanded its empire throughout Europe, Africa and Asia. Rome is a city drenched in history and Christianity. First-time visitors may be easily overwhelmed by all this magnificent city has to offer. After all, one can find history and art on almost every street corner. That’s why visitors may want to do their homework to narrow down what they want to see and do before they get on a plane or train bound for the Italian capital.

Rome is divided into several districts with its center, the Colosseo district, containing the most ancient attractions like the Colosseum, Capitoline Hill and the Roman Forum. On the outskirts of the center is Old Rome, featuring the Pantheon, stunning cathedrals, plazas and Renaissance architecture.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to see all the top tourist attractions in Rome in a few days or even a few months. Wise travelers won’t even attempt to see everything in one trip. To ensure they’ll return to Rome, they’ll toss a coin into the Fountain of Trevi. Legend has it that those who do will return to Rome again.

Map of Rome

25. Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla, the second largest public baths in Rome, were built by Emperor Caracalla in the third century for political propaganda purposes: The emperor simply wanted people to like him.

The baths were functional for over three hundred years. Negligence, looting and an earthquake turned the complex into ruins but their sheer size and ingenuity continues to impress visitors.

24. Villa Farnesina

Visitors who want a peek at how the wealthy lived during the Renaissance may want to visit Villa Farnesina , a villa located in the Trastevere district. The Villa Farnesina is well known for the frescoes depicting the myths of Cupid and Psyche that were painted by Raphael.

Works by various other artists were commissioned by a banker who was also a papal treasurer, and who had the villa built in 1506.

23. Appian Way

The Appian Way is the most famous ancient road in Rome, connecting the city with Brindisi in southeastern Italy. Named after Appius Claudius Caecus, a Roman censor, it was originally a military road.

Many historical monuments can be found along the first 8 km (5 miles) of the 560 km (350-mile) stone road today. This old highway has heavy vehicle traffic at the beginning, but is safe for pedestrians after a couple of miles.

22. National Roman Museum

If you want to soak in as much of Rome’s history, heritage and culture as possible, then don’t miss the National Roman Museum, or the Museo Nazionale Romano .

This Roman museum does not house its entire collection in one spot. Instead, exhibits are located in multiple destinations throughout the city. Find amber, Roman artifacts and jewelry within the incredible Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, admire breathtaking use of marble and stunning sculptures within the Palazzo Altemps and get an up-close look at Roman baths at the restored historic site of the Baths of Diocletian.

21. Victor Emmanuel II Monument

Built in honour of Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy, this bombastic monument may appear to be solid white marble but actually contains many rooms inside. It was designed by Giuseppe Sacconi in 1885 and completed in 1925.

There are two permanent museums, one on Italian Reunification and one on emigration from Italy, as well as other spaces that host rotating exhibitions. The Victor Emmanuel Monument is not exactly known as one of Rome’s most beautiful structures but it is nevertheless well worth the visit, even if only for the great views from the top.

20. Piazza del Popolo

The Piazza del Popolo is a large oval square in northern Rome that has been around since the days of the Roman Empire. At one time, it was the start of the most important road north.

Three churches border the square but the eye-catcher is an obelisk from ancient Egypt. On the north side the square is dominated by the Porta del Popolo, which leads to the Via Flaminia, a road connecting Rome with the Adriatic coast.

19. Santa Maria in Trastevere

Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome, with most historians believing it was first built in the 4th century. The church has impressive mosaics from the 12th and 13th centuries; it has been enlarged and restored over the years.

Located in the popular Trastevere neighborhood, its atmospheric piazza is enhanced by the mosaics on the façade, especially at night when the church and its tower are illuminated.

18. Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica is an important archeological site that once was the seaport for Rome. It is located less than 20 miles from Rome at the mouth of the River Tiber. The site has well-preserved ancient buildings, some of which date back to the fourth century BC.

Ostia Antica is known for the outstanding frescoes and mosaics on these old buildings, as well as ancient public toilets that turned bathrooms into a social setting.

17. Basilica of San Clemente

Located just a few blocks from the Coliseum, the 12th century Basilica of San Clemente is built on top of a 4th century Church and older Roman temple. The present church is noted for its fabulous frescoes and mosaics.

For an admission fee, it is possible to explore the excavations of the lower two levels, which is a fascinating journey into the history of Rome.

16. Capitoline Museums

It may have taken the Romans 400 years to build the Capitoline Museums , after they were designed in 1536 by Michelangelo, but the wait was worth it. This outstanding collection of art and archeological museums, which started with a papal donation in the 15th century, can be found at Piazza del Campidoglio atop Capitoline Hill. The collections include medieval and Renaissance art, old Roman statues and jewels.

15. Palatine Hill

Palatine Hill, one of the Seven Hills of Rome, has links to Roman mythology, as it was here a wolf allegedly found the twin boys Romulus and Remus, and cared for them until a shepherd rescued them.

Even if this legend is not true, Palatine Hill is still the place where Rome was founded. Today only ruins remain but during the Imperial era, the hill was completely built up with large palaces.

14. San Giovanni in Laterano

San Giovanni in Laterano (St. John Lateran) is one of four major basilicas in Rome. Dedicated to John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, it is the home cathedral for both the archbishop of Rome and the pope.

It is believed to be the first Catholic church built in Rome. Its exterior doesn’t seem as ornate as other churches, but inside it’s beautiful decorated, with wall ornaments, columns, mosaics and paintings.

13. Galleria Borghese

The Galleria Borghese is an art gallery that was built as a party house by Cardinal Sciopione Borghese in the 17th century. A nephew of Pope Paul V, the cardinal also was a patron of the arts.

The galleria today houses many pieces of paintings, sculptures and other antiquities from his collection. Paintings by Titian, sculptures by Bernini, and the National Museum of Musical Instruments can be seen here.

12. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Founded in the 4th century, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) is considered one of the most important Catholic churches in Rome. Its 18th-century exterior conceals one of the best-preserved Byzantine interiors in the city.

Travelers who are in Rome on August 5 may want to attend the Miracle of the Snows celebration when thousands of white petals are dropped from the ceiling.

11. Saint Peter’s Square

Located in Vatican City, St. Peter’s Square is the most famous square in Rome. Hundreds of thousands of people gather here to hear messages from the pope. Created in the 17th century by Bernini, the square has an elliptic shape, surrounded on two sides by colonnades before St. Peter’s Basilica.

Statues sit atop the colonnades. At the center of the ellipse stands an Egyptian obelisk that was transported from Egypt to Rome during the reign of Emperor Augustus.

10. Campo de’ Fiori

Campo de’ Fiori is a rectangular square south of Piazza Navona used as a marketplace during the day, and party central for college students and tourists at night. The name means “field of flowers” and was first given during the Middle Ages when the area was actually a meadow.

Today the market is a lively place, especially when the daily vegetable market is held here (every morning except Sundays). Visitors can buy fresh produce at the market, as well as fish, meat, flowers and spices. The square is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, making it a good place to eat after shopping or just wile away the afternoon.

9. Piazza Navona

One of the most famous of Rome’s many squares, Piazza Navona was established towards the end of the 15th century, and preserves the shape of the Stadium of Domitian that once stood here.

Built by Emperor Domitian in 86 AD, the stadium, which had a larger arena than the Colosseum was mainly used for festivals and sporting events. The buildings surrounding the square stand where the spectators once sat.

Today, the square features no less than three magnificent fountains and is an immensely popular place to sip a cappuccino, shop, and watch street performers.

8. Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo was built to be a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian and his family. Built in 123 BC, it later was turned into a fortress and castle by the popes. It was once Rome’s tallest building.

The ashes of other emperors were buried there, but scattered when the Visigoths invaded in 410. It also served as a prison, but today the castel is a museum. Among the most well known sights in Rome, film buffs will recognize it as a setting from “Angels and Demons”.

7. Roman Forum

Located in the small valley between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, The Roman Forum (or Forum Romanum in Latin) was for centuries the teeming heart of ancient Rome: the site of triumphal processions and elections, venue for public speeches, and nucleus of commercial affairs.

The Forum today is a sprawling ruin of architectural fragments and includes the Arches of Septimius Severus and Titus, the Temple of Antoninus Pius and Faustina and the Temple of Saturn.

6. Spanish Steps

A truly monumental stairway of 135 steps, the Spanish Steps were built with French funds between 1721‑1725 in order to link the Bourbon Spanish embassy to the Holy See with the French church, Trinità dei Monti.

The steps are usually very crowded attracting tourists as well as locals who use it as a gathering place. Each year in May the steps are decorated with pink azaleas. At the foot of the Spanish Steps is the Piazza di Spagna (Spanish square) and the Fontana della Barcaccia, a sober fountain designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

5. Trevi Fountain

Completed in 1762 to a design by Nicola Salvi, this world famous Baroque fountain features a mythological sculptural composition of Neptune, god of the sea, flanked by two Tritons.

The location of the Trevi fountain marks the terminus of the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct and is so named on account of its position at the junction of three roads (tre vie).

The fountain was the setting for an iconic scene in Fellini’s film Dolce Vita starring Anita Ekberg and Marcello Mastroianni. Since than, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome. The legend says that one who throws a coin in the fountain shall one day return to Rome.

4. Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums began in the 16th century with a collection of sculptures by Pope Julius II. Today, they encompass several museums inside the Vatican City and include some of the world’s most important relics. Attractions of the museums include the spiral staircase, the Raphael Rooms and the exquisitely decorated Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo painted the chapel ceiling between 1508 and 1512.

Today the ceiling, and especially The Last Judgment, are widely believed to be Michelangelo’s crowning achievements in painting. To keep the massive crowds under control, the museums have 4 itineraries that range from one and a half hours to more than 5 hours. All itineraries end in the Sistine Chapel.

3. Pantheon

One of the best preserved Roman buildings, The Pantheon was built in 126 AD as a temple for all the Roman gods. The temple has served as a Roman Catholic Church since the 7th century. Eight graceful granite Corinthian columns extend across the front of this circular building, with lesser columns in back.

Though it is 2,000 years old, the Pantheon’s famous dome remains the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. It is believed Marcus Agrippa built the Pantheon to be his private temple. The current building was reconstructed by Emperor Hadrian in the second century.

2. St. Peter’s Basilica

The center of the Catholic world and a major tourist attraction, the Basilica of St. Peter is a huge church: with an interior height of 120 meter (400 feet), the space shuttle, together with its booster rockets, could fit inside, as could the Statue of Liberty.

The basilica stands on the traditional site where Peter, the apostle who is considered the first pope, was crucified and buried. Construction on the current building began in 1506 and was completed in 1615. Many famous artists worked on the complex and its surroundings: Michelangelo designed the dome while Bernini designed the great St. Peter’s Square.

1. Colosseum

The Colosseum is another of Rome’s major tourist attractions. Its construction was started by emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty in 72 AD and was finished by his son Titus in 80 AD.

The elliptical amphitheater could hold up to 50,000 people who turned out to watch gladiators do battle, people be publicly executed and enjoy other forms of entertainment. This stone and concrete structure, built in the first century, was the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire. It is considered one of the Romans’ greatest architectural and engineering feats.

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Reader interactions.

October 1, 2017 at 5:15 am

Rome is really majestic! I would love to see these beautiful architectures soon.

May 22, 2014 at 10:50 am

this is so nice

February 1, 2014 at 2:29 am

it is very nice to see Italy, the famous pantheon, koloseum and a lot of other places to see. When i visit it i saw a lot. Bravoo Italy, the most beautiful place in the world.

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Maps of Rome

Maps are low-key awesome. And yes, it is the 21st century, so maps have upped their game- they are interactive, they’re on apps, and they can, if you let them, take your trip to Rome to the next level. 

So let’s look at the following 15: everything from movies, literature, gelato , and cats (yes, cats). 

1. Official Roman Tourism Board Map  

 First things first, let’s get back to basics. The original and now iconic Roman Tourist map. The environment-loving folks at the Roman Tourism board (Turismo Roma) are now charging for an actual paper copy, but you can download the PDF for free from their website . 

It’s a classic, and I have a soft spot for it. You’ve got a map of Rome attractions, significant stations, and info points. 

2. Ultra-Detailed and Accurate Map From 1748

This interactive map is the mother of all maps. OK, maybe you’ve figured out I have a thing for maps by now, but I challenge you not to be bowled over by how intricate this bad boy is. 

Designed by Giambattista Nolli, an architect and surveyor, he created this giant map in 1748. It was so accurate that all future maps of Rome were based on it until the 1970s. 

Rome is the Eternal City; you can zoom in on this map for days and realise that not much has changed since 1748. 

Over 1000 streets, monuments , and buildings have been numbered and are clickable, revealing a drop-down description, the year it was built, and the name of the architect. 

It’s worth a look.

3. 3D Map of Rome (& More)

Maps-Rome.com have thought of almost everything. From street maps to tourist maps, major attractions, shopping , and transport , you’ll find a very useful and well-designed array of maps to choose from here . 

If you’re a visual person, head to the old maps section to see maps of Ancient Rome . It never fails to blow my mind that Rome looked like this (arguably better than today) 2,000 years ago. 

If you want to hone in on Rome’s neighbourhoods and better understand the city’s layout, click on the Districts tab. 

4. Time Travel Rome Map App – For all The Ancient Roman Sites 

For a deep dive into ancient Roman sites, this app has got you covered. 

It shows you what to see and how to get there so you can cherry-pick your way through ancient Rome without getting overwhelmed.  

I mean, it’s Rome- you can’t swing a dead cat without hitting something ancient and important. It can get a bit much.

And speaking of cats…

5. A Slightly Unexpected Cat Map

Stray cats are and have been part of Roman city life for millennia. In fact, harming a stray cat is punishable by law, so entrenched are they in the fabric of society.

The city has three major cat colonies, and their digs are not too shabby! 

Spot them perched atop the ruins at Largo della Torre Argentina (only some of the most important ruins in the city where none other than Julius Caesar was murdered.) A sanctuary’s also on-site, so they’re well looked after. 

You’ll also find them up at Verano Cemetery, a huge and green monumental necropolis straddling Nomentano and San Lorenzo. 

Lastly, head to the Pyramid and the protestant cemetery. You’ll see them casually strolling past John Keats’ grave or languishing by the 2000-year-old white pyramid, the rather lavish burial grounds of Emperor Cestius. 

6. Cinema Map of Rome ( Rome in Movies )

Movie buffs, look no further than Setjetters . Simply type in the name of the movie, and it will give you a list of locations all identified on a map.

Not only does it specify the scene in the movie, but it also gives you some historical background on the IRL location. So it’s a win-win for movie buffs who also like a bit of history on the side.

Another fun feature of this app is Challenge Scene – here, you see a still from a movie whose coordinates and exact location still need to be confirmed. If you are there and you are able to submit the coordinates to them, you will get attribution for the scene. 

7. Architecture Tour Map

This young architect spent several months in Rome and compiled a fantastic architectural guide to Rome. 

What I love about it is as well as focusing on the classic, ancient Roman structures (including detailed explanations about everything you’ll see at the Forum), there’s a lot on Rome’s twentieth-century buildings too (uncomfortably yet fascinatingly Fascist). 

The above example shows all the major points of interest at EUR (in south Rome) with photos, addresses, and explanations. Great job, Virginia Duran. Head to her site for a link to a very detailed map (with drop-down explanations) and a downloadable PDF. 

8. Highbrow Literary Interactive Map of Rome

Attention all book and art lovers from the Romantic era. How high can your brow go? 

Let’s put it to the test. Picture the scene; you’re taking a stroll through the Vatican City. You open up this map and click on St Peter’s. The pop-up takes you to a page with a poem about St Peter’s by Lord Byron and a painting of the basilica by Turner (with an explanatory caption). Sounds appealing?

This concept is behind the interactive map: to pair monuments with 19th-century art and literature. It comes from a 2016 online exhibition called City of the Soul: Rome and the Romantics hosted by the Morgan Library in New York, and I think they did a fantastic job.

9. Public Transport Maps

Rome transport authority ATAC has all the maps . I’m talking bus , regional train , tram , metro . 

If you like maps of public transport, this is where to go. 

That said, I would highly recommend downloading the Moovit app for up-to-date public transport information since buses and trains are kind of a law unto themselves in Rome. (Moovit is more reliable in Rome than Google Maps for transport).

Romans have long dreamt of a more structured, integrated, and complete transport network. This is what we’re currently working with, but the next map is what we want (what we really really want). 

10. Fantasy Public Transport Map

What is so unusual about this map, I hear you ask…It looks pretty typical for a capital city, doesn’t it? Oh, would that it were, would that it were.

Every Roman (or adopted Roman) gets full Shakespearean at the thought of it. This map is the brainchild of many talented digital artists at Tic Edizioni in 2013. The title of the map is ‘ I Have a Dream ‘. The dream is simple: more metro lines and trains to the coast. Just more trains.

Take a closer look at it (and other great pieces of poster art) at the Fox Gallery on Corso Vittorio Emanuele.

11. Green Map: Parks and Nature Reserves  

Rome may be the Eternal City, but I’m always amazed by how many green spaces there are. While this map is in Italian (no English version is available), it is intuitive. Simply zoom in and click on each green space (there are many) for more info. It’s beneficial for taking a closer look at all the nature reserves available to visit just outside of Rome and the things you can see there. 

12. Street Art Maps

This fantastic map was created in 2015 by the Roman Tourist Board but sadly seems to have been neglected, but it does give you an idea of the breadth of choice. Street Art is no longer limited to the confines of one or two particularly disenfranchised neighbourhoods. It has become ubiquitous and is now part of the city’s new fabric. Rome may be eternal, but there are shifts in the tides here and there. 

For a more dynamic street art map experience, download the Street Art Cities app , where users upload photos of street art with details of the artists, the exact address, and built-in navigation. 

For a small subscription, you get full access to walking routes and artist information. If this is your thing, I’d say it was entirely worth the small investment- at least for the time you plan to stay in Rome. Another advantage is that the community platform exists across multiple cities worldwide, so you would also support local creators. 

For the most up-to-date street art, check streetartmap.com . Confusingly, there is no actual map here per se, but lots of addresses and photos where you can check out excellent street art in Rome.

Finally, what map collection of Rome would be complete without showing you where to get your mangare on. 

Here are three that do just that:

13. Map of All the Best Suppli Joints in Rome

Suppli- deep fried cheese stuffed tomato and rice balls – Roman street food par excellence. Someone went to the trouble of making a map which has you covered. North, south, east or west- these suppli will be the best. Having sampled a good few of these places myself, I can personally vouch for this person. They have excellent taste in suppli. Hats off. 

14. Markets and Gourmet Delis

If markets are your thing, this map and guide do a great job at highlighting Rome’s main mercati . 

Hover over the blue points for helpful details like opening times and days once you’ve followed the link above. Mercato Trionfale, Testaccio, and Piazza Vittorio stand out for me in terms of authenticity.

15. Best Gelato Map

Finally, how about an excellent gelato to round things off? Not all gelato are made equal, mind you. So, if you’re looking for something to write home about, look no further. 

These guys dedicated a lot of time and effort into compiling a thorough rundown of the best places in central Rome. While that may be subjective, something tells me they’d become experts by the time they got to compile this post. There’s a detailed downloadable PDF with all the info here .

Buon gelato!  

Map of Rome - Interactive map of Rome

Information about the map.

Check out the main monuments, museums, squares, churches and attractions in our map of Rome. Click on each icon to see what it is.

To help you find your way once you get to your destination, the map you print out will have numbers on the various icons that correspond to a list with the most interesting tourist attractions. This way, you’ll be able to see where each attraction is.

Icons on the Rome interactive map

The map is very easy to use:

• Check out information about the destination: click on the color indicators.
• Move across the map: shift your mouse across the map.
• Zoom in: double click on the left-hand side of the mouse on the map or move the scroll wheel upwards.
• Zoom out: double click on the right-hand side of the mouse on the map or move the scroll wheel downwards.

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3-day itinerary.

Although the city is ideally seen in 4 or more days, sometimes visitors have only a weekend to see Rome. To make the most of your visit and see the top attractions in Rome and the Vatican City, try our 3-day itinerary:

General Information

Although Rome is relatively easy to get around, when planning a trip, doubts and questions always arise. Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions answered.

Map of Rome — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info

What’s on this map.

We’ve made the ultimate tourist map of Rome, Italy for travelers! Check out Rome’s top things to do, attractions, restaurants, and major transportation hubs all in one interactive map.

Visiting Rome? See our Rome Trip Planner.

How to use the map

Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in Rome. Learn about each place by clicking it on the map or read more in the article below. Here’s more ways to perfect your trip using our Rome map:

• Explore the best restaurants, shopping, and things to do in Rome by categories
• Get directions in Google Maps to each place
• Export all places to save to your Google Maps
• Plan your travels by turning on metro and bus lines
• Create a Wanderlog trip plan (link to create a trip plan for the city) that keep all the places on the map in your phone
• Print a physical map to bring it on your trip

Top 20 attractions in Rome

Vatican museums, st. peter's basilica.

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Roman Forum

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Trevi Fountain

Borghese gallery and museum, castel sant'angelo, palatine hill, piazza navona, sistine chapel, spanish steps, church of santa maria della vittoria, capitoline museums, basilica papale di santa maria maggiore.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Piazza San Pietro

Basilica of saint cecilia in trastevere, basilica of santa maria in trastevere, basilica parrocchiale santa maria del popolo, church of st. louis of the french, top 10 restaurants in rome, santopalato.

Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina

Bonci Pizzarium

Trattoria da cesare al casaletto, trapizzino | mercato centrale roma, armando al pantheon, marigold roma, seu pizza illuminati, forno campo de 'fiori, transportation in rome, nearby airports, giovan battista pastine international airport, leonardo da vinci–fiumicino airport, highways and major roads.

• A1 Autostrada del Sole - the main motorway linking Rome to Milan, Naples, and other major Italian cities.
• A12 Roma-Civitavecchia - connects Rome to the port city of Civitavecchia, a popular starting point for cruises.
• Rome Ring Road - or GRA (Grande Raccordo Anulare), a 70-km ring road encircling the city of Rome.
• Via Appia Antica - one of the oldest and most famous roads in Rome, known for its ancient ruins and historic landmarks.
• Via Aurelia - a major Roman road that stretches from Rome to the French border, passing through Tuscany and Liguria.
• Via Cassia - an ancient road that connects Rome to Florence, passing through Umbria and Tuscany.
• Via Flaminia - an ancient Roman road that leads from Rome to Rimini, passing through Umbria and Marche.
• Via Prenestina - a major road that connects Rome to the town of Palestrina, known for its ancient Roman ruins.
• Via Tiburtina - a road that leads from Rome to the town of Tivoli, home to the stunning Villa d'Este and Villa Adriana.
• Via Salaria - an ancient Roman road that connects Rome to the town of Ascoli Piceno, passing through the Umbrian countryside.

Top searches in Rome

Popular road trips from rome, what's the weather like in rome.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Rome for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Rome in January
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• Weather in Rome in March
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All road trips from Rome

• Rome to Florence drive
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• Rome to Athens drive
• Rome to Verona drive
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• Rome to Edinburgh drive
• Rome to Dublin drive
• Rome to Nice drive
• Rome to Brussels drive
• Rome to Valencia drive

Explore nearby places

• Rocca Santo Stefano
• Cerreto Laziale
• La Massimina-Casal Lumbroso
• Borghesiana
• Fonte Nuova
• Isola Farnese
• Grottaferrata
• Casal Palocco
• Monte Porzio Catone
• Bagni di Tivoli
• Castel Romano
• Monterotondo
• Castel Gandolfo
• Ostia Antica
• Guidonia Montecelio

All related maps of Rome

• Map of Ladispoli
• Map of Gorga
• Map of Rocca Santo Stefano
• Map of Cerreto Laziale
• Map of Roiate
• Map of La Massimina-Casal Lumbroso
• Map of Aranova
• Map of Torre Gaia
• Map of Ciampino
• Map of Borghesiana
• Map of Fonte Nuova
• Map of Villalba
• Map of Acilia
• Map of Isola Farnese
• Map of Frascati
• Map of Grottaferrata
• Map of Marino
• Map of Mentana
• Map of Casal Palocco
• Map of Monte Porzio Catone
• Map of Bagni di Tivoli
• Map of Castel Romano
• Map of Monterotondo
• Map of Pavona
• Map of Infernetto
• Map of Castel Gandolfo
• Map of Ostia Antica
• Map of Guidonia Montecelio
• Map of Riano
• Map of Formello

Rome throughout the year

• Rome in January
• Rome in February
• Rome in March
• Rome in April
• Rome in May
• Rome in June
• Rome in July
• Rome in August
• Rome in September
• Rome in October
• Rome in November
• Rome in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Rome?

Get inspired for your trip to Rome with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Rome Itinerary
• 2-Day Rome Itinerary
• 3-Day Rome Itinerary
• 4-Day Rome Itinerary
• 5-Day Rome Itinerary

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
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• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

Rome Tourist Map: Top 10 Rome Attractions

Let this tourist map of Rome be your guide to the Eternal City. Uncover iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Spanish Steps. Scroll to the bottom to see zoomed-in maps of Rome’s tourist attractions.

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Rome

From the iconic Colosseum to the serene Vatican City, this list is the top 10 tourist attractions in Rome.

1. Colosseum (Colosseo)

The Colosseum is a grand amphitheater that once hosted epic gladiatorial contests . Its towering arches and intricate architecture draw visitors from across the globe. It’s like stepping into a time machine of ancient Roman entertainment.

2. Trevi Fountain Rome (Fontana di Trevi Roma)

Nestled in the streets of Rome, the Trevi Fountain is a masterpiece that captures the essence of Baroque artistry . Visitors are fascinated by its cascading waters and intricate sculptures. It’s a timeless tradition to toss a coin into its clear turquoise water.

3. Pantheon

The Pantheon stands as a remarkable example of Roman engineering and architecture. With its well-preserved interior, visitors can appreciate its beauty and historical significance.

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

St. Peter’s Basilica is the epitome of Renaissance grandeur . It’s located within Vatican City with its intricate artwork and spiritual significance. As the largest church in the world, tourists get a glimpse into centuries of religious and artistic devotion.

5. Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel (Musei Vaticani e Cappella Sistina)

The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel collectively house a collection of art and history. This chapel showcases masterpieces from across the ages within its galleries. The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is decorated with Michelangelo’s famous frescoes. It’s a high point in art and is one of the most visited in the world.

6. Roman Forum (Foro Romano)

The Roman Forum is an archaeological site at the heart of Rome . This attraction is at the center of ancient times. It’s where grand temples, arches, and ruins tell the story of the city’s political and cultural evolution. Walking through its historic remnants allows visitors to imagine the life of Roman civilization.

7. Borghese Gallery and Museum (Galleria & Villa Borghese)

The Borghese Gallery houses a remarkable collection of sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts. With masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael, art lovers can immerse themselves in the beauty of centuries past.

8. Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo is a historic fortress perched along the Tiber River. This area brings together centuries of history as a mausoleum, papal residence, and military stronghold. Its commanding presence and connection to Roman lore give it a glimpse into its past.

9. Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona invites visitors with its Baroque masterpieces. It boasts ornate fountains, elegant palaces, and a lively atmosphere. From the splendid Fountain of the Four Rivers to the cafes that line its edges, the square captures the essence of Roman life, past and present .

10. Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore)

Santa Maria Maggiore is a basilica of historical and artistic significance. It’s a masterpiece of ancient architecture and art in Rome. Inside, you’ll find stunning mosaics telling biblical stories. Also, it’s one of the major four Papal basilicas, rich in history.

Rome Neighborhoods

Colonna Ponte Parione Pigne Capitolino Palatino M. Esquilini M. Viminale Trevi Ludovisi Pincio Camp Marzio

Trastevere Giancolo M. Aventino Campitelli M. Celio Castro Pietorio Prati Aurelio Citta Del Vaticano Salario

Notable Roads in Rome

Via Flaminia Via Giulia Via Salaria Via Aemilia Via Aurelia Via dei Fori Imperiali Via Cassia Via Vittorio Veneto Via dei Coronari

Via Domitia Via della Conciliazione Via Traiana Nova Via Aquitania Via Maris Via Raetia Via Devana Via Appia Antica

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23 TOP Sights & BEST Things to Do in Rome, Italy (+Map, Photos & Info)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: September 28, 2023

Looking for the best things to do in Rome, Italy, and wondering what’s worth your time the most? Of course, you have to see the most famous places in Rome, such as the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Vatican, or the Colosseum! But there’s so much more to do in Rome than that, and the choice of what to visit and what to skip can get overwhelming…

So to help you figure out where to go and what to do when in Rome, in this guide we share the  VERY BEST experiences, TOP sights, and MOST POPULAR tourist attractions in Rome that you really shouldn’t miss .

For each place, we also include our experience-based tips and useful info for your visit. In addition, we also created a  map of Rome attractions  that should help you plan your sightseeing itinerary. Find out!

The capital city of Italy, Rome is one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in Europe. It’s a place where you’ll find so much history everywhere you look. I often call Rome a city–museum because it truly feels like it. Every building, every monument, and every stone you come across has an interesting story behind it.

There is SO MUCH to see and do in Rome that any list of ‘the best things to do‘ would never be complete and also quite biased. On the other hand, there are also the most iconic landmarks and the most special experiences in Rome that everyone would agree are the absolute must-do’s in Rome.

So in this article, we share all of the ‘musts’ the main sights and most unique experiences in Rome that you really should try to do in the Eternal City. In addition, we also include some of our personal favorite things to do in Rome based on our various trips and personal experiences in the city.

These are all places and activities that we enjoyed the most, and we are confident that they’ll make your visit to Rome so much more special and more memorable than just ticking off the standard list of the must-sees.

This is our ultimate Rome bucket list, with lots of pictures , to give you a better idea of what exactly there is to see and do in Rome. Take a look!

How to use this guide: We start our list of the best places to visit and things to do in Rome with the musts. So the first 16 sights and attractions on our list are really considered a must, and the ones you should focus on if you have little time.

However, it’s those additional experiences listed from #17 on that will make your trip to Rome so much more special. So I highly recommend that you try to include a few of those in your sightseeing itinerary as well.

To help you plan your time, at the bottom of this article, you can find the map indicating all the main places we mention in this guide. Plus, we share some sample Rome itineraries for various trip durations.

But first, here are some of the VERY BEST places to see and things to do in Rome:

1. Colosseum

MUST DO: Visit the Colosseum Underground, Arena Floor & Upper Levels.

The Colosseum is one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome, and an absolute must-see. No matter how much time you have in the city, it should be on every Rome itinerary!

Built as an entertainment arena at around 70 AD, this impressive stone amphitheater still stands today, giving you a unique opportunity to get a glimpse into its 2000-year-old past.

There are several things that you can do at the Colosseum and various levels that you can visit. I recommend going for the full experience – from discovering the secrets of the Colosseum Underground to taking the unique opportunity to stand on the partially restored Arena Floor, to soaking in the most impressive views from the upper levels.

Good to know: The Colosseum is one of the most-visited places in Rome and booking tickets (or a guided tour) in advance is essential! If you go on your own, you can get regular priority tickets (often unavailable) or – a bit more expensive – priority tickets that also include a visit to Arena Floor .

However, the crowds here are overwhelming and it’s not always clear where to go… So we highly recommend that you visit the Colosseum with a local guide! That way, you don’t have to worry about any practicalities and have a much better idea of what you are seeing, how this arena functioned, and what life looked like in Rome during the glory days of the Roman Empire.

There are countless options when it comes to guided tours, but be sure to read carefully what they include.

TIP: We recommend this amazing tour that includes ALL the levels of the Colosseum + a guided visit to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. We visited all these places on a tour and it was a great choice. The priority entrance surely helps but having the guide with us made the visit so much more enjoyable. We didn’t have to stress about where exactly to go, which entrance to take, how to get from one level to another, or what to see at the overwhelmingly huge Roman Forum – Palatine Hill site.

READ ALSO: How to Visit Colosseum (all levels, tickets, and tours explained in detail)

2. Pantheon

MUST DO: See the oculus of the Pantheon.

The Pantheon , located on the beautiful Piazza della Rotonda , is another place everyone should see in Rome!

Originally built as a temple to all gods, the Pantheon dates from before Christianity. The building as we know it today was built around 125-127 AD on the site of an even older temple. The Pantheon is the world’s oldest building that is still in use today .

While most old temples and ancient landmarks in Rome have suffered from looters and plundering, the Pantheon was saved by the fact that it was converted into a church at the beginning of the 7th century.

Best known for its impressive dome with an oculus in the middle, the Pantheon is also one of the most fascinating buildings in Rome. The construction of this dome by an unknown ancient architect has been an inspiration to Michelangelo’s dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, and – subsequently – all the other domes in the world.

Good to know: The Pantheon is still a working church, but it’s also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome so there’s always a very long queue to get inside. Nowadays, you need an entry ticket to visit the Pantheon. While you can just wait in line and get a ticket on the spot, we highly recommend booking a timed-entry slot in advance or you’ll waste way too much time queuing (often for over an hour in the heat with no shade).

Visiting the Pantheon is one of the absolute must-do things in Rome, so you really cannot skip seeing the interior of this unique building. But booking upfront is definitely the best way to visit. If you rather not worry about tickets and all the practicalities, you can also visit here with a guided tour .

TIP: Almost 2000 years old, the Pantheon is a fascinating place with so much history, so be sure to read a bit about it before you go. Online tickets usually include an audio guide so you can learn more about the Pantheon and everything you see inside.

3. Trevi Fountain

MUST DO: Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain.

No trip to Rome would be complete without seeing the famous Trevi Fountain . And, as the legend goes, you also have to throw a coin in the fountain, if you ever want to return to the Eternal City. Having thrown quite some coins in here over the years, I have to say that it definitely works – we always go back to Rome. 😉

There are two more reasons to throw a coin in the Trevi fountain – one is to find love in Rome, and the other one – to get married in Rome. Each of these ‘wishes’ requires a separate coin and you can’t throw them all together.

In addition, before you simply toss a coin in the water, you should know that there is a whole instruction on ‘the only right way’ to do it . You should stand with your back towards the fountain and toss the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder. Oh, and try to have someone take a picture of you without too many other people around…

TIP: If you want to see the Trevi Fountain without the crowds, you’ll have to come very early in the morning, probably at around sunrise. For the rest of the day and in the evening, it’s always crowded here.

Good to know: If you have more time and are looking for something a bit more unique to do in Rome, you may want to explore the Trevi district underground . It’s truly fascinating to discover the remains of the old city of Rome that most tourists don’t even realize are right under their feet.

4. Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums

MUST DO: Admire the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, visit Raphael Rooms, Vatican gardens, and see Momo Staircase.

Seeing the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican Museums is another ‘must’ that should be at the top of any Rome bucket list! The Sistine Chapel ( Cappella Sistina ) is the papal chapel built at the end of the 15 th century. Originally called ‘Cappella Magna’, it was later renamed after the Pope that built it, Pope Sixtus IV.

It’s here that the papal conclave takes place when the new Pope has to be elected. But don’t look for the famous chimney where the black or the white smoke comes out during the conclave – it’s only installed at that time and is not something you can see when you visit.

The Sistine Chapel is best known for its incredible ceiling painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512. It’s one of the most important works of High Renaissance art and a true masterpiece! But you have to take your time to really appreciate it – all the details and the perspectives.

If you spend some time looking at the frescoes above you, some of the figures almost look three-dimensional. It’s an incredible piece of art and once you see it, it’s easy to understand why it’s considered one of the most important pieces of art of all time.

But there’s more to the Vatican Museums than just this famous chapel! Some of our favorites include the four Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Maps, a stroll through the gardens (some parts are accessible from the museum, while some others can only be seen with an extra tour), and the famous Momo Staircase.

TIP: The Vatican Museums are always busy and the tickets usually sell out days in advance. So it’s essential to book the entrance tickets upfront . However, I highly recommend visiting here with a tour instead of just going on your own. That’s if you want to be sure that you see all the musts; otherwise, just stroll around and you’ll eventually get to the Sistine Chapel by following the signs. Keep in mind that the Vatican Museums are really overwhelming for a first-time visitor.

Our recommendation: Check out this amazing early-morning tour of the Vatican . It gives you unique access to the Sistine Chapel before anyone else arrives! Of course, it includes all the musts of the Vatican too.

5. St. Peter’s Basilica

M UST DO: See Michelangelo’s Pietà, visit Papal Tombs & climb the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. And don’t miss the famous Swiss Guard!

St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest and most important Catholic church in the world. The building is massive and it’s difficult to imagine its scale by seeing it in the pictures or even when standing outside. You really have to see it from the inside to try to comprehend the sheer scale of this church!

Built at the site of St. Peter’s tomb, this is also the place where many Popes are buried. So in addition to seeing the church itself, I also highly recommend visiting the underground crypts .

But one of the most unique experiences in the Vatican is climbing to the top of St. Peter’s Dome . Not only do you have some of the best views in the city (and over the Vatican itself), but you can also walk on the interior gallery at the top of the dome itself. Seeing the church and the people below from here gives you a better idea of how huge the church really is.

On your way out of the church, on your right and just before the post office, you’ll be able to see the famous Swiss Guard in their colorful uniforms, guarding the official entrance gate to the Vatican.

Good to know: St. Peter’s Basilica can be visited free of charge and there are no tickets or reservations, but there is usually a very long queue with an airport-style security check in order to get inside. If you want to climb the Dome, you’ll have to wait in yet another line and get a ticket on the spot. We highly recommend taking the elevator for the first part, because you still have 330 steps to do inside the Dome itself afterwards.

TIP: Some Vatican Museum tours ( like this one ) include a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica and use a separate corridor between the two, which saves you lots of time (not having to queue twice). Or you can also take a separate tour of the Basilica if you have more time and rather visit the two places separately and also take your time to climb the dome.

We did this St. Peter’s tour that included a tour of the church itself, the underground crypts, as well as the Dome climb.

6. Roman Forum

MUST DO: Walk on Via Sacra and see the (ruins of) some of the oldest buildings in Rome.

If you want to get a better idea of what the city of Rome looked like two 2000 years ago, there’s no better place to be than the Roman Forum ( Forum Romanum ). This is a huge archeological site right next to the Colosseum (and included with the same ticket ).

For centuries, this place was the heart and soul of public life in ancient Rome. As you walk on the main street of ancient Rome, Via Sacra , it’s easy to imagine that this road was the main route where the triumphal parades were held. Here, you can see the ruins of so many buildings dating from the times of the Roman Empire.

This is also the best place in the city to understand what people mean by the ‘dust of centuries’. The entire site lies much deeper than the current street level. Note the famous ‘hanging’ door of The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, with no steps leading to it. This shows how the street level has changed during the centuries.

TIP: While you could spend at least half a day at the Roman Forum alone, it’s best visited together with the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill (mentioned below). All three sites are included with the Colosseum ticket. Many Colosseum tours also come here and I highly recommend visiting the Roman Forum with a local guide . It gives you a much better understanding of all the places and ancient landmarks that you see around you.

We took this tour that included the Colosseum underground and all the other levels, as well as Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, and we were really glad we did. This was not the first time we visited these places, but we learned so much and saw so much more than on the previous individual (unguided) visits. Highly recommended.

There are many other tours that come here as well , so pick one that best suits your itinerary and interests. We really recommend going with a guide.

7. Palatine Hill

MUST DO: Admire the views from Terraza Belvedere del Palatino, see the old palaces, gardens, and fountains.

Palatine Hill is the most famous of the seven hills of Rome and one of the oldest parts of the city. In ancient times, this was the chicest and most desirable neighborhood of Rome, the place-to-be for the rich and the famous.

Nowadays, Palatine Hill is an open-air museum/ archeological site, where you can see the remains of some grand palaces of the Roman empire. It also offers some of the best views in the city, with the Roman Forum and Colosseum on one side and Circus Maximus on the other side.

There are several viewpoints on Palatine Hill. By far the best view is from the terrace overlooking the Roman Forum and the city center, Terrazza Belvedere del Palatino .

Good to know: An entrance ticket to the Palatine Hill is included with your Colosseum/ Forum Romanum ticket, and a visit here is not to be missed. You could spend hours exploring all the ruins, but in all honesty, going without a tour guide, it will be difficult to understand what you are seeing.

TIP: Just as with the Colosseum and Forum Romanum, we highly recommend that you visit the Palatine with a guided tour . There are so many great tours that include all these places in just a few hours, so you’ll definitely find one that will suit your interests. No matter which one you choose, it will be a hundred times better than trying to make sense of all the ruins on your own.

As already mentioned, we did and recommend this highly-rated tour that includes the Colosseum underground, Arena Floor, and Roman Forum + Palatine Hill. Even though it’s quite rushed, we saw (and learned) so much more in 3 hours than we did on any of our previous visits to Rome without a guide.

8. St. Angel’s Bridge

MUST DO: Admire the angels of St. Angel’s Bridge .

Probably the best-known and definitely the most photographed bridge in the Eternal City, St. Angel’s Bridge ( Ponte Sant’ Angelo ) is another landmark not to be missed in Rome.

The bridge was built in 134 AD by Emperor Hadrianus in order to connect his mausoleum (that is now known as Castelo Sant’ Angelo) to the city. This beautiful bridge and its surroundings have a long history and it’s been improved a lot over the centuries.

If you walk to the Vatican from the historic center of Rome, be sure to walk over St. Angel’s Bridge. It’s so impressive! This pedestrian bridge is lined with the statues of 10 angels (5 on each side) and right in front of you, stands Castello Sant’Angelo. The angels were commissioned by Pope Clement IX and made by the pupils of Bernini (17th century).

Interesting fact: Bernini himself made two angels for this bridge as well, but the Pope found them too beautiful and too valuable to be placed on the bridge. So the originals were replaced by the copies. If you want to see the two original angels, you can admire them at the Sant’ Andrea delle Fratte church in Rome.

This bridge serves as a gateway to the Vatican and is often extremely busy, especially during the opening hours of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. But if you can come here early in the morning before the crowds arrive, it’s absolutely magical!

TIP: If you want to see some nice views of Rome’s cityscapes, visit Castel Sant’Angelo and go to the rooftop. If you are short on time, this museum is not an absolute must in Rome. But if you decide to visit, be sure to get fast-track tickets in advance !

9. Piazza Navona

MUST DO: See the fountains .

Probably the best-known of all the town squares in Rome, Piazza Navona is the biggest and also the most beautiful one. And no trip to Rome would be complete without at least a quick visit here.

Piazza Navona has a rather unique – very long – shape. This is because it was built on the site of the ancient Roman Stadium of Domitian and follows its form.

In the center of Piazza Navona, stands a big obelisk and the 17th-century Fountain of the Four Rivers ( Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi ). It was designed by Bernini and is one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome. In addition, don’t miss two other impressive fountains – the Fountain of Neptune ( Fontana del Nettuno ) on the northern side of the square and the Moor Fountain ( Fontana del Moro ) on the southern end.

In addition, check out the impressive 17th-century Baroque church of Sant’Agnese in Agone . The church is dedicated to St Agnes, an early Christian martyr, who was executed at the Stadium of Domitian at this location.

Nowadays, Piazza Navona is a bustling meeting place, with lots of cafes and restaurants lining its sides. Just beware that a cup of coffee here costs 2-3 times the price of other cafés nearby, and the quality of the food isn’t amazing. But if you want to sit down and do some people-watching, it’s a beautiful place for that!

TIP: While the early morning is the best time to take pictures of Piazza Navona without the crowds, be sure to come here in the evening as well. It’s such a lively and bustling place and it feels totally different than during the day.

Interesting to know: Piazza Navona was built over the ancient Roman site of the Stadium of Domitian. It is now possible to visit this fascinating archeological site underneath the square. You can find more info and get tickets here .

10. Campo de’Fiori market

MUST DO: See the statue of Giordano Bruno and buy some local delicacies at the market.

Campo de’ Fiori is one of the nicest town squares in Rome. As its name suggests, in the past, it was a field of flowers and was only developed in the 15th century. It quickly became a popular gathering and trading place, but also a site for many religiously-tinted executions.

In the center of the square, stands the statue of martyr Giordano Bruno. He was a 16th-century philosopher who was burned alive for his progressive thinking (supporting Copernic’s idea that the Earth is rotating around the sun and not the other way around).

Nowadays, Campo de’ Fiori is the site of a bustling market where you can buy all kinds of local produce, exotic fruit, flowers, etc. While some market stalls are catering mainly to tourists with all kinds of Italian pasta, colorful liquors, etc., the market is also popular with the locals who come here for fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses, and meat.

Good to know: The market is open daily except on Sundays, between 7 AM and 2 PM. In the evening, Campo de Fiori is a popular gathering place, and there are lots of nice restaurants and cafes in this area. But – as it usually is with places to eat in Rome – the restaurants on the square itself are quite expensive and don’t always have the best reputation. So check out the ones a bit further away.  

11. Piazza Venezia

MUST DO: See the huge, temple-like Altar of the Fatherland monument.

Piazza Venezia is a big and very busy square squeezed in between the city center on one side and the Roman Forum on the other. It’s one of the must-see places in Rome that you’ll inevitably pass on your way to/from the Colosseum.

Piazza Venezia is best known for the colossal monument – Altar of the Fatherland ( Altare della Patria ) – and the equestrian statue of Vittorio Emanuele II . But – just as everywhere in Rome – there’s so much more to see and do here, including ancient ruins, several churches, the nearby Capitoline Hill and Museums, etc.

TIP: If you have some time to spare, you can also  take an elevator to the top of the monument for panoramic views of Rome. It’s well worth it. You can find more info and get tickets here .

12. Trajan Forum & Via dei Fori Imperiali

MUST DO: Walk Via dei Fori Imperiali.

One of the must-see streets of Rome – Via dei Fori Imperiali  – links Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum. This wide avenue lined with statues of the Roman emperors is like a museum in itself.

On one side, you have the earlier-mentioned Roman Forum, and on the other – the archeological sites of the Forum of Augustus , Trajan Forum , and many other historic places.

You can see a lot from the street and there are some information panels here and there. So you can just walk around a bit and try to imagine what Rome must have looked like more than 2000 years ago. If you have some extra time, you can also visit several museums here. Trajan’s Market, a 2nd-century Roman market, is quite interesting to see. For more info and tickets, see here .

13. Capitoline Hill

MUST DO: See the Capitoline She-wolf, the symbol of Rome.

Capitoline Hill  ( Campidoglio ) sits right next to Piazza Venezia. This beautiful square and the impressive staircase leading to it were designed by Michelangelo. Here, you’ll also find the City Hall of Rome and Capitoline Museums , which house a big collection of Roman, Greek, and Egyptian antiques.

This is also where you can see the statue of the  Capitoline Wolf ( Lupa Capitolina ), the symbol of Rome.

This statue depicts an old legend, according to which a she-wolf saved and cared for Romulus and Remus, the twin brothers who later founded the city of Rome. The original statue can be found inside the museum , but you can also see its replica outside.

TIP: Behind the city hall, you can also find a panoramic terrace with nice views of the Roman Forum. This is one of the best viewpoints of Rome that is really easy to visit.

14. Spanish Steps & Piazza di Spagna

MUST DO: Explore Piazza di Spagna and walk to the top of the stairs.

Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps is another of the must-see places in Rome.

Built in the early 18th century, these stairs connect Piazza di Spagna in the historic city center to Piazza Trinità dei Monti on top of the hill. It’s an impressive staircase that has been featured in various movies and is also often depicted on many postcards and travel guides. Every spring, the staircase is decorated with beautiful flowers, and it looks even more beautiful!

At the bottom of the stairs, you’ll see the Fountain of the Boat ( Fontana della Barcaccia ), just one of the many of Bernini’s masterpieces in Rome. Piazza di Spagna is also lined with colorful buildings and surrounded by the most luxury boutique shopping area in Rome. Here, you’ll also find some nice cafes and restaurants. If you like cakes or the English tea experience (and don’t mind the high price tag), check out the famous Babington’s tea room at the bottom left of the stairs.

At the top of Spanish Steps stands Trinità dei Monti church . The church is nice, but not an absolute must, but it’s worth going up the stairs just to say that you’ve done it and also for the nice views of the city. For even better views, don’t go back the same way you came, but continue to the left in the direction of Pincio Terrace and Piazza del Popolo (more info below).

Good to know: It is forbidden to sit or eat on the Spanish Steps. It’s a beautiful monument and the city tries to preserve it that way.

15. Villa Borghese Gardens & Gallery

MUST DO: See the art masterpieces at Villa Borghese Gallery and also be sure to explore the park.

Villa Borghese  is one of the biggest and most beautiful parks in Rome. It’s best known for the Borghese Gallery , a beautiful villa-museum that houses some of the most beautiful artworks by Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael, Canova, and others. Art lovers consider this as one of the best museums to visit in Rome !

While the Gallery only requires an hour or two, the park itself is huge and you could spend an entire day walking around. There are several other museums here, fountains, walkways lined with sculptures and art, flower gardens, playgrounds for kids, and even a zoo. In summer, you can also rent a boat on the small lake, rent bikes, etc.

Good to know:  If you want to visit the Borghese Gallery, you have to book in advance! Also, the tickets are timed, so be sure to arrive on time. You can opt for  a regular entrance ticket , or join this amazing guided tour that covers the museum as well as the beautiful gardens. If you want to see the best of the museum and the gardens in just a few hours, we recommend going with a tour. If you are short on time, just get a ticket and walk through the museum on your own.

16. Piazza del Popolo

MUST DO: See the obelisk and the fountains.

Piazza del Popolo  (literally ‘the People’s Square’) is another large and impressive town square that deserves a quick visit. It’s located at the Aurelian city walls, right at one of the old city gates of Rome, Porta Flaminia .

Piazza del Popolo is a huge square, a place where several big streets meet. One of the streets leads in the direction of the Vatican, the other – towards the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. The famous Via del Corso leads towards Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum, and Via del Babuino – towards Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps.

In the center of Piazza del Popolo, stands an  Egyptian Obelisk  and the  Fountain of the Lions . There are two other fountains – Fontana del Nettuno and Fontana della Dea di Roma – at the western and eastern sides of the square. And it’s also flanked by two impressive churches  Santa Maria dei Miracoli  and  Santa Maria di Montesanto .

TIP: If you want to experience the ‘wow’ effect that Rome’s first-time visitors must have had upon arrival, be sure to enter the square via the city gate.

Now that we covered the absolute must-see places in Rome, I really want to add a few more places and experiences to this list. It’s these additional sights and activities that will make your trip to the Eternal City so much more special!

These are worth it just as much as the ‘musts’ listed above!

Here are some more amazing things to do in Rome that we highly recommend :

17. Check out some of Rome’s best viewpoints

The city of seven hills, Rome has quite a few places from where you can admire some panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

We already mentioned the views from St. Peter’s Dome, Palatine Hill, or from the top of the monument at Piazza Venezia . In addition, don’t miss the views from Pincian Hill, Gianicollo Hill, and potentially also from Aventine Hill. We indicated all of these on our map of Rome attractions at the bottom of this post.

Pincian Hill is located between Piazza del Popolo and Villa Borghese gardens. Some of the best views can be found at Terrazza del Pincio and a smaller terrace to the east of it. These are very popular sunset viewpoints in Rome offering stunning views of the city center with St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance.

Belvedere del Gianicolo viewpoint on Gianicollo Hill is located on the other side of the river, and almost on the opposite side from Pinician Hill. It gives a great view of the city center as well.

Orange Garden ( Giardino degli Aranci ) on Aventine Hill is another beautiful place for stunning cityscapes and panoramas.

LEARN MORE: Best Views in Rome (+ photos & a map with exact locations)

18. Bicycle on the Ancient Appian Way

If you are looking for more unique things to do in Rome, then I can highly recommend a visit to the ancient Appian Way . Walking or driving over a road that’s been there for over 2300 years is such a unique experience. I can’t even try to describe the feeling this place gives you – it’s something you just have to experience.

Built around 312-264 BC, the Appian Way connected Rome to Brindisi in Southern Italy. It was mainly used for military purposes in order to facilitate the expansion of the Roman Empire. Once completed, the road spanned for over 563 km (350 miles).

Since it was forbidden to bury people inside the city in the past, Appian Way is also lined with many mausoleums and ancient family graves. You can still see (parts of) some of them today.

While you can discover the Appian Way on foot, I highly recommend that you come here by bike. The nicest sections near Rome are quite far from the city center, so you’d need to take a bus otherwise. And you can’t walk that far if you need to take the bus back to the city center. Whereas if you come by bike, you can easily explore a much bigger section of the Appian Way and get a much better feeling of what this road was about.

TIP: Appian Way is quite bumpy and coming here with a regular bike won’t be that much fun either. Ideally, you have a sturdy electric mountain bike. We visited the Appian Way on this amazing e-bike tour and it was one of the most memorable experiences in Rome. In addition to driving on the Appian Way, we also explored the Catacombs of St. Calixtus, visited the ancient aqueducts, walked on the city walls, and so much more. Highly recommended!

To me, and also to my teenage son, this was one of the absolute favorites of our recent 4-day trip to Rome . Hands-down, one of the most special things you can do in Rome.

Good to know: There are various tours that include a visit to the Appian Way in their itinerary (by bus, bike, etc.). No matter which tour you choose, it’s well worth it. Going with a guide, you don’t have to worry about getting there (and back), and you can be sure to visit the most impressive parts of this centuries-old road and learn more about its fascinating history.

19. Take a food tour

While there are so many incredible landmarks that you must-see in Rome, as far as ‘things to do’, taking a food tour is definitely one of the VERY BEST things to do in Rome!

There is probably no better way to get to know the real Rome than by taking a food tour with a local guide! In the past, I always thought that you can just ‘organize’ your own food tasting by checking out some local shops, markets, or researching the better restaurants, and that food tours weren’t really worth it… But it’s really not even comparable…

Recently, we did a few food tours in various places, and it has become one of my favorite ways to explore a place. It’s such a great way to get to know the city just a bit better, hear some local anecdotes, learn various new dishes, and visit some cool places that most tourists don’t know about.

Anyway, back to food tours in Rome. There’s such a big variety of food tours that it might be difficult to choose. I’d say just pick one that suits your itinerary best (in terms of starting times, but also the area they visit).

Here are some of our hand-picked recommendations for some of the best food tours in Rome:

• Street food tour . This is the tour that we did on our recent visit in Rome and it was excellent. It runs twice a day (lunch or dinner), and starts and ends in the heart of the historic city center, making it quite easy to include it in any itinerary. It also includes a visit to the Jewish Ghetto (and a delicious cake there!).
• Food tour in the city center + Trastevere . This is a nice food tour for those who are looking to try a bigger variety of local dishes and wines. It’s more expensive because it also includes a 3-course dinner.
• Food tour near the Vatican . This is an excellent dinner tour that takes you to some very local places, far from the areas frequented by tourists. If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, you can’t go wrong with this highly-rated tour.
• And there are many others, or you can opt for various cooking classes as well.

No matter which tour you choose, I’m sure it will make your visit to the Eternal City so much more special. For us, it was one of the best experiences in Rome, and the only regret we had was that we didn’t think to foresee more time and do several food tours instead of just going for lunch or dinner.

Next time we’re in Rome, we’re going for a different food tour every day!

READ ALSO: Rome Street Food Tour: Review & Tips

20. Explore the fascinating underground sites

With a rich, centuries-long history, Rome is full of unique underground sites where you can literally take a trip back in time. So no list of the best things to do in Rome would be complete without mentioning some of the best underground experiences in the city.

There are so many interesting underground sites to see in Rome and quite a few of them are open to the public and can be easily visited (albeit, often only with a guide). It can be overwhelming to even know where to start or which ones are worth it the most. So to help you out, we made a small selection of some of the best ones.

Here are a few of our favorite underground places to visit in Rome and how to see them:

• Colosseum Underground . Easy to visit with a guided tour of the Colosseum. Just be sure that the tour you book actually includes the underground level (standard tickets don’t). Here you can find a selection of tours that visit the Underground . And this is the tour that we did (and highly recommend).
• Papal Tombs . Right under St. Peter’s Basilica and can be visited free of charge, but do expect a queue. We went with this guided tour of the Basilica that also included the dome climb, and somehow just entered the crypts without having to wait. So I’m not exactly sure if they have some kind of priority. But you can also visit this level and see where many Popes are buried on your own. The actual St. Peter’s tomb is located even deeper and that level is not easy to visit (requires a special Vatican tour).
• Capuchin Crypts . Located close to Piazza Barberini and quite easy to visit on your own. Many underground tours include a visit here , some in addition to some interesting places that are located much further away from the city center.
• Domus Aurea – the ‘Golden House’ of Emperor Nero. It’s located close to the Colosseum, and you can join one of the guided tours if you want to visit inside.
• St. Clement Basilica. Located just a few minutes walk from the Colosseum, this is a truly unique place. Under the 12th-century church, there’s a 4th-century basilica, and yet another level deeper, a 1st-century pagan temple. You can easily visit on your own. Tickets are available online , but you can also just get a ticket on the spot.
• Catacombs . There are many ancient catacombs in Rome, and they’re all located outside the historic city walls. So you’ll need some kind of transportation for them. The most famous are the Catacombs of St. Callixtus , and entrance tickets include a guided tour (you can only visit with one of their guides). We recommend visiting the catacombs with organized tours – that way, your transport is taken care of, and these tours usually include a few other sites. We visited the catacombs with this wonderful e-bike tour that included the Appian Way, ancient aqueducts, and more.

These are just a few examples of the best underground sites that you can easily see in Rome. Even if you just visit a few of these places, it will make your trip to the Eternal City so much more memorable. Well worth it!

LEARN MORE: Rome Underground (Best Sites + Map & Info)

21. Get off the beaten path

In addition to all the famous landmarks and popular tourist attractions in Rome, one of the best ways to get to know the real Rome is to get a bit off the beaten path .

We already mentioned the underground sites that are totally worth your time. But there’s more, so much more to see in Rome! So if you have some time to spare, check out some local neighborhoods and lesser-known sights as well!

Discover the colorful streets of Trastevere , try some local restaurants in the Jewish Ghetto , or check out the quirky architecture of Quartiere Coppede . Visit some lesser-known archeological sites, admire the stunning art at one of the many museums, or spend some time at a local market… There’s so much more to see and do in Rome than just visiting its main sights!

This is not only a great way to escape the crowds, but you also get to know the city a bit better and get a better idea of what Rome is truly like. If you are not sure where to start, through the link below, you can check out our guide to some of the nicest lesser-known places that we recommend to see in Rome.

  LEARN MORE: Rome Hidden Gems

22. Go (window) shopping at luxury boutiques

Among many other things, Italy is also famous for its fashion. And while Rome isn’t as famous for fashion as Milan , you’ll find all the big names in the fashion industry represented here. So no trip to Rome would be complete without doing some (window) shopping at some of the most famous luxury boutiques !

One of the best areas to go shopping in Rome is the neighborhood around the Spanish Steps – Piazza del Popolo . Here, you’ll find some of the most expensive fashion retailers in the world. In addition, there are also lots of main-street brands too.

One of the best-known luxury shopping streets is Via dei Condotti . Here, you’ll find brands like Gucci, Prada, BVLGARI, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana, and many others. For (much) more affordable fashion, head to Via del Corso . Here you’ll find stores like GAP, Levi’s, Nike, and similar.

And even if you aren’t planning to buy anything, you really can’t say you’ve been to Rome and not walked on Via dei Condotti…

Good to know:  Most stores are open daily from 10-11 AM to 7.30-8 PM.

23. Have some of the best gelatos in the world

No list of the best things to do in Rome would be complete without mentioning its gelatos . Rome has some of the best ice cream in the world! And even if you are only visiting Rome for a day , you should make some time for at least one or two gelatos.

There are so many really good gelaterias in Rome that it would be difficult to mention even a small part of them. Here are some of the most famous: Giolitti and Della Palma (both very centrally located), and also Venchi (with multiple stores in the city).

TIP: Don’t just assume that every gelateria you come across is just as good, however. There are quite some places (especially close to the main tourist attractions) that sell mediocre ice cream. It’s usually still quite ok, but can’t even compare to the best artisanal ice cream, so make a bit of effort and locate a really good one!

We also indicated these and some other really good gelaterias in Rome on our map of Rome attractions below.

Map of Rome Attractions & Sightseeing Itinerary Suggestions

To help you get a better idea of where all the main Rome attractions are located, we created a  map  indicating all the main points of interest and top sights mentioned in this article.

This should help you plan your time a bit better. Just please keep in mind that you can only visit a few of the main tourist attractions in a day. It’s busy everywhere, distances between some sights are quite big, and even with the skip-the-line tickets, you’ll need several hours for each place (if you visit inside). So plan your time well!

TIP:  If you are not sure where to start, we have some sample sightseeing itineraries that can help you plan your time in Rome:

• 1 Day in Rome
• 2 Days in Rome
• 4 Days in Rome

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

So, this is our guide to the best of Rome. Of course, there’s SO MUCH more to see and do in Rome than we covered here. Much more than you could ever see in one short visit…

But if you want to experience the VERY BEST that Rome has to offer, this list should help you do just that.

We also highly recommend that – in addition to the ‘musts’ – you try to add to your itinerary a few extra places and activities that we included in this guide. Take a food tour, bike the Appian Way, or visit an underground crypt… – it’s these more unique experiences that will make your visit to Rome even more memorable and more special.

For more information and useful tips for your visit, please also see our guide with top travel tips for Rome via the link below. It’s an essential read when planning your trip!

LEARN MORE: Tips for Visiting Rome & Rome Airport Transfers (from Fiumicino or Ciampino)

Where to Stay for Sightseeing in Rome

PRO TIP:  In order to make the most of your visit to Rome, we recommend staying in the heart of the city.  Our favorite area to stay for sightseeing in Rome  is close to the Pantheon – Piazza Navona.

It’s so conveniently located that you’ll be able to visit most of the main sights of Rome on foot. Plus, there are lots of good restaurants here too.

Here are some hotel recommendations in the heart of the historic city center of Rome, for all budgets:

• €€€€€  Eitch Borromini Palazzo Pamphilj  – a very popular luxury 4* hotel overlooking Piazza Navona.
• €€€€  9HotelCesari  – a nice, recently renovated 4* hotel with the most beautiful rooftop bar/ restaurant.  This is where we stayed on one of the recent trips. Would go back, even if just for their terrace where we had so many amazing breakfasts and cocktails.
• €€€  Albergo Abruzzi  – a popular 3* hotel close to the Pantheon.
• €€  Navona Theatre Hotel  – 3* hotel with a very good price/ quality/ location ratio. One of the bestsellers.
• €+  Hotel Primavera  – a popular 2* hotel offering good value for the location.

LEARN MORE: Where to Stay in Rome: the BEST Area for Sightseeing

READ ALSO: Where to Eat in Rome (tips for finding the best food and some restaurant recommendations)

More travel inspiration for your trip to Italy:

• Where to go: Best places to visit in Italy
• Cities: Best Italian cities to see
• How to plan your time: Italy itinerary for 2 weeks
• Florence: Best things to do in Florence + 1 day in Florence + Florence rooftop bars
• Siena: Best things to do in Siena + Siena Cathedral
• Bologna: Best things to do in Bologna
• Venice: Top sights & attractions in Venice + Tips for Venice gondola + 1 day in Venice + 3 days in Venice
• Milan: Top sights & attractions in Milan + How to see the best of Milan in 1 day
• Naples: Best things to do in Naples + 1 day in Naples + Best day trips from Naples
• Lakes: Best of Lake Garda + Best Towns of Lake Como + Bellagio + Where to stay at Lake Como
• Mountains: Best places in the Dolomites + Hiking in the Dolomites + Trentino
• Coastal areas: Amalfi Coast itinerary + Capri Island + Cinque Terre + Italian Riviera + Amalfi Coast Travel Tips
• More… for more information and inspiration for a big variety of destinations, please check our Italy travel guide .

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Monday 24th of January 2022

Information on Rome is excellent. No words to say thank you for interesting suggestions, valuable tips and lot more. My salute. Great information

KIRAN OZA BHAVNAGAR INDIA

Thank you for the kind feedback, Kiran. Happy travels!

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Top 10 Rome attractions (with photos and map)

A curated list of the top 10 Rome attractions with map and tips for visiting. Discover the ten best things to see in Rome and how to see them with this essential Rome guide by a local.

If you are planning your first trip to Rome , you probably want to make sure you see all the top attractions in Rome, those sites that make the city famous all over the world.

I am here to help!

Rome is my hometown and I write this website to help people explore my beautiful city as easily as possible and experience all the best it has to offer.

Today, I want to share the top ten things to see in Rome: reading this guide, you will learn the top 10 Rome attractions, what makes them special and how to visit them.

You will also find all the resources you need to plan your visit.

Please note: this post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

List of the top 10 Rome attractions

The ten best things to see in Rome are:

Bonus! While not often considered one of the top attractions in Rome, I want to add to this list Castel Sant’Angelo – see below why I believe it deserves a spot as a Rome must see!

Rome Top Attractions – The Colosseum

A list of the top ten attractions in Rome can only start with the Colosseum, the most visited attraction in Rome.

Built in the I century AD, the Colosseum is the largest ancient amphitheater ever built and still stands in the center of modern Rome.

The Colosseum is most famous for being a theater hosting gladiator battles and it is a landmark with a very interesting history as well as one of the most beautiful and unique in Rome.

What makes the Colosseum worth visiting is:

• It is breathtaking, inside and out (you’ll take wonderful photos here!)
• It has a fascinating history that spans from the ancient Roman Empire to the Middle Ages and the Modern Era
• It is a great place to learn facts about ancient Rome in a fun and entertaining way (the guides are excellent)
• Movie lovers will enjoy seeing the real thing after so many movie theater appearances
• Kids usually love the gladiator’s stories connected to this place

The Colosseum welcomes visitors almost every day and you can visit with or without a guide.

There are several tickets available, at different price points and offering self guided / guided tours/ different cancellation policies.

My top picks for Colosseum visits are:

>>> Colosseum small group tour by LivTours – high quality / high flexibility / high budget)

>>>Colosseum group tour by Coopcultre – the Colosseum direct concession – good quality / no flexibility / low budget

>>>Colosseum entrance ticket by GetYourGuide – Ticket only – good flexibility / medium budget

Good to know! Most Colosseum tickets also include entrance to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. If you are interested in visiting (you should, see below!), make sure to confirm this with your ticket provider.

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

The Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill are the archaeological sites comprising the Ancient Rome’s main commercial area (the Roman Forum) and the place where Rome was founded and the Emperors had their palaces (The Palatine Hill).

These two areas are beside the Colosseum and they are part of the same archaeological complex, called Parco Colosseo.

The Romand Forum and Palatine Hill can be visited with the Colosseum or independently: most colosseum tickets include them and have 24h validity: if you want to visit Ancient Rome, they are a great option.

The Forum /Palatine are less popular than the Colosseum but they are wonderful and, if you love history, a Rome must see.

The Roman Forum is worth visiting because:

• You find ourself walking in the heart of public life in Ancient Rome, strolling along real ancient Roman streets and seeing how the city developed
• It has some stunning temples and churches with very ancient frescoes
• You can see some of the oldest remains in Rome, dating back to Republican times
• You can see the altar to Julius Caesar, built here after his death

You can find here >>> my guide to the Roman Forum and its main attractions

The Palatine Hill is the hill immediately above the Roman Forum and you access it from the Forum itself.

The Palatine Hill is worth seeing because:

• It is where Rome was founded, and you can still see the remains of the so called Romulus’ Hut, where Rome began
• It has stunning remains of the massive Palaces of the Emperors, very beautiful and impressive
• It offers spectacular views over Rome

You can find here >>> my guide to the Palatine Hill

Top Tip : I highly recommend you visit the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill as well as the Colosseum. You can easily do so by using the combined ticket: plan one attractions in the morning, have a long lunch in the area, and then visit the second one. This will be a good way to see everything without getting exhausted nor breaking the bank

Vatican City

The Vatican is inside Rome city center and while technically a different state, it is one of the top things to see in Rome as entirely surrounded by the city!

The Vatican is where you find some of Rome’s most famous sights, such as:

• The Vatican Museums, world famous museums with incredible art, where you also find the Sistine Chapel
• St Peter’s Basilica, the centre of Catholicism and where you also find the famous statue of the Pieta’ by Michelangelo
• St Peter’s Square, a masterpiece by architect Bernini and one of the most beatiful squares in Rome

Vatican City is worth visiting for its religious significance but also for the invaluable art it contains.

If you don’t mind heights, it is is also where you find one of the best birds’ eye views over Rome: if you climb to the top of St peter’s Dome, the view is breathtaking (so is the climb up, you need to be rather fit for all those stairs!).

Vatican city is big and planning a day here can be overwhelming and there are several things you can see.

You can find here >>> my guide to visiting Vatican City , so you can plan your day at best.

The Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountains is one of the most famous and recognisable landmarks in Rome .

A tall, monumental fountain with elaborate decorations, the Trevi Fountain is one of the best example of Baroque sculptures in Rome and was made famous by many famous movies.

Fellini’s La Dolce Vita is only the most famous of them all, but you’ll be hard pressed to watch a blockbuster movie set in in Rome and not see it!

The fountain is stunning and free to visit.

It occupies the entire side of Trevi Square in central Rome and always makes an impression on visitors as it is beautiful, huge and unexpected – even if you know it is there, nothing prepares you to that first glance at it!

The Trevi Fountain is unfortunately a victim of its own notoriety and it is often so busy with tourists, you cannot even get near enough to see it properly.

The best way to avoid crowds is to come very early in the morning (7 am or anyway well before 9 am) or late at nigh although lately even late evenings have seen lare crowds.

Good to know! If you get to the Trevi Fountain, make sure you do the touristy thing and throw a coin in the fountain: as well as coming back to Rome, as the legend says, you will also do a charitable act as the coins get collected and send to support local soup kitchens and shelters for the poor!

Find here >>> fun and interesting facts about the Trevi Fountain

The Spanish Steps at Piazza Di Spagna

The Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna are one of the most famous and recognisable laces in Rome and one of the top ten Rome attractions.

The steps are a monumental staircase connecting Piazza di Spagna with the the top of the Trinita’ de’ Monti Hill and they are scenic and picture perfect: you can walk up and down them and catch a view of Rome from the top.

The Spanish Steps are an urban feature and free to visit.

You will most likely encounter them as you stroll in Rome city center but they are so beautiful and unique, you want to make a special effort to seek them out.

As they are very popular, they also get very busy. Sunrise and sunset are the best time to see the Spanish Steps.

You can find here >>> my guide to Rome’s Spanish Steps

Rome’s Pantheon

Rome’s Pantheon is the best preserved ancient Roman building in the world and a unique site in Rome.

Built in the I century AD, the Pantheon was initially a temple to all Rome’s Gods and Goddesses and then later turned into a Christian church, still working now.

The Pantheon is unique and worth visiting in many ways:

• The Rome Pantheon is a perfectly preserved ancient roman building like no other worldwide
• The Pantheon has a peculiar sound shape with perfect proportions that make it an engeneering marvel
• It has a peculiar round aperture on the roof that has been at the center of many legends
• It is an exceptional photo spot both inside and outside

Access to the Pantheon is free. However, due to the large number of visitors, booking is mandatory at weekends.

You can find here >>> my guide to Rome’s Pantheon

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is one of the mosy famous and beautiful squares in Rome.

For many, it is the highlight of their trip to Rome and a place they tend to go back to over and over again.

Indeed, Piazza Navona is wonderful!

The ancient stadium of Emperor Domitian, the piazza developed over the centuries into an elegant Baroque Masterpiece and it is now one of the most distinctive and beautiful places in Rome.

In Piazza Navona, you can see:

• The square itself, a beautiful space built over an ancient chariot stadium
• The famous Fountain of the Four Rivers, a masterpiece by Bernini
• One of Rome’s famous obelisks
• Two additional stunning fountains
• The incredible Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, a baroque masterpiece by Master Borromini

Piazzas Navona is a square and, as such, free to visit and always open.

Good to know: the is one of the best areas to stay in Rome so if you find accommodation here, it is the perfect location!

You can find here >>> my guide to Piazza Navona and what to see there

Campo de’ Fiori

Campo de’ Fiori is a beautiful square in Rome city center.

It is most famous famous for hosting a market (now a bit of a tourist trap to be honest) and being a local hangout in the evening.

However, it is a beautiful piazzas, with an interesting history, and a great place for an evening drink or an aperitivo so it belongs in this list of the top ten attractions in Rome!

In Piazza Campo de’ Fiori you will find:

• The statue of Giordano Bruno, who burnt here at the stake in 1600
• A lovely square with a medieval feel (almost unique in Rome)

Find here >> my guide to Piazza Campo de’ Fiori

The Capitoline Hill

The Capitoline Hill is one of the seven Hills of Rome and one of teh top ten things to see in Rome fo beauty and signficance.

Originally the seat of the most important ancient Roman temples, the Capitoline Hill was entirely redesigned by Michelangelo and it is now one of the most beautiful examples of renaissance urban architecture in Rome.

On the square, you can see:

• The square itself, designed by Michelangelo
• The impressive statue of Marcus Aurelius (replica, yet stunning)
• The incredible Capitoline Museums, with an excellent collection of ancient art
• A stunning view over the Roman Forum

The square is a public area and it therefore free to visit and always open. The museums are, however, ticketed.

Find here >>> my guide to the Capitoline Hill in Rome (Campidoglio)

The Borghese Gallery (museum)

The Borghese Gallery is one of the most famous museums in Rome and an absolute treat for art lovers.

Hosted in what used to be the private residence of the Borghese family and still surrounded by their stunning estate, the Borghese gallery has priceless masterpieces by work renowned painters and sculptors.

Among the most famous, you will find:

Several pieces by Bernini, including the famous Taking of Proserpina and the David

Canova’s Paolina Bonaparte

Paintings by Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian and many more.

The Borghese Gallery is one of the top 10 attractions in Rome and should be your number 2, after the Vatican Museums, f you have an interest in art. It is that special!

Find here >>> My guide to the Borghese Gallery

Rome top 10 sites – bonus!

I know I said top 10 attractions in Rome but I feel this list would not be complete with one more: Castel Sant’Angelo!

Castel Sant’Angelo is the ancient mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian but was then used as Papal Fortress, a time during which acquired the appearance we see now, with turrets typical of a fortified castle.

While often overlooked by visitors, the Castel is one of the most beautiful monuments in Rome and a place from where you catch fantastic views over Rome.

I highly recommend you add it to your Rome itinerary!

You can find here >>> my guide to Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome.

Rome top 10 attractions on a map

Rome main attractions – You may also like to read

How far are Rome main attractions from one another?

More top tourist attraction in Rome you may want to see

A list of the ten main attractions in Rome only scratches the surface of what you can see in the Eternal City.

If you have more than a few days and want to see more, we have some resources for you!

>>> Our list of 100 things to do in Rome , including tourist attractions and experiences

>>> Our list of the top free thing to do in Rome , for visitors on a budget (Vittoriano, Santa Maria Maggiore and all Papal Basilicas and churches, Rome best gardens and more)

>>> Our list of the most beautiful piazzas in Rome

>>> Our list of the most famous fountains in Rome

>>> Our list of real hidden gems to discover the real Rome

Top 10 attractions in Rome – pin this!

My name is Marta, I am a travel-loving mama born and bred in that messy, wonderful, infuriating, awe-inspiring unbelievably beautiful city that is Rome. A classics graduate and professional travel blogger, on this site I share my insider tips to help you plan your dream trip to Rome, Italy.

How far are Rome main attraction from one another? How to plan Rome sightseeing (with map)

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Rome   Travel Guide

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24 Best Things to Do in Rome

Take time to enjoy  la dolce vita  – even a week isn't long enough to experience everything Rome has to offer. From historic tours through ancient Rome to admiring art-filled institutions to climbing the Spanish Steps or  St. Peter's Basilica ,

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Colosseum (Colosseo) Colosseum (Colosseo)

U.S. News Insider Tip: A normal ticket includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (valid for 24 hours) and you can visit all three in one day. It doesn't include a visit to the Colosseum's underground tunnels. For that, you'll have to book a guided tour. – Laura Itzkowitz

The site of many bloody gladiatorial fights, the Colosseum, which was opened in A.D. 80, could then hold about 50,000 spectators. With a circumference of 573 yards and sitting on marshland, experts say the Colosseum is an engineering wonder… not to mention an animal and human rights atrocity. Not only were gladiators pitted against each other, but gladiators fighting animals and animal-on-animal fights were common as well. Today, it's considered one of the world's most famous landmarks .

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

U.S. News Insider Tip: The Vatican Museums contain some of the greatest artworks ever made, but it's also one of Rome's most crowded spots. Consider paying a bit extra to join an early morning tour before the museum opens or check for late opening hours. – Laura Itzkowitz

While Vatican City is home to both the Roman Catholic Church's governing body and its leader, the pope, this small nation within Rome offers a wealth of attractions open to visitors of any faith.

St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) free

The epicenter of Roman Catholicism, St. Peter's Basilica is centered in Vatican City and is renowned for its stunning architecture. What's more, it's open daily for free. (Though it's closed on Wednesday mornings for pope appearances.) Many visitors enjoy trekking to the top of the dome. For a fee of 8 euros (about $8.65), you can climb the 551 steps to the summit; for a fee of 10 euros (about $10.80), you can take an elevator to a terrace where you'll climb just 320. Regardless, you'll take in a panorama of Rome's spectacular landscape. If you've come hoping to catch a glimpse of the pope, you should consider attending the Wednesday General Audience, when he addresses the crowd in St. Peter's Square with prayers and songs. It's free to attend, but tickets are required ; you should request them well in advance of your visit. You'll also want to make sure he is in residence; check the Vatican website to view the schedule. No ticket is required to see the pope on Sundays, when he usually address the crowd in St. Peter's Square at noon.

Keep in mind that this is an active church with daily Mass services. Likewise, a stringent dress code is enforced: No short skirts, low-cut tops, hats or bare shoulders, and be sure to cover any tattoos. Because St. Peter's Basilica is one of the area's major attractions, there is almost always a long queue – though it tends to go fast. Recent travelers recommend you spring for a tour guide ; the depth of insight they bring to the basilica really makes the experience. For more information on tours, read our tips for visiting the Vatican and its attractions.

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Roman Forum Roman Forum

Though it's not as popular as the  Colosseum  (but located nearby), the Roman Forum is more interesting, according to some reviewers. The Roman Forum comprises much of the Ancient Rome's most important structures, from shrines to government houses to monuments. Although much of the complex is in ruins, you can see the remains and imagine the former glory of the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus and the House of the Vestal Virgins, among other structures.

Recent travelers called a visit to the Roman Forum a "must," but they do advise future visitors to rent or stream an audio guide or sign up for one of the best Rome tours (according to reviewers, little is written on the informational plaques). Past visitors also suggest allotting plenty of time to see the ruins and wearing weather-appropriate attire as there is little to no shade at the site.  

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) free

A must-see on many travelers' itineraries, the Trevi Fountain is situated amongst a high concentration of hotels , shopping and nightlife in the Trevi district. Finished in the mid-1700s, the Trevi is a powerful example of a baroque design with a distinctly mythological character. The god of the sea, Oceanus, emerges from the pool, flanked by his trusty Tritons. 

According to Roman lore, throwing one, two or three coins into the Trevi, with your right hand over your left shoulder ensures you'll return to Rome; you'll fall in love with an attractive Roman; and you'll marry that same Roman. An added bonus? The city collets the money tossed into the fountain and donates it to a local charity.

Pantheon Pantheon

U.S. News Insider Tip: After visiting the Pantheon, stop for an espresso at the historic Tazza d'Oro Caffè or walk a few blocks to the old-school gelateria, Giolitti, for a cone of the good stuff. – Laura Itzkowitz

The Pantheon, a former Roman temple and now a present-day church, is known for its perfect proportions, which is amazing, seeing as it was raised in A.D. 120. While you're there, you can also pay your respects to Raphael, as well as Italian kings Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I, who are all buried there.

Piazza Navona Piazza Navona free

U.S. News Insider Tip: To enjoy a coffee or Aperol spritz on the piazza, grab a table at Camillo, but if you want to eat, it's best to avoid the tourist trap restaurants on the piazza and explore the side streets instead. – Laura Itzkowitz

The centuries-old Piazza Navona is perhaps one of the best-known public squares in Rome. People sipping coffees while watching street performers and artists fill the square. Cafes abound, and there are a number of shops, too, although recent visitors said both tend to be expensive. You'll also find a number of impressive monuments, including one by Gian Lorenzo Bernini ( Fountain of the Four Rivers ) and another by Francesco Borromini (Sant'Agnese in Agone). 

Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi free

Much like Piazza del Popolo , Piazza Navona 's centerpiece features an obelisk. However, in this case, the obelisk is surrounded by one of Bernini's masterpieces: Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi. The four figures at each corner of the statue are a personification of the four rivers best known to Europe in the 1600s. The rivers are the Ganges (Asia), the Danube (Europe), the Nile (Africa) and Río de la Plata (Americas). Animals, plants and other iconography help to further differentiate the four nudes.

Travelers invariably have high praise for the fountain's artistry, saying that it is a must-see.

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Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) free

U.S. News Insider Tip: During the era of the Grand Tour, the area around the Spanish Steps earned the nickname of the English Ghetto. Immerse yourself in the area's English past with a visit to the Keats-Shelley House or afternoon tea at Babington's. – Laura Itzkowitz

Found at the Piazza di Spagna, the Spanish Steps (which get their name from the nearby Embassy of Spain among the Holy See) are another must-do for many travelers. Here, visitors can tread the same stairs that writers and artists have climbed for centuries. The steps are especially alluring come spring when they're flanked by blooming azaleas.

Piazza del Popolo Piazza del Popolo free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you want to do some people-watching on the piazza, skip the expensive and overrated Rosati and go to Canova across the piazza instead. It was frequented by famed filmmaker Federico Fellini, whose drawings decorate the halls inside. – Laura Itzkowitz

Piazza del Popolo is yet another Roman square where you can take in phenomenal architecture and magnificent sculpture. The square dates back to the mid-1500s and is the historic center of Rome. In fact, three major roads intersect here: Via di Ripetta, Via del Corso and Via del Babuino.

Galleria Borghese Galleria Borghese

U.S. News Insider Tip: Don't forget to purchase your timed ticket in advance. Afterward, spend some time strolling through the Villa Borghese park, which has attractions like a little lake, a replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and a few small museums. – Laura Itzkowitz

A favorite among travelers to Rome, the Galleria Borghese is half-villa/half-museum, and it has some resplendent gardens, too. Originally commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the 17th century to shelter his massive art collection, it's now considered one of the premier art galleries in the city. The villa's extravagant rooms, spread across two floors, are filled with famous works, including Canova's Venus Victrix, Bernini's sculptures David and Apollo and Daphne, and Caravaggio's "Boy with a Basket of Fruit" and "David with the Head of Goliath," among other masterpieces.

Campo de' Fiori Campo de' Fiori free

The Campo de' Fiori is worth visiting twice in a trip – once during the day for its bustling market, and again as the sun sets for its convivial nightlife. According to historians, the Campo de' Fiori looks much the same as it did in the early 1800s, except for the numerous pizzerias, cafes and gelaterias that line the periphery.

Recent travelers raved about the people-watching throughout the day; the fresh veggies and fruits at the market and the hopping bar scene at night. Some warned that the market is overrun with tourists and not the most authentic market experience in Rome. Even if you don't plan on eating or buying anything within the area, the architecture alone may be enough of a draw, as it was for some.

Church of St. Louis of the French Church of St. Louis of the French free

If you're a fan of Caravaggio, you'll want to visit the San Luigi dei Francesi, or the Church of St. Louis of the French. Inside this church near  Piazza Navona are three of the baroque artist's works, including the "The Calling of St. Matthew" (one of his most famous paintings), "Saint Matthew and the Angel" and "The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew."

Recent visitors recommend stopping in the church, especially if want to get a glimpse of some of Caravaggio's most famous works. Several reviewers recommended reading up on the works before visiting as there is no information within the church. However, you can access a prerecorded audio tour by downloading it to your smartphone from a QR code available on-site.

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Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini) Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini)

The  Musei Capitolini  (Capitoline Museums) dates back to the 1400s, and it holds Rome's symbol, the bronze Capitoline She-wolf. According to lore, the wolf nursed the half-wolf, half-god founders of the city, twins Romulus and Remus. Its namesake museum contains busts of Roman emperors, statues – including a famous one of Marcus Aurelius – and paintings by Caravaggio and Battista, among others. It also offers spectacular views of the Roman Forum .

Several travelers mention that though the Capitoline Museums wasn't high on their list of things to do or see, they're very happy they did see it. Reviewers also urge visitors to look up at the magnificent ceilings. Some note that the museum has a bit of an odd layout with little information about the paintings. Others say the staff can be rude.

Trastevere Trastevere free

If you want a look at the real Rome, experts and travelers strongly recommend you visit Trastevere. Located southeast of Vatican City, this neighborhood is home to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, as well as numerous restaurants and neighborhood shops (it's often compared to New York City 's Greenwich Village or Paris 's Left Bank thanks to its charming cobblestone streets and narrow roads). 

Although a little farther from the city center, Trastevere is a hit with visitors who appreciated the distance, noting that after so many days weaving through crowds and getting stuck in tourist traps, it's nice to explore a quieter neighborhood (with cheaper, more authentic food). Travelers also said they felt like they experienced a genuine look into life as a Roman after having visited Trastevere.

Santa Maria della Vittoria Santa Maria della Vittoria free

This featured chapel from Dan Brown's "Angels & Demons" is now heavily trafficked by Robert Langdon wannabes. But baroque art fans might want to brave the crowds for a look at Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Cornaro Chapel, which features the Ecstasy of St. Teresa statue.

Recent visitors can't stop gushing about Santa Maria della Vittoria. Many said the church is nothing short of stunning, noting that the detail of Bernini's Ecstasy of Saint Teresa is truly incredible. However, travelers also noted that the church is relatively small compared to some of the city's other masterpieces, so prepare for a tight space during peak tourist season (summer). Others warn of odd opening times.

Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo

The Castel Sant'Angelo has had many purposes over its lifetime. Originally built as a mausoleum for Roman emperor Hadrian, the castle has also been a place of protection for popes during invasions, papal residences, military barracks and a prison. Today, it's a museum showcasing not only the site's military history but also incredible frescoes (which were added to the building when the castle became a residence).

For many visitors, admiring the frescoes and learning the history of the site made for a pleasant stop. However, the top draw for many are the views. The top floor terrace (Terrace of the Angel) provides outstanding vistas of Rome.

Basilica di San Clemente Basilica di San Clemente free

Archaeology buffs might find the Basilica di San Clemente interesting as it's a veritable nesting doll of churches. It's a second century pagan temple, underneath a fourth-century church, which is underneath a 12th-century church. Enter the 12th-century church from the street level, take stairs down to the fourth-century one and finally end up at a shrine for Mithras, the god whom was known to gain popularity in the second and third centuries. The oldest structure is believed to have been an ancient mint.

Travelers are fascinated by the story of the church and recommend visiting for the history lesson that it provides. Past travelers also said you should ignore the panhandlers who linger around the church, as some pretend to be affiliated with the church and tell visitors they can't enter unless they give a donation. The church is free to enter, but there is a fee to go down to the lower levels, which people say is worth the cost. To visit the lower levels, you'll pay 10 euros (about $11) for adults and 5 euros (about $5) for students up to age 26. Children younger than 16 explore for free.

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Ancient Appian Way Ancient Appian Way free

The Ancient Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) has a history that dates back to 312 B.C. and includes the site of Spartacus' execution (in 71 B.C.), the tomb of Caecilia Metella, and many a Roman military march. These days, it stretches for 38.5 miles, though several monuments and historic sites are centered around an approximately 2-mile stretch along Parco dell'Appia Antica. The park sits roughly 2 miles south of the Colosseum . 

Recent visitors said the Appian Way is worth the long trek. Some even recommend hiring a tour guide to tag along with you, as even the smallest details along the walk provide a lot of insight into days past. Many agreed that visitors should come prepared with good walking shoes and water. Other advised visiting during the day as some areas can be seedy at night. 

Colle del Gianicolo Colle del Gianicolo free

To the west of the Tiber River (near another top attraction,  Trastevere ), Colle del Gianicolo, or the Janiculum Hill, is just waiting to be climbed. Although a hike, the site provides unobstructed, panoramic views of the Eternal City. Once at the top, visitors will be able to spot some of Rome's most famous buildings, including  St. Peter's Basilica  and the Altare della Patria. Interestingly, since it sits outside the ancient city, it's not considered one of the seven hills of Rome. Along with the spectacular views, you'll also spot a few monuments, including the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola, or Il Fontanone, which was originally built in the early 1600s.

Travelers report being impressed by the views of Janiculum Hill, with many recommending a visit at sunrise or sunset for a truly breathtaking experience. Though many don't consider it a "must-see," especially for first-time visitors, reviewers did concede that a trek here offers a nice respite from the city's crowded tourist spots.

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

Rome is full of aristocratic palaces whose splendors are hidden behind closed doors. One such place is the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj right on the bustling Via del Corso. Enter and you'll find yourself in a quiet courtyard that feels a world away from the crowds. Upstairs, spend some time marveling at the hall of mirrors, which looks like a smaller version of the one at Versailles , with gold-framed Venetian mirrors, antique statues and chandeliers. The palazzo dates all the way back to the 16th century and the gallery that encircles the courtyard was renovated in the 18th century, with the paintings that form the family's private art collection still displayed as they were in the 1700s. Among them are paintings by Raphael and Caravaggio. In the Velázquez Cabinet at the end of one of the halls is a marble bust of Pope Innocent X by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and a portrait of the pope by Velázquez.

For a few extra euros, you can also visit the "secret apartment," which is supposedly still used sometimes by the princess. Inside it, you'll see the family's furniture and personal objects, like a desk with writing implements, hairbrushes and beds. It's far more intimate than the typical museum experience and might just make you feel like you've stepped into a scene from the Oscar-winning film "La Grande Bellezza," director Paolo Sorrentino's modern-day take on "La Dolce Vita."

Jewish Ghetto Jewish Ghetto free

Sandwiched between the Tiber River and Campo de' Fiori is a neighborhood that was historically home to Rome's Jewish population, the oldest Jewish community in Europe. A papal edict in 1555 created the ghetto, which was walled off from the rest of the city until 1888. It also established laws about what professions Jews could and couldn't hold. To learn more about the neighborhood, you should visit the Jewish Museum of Rome attached to the Great Synagogue, which displays religious artifacts and explains the area's history in a series of panels. A guided tour of the Great Synagogue is included in the museum's admission price and is the only way to see the ornately decorated synagogue without attending religious services.

Recent visitors praised the beautiful synagogue and said the neighborhood is a "hidden gem" in Rome. Travelers say the neighborhood is worth a few hours of your time.

Mercato di Testaccio Mercato di Testaccio free

For a less touristy alternative to the market at Campo de' Fiori , venture beyond the historic center to the Mercato di Testaccio. The large covered market is filled with stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meat, where Romans do their daily shopping. It's also home to a handful of stalls where you can purchase prepared food, like sandwiches and pizza. Take a number and wait your turn for delicious pizza al taglio at Casa Manco. Ask for a few small slices so you can try more than one topping.

For sandwiches, the place to go is Mordi e Vai, a hole-in-the-wall stall serving sandwiches made with the offcuts that form the backbone of Roman cuisine. Indeed, the quinto quarto tradition of Roman cooking was born in right here in Testaccio. The neighborhood was once home to the city's slaughterhouse and the working-class families who lived here created recipes using the less prized cuts of meat, including the organs, that were cheaper. Many restaurants in the neighborhood are known for this type of cooking, with signature dishes like trippa alla romana (Roman-style tripe with tomato sauce, pecorino and mint) and coda alla vaccinara (oxtail stew). If you're not into that kind of stuff, Mordi e Vai always has a vegetarian option available.

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MAXXI MAXXI

If you've had enough of ancient and Baroque art, consider visiting one of Rome's modern and contemporary art museums. MAXXI – an acronym for the National Museum of 21st Century Art – is located in the residential Flaminio neighborhood north of Piazza del Popolo and was designed by the late Iraqi-British starchitect Zaha Hadid. The building itself is a masterpiece of modern architecture, with dramatic sweeping lines, steel staircases that seem to float in the air, and galleries with glass ceilings. The collection comprises more than 400 works of art by Italian and international artists, including Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente and Gerhard Richter, as well as a collection of material related to architecture. It ranges from photography and film to art installations and performance art.

Before you go, check to see what's on display. Past exhibitions have featured Bob Dylan's videos, the work of Italian filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini, and the architecture of Lina Bo Bardi, a midcentury modern trailblazer and one of the few female architects working at that time. MAXXI has also hosted special off-site exhibitions and events, including guided tours of Casa Balla, the apartment of futurist artist Giacomo Balla.

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The 26 Best Things to Do in Rome

By Maresa Manara and Katie Parla

In such an ancient and dense place, prioritizing which corners to see can be an overwhelming task. How do you even start to figure out what to do in Rome? To shed some light on that impenetrable question, we've pulled together a list of world-famous sites and lesser-known destinations—museums, markets, archeological and architectural marvels—that will provide you with the full spectrum of outstanding experiences the Italian capital has to offer. Whether you have only a day in the city or a couple weeks (or return visits) to explore every detail, this list will help you pull together an itinerary you won't forget.

Read our complete Rome travel guide here .

Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that activity. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider’s view of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Palazzo Spada Arrow

Near Campo dei Fiori yet blissfully uncrowded, Palazzo Spada is a striking historic palace built in the 16 th century and redesigned by Roman architect Borromini in the 17th century. Inside there’s a rich art collection with Renaissance and Baroque masters, and outside there’s a peaceful courtyard where eight impressive colonnades create a mesmerising optical illusion. The palace itself is exquisitely Baroque, with elegant, perfect symmetry and ornate decorations. Inside, there are walls plastered in frescoes, immaculate stucco work, and grand halls of opulent, gilded marble. Palazzo Spada houses an incredible art collection, with paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts by artists including Titian and Caravaggio. Don’t miss the Borromini Perspective Gallery, a masterclass in optical illusion where a corridor appears to be much longer than it actually is.

Monte Mario Nature Reserve Arrow

A hike through this huge nature reserve—the highest of Rome’s ‘seven hills’—makes for a great alternative to Villa Borghese, with a fraction of the crowds, and fantastic views over the city. The Monte Mario Natural Reserve spans around 100 hectares, with nature trails wending through canopies of oak trees, pines and cypress trees. There’s a rich array of wildlife, including hawks, kestrels, foxes and hedgehogs. It couldn’t feel farther from one of the world’s biggest cities. There’s a number of different walking trails throughout the reserve, some more difficult (and steep) than others. Take a taxi there from the historical centre—it’s a seven minute drive away.

Case Romane del Celio in Rome Arrow

Underground beneath the Basilica Santi Giovanni e Paolo, this heritage museum shows how Roman daily life has changed over the years. There are 20 rooms showing ancient Roman homes, shops and shrines. It’s cheap to get into and relatively quiet, even on weekends. This is one of the best preserved examples of ancient Roman domestic architecture. The houses date back to the second and third centuries AD. They were part of a larger residential complex, possibly belonging to a single aristocratic Roman family. One of the most remarkable features is the underground area known as the hypogeum —a subterranean complex of chambers and passageways. Visitors can explore several interconnected rooms, including reception areas (atria), living quarters (cubicula), kitchens, and courtyards. The houses are decorated with colorful frescoes, intricate mosaics, and marble floors, showcasing the opulence and artistic sophistication of the Roman elite.

Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza Arrow

Most artists and architects working in the characteristically ornate and emotional Baroque style leaned heavily on color and materials to create strong visual impressions. Not Borromini, in this magnificent church originally designed for the Università di Roma. Using simply molded stucco forms and daylight, the maestro created an interior space that's at once intimate and infinite, simple and complex. If you've seen Bernini's interior design at St. Peter's Basilica, this is a great place to see how his rival achieves absolute architectural perfection without using scale and color as a crutch. There's no guide. Walk in, take a seat, and take it in.

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

Charlie Hobbs

Galleria Doria Pamphilj Arrow

This museum houses Rome's largest private collection, a trove assembled by the Doria, Pamphilj, Landi, and Aldobrandini families and brought together through marriage. It’s set in a noble palace still owned by the Doria Pamphilj family and the ornate halls provide a grand setting for such an overwhelming amount of art. The collection is acclaimed among 16th and 17th-century art aficionados but is off the average visitor’s radar even though it's located just off Piazza Venezia and close to the Forum.

Villa Doria Pamphilj Arrow

Rome's largest public park is divided into manicured gardens, stretches of forest, pine groves, and bits of wild vegetation. There are wide open fields, as well as intimate nooks for romantic picnics. It's a perfect destination for runners or cyclists who want to get in a few miles without the nuisances of car traffic and smog. Whether you visit for a stroll, a meal, or a workout, be sure to have a map. The place is huge and some exits spit you out into residential neighborhoods.

Colosseum Arrow

If you know the background of the building, a visit to the Colosseum will be truly amazing and totally live up to the hype. The place was used for wild beast hunts, public executions, and gladiator fights for several hundred years, then became a condo of sorts as medieval Romans made their homes in the hulking ruins. Spend a little time on the second story exhibition area, check out the artists' renderings of the building's ancient and medieval incarnations, and you'll be anxious to learn more.

Ancient Pharmacy of Santa Maria della Scala Arrow

Entering this ancient apothecary, the oldest in Europe, feels a little like stepping back in time. You enter through the ground floor of the building, which is now a functioning, modern pharmacy, before heading upstairs to the ancient iteration. Visitors are welcomed by a friar, who talks you through the various herbs, potions, unguents, balms, and oils that they used to heal the ancient Romans. He knows his stuff. Ask him to show you some of the original wooden furniture from the 18th century, and the instruments they used for weighing ingredients and making the medicines. Look out for the teriaca, a potion created and used by Romans as an antidote—ingredients include viper meat.

MAXXI Rome Arrow

MAXXI is the kind of place you go to spend half a day, with no plans other than to take the entire place in. Designed by Zaha Hadid, this is Rome’s museum for all things contemporary, with exhibitions spanning modern fashion, cinema, art, and architecture. Heck, it’s worth visiting just to check out the building, a piece of art in itself. The labyrinthine space at MAXXI is astounding. It gets busy, but there's so much space that you wouldn't notice. Big, wide halls give way to rooms of different themes and sizes, resulting in five floors of non-stop, incredible artwork. Spaces range from performing arts to galleries with modern artworks to open cinemas. For some, this might feel a little incoherent, but it helps if you take it in as a whole rather than different spaces.

Capitoline Museums Arrow

Home to one of the finest collections of ancient sculpture in Rome (and therefore the world), the Capitoline Museums are—weirdly—rarely crowded. They attract school groups, local history and art buffs, and travelers, all of whom tend to meander through the museums' various buildings, two of which were designed by none other than Michelangelo. Thanks to its collection and its proximity to Rome's main archeological attractions, it's a logical place to stop after visiting the Roman Forum and Colosseum.

Palatine Hill Arrow

The Palatine Hill is a big, sprawling open-air museum. There are emperors' palaces, manicured gardens, medieval churches, and a terrace overlooking the Forum and beyond. The admission fee is about $18 and covers the Roman Forum and Colosseum, too, making it a pretty great deal. Although the Palatine has monuments from every major era in Rome's history, the real draw is a first-century palace built by Domitian, a mad emperor with a very serious architecture addiction.

Jubilee Church Arrow

Chiesa di Dio Padre Misericordioso, also known as the Jubilee Church, was designed by American architect Richard Meier as part of the Vatican's grand church-building and city revival program leading up to the Millennium Jubilee, a Catholic pilgrimage year held in 2000. The church is free, though getting there may cost you. It's about six miles from central Rome, so a taxi could easily cost more than €25 ($28). Alternatively, you can reach the church via public transport for €3 ($4) round trip.

San Zeno Chapel at Santa Prassede Arrow

The San Zeno Chapel is a small chapel and major pilgrimage destination inside the church of Santa Prassede (aka Saint Praxedes). The church, chapel, and mosaics all backdate to the 9th century when Pope Paschal I built the chapel and its Byzantine mosaics for his mother. Because the chapel houses the remains of a pillar believed by many Catholics to be from the Flagellation of Christ, it draws some pilgrims. Other visitors are travelers specifically there to see the Byzantine mosaics.

Domus Aurea Arrow

A sprawling palatial pavilion built by emperor Nero in the 1st century that will blow you away with the design taste and command of concrete and space on display. You can only visit on weekends—the site's under restoration during the week—but admission includes a guided tour. Ours was led by an archeologist who not only worked on the site but was totally obsessed with it; the passion made for a terrific tour. Try your luck.

Mercato di Campagna Amica del Circo Massimo Arrow

Despite being Rome's largest farmers market, the Mercato di Campagna Amica remains down to earth and not at all corporate—as demonstrated by the fact it's only open on weekends. The stalls adhere to the "0 km" philosophy, shorthand for products made or grown within 100 kilometers from the point of sale; and vendors come mostly from Lazio, Rome's home region. It's a crash course in the local leafy greens, amusing in their number and variety, especially to visitors from northern climates. Both the olives and the olive oil you'll find here are worth a splurge, but one of the market's best uses is as a source of super-fresh (and super-cheap) picnic material. Grab some bread, a little fresh pecorino, a few slices of prosciutto, some fruit, and make yourself a lunch.

Villa Farnesina Arrow

The Villa was the private residence of Agostino Chigi, one of the Renaissance's richest men; he liked to showcase his wealth by hiring artists to paint elaborate frescoes on the walls and ceilings in his palace. That makes this a great place for Renaissance fans who want to take their time and see the art in-situ without the crowds. Thanks to Raphael's emphasis on mythological themes, it's also a great place for kids who know about the Roman gods—or want to!

Janiculum Hill Arrow

This is a leisurely stroll beginning in Trastevere and winding up via Garibaldi to the top of Janiculum Hill. The mood changes from urban at the beginning to monumental at the end; it's a bit of work, but rewards those willing to do it with a unique perspective on Roman history and some of the best views of the city. Best to do the walk during the day, or early in the morning if it's summer. If you're on a tight schedule, don't want to brave the hill in the heat, or just want to get a view, skip the hike and take a taxi directly to Piazzale Garibaldi.

Vicus Caprarius Arrow

This museum takes you beneath the Trevi district, through an intricate maze of ancient vestiges to the archaeological ruins of Vicus Caprarius (which roughly translates to “City of Water”), an old Roman apartment complex dating back to the first-century A.D.. You get to see first-hand how the rich Romans lived, using their very own aqueduct–the same one that feeds the Trevi fountain–for their running water. The entrance is unassuming, and if you hadn’t been told it was there it would be easy to walk right past. There’s a fairly comprehensive website but all bookings are made (and confirmed) via a Whatsapp chat. Skip the guided tour—there were 8 of us in the tour group, but we shared the same (small) space with  self-guided individuals, many of whom had just showed up and booked on the day. If you're keen on a post-museum cocktail, head upstairs to Harry's Bar.

Santa Maria del Popolo Arrow

Santa Maria del Popolo is a Renaissance church at the edge of Piazza del Popolo and just within Rome's 3rd-century walls. It was decorated during Rome's most recent artistic peak, the 15th to 17th centuries, and is packed with masterpieces. The church is free, though some coins will come in handy for turning lights on in chapels. The place mostly draws visitors on the Caravaggio trail. Two canvases painted by that controversial and innovative artist hang in the chapel next to the main altar.

Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini Arrow

The Domus Romane are ancient Roman villas and other structures that were abandoned in antiquity, filled in with debris, and inadvertently used as foundations for Palazzo Valentini, a Renaissance palace turned government office building. They are now underground, obscured by buildings and pavement just beside Piazza Venezia. Booking is required and must be done online.

Santa Maria in Trastevere Arrow

There are hundreds of churches in Rome, but Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the most breathtaking. Not only are the mosaics and gilded ceiling spectacular, the very skeletal structure of the church is mind-boggling. The columns that support the nave and separate the aisles are single, solid pieces of granite that were lugged across the river in the 12th century after being plundered from the 3rd-century Baths of Caracalla. The church will help you develop a taste for medieval Rome, a period often outshined by the Renaissance and Baroque eras.

Palazzo Massimo Arrow

The Palazzo Massimo's building itself was built by Jesuits in the late 19th century and was only turned into a state-owned museum in 1980. It's next to Stazione Termini, Rome's busiest station, yet few travelers make the trip to see the museum's masterpiece-packed halls. The collection is a mix of Classical sculpture, Imperial frescoes, and Hellenistic baroque-style statuary. After the Vatican Museums and Capitoline Museums, the Palazzo Massimo is a must for ancient art lovers.

Testaccio Market Arrow

This market in one of Rome's most bustling central neighborhoods has all the usual suspects: bread bakeries, produce stalls, fishmongers, butchers, and delis. You'll also find seasonal vegetables like artichokes or zucchini, cuts typical of the local cuisine like tripe and liver, and little chewy pizzas common to Roman bakeries. If you're looking for lunch (or to stock a picnic), hunt down takeaway stalls like the stellar Mordi e Vai, which serves Roman sandwiches near the Via B. Franklin exit. The stalls on the eastern side of the market mainly sell clothes, shoes, and housewares. There's even a hair salon, in case you're needing a touchup.

Pigneto Arrow

Pigneto is popular with Italian college students and twenty- and thirty-somethings who frequent the bars on the "Isola," a pedestrianized stretch of Via del Pigneto, the neighborhood's central artery. It's also a destination for Pasolini fans who visit the streets that were the backdrop for his Neorealist films. It's an acquired taste and may feel too rough-around-the-edges for some, but anyone interested in urbanism and street art, or just thirsty to explore neighborhood's outside of Rome's historic center, will enjoy it.

Baths of Caracalla Arrow

The Baths of Caracalla were a massive public bathing complex built in the third century. Throughout the year, the site is open during the day for visitors to stroll through ruins that were so magnificent they inspired the Main Concourse at Grand Central Terminal. Each summer, the city of Rome's Opera company performs at the Baths, using the towering brick ruins as a backdrop. The contrast of the ancient buildings, celebrated operas, and modern acoustics and lighting is stunning.

Quartiere San Lorenzo Arrow

This working-class neighborhood near Termini station first gained international prominence when Soho House opened their Rome outpost a few years back. Since then, it’s evolved from a rough-around-the-edges student hangout into a decidedly bohemian district, with street art, street food, lively bars, and cool fashion boutiques. To get the most out of the neighborhood, visit in the late afternoon, when fashion boutiques like L’Anatra all’Arancia and La Maison de la Mode will still be open. Refuel with a coffee at the diminutive Giufà Libreria Caffè bookstore-bar, then check out the street art around Via dei Sabelli and Scalo San Lorenzo. Stop by Blackmarket San Lorenzo for a pre-dinner cocktail and vegetarian small plates, or pop into Sanlollo for pizzas, bruschetta, and salted cod. Gelato San Lorenzo does some of the best ice cream in town, all of it organic. Still, don't bring your parents or your fussiest friends here; rather, come with someone who’s up for a cheap-ish night out in a gritty but very cool neighborhood.

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Top 48 Tourist Attractions in Rome (with Map)

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It’s hard not to fall in love with Italy, and in particular with its capital. From the Vatican city to the Colosseum, there are so many tourist attractions in Rome !

To help you visit the best attractions and top sights for your next trip to Rome, TourScanner has published the ultimate list of top tourist attractions.

It’s time to get all geared up and explore our 48 exciting suggestions of places to visit in Rome!

1 – Colosseum

The Colosseum was the most extensive amphitheater in the Roman Empire, begun by Vespasian in 72 AD. It was used to show gladiator fights and hunting scenes with exotic and ferocious animals.

Nowadays it is possible to visit the Colosseum and understand how the underground theater system worked, with freight elevators, ramps, and traps that served to bring animals, gladiators and scenic machinery in front of an excited audience. Discover the Rome most iconic attraction!

2 – Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is an extraordinary work of art , much more than a simply fountain: it is the triumph of Baroque aesthetics that is embodied in natural forms.

Before leaving, do not forget to throw a coin in the fountain, in fact, the most famous popular legend connected to the fountain ensures that you bring luck throwing a coin from your shoulders and in this way you will also ensure the return to the eternal city. A walking tour in this area will allow you to discover the best of Rome’s city center. It often includes other attractions as the Pantheon and Spanish stairs.

3 – Pantheon

Visiting the Pantheon is a unique experience! A merely magnificent work that contains beauty, technique, and harmony. It’s a masterpiece of architecture and engineering. An obligatory stop that can’t miss during your visit to the Eternal City. If you have a way, enter the temple at noon, when the rays of the sun coming from the oculus become extraordinarily intense and create a truly unique effect!

4 – Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

The Vatican Museums located inside the Vatican City State, represent one of the most important museums in the world serving an extraordinary collection of timeless masterpieces displayed in the fabulous Vatican palaces.

This vast collection of works of art has been accumulated over the centuries by the Popes. Inside the Vatican Museum, there is the Sistine Chapel, that deserves to be one of the most famous places to visit in the world thanks to the Michelangelo’s works.

If you want to discover all its secrets and beauties, there are many tours of the Vatican Gardens that include a guided visit of the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums.

5 – Galleria Borghese

The collection of the Galleria Borghese , defined as one of the best museums in Rome , consists in sculptures, bas-reliefs, and ancient mosaics, as well as statues and paintings from the fifteenth to the eighteenth century.

In addition to being exceptional for its splendid collection, the museum is perfect in the coherence of its beautiful ensemble that implies marbles, inlays, mosaics, stuccoes, and inserts of the antique.

6 – Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the monumental center of ancient Rome where there were the most important public and religious buildings of the city.

You can join a tour of the Roman Forum , it usually includes also a visit to the Colosseum. Nowadays it is possible to visit the remains of the old Piazza del Foro (Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, Basilica Emilia, Curia, Temple of Vesta, Ara of Caesar, Arch of Titus and Septimius Severus).

7 – Castel Sant’Angelo

Planned by Hadrian as a tomb for himself and his successors, it was initially designed by the architect Demetriano around 123 and completed a year after the death of the emperor by Antoninus Pius.

Castel Sant’Angelo is the perfect representation of the solemn Roman spaces, massive walls, and luxurious frescoed rooms and the ideal Rome attraction. Since 1925 it has housed the National Museum of Castel Sant’Angelo and houses collections of art and history as well as relics of the Italian Army in a great setting restored for the occasion.

8 – Vittoriano

The Vittoriano , also called Altare della Patria, is a monumental complex inaugurated by Vittorio Emanuele III in 1911, on the occasion of the International Exposition for the 50th anniversary of the Unification of Italy.

This attraction was designed and built to provide a tribute to the memory of the first king of Italy. After some restoration and redevelopment operations today the Vittoriano Complex hosts exhibitions and conferences and is one of the most appreciated Rome attractions.

9 – St. Peter’s Basilica

One of the biggest churches in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica is also one of the holiest temples in the world. Besides, it is where the Pope presides many liturgies all year round. The construction of the was finished in 1626.

Several renowned architects designed the temple, highlighting the works of Bramante, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno. It’s a must-see Rome attraction, best enjoyed with a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica !

10 – Mouth of Truth

Under the porch of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, there is the Mouth of Truth , one of the most famous Rome attraction. The Mouth of Truth keeps its celebrity standing in the world thanks practically only to the legend that accompanies it.

His fame is due to popular tradition, for the belief that the mouth could bite the hand of someone who had not affirmed the truth.

11 – Caracalla Baths

The Roman empire has started the construction of impressive and monumental public baths, an essential center of community life for all strata of the population. In fact, the baths were not just a building for bathing, sports, and body care, but also a place for walking and studying.

There are many different kinds of  Caracalla baths tours , private, skip the line, and walking tours of this magnificent baths. The vast extension of the Baths of Caracalla is a clear example of it, being one of the most extensive and most impressive monumental complexes of ancient Rome.

12 – Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls , with its impressive Byzantine structure, is the largest of the patriarchal ones in Rome after St. Peter’s in the Vatican.

The emperor Constantine had built it at the beginning of the fourth century on the burial place of St. Paul, already a destination for pilgrimages. Rebuilt and enlarged less than a century later, over time it was enriched with chapels, mosaics, and precious furnishings.

13 – Trastevere

Trastevere is undoubtedly one of the most characteristic neighborhoods of all Rome, where between narrow colored alleys, Roman trattorias, markets, shops and artisan shops, it is still possible to get lost to rediscover the essence of the most authentic and genuine Rome.

Discover this enchanting neighborhood with one of the many tours of Trastevere . From Santa Maria in Trastevere to Piazza Trilussa you can still breath the typical Rome products of the past, and at nightfall, the young get together to have a chat or to drink something with friends in one of the many pubs and nightclubs.

Read more: 18 Best Food Tours in Rome for a Delicious Journey Through Italian Cuisine

14 – Piazza Navona

It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Roman attractions, built on the ashes of the Stadium of Domitian, was used in ancient times for athletic competitions. Today the Piazza Navona  hosts street artists and painters and is a meeting point for tourist and Romans people.

Do not miss the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone and the Fountain of the Rivers, where four statues are representing the four rivers considered at the time the most important: the Nile, the Danube, the Ganges and the Rio de la Plata.

15 – Quartiere Coppedè

Designed by the Florentine architect and sculptor Gino Coppedè, the homonymous district Quartiere Coppedè has been defined by many as a fairytale experiment. This extravagant corner built between 1915 and 1927, was conceived by Coppedè as a real village.

Appears today as a mix of styles, where Renaissance symbologies, sacred aedicules, neo-Gothic chandeliers, Baroque coats of arms, triumphal Roman arches, liberty cues, Gothic towers and so on, live together to perfection.

16 – Villa Doria Pamphili

The Villa Doria Pamphili  is the most extensive public park in the city of Rome, which like many other city parks originates from the country estate of a noble Roman family.

It was conceived as a country residence of the Pamphilj family, under the pontificate of Innocent X and gradually became a magnificent villa with a splendid park.

17 – Giardino degli Aranci

On top of one of the Aventino hills of Rome, between the medieval walls, remains of the ancient fort of the Savelli family stands Savello park, most commonly called Giardino Degli Aranci .

From here you can enjoy a splendid view of Rome that goes from the Tiber to the Basilica of San Pietro. The trees that give it its name were planted in memory of St. Dominic who founded his convent here.

Continuing after the Giardino Degli Aranci there is the door of Villa del Priorato di Malta. There is possible look through the keyhole, where you can admire a splendid view of the Dome of St. Peter, which appears along the avenue of the Gardens of the Order, bordered by trees.

18 – Cinecittà Studios

One of the most famous Rome attractions, where some of the masterpieces of the cinema were filmed. Cinecittà Film Studio  in Rome, located approximately 9 kilometers from the center of the capital, boasts large spaces and state-of-the-art equipment.

Today it is possible to visit Cinecittà and discover the secrets of cinema and each phase of the realization of a film: from the script to the post-production, through the discovery of stage costumes, shooting techniques, the creations of the first-rate scenographers.

19 – MAXXI

The MAXXI National Museum of the XXI Century Arts is the first national institution dedicated to contemporary creatività and is the great architectural work of Zaha Hadid.

The planning of the activities reflects the vocation of MAXXI to be not only a place of conservation and exhibition but also a laboratory of experimentation and cultural innovation.

The MAXXI is famous for its complexity of the volumes, its curvilinear walls and visitors can walk inside this Rome attraction following different and unexpected paths.

20 – Piazza di Spagna

The square is today a cultural heritage of inestimable value. Located near Pincio hill, Piazza di Spagna has always been the center of the cultural and tourist life of the city of Rome.

Elegance is undoubtedly the principal characteristic of the square: the frame offered by the colored buildings, the Bernini mountain of Barcaccia and the stairway on which the Trinità dei Monti church stands, contribute to creating a refined and eighteenth-century atmosphere.

21 – Campidoglio

Since ancient times it has been an essential place for the life of the city, first as a religious place and then as a place of power when the Senate of Rome took its place.

The Campidoglio , today the seat of the municipality of Rome, is the smallest among the seven Rome’s hills, but also the most important because the first nucleus of the city was born in this point.

22 – Villa Adriana

It is the villa that the emperor Hadrian built for himself and his court in the Tiburtina countryside. It is a unique testimony for breadth, architectural and decorative features.

You can visit this villa joining one of the half or full day trips from Rome to Tivoli that often include a tour of Villa Hadrian and Villa d’Este . Today it appears as an extraordinary, immense park, spread over 80 hectares, dotted with Roman ruins, spas, and eighteenth-century farmhouses, in an atmosphere that still retains much of the ancient charm.

23 – Capitoline Museum

The oldest public museum in the world, the Capitoline Museum founded in 1471 by Sixtus IV, is divided into the two buildings that together with the Palazzo Senatorio delimitate the Campidoglio square, Palazzo dei Conservatori, and Palazzo Nuovo.

24 – San Callisto’s catacombs

The Catacombs of S. Callisto are among the largest and most important in Rome. They arose in the middle of the second century and formed part of a cemetery complex that occupies an area of 15 hectares of land, with a network of tunnels that are almost 20 kilometers long, on different levels.

In them were buried dozens of martyrs, 16 pontiffs, and many Christians. Make sure you don’t miss a catacombs tour  to discover this incredible attraction.

25 – Ara Pacis

The Ara Pacis is a Roman sacrificial altar enclosed in marble with beautifully carved in high reliefs with allegorical and ceremonial scenes and adorned with plant motifs.

This monument represents one of the most important testimonies received from the Augustan art and intends to symbolize the peace and prosperity reached as a result of the Pax Romana.

26 – Arco di Costantino

Constantine, after having assembled most of the imperial power in his hands, built the last of the great triumphal arches of Rome.

The Arch of Constantine is the most extensive honorary arch that has come down to us, and this structure celebrates Constantine’s triumph over Maxentius after the battle of Ponte Milvio occurred on October 28, 312 AD.

27 – Santa Maria Maggiore

Santa Maria Maggiore is the largest of the churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome and is one of the four major basilicas of the Italian capital.

The legend said that after the explicit request of the Virgin Mary, who appeared in a dream to Pope Liberius (352-366), was built the church. It was made a century later by Pope Sixtus III on the site of a previous church.

28 – Casina delle Civette

The Casina delle Civette is located inside the park of Villa Torlonia in Rome and is one of the hidden Rome attractions of the capital. Its name derives from the fact that the owls are a recurrent decoration in stained glass and majolica.

Until 1938 the Casina delle Civette had been the home of Prince Giovanni Torlonia junior. Today it is a museum that seems to come out of a book of fables.

29 – Villa Medici

Located on the Pincio hill in Rome, Villa Medici is an architectural complex that houses the French Academy in Rome since 1803.

This splendid villa was bought in 1576 by Ferdinando de Medici, and then enlarged and equipped with a gallery of statues. Its structure with side turrets is simple and richly decorated on the back by the Florentine Bartolomeo Ammannati with stuccowork, bas-reliefs, and sculptures.

30 – Column of Marco Aurelio

Made by Commodus during his reign (180-192), the Column of Marcus Aurelius still stands out today in its original position. The monument was erected to celebrate the victorious campaigns of Marcus Aurelius on the Germanic populations of the Marcomanni and the Quadi. The column is almost 30 meters high and today gives its name to the square that houses it.

31 – Jewish Ghetto

Rome’s Jewish ghetto is one of the most important hidden treasures of the entire capital.

Visiting this small neighborhood, bordered by the Tiber on one side and Piazza Venezia on the other, represents an experience not only cultural and religious, because of the Synagogue and the Jewish Museum, but also gastronomic, thanks to the many typical restaurants scattered throughout the ghetto.

32 – Rainbow MagicLand

Rainbow MagicLand , the most extensive amusement park in central and southern Italy, is located in the municipality of Valmontone, a few kilometers from Rome.

Extending over an area of 60 hectares, this Rome’s attraction is developed around a central lake and offers its guests 38 attractions for all tastes.

33 – Via Condotti

It is one of the most elegant streets in Europe and if we wanted to give it an adjective is sophisticated. In fact, it is famous for its chic high fashion shops, a real destination for pilgrimages Made in Italy and beyond.

Via Condotti is the walk for you, if you want to immerse yourself in its atmosphere of big names like Versace, Cavalli, Armani, Bulgari, Cartier, Luis Vuitton, are just some of the names you can find there.

34 – Quirinal Palace

The Quirinal Palace is one of the symbols of the Italian State. In fact, since 1870 has been the official residence of the King of Italy and since 1946 is the residence of the President of the Italian Republic.

The visit of the Palace allows you to the discover a heritage of art, history, and culture of inestimable value. It also lets us know the location where the President of the Republic performs his functions.

35 – The National Etruscan Museum in Villa Giulia

Built between 1550 and 1555, Villa Giulia is a splendid example of a Renaissance villa built as a suburban residence.

Since 1889 it hosts the Villa Giulia Museum, the most representative museum of Etruscan civilization and welcomes not only some of the most important creations of this civilization but also Greek products.

36 – Imperial Forum

The Imperial Forum of Rome collects a series of great plazas built between 46 and 113 a.C. They were considered the center of political activity in ancient Rome, a place that over the centuries has been enriched with structures and buildings. It contains the Foro of Augusto, Foro of Cesar, Tempio della Pace, Foro di Nerva and Foro of Traiano.

37 – Trajan’s Markets

The Trajan’s Markets , built in the early second century, were destined for commercial and administrative functions due to the presence of warehouses, shops, and offices of the imperial administration.

The monumental complex, rediscovered between 1926 and 1934, is characterized by buildings that rise on several levels along the slopes of the Quirinale. The Museum of Imperial Forum was inaugurated inside in 2007, in which it is possible to admire recompositions of scores of architectural and sculptural decoration.

38 – Palatine Hill

The Palatine Hill between the second and the first century became the residential district of the Roman aristocracy. Emperor Augustus made the Palatine the official seat of power and began the construction of the imperial palaces, restructured and expanded later by Nero, Domitian, Hadrian and Septimius Severus.

39 – Lungotevere

Until the last century, the Tiber was an essential fluvial hub for the trade of Rome, thanks to the presence of the ports. Today a walk along the Lungotevere is a must.

The views that we can see in the Lungotevere are among the most beautiful in Rome. It’s a must-see Rome attraction! You can also cruise the Tiber river with an Italian aperitivo or a dinner.

40 – Domus Aurea

The Domus Aurea was the urban villa built by the Roman emperor Nero after the great fire that devastated Rome in 64 AD. The surviving part of the Domus Aurea was included in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1980.

Nowadays it’s possible to visit the villa, and the virtual reality of the villa allows you to see the rooms, especially the Hall from the golden vault, as they were in the days of Nero.

41 – Pincio Terrace

The Pincio Terrace is a panoramic terrace on the top of one of the seven hills of Rome, the Pincio hill. From its terrace, the eyes are lost in one of the most beautiful views of the world, where you can see the magnificent “cupola” and all the main monuments of the eternal city in a breathtaking show.

42 – Circus Maximus

The Circus Maximus was destined for various sports and athletic competitions but became famous above all for the chariot races. Recent excavations have brought to light the findings that allow us to delineate better the ancient fortitude of the circus, a myriad of shops, stalls, and taverns surrounding the racing area.

43 – Orti Farnesiani

This Botanical Garden takes its name from the Farnese family, which at the end of the 500 have bought almost the entire surface of the Palatine hill, transforming it into a splendid garden.

The Farnese garden or Orti Farnesiani , was the way of affirming the political and institutional position of the noble family. The garden was considered to be the oldest in the western world.

44 – Galleria Alberto Sordi

The Galleria Alberto Sordi was built at the beginning of the 20th century, in a period of a redevelopment of the center of Rome. Today the high part of the Galleria is destined to the lodging of some offices that belong to the Presidency of the Council of the Ministers.

The lower part, open to the public is an excellent shopping center, with brands for shopping, bookstore, and bars.

45 – Piazza del Popolo

Located at the top of a triangle of streets known as the Trident (via del Babuino – via del Corso – via di Ripetta), Piazza del Popolo constitutes the most grandiose access to the heart of Rome. The square is undoubtedly one of the most famous in the world.

The two twin churches Santa Maria di Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli, the Flaminio Obelisk (the oldest and second highest in Rome), and the two fountains of Valadier help to create the charming atmosphere of the Piazza.

46 – Terrazza del Gianicolo

Located on the Janiculum Hill, the Terrazza del Gianicolo offers one of the best views of the capital due to its strategic position overlooking the city. You can admire a breathtaking view of the entire city.

Every day at 12, three soldiers shoot a powerful cannon shot that resounds throughout the city! The tradition of the cannon dates back to Pope Pius IX who, to avoid confusion of time, established this service in 1846, for synchronizing all the bells of the Roman churches!

47 – Palazzo Montecitorio

The Palazzo Montecitorio is a historical Rome attraction where is located the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Republic. The history of the palace began in 1653 when Innocenzo X commissioned to Gian Lorenzo Bernini to build a residence for the Ludovisi family.

Nowadays it’s possible to visit the palace with an itinerary that touches the most famous and evocative places of the parliamentary life.

48 – Olympic Stadium

Completed in 1953 the stadium was renamed Olympic Stadium after the assignment to Rome of the games of the XVII Olympic Games in 1960.

The Olympic Stadium is located at the Foro Italico, on the slopes of Monte Mario, in the north-western sector of the capital. It is owned by CONi and, in addition to hosting the home football matches of Lazio and AS Roma , is home to the final of the Italian Cup, the Golden Gala, annual meeting of athletics and numerous concerts by Italian and international artists.

If this list was not enough, get even more inspiration from our article on the 76 best things to do in Rome !

Did you enjoy browsing through our recommended places to visit in Rome? Leave a comment below to suggest us your favorite sight in Rome!

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Home » Rome Tourist Map PDF

Rome Tourist Map PDF

Our Rome City Map gives those traveling to Rome an overview of the main areas of the city and the most important monuments, museums and attractions within each area. Exploring Rome by Area is the best way to get to know the city and to save time, especially if you have just a few days to spend in Rome. Download for free our Rome Tourist Orientation Map in PDF!

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Explore Rome By Areas

• Vatican City Area
• Colosseum and Ancient Rome Area
• Spanish Steps & Trevi Fountain Area
• Pantheon & Navona Square Area
• Jewish Ghetto, East River Bank
• Trastevere Area, West River Bank

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• Tips for travellers

Rome Tourist Map : Public Transports & Attractions Rome City Map

• In Tips for travellers Transport

This page guides you through various Rome tourist maps, highlighting attractions and the public transport system. If you're planning to visit the Eternal City, having a map of Rome is essential to navigate without getting lost. As a World Heritage Site, Rome is one of Europe's most popular destinations, attracting around 12 million visitors each year. Utilize our detailed maps of Rome's neighborhoods and key sightseeing locations for easy navigation throughout the city.

• 1 Rome Tourist Map
• 2 Grab Your Free Rome Tourist Map in Paper Format with the Roma Pass!
• 3 Vatican City Map
• 4.2 San Lorenzo
• 5 Detailed Plan of the Historic Center Rome
• 6 Map of Rome Attractions – things to see
• 7.1 The Trevi Foutain
• 7.2 Other top piazzas in Rome
• 8 Rome's Map of the Best Museums
• 9 Most Beautiful Churches in Rome
• 10 Map of Rome Metro
• 11 Map of Rome: Tram Lines
• 12 Rome Sightseeing Hop on and off bus map
• 13 Rome Tourist Map – 3-days Itinerary
• 14 Full Rome Tourist Map – Rome Tourist Attractions, Hotels & Addresses
• 15 Final Words

Rome Tourist Map

When you plan to visit the ancient city of Rome, it’s not a bad idea to have a clear overview of the entire city. A Rome tourist map should lead the way. We’ll touch on the three entities of ‘ Rome Map Tourist ’ as a guide for intending travelers.

The city is a beautiful historic place with great landmarks and narrow streets surrounded by magnificent edifices. The road network includes railway stations and bus routes. Rome's city view allows you to see Rome in its glory flanked by interesting locations, hotels, temples, museums lovely sights.

You’ll get to find in Rome;

• Museums: Capitoline Museums, Vatican Museum , Villa Borghese
• Neighborhoods : Trastevere
• Monuments: Roman Forum , Colosseum , Capitoline Hill, Pantheon
• Attractions: Castel Sant'Angelo, Trevi Fountain, Ponte Sant'Angelo
• Religious buildings: St. Peter's Basilica , Vatican City,
• Squares: Piazza Navona, St. Peter's Square, Piazza di Spagna

As you explore Rome, make sure to take a closer look at the tourist places in Rome map to locate renowned landmarks such as the Colosseum and Vatican City.

Grab Your Free Rome Tourist Map in Paper Format with the Roma Pass!

Did you know you could snag yourself a complimentary paper map of Rome with the Roma Pass?

What's the Roma Pass , you ask? Well, it's your ticket to discounted admission at 1 to 2 attractions, plus a nifty transport card for navigating Rome's ATAC network (that's buses, metro, and trams).

🎫 Choose between the 48-hour or 72-hour Roma Pass (check out the latest price on this page) , and it comes tucked snugly in a booklet along with a handy map of the beautiful city of Rome.

Vatican City Map

Vatican City is the smallest but an independent state . It is enclosed in an area that is less than half a square kilometer.

Inside are the Vatican Palace and St. Peter's Basilica , Gardens , and St. Peter's Square . The Pope, the Roman Catholic Church's supreme head governs this city. There is a lot for tourists in this little area.

Inside the basilica of St. Peter is the masterpiece of Michelangelo, Pieta, together with Bernini's statuary and altars.

The Sistine Chapel, whose beautify is capped in Michelangelo's most famous work, is the undisputed highlight of the Vatican museums.

The Raphael Rooms, the Vatican Library, the Borgia Apartments, and several museums, including the Picture Gallery , the Etruscan Museum , the Museum of Secular Art , and others are locations within the Vatican City that will constantly get visitors’ attention.

Travellers and tourists can be sure to have their hands full with lots of interesting information about the papal’s abode when they come visiting.

For a comprehensive tour, rely on the tourist spots in Rome map, highlighting both famous attractions and hidden gems throughout the city. And please, don't miss the beautiful Sistine Chappel and St. Peter's Basilica.

Rome Tourist Map – Neighbouhoods

If you want to escape the trap of just concentrating on only the major Rome tourist attractions such as the Colosseum , Piazza Navona , just have a glimpse of one of the Eternal City's trendy neighborhoods in our ‘ Rome Map Tourist’ tour.

Immerse yourself in Rome's rich history and culture with the tourist map of Rome city, uncovering its ancient wonders and modern marvels.

Monti is a lovely neighborhood of winding cobbled streets with warmly-hued façades and picturesque designs, just a short walk away from the Colosseum.

Check out Mercato Monti, the regular weekend antique market in the area, for unique clothes and jewelry, or grab a beer or snack by the fountain in the beautiful Piazza Della Madonna Dei Monti, where the children go to hang out.

San Lorenzo

Known as the student district of Rome, San Lorenzo is located near La Sapienza University, north of Termini Train Station. Although perhaps not as fashionable as some other parts of the city, San Lorenzo still offers many interesting vintage clothing stores, boutiques, and galleries of contemporary art.

Visitors view this place as the best location for the younger generation to relax and ease off the tension a little bit.

Other interesting neighbors are:

Detailed Plan of the Historic Center Rome

You then have this specific plan for the historic center of Rome . It is really focused on the liveliest neighborhoods.

You can picture it as a map of ancient Rome because it is in the center that you will find the iconic monuments of that period: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, or a visit to the Pantheon of Rome.

Dive into the heart of the action with the tourist map of Rome city centre , guiding you through historic sites and piazzas.

To best navigate Rome's ancient sites and bustling piazzas, be sure to grab a Rome tourist map.

Map of Rome Attractions – things to see

On the interactive map of Rome attractions , it's difficult to know where to start or go first in a town so full of ancient signs and Christian faith. Of course, your preferences will control your decisions, but some places are almost obligatory standing as icons of Italy and Europe as a whole, like the Colosseum and the Pantheon .

Others are the Roman Forum and the Trevi Fountain . Anytime you think of Map of Rome tourist attractions , these places should rightly fit in.

If you are lost to know which visits to plan, we have listed the best things to do in Rome that will help you picking up the one that will suit the best for you .

👇 Here is the Google Maps view where you can see a map of Rome tourist sights like Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Piazza Navona, Vatican City St. Peter's Basilica, and other famous landmarks. Plan your Rome adventure with ease by downloading the Rome city tourist map pdf, ensuring you have all the information you need at your fingertips.

Would you like to download and print the city map of Rome with tourist attractions? Click the button below.

Map of Rome – Piazzas and Fountains

The Trevi Foutain

What visit would be complete without seeing the wonderful Trevi Fountain and tossing in a coin as people do affirm their return to the city? This huge fountain consumes the piazza completely and is a real hub for city visitors.

Also, the Trevi fountain is stuck on a side of the' Palazzo Poli' and has Neptune as its central figure. The theme is the contrast between the calm and stormy seas, portrayed by different figures around the dominant Neptune.

The area is beautiful to visit at any time of the day , but it is real beauty at night when illuminated.

One of the city's most popular tourist attractions, this 17th-century masterpiece was immortalized in movies as it is features constantly in most epic movies. The fountain was designed by Nicolò Salvi between 1732 and 1751 for Pope Clement XII.

👇 Here is the Google Maps view where you can see the locations of the most famous piazzas in Rome – Piazza Navona , Piazza Venezia, and more. Utilize the Rome tourist guide map for insider tips and historical insights as you navigate the Eternal City's enchanting streets and monuments.

You can also obtain this printable tourist map of Rome by clicking the button below.

Navigating Rome is a breeze with the tourist map in Rome, providing clear directions to iconic sites and lesser-known treasures alike.

Other top piazzas in Rome

There's a piazza nearly every corner in the beautiful city of Rome, each with its unique theme. Here are some of the most popular you’ll come across during your tours;

• Piazza di Spagna
• Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere
• Piazza del Campidoglio
• Piazza Della Rotonda
• Piazza San Pietro
• Piazza del Popolo
• Piazza Della Madonna Dei Monti
• Piazza Mattei

Rome's Map of the Best Museums

Oh, you, great lover of culture and history, you will be able to tailor your trip thanks to this map of Rome listing the best museums in the city.

Most Beautiful Churches in Rome

What would Rome be without its churches and temples? Here's a map showcasing the most beautiful churches in Rome.

Map of Rome Metro

Get oriented in Rome with the Rome city map for tourists, which includes information about the efficient metro system.

Planning to use public transport to get around Rome? Then you should probably get to know how to use the metro system in Rome with this map of Rome metro .

Due to the size of the Eternal City, the subway is certainly not the most extensive system, but if your destination is close to a metro stop, then the ‘underground Rome’ is one of the fastest ways to travel.

Metros come about every five minutes during the day. The wait for the next can be up to ten minutes on nights and weekends.

There are three subway lines (A, B and C) in Rome. The two main lines are A and B, which at Termini station cross at only one point. Find each and how they connect in the map of Rome metro right here.

Map of Rome: Tram Lines

Take a look at the tram lines map in Rome and feel free to download the PDF for later.

✈️ Nervous about using public transport when you land in Rome? Choose an Online Travel Card for an easy solution. Get airport taxi transfers and the choice of a transport card.

Rome Sightseeing Hop on and off bus map

Explore Rome with the hop-on, hop-off bus tours in all its glory. We will take you to all the must-see sights of the city, including the Colosseum and Maximus Circus.

The popular sightseeing tour of Rome provides insight into the rich history and contemporary culture of the city. You can hop on and hop off at your convenience throughout the tour to discover Rome's famous landmarks and attractions.

Rome Tourist Map – 3-days Itinerary

For many travelers, planning a vacation be another thing altogether. With only 3 days in Rome, you can tour the ancient ruins and the Colosseum to the very interesting places you've heard of and would love to visit. There are endless things to see, do and eat with our well-tailored 3 days in Rome visit .

So, all you need to know about your Rome itinerary is broken down for you here. As we strive to be the best we can for our readers, for this section we think nothing more than Rome Map tourist to make sure we render the best service and hope you’ve been served right?

👉 Don't forget to download the map of Rome with the tourist sites you want to visit the most. Also, a Rome map with landmarks will help you navigate with confidence and plan your day more easily.

Full Rome Tourist Map – Rome Tourist Attractions, Hotels & Addresses

Navigate through Rome's rich offerings with ease using Rome Tourist Map below.

Discover top attractions, Vatican landmarks, Roman piazzas, premier hotels, recommended restaurants and pizzerias, and the best gelato spots.

Final Words

Now you have plenty of Rome tourist maps to help you get around the city easily and stress-free.

They're all free to download and simple to use. You can download these maps for free on your phone or print them out. You can even come back later to remind yourself where to go.

Also, consider getting the RomaPass for a map included, or try the Rome Tourist Card if you don't need the RomaPass map.

Have an amazing time in Rome – you're sure to enjoy it!

Fanny is a music and travel lover who has been visiting Rome since 2012. She is the founder and main editor of the Roma Pass blog and she like to share the best things to do in Rome.

• Rome Bus Map
• Rome Night Bus Map

Rome Attractions Map

City sightseeing hop on hop off bus map, roma cristiana tour map.

• Rome Boroughs & Districts (Municipi) Map
• Rome Neighborhoods Map
• Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport & Terminal Map (FCO)
• Rome Ciampino Airport & Terminal Map (CIA)
• Rome Bike Route
• Roma Bike Sharing Stations Map

Rome Tourist Map

You can find on this page the map of Rome monuments and the map of Rome tourist buses. Rome is the capital of Italy, the most visited city in Italy and among the 10 most visited european cities with 12 million tourists per year. Thanks to its numerous monuments, museums, sightseeings, landmarks and attractions, Rome was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Rome sightseeing map

In Rome you can visit: • museums: Vatican Museum, Capitoline Museums, Villa Borghese • monuments: Colosseum, Forum Romanum, Capitoline Hill, Pantheon • neighborhoods: Trastevere • religious buildings: Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica • squares: St. Peter's Square, Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna • different attractions: Trevi Fountain, Castel Sant'Angelo, Ponte Sant'Angelo

Rome hop on hop off

The City SightSeeing of Rome is an original way of visiting Rome and discover its monuments, museums, attractions while getting on and off at your disposal. This concept of hop on hop off bus or open-top double-decker buses offers a tourist tour and route with 10 stops and commentary in 8 languages.

Hop on hop off bus rome

Roma Cristiana is a second hop on hop off bus company with open roofs to discover the city of Rome via a tour. Roma Cristiana offers a tourist tour with 12 stops and commentary in 8 languages.

Rome top tourist attractions city travel maps

Must-see points of interest detailed street guide - rome top tourist attractions map.

Maps of best attractions in Rome

With so many attractions to see and things to do, the real challenge is to fit it all into your itinerary. To give you some help we are presenting a set of travel maps that will guide you through this remarkable city. High resolution (large and free) versions of these maps can be printed by clicking on the selected image and then downloading it. Not many cities offer the same level of amazement as Rome. Antique history, exceptional art and religious icons are hidden in every corner. Rome’s early citizens left behind a collection of architectural wonders, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, St Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Piazza Navona. The capital of Italy also boasts an unmatched concentration of world-class fine art with works of Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Rubens, Renoir, Monet. All within a walking distance from your hotel. Just remember that when it all gets too much you can use our maps to discover the city's many squares where you can just join the locals in sipping espresso...

Central Rome interesting places to visit & things to do map - Rome top tourist attractions map

You can view, download or print a full, high resolution (detailed, large) version of this image by clicking on the plan itself

Forum Romanum best historical ancient sights - Rome top tourist attractions map

Vatican City bird's eye (aerial,3d) main buildings view - Rome top tourist attractions map

Roman Colosseum (Coliseum) travel route planner - Rome top tourist attractions map

Metro (Subway) map with attractions overlay - Rome top tourist attractions map

Rome in 1 day, Great destination spots highlights itinerary - Rome top tourist attractions map

Rome in 2 days, Explore the most famous locations trip - Rome top tourist attractions map

Double decker bus (open top, hop on hop off) sightseeting tour - Rome top tourist attractions map

Central Rome bus network with most popular sites marked - Rome top tourist attractions map

Vatican City must-do favourite major landmarks map - Rome top tourist attractions map

What to do and where to go in a week - Rome top tourist attractions map

Metro (Subway, Tube, Underground) stations, Visitor public transport map plan - Rome top tourist attractions map

Map of top 10 attractions in Rome

The typical top ten attractions are listed below. You can find the detailed locations of these places on the maps above.

• Roman Forum
• St Peter’s Basilica
• Trevi Fountain
• Spanish Steps
• Vatican Museums
• Sistine Chapel
• Piazza Navona

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Things to do in Rome: attractions & landmarks

Top 25 rome tourist attractions, sightseeing, what to do & highlights.

Top 25 Best things to do in Rome Italy, sightseeing and all must-see sites, tourist attractions, famous museums, Roman monuments, travel guide and historic landmarks. What to do, highlights and best attractions to see in Rome?

Best things to do in Rome Italy - Top 25 Rome attractions

Rome is a city full of museums, historic squares, rich food culture, Roman landmarks and other highlights. The Italian city has more to offer than just the main Rome tourist attractions like the Colosseum , the Pantheon and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. To prepare your visit to this city, our travel guides shows you the top 25 of the most famous sightseeing and most beautiful Rome attractions . Click one of the must-see highlights, places to visit or Roman landmarks for more information on this unique monuments, museums , tourist attractions and best things to do in Rome Italy :

Rome sightseeing partnerlinks: Things to do in Seville , Barcelona tourist attractions , Florence tourist attractions and Dubai

Most visited landmarks

Top 25 Things to do in Rome

Colosseum & Tickets

Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums

St.Peter's Basilica & Tickets

An Easy Travel Guide to Rome, Italy

V isiting the Eternal City for the first time? Rome is one of the most visited cities in Italy and we created an easy travel guide to Rome so that you know the best things to see and do.

In this post, we’re sharing all we’ve learned from our vacations in Rome to help you plan your getaway. We’ll cover the most popular neighborhoods, the best things to see and do, how to get around in Rome, the best time of the year to visit, how to get to central Rome from FCO Airport, and tips for traveling.

Where is Rome

Rome is located in the region of Lazio, near the and is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in Italy. It has the highest population of all cities in Italy and sits about 1 hour from the western coast.

And when it comes to tourism, it’s no surprise that visitors from around the globe travel to Rome to see its beauty and Renaissance art, experience Roman cuisine and Italian cooking , shop the fashion capital, discover the piazzas and fountains, explore the historical landmarks, or even practice Italian phrases that they’ve learned.

The various neighborhoods are the most widely visited by tourists because they are where most attractions can be found. Traveling through the city is easy on foot, but you should also consider the Rome sightseeing bus or the Rome golf cart tours .

The Best Time of Year to Visit Rome

Rome can be extremely uncomfortable in the summer months (primarily June through September). In April and May, the spring temperatures are nice, the mornings are cool, and by noon you probably won’t need a jacket.

The Best Things to See and Do (by Neighborhood)

Each neighborhood of Rome has museums, churches, gardens, parks, and iconic spots to visit. This list gives a brief description of each district, and helps you understand what to see in each neighborhood. It will come in handy for deciding where to stay in Rome while planning your trip.

You may need to take public transportation to reach a specific neighborhood depending on where you stay. However, once you arrive, the area is completely walkable and getting from one point of interest to another is easy.

Modern Center

This neighborhood is located around Via Veneto and the Spanish Steps, the Modern Center neighborhood combines classic and contemporary influences. It has a mix of upscale boutiques, trendy cafes, and luxurious hotels, making it a hub for shopping, dining, and experiencing the modern side of Rome.

Palazzo del Quirinale

Complesso delle Quattro Fontane

Trevi Fountain

Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica a Pallazo

Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri

Castro Pretorio

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria

Museo e Cripto dei Frati Cappuccini

The heart of Rome’s historic center, the Old Rome neighborhood captivates with its cobblestone streets, charming piazzas, and awe-inspiring landmarks like the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

Scalinta di Trinita dei Monti (Spanish Steps)

Museo dell’Ara Pacis

Campo de’ Fiori

Palazza Farnese

Piazza Navona

Museo di Roma Palazzo Braschi

Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi

Chiesa di Sant’Agnese in Agone

By far this is the most popular neighborhood in Rome for travelers. Trastevere is a bohemian neighborhood located on the west bank of the Tiber River. It is known for it narrow, winding streets, nightlife, and charming piazzas. Trastevere has a lively atmosphere with trendy bars, and traditional trattorias.

Villa Farnesina

Galleria Corsini

Basilica di Santa Maria

Orto Botanico

Home to the iconic Colosseum, the Colosseum neighborhood in Rome immerses visitors in ancient history as they explore the grandeur of the Roman Empire, marvel at ancient ruins, and soak in the architectural splendor of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Roman Forum

Palatine Hill

Bocca della Verita

Circo Massimo

Piazza Venezia

Altare della Patria

Aventino – Tastaccio

Testaccio is a historic working-class neighborhood that has transformed into a culinary hotspot. It offers a vibrant food scene with traditional trattorias, gourmet restaurants, and a bustling food market.

Basilicia di San Giovanni

Terme di Caracalla

Knights of Malta Keyhole

Esquilino – San Giovanni

Located near Termini Station, the Esquilino neighborhood is a melting pot of cultures and flavors. Known for its diverse immigrant communities, Esquilino is a mix of ethnic restaurants, colorful markets, and architectural gems like the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore

Palazzo Massimo alle Terme

Museo Nazionale Romano

Basilica di San Pietro in Vincole

Nomentano combines residential tranquility with commercial areas. This neighborhood is characterized by its leafy parks, elegant villas, and the iconic University La Sapienza. There is a mix of students, locals, and dining. Nomentano has a relaxed and intellectual atmosphere.

Sapienza University

North Center

The North Center neighborhood of Rome, encompassing areas like Villa Borghese and Parioli, presents a more tranquil and residential atmosphere. With its leafy parks, elegant villas, and cultural institutions like the Galleria Borghese, this area provides a peaceful retreat from the city center.

• Museo e Galleria Borghese
• Villa Borghese
• La Galleria Nazionale
• Museo Nazionale Etrusce di Villa Guilia

Vatican City

Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world and the spiritual center of Catholicism. Home to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, this iconic neighborhood offers a rich blend of religious significance, magnificent art, and awe-inspiring architecture.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Vatican Gardens

Vatican Museums

Castel Sant’Angelo

Southern Rome

The southern part of Rome is less touristy and has an authentic atmosphere that portrays a taste of local Roman life. From food markets and traditional trattorias to vibrant street art and a strong sense of community, Southern Rome provides a glimpse into the city’s everyday charm.

Via Appia Antica

Catacombe di San Sebastiano

Catacombe di San Callisto

Museo Capitoline Centrale Montemartini

How to Get Around Rome

Getting around the cobbled-stoned streets of Rome is not hard. I’ve walked, biked, and bused throughout Rome and loved it! All are great ways to get around and the method you choose depends on how much time you have and your personal preference.

I recommend the  Big Bus Tour  or a Golf Cart Tour in Rome if you are short on time or if you booked your travel in the dead heat of summer (which can be intensely hot).

With these tours, you’ll see all the top Rome attractions with audio commentary in your language of choice. If you choose an open top tour bus, the added benefit is free wi-fi and for 3 extra euros, you can use your ticket for two days (it is worth it).

When it comes to seeing Rome, walking can not be avoided especially when getting to an attraction that require climbing hilly pathways or navigating ancient streets. In my opinion, being on foot is one of the best ways to travel in Rome.

Exploring the narrow streets can lead you to the most marvelous pasta, the creamiest gelato, or the most perfect pasta! I highly recommend visiting the Trastevere neighborhood for  Italian street food . 

Public Transportation

This is the best option for getting to a part of town that is more than 20 minutes on foot, especially if visiting a museum or park. Save your energy and use public transportation for less than 2 euros. You can purchase them at the tobacconist store.

You will need to validate your ticket upon boarding the bus (it’s an honor system). Getting caught with an un-validated ticket can result in a fine. You should also use a really good map of Rome. 

Bike or Vespa

Peddling around the city on your own time feels so liberating. Bike rental is very affordable and is an enjoyable way to experience the outdoors, get some exercise to make up for all the  Italian breakfasts  that you eat, and explore Rome.

You can find rentals for as little as 13 euros for 24 hours, complete with lock, for a standard bike. The price for e-bikes is higher.

Getting around on a two-passenger scooter is loads of fun!  Rent a Vespa to skirt traffic or explore outside the city. They can be rented by the hour or day. This will make your trip to Rome memorable as you travel in true Italian style!

How to Get to Central Rome from FCO Airport

There are several options to get from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport to the center of the city. I found the train to be the quickest and most affordable especially if you’ve had a long day of travel and want to get to Termini station.  

The most economical way to get from the airport to the city center is via a shuttle bus service from the airport. You can travel conveniently between Rome’s city center and the airport and take pleasure in a stress-free arrival or departure from the city.

The ride takes about 50 minutes and departures run from the airport every 30 to 40 minutes so you have time to collect your luggage. Shuttles stop in Terminal 3’s arrivals section. Look for the respective service at the arrival platform.

Terravision offers a shuttle service for less than 8 euros it’s quite popular. The buses are air-conditioned and there is no cost to bring your luggage aboard. It goes directly to Termini station with no extra stops. 

Another option is the public transportation system, which costs about 6 euros. The bus stops multiple times in the city center, including one close to the Vatican and one at Termini Station, throughout the 45- to 1-hour one-way trip.

Buses halt in Terminal 3’s arrivals section, at number 14. You can purchase tickets at the airport desk or online. 

A taxi is quite expensive. It will set you back almost 50 euros and the ride takes just as long as a shuttle service (about 50 minutes). You can find the taxis at the arrival level of Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

The Leonardo Express train is less than 20 euros and runs every 15 minutes during peak periods. It is operated by Trenitalia and the ride takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

If you wait to collect your luggage, and then make your way to the window or kiosk to purchase your ticket, note that many others will be doing the same. Hate long lines? You can purchase tickets in advance and be ready for validation after boarding the train.

I can’t recommend a car rental unless you plan a day trip and need a set of wheels. Rome is completely walkable. Not to mention, even Italians know that finding a parking space can be a hassle.

Tips for Visiting Rome

I adore visiting Italy. And no trip would be complete without seeing some of the most iconic and historic spots in the Eternal City.

Don’t make the mistake (that I made on my first trip) and skip these incredible spots! Fortunately, I was able to see them on return visits!

Whether you are visiting the Vatican for the first time or returning because you tossed a coin into the Trevi fountain, these Rome travel tips will come in handy to make your stay enjoyable.

• Be prepared! Read these tips on the essentials for an international flight .
• Think comfort when flying coach , it will help you stay calm and confident.
• Beware of scammers, pickpockets, and panhandlers. It’s a thing in Europe and it can happen when you least expect it. 

So, what are you waiting for? Book that flight to Rome and thank me later.

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• Hotel Reviews

This Luxury Hotel in Rome Was Named One of the Best Hotels in the World by T+L Readers — and Has the Most Beautiful Courtyard I've Ever Seen

Here's what makes Hotel de Russie Travel + Leisure readers' favorite hotel in Rome.

Food and Drink

Amenities and experiences, family-friendly offerings, accessibility and sustainability, how to get the most value out of your stay.

Courtesy of Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel

Walking through Rome’s Villa Borghese gardens, my husband and I came to a lookout point with a view of Piazza del Popolo. I, however, paid little attention to the neoclassical elliptical square, even with a 79-foot obelisk in the center. I was too busy photographing the most enticing courtyard I’d ever seen. It had three rows of bright-white umbrellas abutting a pale-pink building with turquoise shutters — the kind of scene that made me crave a Spritz and castelvetrano olives because I couldn't help but picture the chic, linen-clad folk enjoying aperitivo on that patio.

About three hours later, I checked into Hotel de Russie , which I picked because it was named T+L readers’ favorite hotel in Rome in 2023 and among the best city hotels in Europe . These 2023 World’s Best Awards landed the Rocco Forte hotel — one of two in Rome — a coveted spot on this year’s T+L 500. 

Hotel de Russie, Rome

• The location: it's a minute's walk to Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps and five to 10 minutes on foot to the Villa Borghese gardens and the Trevi Fountain.
• The idyllic courtyard is one of the most iconic in Europe and the perfect place for aperitivo .
• The luxurious rooms — with turquoise-trimmed shutters on the windows — made me feel like I was staying at my own chic apartment in Rome, with all the amenities of a Rocco Forte hotel.
• The spa has a hammam, a sauna, Irene Forte facials, and a gym.

And yet somehow, even knowing the details of Hotel de Russie’s accolades, I was shocked when, after check-in, I walked across the lobby, through the open doors, to the exact venue I’d painstakingly photographed a few hours before. I didn’t even make it up to my room. I asked the concierge if he could hold our bags while we had a drink on the patio, and a few minutes later, I was seated beneath a bright-white umbrella as a server put down a Negroni for me, a gin martini with a twist for my husband, and a trio of snacks — potato chips, almonds, and olives. I couldn’t believe my luck. I was a pair of really short bangs, a striped silk scarf, and a vintage Vespa away from living out Audrey Hepburn’s "Roman Holiday" life.

Maya Kachroo-Levine/Travel + Leisure

We lingered for a few hours, leisurely succumbing to the snack menu — tissue paper–thin prosciutto on crusty bread, the perfect complement to a second Negroni. I checked my Google Map of Rome recommendations and found we were stumbling distance from my cousin's go-to Roman wine bar, Buccone Vini e Olii , and a cozy restaurant favored by one of my colleagues, Hostaria Da Pietro . Evening plans? Check. The problem? I had no interest in ever leaving this courtyard.

Here, my review of the iconic Hotel de Russie — a Rocco Forte hotel and longtime T+L reader favorite.

Once we wrapped up our prolonged patio stint, we ascended to our spacious Deluxe Room. It was nearly 450 square feet, which is impressive for a standard hotel room in a major European city (the entry-level rooms are just a touch smaller, at about 375 square feet; the junior suites start at 540 square feet; and the Superior Suites start at 650 square feet). For a true taste of Roman luxury, the special suites and Forte suites have terraces or French balconies, with heavenly views of the hotel's courtyard or the surrounding historic buildings.

When I got to our room, I twisted the gold knob on one of three dual-paned windows. I poked my head out the window — no screens, this is Europe — taking in the light yellow, beige, and bright coral facades of the apartment buildings across the street, all with bright blue and green shutters. Across the street, I could see friends gathering on a balcony for sunset and laundry swinging in the breeze on an adjacent rooftop. It felt like I had my own little Roman apartment — with a marble bathroom and Rocco Forte hotel amenities.

Hotel de Russie has two restaurants; the Stravinskij Bar is a magical, umbrella-shaded terrace with a small indoor operation as well. The main restaurant is Le Jardin de Russie, which inhabits the upper terrace (up a set of alfresco stone stairs from Stravinskij Bar) and an adjacent dining room. Le Jardin serves a fantastic breakfast buffet and elevated classics — like grilled whole branzino. For something a little less formal, Stravinskij Bar serves dinner, too, and makes a lovely pasta all'Amatriciana, which is admittedly plentiful in Rome, but can you ever really have too much crispy guanciale?

The concierge team at Hotel de Russie can help you set up tours or book tickets to museums or attractions. We visited in the summer when advance ticketing was crucial, but the concierge could easily book us same-day entry to the Colosseum. The hotel also offers tours that are exclusively available to de Russie guests; one of the newest experiences, called a Journey Through Time at the Roman Forum, visits sites such as the Basilica Ulpia with an art historian, with the option to add on an extravagant tasting menu at Rimessa Roscioli afterward.

My husband and I spent a fantastic morning in the spa, starting with a seven-mile run in the gym, an ill-conceived attempt to work off all the amatriciana. From there, we went to the hammam, slipping into the massive blue-tiled warm pool. After a long soak, he hit the sauna while I read my book on a poolside lounge chair, enjoying the calming effect of the silver- and blue-tiled walls that seemed to glow as if the room were encrusted with precious gems. The spa also offers facials using Irene Forte skin care products and massages, and the hotel is expanding the space.

Hotel de Russie can make a family room by connecting two Deluxe Rooms. While I didn't encounter a lot of children during my stay, I love to see families bring children of any age to a European city — There's so much to experience! The food and culture more than make up for the transatlantic flight! — and would definitely return to the hotel with a kid in tow. The concierge can assist parents in coordinating family-friendly activities, and there is a Rocco Forte kids program for children aged 0 to 16, where each young visitor gets a Rocco Forte passport.

Six of the hotel's 120 rooms are accessible, and wheelchairs are available upon request. The hotel's ground-floor common areas are accessible, though there are "some limitations in the upper side of the historical garden," according to a hotel spokesperson. As a brand, Rocco Forte is keen to reduce its carbon footprint, and at de Russie, there is an electric e-tuk for guest rides and charging available for electric cars. To reduce energy use, all Rocco Forte hotels (including de Russie) hosted candlelit evenings once a week during the winter months, where the restaurants and bars were illuminated only by flickering candles. The hotel also prioritizes digital check-in to eliminate paper waste and frequently donates furniture and amenities to local charities (recently, while refreshing the de Russie gym, all the old equipment was donated to the Blind Association on nearby Via Margutta).

Check the hotel website for deals because Rocco Forte offers generous ones. The occasionally offered Forte Escapes discount, for example, gets guests up to 25 percent off a stay of two nights or more. I'm a traveler who swears by her American Express Platinum card, and card members will be glad to know that Hotel de Russie is indeed part of Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts. Those booking their stay with an American Express will get a 12 p.m. check-in, 4 p.m. check-out, room upgrade if available, daily breakfast for two, and $100 credit for food and drink.

6 Best Places To Stay in Rome in 2024

Updated : April 18, 2024

AAA Travel Editor, SMT

Table of contents.

• Centro Storico

Plan Your Trip to Rome With AAA

Rome has been a popular tourist destination since Caesar’s time, and it’s easy to understand why. The Eternal City’s rich history comes alive through its ancient landmarks, stunning museums and galleries, religious sites and spectacular food and culture. After a busy day experiencing the things to do in Rome , knowing the best places to stay in Rome can make or break your stay.

Whether you’re heading to Rome for a romantic getaway or to immerse yourself in the culture, we have the perfect place for you to stay. Read on to learn the six best places to stay in Rome, plus specific attractions and hotels in the area.

1. Centro Storico

Best For: First-time visitors who want to see it all

Centro Storico is the heart of the Eternal City in the oldest and most central part of Rome. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, its narrow streets are home to many of Rome’s most famous—and oldest—attractions.

Pack your walking shoes or hop on an electric bike tour to explore this area of the city, which has a lot of pedestrian-only areas. It tends to get crowded since it’s one of the most popular destinations in Italy, so be prepared to stand in lines to enter attractions and have other tourists in every photo you take.

Go with a plan, or just wander the narrow, cobblestone streets and pop into any cafe, boutique, museum or wine bar that sparks your interest. 

Can’t Miss Attractions in Centro Storico:

• The Pantheon  
• Piazza Navona  
• Largo di Torre Argentina
• Trevi Fountain  
• Piazza di Spagna

Popular Hotels in Centro Storico:

• Hotel Ponte Sisto
• 9Hotel Cesari
• Terrace Pantheon Relais
• Grand Hotel de La Minerve

2. Trastevere

Best for: Travelers wanting to experience Roman nightlife

Trastevere is a picturesque Medieval working-class neighborhood that’s now home to Roman nightlife. Its name comes from the Latin “tras tevere,” which means “beyond the Tiber,” and was once home to Julius Caesar’s villa Horti Caesaris , where he entertained Cleopatra. 

Many narrow, winding streets are closed to cars, so the area feels quieter and like you’ve stepped back in time. As you stroll through the charming markets and little shops on cobblestone streets with vine-clad buildings, you’ll feel like a local.

During the day, visit the many historic churches and museums before sitting down for some of the best food in the city. At night, join the locals for lively nightlife, street performers, live music and al fresco dining.

Can’t Miss Attractions in Trastevere:

• Piazza di Santa Maria  
• Basilica of Santa Maria (Basilica di Santa Maria)
• Villa Farnesina
• Ponte Sisto
• Corsini Palace (Palazzo Corsini)
• Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi

Hotels in Trastevere:

• Ventisei Scalini a Trastevere B&B
• B-B Hotel Roma Trastevere
• Sonder Trastevere

Best for: Travelers looking for a romantic stay

Once the slums of ancient Rome, Monti is now a hipster residential neighborhood bordered by the Colosseum and Via Nazionale. There aren’t as many cultural attractions in the area, so it’s quieter than some other neighborhoods while still being within walking distance of many major Roman attractions. It gives small village vibes nestled in the middle of the city, making it a great neighborhood if you’re looking for a quiet or romantic stay.

Monti is home to trendy and unique shops and nightlife popular with the locals. You won’t find many hotels, especially chain hotels, so you may need to book one of the many vacation rental apartments in the area instead. The nightlife means the area can get a bit noisy at night, but the cobblestone streets and local charm make it a popular place for romantic getaways.

Can’t Miss Attractions in Monti:

• Trajan’s Market (Mercati di Traiano)
• Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore)
• Golden House of Nero (Domus Aurea)
• Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
• Colosseum  

Hotels in Monti:

• Hotel Palazzo Manfredi
• Hotel Raffaello, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
• Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo
• DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti

Best for: Travelers with families or older travelers

Prati, located just outside the city center north of the Vatican, is an elegant residential area of Rome. During the day, it’s filled with business people and lawyers who work at one of the offices or tribunal courts in the area. You’ll also see locals shopping at the blend of high-end and affordable shops along the Via Cola di Rienzo. At night, the neighborhood transforms into a social scene, with live music, wine bars and restaurants with tables spilling into the street. 

The family-friendly neighborhood is predominantly white-collar residential, so there aren’t a lot of major attractions, meaning you won’t be surrounded by as many tourists as you would be in other areas of Rome. You are within walking distance of the Vatican and have access to plenty of transportation to get you to any major attraction you want to visit during your stay.

Can’t Miss Attractions in Prati:

• Saint Angelo Bridge Methodist Church (Chiesa Metodista di Ponte Sant’Angelo)
• Castel Sant’Angelo National Museum (Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo)
• Sant’Angelo Bridge (Ponte Sant’Angelo)
• Tiber River (Fiume Tevere)
• Via Cola di Rienzo
• Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani )
• St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)

Hotels in Prati:

• Hotel Orazio Palace
• Atlante Star Hotel
• Le Meridien Visconti Rome
• Atlante Garden Hotel

5. Esquilino

Best for: Travelers on a budget

The largest of Rome’s seven hills is home to Esquilino, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Rome. Known for its beautiful churches and monuments, Equilino is a multicultural hub for the city thanks to its large immigrant population (be sure to check out the area’s Chinese, Ethiopian and Indian restaurants). 

Esquilino is a popular neighborhood for travelers on a budget. It’s quieter than Centro Storico, but you can still get to most of the major attractions in Rome on foot if you don’t mind a bit of a walk. The Roma Termini makes getting around Rome easy for travelers, and there are great restaurants in the area, including Fassi Gelataria, the oldest gelateria in Rome.

Parts of Esquilino are a bit run-down, and you’ll want to watch out for pickpockets (especially near Termini), but you’ll be safe during the day, no matter where you are in the neighborhood. 

Can’t Miss Attractions in Esquilino:

• Basilica di Santa Prassede
• Oppian Hill Park (Parco del Colle Oppio)
• Porta Maggiore
• Rome Opera House (Teatro dell’Opera di Roma)

Hotels in Esquilino:

• Hotel Artemide
• Hotel Nord Nuova Roma
• SHG Hotel Porta Maggiore

6. Testaccio

Best for: Travelers interested in food and seeing authentic Italy

The historically working-class neighborhood of Testaccio was once the site of the shipyards of ancient Rome, then home to the city’s slaughterhouse. Now, the neighborhood south of Aventine Hill is a bustling destination with a party reputation thanks to its many discoteques and street parties. 

The area isn’t touristy, so you’ll see Italian parents shopping at the local market while their kids play in the piazza. The area is the origin spot for many of Rome’s famous dishes, and you can’t go wrong with any restaurant you pass. 

Explore the beautiful street art, excellent restaurants and one of the best produce markets in Rome at the Mercato Testaccio. While you can walk to a handful of the major attractions, such as the Colosseum, you’ll probably need to catch a bus or use the Metro to get to popular tourist spots.

Can’t Miss Attractions in Testaccio:

• The Original Taste of Testaccio Food Tour
• Testaccio Neighborhood Food and Market Tour
• Protestant Cemetery of Rome (Cimitero Acottolico di Roma)

Hotels in Testaccio:

• There aren’t many hotels in the Testaccio neighborhood, but there are plenty of apartments or Airbnbs you can rent short-term during your stay.

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