20 Top Tourist Attractions in Rome

This list of the 10 top tourist attractions in Rome for 2024 will make your selection of places to see in the “Eternal City” a little easier. This is because choosing what to visit in Rome, especially if you do not have much time, can be very complicated.

Rome is one of those cities that attracts me more and more. The first time, I liked it; the second, I loved it; the third, I fell in love with it; and the fourth, I knew it wouldn’t be the last. Visiting Rome is getting to know one of the oldest cultures in the world, feeling like a gladiator in the Roman Coliseum, one of the 7 wonders of the world, visiting the Vatican, walking through the Piazza di Spagna, or enjoying one of the richest cuisines in the world.

Here I tell you fun things to see and do in Rome so that you can enjoy your visit to the Italian capital to the fullest.

The Best Rome Attractions

You could spend a month in Rome and not finish visiting all its museums, monuments and churches. But, like most, you will only have 3 or 4 days in the Italian capital. I am going to leave you the itinerary to serve as a reference.

I suggest purchasing the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card, which allows free, skip-the-line access to the main attractions of Rome and the Vatican, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, St. Peter’s Basilica, or the Sistine Chapel.

1. The Colosseum: An Icon to See in Rome

One of the best things to do in Rome is to go back in time more than 2,000 years by entering the Colosseum. It is one of the most spectacular monuments in the city and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Known as the Flavian Amphitheater in ancient times, in this large stadium with a capacity for 60,000 spectators, the emperors entertained the people with all kinds of spectacles, including gladiator fights, battle recreations, and prison executions.

The Colosseum was used for almost 5 centuries, with the last games in history being held there in the 6th century. But, in addition, the Byzantines also used it, and later it was used as a quarry, fortress, factory, and even the headquarters of a religious order. For all these reasons, it is a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO.

Although many of its architectural elements have been lost over time, it still looks impressive and is the most visited attraction in Rome, with more than 6 million tourists a year. Impossible to miss it!

a. Rome Colosseum Tickets

The first and most important thing before buying tickets for the Colosseum in Rome is to be clear about some details and information about the visit:

• The Roman Colosseum can be visited on your own or with a guided tour if you want to know its history, something I highly recommend.
• The entrance to the Colosseum in Rome includes free entry to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, two other essential places to see in Rome.
• If you buy the ordinary ticket, you will have 48 hours to visit the three places that include the tickets: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine. If you buy any of the special tickets, which include a visit to the arena or the subway, you will also have 48 hours to visit all three places. Of course, remember that you can only enter the Colosseum once and the Roman and Palatine Forum once.
• General admission is priced at 16 euros per person and can be purchased at the Colosseum box office, the Roman Forum, or online on the official website with an increase of 2 euros per transaction.
• If you don’t want to stand in long lines and ensure a place, which is very important since tickets sell out quickly, you can reserve tickets in advance.
• Being one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome, the lines at the Colosseum can be quite long, especially during weekends and in high season. On many occasions, the waiting time can even be 3 hours. In this case, it is highly recommended to buy the combined ticket at the Roman Forum box office, where there are usually much fewer people, and thus avoid the long lines that usually exist at the Colosseum in Rome. 
• In case you want to skip the lines and take a guided tour, I recommend booking from this trusted page.

b. Entrance price to the Roman Colosseum

The price of the ticket to the Colosseum, which includes entry to the Forum and the Palatine, is 16 euros per person (does not include the 2 euros administration fee if you buy it online) and is valid for 48 hours.

If you are between 18 and 25 years old and are a citizen of the European Union, presenting your identity document, the entrance fee is reduced to 2 euros.

Remember that if you reserve these tickets for the Colosseum online, you must print them or have them downloaded to your mobile phone so you can show them when passing through the entrance controls.

c. Types of visits to the Roman Colosseum

Another important thing to keep in mind when visiting this Roman attraction is the type of visits you can make since, depending on this, you will have one vision or another of this incredible amphitheater.

• General visit to the Roman Colosseum: This ticket includes a visit to the general area of ​​the Colosseum and entry to the Forum and Palatine. It is valid for 48 hours and is the ticket that most travelers usually buy.
• Visit Colosseum + arena: this ticket is valid for 48 hours. It includes entry to the Colosseum in Rome with access to the arena (where the gladiators were tuned before jumping into the arena) and entry to the Forum and Palatine.
• Visit Colosseum + Underground: allows entry to the Colosseum and the Underground (where preparations for the shows were made) and entry to the Forum and Palatine for 48 hours.
•  In the event that the Colosseum underground cannot be visited due to bad weather, this visit will be changed to a visit to the arena.
• Visit Colosseum + Third Ring (viewpoint): includes entry to the Colosseum and the Third Ring (these are the upper steps from which you have unique views) as well as entry to the Forum and Palatine for 48 hours.

In addition to these options, as I mentioned at the beginning of the article, it is highly recommended to visit the Roman Colosseum with a guide so as not to miss anything.

⏰ The Colosseum opens Monday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. until one hour before sunset. However, it is better to check the schedules beforehand because they may vary depending on the time of year. 

2. Arch of Constantine

Just in front of the Colosseum, you can see the Arch of Constantine. This arch, 21 meters high by 25 meters wide, was erected to commemorate Constantine’s victory over Maxentius in the battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD.

In it, you can see several reliefs that represent scenes of Roman soldiers in battle as well as their victorious march over the enemy. In addition, you can read several inscriptions in honor of Emperor Constantine, where his bravery is praised. This is definitely one of the amazing sights in Rome that you can’t miss.

3. The Palatine

Near the Arch of Constantine is the entrance to the Palatine, a mountain located 50 meters high above the Roman Forum, where the ruins of the ancient palaces of the emperors are located. A visit here is one of the many exciting things to do in Rome.

On this hill, the most important of the seven hills to see in Rome was the place where, according to legend, Romulus founded the city. It was progressively occupied by the wealthiest classes until the emperor Augustus transformed it into a residence exclusive to the Roman emperors.

Among its essentials are the Domus Flavia Palace, the House of Augustus, the Hippodrome of Domitian, the Farnesian Gardens, the House of Livia, and the Palatine Museum, which houses valuable pieces found in the Palatine.

After visiting all these buildings, I suggest you go to the Palatine viewpoint to have incredible views of the Roman Forum.

4. Rome Forum

The Forum is, along with the Roman Coliseum, the place that will most take you back to the time of the Roman Empire and another of the most important places to visit in Rome.

In this large space, full of ruins of temples and buildings, the social, cultural, political, and economic life of the city took place more than 2,000 years ago.

After descending from the Palatine via some stairs, you can walk along the Via Sacra, stopping at the most important monuments and temples of the Forum.

The visit will take you between 2 and 4 hours, depending on how detailed you are when visiting monuments. In the Roman Forum and the Imperial Forum (which are located in the same area), there are a lot of interesting places to see, but there are some essential places that you cannot miss:

• Roman Curia: it was the seat of the senate.
• Arch of Septimius Severus: built to commemorate the victories of this emperor in the Near East.
• Temple of Vespasian
• Temple of Saturn
• Temple of Castro and Pollux
• Temple of Vesta
• Temple of Antony and Faustina: it is the best-preserved temple in the Roman Forum.
• Basilica of Magentius and Constantine
• Arch of Titus: built to commemorate this emperor’s victory over the Jews.
• Phoca’s Column: erected in 608 AD in honor of the emperor of Byzantium.
• Via Sacra: it was the main street of ancient Rome. It went from Piazza del Campidoglio to the Colosseum.

⏰ Theforumm, like the Roman Colosseum, is open from Monday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. until one hour before sunset. 

5. Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II

Not all the places to visit in Rome are old, and as an example, you only have to go to one of the most famous: the Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II. It was completed in 1911, and we have to say, it is very difficult to leave Rome without seeing it due to its enormous size.

A significant amount of white marble from a place called Brescia was used to make it. Because it’s so big (135 meters wide and 70 meters tall), people gave it funny names like “the wedding cake,” “the dentures,” and even “the typewriter.”

Located in the great Piazza Venezia, it was built in honor of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy, and has become, over time, another of the top tourist attractions of Rome. And although this monument was built to honor him, he isn’t buried here. Instead, his resting place is in the Pantheon.

In addition to climbing the stairs to get closer to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, it is worth taking the elevator to the upper terrace to enjoy fantastic panoramic views.

⏰ Elevator hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

6. Trajan’s Forum: One of the Cool Places to Visit in Rome

A few meters from the Piazza di Venezia is Trajan’s Forum, the last of the imperial forums and the largest to see in Rome. It was built by the famous architect Apollodorus of Damascus, by order of the powerful emperor Trajan, with the spoils of war obtained from the conquest of Dacia. It still preserves, in perfect condition, Trajan’s Column, a 38-meter-high commemorative monument with spectacular reliefs that narrate two victorious campaigns of the emperor.

Although very little remains of the ruins of the Basilica Ulpia and the Temple of Trajan, one of the best things to do in Rome is to enjoy Trajan’s Market. It is considered the first covered shopping center in history and is preserved in very good condition, despite almost 2000 years having passed since its construction.

⏰ Market visiting hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

7. Jewish Quarter of Rome

The Jewish Quarter, known as the Ghetto and one of the points of interest in Rome, was the area where Jews were confined between the 16th and 19th centuries by order of Pope Paul IV. It is currently part of the Sant Angelo neighborhood.

I recommend taking a pleasant walk through its cobbled streets. Start at the Portico of Octavia, located right next to the Marcelo Theater, and then continue with the Great Synagogue and the beautiful Turtle Fountain. Finally, reach the Largo di Torre, Argentina, where you can see the remains of the Theater of Pompey.

During the tour, don’t forget to look at the golden plaques on the ground in memory of the Jews who were deported from this neighborhood and murdered in the Auschwitz concentration camp.

8. St. Peter’s Basilica

Admission is free, and it is one of the famous attractions in Rome, so you don’t have any excuse not to visit St. Peter’s Basilica. Located in the square of the same name, this is the largest church of Catholicism. It was built on what tradition and historical and scientific evidence indicate, the burial place of Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles. In addition, most popes have been buried here since early Christian times.

Inside, you can find hundreds of works of art, highlighting Michelangelo’s Pieta and several works by Bernini, such as the solid bronze baldachin over the main altar. During your visit, you will also be able to access the Vatican Necropolis, the resting place of Saint Peter. But, for this, you must request permission through their website since access is limited.

On the other hand, from this monument in Rome, you can also see many others from a bird’s eye view. You just have to climb the spectacular dome, from which you get a wonderful panoramic view of St. Peter’s Square. As it is one of the tourist spots in Rome, I recommend you book one of these guided tour of the basilica with dome climbs.

⏰ Visiting hours: every day from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from October to March. The rest of the months, it closes one hour later (last access one hour earlier).

9. Visit the Vatican Museums: One of the Cool Things to Do in Rome.

Another of the main places to see in the Vatican, a city-state located within Rome and the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, is the Vatican Museums. They bring together one of the most important art collections in the world and are one of the best Rome attractions.

Inside this museum, owned by the Catholic Church and with more than 6 million tourist visits a year, you can discover great wonders. These include the galleries of tapestries and cartographic maps, Raphael’s rooms, the Bramante Staircase, and the great jewel of the museum: Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel with its famous frescoes of The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment.

And as an extra recommendation, if you are hungry after the visit, we recommend you try a pasta dish at Rione XIV Bistro and, for dessert, an ice cream at Arena del Gelato.

If your visit falls on a Wednesday, you can go to St. Peter’s Square to follow the homily given by the Pope from a window at 10:30 a.m. Another option to listen and see him more closely is to book this audience with the Pope.

⏰ Visiting hours: every day from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from October to March. The rest of the months, it closes one hour later (last access one hour earlier).

10. Castel Sant’Angelo

The Castel Sant’Angelo, located on the bank of the Tiber River and built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, is another of the top tourist attractions in Rome that you cannot miss during your visit to the city.

Completed in 139 and crowned by a statue of the Archangel Saint Michael, it is worth climbing the 5 floors along a spiral ramp to see the Papal rooms. You can also enjoy the views of the city and the Tiber from the upper terrace.

As a curiosity, I will tell you that there is a secret corridor that connects the castle with the Vatican City so that in case of danger, the Pope could escape.

Although the lines are not very long, you can reserve your ticket in advance. In addition to the daytime visit, I recommend visiting at night or booking a night tour with a guide that passes through the best-lit buildings and squares, like this castle.

When leaving the castle, don’t forget to cross the beautiful Ponte Sant Angelo with its ten statues of angels and reach the nearby Umberto I Bridge to take one of the best photos of Rome.

⏰ Castle Sant’Angelo opens from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The ticket price is 15 euros.

11. Trastevere: The Most Picturesque Neighborhood to See in Rome

If you are going to spend a weekend in the Italian capital, it is very likely that you will arrive late on a Friday afternoon. So the best thing is to start with an aperitif in Trastevere, one of the most charming neighborhoods in Rome. This is a very picturesque neighborhood, where you will find a lot of restaurants to taste exquisite Italian cuisine.

The center of the neighborhood is Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, where the basilica of the same name is located. But for me, the best thing about the neighborhood is getting lost in its charming cobbled streets (like Via de la Lungaretta or Vicolo del Cinque). These streets are adorned with colorful facades, terraces full of flowers, and enticing aromas from the trattorias. They have the power to transport you back in time and might just trap you forever.

12. Fontana di Trevi: The Most Beautiful Place to See in Rome

Fontana di Trevi is, without a doubt, one of the essential places to see in Rome. This spectacular fountain, 20 meters wide by 26 meters high, is worth a visit both day and night. Of course, no one leaves the Trevi Fountain without flipping at least one coin. This is why every year, more than one million euros is extracted from the source, which is allocated to charitable purposes.

Depending on your purpose, you should throw 1, 2, or 3 coins, always with your back to the fountain and with your right hand:

• 1 to return to Rome
• 2 to meet the love of your life
• 3 to get married or divorced, as suits you

Of course, you will find several versions of this legend, but everyone should choose the one they like the most. Even if it’s for charitable purposes, you have to throw a coin. But be careful what you wish for; sometimes it comes true.

Although it is usually packed with tourists, if you go first thing in the morning or late at night, you will find a perfect time to see it illuminated, take good photos, and enjoy it more peacefully.

13. Pantheon of Agrippa

A visit to Agrippa’s Pantheon, completed in 125 AD and considered the best-preserved building in the Roman Empire, is one of the best things to do in Rome for free.

This incredible masterpiece of architecture stands out for its impressive dome, in which a small oculus opens in the center, illuminating the entire interior with natural light. On the main facade, in addition to 16 granite columns, there is a frieze with the inscription “Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, consul for the third time, did it.” Inside, there is the tomb of the famous Renaissance artist Raphael and several kings from Italy.

To learn more about its history, I recommend booking a guided tour.

⏰ You can visit the Pantheon of Agrippa from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. On Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free.

14. Piazza di Spagna: One of the Most Important Places to Visit in Rome

Your walk can continue through Piazza di Spagna. This square is one of the most touristic spots in Rome and the most visited place in the city, even more than the Roman Colosseum itself. It is surrounded by some of the city’s most famous streets, such as Via Margutta and Via dei Condotti, full of shops and restaurants.

In addition to observing the daily hustle and bustle in this lively square full of tourists, you cannot miss climbing the 135 steps of the Spanish Steps. This staircase will take you to the church of Trinita dei Monti, from where you can enjoy a magnificent sunset and excellent views.

And as it could not be otherwise, I cannot stop talking about gastronomy. If your visit coincides with lunch or dinner, a few meters from the square, you will find the local Grano Frutta e Farina, where they serve a delicious pizza al taglio and Pompi.

Remember that although it is common among tourists to take their food to sit in the Plaza Espana, it is prohibited to do so on the steps. So, I recommend that you look for a bench in the area and thus collaborate with the maintenance and coexistence with the city.

15. Piazza del Popolo

Walking through the streets located between the beautiful Via del Babuino and the Via del Corso (the most commercial in Rome), you will reach Piazza del Popolo. Here, there are two famous twin churches, which are also the top attractions in Rome: Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli.

In addition to the two churches, in this square that appeared in the film and the book “Angels and Demons,” there is a 24-meter Egyptian obelisk dedicated to Ramses II. On one of the sides, you can find the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, where you can see two magnificent works by Caravaggio.

16. Santa Maria in Cosmedin: A Mythical Place to See in Rome

Crossing the Palatine Bridge, you will enjoy magnificent views of the Tiber Island until you reach the Forum Boarium, an ancient animal market. Here, the Temple of Hercules and the Temple of Portunus are preserved.

In front of the Forum is the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, a medieval temple famous for having the Mouth of Truth on its porch. Tourists queue up for a long time to put their hands in the mouth and not lie because, according to legend, if they lie, the mouth will close, trapping their hands. Do you dare to check it?

Another curious place near this church is the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, where you can see the dome of the Vatican through the keyhole of a door. I encourage you to have this curious experience!

⏰ entry to the church is free. But be aware of the schedule, or you will not be able to see the famous Bocca.

17. Catacombs of Rome and Via Appia

Visiting one of the best Roman catacombs, such as those of San Calixto or San Sebastian, is another of the best experiences you can have in Rome.

To get a little into context, catacombs are underground galleries that were used as burial places from the beginning of Christianity until the 5th century. Although several can be seen in other cities around the world, those in Rome are the oldest and most extensive. They are concentrated mostly near the Via Appia, one of the most important roads preserved from antiquity and considered among the top tourist attractions in Rome.

It is important to know that visits to the interior are always carried out with a guide since getting lost in one of them could be quite dangerous. It is also not recommended for people who suffer from acute claustrophobia.

To get to the Catacombs of Saint Calixtus or Saint Sebastian, you can take buses 118 and 228, both stopping in front of the access door or book a tour of the Catacombs and the Via Appia.

⏰ Visiting hours: Thursday to Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

18. Piazza Navona: One of the Liveliest Squares to See in Rome

The Parione neighborhood is home to one of the most beautiful squares to visit in Rome, Piazza Navona. This elongated square is one of the most beautiful in the city, with 3 fountains, one at each end and one in the center.

• Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi: This fountain, designed by Bernini, has 4 monumental figures that represent the main rivers of the four continents: the Nile, the Danube, the Ganges, and the River Plate. In the center is a 16-meter-high obelisk of Egyptian origin, known as the Obelisk of Domitian.
• Nettuno Fountain
• Moor’s Fountain

In addition to its fountains, two beautiful buildings also stand out in this square: the Palazzo Pamphili and the Church of Santa Agnes. All these make this place one of the tourist spots in Rome that you have to tour.

19. Baths of Caracalla in Rome

The Baths of Caracalla were public baths in Ancient Rome built between the years 212 and 216 by order of Emperor Caracalla, and today, they are rated among the main points of interest in Rome.

These enormous hot springs, which were a masterpiece of engineering, were used not only to wash and relax but also to socialize. You will find important remains of the vaults and beautiful fragments of mosaics are preserved, while many of the sculptures that were found are distributed throughout the museums of Italy. In addition, some of the large marble bathtubs were used to build some of the fountains in Rome.

⏰ Visiting hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., except on Mondays when it closes at 2 p.m. 

20 The 4 major basilicas of Rome

To finish this list of the top tourist attractions in Rome, I suggest you visit the four impressive major basilicas:

• Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore: the largest church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary that stands out for its combination of harmonious styles.
• Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls: Built under the tomb of Saint Paul, it impresses with its imposing alabaster columns and beautiful golden mosaics inside.
• Basilica of Saint John Lateran: Cathedral of Rome and the most important of the major basilicas, it stands out for its spacious interior meticulously decorated with large sculptures and for having in front of it the Holy Stairs, which is believed Jesus Christ climbed.
• Basilica of San Clemente: dedicated to Pope Clement, this temple preserves mosaics from the 12th century inside.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rome

How many days do I need to visit Rome?

 Although Rome is a huge city and has numerous tourist attractions, I believe that 4 or 5 days are enough to have a good first impression of the city and enjoy its best experiences.

How do you get around Rome?

 You can get around the city by metro, bus, train and tram. The fastest way is to travel by metro, as it reaches several points of tourist interest to visit in Rome. And for those areas where it does not reach you can take a bus.

The Rome metro has only 2 lines (you can imagine what it’s like to dig in a city where ruins appear everywhere) and operates from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on weekdays and until 1:30 a.m. on weekends. You have single tickets or multi-trip vouchers, depending on what you are going to use them for.

You also have the option of buying a ticket for the tourist bus, which makes stops at the main points of interest in the city.

To save on your trip, you may be interested in purchasing the Omnia Vatican & Rome Pass, which, although it costs more than €100, will save you a lot of time by saving you time in lines. 

What is the most beautiful thing about Rome?

 If you have little time and cannot complete this list of the 21 most beautiful places in Rome, my top 10 would be the Colosseum, Vatican, Roman Forum, Trastevere, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon of Agrippa, Piazza Navona, Jewish Quarter, Baths of Caracalla and Plaza de Espana.

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