Best Places to Visit in Rome Italy: Rome, the Eternal City, is filled with ancient history, vibrant neighborhoods, and awe-inspiring landmarks. Here’s a guide to 10 must-visit places in Rome based on my own experiences.
1. The Colosseum
Rome’s most famous site is its ancient gladiatorial arena, the Colosseum. This 2,000-year-old edifice, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, formerly had a seating capacity of 50,000. It was the location of legendary gladiator battles, complete with raucous crowds and jeering emperors.
No vacation to the city is complete without seeing this vast arena to learn about life in ancient Rome. Standard tickets cost about 16 euros, while a complete experience ticket, which includes the Roman Forum and other adjacent sights, costs around 22 euros.
2. The Neighborhood of Trastevere
A stroll around the neighborhood of Trastevere, a former working-class district with bustling nightlife, takes you away from the tourist crowds and into a more hidden corner of Rome. With its old-world cobbled lanes and chilled vibe, Trastevere is one of the most interesting and photogenic areas in Rome. It’s also largely car-free, making it a pleasant area to explore on foot.
After dark, this neighborhood’s backstreet lanes come alive as crowds gather in its foodie and fashionable restaurants, cafés, and bars. It’s the perfect spot to experience Roman nightlife and get a real feel for the city.
3. Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo is an easily identifiable fortification on the Tiber River. Emperor Hadrian built it in the second century as a mausoleum for himself and his family. Pope Gregory the Great rebuilt it into a castle, and it served as a safe haven for successive popes during times of conflict.
Visitors can explore the stronghold’s exhibitions, featuring paintings, sculptures, and medieval weapons. There’s also a secret tunnel that connects the fortress to the Vatican!
4. The Pantheon
Among the finest-preserved monuments from Roman times is the Pantheon. The Pantheon is almost 2,000 years old yet it is still remarkably whole. Pope Gregory III took off the gilded bronze ceiling tiles; Pope Urban VIII had them scraped and melted down for use in St. Peter’s Basilica and Castel Sant’ Angelo.
Built first as a temple, the Pantheon was rebuilt following AD 80 fire damage. Its great dome is still a monument to the extraordinary ability of Roman builders. Daily hours of the Pantheon are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
5. The Roman Forum
Moving across the Roman Forum is like turning back two millennia into the core of ancient Rome. Though much of its original splendor is gone, arches, walls, and columns still stand, offering a glimpse into the past.
As the heart of Roman government and life, the Forum played a pivotal role in the history of the Roman Empire. Entry is included with the Colosseum ticket, so be sure to explore this area after visiting the Colosseum.
6. Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most famous landmarks. Built in the 18th century, this breathtaking Baroque fountain features Neptune, the sea god, surrounded by Tritons.
Tradition holds that tossing a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain guarantees a return to Rome. The fountain is especially magical at night, when it is beautifully lit and the crowds are smaller. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet moment after dinner.
7. The Spanish Steps (Best Places to Visit in Rome Italy)
The Spanish Steps connect Piazza di Spagna at the bottom with the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. With 135 steps, this spot has long been a favorite for tourists and locals alike.
During summer, visitors enjoy gelato on the steps, while in winter, hot roasted chestnuts are a popular treat. The surrounding area offers high-end shopping opportunities, with many designer stores lining nearby streets.
8. Vatican City
The Vatican is the smallest sovereign state in the world, with an area of less than half a square kilometer. It houses St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, and the Vatican Museums, which contain some of the most renowned art collections in the world.
Inside St. Peter’s Basilica, you’ll find Michelangelo’s Pietà, one of the most exquisite sculptures ever created. The Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling, is the highlight of any visit to the Vatican.
Best Places to Visit in Italy
9. Orvieto
Located midway between Rome and Florence, Orvieto is perfect for a day trip. This clifftop town offers medieval streets and top-notch restaurants, but the main attraction is its cathedral, considered one of Italy’s finest Gothic churches.
The cathedral’s zebra-striped pattern is equally stunning inside and out. Orvieto is easily accessible from Rome by train, with the journey taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
10. Tivoli
Tivoli, a medieval hill town in the Lazio region, lies just outside of Rome and is one of the most popular day-trip locations. Tivoli is famous for the gardens of Villa d’Este and the ruins of Hadrian’s Villa.
The town’s cooler climate makes it a refreshing escape during the summer months when Rome can get quite hot. Its elevated location and proximity to the river provide a lovely atmosphere for visitors.
Rome is a city bursting with history, art, and culture. From the ancient grandeur of the Colosseum to the charming streets of Trastevere, there is no shortage of things to see and do. Whether your visit is for a weekend or a longer stay, these ten places will help you experience the best of Rome. Don’t worry about the crowds—they are part of the experience. Enjoy your adventure in this stunning city!
