Rome, the Eternal City, is a living museum where ancient history, art, and culture blend seamlessly with modern Italian life. Here are the ten most iconic attractions you shouldn’t miss during your visit to this magnificent capital.
1. The Colosseum
Standing as the largest amphitheater ever built, the Colosseum remains Rome’s most recognized symbol. This 1st-century marvel once hosted gladiatorial contests and spectacles for up to 50,000 spectators. Today, visitors can explore its multiple levels, underground chambers, and learn about its fascinating history. Pro tip: Book tickets online in advance to avoid the notoriously long queues.
2. Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Home to one of the world’s most extensive art collections, the Vatican Museums house masterpieces gathered by popes throughout the centuries. The crown jewel is the Sistine Chapel, featuring Michelangelo’s legendary ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment. The museums contain over 70,000 works of art, so plan your visit strategically.
Skip the Line: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel with St. Peter’s Basilica Access.
3. St. Peter’s Basilica
The heart of Catholicism and an architectural masterpiece, St. Peter’s Basilica awes visitors with its grandeur. Michelangelo’s Pietà , Bernini’s baldachin, and the massive dome designed by Michelangelo are just a few highlights. Climb to the dome’s top for panoramic views of Rome.
4. Roman Forum
Once the center of ancient Rome’s public life, the Roman Forum contains ruins of government buildings, temples, and public spaces. Walk through history as you explore the remains of the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus, and the House of the Vestal Virgins.
5. Pantheon
This architectural wonder has stood for nearly 2,000 years, featuring the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. Originally a temple to all Roman gods, it’s now a church and contains the tombs of several Italian kings and the artist Raphael. The oculus, a 27-foot opening in the dome’s center, creates stunning light effects.
6. Trevi Fountain
Rome’s largest and most famous fountain draws crowds 24/7. Toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain to ensure your return to Rome, as tradition suggests. The baroque masterpiece depicts Neptune’s chariot led by Tritons with sea horses, one wild and one docile, representing the moods of the sea.
7. Spanish Steps
These 174 steps, connecting Piazza di Spagna with Trinità dei Monti church, create one of Rome’s most picturesque scenes. The steps are a popular gathering place, especially in spring when they’re adorned with pink azalea flowers. Visit at sunset for the most romantic views.
8. Borghese Gallery and Gardens
Housed in a stunning villa, this museum contains masterpieces by Bernini, Canova, Caravaggio, and Raphael. The surrounding gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustle, complete with walking paths, bike rentals, and a lake.
9. Piazza Navona
This elegant square showcases three beautiful fountains, including Bernini’s famous Fountain of the Four Rivers. Street artists, cafes, and baroque architecture make it one of Rome’s most charming public spaces. Visit in the evening when the fountains are illuminated.
10. Castel Sant’Angelo
Originally built as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum, this fortress later served as a papal refuge and prison. Today, it houses a museum and offers some of the best views of Rome from its terrace. The passageway connecting it to the Vatican, the Passetto di Borgo, was used by popes as an escape route during sieges.
Planning Your Visit
- Most sites are busiest from 10 AM to 4 PM
- Consider a Roma Pass for priority entry to many attractions
- Book major sites (Colosseum, Vatican) in advance
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
- Dress appropriately for religious sites (covered shoulders and knees)
Rome’s treasures are endless, and these top ten attractions only scratch the surface of what the Eternal City has to offer. Each site tells its own story in the grand narrative of Rome’s 2,500-year history, making every visit a journey through time.