27 Places to See in Rome: A Traveler’s Guide to Rome in 2025

So get your pen and paper and start taking notes. I wrote so many articles about Rome that you will find everything you need to know in my travel guide, “The Complete Guide of Rome.”

27 Unmissable Places to See in Rome

Historical Sights in Rome

1. The Colosseum: 

The Colosseum, originally Amphitheatrum Flavium (in Italian: Anfiteatro Flaviano or simply as Anfiteatro), is located in the center of Rome and is the largest amphitheater in the world. It was built in the Flavian era in an area at the eastern limit of the Roman Forum and took five years to complete. 

The idea of the Roman Emperor Vespasian was to return what had been tyrannically taken from them by Nerone to the Roman people. The Colosseum is the symbol of Rome and Italy. It was called this way in medieval times because of the massive statue of Nerone on its side, the Colossus. 

The Colosseum was an arena where fights between gladiators and ferocious animals were the best show for the Romans. (Have you ever seen the movie The Gladiator? If the answer is no, I suggest you watch it because it is worth it). The Colosseum could accommodate more than 50,000 spectators and be equipped with 80 escape routes, numerous fountains, and a large curtain protected from the sun. 

All Roman people, including slaves, had free access to the shows. The entrance ticket to the Colosseum, which also includes Palatine Hill and Roman Forum, can be purchased on the spot at the ticket office, but keep in mind that the queue to visit the Colosseum can be hours long and most of the time, tickets get sold out a month in advance. 

When I visited, I purchased them in advance, allowing me to skip the queue and save hours. The only option is to purchase the combined ticket for the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum.

See the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum skip-the-line tickets.  

Opening Times: Every day from 10 am to 7 pm. (it is free every 1st Sunday of the month from 8.30 am to closing time, but the queue will be very long, so be prepared to stay in a line for hours or go there at 7 am). 

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2. Il Palatino: 

Palatine Hill, the center of the Seven Hills of Rome, is one of the most antique parts left in Rome. Located between the Roman Forum and the Circo Massimo, it is one of the most visited places in Rome.  Click here to get your ticket, skip the queue, and save money and time. 

This is where Romulus founded the city in 753. Look out for the Stadio (stadium), the ruins of the Domus Flavia (imperial palace), and views over the Roman Forum from the Orti Farnesiani. 

Opening Times: Every day from 10 am to 7 pm. 

See the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour.

3. I Fori Imperiali: 

The Imperial Forums of Rome are a unique architectural complex and a collection of monumental squares built between 46 BC and 113 A.D. They are considered the center of political activity in ancient Rome, a place enriched with structures and buildings over the centuries.  

Opening Time: Every day from 10.30 am to 7.15 pm. 

See the Imperial Forum tickets and availability.

4. Arco di Costantino: 

Rome’s iconic Arch of Constantine isn’t just a landmark; it’s a time capsule. Built in 315 AD to celebrate an emperor’s victory, it’s the largest triumphal arch in the city, adorned with intricate friezes that tell tales of war and parades.

Look closer, and you’ll spot fascinating recycled sculptures from earlier eras, each hinting at the rich history of this ancient monument.

The Arch of Constantine is located between the Colosseum and the Arch of Titus, along the road traveled to celebrate ancient Rome’s triumphs. The Roman Senate dedicated the monument to commemorate Constantine’s victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge against Maxentius.

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5. La Colonna Traiana:

This column is a memorial built in Rome to celebrate emperor Trajan’s conquest of Dacia (Romania). It remembers all the remarkable moments of that territorial extension. Behind the column stood the Basilica Ulpia, while the Temple of the Divine Trajan stood in front. 

Opening Times: 9.30 am to 7.30 pm. 

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6. La Bocca della Verita’:

It is incredible how this sculpture has become one of Rome’s monuments, where tourists love to be photographed, even paying 2 euros. The Mouth of Truth is nothing more than a large marble mask.

This large bearded male face whose eyes, nose, and mouth are pierced was probably a manufactured cover of the Cloaca Massima, one of Rome’s most extensive sewers.

The sculpture dates back to the first century, and the mask is well known. It is assumed that this is the object mentioned in the early Mirabilia Urbis Romae, a medieval guide for pilgrims, where the mouth is assigned the power to formulate oracles. 

Opening Times: 9.30 am- 5.30 pm. You can’t book it in advance, but be aware the queue can be pretty long.

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7. Augusto’s House: 

The House of Augustus, located on the southwestern side of the Palatine Hill, was the result of several republican houses (including perhaps those of the great orator Quinto Ortensio Ortalo and the consul Caio Lutazio Catulo), which Octavian Augustus gathered in one on the return to Rome from Sicily after the victory against Pompeo’s son Sesto in 36 BC. 

Augustus’s choice to live on Palatine Hill, also considering that he was born there, will condition the hill’s history because even the following emperors elected it as their home until it transformed the hill into a single, immense imperial building. 

Opening Times: From Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 2 pm. 

See the Palatine Hill, Colosseum, and Roman Forum entrance tickets and availability.

8. National Roman Museum, Baths of Diocletian: 

Built during Diocletian’s mandate in 305 AD, the Baths of Diocletian were the largest thermal complex in Ancient Rome. They could accommodate 3,000 people inside, more than twice the capacity of the famous Baths of Caracalla. The restoration work took 30 years. 

Currently, you can visit one of the few surviving parts of the impressive building, where you can imagine the large size of these spectacular spas. You can also walk inside a cloister with gardens, where about 400 works, such as statues, sarcophagi, and reliefs, are exhibited. 

Opening Times: every day from 10.30 am to 7.30 pm. 

See the National Roman Museum and Diocletian Thermal Baths tickets.

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9. Le Terme di Caracalla: 

The Thermae Antonianae, one of the most significant and best-preserved examples of an antique spa complex, was built under the rule of Emperor Caracalla in the southern part of Rome. The building was finished in 216 A.D. At that time, a spa was not only an area dedicated to bathing, sports,s and health. It was also a place of study and relaxation. 

The spa of Caracalla is one of those rare old models in which it is possible to reconstruct something of the internal decoration. Written manuscripts indicate colossal marble columns, flooring made of colored marble, mosaics of glass and marble on the walls, painted stuccos, and hundreds of statues. 

The water system was made possible by the construction of a special duct from the main aqueduct called the Aqua Antoniana. The spa was reconstructed several times before closing in 537 A.D. 

Opening Times: every day from 9 am to 6 pm. (free every 1st Sunday).

See the Caracalla Baths & Circus Maximus Guided Tours availability.

10. Il Circo Massimo: 

The Circus Maximus is the most extensive construction for the spectacle of antiquity and one of the largest of all time. With theatres and amphitheaters, Roman circuses were the most important places of entertainment in Ancient Rome. They were extended enclosures where recreational activities, such as chariot races, took place. 

Located between the Aventine Hill and Palatine Hill, the Circus Maximus of Rome was a stadium with a capacity for 300,000 spectators. Its sandy track, 600 meters long and 225 meters wide, made the Circus Maximus the largest stadium in Rome, more spacious than the Circus Flaminio and the Circus of Maxentius. 

Opening Times: daily from 9.30 am to 7 pm in summer and till 4.30 pm in winter. 

See the Tour of Caracalla Baths and Circus Maximus.

11. Le Catacombe di Roma: 

Another exciting activity to do in Rome is to explore the Catacombs, where the pagans and then the Christians buried their dead. This activity can be exciting for the curious, who can explore the ancient Romans’ uses, customs, and traditions by discovering galleries and tunnels. 

There are more than 60 catacombs and thousands of tombs around Rome. There were also six Jewish catacombs: four have disappeared, and the other two are closed. The Roman catacombs were built along the consular roads, such as the Via Appia, the Via Ostiense, the Via Labicana, the Via Tiburtina, and the Via Nomentana. 

In our days, only five of the Roman catacombs are open to the public: they are those of San Callisto, San Sebastiano, and Santa Domitilla in the area of the ancient Appian Way and those of Priscilla and S.Agnese in the Nomentano-Salario area. 

You can check the tickets and tours available. 

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Basilicas, Cathedrals and Churches

12. The Vatican: 

When they think of the Vatican, many people see it as a large building, forgetting that it is a city-state in the heart of Rome. Vatican City is known worldwide for being the nerve center of the Catholic Church. To give you an idea of its size, you must first know that it is the smallest state in Europe. 

It is only 0.44 square kilometers, and less than 1,000 people live within its walls. The Pope’s residence is in such a limited space, a palace surrounded by gardens that can be visited by reservation. The Lateran Pacts sanctioned the Holy See’s independence from Italy on 11 February 1929. 

Opening Times: Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm. (It is accessible on the last Sunday of the month from 9 am to 2 pm. The last entry is at 12.30 pm. But be prepared because it will be very crowded and the queue will be longer than usual, and you could queue for hours, so be there at 7 am). 

See the Vatican Tickets prices and availability.

13. The Sistine Chapel:  

The Cappella Sistina (Sistine Chapel) is the main papal chapel of the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City. It was named after its founder, Pope Sixtus IV. The fabric is from the 15th century. The Sistine Chapel is one of the most important treasures of the Vatican, Rome, and the world. It is famous for its frescoes and because it is where the Popes are elected. 

The dedication is to the Blessed Virgin Mary, under the aspect of her Assumption. Please do not confuse it with the Cappella Sistina at Santa Maria Maggiore. To visit the Sistine Chapel, you must first visit the Vatican Museums. 

The Sistine Chapel is inside the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City and accessible via the Vatican Museums. If you plan on doing a self-guided tour of the Vatican Museums, plenty of signs will help you find the Sistine Chapel. 

Opening Times: From 9 am to 6 pm, the last entry is at 4 pm from Monday to Saturday. (It is free of charge on the last Sunday of the month from 9 am to 2 pm. The last admission is at 12.30 pm. But be prepared because it will be very crowded and the queue will be longer than usual so be there at 7 am). 

See the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel Tickets.

14. La Basilica di San Pietro: 

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most significant buildings globally and is the largest of the papal basilicas. Its facade’s size and quality have made it an architectural work of great importance. It annually receives people from everywhere in the world who see the most beautiful sculptures of all time and appreciate a job that took centuries of construction. 

Opening Times: Winter from 7 am to 6.30 pm. Summer from 7 am to 7 pm. Free Entry.

Rome Travel Tip: During summertime, wear a scarf to cover your shoulder and wear trousers or a skirt covering your knees, or you won’t be allowed to enter the Basilica.

See Vatican Museums tickets and tours, visit the Sistine Chapel, skip the queue, and save time. 

15. The Pantheon: 

The Pantheon (Italian Pantenone) is an ancient Roman building built as a temple dedicated to the divinities of all religions. Pantheon is a Greek loan that the Italian language has maintained through Latin. Emperor Hadrian erected The Pantheon in Rome (c. 118-128). It is the best-preserved and most imposing of all Roman buildings. 

It exercised an enormous influence on all Western architecture. The Pantheon pompously and thoughtfully declares the principle of the clear volumetric definition of the internal space, which would become dominant in all subsequent Roman architecture. 

Opening Times: Monday through Saturday, 8:30 am to 7:30 pm, Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm, and Italian Bank Holidays, 9 am to 1 pm.

See the Pantheon tickets and availability.

Rome Travel Tip: The Pantheon is usually empty before closing, so check it out then.

16. Castel Sant’Angelo, Mausoleum of Hadrian:

Castel Sant’Angelo was built as a mausoleum by Hadrian’s emperor in the 2nd century. In 590, Pope Gregory the 1st saw Archangel Michael on top of the mausoleum as a signal of the end of the plague pandemic. Pope Pius the 2nd built a chapel where the archangel was seen.

I highly recommend you visit Castel Sant’Angelo. It is fascinating inside, and the view from the top terrace is fantastic. On the top is a bar and restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious Roman meal while looking at the stunning view. After 7 p.m., tickets are sold at a reduced price, but it can get pretty crowded.

Opening Times: Every day from 9 am to 7.30 pm. 

See the Castel Sant’Angelo Tickets and availability.

Roman Squares and Their Buildings 

17. Piazza Venezia e l’Altare della Patria: 

One of Rome’s most visible monuments is the Vittoriano, in Piazza Venezia, also called the Altare Della Patria. The latter is only a part of the complex, added later to the original project. 

The Altare Della Patria is one of the city’s most famous and photographed monuments and one of the most important in the history of Italy, the Risorgimento and the Savoy monarchy. It contains many symbols and references to national unity and Christianity and represents Italy in all its facets. 

Opening Times: 9.30 am to 7.30 pm for Altare della Patria and the cripta del milite ignoto. Till 3 pm the Flags Museum. Price: free. If you want to go to the top of the palace to enjoy the view, the ticket costs 2 euros for 18-25 yrs old and 10 euros for +25 yrs old. 

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18. Piazza Navona e la Fontana del Bernini: 

Described during the fifteenth century, the Baroque-style Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most fascinating and attractive squares. The square is circled by restaurants, giving Piazza Navona a vital and charming atmosphere during the day. Here, you can enjoy performances by street artists like magicians and dancers.  

The most majestic buildings in this square are Sant’Agnese in Agone Church, Stadium of Domitian, and Palazzo Pamphilj. The most beautiful parts of Piazza Navona are its three fountains, designed during the papacy of Gregory XIII: 

• Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, 
• Fontana del Moro, 
• Fontana del Nettuno 

Until the mid-nineteenth century, the drains of the three fountains were obstructed every summer, flooding the center of the square. The locals hugely appreciated this. 

See the Rome Walking Tour: Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain.

19. Mercato Campo De Fiori: 

Located in the south of Piazza Navona, it is undoubtedly one of the city’s oldest markets, if not the oldest, since 1869. Campo de Fiori, where all the ladies came every day from the countryside with their herbs and vegetables and often cleaned them directly in the square. 

At the beginning of its history, the Campo de Fiori market was a place of almost exclusive trade in fruit and vegetables; then, the stalls of meat, flowers, and fish were added over time. 

Opening Times: every day from 7 am to 2 pm. 

See the Rome Food Tour: Trastevere Campo fiori Jewish Ghetto.

20. La Fontana di Trevi:  

The famous Trevi Fountain is the largest fountain in Rome. The name Trevi derives from the “Tre Vie” and indicates the point where the three roads that join the square converge. According to the legend, the soldiers of Marco Vipsanio Agrippa were far from the city, and while they were returning home, they were very thirsty. 

At that moment, a virgin appeared to them, indicating where the water was found. In the same Trevi Fountain, the legend is remembered in a bas-relief that can be seen on the right. 

It is said that if you throw a coin behind you by throwing it on your left shoulder, you will return to Rome. If you throw two coins, you will find the love of your life; if you throw three of them, there will be many possibilities for getting married. 

This is one of the busiest places in Rome. If you want to take a stunning picture, I advise you to go there between 6 and 8 a.m., when all the tourists are still in their accommodations. 

21. Piazza di Spagna e la Scalinata: 

You cannot miss visiting Piazza di Spagna and the staircase in Rome. They are among the most symbolic and historical places in the city of Capitoline and Rome. 

Together with the church, Piazza di Spagna in Rome remains impressed by its monumental 136-step staircase, which was commissioned by the French cardinal Pierre Guerin de Tencin and was inaugurated by Pope Benedict XIII on the occasion of the Jubilee of 1725. 

The staircase, a significant part of that side of the square, was built thanks to French investments starting in 1721 to create a link between the Spanish embassy and the Church of Trinità dei Monti. The design was entrusted to Alessandro Specchi and Francesco De Sanctis. 

To get a picture without all the crowds, you must get there before 7 am (and even at that time, there were alreasy a lot of people taking piactures).

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22. Piazza San Pietro: 

Piazza San Pietro is undoubtedly the most famous square in the world for artistic and religious reasons, and visitors can admire it for about 350 years. You can start admiring the majesty of San Pietro from Castel Sant’Angelo, looking down at the majestic Via Della Conciliazione. St Peter’s Square is famous for its arcade, which everyone in Rome recognizes.

The obelisk of St Peter’s Square is probably one of the most famous in the world. Caligula transported it from Heliopolis to Egypt. 

23. Piazza del Popolo e le Chiese Gemelle: 

All tourists pass there at least once during their vacation. It is one of the most famous squares in Rome. It is said that Nero, the Emperor renowned for his follies, killed himself, or instead, he was killed by a servant because he did not dare to do it by himself, right near the square, and was buried here. 

A walnut tree was planted on his grave, soon becoming a favorite place for ghosts, including his own, and witches and demons who also infested nearby poplar forests. They say that to exorcise the square, Pope Pasquale II decided to cut down the walnut and burnt the bones of the ” and instead of his burial, he consecrated a chapel, destined over the centuries to grow and become the famous church of Santa Maria del Popolo. 

Another interesting fact about this square is the two identical churches. They are Santa Maria in Monte Santo on the left and Santa Maria dei Miracoli on the right. Pope Alexander VII built them in the 17th century. Initially, they should have been symmetrical, but on the left, the available space was smaller; therefore, the one on the right was larger. 

If you look closely, you can see that the church on the right has an octagonal dome, while the one on the left has a dodecagonal one, whose particular shape has allowed the architect to crush it in the available space. 

Another symbol of Piazza del Popolo is the obelisk in the center of the square. It is the second oldest in Rome and was transported up to the tenth century by Eliopoli after the battle of Anzio to decorate the Circus Maximus. 

24. Il Campidoglio: 

The Campidoglio is the smallest of the famous seven Roman hills and the most important. Here arose the city’s first nucleus, surrounded by a system of defensive walls built to protect it from the tribes of the surrounding hills. 

Several buildings are in the Piazza del Campidoglio. The Capitoline Museums are the oldest in the world, with a vibrant collection of finds from ancient Rome, including the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, the remains of the Colossus of Constantine, and mosaics from Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli. 

And the statue of the Capitoline Venus, the Hall of Emperors. Do not miss the statue of the Dying Galata or the bronze statue of the Capitoline Wolf, a bronze sculpture depicting a scene from the legend of Rome’s founding. The sculpture shows a she-wolf suckling the mythical twin founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. 

See the Capitoline Museums tickets and availability. 

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25. Villa Borghese e la Terrazza del Pincio:  

Il Pincio is one of the most romantic and picturesque places in the Capital. You cannot miss it at least once during your stay in Rome, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Piazza del Popolo and the city. It is a part of Villa Borghese inside the Aurelian Walls and goes from the terrace of Piazza del Popolo to Villa Medici. 

The name “Pincio” comes from one of these families who had settled on the hill: the Pincii and the current “Muro Torto” are part of their villa’s foundations. It was the first public garden in Rome. It is one of the most famous places and the most popular historical walk by the Romans. 

See the Borghese Gallery Guided Tour with Tickets.

26. Il Colle dell’ Aventino: 

The Aventine is one of the seven hills on which Rome, the most southerly, was founded. It is connected to another small hill, called “Piccolo Aventino” to the east. In the foundation myth, Remo chose this hill to spot birds in flight during the famous dispute with his brother Romolo to select the place to build the new city. 

Then Romulus won, killed his brother, and built Rome on the Palatine Hill, just the hill facing the Aventine. On the top of the hill, you will find the villa of the Grand Priory of Malta. History and myth intertwine in the square of the Knights of Malta, decorated and embellished with obelisks, inscriptions, and numerous symbols with mysterious characters. 

Once there, do not forget to peek through the famous keyhole of the villa’s door to admire the dome of San Pietro from a spectacular point of view. 

Furthermore, at this precise point, it is possible to admire three different states simultaneously: Italy, the Priory of Malta, and the Vatican. It is a magical and enchanted place that peaks during May: more than 1,100 species of roses from all over the world bloom in an explosion of colors simultaneously. 

27. La Terrazza del Gianicolo: 

It is one of the best spots to enjoy a stunning view of Rome, so plan some time to go there and relax; bring something good to drink and relax after all the walking you are doing exploring this magical city. You won’t regret it. 

Before you go…

So there you have it, my top picks for the best places to visit in Rome, as recommended by locals. With this comprehensive list, you’ll have everything you need to plan the perfect itinerary for your trip. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

And if you’re looking for tips for planning your next super-organized trip, check out my free complete guide. With my help, you can create a stress-free itinerary and enjoy every moment of your next adventure.