Attractions in Rome: My Best 21 Tips for 2025

Rome is overwhelming - not only because of the multitude of sights, but also due to the depth of history. You stand in the Colosseum, look from the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, sip espresso at the Pantheon, or feast your way through the authentic Roman neighborhoods of the Eternal City.

In this article, you'll find the most important sights and activities in Rome: museums, churches, squares, ancient buildings you must see, as well as other must-see highlights.

Ideal for your first trip to Rome - with maps, information & real recommendations. This list guides you to the best sights in Rome, from landmarks with useful tips for visiting attractions. Let's get started!

Important: You need tickets in advance for many sights in Rome. I recommend the Roma Pass or Rome City Pass to save time and money.

Click through the highlights and find out what you absolutely must see in Rome - whether it's your first time in the city or you're returning because you tossed a coin into the Trevi Fountain. Here you'll find all highlights in detail, followed by a summary of the most important things you need to know.

All Rome sights, viewpoints, restaurants & real insider tips - clearly saved in Google Maps. With a click on your phone, you have everything you need and save yourself hours of research:

NEW: My guide for Rome with the most beautiful places, attractions, views, markets, and food guide (+ bars) with all locations for your phone, desktop, or tablet in Google Maps. With just one click, you have all the places I visited & recommended saved. Additionally, I add tips in notes so you can see where all the places are located. Check out the Rome guide for your phone here.

I hope that your stay will become an unforgettable trip thanks to my tips!

Get my Rome Google Maps guides

The Colosseum is not only the most famous building in Rome but also the largest preserved amphitheater of antiquity. Up to 65,000 spectators once flocked to gladiatorial fights, animal hunts, and public spectacles in the arena. Today you can walk through the monumental ruins, visit the seating areas, and the underground - including the tunnels where animals and fighters were once prepared. An absolute must-see.

Important: You can't do anything here (almost) without a ticket. Be sure to reserve your time slot in advance - otherwise, you'll be standing in line for hours. I recommend the Full-Experience Ticket (book here) with access to the underground.

Find all tips, opening hours & ticket information for the Colosseum here

The Colosseum is also included in the Roma Pass and Rome Turbo Pass (City Pass) - ideal if you want to visit multiple attractions.

Every first Sunday of the month, entrance to the Colosseum is free. However, no tickets can be reserved on this day and it tends to be very crowded.

St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most important buildings in Christianity and an architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance. It is located in the heart of Vatican City, right where the tomb of the Apostle Peter is believed to be.

Inside, you can expect highlights such as Michelangelo's world-famous 'Pietà', the powerful bronze baldachin by Bernini above the papal altar, and the magnificently decorated main dome. You can also visit the papal tombs in the crypt or climb narrow stairs to the dome - the view over Rome is one of the most beautiful in the city.

My tip: Entrance to the basilica is free. For the dome and the crypt, you need a separate ticket. Especially in the morning, long lines form - come early or use priority entry with a tour or pass.

Important: Shoulders and knees must be covered - otherwise, you will be denied access to St. Peter's Basilica, even in hot weather.

The Vatican Museums are among the most significant art collections in the world. For centuries, the popes collected countless artworks - from Roman statues to masterpieces of the Renaissance. The collection spans over 54 lavishly designed rooms, galleries, and courtyards.

The highlight is the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's famous ceiling fresco and the 'Last Judgment'. The conclaves for the papal elections also take place here - a place with a special atmosphere.

My tip: Buy your ticket in advance with a time slot. The lines are often several hundred meters long, especially in peak season. A visit without a reservation is nearly impossible.

Good to know: Entrance is included in the Rome City Pass (Turbo Pass, see my review) or Explorer Pass Rome. All the information on how to cleverly plan your visit can be found in my experience report: Tips for the Vatican & Sistine Chapel

The ancient Pantheon is one of the best-preserved buildings of Rome (125 AD) and impresses with its massive dome. I recommend booking tickets in advance to avoid waiting times.

Originally a temple for the gods of ancient Rome, the Pantheon was later converted into a Christian church. Today, Christian statues adorn the interior, but Roman architecture remains omnipresent, especially in the impressive dome.

With a diameter of 43.45 meters, it is the largest unreinforced concrete structure in the world. The famous hole in the center of the dome, known as the 'Oculus', serves as a light source and may have also been used as a sundial. After your visit, it's worth taking a small break at Piazza della Rotonda and enjoying the lively activity around the Pantheon.

Read more: Illuminati Tour on Your Own

The ticket costs 5 euros for adults and 3 euros for EU citizens between 18 and 25 years.

Reserve your ticket here (recommended to avoid waiting times)

Every first Sunday of the month, admission is also free.

Did you know that the Pantheon in Rome is officially called Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres? After the originally pagan structure was converted into a Christian church in 609 AD by Pope Boniface IV, it was given this name. The designation 'ad Martyres' refers to the fact that the remains of many early Christian martyrs were transferred to the Pantheon. Despite this official designation, it remains known worldwide as the 'Pantheon'.

Anyone traveling to Rome must not miss the famous Trevi Fountain. Toss a coin in to ensure that you return to Rome one day - or so the legend says. Here I have written my experience and everything you need to know about the Trevi Fountain.

Did you know that Rome has more fountains than any other city in the world? Besides numerous historical buildings, the city has about 2000 fountains, some of which are drinking fountains.

The Roman Forum is a personal highlight for me among all the attractions. Romans referred to the "Forum" at that time as a place where political and legal actions took place; a sort of market or festival square. Its remains are among the most important archaeological sites of ancient Rome.

Here you can imagine what the center of the Roman Empire used to look like. The square is the oldest Roman forum and was once the heart of Rome. You will find it between the Capitoline Hill, Palatine Hill, and Esquiline (the hill with the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore).

Here you will find my tips for tickets and the most important attractions at the Roman Forum.

My tip: Combine your visit with the Colosseum, as the tickets are often valid for both attractions.

Opening hours: from 9 am to 1 hour before sunset. Buy your combo ticket for the Roman Forum with Colosseum here online.

Rome was famously built on seven hills. Palatine Hill is one of them and is often referred to as the birthplace of ancient Rome, as human settlements existed here as early as the 10th century BC. Here you can also take a look at the house of the first Roman Emperor Augustus.

At 51 m high, Palatine Hill is the 4th highest of the 7 hills of Rome.

Note: Most tours combine a visit with the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. I highly recommend a guided tour, as there is so much history to learn about the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (See options for guided tours).

If you are already at the Castel Sant'Angelo, it's not far to the Trastevere district on the right bank of the Tiber. For me, Trastevere is the hip neighborhood of Rome with lots of charm. You won't find typical sights and museums here, but plenty of really good restaurants, bars, and cafés where you can enjoy traditional Roman dishes.

I had a great time here. The best part is just strolling through the alleys and stopping by occasionally.

Especially in the evening, the district comes alive with street performers, live music, and cozy wine bars.

Here you will find my tips for Trastevere (including food tips)

One of the most striking squares in Rome is Piazza Navona, which was built on the remains of an ancient stadium. Its elongated shape still reminds us of the former sporting competitions. Highlights include the magnificent Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini, an imposing obelisk, and numerous baroque buildings. Additionally, Piazza Navona is a popular meeting place with street performers, cafés, and bustling activity. Perfect for a relaxing break, as one or two of the 'best ice cream shops in Rome' are located here.

Tip for an ice cream shop at Piazza Navona: Gelateria del Teatro. Try one of the six chocolate flavors or rosemary-honey lemon. So delicious!

Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, Castel Sant'Angelo has served various purposes over the centuries: as a fortress, papal residence, and prison. A remarkable feature is the 'Passetto di Borgo', a secret, approximately 800-meter-long passageway to the Vatican, which served as an escape route for popes in times of crisis.

Entrance is included in all Rome passes. Therefore, I highly recommend stopping here on your way from Vatican City back to the center. The view from the terrace is breathtaking.

The green oasis of Rome: Villa Borghese is one of the most popular and largest city parks among the Romans. No wonder, since in this large park, you can relax, ride a bike, or even paddle a rowboat on the small lake! The expansive park invites you for a walk, while the Galleria Borghese hosts one of the city's most valuable art collections.

The building alone is worth a visit.

Ticket note: It's cheapest to buy through the official website (here). With the Roma Pass (included in the 48-hour and 72-hour pass), you must reserve your day and time via email: [email protected].

The Spanish Steps (Italian: Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti, the German name actually comes from the square at the bottom) were not very impressive during my first visit, as the fountain at the foot of the Spanish Steps was hidden under scaffolding and it looked rather unsightly.

The second visit looked better, yet it remains for me a somewhat overrated 'sight'. This structure was supposed to become the most famous staircase in the world. France's greatness was to be demonstrated by this construction with its 136 steps, as King Louis XII of France financed the church Santa Trinità dei Monti from which the Spanish Steps lead down to Piazza di Spagna. Instead of the planned monument in honor of Louis XIV, the pope had an obelisk built.

A popular photo spot is the Barcaccia Fountain (Fontana della Barcaccia) at the bottom of the steps on Piazza di Spagna. Here you have a great view upwards to the Spanish Steps. Especially at dusk or early in the morning, it is admittedly a really beautiful motif!

My tip: Particularly nice for photos in the evening or early in the morning.

The "Monte Capitolini" is the smallest but at the same time the most important of the seven hills of Rome. Here at Capitol Square, the religious and political center of the entire Roman Empire is located.

Capitol Square lies in a depression between the two hills Capitolium and Arx. From here, you can climb the stairs on the right to the church S.Maria in Aracoeli (Arx Hill) or, on the left, climb the stairs to the garden along Via del Tempio di Giove (Capitolium Hill).

Piazza del Popolo is one of the largest squares in Rome. Nowadays, the square is primarily a venue for concerts and political events.

The centerpiece of the square is the obelisk, which Pope Sixtus V had brought here from the Circus Maximus.

Especially in the evening, we found the atmosphere to be great.

Piazza della Rotonda

Entrance is free!

Read more: Illuminati Tour on Your Own

Around Campo de Fiori and Piazza Navona, you stroll over cobblestones through small romantic alleys. Next to you, the plaster is crumbling from the baroque facades. Here in the heart of the Roman old town, you will find cozy cafés and small boutiques away from the largest tourist crowds, although of course, many visitors are also here.

Even at 6 AM, there is lively market activity at the beautiful Campo de' Fiori.

Tip: Try the white "Pizza Bianca" at Forno Campo de Fiori - one of the best in the city.

Address: Campo de' Fiori 22, Website: fornocampodefiori.com

The massive monument nicknamed the 'Typewriter' at Piazza Venezia is not popular with all Romans because of its imposing size. The monument was once built for King Vittorio Emanuele II. On top of the roof is a 65-meter-high observation terrace: Here you have a centralized 360° panoramic view of all the important sights and monuments of Rome. You can reach the terrace via a glass elevator installed on the side of the building.

By the way, there's also a self-service café 'Caffetteria Italia' upstairs. On hot days, you can take a break here at reasonable prices while enjoying the view of Rome.

Read more: Most Beautiful Viewpoints in Rome

Particularly interesting is the visit to the Baths of Caracalla on the Via Appia Antica. The remains of the once largest Roman bathing complex from the 3rd century AD are truly impressive. Unfortunately, it was heavily damaged by earthquakes. Through the archaeological excavations, you can get a great picture of how large the Baths of Caracalla used to be.

Here, you will find the largest and most famous tomb of Caecilia Metella. Tip: The visit is included in the Rome City Pass.

The Circus Maximus was the largest arena ever built in ancient Rome! It was 600 meters long and 140 meters wide. 145,000 people found their place there during Caesar's time, and in late antiquity, even 385,000 people.

Nowadays, large concerts and mass events (such as public viewing during a football World Cup) are held here. During our last visit to Rome, the Rolling Stones performed here. We could also listen and sing along with thousands of others outside the concert without tickets.

Rent a bike and ride along the Via Appia Antica. The oldest trade route in the world was commissioned by consul Appius Claudius Caecus in 312 BC and is the oldest access road to Rome.

The Appian Way used to be over 200 kilometers long and led down to Brindisi in southern Italy. Since the road lay outside the city walls, you will find many catacombs, old graves, and villas along this ancient road.

We explored the Via Appia Antica by bike.

A construction I didn't expect to find, but which surprised me during the food tour in Testaccio: The Cestius Pyramid. The pyramid was built in the 1st century BC as a tomb for Gaius Cestius and is one of Rome's most unusual sights. It is nearly 37 meters high and was built in the Egyptian style when Egypt became a Roman province.

Tip: You can visit the pyramid, but prior registration is required. Tickets can be reserved through the official website www.coopculture.it.

Our recommended duration for your short trip to Rome is at least 3 - 4 days. This gives you enough time to explore the city at leisure. During my first trip, I was 5 days in Rome and still did not see everything I had planned.

Rome is worth a visit all year round, but the most pleasant months are:

Spring (April to June): Mild temperatures and blooming gardens make this time ideal for sightseeing.

Autumn (September to October): Pleasant weather and fewer tourists allow for a relaxed experience.

Summer months can get very hot, while winter can be milder but also rainy.

Rome has a well-developed public transport system:

Tickets: Single tickets, day, or week tickets are available at kiosks, tobacco shops, or machines.

Validity: Single tickets are valid for 100 minutes and allow transfers between bus and tram, but only one subway ride.

Recommendation: Use public transport, but avoid buses to prevent traffic jams and explore the city efficiently.

These passes offer various advantages:

Roma Pass: Includes free entry to two museums or archaeological sites, discounts for additional attractions, and use of public transport for 48 or 72 hours. Read my experience report for the Roma Pass.

Rome City Pass (Turbo Pass Rome): Offers similar advantages, often combined with airport transfers and hop-on-hop-off bus tours. I also tested the Turbo Pass Rome (Rome City Pass) to see if it's worth it.

Or check my Rome Pass comparison with all 4 passes for Rome.

Roman cuisine offers numerous specialties:

Typical dishes: Cacio e Pepe (pasta with pecorino cheese and pepper), Carbonara, Saltimbocca alla Romana, and Carciofi alla Giudia (fried artichokes).

Recommendations: Avoid restaurants close to major sights, as they are often overpriced. Instead, look for places frequented by locals.

Read my food tips for Rome (including recommendations for a food tour)

With these tips, you are well prepared for your visit to Rome and can enjoy the city to the fullest!

Rome is a city full of history and many sights to see: from ancient times to modern architecture. We love coming back here. The only downside: you usually cannot visit most attractions without a reservation. Without planning, the trip could end in disaster.

Take your time to let the atmosphere of Rome sink in, enjoy the culinary highlights, and let yourself drift. One thing is for sure: a visit to Rome is unforgettable, and you will likely return with a few extra pounds.

Leave a comment at the end of the article! We are curious about your highlights, favorite activities, and attractions. What sightseeing can you recommend? Thank you for your feedback and for reading this post to the end.

-> Find all further travel tips for Rome in this post

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