In fact, we could make a top 100 list of Rome, and even a top 1,000 if we push it. So choosing the 10 must-see places in Rome is not easy. But as the time of the trip is limited, and so is our energy, we have to choose the essential places that we cannot miss on our first trip to the capital of Italy. And that's what we're here for...
Ready to discover the places to visit in Rome on your first trip?
10 places to visit in Rome
We have visited Rome many times and we love it. There is always something new to see and something “old” that we always want to say hello to. And then there is the gastronomy, the picturesque streets, the light, the special atmosphere of the Italian capital where you can still breathe a trace of the Dolce Vita.
If it is your first trip we have a piece of advice: enjoy every moment… you will never forget your first time in Rome 🙂 And here is our top 10:
1. Colosseum
It is the symbol not only of modern Rome, but of an empire that dominated the world for centuries. The Flavian Amphitheatre , which was named after it almost 2,000 years ago, was one of the fundamental elements for the governance of the city. Under the motto " panem et circenses " (bread and circuses), it gathered up to 50,000 people at each of its events (gladiator fights, re-enactments of battles, etc.). In this way, the Emperor calmed the people's spirits, and at the same time gave himself a bath of crowds.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum was pillaged, earthquakes, and fires hit it, but none of that could destroy its grandeur. Standing before its imposing ruins, you will realise that you are standing before a very important part of history , and that feeling is only possible in a handful of buildings in the whole world.
→ Here we tell you how to visit the Colosseum, with lots of info and tips
Remember to bring your Revolut card and/or N26 card so that you are not charged commissions when withdrawing money and paying abroad.
2. Trevi Fountain
We are not far off the mark when we say that this is the most famous fountain in the world, especially after Anita Ekberg's "Marcello, come here" in Federico Fellini's film " La Dolce Vita ". So it is without a doubt one of those places to visit in Rome. As well as being the most beautiful fountain in the city , it is also the largest, measuring 26 metres high by 20 metres wide. The effect of grandeur is enhanced when, after wandering through this labyrinthine neighbourhood, you suddenly find this masterpiece in front of you.
However, since it is a small space, it is important to visit it at odd times, so as not to be too crowded. With the night lighting, it also takes on an even more spectacular dimension.
3. Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, a top place to visit in Rome
This is the heart of Ancient Rome, and a walk through these ruins is essential to understanding the daily life of the most developed city of its time. If the Forum is the place where the daily activity of the Roman people was concentrated, the Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and where the city originated, back in 1,000 BC, with the legend of Romulus and Remus. Take a look at our summary of the history of Ancient Rome .
→ These are our tips for visiting the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill
Both areas are dotted with the ruins of the Empire's most important buildings: temples, arches, basilicas, the Roman Curia, and the homes of Emperors. With a bit of imagination, it won't be difficult to transport yourself back 2,000 years and feel like a patrician.
→ Sign up for this free tour of Imperial Rome
4. Pantheon of Agrippa
It is undoubtedly one of the best preserved monuments of Ancient Rome, thanks to the perfection of the architectural techniques achieved by this people. It is also one of our favorites in the entire city. It stands out for being circular, crowned by a gigantic dome of perfect dimensions, and for its imposing portico of 16 columns. Within the walls of its interior there are several chapels that protect the remains of some great Italian personalities, such as the first monarch Victor Emmanuel II, his son Umberto I and his wife Margarita, or the Renaissance painter and architect Raphael. Come on, it goes straight into the top 10 places to visit in Rome 🙂
And if at this point you need a break, head over to the legendary Giolitti ice cream shop (well, do it even if you don't need a break XD) and enjoy one of the best ice creams in Rome (ask for whipped cream on top!).
5. Piazza del Campidoglio and Capitoline Museums
There are so many squares in Rome! One of the most interesting is undoubtedly the Piazza del Campidoglio, located on the Capitoline Hill , the most sacred place in the city during the time of the Empire. Temples such as the important Temple of Jupiter were once located here, but over time other, more functional buildings were built. In fact, its great reform came in the Renaissance, and was carried out by none other than Michelangelo.
Among these buildings, the two palaces that house the Capitoline Museums (on either side of the square and connected by an underground gallery) stand out. In them we can admire jewels from Ancient Rome and from other periods.
→ Here are our tips for visiting the Capitoline Museums in Rome
You don't need to enter the museum to enjoy bits of Roman history. In the same square there is a copy of the Capitoline Wolf (yes, the one that breast-fed Romulus and Remus) or the copy of the equestrian statue of the emperor Marcus Aurelius, 3 meters high.
→ Book a guided tour of the Capitoline Museums and surrounding areas
Another of Rome's legendary squares, and probably the most monumental of all. It is surrounded by authentic architectural gems, such as the Palazzo Pamphili or the church of Santa Agnese in Agone . However, what undoubtedly draws the most attention are the three pompously decorated fountains , spread out along the square: the Fountain of the Four Rivers in the centre, the Fountain of Neptune at the northern end, and the Fountain of the Moro at the southern end.
Before you leave the square, stop by to say hello to Pasquino , Rome’s most famous “talking statue.” It’s located in Piazza di Pasquino, south of Piazza Navona. Another must-see in Rome!
7. Castel Sant'Angelo
No other place in Rome has witnessed so many chapters of its history. This castle, which is almost 2,000 years old, has served as a fortress, a mausoleum, a prison and even as an escape route for the Popes to the Vatican through the so-called “ Passetto di Borgo ”.
But the event that gave it its name occurred during the worst plague epidemics of all time. Legend has it that in 590, Pope Gregory I had a vision of the Archangel Michael on top of the castle, and since then the epidemic disappeared. Today we can see a statue in his honour crowning the building.
To get to the Castel you have to cross a bridge over the Tiber with the same name. It is one of the most beautiful bridges in Rome and the views from there are spectacular.
→ Take a tour of Castel Sant'Angelo with a climb to the terrace
8. Plaza de España, a must-see in Rome
It is one of our favourite corners of Rome (and of thousands of other tourists). If the Piazza del Campidoglio is pure history and the Piazza Navona is monumentality, the Piazza di Spagna is elegance . It is surrounded by the most luxurious and exclusive streets of Rome, and the area has always been a meeting place for poets, artists and writers. So this thing goes back a long way.
Here, you should sit on the famous steps that lead up to the church of Trinità dei Monti (even better with a tiramisu from Pompi), and watch the hustle and bustle around the Fontana della Barcaccia , a work by Bernini. But don't relax too much, keep climbing to reach the top and take in the wonderful views over the roofs of the Italian capital, especially at sunset... One of the best places to visit in Rome.
9. Villa Borghese, Galleria Borghese and Piazza del Popolo
Villa Borghese is the third largest park in Rome and one of the largest urban parks in Europe. It is a combination of gardens, lakes, fountains, palaces, sculptures and monuments that make for a very pleasant walk. And to top it off, there is one of the best viewing points in Rome: the Terrazza del Pincio .
Its vast expanse is home to a number of interesting museums, such as the Museum of Etruscan Art, the National Gallery of Modern Art, and the Borghese Museum and Galleria , one of the most important art museums
in the world, with works by artists such as Bernini, Raphael, Caravaggio, Rubens and Titian, among others.
Furthermore, at the foot of the park at its western end is Piazza del Popolo , the vertex of three very important streets (Via del Babuino, Via de Ripetta and Via del Corso) and where the central obelisk stands out, brought from Egypt , and the two twin churches Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanti, some of the most beautiful churches in Rome , which in reality have some differences. It is one of the most suggestive squares in Rome.
→ Book a guided tour in Spanish of the Galleria Borghese
10. Piazza Venezia and the Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II
Unlike the other squares, it is impossible to relax while strolling here, as it is one of the most important communication hubs in the city, and where almost all the traffic passes through. We do not recommend it for this, obviously, but for the gigantic Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II , also called “Vittoriano”. Both the size and the design are truly majestic (white marble, a gigantic staircase and an equally impressive equestrian statue of the king). Although some would better define it as “monstrous”, and there are many who have criticised its construction.
In front of its main façade we will find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , with its eternal flame, and inside it houses the Risorgimento Museum and, best of all, panoramic elevators that take you to the terrace of the monument.
Another important building in this square is the Palazzo Venezia , from where Musolini addressed his people and which currently serves as the National Museum.
10+1: The Vatican, one of the best places to visit in Rome
The Vatican is a city-state located in the heart of Rome, and known worldwide for being the seat of the Catholic Church and home of the Pope (okay, you already knew that). Leaving aside the religious aspect, objectively a visit to Rome without stopping by the Vatican could very well be a cardinal sin.
So we recommend that you dedicate at least a full morning, from dawn even, to see all its treasures, which are quite a few! But to summarise: St. Peter's Square , St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums are what will take up a few hours of your time.
→ Here we tell you how to visit the Vatican Museums and a lot of tips
→ And these are the essential works of the Vatican Museums
And hey, if your visit falls on a Wednesday, you can sign up for the audience with the Pope !
Rome is one of the most spectacular cities in the world (if not the most) and offers tons of attractions. But if we have to limit this list, we'll stick with these 10 must-see places in Rome . Which is your favorite? Is there one we've forgotten that deserves to be included in the ranking?
