Best 12 Must-See Attractions in Rome

1. The Colosseum and Roman Forum

• Why It’s Special: The Colosseum, one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome, brings history to life as one of the largest amphitheaters ever built. Nearby, the Roman Forum is a sprawling site of ancient ruins that was once the center of Roman public life.

• Unique Experience: Take a guided tour to explore the Colosseum’s underground chambers and learn about the gladiator battles and spectacles that entertained Roman crowds. Walking through the Roman Forum offers a surreal glimpse into ancient Rome, with temples, basilicas, and arches narrating centuries of history.

2. Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel

• Why It’s Special: Vatican City, the spiritual heart of Catholicism, is home to incredible Renaissance art and architecture. The Vatican Museums house vast collections of masterpieces, while St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel showcase the genius of Michelangelo.

• Unique Experience: Visitors can marvel at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling, depicting biblical scenes with vivid detail and emotion, and explore the papal gardens. For a unique perspective, join a “Scavi Tour” to see the Vatican’s underground necropolis, where St. Peter is believed to be buried.

3. Trastevere Neighborhood

• Why It’s Special: Trastevere offers a more bohemian and less touristy feel with its charming cobblestone streets, lively cafes, and colorful street art. This neighborhood is ideal for those seeking authentic Roman culture and local dining.

• Unique Experience: Spend an evening wandering Trastevere’s streets and enjoy a meal in a traditional trattoria. The Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome and features beautiful mosaics worth seeing. At night, Trastevere comes alive with music, making it a vibrant spot for socializing.

4. Pantheon

• Why It’s Special: The Pantheon is a marvel of ancient Roman engineering and one of the best-preserved structures from antiquity. Its enormous dome and oculus are engineering feats that still inspire wonder.

• Unique Experience: Step inside this architectural masterpiece to experience the vast interior and observe how the light filters through the oculus. The Pantheon is free to visit, and on a rainy day, you can see raindrops falling through the oculus, creating a unique atmosphere.

5. Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain

• Why It’s Special: Piazza Navona, with its ornate fountains and baroque architecture, and the Trevi Fountain, a renowned symbol of Rome, are must-visit spots for art and history lovers.

• Unique Experience: Watch street performers in Piazza Navona and enjoy an espresso at one of the outdoor cafes. At the Trevi Fountain, tradition dictates tossing a coin over your shoulder to ensure a return to Rome—an experience that adds a touch of romance and magic to the trip.

6. Castel Sant’Angelo

• Why It’s Special: Originally built as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum, Castel Sant’Angelo has served as a fortress, papal residence, and prison over the centuries. It’s an architectural gem that combines history with stunning views of the city.

• Unique Experience: Climb to the rooftop terrace to enjoy one of Rome’s best views, overlooking the Vatican, Tiber River, and city skyline. The castle also offers a glimpse into medieval defense structures and ancient art, making it a fascinating place to explore.

7. Villa Borghese Gardens and Borghese Gallery

• Why It’s Special: Villa Borghese is one of Rome’s largest and most beautiful parks, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. The Borghese Gallery within the park houses masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Titian.

• Unique Experience: Rent a bike or rowboat to explore the gardens, then tour the Borghese Gallery to see world-renowned artworks. The combination of natural beauty and cultural richness makes Villa Borghese a delightful spot for art lovers and nature enthusiasts

8. The Appian Way and Catacombs

• Why It’s Special: The Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) is one of the earliest and most strategically significant roads in ancient Rome. It’s surrounded by fascinating archaeological sites, including ancient tombs and early Christian catacombs.

• Unique Experience: Rent a bike and ride along the Appian Way, stopping to explore the Catacombs of San Callisto or San Sebastiano, where early Christians were buried. The experience of walking or cycling on this ancient road, surrounded by Roman ruins and countryside, is truly unique.

9. Campo de' Fiori Market

• Why It’s Special: Campo de' Fiori is one of Rome’s oldest and liveliest markets, known for its vibrant stalls filled with fresh produce, flowers, spices, and traditional Italian goods. It’s a perfect spot to experience Rome’s daily life and sample local foods.

• Unique Experience: Explore the market in the morning to taste fresh ingredients and local delicacies, or return in the evening when the square transforms into a lively nightlife hub. Visiting Campo de' Fiori is a sensory delight, offering tastes, aromas, and colors that reflect Roman culture.

10. Day Trip to Tivoli (Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa)

• Why It’s Special: Just a short journey from Rome, Tivoli is home to Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for their stunning Renaissance gardens, fountains, and ancient ruins.

• Unique Experience: Villa d’Este’s gardens are a wonder to explore, featuring over 500 fountains and beautifully landscaped terraces. Hadrian’s Villa offers a look into the life of the Emperor Hadrian, with impressive ruins and mosaics. Tivoli is a perfect day trip that combines natural beauty, history, and architectural splendor.

11. Gianicolo Hill (Janiculum Hill)

• Why It’s Special: Just a short journey from Rome, Tivoli is home to Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for their stunning Renaissance gardens, fountains, and ancient ruins.

• Unique Experience: Villa d’Este’s gardens are a wonder to explore, featuring over 500 fountains and beautifully landscaped terraces. Hadrian’s Villa offers a look into the life of the Emperor Hadrian, with impressive ruins and mosaics. Tivoli is a perfect day trip that combines natural beauty, history, and architectural splendor.

12. Food and Wine Tour through Testaccio

• Why It’s Special: Just a short journey from Rome, Tivoli is home to Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for their stunning Renaissance gardens, fountains, and ancient ruins.

• Unique Experience: Villa d’Este’s gardens are a wonder to explore, featuring over 500 fountains and beautifully landscaped terraces. Hadrian’s Villa offers a look into the life of the Emperor Hadrian, with impressive ruins and mosaics. Tivoli is a perfect day trip that combines natural beauty, history, and architectural splendor.

Rome’s top destinations and experiences capture the essence of this timeless city, combining ancient history, vibrant culture, natural beauty, and mouthwatering cuisine. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, each spot tells a story that invites visitors to explore, learn, and savor everything Rome has to offer.