Rome is a city rich in history, architecture, and incredible museums such as the Galleria Borghese, Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. I recommend giving yourself at least 3 days to explore, however, if you’re limited on time or you prefer to spend it roaming the streets getting a feel for the city rather than waiting in a queue, this list is for you.
Many of these are free and take little to no time to visit while others offer entrance tickets, however, you’re always welcome to admire their beautiful exteriors free of charge.
1. pantheon
The Pantheon (free entrance, no ticket required) is a former Roman temple commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD) and is the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.
The oculus allows daylight to enter and also serves as a cooling and ventilation method. Because it is completely open, a drainage system below the floor handles the rain that falls through.
- Rick Steves Audio Europe offers a free audio guide for the Pantheon as well as other popular sites in Rome. You can download the app from the andriod app store.
2. Piazza Navona
Built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian, in the 1st century AD, it is now a public square that houses numerous restaurants. Although a bit pricey it’s a lovely square to enjoy aperitivo and people watch.
3. the spanish steps
The Spanish Steps were built between 1723 and 1725 and are rich in history involving a French Diplomat and the Spanish Embassy. Today it is mostly frequented by tourists, as a resting place before heading to the Trevi Fountain (4-minute walk). Grab a gelato, choose your perfect step and enjoy the experience. (update: As of August 2019, sitting on the steps carries a fine of $450 if you are spotted by an officer) Instead, head upwards and enjoy the view while standing at the top of the stairs.
4. COLOSSEUM
One of Rome’s most iconic monuments and for good reason, it’s the largest amphitheater ever built. Construction began in AD 72 and was completed in AD 80 which blows my mind since it seems to take longer to build a local Starbucks.
- Tickets sell out quickly sometimes months in advance so find out when your selected dates go on sale and keep an eye on the calendar. Keep in mind that during “off-season” it is much easier to get tickets. I’ve visited Rome during various times of the year and while lines wrap around the Colosseum during the spring, summer, and fall, during the Holiday’s me and a friend who lives in Rome were able to purchase tickets and head to the front of the line with no more than a 10-minute wait.
- Bonus: the Roman Forum-Palatine is included in a standard ticket.
- Regardless if you’re able to purchase a ticket to go inside, stop and enjoy the exterior it’s pretty spectacular.
where to take the best photos
with the colosseum as your backdrop
Snapping a photo eye level with the Colosseum is great as it allows you to capture the entire structure however if you’re looking to get a little creative, taking your photos from above is where it’s at.
- If you’re visiting the Colosseum you will most likely use the metro where you will get off at the stop marked Colosseo.
- Head towards the metro exit and look for an escalator/stairs to the right of the station before exiting.
- This will take you to the upper level where you’ll want to be for your epic photos.
Mine are a far cry from epic but since my travel photos are 90% comprised of selfie stick and tripod shots and 10% random tourists filling in as my photographer, I’m lucky to have most of them in focus. If you are traveling with someone dedicated to getting you that Instagram worthy shot, I guarantee this is the location that will help get it.
5. theatre of marcellus
- Completed in 13 BC, it is the oldest remains of an ancient Roman theatre to have survived.
- It resembles the Colosseum because it was the model for the Colosseum which was built decades later.
- It is located below what is considered ‘current-day street level’. Without getting too scientific, this was caused by what archaeologists call sediment accumulation which means our street level has elevated over time.
6. st peter's basilica & square
The architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica is breathtaking, it is also regarded as one of the holiest Catholic shrines.
Tourists often use the term “The Vatican” when referring to St. Peter’s Basilica but here is the difference.
- Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, encircled by a 2-mile border. It is an independent city-state that covers just over 100 acres.
- Inside the walled borders of Vatican City are the Vatican Museums which contain huge collections of art along with the world-famous Sistine Chapel. The term “the Vatican” should only be used when referring to these museums.
- The rest of the space within the Vatican’s city walls is made up of chapels, offices, etc.
- St. Peter’s Basilica is located within St. Peter’s Square and is a small part of the Vatican city that is outside the walls and can be wandered into from the street. This is one of my favorite areas in Rome so I typically book accommodations within walking distance.
- Getting tickets for the Vatican and seeing the Sistine Chapel is an absolute must! I highly recommend purchasing your tickets early or ideally booking a tour that includes front-of-the-line access. While entering the Vatican requires tickets, walking around the exterior of St Peter’s Basilica and the square is free and also a must!
magical at night
be sure to visit st peter's basilica during the day and at night
7. trevi fountain
Standing 86 ft high and 161.3 ft wide, it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world.
- The fountain is one of Rome’s top tourist attractions so depending on the time of year you travel, the crowd can be unbearable. Be sure to arrive early in the morning to beat the crowd or later in the evening when most are eating dinner.
- Due to the large crowds, this is a hub for pickpocketing. It’s difficult to notice the difference between a fellow tourist bumping into you and a pickpocketer “bumping into you” so keep your valuables close at all times.
8. CASTEL SAN'T ANGELO & PONTE SANT ' ANGELO
- Castel San’t Angelo is a towering cylindrical building initially commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. The building was later used by the popes as a fortress and castle and is now a museum.
- Ponte Sant’Angelo is a pedestrian-only bridge adorned with ten beautiful Angels each with its own sculptor and inscriptions such as Thou hast ravished my heart.
- It was completed in 134 AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian, to span the Tiber river, from the city center to his newly constructed mausoleum which is now called Castel Sant’Angelo.
9.PIAZZA VENEZIA
Venetian Square is a square located in Rome, at the foot of the Capitoline Hill.
10. TORRE ARGENTINA CAT SANCTUARY
If you’re a cat lover this is an interesting stop.
Torre Argentina is a cat shelter that makes use of the ancient ruins of Largo di Torre Argentina by providing a space for cats without a loving home.
- After the excavation of the temple ruins in 1929, feral cats moved into the area, sheltered by Roman pillars and fed by locals. In the 1950s, an actor named Antonio Crast, found the old warehouse where archeologists in the 20s kept there tools and it was there that he began feeding the feral cats. The keys to the warehouse were passed down until they landed in the hands of the founders of the sanctuary.
- In 2012 the shelter faced closure when national archaeological officials demanded that the cat sanctuary be evicted from the ruins. Over 30,000 signatures were collected for petitions in favor of preserving the cat sanctuary and keeping it running.
All locations are pinned below to make exploring easy for you.