Things to do in Rome:

attractions & landmarks

Top 25 Rome tourist attractions, sightseeing, what
to do & highlights

The top 25 Best things to do in Rome Italy, sightseeing and all must-see sites, tourist attractions, Roman monuments
and famous landmarks. What to do, highlights and best attractions to see in Rome?

Best things to do in Rome Italy - Top 25 Rome

attractions
Rome is a city full of museums, squares, Roman landmarks and other highlights. The Italian city has
more to offer than just the main Rome tourist attractions like the Colosseum, the Pantheon and St.
Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. During your visit to this city, these are the top 25 of the most
famous sightseeing and most popular Rome attractions. Click one of the must-see highlights, places to
visit or Rome landmarks for more information on this unique monuments, museums, tourist
attractions and best things to do in Rome Italy:
1. Places to visit: Colosseum
The number 1 attraction of Rome is the Colosseum; the large amphitheatre that housed 65,000 spectators in Roma
Colosseum's arena. In the giant ‘ruins’ of the Colosseum, you can visit the stands, the arena and the underground s
number of visitors, it is highly recommended to book tickets to the Colosseum in advance, which is considered one
famous landmark 'Colosseum'.
2. Trevi Fountain of Rome
The most famous fountain in Rome and perhaps even the world must be the ‘Fontana di Trevi’, or Trevi Fountain. T
18th century and a must see at the list of 'best things to do in Rome'. The landmark and monument displays the go
complete without tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain, as this means the person throwing the coin will ‘one day retu
3. Must see: Pantheon
One of the best maintained buildings from Roman times is the Pantheon. What function the building had in those d
emperor Hadrian in 608. The current church has several unique funerary monuments (painter Raphael and a few It
Since a while you need to buy tickets to visit the Roman Pantheon.
4. St. Peter’s Basilica
The St. Peter’s Basilica, or ‘Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano’ is the spiritual centre of the Catholic Church and reside
state of Vatican City and next to St Peter's Square, was built on what is believed to be the grave of Peter. St. Peter’s
Pieta’ by Michelangelo, but you can also visit the crypts with 148 papal tombs. Plan your visit to St Peter's well ahea
5. Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Over the centuries, the popes amassed an enormous art collection varying from Roman objects and religious relics
richly decorated rooms and view these art treasures of the Catholic church. The highlight for many visitors is likely
Michelangelo that is mostly known as the site of conclave when a new pope is elected. Because it gets so many visi
line tickets is a must if you do not wish to wait in the hot sun for over two hours.
6. Roman sights of Forum Romanum & Palatine
The Forum Romanum was the centre of the ancient Roman Empire. During your visit to the Forum Romanum, you
old temples, arches, market halls and other important buildings built there by different emperors. Next to the foru
residences. More info 'Forum Romanum'
7. Famous places: Piazza Navona
One of the most remarkable squares and best places to visit in Rome is Piazza Navona. The famous square therefo
athletics stadium. Interesting sights on the square include a number of fountains, such as the ‘La Fontana dei Quat
excavations of the old stadium of Domitianus. In addition, Piazza Navona is a lively square with many street perform
8. Castel Sant’Angelo
Originally, the 2nd-century Castel Sant’Angelo, or Castle of the Holy Angel, was a mausoleum for emperor Hadrian.
pope Pius II had a large bronze statue of the angels placed on top of the castle. The Castle of the Holy Angel was pa
shelter, as the Vatican was connected to it by a tun
1. Places to visit: Colosseum
The number 1 attraction of Rome is the Colosseum; the large amphitheatre that housed 65,000 spectators in Roma
Colosseum's arena. In the giant ‘ruins’ of the Colosseum, you can visit the stands, the arena and the underground s
number of visitors, it is highly recommended to book tickets to the Colosseum in advance, which is considered one
famous landmark 'Colosseum'.
2. Trevi Fountain of Rome
The most famous fountain in Rome and perhaps even the world must be the ‘Fontana di Trevi’, or Trevi Fountain. T
18th century and a must see at the list of 'best things to do in Rome'. The landmark and monument displays the go
complete without tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain, as this means the person throwing the coin will ‘one day retu
3. Must see: Pantheon
One of the best maintained buildings from Roman times is the Pantheon. What function the building had in those d
emperor Hadrian in 608. The current church has several unique funerary monuments (painter Raphael and a few It
Since a while you need to buy tickets to visit the Roman Pantheon.
4. St. Peter’s Basilica
The St. Peter’s Basilica, or ‘Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano’ is the spiritual centre of the Catholic Church and reside
state of Vatican City and next to St Peter's Square, was built on what is believed to be the grave of Peter. St. Peter’s
Pieta’ by Michelangelo, but you can also visit the crypts with 148 papal tombs. Plan your visit to St Peter's well ahea
5. Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Over the centuries, the popes amassed an enormous art collection varying from Roman objects and religious relics
richly decorated rooms and view these art treasures of the Catholic church. The highlight for many visitors is likely
Michelangelo that is mostly known as the site of conclave when a new pope is elected. Because it gets so many visi
line tickets is a must if you do not wish to wait in the hot sun for over two hours.
6. Roman sights of Forum Romanum & Palatine
The Forum Romanum was the centre of the ancient Roman Empire. During your visit to the Forum Romanum, you
old temples, arches, market halls and other important buildings built there by different emperors. Next to the foru
residences. More info 'Forum Romanum'
7. Famous places: Piazza Navona
One of the most remarkable squares and best places to visit in Rome is Piazza Navona. The famous square therefo
athletics stadium. Interesting sights on the square include a number of fountains, such as the ‘La Fontana dei Quat
excavations of the old stadium of Domitianus. In addition, Piazza Navona is a lively square with many street perform
8. Castel Sant’Angelo
Originally, the 2nd-century Castel Sant’Angelo, or Castle of the Holy Angel, was a mausoleum for emperor Hadrian.
pope Pius II had a large bronze statue of the angels placed on top of the castle. The Castle of the Holy Angel was pa
shelter, as the Vatican was connected to it by a tunnel.

Rome sightseeing, activities & landmarks

9. Galleria & Villa Borghese
The name ‘Villa Borghese’ refers to the largest and most beautiful park in Rome. At one time, this estate belonged t
around the villa of the same name. Since 1903, it has been in the possession of the municipality of Rome and serve
park, a museum displaying the large private art collection of Borghese. The gallery contains sculptures and painting
Vinci.
10. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
The Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four papal churches and the largest Marian church in Rom
still contains many authentic mosaics. It also has a distinctive golden ceiling. It is said that there are even pieces of
11. Sights of Trastevere
On the opposite bank of the river Tiber lies the old working-class neighbourhood of Rome. Trastevere is a typical Ita
streets, see old medieval houses, and go for a lively night out in the area's many restaurants and bars. What to do i
12. Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna)
At the foot of the French church ‘Trinita dei Monti’ lie the 135 steps of the Spanish Steps. The Spanish Steps decent
Pietro Bernini. The 18th-century Spanish Steps have grown into a tourist hotspot, and the top of the stairs offers a
13. Rome landmarks: Monument of Vittorio Emanuele II
One of the most remarkable of Rome landmarks, the monument of the first Italian king Vittorio Emanuelle II, is loca
the ‘Altare della Patria’ – the altar of the fatherland – and commemorates the unification of Italy. Romans also use n
white building also contains a museum and the tomb of the unknown soldier, which is guarded by two soldiers.
14. Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
The remarkable thing about the archbasilica of St John Lateran is that the ‘San Giovanni in Laterano’ technically has
four papal basilicas and the cathedral of the Rome diocese. The baroque-looking church has been modified many t
façade with statues by Alessandro Galilei.
16. Via Appia Antica & Catacombs
Via Appia Antica (or Roman Appian Way) is one of the oldest roads into Rome from Roman times. The road with its
for trade and moving military troops more quickly. The Via Appia road was located just outside the city walls, which
the side of it, like the Catacombs of San Callisto. The best way to visit the Via Appia and its tourist attractions is with
16. Piazza del Popolo
The Piazza del Popolo is a large neo-classical square from the 19th century, originally intended to welcome visitors
square are the two identical churches built across from each other, the city gate ‘Porta del Popolo’, an enormous Eg
wonderful view.
17. Domus Aurea
Domus Aurea are the excavations of Nero's "Golden House". Since 2014 it is possible to visit the remains of this hu
experience what the huge palace must have looked like at the time. The tour is only available on Saturdays and Sun
lesser-known Rome tourist attraction, but one of my personal favorites. Reservation is necessary (more Domus Aur
18. Things to do: Rome sightseeing by bike
An easy way to discover much of the Rome landmarks is by bicycle. Rent a bike yourself, or even better, go on this b
sights of Rome. In a few hours you will see many highlights and you will hear interesting stories about the history o
popular, so we recommend that you book in advance (more info & bike tour bookings).
19. Palazzo Colonna or Palazzo Doria Pamphilj
In Rome there are a number of beautiful city palaces from the 16th and 17th centuries. These palaces are all splend
During your city trip, it is worth visiting at least one palace and its associated galleries. I prefer two palaces; if you a
Gallery, on other days you can visit the Doria Pamphilj Gallery.
20. Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano
The basilica, dedicated to pope Clement I, is not one of the most impressive churches of Rome at a first glance of it
multiple church buildings were built on top of each other over the centuries. During your visit, you will have the opp
excavations of a 4th-century church, a secret church from the 1st century and Roman foundations.
22. Domus Romane
Below Palazzo Valentini, next to the Forum of Trajan, are the remains of some Roman houses and baths. After a few
archaeological excavations, which is why Domus Romane is highly recommended. The excavations are brought to l
visit to Rome, this was my positive surprise. It is recommended to book because of the small groups allowed (more
23. Churches, churches and more churches
Rome counts as much as 900 churches. Be sure to spontaneously step into a church during your Rome visit; even t
more details about 15 of Rome's most special churches.
24. Baths of Caracalla
The ‘Terme di Caracalla’ are the ruins of the immense bathhouse (baths) from the 3rd century CE. At one time, it wa
visitors. Unfortunately, earthquakes and plundering of building materials have left their marks. However, the archa
of emperor Caracalla were in those days.

Things to do in Rome: Tours & Activities