Top 10visitRome

Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Rome

Rome, the Eternal City, is a living museum where ancient history meets modern Italian culture. From the grandeur of the Colosseum to the spiritual heart of Vatican City, Rome offers an unparalleled journey through time. Visitors can toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, marvel at the engineering of the Pantheon, and indulge in world-class cuisine in Trastevere.

Updated January 21, 2026

All-Time Best

1.

Colosseum

Colosseum
Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, ItalyWebsite

The largest amphitheater ever built, this iconic symbol of Imperial Rome was completed in 80 AD and once held up to 80,000 spectators for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. Its elliptical structure and innovative engineering continue to influence stadium design today.

Highlights

  • Arena Floor Access
  • Underground Chambers
  • Third Ring Panoramic Views
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2.

Vatican Museums

Vatican Museums
Viale Vaticano, 00165 Roma RM, ItalyWebsite

One of the world's greatest art collections, the Vatican Museums house treasures accumulated by popes over centuries, including the breathtaking Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's famous ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment.

Highlights

  • Sistine Chapel
  • Raphael Rooms
  • Gallery of Maps
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3.

St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica
Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican CityWebsite

The world's largest church and center of Catholicism, this Renaissance masterpiece features Michelangelo's Pietà, Bernini's towering bronze baldachin, and a stunning dome designed by Michelangelo offering panoramic views of Rome.

Highlights

  • Michelangelo's Pietà
  • Dome Climb
  • St. Peter's Tomb
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4.

Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain
Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, ItalyWebsite

Rome's largest and most famous Baroque fountain, designed by Nicola Salvi and completed in 1762. Legend has it that tossing a coin into the fountain with your right hand over your left shoulder ensures your return to Rome.

Highlights

  • Coin Tossing Tradition
  • Neptune Sculpture
  • Evening Illumination
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5.

Pantheon

Pantheon
Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, ItalyWebsite

The best-preserved building from ancient Rome, this former temple features the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome with its famous oculus open to the sky. Now a church, it houses the tomb of the Renaissance master Raphael.

Highlights

  • The Oculus
  • Raphael's Tomb
  • Corinthian Columns
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6.

Roman Forum

Roman Forum
Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma RM, ItalyWebsite

The center of ancient Roman public life, this sprawling archaeological site features the ruins of important government buildings, temples, and basilicas that were the political, religious, and commercial heart of the Empire.

Highlights

  • Temple of Saturn
  • Arch of Titus
  • House of the Vestal Virgins
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7.

Spanish Steps

Spanish Steps
Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, ItalyWebsite

A monumental stairway of 135 steps connecting the Piazza di Spagna at the base to the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. Built in the 18th century, it remains one of Rome's most iconic meeting places and perfect for people-watching.

Highlights

  • Trinità dei Monti Church
  • Barcaccia Fountain
  • Designer Shopping Streets
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8.

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, ItalyWebsite

Built on the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, this elegant Baroque square features three magnificent fountains, including Bernini's masterful Fountain of the Four Rivers. Surrounded by cafes and street artists.

Highlights

  • Fountain of the Four Rivers
  • Sant'Agnese in Agone
  • Street Artists
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9.

Trastevere

Trastevere
Trastevere, Roma RM, ItalyWebsite

A charming, bohemian neighborhood across the Tiber River, known for its medieval cobblestone streets, ivy-covered buildings, and vibrant nightlife. Home to authentic trattorias, artisan shops, and the beautiful Santa Maria in Trastevere basilica.

Highlights

  • Santa Maria in Trastevere
  • Local Trattorias
  • Evening Passeggiata
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10.

Borghese Gallery

Borghese Gallery
Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, 00197 Roma RM, ItalyWebsite

Housed in the stunning Villa Borghese, this world-class art museum contains masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian. The intimate setting and required timed reservations ensure an uncrowded viewing experience.

Highlights

  • Bernini's Apollo and Daphne
  • Caravaggio's David
  • Raphael's Deposition
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Frequently Asked Questions

The best times to visit Rome are from April to June and late September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are generally thinner than in the peak summer months of July and August.

To see the major highlights without rushing, plan for at least 3 to 4 days. This gives you enough time to explore Ancient Rome, the Vatican, and the historic center while enjoying the local lifestyle.

Yes, passes like the Roma Pass or the Omnia Card can be worth it if you plan to visit multiple paid attractions and use public transport heavily. They often include skip-the-line access to major sites like the Colosseum.

Rome's churches, especially St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, enforce a strict dress code. Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women. Avoid shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless tops.

Yes, Rome's tap water is safe and delicious. The city is famous for its 'nasoni' (big nose) drinking fountains scattered throughout the streets, providing fresh, cold water for free.