10 Best Places Must See in Rome – Italy's Eternal City

1. Colosseum – Rome’s Gladiatorial Arena

Completed in AD 80, the Colosseum stands as the world’s largest ancient amphitheatre and Rome’s most iconic landmark. Once hosting epic battles between gladiators and wild animals, this engineering marvel could seat up to 80,000 spectators. Despite centuries of earthquakes and looting, it remains a symbol of Roman might and resilience.

Visit Info
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours
• Best Time: Morning (8:30–10:30 AM) to avoid crowds and heat

Booking Tips
• Where to Book: Official Coopculture Website
• Tickets: €18–22 (includes Roman Forum and Palatine Hill)
• Tip: Opt for a guided tour or arena floor access for deeper insight

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Outer arches with golden hour light
• Inside the arena, capturing the underground hypogeum

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Ludus Magnus: Ruins of the gladiator training school across the street
• Basilica di San Clemente: A layered church with underground Roman temples

Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Rome, Italy
Metro: Colosseo Station (Line B)

2. Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel – Renaissance Masterpieces

Home to centuries of art collected by the Popes, the Vatican Museums house one of the world’s richest cultural collections. The journey through ornate galleries culminates in the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s ceiling and The Last Judgment leave visitors awestruck.

Visit Info
• Duration: 2–3 hours
• Best Time: Late afternoon or Friday evenings (extended hours)

Booking Tips
• Where to Book: Official Vatican Museums Website
• Tickets: €17–25 (skip-the-line highly recommended)
• Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before your slot to avoid queuing

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Spiral Bramante Staircase
• Gallery of Maps with its turquoise ceiling

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Vatican Gardens (advance booking required)
• Borgo Pio: Quaint street with cafés and artisan shops

Address: Viale Vaticano, 00165 Rome, Italy
Metro: Ottaviano Station (Line A)

3. St. Peter’s Basilica – The Heart of Christendom

St. Peter’s Basilica is the world’s largest church and the spiritual centre of Catholicism. Designed by masters like Michelangelo and Bernini, its grandeur reflects centuries of faith and art. The climb to the dome rewards you with sweeping views of Rome and St. Peter’s Square.

Visit Info
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours
• Best Time: Early morning (7:00–9:00 AM) or late afternoon

Booking Tips
• Where to Book: Free entry (dome climb: €6–10)
• Dress Code: Shoulders and knees must be covered
• Tip: Combine with the Vatican Museums for a full Vatican experience

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Dome view of Vatican City
• Bernini’s bronze Baldachin under the main dome

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Tomb of St. Peter and Vatican Grottoes
• Porta Santa: The Holy Door opened during Jubilee years

Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Vatican City
Metro: Ottaviano Station (Line A)

4. Pantheon – Rome’s Best-Preserved Ancient Monument

Built in 126 AD under Emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon is a masterpiece of Roman engineering. Its massive dome — still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world — features an oculus that allows natural light to illuminate the temple’s interior dramatically.

Visit Info
• Duration: 30–45 minutes
• Best Time: Noon, when sunlight beams directly through the oculus

Booking Tips
• Where to Book: Required via official website (from €5)
• Tip: Free entry every first Sunday of the month

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Oculus spotlighting the marble floor
• The imposing front colonnade with Rome’s hustle in the background

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva
• Tazza d’Oro: Iconic café for Rome’s best granita di caffè

Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Rome, Italy
Metro: Barberini Station (Line A) + 10-minute walk

5. Roman Forum & Palatine Hill – Ancient Rome Unfolded

Once the political and social hub of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum is a sprawling ruin of temples, basilicas, and markets. Climb Palatine Hill for stunning views and to walk through the remnants of imperial palaces.

Visit Info
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours
• Best Time: Morning, when temperatures are cooler

Booking Tips
• Where to Book: Included in Colosseum ticket
• Tip: Use the Palatine entrance (less crowded than the Forum gate)

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Via Sacra leading to the Arch of Titus
• Overlook from Palatine Hill toward the Colosseum

Hidden Gems Nearby
• House of Augustus with restored frescoes
• Farnese Gardens on Palatine Hill

Address: Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Rome, Italy
Metro: Colosseo Station (Line B)

6. Trevi Fountain – A Baroque Dream in Stone

One of the most iconic fountains in the world, the Trevi Fountain features Neptune commanding the seas in a dramatic marble composition. Built in the 18th century, it’s a magnet for visitors — don’t forget to toss a coin over your left shoulder to ensure your return to Rome!

Visit Info
• Duration: 15–30 minutes
• Best Time: Early morning (before 8:00 AM) or late night (after 10:00 PM)

Booking Tips
• No tickets needed
• Tip: Visit twice — once during the day and once at night

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Wide-angle shot from the left staircase
• Close-up of Neptune with cascading water

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Gelateria Valentino: A local favourite for authentic gelato
• Vicolo del Forno: Quiet street with picturesque Roman charm

Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Rome, Italy
Metro: Barberini Station (Line A)

7. Spanish Steps – The Grand Stairway of Rome

The 135-step Spanish Steps link Piazza di Spagna with the church of Trinità dei Monti, offering a perfect spot for people-watching and soaking in the Roman atmosphere. Built in the 18th century, they remain a magnet for fashion shoots and evening strolls.

Visit Info
• Duration: 20–30 minutes
• Best Time: Sunset for golden lighting over the rooftops

Booking Tips
• Free to access
• Tip: Bring water and rest on the upper terraces for a moment of quiet

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• From the top, looking down to Piazza di Spagna
• Springtime view with blooming azaleas

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Keats-Shelley House museum
• Babington’s Tea Room: A British classic in the heart of Rome

Address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Rome, Italy
Metro: Spagna Station (Line A)

8. Castel Sant’Angelo – Fortress with a View

Originally Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum, Castel Sant’Angelo transformed over centuries into a fortress, prison, and papal hideaway. Today, it offers a fascinating museum and arguably the best panoramic views of the city and the Tiber River.

Visit Info
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours
• Best Time: Late afternoon for rooftop sunset views

Booking Tips
• Where to Book: Official website or on-site
• Tickets: €12–15
• Tip: Visit before or after St. Peter’s Basilica to connect the Passetto di Borgo route

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Angel statue atop the tower
• Rooftop café with a view of the Vatican dome

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Ponte Sant’Angelo’s baroque statues
• Piazza Cavour: Local, lesser-known square for lunch

Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Rome, Italy
Metro: Lepanto Station (Line A)

9. Piazza Navona – Rome’s Living Art Gallery

Built on the ruins of an ancient stadium, Piazza Navona bursts with life, art, and charm. Its centrepiece is Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, surrounded by street artists, cafés, and lively Roman scenes. It's the ideal place to relax and take in the Baroque beauty.

Visit Info
• Duration: 30–60 minutes
• Best Time: Evening for ambience and live music

Booking Tips
• No ticket required
• Tip: Grab a coffee and linger — it's Rome at its most relaxed

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Fountain of the Four Rivers at twilight
• Panoramic shot of the whole piazza from a café terrace

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone
• Via dei Coronari: Antique-filled alley for shopping strolls

Address: Piazza Navona, 00186 Rome, Italy
Metro: Spagna or Barberini + 10-minute walk

10. Trastevere – Rome’s Bohemian Soul

Wander through the cobbled streets of Trastevere, one of Rome’s most beloved districts. Known for its laid-back charm, street food, and vibrant nightlife, it’s where modern Romans and visitors alike come to dine, explore, and soak in local flavour.

Visit Info
• Duration: 1–2 hours (more if dining)
• Best Time: Evening for food and nightlife

Booking Tips
• No booking needed — explore on foot
• Tip: Reserve dinner at a trattoria like Da Enzo or Tonnarello in advance

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Ivy-covered alleys and lantern-lit streets
• Piazza Santa Maria with its iconic fountain

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Villa Farnesina with Renaissance frescoes
• Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo) for panoramic views over Rome

Address: Trastevere district, 00153 Rome, Italy
Metro: Not directly connected — best accessed by tram (Line 8) or walking from Campo de Fiori