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10 Best Places Must See in Rome – Italy's Eternal City
10 Best Places Must See in Rome – Italy's Eternal City
Rome, the Eternal City, is a breathtaking open-air museum where every cobblestone whispers history.
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Last Update
26 Dec 2023
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5
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1. Colosseum – Rome’s Gladiatorial Arena
Completed in AD 80, the Colosseum remains the world’s largest ancient amphitheatre and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Rome. Once hosting spectacular gladiator fights, mock sea battles, and public spectacles, this architectural marvel could accommodate up to 80,000 spectators. Despite suffering damage from earthquakes and stone looting, it still stands as a testament to Roman engineering and imperial power.
A visit here allows you to step into ancient Roman history, walk the arena floor, and explore the underground hypogeum where gladiators and animals awaited their fate. It’s one of the best historical landmarks in Rome for fans of history, archaeology, and ancient architecture.
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
The Vatican Museums are a treasure trove of artistic and historical masterpieces, housing one of the world’s richest collections of art amassed by popes over centuries. From ancient Egyptian mummies to Renaissance sculptures, the experience culminates in the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring ceiling and The Last Judgment continue to leave visitors speechless.
Whether you're an art enthusiast or a casual traveller, this museum complex is a must-see in Rome. Each gallery tells a story from classical antiquities to the richly frescoed Raphael Rooms.
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, the largest church in the world, is a breathtaking masterpiece of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Situated within Vatican City, it’s the epicentre of Catholicism and one of Rome’s most spiritually significant sites.
Inside, you’ll encounter works by Michelangelo (including the Pietà), Bernini’s ornate baldachin, and tombs of past popes. Climbing the dome offers panoramic views of Rome and Vatican Square, a rewarding moment for any traveller.
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
The Pantheon is one of the most astonishing feats of ancient Roman engineering. Originally constructed as a temple to all Roman gods, it was rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in 126 AD. Its most famous feature, the massive concrete dome with a central oculus, remains the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.
Walking into the Pantheon is an awe-inspiring experience. Sunlight pours through the oculus, casting dramatic light patterns across the marble floor and ancient tombs, including that of Renaissance artist Raphael. The Pantheon also served as a church (Santa Maria ad Martyres), preserving its structure through the centuries.
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
The Roman Forum was the beating heart of ancient Rome, home to government buildings, temples, marketplaces, and triumphal arches. As you walk its ancient streets, you’ll see remnants of Roman civilisation that once governed an empire.
Next to the Forum is Palatine Hill, one of the city’s oldest parts and the legendary birthplace of Rome. You’ll find ruins of imperial palaces, vibrant frescoes, and gardens with breathtaking views over the city.
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 Rome’s most iconic landmarks, the Trevi Fountain is a Baroque masterpiece completed in 1762. The central figure is Neptune, god of the sea, commanding chariots drawn by seahorses in a theatrical display of flowing marble and water.
Legend has it that if you toss a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand into the fountain, it ensures your return to Rome. It’s estimated that over €3,000 are collected daily and donated to local charities.
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 Spanish Steps, a 135-step stairway built in the 18th century, connect Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church above. It’s one of the most romantic spots in Rome, perfect for people-watching, photography, or a relaxing break amid classic Roman architecture.
Especially stunning in spring when adorned with blooming azaleas, the steps are also a favourite backdrop for fashion shoots, movie scenes, and golden-hour selfies.
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 built as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum, Castel Sant’Angelo has served as a fortress, a papal refuge, and a prison. Now a museum, it showcases Roman weaponry, Renaissance apartments, and an unbeatable rooftop view over the Tiber River and the Vatican dome.
Linked to the Vatican by the Passetto di Borgo, this fortress is steeped in history and offers an off-the-beaten-path look at Rome’s military past.
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 atop the ancient Stadium of Domitian, Piazza Navona retains the stadium’s oval shape and exudes lively Roman charm. At its heart is Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, surrounded by street performers, cafés, and Baroque palaces.
Whether sipping espresso or watching artists at work, it’s the perfect place to pause and soak in Rome’s vibrant culture.
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
With cobbled lanes, ivy-draped balconies, and buzzing piazzas, Trastevere is Rome’s most authentic and lively neighbourhood. Wander its narrow streets to discover trattorias, artisan boutiques, and open-air markets.
After dark, the district transforms into a hub for nightlife, where locals gather for live music, street food, and conversation in charming piazzas.
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
If you are interested in other cultural places in Europe, click on the links below:
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Boldogkő Castle – A Hidden Gem Where History Rests Above the Tokaj Hills
Munich Through the Eyes of an Auckland City Fan Visiting Bayern’s Home Turf
Ultimate Travel Guide to the Cote d’Azur: What to See, Do & Eat
Prizren The Cultural Capital of Kosovo – Where History Meets Hospitality
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The Atlas Aura
Welcome to The Atlas Aura – I’m Antares, the storyteller behind the journey. Alongside my husband and our little son, we explore the world together, turning everyday moments into lasting memories. With a deep passion for uncovering hidden corners of the world, we craft cinematic travel experiences that blend culture, authenticity, and wonder.
