Rome stands as an everlasting urban landscape because it blends history with culture and stands out through its gastronomical wonders to attract repeated visits. The thousands of years in Rome created a wealth of history through which each street, piazza along with monument maintains its own unique tale formed by both emperors and Renaissance artists together with local Romans. This article guides first-time visitors to the best places to visit in Rome, while also offering longtime travelers new and exciting discoveries. It lets readers experience the magic of ancient Rome and the energy of modern Italy, all in one journey.
Planning to visit Rome?
1. Colosseum – One of the best places to visit in Rome
Location: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
One of the most recognisable sites on Earth is the Colosseum, sometimes called the Flavian Amphitheatre. Designed by Emperor Vespasian and finished under his son Titus, it was used for gladiatorial competitions, public performances, and animal hunts having been built in 72 AD. Still a monument to Roman engineering ability, this enormous construction could accommodate up to 50,000 spectators.
Best time to visit Colosseum : To avoid big crowds, best time to visit is early morning (8:30 AM – 10:00 AM) or late afternoon.
Ticket Price of Colosseum : General entrance passes €16; tickets for the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill cost €18. Free access on the first Sunday every month.
How to get to the Colosseum : Take Metro Line B and exit at the Colosseo stop. This neighbourhood is also traversed by a few bus lines.
Food to try near Colosseum : Just a few minutes from the Colosseum, Trattoria Luzzi has nearby foods to try including a traditional carbonara or cacio e pe Pepe.
2. Vatican City (St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums)
Location: Vatican City
As the smallest independent nation worldwide Vatican City delivers leadership and spiritual functions for the Roman Catholic Church. St. Peter’s Basilica at Vatican City stands as a magnificent example of Renaissance construction above St. Peter’s burial site and the Sistine Chapel presents visitors with Michelangelo’s breathtaking works. The Vatican Museum holdings remain the most outstanding collection of art and history treasures in the world.
Best time to visit Vatican City : Early morning visits and late afternoon visits provide the best experience at Vatican City (the best time to arrive is 7:00 AM to avoid crowds). Attend the Vatican before or after Wednesday due to the Papal Audience.
Ticket Price of Vatican City : The entrance fee to Vatican Museums along with the Sistine Chapel amounts to €17 for adults though admission is free during the last Sunday of each month.
Ticket Price of Peter’s Basilica : Those wanting to visit Peter’s Basilica can enter free of charge although the cost to ascend its dome amounts to €10 through the elevator or €8 by climbing the stairs.
How to get to Vatican City : Guests must use Metro Line A to reach Ottaviano-S. Pietro station then walk for 10 minutes until they arrive.
Food to try near Vatican City : The gourmet pizza slices at Bonci Pizzarium are best enjoyed with authentic supplì (Roman-style fried rice balls) as a nearby food recommendation.
3. Pantheon
Location: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Marcus Agrippa constructed the Pantheon in 27 BC as a temple for all Roman deities which Emperor Hadrian rebuilt in 126 AD. The enormous circular roof with an open circular opening at its zenith ranks as the key architectural achievement from ancient times. The structure now functions as a church that holds the remains of Italian royalty together with Renaissance artist Raphael.
Best Time to Visit to Pantheon : Early morning or late evening for a quieter experience.
Free entry.
How to get to Pantheon : One can walk from Piazza Navona or use Bus 64, 40 and 62 to reach this destination.
Food to try near Pantheon : Indulge in an espresso or tiramisu at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè, one of Rome’s best-known coffee houses.
4. Trevi Fountain
Location of Trevi Fountain : Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Rome holds the Trevi Fountain as its biggest Baroque fountain which architect Nicola Salvi created during the 18th century. It is believed that when someone throws their coin from their left shoulder into the Trevi Fountain they will eventually return to Rome. Oceanus stands in the middle of intricate sculptures that show him with tritons and sea horses at his sides.
Best time to visit Trevi Fountain : Late at night (after 10 PM) or early morning before 8 AM for a peaceful experience.
Ticket Price of Trevi Fountain : Free.
How to reach Trevi Fountain : Reaching this attraction is possible by walking from Barberini Metro Station (Line A) or through buses 52, 53, 62, and 63.
Food to try near Trevi Fountain : Gelateria Valentino serves delicious gelato while Piccolo Buco specialises in Roman-style pizzas.
5. Piazza Navona
Location: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
The Piazza Navona began its existence as an athletic contests stadium during the first century AD before it became Rome’s most vibrant public square. Alongside Bernini’s renowned Fountain of the Four Rivers visitors can find marvellous fountains embedded within the square that contains numerous cafes along with eateries and performers in the streets.
Best time to visit Piazza Navona : The optimal period to visit the square for the most energetic atmosphere starts during evening hours.
Ticket Price: Free.
How to reach Piazza Navona : The Pantheon and Bus 64 can reach the destination.
Food to try near Piazza Navona : The chocolate truffle dessert tartufo is best tasted at Tre Scalini.
6. Trastevere
Location: Trastevere, Rome, Italy
With its colorful buildings, lively nightlife, and winding cobblestone streets, Trastevere is a quaint and bohemian district. It is well-known for its vibrant pubs, historic landmarks including the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, and real Roman trattorias.
Best time to visit Trastevere : For dinner and nightlife, the evening is the ideal time to visit.
Ticket Price : The cost of the ticket is free.
How to reach Trastevere : From Termini Station, take Bus H or Tram 8.
Food to try near Trastevere : Porchetta (roast pig sandwich) at Antica Caciara.
7. Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Location: Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
The Roman Forum operated as the spiritual, political, and social capital in ancient Roman society. The birthplace of Rome exists on Palatine Hill which stands among the seven hills of the city and provides extraordinary views across the metropolis.
Best time to visit Roman Forum & Palatine Hill : Arriving early in the morning will provide optimal visiting conditions because the place avoids heavy crowds.
Ticket Price: Included with Colosseum ticket (€18).
How to reach Roman Forum & Palatine Hill : Reach it using the B line of the metro at Colosseo station.
Foods to try near Roman Forum & Palatine Hill : Visitors should dine at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali to taste saltimbocca alla Romana (veal dish).
8. Castel Sant’Angelo
Location: Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
Construction started in 135 AD when Emperor Hadrian ordered the building of this structure which later became known as Castel Sant’Angelo. The castle’s current function serves as a museum which displays historical artefacts paintings and weapons.
Best time to visit Castel Sant’Angelo : Romer’s scenic spell reaches its zenith during sunset hours when visiting the city.
Ticket Price of Castel Sant’Angelo : €14 for adults.
How to reach Castel Sant’Angelo : The site can be reached by walking from the Vatican City and also by riding Bus 62.
Food to try near Castel Sant’Angelo : The traditional rigatoni all’amatriciana can be tasted at Osteria dell’Angelo which is located in the area.
9. Borghese Gallery and Gardens
Location: Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, 00197 Roma RM, Italy
Rome is privileged to have the Borghese Gallery as one of its top museums that features artworks from Caravaggio and Raphael with Bernini masterpieces. The structure was constructed during the early parts of the 17th century for Cardinal Scipione Borghese to establish his private villa. A peaceful environment of Borghese Gardens envelops the museum site allowing visitors to forget Rome’s busy atmosphere.
Best time to visit Borghese Gallery & Gardens : You should attend during early morning hours when you can experience tranquility in the gardens.
Ticket price of Borghese Gallery & Gardens : General admission visitors need reservations for entry at €13.
How to reach Borghese Gallery & Gardens : The site can be reached by riding Line A Metro to Flaminio followed by a 15-minute stroll.
Foods to try near Borghese Gallery & Gardens : Try Roscioli Caffè, which offers maritozzo which are cream-filled sweet buns in the area nearby.
10. Capitoline Hill & Museums
Location: Piazza del Campidoglio, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
From ancient periods onward the Capitoline Hill maintained its position as a key Roman power center among the grove of Seven Hills. Michelangelo designed these facilities which currently accommodate the Capitoline Museums and their collections of classical sculptures along with Renaissance paintings and ancient artefacts.
Best time to visit Capitoline Hill & Museums : The best moment to experience this destination is during late afternoon to witness magical views of Rome during sunset.
Ticket Price of Capitoline Hill & Museums : €15 for general admission.
How to reach Capitoline Hill & Museums : Visitors can arrive at the attraction from Piazza Venezia by foot or by riding buses 40, 60, or 64.
Foods to try near Capitoline Hill & Museums : Visitors should stop by La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali to sample fiori di zucca (fried zucchini flowers).
11. Appian Way & Catacombs
Location: Via Appia Antica, Rome
The history of the Appian Way reaches back to 312 BC when the road was established and became adorned with both ancient tombs and Christian catacombs. Early Christians chose the Catacombs of San Sebastiano and San Callisto as their resting sites for burial.
Best time to visit Appian Way & Catacombs : Morning for a quiet experience.
Ticket price of Appian Way & Catacombs: €8-€10 for catacomb entry.
How to reach Appian Way & Catacombs : The Colosseum serves as the starting point for Bus 118 that will reach this destination.
Foods to try near Appian Way & Catacombs : Guests visiting San Saba should sample pasta alla gricia which can be found at Ristorante L’Archeologia.
12. Campo de’ Fiori
Location: Piazza Campo de’ Fiori, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
The Rome square Campo de’ Fiori attracts tourists with its famous daily market along with its busy evening activities. The rectangle carries its original meaning “Field of Flowers” which has been continuously used as a meeting point since the Middle Ages.
Best time to visit Campo de’ Fiori : Morning for the market; evening for lively bars.
Ticket price of Campo de’ Fiori : Free.
How to reach Campo de’ Fiori : You can walk from Piazza Navona and access this location either by foot or use Bus 64.
Food to try near Campo de’ Fiori : When visiting Trapizzino taste the stuffed pizza pocket which they serve.
