The Top 10 Sights To Visit In Rome

The Colosseum

This Roman Amphitheater is probably one of most awe-inspiring places you’ll ever walk into. The history of this building dates back to A.D 80 and hosted Gladiator battles, wild animal fights, and even a staged naval battle known as a “naumachia” where the Colosseum was filled with water. As you enter through the gates, you can’t help but feel the history pulsing through every part of this arena. This is a must-see as a tourist in Rome.

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The Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is located in the middle of city, just next to the Colosseum, The Roman Forum was a site that was very important to the Roman people. These ruins had previously been the site of many political and religious activities and even held gladiator matches before the Colosseum existed. It had everything from markets and shops, to temples and monuments – some of which are still standing today for us to admire. Because the Forum has been reconstructed many times, you can see the influences of multiple time periods in the architecture. Make sure to get a tour guide for these fascinating ruins, as there is quite bit to see there.

Palatine Hill

This archeological site is the center of the Seven Hills of Rome and looks over the Roman Forum. It was once the home to Emperors such as Augustus, Tiberius, and Domitian, and was one of the most prestigious areas in the city. Ruins from this hill date as far back as the 10th Century BC. and it is one of the most ancient parts of the city. If you have time, book a separate ticket to enter the House of Augustus and the House of Livia to see some amazing, well-preserved frescoes. Palatine Hill is conveniently right next to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, so if you’re ready for a full day of history and exploration book a tour that includes all three! Don’t forget to bring water and a hat for sunny days though as most of the ruins have no shade and the weather can be unforgiving.

The Trevii Fountain

This world famous fountain is tucked away in the Piazza di Trevi. Don’t get me wrong though, this fountain is huge! It’s 65 feet wide, 85 feet tall and towers over the pool in front of it. The fountain is open to the public 24 hours a day and has a seating area, so you can grab some gellato from a nearby shop and enjoy people watching until you’re ready to set off to the next sight. Also, don’t forget to bring some change…Legend has it that if you throw a coin over your shoulder into this fountain, you’re sure to make another trip back to Rome at some point in your lifetime. Worked for me!

Travel Trick – The fountain is always swarming with tourists, so go at dawn to have a more peaceful experience and less tourists in your pictures.

Vatican City & Museums

Did you know the Vatican City is the world’s smallest independent nation-state ran as a Monarchy, and even has it’s own currency? It is the home to the Pope, the head of state of Vatican City. If you want a glimpse of the leader of the world’s Roman Catholic Church, get a ticket in advance from a Swiss Guard at the gates and attend a mass free to the public in St Peter’s Square.

The Vatican Museums house a vast collection of Renaissance art, Roman sculptures, and many rooms filled with historical artifacts from all over the world, including a large Ancient Egyptian collection. Make sure to leave yourself enough time to visit the entirety of this impressive collection, and don’t forget to stop at the beautiful helical spiral staircase for your instagram-worthy picture.

Saint Peter’s Basilica

This church within the Vatican City walls is one of the most famous churches in the world, and is only one of four Major Basilicas in the world. It is a place of pilgrimage for many people of faith, and crowds of up to 80,000 people have gathered to see the Pope here and in Saint Peters Square just outside the Basilica. Saint Peter’s Basilica is said to have been built over the Apostle Peter’s tomb and because of this, many Popes have been interred at this site. As you walk inside, the pure size of the church is overwhelming and is filled from floor to ceiling with beautiful artwork and sculptures, stunning alters, and of course the impressive dome seen from all over the city. The entry to Saint Peter’s is free however the line can get pretty long, so make sure to get there early and beat the crowd!

The Sistine Chapel

The Sistine’s walls and ceiling are covered in paintings from Renaissance painters from the 1400s and 1500s. However, perhaps the most impressive work of art in this building is Michelangelo’s paintings of the stories from the Old Testament displayed across the ceiling which includes one of his most iconic paintings, “The Creation of Adam.” His masterpiece on the wall behind the alter, “The Final Judgement” is also a wonder to look at. People from all over the world strain their necks in complete silence and awe (it’s against the rules to speak or take pictures inside the chapel), imagining and admiring how one man hanging from a scaffold could create such a beautiful room of art.

Castel Sant’Angelo

Just a 10 minute walk from Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican, this castle should be on your list. Even if you think the outside lacks the spectacular architecture that you see all around the city, I promise the inside is worth stopping in for. The entrance fee is only 14 Euros and the views over the city of Rome are breathtaking, including a birds eye view of the Vatican. Get lost in the tunnels of the castle, peek in at the prison cells in the towers, check out the cannons (and cannonballs!) on the top level, and look out through the fortress’ outlooks onto the bridge, Ponte Sant’Angelo. Don’t forget to stop at the castle’s rooftop terrace and grab a beer or a quick bite to eat!

The Spanish Steps

This beautiful staircase connects the Piazza di Spagna and the Piazza Trinitia dei Monti and consists of 138 steps. Artists of the past were drawn to the beauty of the area and used to gather here for inspiration, which in turn led to beautiful women also taking an interest. This good looking crowd attracted many people watchers over time and still today, these wide steps have remained a popular gathering place. With the Trinitia dei Monti Church as a backdrop and the Baroque styled Fontana della Barcaccia at the base of the staircase, it’s no wonder many many tourists come to appreciate the famous staircase. Just make sure to eat your meal before you sit down, as Roman urban regulations prohibits food on the stairs!

The Pantheon

Perhaps one of the sights you may think you want to skip because there is so much to see in Rome, but I find it worthwhile to squeeze this one in, especially if you’re into feats of engineering. It is perhaps one of the most well preserved ancient buildings in Rome, and was made of a composition of materials similar to modern day concrete. It has the largest unsupported – completely proportional – dome in the world, with a hole in the top of it which was the only source of light in the Temple. Oh and did I mention it’s marble floors are to die for! This is a great stop if you’re into architectural feats!

Perhaps one of the sights you may think you want to skip because there is so much to see in Rome, but I find it worthwhile to squeeze this one in, especially if you’re into feats of engineering. It is perhaps one of the most well preserved ancient buildings in Rome, and was made of a composition of materials similar to modern day concrete. It has the largest unsupported – completely proportional – dome in the world, with a hole in the top of it which was the only source of light in the Temple. Oh and did I mention it’s marble floors are to die for! This is a great stop if you’re into architectural feats!