Rome is known as the Eternal City for a reason! It’s fascinating history can be seen in its ruins, its architecture and its culture. Walking through Rome can take you back to the time of the Roman Empire, to the spreading of Christianity, and to the Renaissance era of the arts, while standing just in one location. The city is absolutely a busy place that experiences more than 35 million tourists a year and a population of over 4 million. And though the streets are a never-ending sea of traffic and the sidewalks are overflowing with tourists and locals a like, it is a place not to be missed when visiting Italy.
Consider Winter Visits!
If crowds aren’t your thing, consider visiting in the winter months of January and February when tourism does die down a bit and it may be easier to get into tis museums and walk its streets with less people. The average temperatures in the winter are quite nice with highs in the mid to upper 50’s (F). You will also find that accommodation and flights will be more affordable then, too. Though December is a bit busier, due to Christmas festivities, it is also quite magical because of its Christmas Markets, decorations, and holiday foods!
Below you’ll find a list of MUST-see spots in Rome, if you only have a few days, and places to continue exploring more of Rome if you are coming back to visit the city, or have more time to dive deeper into its less known and more charming locations!
If you have a few days (like one to two…and this is your first visit):
- VATICAN- The Vatican City, a city state located within Rome, Italy, is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. It is the home of the Pope and is a treasure of iconic architecture and ar. Hours: From Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (last access 4:00 pm). Last Sunday of the month from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (last access12:30 pm), rest of Sundays closed. Closed 1 and 6 of January, 11 of February, 19 of March, 12 and 13 of April, 1 and 21 of May, 11 and 29 of June, 15 of August, 8, 25 and 26 of December. Admission FEE. I highly recommend booking a guided tour of the Vatican and St. Peter’s to make the most of your time and to learn about the amazing works located within these walls!
- ST PETER’S BASILICA- The Papal Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican, or simply St. Peter’s Basilica, is an Italian Renaissance church in Vatican City, the papal enclave within the city of Rome. Hours: 1 October – 31 March from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm. 1st April – 30th September from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. FREE Admission : Access to the Vatican Papal Basilica is permitted for people with decent (no shorts, sleeveless tops, midriff shirts) clothing appropriate to the sacred place.
- COLOSSEUM & ROMAN FORUM- The Flavian Amphitheatre, more commonly known as the Colosseum, stands in the archaeological heart of Rome and welcomes large numbers of visitors daily, attracted by the fascination of its history and its complex architecture. The building became known as the Colosseum because of a colossal statue that stood nearby. It was built in the 1st century CE at the behest of the emperors of the Flavian dynasty. Hours: from 27 October 2024 to 29 March 2025, 8.30 am – 4.30 pm, Last entrance at 3.30 pm. Admission FEE
The Roman Forum was, for the roman culture, the aggregation point par excellence: the market, the tribunal, the most important religious buildings were within it. Every epoch had its forum, the Roman Forum was built in the republican age of Rome, but then it was enlarged in the Imperial age. On the Palatine, remains of important private dwellings and of the Domus Augustana, the emperors’ residence. Hours: 9am to 7pm Admission FEE (combined with Colosseum tickets)
TRAVEL TIP: The next three places can be done easily together in 2-3 hours of walking as they are all within walking distance of one another!
- TREVI FOUNTAIN-The Trevi Fountain is a fountain in the Trevi district in Rome, Italy, designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini. Standing 26.3 meters (86 ft) high and 49.15 meters (161.3 ft) wide,[1] it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world. The fountain has appeared in several notable films, including Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, the eponymous Three Coins in the Fountain, and Roman Holiday. Hours: 24 h. Admission: Free admission.
- SPANISH STEPS- The Spanish Steps are a set of steps in Rome, Italy, climbing a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti, dominated by the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. The monumental stairway of 135 steps (the slightly elevated drainage system is often mistaken for the first step) was built with French diplomat Étienne Gueffier’s bequeathed funds of 20,000 scudi, in 1723–1725 linking the Bourbon Spanish Embassy, and the Trinità dei Monti church that was under the patronage of the Bourbon kings of France, both located above — to the Holy See in Palazzo Monaldeschi located below. The stairway was designed by architects Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi. Hours: 24 h. NO Admission COST
- PANTHEON / PIAZZA NAVONA-One of the most magnificent Roman buildings, which has survived almost intact up to the present day. Dedicated in 609 to St. Mary and Martyrs, it holds the tombs of the painter Raphael and the Kings of Italy. Piazza Navona is just around the corner and also worth a visit. This elegant square is filled with cafes, artists and several architectural interests. It used to be as Roman chariot race site and it has kept that very shape! Hours: 8:30am-7:30pm (6:30pm on Sundays) Admission FEE for Pantheon
If you have more days or are coming back to explore some more:
- PIAZZA DEL CAMPIDOGLIO – It is the symbol of the authority of Rome from the ancient days up ’till now. The modern disposition of the buildings dates back to the XVI century, when Michelangelo realized the beautiful square and the stairway, called Cordonata. Two out of the three buildings are the seat of the Capitoline Museum. Hours: Any time Admission: Free
- CAPITOLINE MUSEUMS – One of the most important Roman museums holding important works of ancient Rome as well as great works by Bernini and Caravaggio. Piazza del Campidoglio. Hours: Mon – Sun: 9:30 – 19:30, last admission 18:30, Dec 24 & 31: 9:30 – 14:00, last admission 13:00 Admission FEE
- ROMAN NATIONAL MUSEUM – Split up into four sites, the Museum is one of the most important archaeological collections in the world. It holds important sculptures, mosaics, and frescos coming from Roman bath complexes and villas. The basement of the museum is dedicated to all the history of money in Italy, displaying coins and notes in large vaults. Hours Tuesday – Sunday 9.00 am-7.45 pm. Baths of Diocletian 9.00 am-7.30 pm. Admission FEE
- SAINT PETER IN CHAINS CHURCH (San Pietro in Vincoli) – Today many people visit the Church of St.Peter in Chains (San Pietro in Vincoli, above) to see one of Michelangelo’s great masterpieces, the statue of Moses, part of the unfinished tomb of Julius II found on the right front side of the church. But this church is more than a museum for a great artist’s masterpiece; it points to treasured memories of another kind. Near here, Christians were sent to martyrdom during a dramatic early persecution, and the apostles Peter and Paul were among them. The original chains they used to imprison St. Peter can be found here as well. Hours: Every day: 8:00 am – 12:30 (midday) and 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm Admission: Free
- CASTEL SANT’ANGELO – Built by the emperor Adrian as his mausoleum, it was begun in 123 A. D. and received the remains of the members of the imperial dynasty up to Caracalla. The original work was very different from the one you can see nowadays; its turning into a castle took place in the X century; in 1277 it became propriety of the Vatican, that joined it through the famous passetto to the Vatican walls. Don’t forget to walk over the bridge of angels, too. Castle now contains an art and military museum. Hours: From Tuesday to Sunday fom 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Closed on Mondays. Admission FEE
- SYNAGOGUE and the JEWISH GHETTO – Designed by Osvaldo Armanni and by Vincent Coast between 1899 and 1904, its architecture shows Assyro-Babilonian decorative patterns, to the memory of the basin of Jewish people’s origin. In the interior, there is a museum with an exhibition dedicated to the Jewish Community of Rome. Don’t forget to walk around the old Jewish Ghetto (since 1556) if you are in the area. Walk along Via Portico d’Ottavio, Piazza Mattei and Via della Reginella. (No Photos please.) Hours: 9.30am-2 pm. and 3 pm.-5 pm., Sunday 9.30am – 12am, Saturday closed Admission: synagogue free, there is a fee for the museum portion
- BOCCA DELLA VERITA’-The ancient drain cover graved in the shape of the mask of a fluvial divinity is dear to the popular tradition. According to the legend its mouth would close upon the hand of any liar who placed it there. Piazza Bocca della Verità, inside the portico of the church S. Maria in Cosmedin. Hours: Any time, it is on the sidewall of the church Admission: Free
- CATACOMBS- The Rome Catacombs are a network of underground burial sites and tunnels, primarily used by early Christians and Jews, that offer a glimpse into the spiritual and burial practices of those communities in ancient Rome. The best way to see them are by signing up for an guided tour as there are several scattered throughout the outskirts of Rome and they alternate days off.
- CAMPO DEI FIORI- Campo dei Fiori is a vibrant, rectangular square in Rome’s historic center, known for its bustling daily market and lively nightlife, and translates to “field of flowers”. The best way to experience this fascinating spot in Rome is through its food. I recommend signing up for a guided food tour that also visits the local market!
- BASILICA DI SAN CLEMENTE- The Basilica di San Clemente in Rome is famous for its layered history, showcasing Roman and early Christian structures, including a 12th-century basilica built atop a 4th-century church, which in turn sits over a 3rd-century Mithraic temple and Roman buildings. Hours: Mon-Sat 9 am to 12:30 pm, and 2 pm to 6 pm; Sundays/Holidays 12 pm to 6 pm. Admission FEE. You can sign buy tickets to get inside here: https://www.basilicasanclemente.com/eng/history/
- BASILICA OF SAN GIOVANN IN LATERANO- Founded in 324, it is the oldest public church in the city of Rome, and the oldest basilica of the Western world. It is also the official seat of the bishop of Rome, who is, of course, the Pope! It is considered the most important church in Christendom. Hours: open daily 7:30 am to 6:30 pm, Free Admission.
