Rome is one of the world’s top destinations, offering a wealth of sights to see, and there is a good reason why Rome is called the Eternal City.
Visiting the city’s iconic sights stays with its visitors no matter how many times they have seen the crumbling ruins of the Colosseum’s stadiums, tossed a coin hoping for a wish to be fulfilled at the waters of the Trevi Fountain, or gazed upon Michelangelo’s greatest work on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
This historic city is also home to some of the most famous landmarks in the world, including Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, Trastevere, Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
With so many things to see and do, planning your time is a must. To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of 10 must-see sights in Rome. While there is much more to experience in the eternal city if you have the time, this guide will make sure you don’t miss the top 10.
1. The Colosseum
Located east of the Roman Forum, Rome’s Colosseum dates back to AD 72. This amphitheater was constructed to hold anywhere from 50,000 to 80,000 spectators for its gladiatorial spectacles, executions and re-enactments.
The Colosseum still stands but has been shaken by time and natural disasters such as earthquakes. Still, it’s an impressive building. Book a tour of the Rome Colosseum before you go and skip the line.
2. The Roman Forum
The Roman Forum was the beating heart of ancient Rome, where emperors ruled and citizens gathered. This sprawling archaeological site once witnessed some of history’s most pivotal moments, from Caesar’s cremation to triumphant military parades.
Walking through the Forum today feels like stepping back in time. Every crumbling stone tells the story of the world’s greatest empire, making it an essential stop for anyone, especially those interested in the history of this iconic city.
3. The Pantheon
The Pantheon is Rome’s best-preserved ancient building. It was initially built as a temple to all gods around 27 BC. However, it was drastically reconstructed by Emperor Hadrian between 188 and 125 AD. It features the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome with a circular opening at the top that lets in natural light and rain.
The building’s remarkable engineering has survived nearly 2,000 years virtually intact. Its perfectly proportioned interior—where the height equals the dome’s diameter—creates a striking architectural experience that continues to influence designers today. Now a church, it remains one of Rome’s most visited and photographed monuments.
4. The Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are Rome’s iconic 135-step staircase, built in the 1720s, that connects Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church above. Named after the nearby Spanish Embassy, they became a fashionable meeting place for artists and Grand Tour travelers.
Today, they’re one of Rome’s busiest tourist spots, surrounded by luxury shops and street performers. Though you can no longer sit on the steps, they remain a perfect example of Roman theatrical architecture and urban design.
5. Vatican City Museums
The Vatican Museums are the public art and sculpture museums in the Vatican City. They display works from the immense collection amassed by the Catholic Church and the papacy throughout the centuries, including several of the most renowned Roman sculptures and the world’s most important masterpieces of Renaissance art.
No trip to Rome would be complete without laying one’s eyes on the magnificence of the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s masterpiece painted on the ceiling inside the Vatican as part of the Vatican Museums.
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour
6. Borghese Gallery
Rome’s Borghese Gallery, also known as the Galleria Borghese, is renowned for housing some of the most famous works of art from the Renaissance period.
The Borghese Gallery houses twenty rooms of paintings and sculptures from famous artists, including Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, Bernini, and Canova. Additionally, the Villa Borghese’s gardens are not to be missed and usually require a separate ticket or a combined ticket price when visiting.
7. Trevi Fountain
Rome is home to many beautiful fountains but Trevi Fountain is not only the largest at 20 meters in width by 26 meters in height but was considered a modern marvel when it was constructed back in 19 B.C.
We take fountains for granted today, but during the early days of aqueducts, fountains were relatively new. Trevi Fountain is an excellent example of Renaissance artwork in moving form.
8. St. Peter’s Basilica
Vatican City looms over the skyline of Rome, housing works of art, treasures and sights that draw in millions of visitors each year.
One of those sights is St. Peter’s Basilica—it’s one of those views that are truly beholden to the adjective of breathtaking. St. Peter’s Basilica dome inside is just as impressive as its outdoor architecture.
9. Santa Maria Church
The church of Santa Maria Maggiore is a Papal and is considered the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome, Italy. A recent renovation to Santa Maria is open to visitors to see its baroque masterpieces and works of art. Additionally, Santa Maria is a lesser-known landmark in Rome and offers a less-crowded experience for visitors.
10. Trastevere
Travestere is a popular neighborhood in Rome, laid out on cobblestone streets and filled with charming restaurants and lively bars.
If you’re seeking a vibrant nightlife and some of the best restaurants, clubs or slower-paced pubs, Trastevere is the spot to visit. Trastevere is home to multiple universities, including two American institutions, which have contributed to the bustling energy of the neighborhood.
Explore Rome with Walking and Food Tours
Walking tours are the best way to experience and see Rome, especially if you are limited on time. However, many say that to truly get to know a destination, you must try the local food.
Tasting local food connects you to a place’s true character in a deeper way than sightseeing alone. This is most certainly true in Italy and food tours are the perfect way to do this.
Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:
Author Bio: Angie Cavallari is a Lifestyle & Pop Culture Expert and author of Trailer Trash: an ’80s Memoir. She has authored thousands of blogs and articles with some of her work featured in Huffington Post, The Reset, Go World Travel, among others. When she is not traveling, she is spending time with her kids and her precocious pug, JJ.
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