The Most Interesting Places in Rome: What to See, Do and Try in the Eternal City

Rome isn’t just a city – it’s an entire universe of history, culture, and genuine charm. Whether you’re visiting the Eternal City for the first time or returning to discover new corners, Rome will always offer you something you haven’t seen before.

In this guide you’ll discover the best places to visit, local specialties to try, and experiences that turn every walk through the city into a true adventure.

>>> If you’re in Rome for the first time, don’t forget to check out our article on planning your visit. It will help you understand which attractions in the Eternal City make sense to see on the same day to use your time fully. <

Most Famous Places You Must Visit in Rome

If you’re in Rome for the first time, visit the most famous tourist sites in the city – they’re famous for good reason!

I think your list of things to see in Rome should include:

1. The Colosseum – world-famous, massive, stunning, historically significant, and fun: this and more is the famous Colosseum. The best way to visit it is with one of the tours offered by the Colosseum itself (choose the one that includes the underground area and belvedere – reserve here). Tickets offered on the Colosseum website sell out quickly, so buy Colosseum tickets online from here.

1. The Roman Forum – the Roman Forum is the best place in Rome where you can literally walk through history. Beautiful, especially in spring when the air fills with the scent of Roman flowers, you can visit the Forum on the same day as the Colosseum or the next day (combined tickets are valid for 2 days, one for each site).
2. Palatine Hill – this is the hill right above the Forum and access to it is included in the price of the Colosseum ticket. Although overlooked by many visitors, Palatine Hill is one of the most beautiful places in all of Rome, especially on a bright sunny day when the view from the top is breathtaking.
3. Capitoline Hill – one of Rome’s famous 7 hills. At the top you’ll admire the stunning square designed by Michelangelo, can rest in the shade of the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, and can visit the Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini), which house ancient Roman artworks. Here you can also enjoy a wonderful view of the Roman Forum – head to the back of the main square and prepare for your jaw to drop!
4. Piazza Venezia and the Vittoriano (Victor Emmanuel II Monument), also known as the monument Romans call “the typewriter” and visitors call “the wedding cake.” Love it or hate it, il Vittoriano and Piazza Venezia (Venice Square, where four main roads converge – Via del Corso, Via del Plebiscito, Via di Teatro Marcello, and Via dei Fori Imperiali) are must-sees in Rome. You can enjoy this view from the square itself or climb to the first two terraces (free) or even the third (€10 entrance fee) for a stunning view of the Colosseum.

1. The Pantheon in Rome – one of the most famous, most photographed, and most beautiful monuments in all of Rome, the Pantheon is always worth visiting – if you can, go inside and look up – you’ll quickly understand why! No tickets or advance reservations are required, but go early in the morning or late afternoon, just before closing, to avoid lines.

1. Trevi Fountain – a tourist magnet and incredible corner of the city in one – you simply can’t miss the Trevi Fountain when in Rome! Go to Trevi very early in the morning or late evening (when the fountain is lit) to enjoy the best experience. Don’t forget to throw a coin into it – it goes to charity and may bring you back to Rome if the legend is true.
2. The Spanish Steps – the Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) are one of Rome’s most iconic monuments and immortalized in many films set in the Eternal City. The best way to visit the Spanish Steps is to wander the area and let the view of them surprise you as you turn a corner. If you can, reach the steps at Piazza di Spagna at sunset to enjoy a beautiful view (there are very few tourists at that time of day too).
3. The Vatican – St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. There’s no way to go to Rome and not see the state within a state – the Vatican. There’s a lot to see and do here and you’ll need a full day in the area to see all the wonders the Vatican “hides.” I recommend visiting both St. Peter’s Square and the basilica. If you have time, visit the beautiful Vatican Gardens. If you love art, you must find time to visit the incredible Vatican Museums. They’re huge and always full of visitors. The Vatican Museums contain world-famous art (my favorite is probably the Laocoön statue). They also contain the Sistine Chapel, which you access from the Vatican Museums themselves. Advance ticket purchase is mandatory. If visiting the church and Sistine Chapel, dress appropriately as there’s a dress code (no see-through or revealing clothing) and it’s strictly enforced. The best way to visit the Vatican Museums is with guided tours early in the morning or with a reservation directly at the museum for entry at a specific time.

1. Piazza Navona – one of Rome’s most beautiful and magnificent squares, Piazza Navona is built on the site where a Roman stadium once stood! With masterpieces by Bernini and Borromini, this is a place every Rome visitor must see.
2. Castel Sant’Angelo – Castel Sant’Angelo isn’t among Rome’s main attractions and that’s good because there are no crowds of tourists, while it’s just as beautiful as any other more famous architectural monument in the Italian capital! If you’re not afraid of heights, reach the top of the castle. If you are afraid of heights, go inside the castle – the view and walk along the “loggia” are stunning.
3. Campo de’ Fiori Square – much of Rome’s charm is due to its dusty and lively squares that make you feel like you’ve stepped back to the Middle Ages. To experience this side of the city, visit Campo de’ Fiori – a lively square with a market in the morning and full establishments in the evening serving various drinks. Don’t forget to notice the statue watching you from the center of the square. It’s Giordano Bruno, who lost his life at the stake here for asserting scientific truth.
4. Piazza del Popolo – Piazza del Popolo is one of Rome’s most famous squares and is surrounded by two not-quite-identical twin churches. Walk around it, but also look at it from above – access to the viewing terrace (il Pincio) is from Villa Borghese.
5. Get lost on Rome’s cobblestone streets. Although I always recommend having some planned route in Rome, I also advise setting aside some time for aimless wandering through Rome’s cobblestone streets. For this, head toward the Pantheon area or Arco della Pace.
6. Drink delicious coffee – the city does it well! Go to one of my favorite coffee spots to try real coffee.
7. Try gelato. Like coffee, gelato is more Italian than Roman specialty, but can you really see Rome and not walk around with gelato in hand? Just make sure you get real gelato to experience the authentic taste.

1. Walk in Trastevere. Trastevere is one of Rome’s most bohemian neighborhoods and although now full of tourists, it’s a really pleasant place for an evening stroll. Go in summer, especially for the outdoor bars, restaurants, and street vendors.
2. Dine in Testaccio. If you’re looking for authentic food in Rome in a neighborhood that’s known but still feels local, go to Testaccio. Scroll down to the food section in this article to learn what to order for a true Roman gourmet dinner.
3. Shop in Monti neighborhood. Monti is Rome’s neighborhood between Termini Station and the Forum and Colosseum area. Dusty, charming, and not touristy despite its central location, this is a neighborhood with hipster establishments and great shopping. You can find my Monti guide and all the best things to see and do here.
4. Window shop on Via dei Condotti. Rome is famous for fashion and the best place for designer shopping is Via Condotti in the city center. Although your budget may not stretch to buy something here, the window displays themselves are often works of art worth viewing. Tips on where to shop in Rome regardless of your budget can be found here.
5. Ride a Vespa. This is a super touristy activity but it’s fun! Make sure you’re safe, look once, twice, three times before doing anything, and avoid tram tracks at all costs. Then go and feel the Roman breeze as your Vespa carries you around. The feeling is incredible! You can rent a Vespa to drive yourself or get one with a driver from here.
6. Take a cooking class to learn to make Roman food. Cooking classes in Rome are both a fun and easy way to recreate part of your vacation at home. Some courses offer the opportunity to learn to make pasta and eat what you’ve cooked in a real Roman home with a local chef.
7. Have an aperitif on a rooftop terrace. The aperitivo is one of Rome’s nicest traditions. Make it special by going to one of the beautiful establishment terraces where you can see the city from above (in summer). I’m partial to the one at the Iconic Pantheon hotel, which offers a 180-degree view of the churches St. Ivo alla Sapienza, Sant’Eustachio, and the Pantheon (also known as 3 of the most incredible churches in Rome’s center). In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful views of Rome!
8. Drink a glass of red wine at an enoteca. Rome has wonderful wine bars called enoteca (or enoteche, plural). They’re everywhere in the city and offer excellent wines (bottle or glass) and food selections that usually range from pâtés and cured meats to family favorites like lasagna, stracchetti, etc.
9. See opera at Caracalla. If you love opera, but I dare say even if you don’t, you must find time to go to a performance at Caracalla – the ancient imperial baths now transformed into a summer theater. The whole experience is magical and you’ll be glad you added it to your Rome list!
10. Eat pizza. There’s no way not to mention pizza in Rome. Don’t forget to try traditional round pizza in the evening, served in every pizzeria, but also pizza al taglio, which we Romans love for lunch (like pizza on the go when you’re in a hurry).

Walk through the Jewish Ghetto. The so-called Jewish Ghetto in Rome is part of the city with a rich history. Make sure to set aside time to visit it and read about Italy’s history and Rome’s in particular in the 20th century. Besides being beautiful, this Rome neighborhood will take on much deeper meaning if you do. A great way to discover the Jewish Ghetto in the Eternal City is a guided tour.
Let your eyes be “tricked”. Two masters of Rome’s beauty are Bernini and Borromini, who mastered the concept of “forced perspective” and architectural illusion. This is a special optical technique that tricks the eye into thinking an object appears more distant, closer, larger, or smaller than it actually is, or allows a visual experience different from reality. You can experience this truly impressive trick at St. Peter’s Square (stand on the marked spot on the square and look at the columns to see how some disappear), at Galleria Spada (wait for the guided tour to see the illusion in action), and at the false dome of St. Ignatius by Andrea del Pozzo.
Walk along Via Margutta. If you want to buy artwork or even just stroll among art galleries, head to Via Margutta. A small, central cobblestone street with art galleries attended by ladies and gentlemen who sit casually outside on the street to enjoy the breeze, this is a lovely street for a lazy afternoon.

Other Places to Visit in Rome

Want to return home with a photo of Rome that always reminds you of your time in the Italian capital? Head to some of the places below with wonderful views of Rome:

Orange Garden on the Aventine and one of Rome’s most romantic places (free)
St. Peter’s Dome (paid)
First terrace of the Vittoriano (free)
Back of Capitoline Hill (free)
Top of Castel Sant’Angelo (paid)
Top of the Colosseum (paid)
View from Janiculum Hill (free)
Top of Palatine Hill (paid)

List of Museums in Rome for Art Lovers

Rome has so many museums and galleries, as well as amazing artworks scattered throughout the city, that I know it’s better not to try to list them all here.

Still, there are some museums, collections, and artworks I think you should visit.

1. Galleria Borghese. Galleria Borghese, which must be seen in Rome by all art lovers, is stunning and a true pleasure for museum visitors. Book your ticket in advance to choose an entry time convenient for you.

Palazzo Massimo. One of my favorite museums in all of Rome, which you must see if you love ancient Roman statues and artifacts and want to see real Roman frescoes without going to Pompeii.
The Ecstasy of St. Teresa (sculpture), Santa Maria della Vittoria. Some of Rome’s most amazing artworks can be seen free in Roman churches. If you love sculpture, don’t miss the Ecstasy of St. Teresa in Santa Maria della Vittoria – one of Bernini’s masterpieces.
Caravaggio in San Luigi dei Francesi (painting). If you want to admire Caravaggio without burdening yourself with long museum visits, visit the chapel of the Church of St. Louis of the French, near Piazza Navona.
Mosaics of Santa Maria in Trastevere (mosaics). If you want to get up close with one of Rome’s most ancient art forms, go to Santa Maria in Trastevere and see its mosaics. They’re very different from what you can see in other Rome churches.

Seek Out Hidden Treasures – Rome Attractions Tourists Often Miss

Pyramid and Protestant Cemetery. Did you know there’s a pyramid in Rome? It’s true, and while its front faces a busy square, its back overlooks the beautiful Protestant city cemetery. Together they create one of the most romantic corners in the entire city. Don’t miss it. You can read all about the pyramid in Rome here.
Baths of Caracalla. For reasons I’ll never understand, the Baths of Caracalla are often overlooked by visitors but are one of the most beautiful ancient sites in the entire city. Not to be missed, especially in spring and fall when against the blue sky the high ruins become particularly impressive.
Santa Prassede. A magnificent church in the heart of the Monti neighborhood, Santa Prassede has impressive mosaics that are important testimony to Byzantine art in all of Rome (the Chapel of St. Zeno is truly unique).
Coppedè Quarter. The Coppedè Quarter is a small area in Rome with architecture unique in the city. This neighborhood has Art Nouveau buildings that somewhat resemble Gaudí’s architecture in Barcelona. You can explore this neighborhood on your own or with a tour.
Casina delle Civette – a house turned museum that will make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale (or a little German town!). A hidden Roman gem for both architecture lovers and families – it’s located in a beautiful Roman park called Villa Torlonia, which has museums and a playground – the perfect place for multiple generations!
San Clemente. If you want to see with your own eyes how Rome developed over time, go to San Clemente – a church that now has 3 different building levels showing how the same space was used for different purposes over the centuries. You can explore this incredible attraction independently or book a tour (including the nearby beautiful church Santi Quattro Coronati) here.
Centrale Montemartini. One of Rome’s strangest museums and one of the most beautiful, Centrale Montemartini is an industrial facility turned exhibition space. The place is family-friendly and is one of my favorite museums in Rome that you can see with children.
Street art in Ostiense. There’s more than ancient art in Rome: go to Ostiense or Tor Marancia to see what the capital can offer in terms of street art.
St. Peter’s and the keyhole view. Imagine peeking through a keyhole and seeing a perfectly manicured row of bushes “embracing” the most perfect view of St. Peter’s Dome. Wouldn’t that be amazing? That’s exactly what you can experience at the top of Aventine Hill. Peeking through the keyhole is mandatory.
Pasquino. When visiting Piazza Navona, take time to find Pasquino. This statue may not look as beautiful as other Rome statues, but it has an important history. Here people posted their complaints against the Pope when Rome was under his rule. Pasquino is one of the so-called talking statues, reminders of a time when freedom of speech didn’t exist.

Parks and Green Spaces in Rome

Rome has beautiful green spaces and parks. Some you should add to your list of places to visit:

Villa Borghese Gardens (in the city center)
Via Appia (outside center, incredible if you bike here)
Villa Doria Pamphili (in the Vatican area)
Ostia Antica (outside center, ideal place for an afternoon and evening)

List of Great Restaurants in Rome for Local Food Lovers

If you’re in the Italian capital, you must try some of the most famous Roman foods:

Carbonara (main ingredients: eggs and pork)
Pasta alla Gricia (main ingredient: cheese)
Cacio e Pepe pasta (main ingredients: cheese and black pepper)
Pasta all’Amatriciana (main ingredients: tomato sauce, pork, cheese)
Supplì (fried rice balls with mozzarella core, wonderful Roman appetizer)
Carciofi alla giudia (fried artichokes, incredible!)
Carciofi alla Romana (Roman-style artichoke, different from above as it’s braised, not fried)
Abbacchio scottadito (lamb)
Puntarelle alla romana (salad)
Saltimbocca alla Romana (meat dish)

I hope my list of places to visit and things to try in Rome has been helpful!