Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Rome, Italy [2025 Travel Guide]

1) Colosseum, Roman Forum & Arch of Constantine

No sight defines Rome like the Colosseo. Pair it with the adjacent Roman Forum—once the city’s political and commercial heart—and the Arch of Constantine. For the best flow, start at the Forum/Palatine entrance (shorter lines) and finish at the Colosseum. Consider a timed-entry ticket and, if possible, a small-group tour that includes the underground and arena floor.

Pro tip: Early morning or late afternoon light is gorgeous for photos, and summer shade is limited—bring water.

2) Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica

Masterpieces live here—from Raphael’s Rooms to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. After the museums, head to St. Peter’s Basilica (free to enter; security line only) and climb the dome for sweeping views. Modest dress is required (shoulders and knees covered).

Pro tip: Choose a first-entry or late-evening museum slot to avoid peak crowds. Dome climbs are easiest early morning.

3) Pantheon

The world’s best-preserved Roman temple features a gravity-defying dome and a central oculus that spotlights the marble floor when sun beams in. Entry policies now vary by season—budget a small fee and expect a short queue.

Nearby: Excellent espresso bars and gelato shops ring the square; combine with Piazza Navona and Trevi for a compact walk.

4) Trevi Fountain

Baroque drama at its peak. Toss a coin over your left shoulder to ensure a return to Rome. It’s magical by night, but also the most crowded—try sunrise for serenity and mirror-calm water.

5) Spanish Steps & Trinità dei Monti

From the boat-shaped Barcaccia fountain to the church atop the staircase, this is Rome’s most elegant urban stage. It’s a prime people-watching perch and a gateway to designer shopping streets like Via dei Condotti.

6) Piazza Navona & Fountain of the Four Rivers

Built on the footprint of a Roman stadium, the oval piazza is framed by palazzi and the baroque genius of Bernini’s Four Rivers fountain. Street artists, cafes, and evening buskers make it a lively stop.

7) Trastevere & Basilica of Santa Maria

Wander cobbled lanes scented with rosemary and espresso in Trastevere. Step into the gold-mosaicked Santa Maria basilica, then linger for aperitivo on a lantern-lit square. It’s bohemian, photogenic, and perfect after a day of museums.

8) Castel Sant’Angelo & Ponte Sant’Angelo

Once Hadrian’s mausoleum, later a papal fortress with a secret corridor to the Vatican, this cylindrical castle offers rooftop views of the Tiber and St. Peter’s. Cross via the angel-lined bridge for iconic shots.

9) Palatine Hill

Legend says Romulus founded Rome here. Stroll palace ruins and pine-shaded overlooks that frame the Forum below and the Colosseum beyond. A wonderful place to pause, picnic, and reflect on millennia.

10) Appian Way & Catacombs

Escape the bustle on the ancient basalt stones of the Appia Antica. Rent a bike and combine with a visit to the Catacombs of San Sebastiano or San Callisto for early Christian history beneath the fields.

11) Capitoline Hill & Museums

Michelangelo redesigned this civic hill, but the Capitoline Museums steal the show with the she-wolf of Rome, the equestrian Marcus Aurelius, and a terrace that peers across the Forum. Fine on a rainy day.

12) Galleria Borghese & Villa Borghese Gardens

Time-slotted only and absolutely worth it: Caravaggios glow and Bernini’s marble seems to breathe (don’t miss Apollo and Daphne). Afterward, roam the landscaped park by foot, bike, or rowboat.

13) Campo de’ Fiori & Surroundings

By day, stalls spill over with produce and spices; by night, aperitivo hum takes over. This market square is a short stroll to the Jewish Ghetto’s classic Roman-Jewish trattorias and Tiber riverside paths.

14) Testaccio, Aventine Hill & the Keyhole

For authentic food culture, head to Testaccio Market and its modern street-food stands. Nearby, climb the Aventine for the orange garden overlook and the famous Keyhole of the Knights of Malta—a postcard-perfect peephole view of St. Peter’s dome.

15) Day Trip: Tivoli—Villa d’Este & Hadrian’s Villa

Just outside Rome, Villa d’Este dazzles with Renaissance gardens and playful fountains, while Hadrian’s Villa sprawls with imperial pools and pavilions. It’s a refreshing, history-rich escape when you want space and greenery.

How to Group These Sights into a 2–3 Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Colosseum → Roman Forum/Palatine → Capitoline Terrace → Pantheon → Piazza Navona → Trevi by night.
• Day 2: Vatican Museums → St. Peter’s/Dome → Castel Sant’Angelo → Trastevere evening stroll and dinner.
• Optional Day 3: Borghese Gallery & Gardens → Spanish Steps → Testaccio food crawl → Aventine Keyhole sunset.

Essential Planning Tips for 2025

• Book timed entries for the Colosseum, Borghese, and Vatican to avoid long queues.
• Free sights abound: Pantheon exterior, Trevi, Spanish Steps, piazzas, and church interiors are mostly free.
• Dress codes apply in churches (shoulders and knees covered).
• Beat the heat: Start early, carry a reusable bottle (Rome has free nasoni fountains), and schedule indoor museums midday.
• Transit made easy: Metro A/B lines cover most hubs; tap-to-pay and daily/72-hour passes are convenient for visitors.
• Dining tips: Lunch prix-fixe menus offer great value; avoid hosts waving menus in tourist corridors—walk a few blocks for better cooking and prices.

Where to Stay (Area Cheat Sheet)

• Centro Storico: Walkable to Pantheon/Trevi; boutique hotels, higher rates.
• Trastevere: Bohemian vibe, great nightlife and food.
• Monti: Stylish pocket between Termini and the Colosseum; indie shops and wine bars.
• Prati: Quiet, near the Vatican; wide boulevards and good shopping.

Safety & Etiquette

• Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas; use cross-body bags and keep phones secure.
• No sitting/eating on monument steps where posted; fines are enforced.
• Order coffee at the bar to pay less; tipping is minimal—round up or leave small change.

Final Thoughts

Rome rewards both planners and wanderers. Anchor your itinerary with these 15 must-see attractions, then leave space to chase down a hidden courtyard, a bakery’s pistachio cornetto, or a sunset that catches the dome of St. Peter’s just right. That’s the Eternal City’s real magic.