What to see in Rome? 19 sites that you cannot miss!

Planning a trip to Rome? You’ll want to plan ahead—there’s just so much to see. From ancient ruins to world-class museums and stunning piazzas, even a month wouldn’t be enough to cover it all. That’s why I’ve put together this guide on what to see in Rome, filled with photos to help you choose what to prioritize based on your time.

I spent about 10 days in Rome and managed to cover quite a lot, but honestly, the more time you have, the better. Along the way, I also discovered some tools and resources that would’ve made planning easier,especially if I’d stayed longer.

If you’re working on an Italian itinerary, don’t skip Venice, Florence, or Naples—but definitely set aside extra days for Rome. You’ll need them.

In this post, I’ve included a solid list of places to choose from, depending on how much time you have. I’ve also linked to trusted resources where you can dig deeper. Hopefully, this helps you make the most of your time in the Eternal City!

Wondering where to stay in Rome?

Choosing the right hotel can make or break your trip, especially in a city as big and busy as Rome. If you’re wondering where to stay in Rome for the first time, focus on neighborhoods like the Historic Center or Trastevere—they’re walkable, full of charm, and close to major landmarks. You can use the map below for easy search.

What to see in Rome

The Colosseum

Rome is one of the most incredible historical places to see in the world, and the Colosseum is one of its iconic landmarks. You can appreciate the majestic ancient forum by day and by night. You can see my best picture in the daylight in the header, and below is a night capture.

Rome Colosseum - what to see in Rome — My first shot at night! Not a bad subject – The Colosseum

Musei Capitolini

The Musei Capitolini (Capitoline Museums) in Rome are a must for history and art lovers. Located on Capitoline Hill, this museum complex is one of the oldest public museums in the world. Inside, you’ll find ancient Roman statues, Renaissance art, and iconic pieces like the Capitoline Wolf and the massive statue fragments of Emperor Constantine. The museums also offer stunning views over the Roman Forum—definitely worth a visit.

Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums are one of Rome’s top attractions—and for good reason. Home to an incredible collection of art and history, they house masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, and countless others. The highlight? The awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel ceiling. It’s a place where every hallway tells a story, so give yourself plenty of time to explore.

An ornate, fresco-adorned hall with arched ceilings and columns, showcasing intricate artwork and historical decor. — Photo courtesy of Flickr

St. Peters Cathedral

I have visited it by day and by night, but the best shot came out at night. This is among my favorite pictures in Rome.

Rome - basilic of San Pedro — Basilica of St Peter’s at dusk

Circus Maximus

I went to visit Circus Maximus during a walking itinerary I did on my own. You can find it here if you wish to follow my steps.

CIRCO MAXIMO — What has remained of one of the most important circuses where ancient Roman games were held and is now a huge green open space where people walk their dogs and concerts take place.

Terme di Caracalla

Bath of Caracalla, the second largest bath in ancient Rome

Imperial Forum

The Imperial Forum is a fascinating walk through ancient Roman history. Built by several emperors over time, these grand ruins once showcased the power and glory of the Roman Empire. You’ll see remnants of temples, arches, and marketplaces that give a glimpse into daily life and imperial propaganda. It’s less crowded than the Roman Forum, but just as impressive.

Castel Sant’Angelo

One of the most visited museums after the Vatican’s, it was initially commissioned by the Roman emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. The popes later used the building as a fortress and castle.

Giardino degli Aranci

Giardino degli Aranci, or the Orange Garden, is a peaceful spot perched on Aventine Hill with one of the best panoramic views of Rome. Lined with fragrant orange trees and tall pines, the garden offers a quiet escape from the busy city below. The view from the terrace, especially at sunset, is stunning—St. Peter’s dome rising above the rooftops feels almost cinematic. It’s a favorite among locals for a reason.

Aventine Hill

One of the seven hills on which Rome was founded is now home to a few interesting sites, including the Basilica of Santa Sabina, the Giardino Degli Aranci, and the popular keyhole through which you can see St. Peter’s dome.

Fontana di Trevi

I was in shock when I went to see the so popular fountain once again, as it was overcrowded. To see the place in tranquility, I went there by 6:30 am, and there I could peacefully admire such a famous piece of history.

Piazza di Spagna

The center of the aristocratic Rome, where the top luxury brands Via Condotti and Via Vittorio Veneto lead to. You cannot avoid walking by and climbing up the stairs to TRINITA’ DEI MONTI, another awesome spot for sunset.

People admiring art displays and a sunset on a bustling riverside promenade. — Trinita dei Monti at sunset

Campo dei Fiori

Campo dei Fiori is one of Rome’s most vibrant and historic piazzas. Once a meadow (hence the name “field of flowers”), it evolved into a bustling market hub by the 15th century. Today, mornings bring colorful stalls of fruits, veggies, and flowers, while evenings transform it into a lively spot lined with bars and eateries.

At its heart stands the striking bronze statue of philosopher Giordano Bruno, executed there in 1600—a powerful symbol of free thought. Besides soaking in the market energy, you can admire nearby treasures like the Terrina fountain and historic palazzi, and experience both local life and centuries-old history in one place.

Piazza Farnese

Just behind Campo dei Fiori, you will see this elegant little square with aristocratic, immaculate buildings. The square is named after the magnificent Palazzo Farnese, built for Cardinal Alessandro Farnese by the best artists of that time, Antonio da Sangallo, Michelangelo Buonarroti, il Vignola, and Giacomo Della Porta.

Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

The Patriarchal Basilica of St. Mary Major reigns as an authentic jewel in the crown of Roman churches. Its beautiful treasures are of inestimable value and represent the Church’s role as the cradle of Christian artistic civilization in Rome…. (source Vatican.va)

Pantheon

Villa Borghese

The huge green space in the heart of Rome spill into 85 hectares of Villa Borghese public park, which belonged to Borghese Princes’ private villa up until the end of the nineteenth century. It’s a beautiful public garden where to hang out, jog or relax.

You can also admire a beautiful sunset over the city from the end of the promenade pincio.

Also within the park, you can visit different museums among which Museo and Galleria Borghese with the beautiful sculpture of Bernini, the museum Carlo Bilotti (Aranciera di Villa Borghese) which includes the works of De Chirico, Severini, Warhol, Rivers e Manzù and the home of Pietro Canonica.

As I mentioned there is much more, if you wish to add something else that has particularly caught your attention, please let me know I will be happy to add it to the article.

Museo Romano

The National Roman Museum is a museum, with several branches in separate buildings throughout the city of Rome, Italy. It shows exhibits from the pre-and early history of Rome, with a focus on archaeological findings from the period of Ancient Rome. The most important is the one at the Palazzo Massimo. To know more click on the link on the title.

PALAZZO ALTEMPS 15th-century palace housing Renaissance artworks & antiquities, Greek & Roman sculptures & library –

Modern Art Museums

You will find amazing pieces of modern art :

GALLERIA NAZIONALE DI ARTE MODERNA–Located in the heart of the city close to Trinita’ dei Monti, the museum located in a historical building includes more than 3000 works of art of the XIX and XX centuries.

MAXXI Museo nazionale delle arti del XXI secolo, or National Museum of the 21st Century Arts, is a national museum of contemporary art and architecture in the Flaminio neighborhood of Rome, Italy.

One more thing that I always recommend while you walk around Rome, always remember to look up and look around.

Before wrapping up this articles with more pictures I leave you with the link to my other post on more practical information which you can find also useful:

How to move around in Rome: practical tips.

Here below some more pictures :

For Further Reading

Planning a trip soon? Here are My Recommended Travel Resources.

TRAVEL INSURANCE – Safety Wing or TRAVEL INSURANCE MASTER
BOOK FLIGHTS – Expedia, Going.com (former Scott Cheap flights), and always remember to compare
BOOK TOURS – GetYourGuide or Viator. Some of their tours are refundable up to 24h in advance.
HOTELS & HOMES – Booking.com – Expedia – VRBO
CAR RENTALS: Discover Car Rentals
MY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS – View all my travel items on Amazon

What to see in Rome – 19 sites that you cannot miss!