Top Attractions in Rome; 10 Must See Experiences for Your Next Italy Trip

Italy is a popular bucket list destination; rich with historical sites, baffling architecture and delicious cuisine. And what better place to embrace Italian culture than in the Capital City, Rome. With what seems like an interesting attraction at every street corner, it is easy to spend hours walking around this fabulous city. 

Getting Around: 

Rome hosts an elaborate network of buses and trains that can get you almost anywhere in the city, quickly and conveniently. Tickets for the public transport throughout Rome can be purchased at most train stations with time limits, rather than per trip. Therefore, if you are planning on jumping on and off the public buses to visit the historic sites throughout the city, you could purchase a 24 or 48 hour ticket which allows unlimited use of the public transport in Rome while it is valid. Taxi’s, tour buses and rental cars are also available but tend to be more expensive and less convenient. 

In reality, most major attractions are less than 2km from each other, so walking between sites is quite manageable with some good walking shoes and a little extra endurance. 

Where to Stay: 

Rome is a popular tourist destination, so hotels are highly abundant throughout the city. We chose to stay just a short 20 minute bus ride outside the heart of the city, at Occidental Aran Park Hotel. This was a significantly quieter and cheaper area, surrounded by parks and lovely scenery, yet still felt close to all the major attractions. 

The Major Attractions: 

1. The Colosseum 

Paraded on social media and all over the internet, it is easy to believe that you won’t be surprised when viewing it in person. But in reality, the Colosseum will still blow you away with its momentous size, intricate details and complex internal design. Built almost 2000 years ago and unbelievably well maintained, it offers a spectacular opportunity to visualise history. 

Step into history: 

Inside the Colosseum, many preserved items and detailed models are on display to learn about this incredible site and its evolution through history. The center of the amphitheater has been highly impacted by weather and deterioration over the years, but it is still possible to visualise how it would have looked. The worn away flooring now also allows viewers to see what would have been an underground network of tunnels and rooms. 

Take a tour? 

If you are interested in the history and development of the Colosseum over time, this is a site that would be highly beneficial with a guided tour. However, there is plenty of information provided freely throughout the entire venue, so that if you prefer to wander around on your own, you wouldn’t be missing out on too much. 

Know Before you Go: 

• The first Sunday day of the month provides free entry to all guests
• On a very busy day, the line may take about 1.5 hours 
• Allow at least an hour to explore inside 
• Be aware of scammers, pickpockets and ‘fake tours’ 
• Free cold water taps are available to fill water bottles 
• Most of the venue is uncovered, so take weather into account during your visit

2. The Trevi Fountain

Nestled amongst the streets of Rome, this spectacular fountain is a monument worth witnessing at any time of day. The intricate marble detailing has a meticulous way of drawing in your attention then holding you as you embrace the story carved into the marble. 

Beat The Crowds; Viewing Tip! 

Surrounded by tall buildings on all sides, it feels a little like it is being swallowed by the city and can feel more crowded than the other sites. The crowd somewhat rotates as people take turns throwing coins into the fountain or getting a closer look and a photo. However, if you walk into the department store opposite the fountain and take the stairs to the second floor, you can get a perfect view of the fountain from above the crowds. 

Know Before You Go: 

• No entry fee, open to the public at all times 
• Very crowded during peak periods

3. The Spanish Steps

A grand staircase with a decorative fountain at the bottom, joining the Piazza di Spagna and the Church of Trinita dei Monti. The cascading polished stone steps are a popular tourist destination, dating back to the 1700s. Nowadays, the steps are mostly used by fashion performances, photographers and cinematographers as an iconic and picturesque shooting location. But, it is also just a lovely spot to people watch and enjoy the view.

Know Before You Go: 

• No entry fee, open to the public at all times 
• Very crowded during peak periods

4. The Pantheon 

A columned architectural masterpiece. Originally built almost 2000 years ago, this building was a large Roman Temple. It has since been converted to a Catholic Church but has been perfectly preserved to this day. The mind-blowing concrete sculpturing and perfect geometry of the dome, allow it to hold the title of the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. A feat that needs to be witnessed to be truly understood. 

Know Before You Go: 

• The first Sunday of every month provides free entry inside the monument
• Audio and guided tours are available 
• Allow at least 30 minutes to explore inside 
• Be aware of scammers, pickpockets and ‘fake tours’ 
• Appropriate and modest clothing is required to enter, as it is a religious site

5. The Monument to Victor Emmanuel II 

A large national monument that towers over the streets of Rome. Built to celebrate the unification of Italy and honor the First King, it holds a great deal of historical significance for the country. Being much larger than some of the other popular tourist attractions, it has an added bonus of feeling significantly less crowded. 

6. Via Dei Fori Imperiali Street

Easily one of the most scenic streets in Rome, this road is located in the center of the city, directly connecting the Colosseum to the Piazza Venezia. Preserved Ancient Roman forums can be seen on both sides, including statues of the Roman Emperors, several churches and many ruins of historical buildings. While the construction of the road itself is quite controversial, given that it required the demolition of many Roman artefacts, the street provides an extremely convenient and accessible way to view the relics that remain. 

Know before you Go: 

• The street is less than 1 km in length and only takes about 15 minutes if you chose not to look at the surrounding artefacts 
• To observe its surroundings, allow at least an hour to walk along the street. 
• Be aware of pickpockets and scammers along this high traffic tourist area 
• There is no entry free, the street is open to the public at all times 
• While it is usually only open to commercial vehicles and therefore rarely busy, remember that it is a road and be aware of buses or cars passing through. 

7. Piazza del Popolo and ‘The People’s Door’ 

Recognised as the main city entrance during the Roman Empire, this spectacular square is as unique as it is welcoming. The Piazza del Popolo (aka. ‘the people’s square’) is well known for many of its own attractions, such as The Twin Churches, the Egyptian Obelisk, the Santa Maria Del Popolo Church and many significant fountains and sculptures. Each of these artefacts are accessible from the square and are worth taking the time to admire individually. 

At the entrance of the square is the Porta Del Popolo (aka. ‘The People’s Gate’) that represents a huge engineering feat with great historical significance, once marking the border of the Ancient City of Rome. 

8. Terrazza del Pincio 

Take the stairs to the top of Pincio and view spectacular panoramic views of the City of Rome. Accessible from the Piazza Del Popolo, this beautiful park elevates your view of the city, perfect for a sunset stroll with panoramic views. The accompanying gardens are filled with monuments and busts of historically significant figures surrounded by lush flora. 

Know before you go: 

• To access the lookout and garden an entry fee applies 
• If you take the stairs without entering the top, you can still enjoy spectacular views of the city without paying the entry fee. 
• Be aware of pickpockets and scammers along this high traffic tourist area 
• Some of the path is beside a busy street; be aware of cars and parking vehicles while walking along the path, since you may become distracted by the spectacular views. 

9. Vatican City

Easily one of the most spectacular sites in Italy, possibly even the world. Well deserving of the UNESCO World Heritage Title, this landlocked state represents the spiritual center of the Catholic Church. It is recognised as the smallest independent state in the world but its historical significance is not to be underestimated. 

Within the Walls: 

About half of the city is occupied by beautiful gardens, decorated with fountains and sculptures. The other half features multiple museums, galleries, palaces and historically significant architectural monuments. The heart of the Vatican City is St. Peter’s Square and the adjoining St. Peter’s Basilica (aka. ‘The Vatican’). Literally built over the tomb of Saint Peter the Apostle, it is the largest religious building in the world. 

Tickets and Pricing: 

The entry price for the Vatican is 20 Euro per adult on a regular day, however, the last Sunday of every month provides free entry. Tickets can be purchased online on the Vatican Website or at the site for the same price. St. Peter’s square is accessible free of charge, however the surrounding museums, galleries and buildings require entry fees. The Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is an additional charge to the main entry ticket and is dependent on the route choice (see below information about climbing The Dome).

Time Required: 

On busy days (such as the free entry days) the line to enter St. Peter’s Basilica can take up to 1.5 hours, located outdoors. Once inside, allow 1-2 hours to explore the incredible internal architecture and mosaic detail. The Dome of the Basilica involves a separate line and payment. Allow at least an hour for this line, since the number of visitors allowed is significantly less and more spread out. When it is your turn to begin the climb, allow another hour for the full experience to the top and back. The stairs and elevator take about the same amount of time when you take into account that the elevator usually has another line, whereas you can begin climbing the stairs straight away. 

Know Before You Go: 

• Clothing standards must be passed to allow entry. As a religious site, shoulders, stomachs and knees must be covered. No scandalous outfits or inappropriate text permitted. If your clothing is deemed inappropriate, you will be denied entry. 
• The last Sunday of every month allows free entry 
• Lines can be long and in the sun, so a hat and and sunscreen is recommended
• All bags are thoroughly checked and x-rayed on entry, large luggage is not permitted 
• Some of the site is outdoors, so take the weather into account when visiting

Don’t Miss Out; Climbing the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica 

Some of the best views of Rome and an up-close look at the intricate detailing of the artistic ceilings inside the Vatican. What more can you ask for?! On most days, the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is open to the public for an additional fee. There are 3 stages to the top of the Dome; the interior balcony at the base of the Dome inside the Basilica, the outdoor terrace, and the outdoor viewing platform at the tip of the Basilica. 

To reach the first stage (the interior balcony), visitors can choose to take the 221 steps for 8 Euro or take the elevator for an additional 2 Euro. This cost includes all 3 viewing stages. Once you have reached the viewing platform, you can walk around the interior of the dome, close to the ceiling to admire the intricate detail of the mosaics while viewing the interior of the Basilica from a higher perspective. 

Next, all visitors that wish to continue, must take a further 300 steps up a narrow staircase that spirals to the upper level. You will then step outside to a terrace that overlooks the Piazza and the upper statues of the surrounding columns. Bathrooms, drinking water fountains, a souvenir shop and a cafe, are also located on the terrace. 

Finally, the last 30 steps up a narrow spiral staircase will send you to the top of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica to witness spectacular 360 degree views of St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican Gardens and the surrounding City of Rome. 

10. Giardino delle Cascate