23 Places to Visit in Rome

Don't know what to do in Rome? I bet the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain are already on your list, but I'll show other amazing places you have to visit in Rome. But don't worry, the classics are on this list as well 🙂

The Colosseum

This is definitely a must go place! The first time we were in Rome we visited it twice (one time inside and the second just outside to watch the sunset) and this time we did the exact same thing!

Back in 2005 we made the regular visit and this time we visited the underground. I have to be honest, I expected more from the underground visit, but it was fun anyway. And you have a privileged spot to visit the main floor.

Palatine Hill and and Roman Forum

When you buy the ticket to visit the Colosseum you also get access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. It's amazing to imagine there was a whole community living there more than 2 thousand years ago! Be prepared to walk! TIP: the ticket lines at the Palatine Hill are much shorter then at the Colosseum.

Captoline Hill and the Captoline Museums

I have to confess we didn't visit the museums. But still, a visit to Captoline Hill (Campidoglio) is a must! And as a bonus, you'll get an amazing view from the Roman Forum!

Altare della Patria

The Altare della Patria, also known as the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, is a gigantic construction (it is the largest monument in Rome) and not everybody likes it. But the view you get from the terrace is a winner!

Piazza Navona

Way in the past the Piazza Navona used to be a stadium and it was flooded for battles/performances. Nowadays you can find three beautiful fountains, the biggest is Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, that represents the four major rivers on the planet.

Pantheon

The Pantheon is the best preserved building from ancient Rome and the most fascinating part is its giant dome, with its famous opening on the top.

Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola

From the outside you have absolutely no idea of what you are about to see inside. This church is simply one the the most beautiful we have ever visited! The ceiling is breathtaking - pretty much compared to the Sistine Chapel!

 

Fontana di Trevi

If you want to take a picture with noboby else (or very few people) on it you will have to wake up very early, but even during the busy hours of the day you can still manage to get some cool photos!

Piazza di Spagna

Not one our favorite spots in Rome, but it's a must go, specially if it's your first time in the city! Here you find the famous Spanish Steps.

Via dei Condotti

Fancy and pricey stores, so for us it was basically window shopping 🙂 But right at the end you will find Zara and H&M so we were still able to buy something on this famous street!

Ponte Cavour

Cavor Bridge will give you a direct veiw from St Peter's Basilica. And it's even more beautiful to visit it at night!

Castel Sant'Angelo

One of our favorite places in Rome, Castel Sant'Angelo was a mausoleum, prision and a refuge for the popes. You will feel like you are in a medieval village!

Ponte Sant'Angelo

Sant'Angelo Bridge is just for pedestrians and has statues of angels all along its way. Together with Castel Sant'Angelo this is one of our favorites areas in the city!

St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica

The square is huge and so is the line to get inside the Basilica! We waited more than 1 hour to get through security (and it was low season).

Tip: if you have stamina, visit the dome, where you will get a great view of Rome. The best thing to do is to get the elevator that will take you about half way up and then go up through the stairs (the only possible way to get to the top).

Vatican Museums

Yes, in the plural! You have to buy only one ticket but when you get inside you will actually go through many museums that are connected with each other. And if your main purpose is to visit the Sistine Chapel you will find directions for a shortcut!

One of our favorite parts is at the end of the visit: the spiral stairs!

Gianicolo

What a nice place to have a great view of Rome! We got there by bus and went down walking and then headed to Trastevere.

Trastevere

This whole neighborhood is so charming, so walk as much as possible there! Some places we walked by were Via Garibaldi, Viale di Trastevere, Piazza di San Cosimato and Piazza di Santa Maria.

Tip: stop by Ristorante alle Fratte di Trastevere to taste some amazing tiramisu! Back in 2005 we had lunch there (we had a great lasagna) and now, coincidentally we stopped at this restaurant for coffee and dessert. The owner is very talkative and when we told him we had been there many years before, he treated us with another serving of tiramisu, for free!

Boca de la Veritá

It may not necessarily be a must go place, but, if you have time go and you'll probably end up with some funny pictures to take back home 🙂 Legend says if you lie, it will bite your hand off!

Jewish Ghetto

We really enjoyed walking on this area. It's a "wow" in every corner! Old buildings, narrow streets, little shops. That's was enough to make us not wanting to leave!

Campo de Fiori

The morning market has everything you can imagine, from fruits and vegetables, to cheese, pasta, spices and so many other things. That's where we bought our Italian coffee maker!

Of course there's a lot more to see in Rome, so do it like we did: walk and then walk so more, and you may find unexpected places that will surprise you!

For more travel ideas in Europe click here!