Rome is a place where hope comes alive and offers you an eternal and surreal experience. A place that is entirely proud of its rich and ancient cultural heritage, and a place that once expanded its majestic empire all over Africa, Europe, and Asia. Rome is a very beautiful place that is entirely drenched in Christianity and its rich history. First-time tourists might get easily overwhelmed by all the enormous things that the city has to offer. Furthermore, you could find captivating art and history on almost every corner of the street.
For the great passion and love of heritage and history, visit at least once in your lifetime to the most captivating and mesmerizing holiday destination. The charming remnants of the past along with marvelous renaissance and ancient culture have made the city a romantic and gorgeous place among travelers. The various mesmerizing places of Rome surely intoxicate you with the grandeur of its era. Apart from displaying charming architecture, these famous attraction spots become major centers for tourist activity and for hanging out.
Rome Tourist Attractions: The 20 Best Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss
Get to know about various beautiful attractions of Rome, figure out your bucket list, and then plan for your vacation trip to Rome. These attraction spots will make you crave to return to Rome again.
1. Colosseum
The Colosseum serves as the most interesting and popular place to visit in Rome. It is an enchanting classic amphitheater with around 80 doors. The amphitheater holds a capacity of around 50,000 viewers which makes it undeniably the best place to visit.
- Not to miss things – Ancient structures, great views of the Roman forum, and museums.
- Opening time – 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
2. Roman Forum
Roman Forum serves as a unique tourist place that is considered the center of ancient Roman civilization and culture. Witness the ancient hub encircled by remains of ancient buildings, especially government buildings.
- Not to miss things – Temple of Saturn, Senate House, and Atrium Vestae.
- Opening time – 8:30 am to an hour before sunset.
3. Villa Farnesina
If you want to know about how wealthy people made their living during the Renaissance, you should visit Villa Farnesina. The place is very popular for frescoes that depict myths of Cupid and Psyche that were painted by Raphael.
- Not to miss things – Its elaborative interior design, beautiful architecture, and Sebastian del Piombo.
- Opening time – 9 am to 2 pm.
4. Trevi Fountain
A world-popular Baroque fountain that showcases a mythical sculptural configuration of Neptune – God of Sea. The structure of the fountain resembles marvelous artwork and is a must to visit the place to see in Rome.
- Not to miss things – Shade and light effects over the fountain’s marble along with enchanting Baroque art sculpture.
- Opening time – Open for 24 hours.
5. Appian Way
A most popular ancient road of Rome that connects Rome with Brindisi, the road was originally a military road. Explore various historical monuments on the road and witness a safe road for pedestrians.
- Not to miss things – Appia Antica regional park and Appia Antica visitor center.
- Opening time – 9:30 am to 11 am or 5 pm to 6:30 pm.
6. Pantheon
The Pantheon, a temple for all Roman deities that was constructed in 126 AD, is regarded as one of the most significant tourist destinations in Rome. Since the seventh century, the Roman Catholic Church has been the same. The Pantheon is made up of an oculus, which is a concrete dome with a central opening, and a portico with granite Corinthian columns.
- Not to miss things – Don’t forget to see the graves of the greatest French people and Foucault’s pendulum.
- Opening time – 9 am to 7:30 pm.
7. National Roman Museum
The complete collection is not kept in one location by this Roman museum. Instead, exhibits are spread out throughout several locations in the city. Discover amber, Roman antiques, and jewelry in the magnificent Palazzo Massimo alle Terme; marvel at the spectacular use of marble and gorgeous sculptures in the Palazzo Altemps, and get a close-up view of Roman baths at the beautifully preserved Baths of Diocletian.
- Not to miss things – Marble staircase, massive lighting, and impressive wall ceilings.
- Opening time – 9 am to 7:45 pm.
8. Peter’s Basilica
With its location at the holy site where Peter, the first pope, was crucified and interred, St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the biggest churches in the world and unquestionably one of the top places to visit in Rome. The chapel is noteworthy historically because numerous well-known artists were involved in its design.
- Not to miss things – View of Rome, treasure along with church ornaments, and taking blessings from the Pope.
- Opening time – 7 am to 5 pm in winter and in summer till 6:30 pm.
9. Victor Emmanuel II Monument
There are two permanent museums—one dedicated to Italian Reunification and the other to Italian emigration—as well as various venues for revolving exhibitions. Even while the Victor Emmanuel Monument isn’t precisely regarded as one of Rome’s most beautiful buildings, it is nevertheless well worth a visit, if only for the breathtaking views it offers from the top.
- Not to miss things – Statue of horseman and its stunning building.
- Opening time – 9:30 am to 7:30 pm.
10. Vatican museum
This magnificent Vatican museum is one of the must-see destinations in Rome and has a working collection of sculptures and works of art from the Middle Ages. One of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Rome is the art museum, which is situated in Vatican City. It consists of the Sistine Chapel’s magnificently decorated interior, the spiral staircase, and the Raphael Rooms.
- Not to miss things – Egyptian paintings, statues, and sculptures, Historical museum.
- Opening time – 9 am to 4 pm.
11. Piazza del Popolo
Northern Rome’s Piazza del Popolo is a sizable oval square that has existed since the time of the Roman Empire. The square is surrounded by three churches, but the centerpiece is an Egyptian obelisk. The Porta del Popolo, which leads to the Via Flaminia, a road connecting Rome with the Adriatic coast, dominates the square’s northern side.
- Not to miss things – Legendary churches, Keats Shelley house, and Villa Borghese.
- Opening time – 7 am to 12 noon and from 4 pm to 7 pm.
12. Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps, one of Rome’s most popular historical tourist destinations, were constructed to connect the French church, Trinità dei Monti, with the Bourbon Spanish embassy. It is crowded with tourists during the day and transforms into one of Rome’s most romantic destinations at night.
- Not to miss things – Fontana Della Barcaccia, Piazza di Spagna, and the museum.
- Opening time – Open for 24 hours.
13. Santa Maria
One of Rome’s earliest churches is Santa Maria in Trastevere, which most historians estimate was first constructed in the fourth century. The mosaics on the façade of this church, which is in the well-known Trastevere district, add to the atmosphere of the piazza, particularly at night when the church and its tower are illuminated.
- Not to miss things – Witness stunning church and old-themed mosaics along with various great artifacts.
- Opening time – 7 am to 7 pm.
14. Castel Sant’Angelo
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Rome is the former mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian. a location where the 2009 American suspense film Angels and Demons were filmed. It is a treat for visitors to take in the river vista while dining at one of the cafes near the mausoleum and hearing all the church bells sound simultaneous.
- Not to miss things – Passetto Di Borgo, Sepulchral Chamber, and Pappal Fortress.
- Opening time – 9 am to 7:30 pm.
15. Campo de Fiori
Campo de Fiori is a public square and a well-known hangout spot in Rome, and it is situated to the south of Piazza Navona. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, flowers, and spices are traded there during the day in an open market setting. But it’s one of the top destinations in Rome at night thanks to the partying youth. Enjoy Campo de’ Fiori’s vibrant nightlife when visiting Rome on your vacation.
- Not to miss things – Explore lively pubs and local wineries that improve nightlife.
- Opening time – Open for 24 hours.
16. Ostia Antica
A significant archaeological site, Ostia Antica once served as Rome’s port. Ostia Antica is renowned for its magnificent mosaics and paintings on these historic structures, as well as its historic public restrooms that transformed restrooms into social gathering places.
- Opening time – 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
17. Basilica of San Clemente
The current cathedral is renowned for its magnificent mosaics and frescoes. The lower two levels of the excavations can be explored for a fee, and it is a fascinating excursion through Rome’s past.
- Opening time – 9:45 am to 12:30 pm and from 3 pm to 5:30 pm.
18. Capitoline Museums
The Piazza del Campidoglio on Capitoline Hill is home to this world-class collection of art and archaeological museums, which got their start with a papal bequest in the 15th century. Medieval and Renaissance artwork, antique Roman statues, and jewelry are all included in the collections.
- Opening time – 9:30 am to 7:30 pm.
19. Palatine hill
A wolf is said to have found the twin boys Romulus and Remus on Palatine Hill, one of the Seven Hills of Rome, and cared for them until a shepherd saved them, according to Roman mythology. Even if this rumor is untrue, Palatine Hill still serves as the site of the founding of Rome. The hill was covered with enormous palaces during the Imperial Empire, but today all that is left are the ruins.
- Opening time – 10:30 am to 7:15 pm.
20. Baths of Caracalla
Baths of Caracalla is the second largest public bath in Rome that was designed for political propaganda purposes. And, the baths have been functional for three hundred years, whose ingenuity and sheer size impress the people.
- Not to miss things – Mind-blowing artistry, magical ruins, and its expansive underground.
- Opening time – 9:00 am to 7:51 pm.
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