Step into the timeless beauty of Rome, the eternal city steeped in history and culture. This enchanting capital of Italy hosts a wealth of breathtaking sights that bear witness to its rich heritage. From the imposing Colosseum and the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica to the artful Sistine Chapel and the historic Trevi Fountain, Rome offers an unparalleled journey through the ages. Let yourself be guided by the cobblestone streets and discover the top 15 sights that make this city an unforgettable destination, where modern life goes hand in hand with the traces of a glorious history.
Colosseum
The Colosseum is seen as the symbol of Rome. It is also said that if the Colosseum falls, then Rome falls. The building is truly beautiful and very impressive. In the Colosseum, fights were organized between animals and gladiators in the past. This was the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire. The queue at the Colosseum to buy a ticket can sometimes be very long. Therefore, we recommend buying a ticket online. This way, you can avoid the longest line and thus enjoy more time inside the Colosseum instead of waiting outside.
Cost: a standard ticket costs €16.00. This ticket is valid for 24 hours and also gives immediate access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Children under 18 are free, and there is a discount for students.
Forum Romanum
The Roman Forum is the bustling center of classical antiquity. Everything used to be done here; negotiations, trade, politics, religion, etc. Nowadays, the site consists entirely of ruins, but you can still imagine what it used to be like. It is definitely worth spending some time here and being amazed by the beauty of the impressive ruins.
Cost: a standard ticket costs €16.00. This ticket is valid for 24 hours and also gives immediate access to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. Children under 18 are free, and there is a discount for students.
Pantheon
The Pantheon was built as a temple. Later, this building was only used as a church. This is the reason why it is still so well preserved. What is especially remarkable about this church is the roof. The hole in this roof creates a beautiful light effect inside. Admission is free, and definitely worth it.
Trevi fountain
The Trevi Fountain is the most famous fountain in Rome. The fountain is surprisingly large and truly beautiful. Unfortunately, it is usually very crowded at the fountain, unless you go very early in the morning. It is said that if you throw a coin over your right shoulder into this fountain, you will definitely return to Rome.
St. Peter's Basilica and square
In Rome lies the independent state of Vatican City. Here you will find the most used residence of the Pope and the most important place within the Roman Catholic faith. In the middle of Vatican City you will find St. Peter’s Basilica; one of the most beautiful basilicas in the world.
In addition, St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest and most important church in the world. This is where the Pope holds his Sunday prayer. Not only on the outside, but also on the inside, it is an impressive building. We therefore recommend you to go inside. Admission is free but keep in mind that shoulders and knees must be covered. The queue to get in can be quite long, but it is definitely worth it. In addition, there is a security check like at the airport before you can enter. You can climb the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. It is a steep climb to the top, but the view over Rome and Vatican City is breathtaking. Furthermore, the crypt can also be visited, including the tomb of Peter.
St. Peter’s Square is the square in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. It is round and surrounded by statues and pillars. This square is beautifully visible from the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Cost: the entrance to St. Peter's Basilica is free. Would you also like to climb the dome? You will need a ticket for this. This costs €5,-.
Sistine Chapel
In addition to St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City has other special attractions. You should definitely not miss the Vatican Museum. The museum is quite large and filled with beautiful works of art. The real highlight of this museum is definitely the Sistine Chapel.
When a new Pope is elected, this is the place where the cardinals come together. The Sistine Chapel is known for the ceiling painting ‘The Creation’ painted by master painter Michelangelo. The inside of the Sistine Chapel is beautiful, but also very crowded. We do recommend planning your visit and buying tickets for the Vatican Museums online. The queue can be really long, while with an online ticket you can often get in much faster.
Cost: a ticket for the Vatican Museums costs €17,-. In addition, you can book an audio tour for €7,-. There are discounts for children and students.
Castel Sant'Angelo
The Angel’s Castle or also called Castel Sant’Angelo is so named because according to legend, a Pope prayed here to God to save the people from the Plague. The archangel Michael listened to his prayers.
The entire castle is open for visitation. However, most people nowadays visit the castle for the view it offers over Rome and Vatican City. In addition, there is a beautiful bridge in front of the castle which is also really worth visiting.
Costs: a ticket costs €20.50, and here too there are discounts for children and students.
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is known as the most beautiful square in Rome. Where it is now a square, it used to be a stadium. The stadium has disappeared, but the shape of this stadium is still clearly recognizable. Piazza Navona is not only a beloved square among tourists, but also among artists. There are dozens of restaurants around the square. On the square you will also find a beautiful church, which has free access.
Spanish steps
The Spanish Steps are seen as the ultimate hangout spot. Everyone sat there to rest or to enjoy the view. The Spanish Steps connect Piazza di Spagna with the church Trinità dei Monti. On the square you will also find Fontana della Barcaccia, a special fountain.
Note that nowadays you are no longer allowed to sit on the stairs. This can even result in a fine of a few hundred euros. However, walking over it is still possible.
Piazza del Popolo
At Piazza Popolo, you can find several attractions. This square is one of the largest squares in Rome. Characteristic of this square is the stately arch on the north side of the square and the twin churches Santa Maria di Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli. In addition, there is a huge obelisk in the middle of the square.
From Piazza del Popolo, the three main streets of Rome run in the shape of a trident. These are; Via el Babuino, Via del Corso, and Via di Ripetta.
Villa Borghese
When you want to escape the heat and crowds of the city, the best place to go is Villa Borghese. This is a beautiful park where you can escape the city. It is worth visiting this park in both summer and winter.
Monument of Victor Emanuel II and Piazza Venetia
Piazza Venezia is one of the most important squares in Rome. There are many buses that run through here, and it is very central. A good starting point for a day in Rome.
The most striking thing from this square is the Monument of Victor Emanuel II, also known as Il Vittoriano. This is a very large building, and does not fit well in style with the rest of Rome. What immediately stands out about the building is the colossal equestrian statue. This statue is Victor Emanuell II, the first king of the reunited Italy. You can visit the building and museum for free up to a certain height. From this height you already have a nice view, but when you buy a ticket to go even further up, you have really beautiful views of the city. We found this panorama terrace definitely worth it.
Costs: access to the museum and first viewing point is free. A ticket for the panoramic terrace costs only €7,-.
Circus Maximus
In ancient times, this was the largest stadium in the center of Rome. It was mainly used for popular chariot races and could accommodate up to 150,000 spectators. At the moment, there is little left of the stadium. Nevertheless, it is worth a visit if you have enough time.
Baths of Caracalla
In ancient Rome, there were several baths. The Baths of Caracalla are the largest and best-preserved. The ruins that remain today give a good idea of how large these baths once were. In the summer, opera and ballet performances are still regularly held here.
The Baths of Caracalla are just a few minutes’ walk from Circus Maximus and can therefore be nicely combined during a visit.
Cost: A ticket for the Baths of Caracalla costs €14. For children, there is a discount, and the ticket costs only €6. This ticket also grants access to the Tomb of Cecilia Metella and Quintili's Villa.
Palatine Hill
The Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome. Located next to the lower-lying Roman Forum, emperors built their palaces on this hill. It is possible to walk up a staircase from the Roman Forum to the Palatine Hill. From the Palatine Hill, you then have a beautiful view over Rome and specifically the Roman Forum.
Cost: A standard ticket costs €16.00. This ticket is valid for 24 hours and also gives immediate access to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Children under 18 years old are free, and there is a discount for students.
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