Rome is the capital of Italy and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It is also one of the most visited cities in the world. In Rome there are still many historical sights which date back to the time that Rome was the capital of the Roman Empire. In addition, the papal Vatican City is located in Rome, which makes it a special city for many believers.
Colosseum
The Colosseum is seen as the symbol of Rome. It is also said that if the Colosseum falls, Rome will fall. The structure is truly beautiful and very impressive. In the past, fights between animals and gladiators were organized in the Colosseum. This was the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire.
The line at the Colosseum to buy a ticket can sometimes be very long. That is why we recommend buying a ticket online. This way you avoid the longest queue and you have more time to enjoy in the Colosseum instead of having to wait outside.
Costs: a standard ticket costs €16.00. This ticket is valid for 24 hours and also gives direct access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Children under 18 are free, and there is a discount for students.
Forum Romanum
The Forum Romanum was the bustling center of classical antiquity. Everything used to take place here; negotiations, trade, politics, faith, etc. The site now consists entirely of ruins, but you can certainly still imagine how it used to be. It is really worthwhile to walk around here for a while and be amazed by the beauty of the impressive ruins.
Costs: 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. Only later this building was used as a church. This is why it is still so well preserved. What is especially exceptional about this church is the roof. The hole in this roof creates a beautiful light effect inside. Entrance is free and well worth it.
Trevi fountain
The Trevi Fountain is the most famous fountain in Rome. The fountain is surprisingly large and really beautiful. Unfortunately, it is usually super busy at the fountain unless you go really early in the morning. It is said that if you throw a coin over your right shoulder in this fountain, you will definitely return to Rome.
St. Peter's Basilica and square
The independent state of Vatican City is located in Rome. Here you will find the most used residence of the Pope and the most important place in the Roman Catholic church. 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 keeps his Sunday prayer. Not only on the outside, but also on the inside, it is an impressive structure. We therefore recommend that you go inside. Entry is free but keep in mind that shoulders and knees must be covered. The line in can be quite long, but it is well worth it. In addition, there is a security check such as at the airport before you can enter. You can climb the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. It is quite a climb to the top, but the view over Rome and Vatican City is breathtaking. You can also visit Saint Peter’s tomb, which is located in a site under the Basilica.
St. Peter’s Square is the square in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. It is circular and surrounded by statues and pillars. This square can be seen beautifully from the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Costs: entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica is free. Would you also like to climb the dome? You do need a ticket for this. This will cost €5.
Sistine Chapel
In addition to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican City has even more special sights. You should certainly not miss the Vatican Museum. The museum is quite large and filled with beautiful works of art. The real highlight of this museum is certainly the Sistine Chapel.
When a new Pope is elected, this is the place where the cardinals meet. 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 that you plan your visit and buy tickets for the Vatican Museum online. The queue can be really long, while you can often enter much faster with an online ticket.
Costs: a ticket for the Vatican Museum costs €17. You can also book an audio tour for €7. There are discounts for children and students.
Castel Sant'Angelo
The Castle Sant’Angelo is so called because, according to legend, a Pope prayed to God here to free the people from the Plague. The Archangel Michael heeded his prayers.
This entire castle is open for visitors. Most people nowadays visit the castle for the view it gives over Rome and Vatican City. In addition, there is a beautiful bridge in front of the castle which is really worth a visit.
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 this is now a square, it used to be a stadium. The stadium has disappeared, but the shape of this stadium can still be recognized. Piazza Navona is not only popular amongst tourists, but also artists. There are dozens of restaurants around the square. On the square you will also find a beautiful church, for which entry is free of charge.
Spanish steps
The Spanish Steps are seen as the best place to sit and hangout for a while. Everyone used to sit on it to rest or to enjoy the view. The Spanish Steps connect Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church. On the square you will also find Fontana della Barcaccia, a special fountain.
Note, 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
Several places of interest can be found in Piazza Popolo. This square is one of the largest squares in Rome. Characteristic of this square is the arch on the north side of the square and the twin churches of Santa Maria di Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli. In addition, there is an enormous 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
If you want to escape the heat and bustle of the city for a while, it is best to go to Villa Borghese. This is a beautiful park where you can escape the city for a while. It is worthwhile to visit this park in both summer and winter.
Monument of Victor Emanuel II and Piazza Venetia
Piazza Venetia is one of the most important squares in Rome. There are many buses here and it is very centrally located. A good starting point for a day in Rome.
Most notable from this square is the Monument of Victor Emanuel II, also known as Il Vittoriano. This is a very large structure, and does not match the rest of Rome in style. What immediately stands out about the structure is the colossal equestrian statue. This statue is Victor Emanuell II, the first king of reunified 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 thought this panoramic terrace was definitely worth it.
Costs: entrance to the museum and first viewpoint is free. A ticket for the panoramic roof will only set you back €7.
Circus Maximus
In ancient times this was the largest stadium in the center of Rome. Mainly the popular chariot races were held in this stadium. The stadium could seat as many as 150,000 spectators. At the moment very little remains of the stadium. Nevertheless, it is worth a visit if you have enough time.
Baths of Caracalla
There used to be several thermal baths in Rome. The Baths of Caracalla have remained the largest and best preserved. The ruins that remain today give a good idea of how big these thermal baths once were. Operas and ballet performances are also regularly given here in the summer.
The Baths of Caracalla are just a few minutes’ walk from Circus Maximus and can therefore be nicely combined during a visit.
Costs: a ticket for the Baths of Caracalla costs €14. There is a discount for children which reduces the price of entry to €6. This ticket also gives access to the Tomb of Cecilia Metella and Quintili’s Vila.
Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill is one of the Seven Hills of Rome. Located next to the lower Forum Romanum, emperors built their palaces on this hill. It is possible to walk from the Roman Forum to the Palatine Hill by stairs. From the Palatine you then have a beautiful view of Rome and specifically the Roman Forum.
Costs: 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 are free, and there is a discount for students.
