For the love and passion of history and heritage, head out at least once to the one of the most mesmerizing and captivating holiday destination- Rome, the capital of Italy. The glowing remnants of glorious past along with marvels of renaissance and medieval culture have made it a sinfully gorgeous and romantic city.
The most fascinating tourist places in Rome are sure to intoxicate you with the grandeur of the bygone era. Besides displaying captivating architectural genius, these attractions are centers for tourist activity and everyday hanging out. Know what each of them is best known for, figure out your must see list, and then plan your holiday to Italy accordingly!
1. Colosseum – A classic amphitheatre with 80 doors
Colosseum is one of the most popular and interesting places to visit in Rome. This vintage amphitheater was raised by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty in 72 AD and has the capacity to hold more than 50,000 spectators with more than 80 doorways. It is undeniably one of the best places to visit in Rome that was once famous for games, gladiatorial combats, and wild animal fights. Presently, a portion of the amphitheater stands high for the public; the rest had been demolished and destroyed by natural calamities and vandalism.
Don’t miss: Museum, ancient structures and awesome view of Roman forum
Opening hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Charges: € 12, 00. Entry free for 17 years and under.
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2. Roman Forum – The centre of Roman heritage & history
Forum Romanum or Roman Forum is one of the most iconic tourist places in Rome – considered as a centre of ancient Roman civilisation, culture, and ethos. This ancient hub is encircled by remnants of ancient government buildings. Majority of the structures, temples, and triumphal arches have been destroyed and very few like Curia Julia and the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina still remain as they were converted to churches.
Don’t miss: Senate House, Temple of Saturn, Arch of Septimius Severus, Arch of Titus, Atrium Vestae, Temple of Concord and Temple of Venus, and the Basilica of Maxentius
Opening hours: 8:30 am to an hour prior to sunset
Charges: € 12, 00
3. Trevi Fountain – A must-see Baroque fountain
Trevi Fountain is a world famous Baroque fountain, showcasing a mythical sculptural configuration of Neptune, god of the sea, fringed by two Tritons. Located at the end of ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct, this fountain structure is a marvelous work of art and must see in the list of tourist places in Rome.
Don’t miss: Light and shade effects on the marble of the fountain and the Baroque art sculpture
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4. Pantheon – A shrine of all Roman gods
Pantheon is a temple for all Roman Gods, built in 126 AD and considered as one of the most important tourist places in Rome. The same has also been the Roman Catholic Church since the 7th century. The Pantheon comprises of a portico with Corinthian columns made of granite and the oculus or the concrete dome with a central opening.
Don’t miss: Foucault’s pendulum and graves of the greatest French citizens
Opening hours: 9 am to 7:30 pm
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5. St. Peter’s Basilica – One of the largest churches in the world
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest churches of the world and certainly one of the best places to visit in Rome, located at the sanctified place where Peter, the first pope, was crucified and buried. The church is historically significant as many renowned artists contributed to the design. Michelangelo designed the dome while Bernini designed the great St. Peter’s Square.
Don’t miss: Magnificent view of Rome from the dome, the treasury with church ornaments, statues, papal miters and meeting and taking blessings from the Pope (every Sunday noon).
Opening hours: 7 am to 5 pm in winter months and during summer (April-September), it is open till 6:30 pm.
6. Vatican Museum – A spellbinding work of art
Founded by Pope Julius II in the 6th century, this marvelous Vatican museum is one of the important places to visit in Rome and is a living example of medieval art and sculptures. Located in Vatican City, this art museum is one of the most popular best tourist places in Rome. It comprises of the spiral staircase, the Raphael Rooms, and the exquisitely decorated Sistine Chapel.
Don’t miss: The painting- Last Judgement by Michelangelo, all over the ceiling, Gregorian Egyptian Museum with Egyptian mummies, Egyptian paintings, sculptures and statues, clay figurines and bronze items, Historical Museum and the Portraits of the Popes, Papal Throne, Gallery of Maps and Sala Rotonda
Opening hours: 9 am to 4 pm from Monday to Saturday. The museum is closed on every Sunday, except the last Sunday of the month- when entry is free from 9 am to 12.30 pm
Charges: € 16, 00
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7. Spanish Steps – One of the most romantic places to visit in Rome
One of the important historical tourist attractions in Rome today, Spanish Steps was built to bridge Bourbon Spanish embassy with the French church, Trinità dei Monti. It is bustling with tourist during the day, and becomes one of the most romantic places to visit in Rome at night.
The Steps have also been a location for the 1953 romantic comedy – Romantic Holiday, that featured Audrey Hepburn & Gregory Peck.
Don’t miss: Piazza di Spagna, Fontana della Barcaccia, and the museum dedicated to the famous English poet John Keats. If you happen to be here in May, do visit the Spanish Steps- decorated with pink azaleas.
8. Piazza Navona – The perfect hangout square
Following the Baroque style of architecture, Piazza Navona is one of the most interesting places to visit in Rome. It was built in place of the Stadium of Domitian, which was the hub of games and festivals once upon a time.
It has become one of the popular attractions of Rome because of the rustic remnants of the ancient stadium, its charming combination of colors, and spectacular sculptures. Keeping the buzz alive are the open air cafes and various festivals.
Don’t miss: A guided tour of the monument that covers the three fountains – Fontana dei Quattro Fiumio, Fontana del Nettuno, & Fontana del Moro
9. Castel Sant’Angelo – A bit of history & beauty both
Castel Sant’Angelo – the erstwhile mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian is among the best tourist places in Rome. A shooting site for the 2009 American thriller, Angels and Demons, the mausoleum intrigues with an intriguing history and excellent craftsmanship.
For tourists, it is a delight to hear all the church bells ring at the same time, dine at the cafes around the mausoleum, and enjoy the river view.
Don’t miss: Sepulchral Chamber, Passetto Di Borgo, Pappal Fortress, and Museum of Hadrian
Opening hours: 9 am to 7:30 pm
Charges: € 14.5
10. Campo de’ Fiori – Rome’s favourite hangout spot
Located to the south of Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori is a public square- quite famous hangout place of Rome. During the day, it is an open market area, trading fresh vegetables, meat, flowers, and spices. But partying youngsters make it one of the best places to visit in Rome at night. Enjoy Rome’s happening nightlife at Campo de’ Fiori – a must visit on your Roman holiday.
Don’t miss: Local wineries and lively pubs which enhance the nightlife experience of Rome
Plan your Roman vacation with this compiled list of tourist places in Rome. Do not forget to share your travel stories with us.
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Further Read: Dolce Vita : A Gracious, Enjoyable and Scenic Family Vacation to Italy
A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.
