Language 
Things to do in Rome: 14 sights worth your time
The 14 essential sights in Rome, chosen by a Holafly colleague who was born there, plus what is free, what to see after dark and what to book ahead.
The best things to do in Rome? Start with the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the Pantheon, St Peter’s Basilica and the Trevi Fountain. Rome’s 14 essential sights split into ancient ruins, piazzas and fountains, Vatican City, and parks and viewpoints.
Riccardo Ollmert is an Italian content writer at Holafly, born and raised in Rome and still living there. He picked them, and named the famous stop he thinks is not worth the queue. Below you will also find what is free and what is worth seeing after dark. Plus what to book before you fly.
Ancient Rome: the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon
These five are the reason most people come to Rome, and they sit within walking distance of one another.
Colosseum
The Colosseum is the single most recognizable building in Rome and the one most trips are built around. You can spend an hour on it or half a day, depending on whether you go inside. The underground level and the arena floor are sold as separate tickets, and both need booking.
It sits at the foot of Palatine Hill. Do all three ancient sites in one go rather than coming back.
Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum
You can easily walk from the Capitoline to Palatine Hill. This is where the Roman Forum and the Colosseum are, and you can easily spend hours exploring this area.
The Roman Forum was the epicenter of the bustling life of the Roman Empire. Grand public speeches, criminal trials and gladiatorial matches once took place here. The legend says that Romulus founded the city on this hill.
Pantheon
From Navona, exit to Corso del Rinascimento and take a left to Via dei Pastini. After a short walk, you will see Piazza della Rotonda, the home of the Pantheon.
This is one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the world. It was built under Emperor Hadrian, originally as a temple to all gods. In the 7th century it became a Christian church, which is what it remains today. It has been in continuous use for 19 centuries.
Architecturally it is a masterpiece. It has the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world, at 142 feet across. In its center is a 27-foot-wide opening, the oculus, the building’s only source of natural light. It symbolizes the connection between the heavens and earth.
Largo di Torre Argentina
Here you will find the ruins of four ancient Roman temples. What makes it special is that this is the precise spot where Julius Caesar was assassinated. That makes it one of the most historically significant places in the city.
Today, dozens of cats roam these ruins, cared for by volunteers. The site is now a cat sanctuary, which makes it an interesting mix of ancient and modern.
Interesting fact: the name has nothing to do with Argentina. It was named after a 15th-century tower called “Torre Argentina”, built by Johannes Burckardt from Strasbourg. “Argentina” comes from the Latin name for Strasbourg, Argentoratum.
Golden House (Domus Aurea)
This was a huge complex that Emperor Nero built after the famous fire. While it partly touched the Palatine, it was mainly on Oppian Hill, where the Colosseum now stands. The area was said to be full of gardens and artificial lakes. The rooms were decorated in gold and precious stones, which is where the name comes from.
Where the Colosseum now stands used to be one of the lakes. The Domus Aurea was buried and built over right after Nero’s death.
Book this one in advance. As Riccardo puts it: “Domus Aurea, Emperor Nero’s estate. Book in advance as not many visitors are usually allowed at once.”
Rome’s piazzas and fountains
Rome is a city best seen at street level, and its squares are where that happens.
Piazza del Popolo
On a guided tour of Rome, this is likely to be your starting point. Arriving from the north, you enter through the Porta del Popolo. The gate was redesigned in the 17th century to welcome Queen Christina of Sweden.
This square is a gateway to Rome’s historic center. In the middle of it is a striking Egyptian obelisk, also known as the Flaminian Obelisk. Emperor Augustus relocated it from the Circus Maximus. It dates back to Ramses II’s time and is now a notable monument in the city center.
Around the obelisk, the square is enclosed by notable buildings. This is where you’ll find Santa Maria del Popolo and its art collection, home to several Caravaggio masterpieces. The Chigi Chapel inside was designed by Raphael.
The square also has the Twin Churches, Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto. At first glance they seem identical, but they differ in the shape of their foundations.
Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti)
Take a short walk down the Via del Babuino and you’ll reach the Spanish Steps. There are 135 steps, connecting the Trinità dei Monti church at the top and the Piazza di Spagna at the bottom. Their purpose was to link the Spanish Embassy and the church. That is how both the stairs and the square got their name.
Today the stairs are a gathering spot for locals and visitors. Sitting on them and watching people go by is a good way to gather your impressions of the city. If you can, visit in April or May, when the azaleas around the steps are in full bloom. Go early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds.
Riccardo is blunt about the alternative: “The Spanish Steps, overcrowded during the day.” They are worth seeing, just not at midday. Spring suits the rest of the city too — see the best destinations to visit in May.
Piazza Navona
From the Borghese park you can come down into Navona Square. It is packed with street artists, cafes and seasonal markets. Architecturally it is famous for the Fountain of the Four Rivers by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Facing it is the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone by Borromini, Bernini’s rival.
The Piazza Navona sits on the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, so it has kept its elongated shape. It held athletic events and up to 30,000 spectators, which is impressive even now.
Caravaggio lovers can detour to the San Luigi dei Francesi church. It holds his paintings of the life of Saint Matthew. It’s also a good place to pick up vintage pieces while shopping for Rome souvenirs.
Trevi Fountain
A 10-minute walk and a few blocks away is the Trevi district. In the center of it is the Piazza di Trevi, a small square with the Trevi Fountain at its heart. This Baroque fountain shows the god Oceanus in a chariot pulled by two seahorses, each guided by a Triton. The seahorses represent the calm and restless nature of the sea.
The square is always packed with visitors and street performers. An estimated 3,000 EUR is thrown into the Trevi every day. The money is collected and donated to Caritas for distribution to those in need.
Piazza del Campidoglio
After a 15-minute walk you reach the piazza at the top of Capitoline Hill, surrounded by the Capitoline Museums. The piazza itself is interesting because Michelangelo designed it in the 16th century. In the middle is the Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius. The bronze is believed to have survived because it was wrongly identified as Emperor Constantine.
The museums are no less remarkable. They are the oldest public museums in the world, dating to the 15th century. They are also home to the Capitoline Wolf, the bronze statue of Romulus and Remus.
Campo de’ Fiori
Time to get into Rome’s food culture. This market square is good for grabbing something to eat after a long day. It is also where many food tours take place. During the day the market has stalls of fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats and spices. As the day ends, the market disappears and gives way to cafes, restaurants and a wine bar or two.
Campo de’ Fiori is one of the rare squares without a church. Instead the central part is taken by a statue of Giordano Bruno. He was a philosopher burned at the stake on this spot, by order of the Catholic church, after being accused of heresy.
Vatican City and Castel Sant’Angelo
Vatican City
If you have another day, spend it exploring Vatican City. Despite being the smallest independent state in the world, it is packed with things to see. This is where you’ll find St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. The museums hold some of the world’s finest art collections, from classical sculptures to Renaissance paintings.
St Peter’s Basilica, with its dome designed by Michelangelo, is one of the most significant churches in Christianity. It is believed to have been built over the tomb of St Peter, the first Pope. The basilica is full of unique artwork, including Bernini’s Baldachin.
Nearby is the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes, including The Creation of Adam. You can also explore the Vatican Gardens. They have served as a place of meditation for Popes over the centuries. For more on the state itself, see what Vatican City is known for.
Castel Sant’Angelo
After the Vatican, head to Castel Sant’Angelo. The views from the top are spectacular and it makes a good conclusion to the Vatican area. It is connected to the Vatican by the Passetto di Borgo. Popes used that secret passage as an escape route in case of danger.
This castle on the banks of the Tiber was initially meant to be a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian. Later it became a fortress, a papal residence and even a prison. Today it makes a fine sight alongside the Ponte Sant’Angelo, a bridge lined with statues of angels.
Parks and viewpoints in Rome
Villa Borghese
Climb the Spanish Steps to reach Villa Borghese. This was originally a vineyard that Cardinal Scipione Borghese transformed into a park. Today it is one of the most popular parks in Rome, with sculptures, fountains and walking paths. A quiet corner of a busy city.
Scipione was also responsible for the Galleria Borghese, which is a treat for art lovers. The collection includes pieces by Caravaggio, Bernini and Raphael.
Victor Emmanuel II Monument
If you still have time and energy, go for one last look at Rome from above. The Victor Emmanuel II Monument, known as the Wedding Cake, is near Piazza Venezia. You can reach the glass elevator from the back, which takes you to a panoramic view of the city. It’s a good way to wrap up.
The monument, also known as the Altare della Patria, opened in 1911. It honors the first king of a unified Italy and houses the Unknown Soldier’s Tomb.
For the views themselves, Riccardo names four. They are Gianicolo Hill, the Giardino degli Aranci, the Terrazza del Pincio and the Terrazza Belvedere del Palatino. Two are free and none requires booking.
Free things to do in Rome
Rome gives a lot away for nothing. Riccardo points to the pattern most visitors miss. “Many museums are free on the first or last Sunday of the month, check in advance. The Pantheon is always free.”
He also sends people out of the center for it. “Away from the center you can enjoy street art in areas like Ostiense, Testaccio, and Pigneto.” Add the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps and every viewpoint above. None of them costs anything.
Things to do in Rome at night
The city changes after dark. “The center is very active at night and the lighting gives monuments and buildings a completely different look,” says Riccardo.
For somewhere to settle rather than stroll, he names Trastevere, Testaccio, Via del Pigneto and Ostiense. Some museums run night tours, so check what is open before you head out.
Romantic things to do in Rome
Riccardo’s list of where couples actually go is short and specific. “Giardino degli Aranci, Pincio Gardens, Villa Borghese, Ponte Milvio, Gianicolo Hill.” Four of the five are free, and two are among the best viewpoints in the city.
Things to do in Rome with kids
Most of Rome’s big sights work for children. The ones that hold attention longest have space to move. Villa Borghese has boating and bike hire. The Colosseum needs no explaining to a child who has seen a film about gladiators. The Giardino degli Aranci is a short walk from the Circus Maximus with room to run.
Riccardo also flags Natale di Roma on 21 April, the city’s founding celebration. There are parades in period costume at the Circo Massimo and fireworks over the Aventino.
Unusual things to do in Rome, and what to skip
Not everything famous is worth the queue. Asked what is overrated, Riccardo does not hedge: “The Mouth of Truth, long lines and not really much to see. The Spanish Steps, overcrowded during the day.” The Spanish Steps are on this list and worth seeing, just not at midday.
His underrated pick goes the other way: “Domus Aurea, Emperor Nero’s estate. Book in advance as not many visitors are usually allowed at once.” For neighborhoods with their old structure intact, he names Testaccio, the Jewish Ghetto and Monteverde Vecchio.
Have a spare day? The countryside and coast are within easy reach. Day trips from Rome covers where to go.
How many days do you need in Rome?
Rome rewards more time than most people give it. Riccardo’s advice is to “start from the center — Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain — and work your way out”, choosing your areas in advance, because “it will definitely take multiple days”.
Three to four days covers the fourteen sights above without rushing. Want a day-by-day plan? How many days you need in Rome sets out what to do on each.
Tips to Enjoy Your Trip to Rome
Fourteen stops will show you the city. These are the things that make the difference between a good few days and a frustrating one.
- Take your time. Rome does not reward rushing. There is construction work across the city and at the main sights, so expect delays and a slightly different experience than the guidebook promises.
- Buy your tickets in advance. Rome gets crowded, especially in high season. Booking the main attractions ahead is the difference between walking in and queuing for an hour.
- Get up early. The popular places are calm before about 9am and busy for the rest of the day. The Trevi Fountain at seven in the morning is a different fountain.
- Look at the tourist cards for Rome. They can get you discounts, entry included at some sights, or the chance to skip some lines.
- Do not drive in the center. Riccardo names the three mistakes he sees most: “Driving in the city center: streets are narrow and crowded, with very few parking spots. Not validating tickets on the metro or train. Getting a taxi for a short trip: taxis in Rome are very expensive, only use them if necessary.”
- Use the metro properly. You can pay at the barrier with a credit card instead of buying a ticket. Passes run for 24, 48 and 72 hours or a week. Rome public transportation covers all of it. One warning worth repeating plainly: “Beware of pickpockets on the metro and buses.”
Stay connected in Rome with Holafly
Rome runs on your phone. Skip-the-line tickets sit in your email, opening times shift by season, and the metro barrier takes a contactless tap. Hotel wifi covers the hotel, and not much else.
A Holafly eSIM for Rome plan installs before you fly and works the moment you land. Unlimited data across 200+ destinations, speeds up to 5G, and 24/7 support in live chat, WhatsApp and email. You keep your own number. Buy it in the Holafly shop in a few minutes, with no account to create. You choose days rather than gigabytes, from one to 90.
Traveling more than once this year? Holafly Plans is a monthly subscription covering 160+ destinations, with no contract.
Every eSIM also includes Always On: 1 GB of monthly backup data across 150+ destinations, at no added cost. It stays active for as long as the eSIM is installed.
FAQs about Things to Do in Rome
Things you must see in Rome are the Colosseum, the Forum, and the ancient ruins. These iconic landmarks capture the essence of Roman history and architecture. Also, make sure to visit the Vatican Museums and toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain for good luck.
Three days in Rome is enough to see the major highlights. However, it will be a packed itinerary, and you might miss out on exploring the city’s more relaxed, authentic side, like wandering through Trastevere or enjoying meals in local trattorias.
Dress modestly when visiting churches, carry cash for small purchases, and eat at a local trattoria. Don’t eat near major tourist sites to avoid overpriced food, don’t rush through your visit—take time to savor the city, and don’t forget to validate your public transport tickets to avoid fines.
Plans that may interest you
I am a Liverpool-based SEO content specialist with years of experience crafting content that connects. I combine my love for clear communication with a passion for travel and languages (currently diving into Japanese!). At Holafly, I'm here to help you understand everything about staying connected abroad, turning technical jargon into straightforward advice you can actually use.
