15 Most Incredible Tourist Attractions In Rome 

Also known as the “Home of the Catholic Churches”, the city of Rome is considered as one of the holiest places amongst the Catholic Christians. Being a Christian majority city, it welcomes a huge number of tourists from all over the world. There is a long list of tourist attractions in Rome among which the Colosseum and the Pantheon are the major sites which you must not miss. 

Rome is not only limited to churches or castles but it also has several other places to visit with a number of things to do. Some of the must-visit places in Rome other than historical sites include Appian Way, Spanish Steps, and Campo de Fiori. 

Let's have look at the top 15 tourist attractions in Rome for an unforgettable trip.  

Also Read: Most Fascinating Places To Visit In Sicily, The Dream Island Of Italy 

Top 15 Tourist Attractions In Rome

1. The Colosseum

The Colosseum is the most remarkable tourist attraction in Rome as well as in Italy. Also referred to as the Flavian Amphitheater, this unique piece of architecture should not be missed while you are on a trip to Rome. As per the research, more than 6 million tourists visit Colosseum every year. 

Built during the era of the Roman Empire, the place has witnessed several deadly battles and animal fights. Being listed among the seven wonders of the World, Colosseum is easily accessible to the public with a capacity of 3,000 people at once. 

Entry Fee: 12 EUR

Opening Hours: 

• Winter - 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
• Summer - 8:30 AM to 7:15 PM  

2. Arch of Constantine

The Arch was built to honor the Great Roman Emperor ”Constantine”. Not only was he responsible for transforming the Roman Empire but also for supporting the Christian community. It is situated near the temple of Venus and the Colosseum. 

It was actually built to celebrate Constantine’s victory over his co-emperor Maxentius during 362 AD. The Arch can be best viewed from a little distance from the Colosseum.

Best Time To Visit: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

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3. St. Peter’s Basilica

Situated in the sacred Christian State ”Vatican City”, St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest churches in the world and also the most sacred place for Christians. Millions of Christians from all over the world visit this holy church every year. The church also houses the tomb of the first Pope St. Peter. 

As a tourist, you will be accompanied by a guide who will tell you more about this holy church. The monument features stunning artworks by middle age artists such as Donato Bramanto, Bernini, Carp Maderno.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM  

4. Appian Way

Step back in time by walking on the Appian Way, the oldest highway and also the longest preserved road. Being one of the top tourist attractions in Rome, the Appian way is an ideal place to experience the ancient Roman Era. The road was initially used for transporting military and trade. The road still has stones from over 2,000 years old. 

Best Time To Visit:

• Morning:  9:30 AM to 11 AM
• Evening: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM   

5. Palatine Hill

The earliest settlers of Rome used to reside on Palatine Hill even before the arrival of the Roman Empire. After the invasion Roman Empire, several places and temples were built here and many of those still exist. However, during the middle age, many of the buildings constructed by the Roman Empire were destroyed and new buildings were constructed on their remains. 

Among the top tourist attractions in Palatine Hill include The House of Augustus' wife, Stadium of Domitian, Domus Flavia, the museum of Palatine, and Farnese Gardens.

Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 7:15 PM 

6. Vatican Museum

One of the oldest and also one of the most popular museums in Rome, the Vatican Museum has a huge collection of arts including Egyptian mummies, modern paintings, bronzes, and some ancient sculptures. The Museum spread up to 7 km having majestic halls and corridors. In short, the museum is worth visiting while you are on a trip to Rome.   

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Saturday - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM 
• Last Sunday of the Month - 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM 

Entry Fee: 16 EUR

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7. Piazza Navona 

Piazza Navona is a famous square surrounded by various shops and restaurants. The square features beautiful historical architecture including 3 spectacular fountains and a baroque church. Several local artists gather around the fountain to display their paintings alongside dancers, singers, magicians.

Don’t forget to enjoy the street food while exploring the square. It is a must-visit place for history geeks, families, and couples on a honeymoon. 

Best Time to Visit: Early Morning or Evening 

8. Castel Sant’ Angelo 

The Castle was constructed in 139 by Emperor Hadrian with the intention to use it as a mausoleum for his family. Saint Angelo is a 5 story building with a serpentine staircase that leads towards an ashes chamber and a cell where several historical figures were imprisoned. 

On the top floor of the Castle, there are rooms where the Papal(Pope) used to reside. These rooms are decorated with well-preserved wall paintings dating back to middle age. 

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM  

Entry Fee: 15 EUR  

9. Campo de Fiori

The biggest market in Rome, The  Campo de Fiori is the place where you find several products including pasta cutters, ceramics, and many more. If you want fresh and delicious food in Rome then this is the place you must visit. Also referred to as the “Jewel of Rome” the market is also famous for its nightlife. 

The market usually remains crowded during the evening as several as a huge number of tourists gather in restaurants and bars situated within the market. Here you can also find fresh fruits such as strawberries, some rare mushrooms, asparagus, kitchen utensils, etc. 

Best Time To Visit: Morning, especially during weekdays  

10. Baths of Caracalla

Built in 216 by Emperor Caracalla, Caracalla is not just an ordinary public bath but it is a sports center that features a swimming pool, steam bath, gymnastic center, gardens, barbershops, and libraries. This magnificent structure spans up to 300 square meters and has a capacity of over 1,500 people.  

The public bath is accessible to the public and it is maintained regularly in order to check the drainage and heating systems. If you are looking for a place to relax after traveling for a long in Rome, then this is the place you should not miss.  

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM 

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11. Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps or Centro Storico is the major historical center of Rome with plenty of historical places including churches, palaces, and squares. You can either spend some of your time roaming around the street and explore the gems such Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore or just sit on their stairs and enjoy the beautiful weather. 

Best Time To Visit: During Sping season between April to May or Early autumn between September to October.  

12. Ostia Antica

Situated 25 km southwest of Rome, Ostia Antica is a city that was once buried for over 10 centuries and later rediscovered by archeologists. The word Ostia is derived from the Latin word “Os” meaning mouth hence referred to as mouth of Tiber river as it was situated at the banks of the river. 

The city is now open to the public and surrounded by arterial streets which have multiple shops, restaurants, and some old houses. Some other tourist attractions in Ostia Antica include public baths, churches, temples, open theatres, and many more.     

Entry fee for Ostia Antica Park: 25 EUR

13. The Pantheon

One of the well-preserved buildings dating back to the Roman Era, The Pantheon is the most complete ancient building in Rome. The building was built by Emperor Augustus’s son-in-law, Marcus Agrippa. Currently serving as the church, several Christian Emperors prohibited worship in the pagan temple but later converted into a church by Pope Boniface IV. 

The church is accessible for tourists and they can even participate in Mass every Sunday. It also features several remains of Italian Kings, the latter’s wife, and also the tomb of Raphael, a famous artist.       

Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year. 

Opening Hours: 

• Monday - 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM
• Sunday - 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

14. National Roman Museum

The National Roman Museum referred to as the Museo Nazionale Romano is a historical heritage which is situated in 4 different locations. Here you can find the collections of jewelry, artifacts, sculptures made up of marbles from the era of the great Roman empire. The collection was collected by archeologists from nearby regions after several years. If you're planning to travel to all of these museums in a single day, then it would take you around 5 to 6 hours and these museums are worth a visit. 

The first building"Terme di Diocleziano" was constructed between the 16th to 17th centuries and it houses a collection of funerary sculptures, altars, and inscriptions. The second Museum named the "Crypta Balbi" has a collection of artifacts belonging to middle age. In the 3rd museum "Palazzo Altemps", you can find the collection of sculptures from the Roman as well as Egyptian era while the 4th building "Palazzo Massimo alle Terme" which once served as a school in the mid-20th-century houses a collection of mummies, jewelers, sculptures, other artifacts from Egyptian and Roman period.

Opening Hours: 9;00 AM to 7:30 PM

Entry Fee: 3 Eur to 18 Eur

15. Santa Maria In Trastevere 

Built in the 3rd century by Pope Callistus I, Santa Maria or Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere was the first place of worship for Christians to be built in Rome. It was rebuilt by Pope Innocent II and later decorated by Pope Clement XI in the early 18th century and Pope Pius IX late 19th century. Most of the part of this church belongs to the 12th century including the bell tower that stands at the square base. 

The major tourist attraction in Santa Maria is its exterior where golden patchwork is done along with the Bell Tower. 

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM