Top Things to Do in the Rome | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

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Places To Visit In Rome

Baths of Diocletian

Also known as the Baths of Diocletian, Terme di Diocleziano is the ancient public baths of Rome. It was named after Emperor Diocletian who ruled Rome in the late-2nd century and early-3rd century. It was built in honour of the Emperor and commissioned by Maximian. These baths are considered the largest baths of ancient Rome. A visit to this historical attraction is included in most tour packages of Rome and it can be covered along with the National Roman Museum that the baths are a part of. Terme di Diocleziano was built in the 3rd and the 4th century on the smallest of the Hills in the city (the Viminal Hill). Back in the time, the baths occupied over 12 hectares of space on the hilltop and were visited by locals living nearby. What remains today are the ruins of Terme di Diocleziano next to and underneath Basilica of Santa Maria Degli Angeli. Read More

This is one of the most important roadways in Western history and also forms the basis for the proverb "All roads lead to Rome!" The historical road is lined with catacombs, tombs, mausoleums and villas that are all a part of the rich history that envelops the city. Via Appia Antica starts properly from the Aurelian walls,and is paved with the original cobbled stones which were laid down when the road was first laid. The best way to explore the Appian way is on foot, or on a bicycle. Read More

Colosseum or Coliseum is an oval amphitheatre located in the centre of the city of Rome. Often known as the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum is strategically built near the Roman Forum, making it one of the most remarkably popular attractions in the country, with over 6 million people visiting it each year. Needless to say that if you’re in Rome, you’re definitely going to see the Colosseum. This attraction is the most recognizable symbols of the Roman Empire and has witnessed bloody battles and wild animal fighting. The trap doors and underground passageways are still easily accessible on this site as there now full-fledged staging areas for entertainment. Quite often referred to as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Colosseum is where the Pope makes an appearance every good Friday and leads the way of the Cross Procession. The name was changed from Flavian Amphitheater to the Colosseum because Nero statue was situated at the entrance of the Domus Aurea. Even though the securities at the Colosseum have heightened and only 3000 people can visit this place at once, it is still one of the must-visit places for anyone who steps foot in Rome. Read More

The former Roman temple, now a church, the Pantheon is one of the most ancient buildings in Rome. The oculus in this building is the main source of natural light and has been in continuous use throughout its history. Adopting a different, non-traditional structure from other Roman monuments, this attraction is one of the best-preserved buildings in the nation and is a must-visit for anyone who is interested in Roman history. The construction of this building was conducted under the reign of Hadrian and its dome signifies the hard work and efforts of Roman architects. The building has a Latin inscription in the front, the original dedication by Margus Agrippa. It is also often called the eighth wonder of the world and is a true architectural wonder. Even though the real purpose of the Pantheon is still unknown, it is called the “sphinx of the Campus Martius” which refers to the history, location and architecture of this place- how standing in front of the Pantheon can take visitors 2000 years back, manifesting how glorious Rome truly is. Read More

One of the most culturally significant and most well preserved buildings in Rome, the Pantheon houses the remains of several illustrious figures, including Raphael. The origins of the Pantheon are contested, with some claiming that it was a temple dedicated to the pagan gods of Rome while others say it was the sacra privata of the original builder, Agrippa. In any case, the Pantheon is currently in use as a church, and you can even participate in Mass, held there every Sunday. The pantheon currently also houses the remains of late Italian Kings Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I, along with the latter's wife, Margherita; along with them, the tomb of the artist Raphael is also located in the Pantheon. Read More

Built in 1762 by artist Nicola Salvi, the Trevi Fountain or Fontana di Trevi, the Trevi Fountain is a must-visit for anyone who steps foot in Rome. People often talk about throwing a coin in the fountain. This tradition has been going on for decades, and the myth behind it is dependent on the number of coins tossed into the fountain. The Trevi Fountain is world famous for its Baroque architecture. The feature 'Ace of Cups' in the Trevi fountain is the artist's way of hiding a sign that a barber refused to move during the construction of the fountain! While the artist died halfway through construction, the fountain stands testament to his vision. Once you're at the Trevi fountain, don't forget to throw a coin in the waters and make a wish! Traditionally, visitors wish for a speedy return to Rome. Read More

The house of thousand arts, Vatican museums are one of the most popular art museums in Italy. With around 6 million annual visitors, this site is one of the oldest in Rome. Boasting one of the best art collections in the city, the Vatican museums include exhibits that run across around 7 kilometres of corridors and halls. This showcase of priceless art is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in Roman art. The Vatican museums feature 7 km of historically and culturally significant artefacts. Their acquisition of everything from Egyptian mummies to modern paintings is as impressive as their labelling is not. Hire a guide, buy an audio guide or buy a guide book to get the full impact of the centuries of history in these hallowed halls. There are a number of Egyptian mummies, ancient busts, modern paintings, Etruscan bronzes, and old masters. The Vatican Museums are best known for the Museo-Pio Clementino’s renowned collection of classical statuary, a suite created by Rafael and the Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo. Often referred to as the museum of museums, this attraction is created around the galleries of Palazzo Apostolico Vaticano and are formed inside three courtyards: Cortile Della Biblioteca, Cortile Della Pigna, and Cortile Del Belvedere. All in all, the Vatican Museums are a collection of ancient as well as masterpieces, sculptures, paintings, and structures, making it one of the museums truly worth visiting in Rome. Read More

Villa Farnesina is a massive mansion built during the Renaissance Period (1505 - 1511) in the Trastevere district of Rome. The name of the villa is given in dedication to the one of the owners of the villa Cardinal Alessandro Farnese. Villa Farnesina is not just known for its magnificent building, but also for the interiors and the decorations. The villa faces a garden in which a fountain stands in the middle surrounded by colourful flowers. The monument consists of a total of two floors, and each room in the villa is decorated with frescoes, mosaics and paintings on the ceiling. Some of the famous ones are - Meeting of the Gods Wedding between Psyche and Cupid Cupid and the Three Graces Sala di Galatea The marriage between Roxana and Alexander The most popular room in the building is Sala delli Prospettive on the first floor in which the painting gives you the illusion of a marble colonnade in the sixteenth century. Read More

The Altar of the Fatherland is an imposing, majestic building located in the Piazza Venezia. It has various names such as Vittoriano, Monumento Nazionale Vittorio Emanuele II, and The Wedding Cake or The Typewriter building. At its nucleus is the equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel Ⅱ, the first king of unified Italy. A grand staircase takes you to the Altare della Patria and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The staircase continues and terminates at the highest point of this 81m tall marble monument, offering a splendid view. In 1921, it became the site of the Unknown Soldier's Tomb, commemorating all soldiers who were martyred in the war. The Altare della Patria lies above the Tomb, featuring the statue of Goddess Roma. Two fountains on either side of the staircase represent the Tyrrhenian and the Adriatic Seas. Beyond the Altare della Patria is the portico with its Corinthian-style columns. The portico has two propylaea at its sides, constituting the entrance to ancient temples. Read More