Places to Visit in Rome

The Imperial Forum is a large ground which is a signpost of Roman engineering magnificence. What is most likely to attract one's attention is the overwhelming beauty of columns, arches, and temples that were maybe once glorious and resplendent.

The Capuchin Crypt in Rome is one of the most unique and fascinating sites. The crypt is entirely decorated with bones and skulls of more than 4,000 individuals. It is a series of chapels that are built underneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione Dei Cappuccin, which is also sometimes called the ‘Bone church of Rome’.

The Palazzo Massimo alle Terme is one of the four structures of the National Roman Museum and is known to feature some of the best archaeological, architectural, and classical art and craft collections in the world. Constructed in a Neo-Renaissance style, the palace laid its foundations in 1883 and is home to several interesting exhibitions. 

Musei di Villa Torlonia is a spectacularly designed museum, that offers an insight into the 19th-century art and lifestyle of Roman Nobles. The museums include Casino Nobile, Casina Delle Civette, Casino Dei Principi, and Serra Moresca, as well as a lovely English landscape garden. A nice collection of stained glass, sculptures, paintings, artifacts, and other treasures make these museums enticing for both art and history enthusiasts.

A historically significant monument, Villa Doria Pamphili is the biggest landscaped public park in Rome, dating back to the 17th century. Located in Gianicolo, Monteverde, this villa served as a family home for the Pamphili lineage, which died out during the 18th century. Filled with several statues and ornaments, Villa Doria Pamphili is a perfect getaway with your friends and family. 

The Centrale Montemartini is a remarkable example of industrial archaeology turned museum. Residing inside the complex of the Musei Capitolini, this art museum is unique because of its setting of displaying ancient collections in the background of the first electrical power plant. It has a sizable collection of classical sculptures discovered during the excavations in Rome at the end of the 19th and the start of the 20th century.

Bioparco di Roma is one of the most famous zoological gardens in Rome that is best known for its animal-friendly enclosures. During your visit, you will come across about 1200 animals from 200+ different species. This zoo was created for public enjoyment and amusement, in contrast to other zoos of the time that primarily served scientific purposes.

Also known as Mercati di Traiano, Trajan's market is an open space area in the ruins of Rome, situated in the Via Dei Fori Imperiali. This market is also popular as the oldest of the shopping malls around the world, filled with several shops and apartments. You can also visit the ancient library, and explore the marble floors housed here. 

Vatican City, one of the major attractions for Roman Catholic Churches, is a well-known region for its magnificent buildings and rich heritage. This tiny country is full of historical and religious structures and has its unique charm that offers many picturesque sights. Some of the tourist and pilgrimage centers include the Sistine Chapel, the Basilica of St. Peter, and the Vatican Museum.

Visit the ancient Roman Forum which served as the focal point of daily life and as a venue for public gatherings, trials, elections, and gladiatorial combat. The Forum housed the largest temples and monuments in the city under the Roman Empire. It was abandoned following the fall of the Roman Empire and its ruins became a tourist destination for all history lovers.

St. Peter’s Basilica, known as one of the holiest catholic shrines in the world, best depicts Vatican City and Christianity and is a must-visit in Rome. Built on St. Peter’s tomb, it boasts the world’s tallest dome and is a remarkable representation of Renaissance architecture. A trip to St. Peter’s Basilica will leave you in awe of its grandeur, elegance, and spiritual vibes.

Saint Peter’s Square is not only one of the most important tourist spots in Rome but it is also one of the most beautiful and largest squares in the entire wide world. This square is particularly renowned for its sheer size and is believed that during more noticeable events, this square has managed to hold more than 300,000 people at once.

The Trevi Fountain in Rome is a magnificent Baroque masterpiece and one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Designed by Nicola Salvi and completed in the 18th century, it features a grand façade adorned with sculptures depicting sea gods and mythical creatures. Visitors toss coins into the fountain, believing it ensures a return trip to Rome.

The Spanish Steps are a popular destination in Rome with a 135-step staircase arranged in an erratic butterfly-like pattern. The Spanish Steps is a popular tourist spot to gather and mingle with local musicians, photographers, and artists. Witness old baroque-style fountains and Roman Catholic churches along the picturesque area, from Piazza di Spagna to Piazza Trinità dei Monti. 

The Doria Pamphilj gallery is an exquisite art gallery that is home to masterpieces, created by renowned painters like Titian, Raphael, Caravaggio, Correggio, and Velazquez. This museum was originally a palace made for the Pamphilj family and it is worth noting here that Pope Innocent X belonged to this family. Arrive just after the opening of the place to get aesthetically pleasing pictures.

Also known as the Museum of the Ara Paris, which is known to offer the best views of the Ara Pacis, making it a unique place to visit when in Rome. This structure was designed by the American architect Richard Meier and is an architectural marvel in itself. 

Walk down the famous Piazza Navona in Rome, known as being a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and home to hundreds of shops, eateries, and restaurants today. The historical spot is popular among tourists for its three beautiful fountains, an ancient church, street performers, local artists, and much more. Created by famous Roman masters, Borromini and Bernini, the piazza is a great place for history enthusiasts. 

The Baths of Caracalla were one of the largest thermal complexes in ancient times and are the iconic exemplar of a huge Roman bath. A trip to the Baths of Caracalla offers a chance to learn about Roman culture throughout Classical Antiquity. Today left as ruins, their strong wall and enormous size, leave the visitors captivated by the elegance and grandeur of the place.

Visit one of the most well known squares in Rome, the Piazza del Popolo, which was formerly referred to as Porta Flaminia. The piazza is frequented by a large number of visitors especially for the three legendary churches bordering it and the huge Egyptian obelisk in the center. The square also holds immense historical significance for serving as the main gateway to the city of Rome.

Trastevere one of the bustling places of Rome was once a working-class neighborhood. Famous for its vibrant nightlife, Trastevere is known for its old-world cobbled streets, ocher palaces, ivy-clad façade, bohemian atmosphere, and amazing restaurants. This maze of backstreet alleyways is endlessly picturesque and mainly car-free, yet after dark, crowds swarm to its upscale eateries, pubs, boutiques, and craft shops. 

The Castel Sant'Angelo is a famous attraction in Rome known for serving as a mausoleum, a fortress, a hideaway and a museum in different points in time of history. Popularly known as the The Mausoleum of Hadrian where you can experience the beauty of its architecture and wallow in its rich historical splendor as you explore its five floors within. 

Sistine Chapel is one of the notable attractions in Rome known for the Michelangelo artwork and the fact that the papal conclave was held here. It is a simple rectangular brick structure devoid of any of the flounces and adornments on the exteriors. However, it is divided into divinely ornate sections for the purpose of painting dramatic gold-gleaming murals in the interiors. 

The Circus Maximus was built as a chariot racing stadium in the 6th century BC and had a huge significance in its time. During the visit, you get transferred to the past as you witness its tracks, the temples, The Sun and the Moon Cult, and Imperial Cosmology. With its seating capacity of 250,000 spectators, this place is one of the celebrated ruins of Rome.

Discover the tale of Italy’s reunification as you witness mesmerizing sights of the capital city from its most popular and busiest squares, the Piazza Venezia. Located centrally at the intersection of several main city streets, the piazza also features famous landmarks and fascinating museums including the renowned monument Victoriano. The square is also home to world-class retail stores and fashion outlets of some of the biggest names in the industry.

Situated on the top of Capitoline Hill, the Capitoline museums are a cluster of art and archeological museums, located in Piazza del Campidoglio. The history of these museums traces back to 1471, and the three most significant structures among the Capitoline museums include the Palazzo Sentorio, the Palazzo dei Conservatori, and the Palazzo Nuovo.