Rome’s Greatest Hits: Must-See Places in the Rome

When it comes to cities that blend ancient glory, art, and vibrant street life, Rome truly has no equal. Every corner tells a story — of emperors, artists, and everyday Romans who’ve shaped this magnificent city for more than two millennia. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, these are the unmissable highlights that make Rome the timeless heart of Italy.

1. The Colosseum – The Icon of Rome

No visit to Rome is complete without standing before the Colosseum, the world’s largest ancient amphitheater. Built in 80 AD under Emperor Vespasian, it once hosted gladiator battles and grand spectacles for over 50,000 spectators. Step inside to walk across the Arena floor and peer into the underground tunnels where fighters and wild animals prepared for combat.

Interesting facts:

• The Colosseum was originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre after the dynasty that built it.

• It’s estimated that over 400,000 people and one million animals perished in its games over four centuries.

💡 Tip: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and beautiful light for photos. Combine your visit with the nearby Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, located just across the street.

2. The Pantheon – A Masterpiece of Engineering

Dating back nearly 2,000 years, the Pantheon remains one of the best-preserved monuments of Ancient Rome. Its vast concrete dome — still the largest unreinforced dome in the world — is an engineering marvel that continues to inspire architects. Once a temple for Roman gods, it later became a Christian church.

Interesting facts:

• The hole in the roof, called the oculus, is the building’s only source of light and also serves as a natural sundial.

• Rainwater drains through tiny holes in the marble floor, cleverly designed by Roman engineers.

🌞 Tip: Visit around noon when sunlight beams through the oculus — a breathtaking sight!

3. Vatican City – Art, Faith & Grandeur

Home to the Pope and some of the world’s most extraordinary art, Vatican City is a city-state within Rome and the smallest independent country on Earth. Explore the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica, climb the dome for sweeping views, and wander through the Vatican Museums to reach Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel.

Interesting facts:

• Vatican City has its own postal system, army (Swiss Guard), and even a railway station!

• St. Peter’s Basilica stands over what is believed to be the tomb of Saint Peter, one of Jesus’s apostles.

🕊️ Tip: Book skip-the-line tickets or an early entry tour to enjoy the Vatican before the crowds.

4. Trevi Fountain – Make a Wish

The Trevi Fountain is Rome’s most famous fountain and one of the most photographed spots in the city. Designed in 1762 by Nicola Salvi, it depicts Neptune, god of the sea, commanding his chariot of seahorses.

Interesting facts:

• Around €3,000 in coins are thrown into the fountain every day — all donated to charity to help Rome’s poor.

• Legend says tossing one coin ensures a return to Rome, two coins lead to romance, and three coins result in marriage!

💧 Tip: Visit early morning or late at night to avoid crowds and enjoy the fountain beautifully illuminated.

5. Piazza Navona – Baroque Beauty at Its Best

Built on the site of an ancient Roman stadium, Piazza Navona is a celebration of art, fountains, and people-watching. The highlight is Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, representing the Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Rio de la Plata.

Interesting facts:

• The square still retains the exact shape of the ancient stadium that once hosted athletic games.

• In the 17th century, it was deliberately flooded during summer weekends for mock naval battles!

🍨 Tip: Grab a gelato and relax while street musicians and artists bring this lively square to life.

6. The Spanish Steps – A Roman Classic

Connecting the Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti Church, the Spanish Steps are an iconic spot to pause and people-watch. Built in the 18th century, they were meant to link the Bourbon Spanish Embassy to the church above.

Interesting facts:

• The steps were made famous by Audrey Hepburn’s film Roman Holiday.

• Eating or sitting with food on the steps is now banned to preserve their condition — fines apply!

🛍️ Tip: Climb to the top for city views, then explore Via Condotti’s designer boutiques below.

7. Trastevere – Rome’s Bohemian Soul

Cross the Tiber River and discover Trastevere, a charming neighborhood where ivy-clad houses, cobbled streets, and trattorias create a cozy local atmosphere.

Interesting facts:

• The name Trastevere means “beyond the Tiber.”

• It’s home to Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of Rome’s oldest churches, dating back to the 4th century.

🍝 Tip: Visit at sunset for dinner — the area comes alive with music, wine, and authentic Roman cooking.

8. The Roman Forum – Where History Began

The Roman Forum was the beating heart of ancient Rome — its political, religious, and commercial center. Walking through its ruins feels like stepping back 2,000 years.

Interesting facts:

• Julius Caesar’s body was cremated here, and visitors still leave flowers at his shrine.

• The Via Sacra (Sacred Road) that runs through the Forum was once used for victory parades of returning emperors.

🌅 Tip: Visit at golden hour when the ruins glow under the late-afternoon sun, and climb Palatine Hill for breathtaking views.

9. Castel Sant’Angelo – The Guardian of the City

Originally built as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum in the 2nd century AD, Castel Sant’Angelo later became a fortress, papal residence, and prison. Today, it houses a museum and offers panoramic views of the Tiber River and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Interesting facts:

• A secret corridor, the Passetto di Borgo, connects the castle to the Vatican — used by popes to escape danger.

• The archangel Michael statue atop the fortress represents the end of a plague in 590 AD.

🏰 Tip: Visit just before sunset — the golden hour view from the terrace is one of Rome’s most stunning sights.

10. The Sistine Chapel – Michelangelo’s Masterpiece

Hidden inside the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel is one of the most awe-inspiring artistic treasures in the world. Every inch of its ceiling and walls tells stories from the Book of Genesis, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512. Standing beneath this breathtaking fresco — from The Creation of Adam to The Last Judgment — is an experience that truly defines the word “masterpiece.”

Interesting facts:

• Michelangelo painted the entire ceiling lying on his back for nearly four years.

• The chapel is still used today for the Papal Conclave, where cardinals gather to elect a new Pope.

• Over 20,000 visitors walk through the chapel every day — yet silence is maintained out of respect for its sacred purpose.

🎨 Tip: Photography is not allowed, so take time to absorb the details in person. Visit early morning or late afternoon with a skip-the-line Vatican ticket to enjoy a quieter experience before the crowds arrive.

Plan Your Roman Holiday

Whether you’re exploring the Colosseum’s ruins or tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, Rome’s greatest hits promise a journey through art, history, and la dolce vita.

Book your Italy Holiday with Marcopolo Holidays and uncover the Eternal City through private tours, skip-the-line entries, and curated local experiences.

.

Italy Holiday Packages