In college I made the decision to study abroad in Rome for one quarter. After spending three months in Roma learning about ancient Roman civilization, sipping caffe lattes, and seeing almost every historical site in the city, I realized that I had acquired much knowledge about Rome, knowledge that I knew I wanted to share with others because of how traveling had impacted my life.
When selecting these spots, I thought about my daily commute to class. I thought about how important historical context is in understanding any place or structure. I thought about which places I remembered the best and which I would want to visit again. This is in no way a comprehensive list of everything you should see, but it is compiled based on my personal experiences of living in the city and my observations. I hope it helps you understand and enjoy Rome better.
In order from ten to one, here are the top ten places you must visit in Rome:
10. Via del Corso
The Romans were known for building super straight roads. Soldiers would march on these roads to other territories in the Roman Empire and would also have parades on the road after a battle or war victory. Today the road is filled with retail shops, restaurants, and apartments. It's a mix of history plus the contemporary. I recommend visiting Via del Corso for the shopping and dining, and to literally walk on one of the finest ancient Roman architectural feats. One end of Via del Corso is bookended by Piazza del Popolo, and at the other end lies Piazza Venezia. Both are beautiful plazas with tons to see and brimming with history.
9. Ponte Sant'Angelo
The Ponte Sant'Angelo is one of the many bridges built over the Tiber River. I love this place because of its central location. There are always lots of people around and its proximity to other key sites is also a plus. You can go down into the riverwalk area to ponder, reflect, and explore the river. Or you can walk on the bridge and do some sightseeing there, too. Any time you stroll down this area, there will almost always be a street performer playing covers of popular pop songs. My favorite is the keyboardist. You will also find artists selling their work and areas you can buy souvenirs. At one end of the bridge is Castel Sant'Angelo (an ancient Roman burial place, turned into a museum) and beside that is St. Peter's Basilica, which is also on this list.
The Capitoline Museum houses some of the most valuable and well-preserved artifacts from the Roman Empire in the world. This is one of the most important places to visit in Rome. The plaza right outside the museum was designed by Michelangelo in 1536 and it is a sight to behold. A trip to this museum is, in my book, part of the full Rome experience.
The Forum is not one single building, as its name suggests. It consists of many smaller structures like temples, shrines, and residences. This area may be small geographically, but within the forum lies hundreds of years of history. This is the town hall, civic center, election area, market, and main meeting space of one of the oldest civilizations of the world, and for that, this place is worth a visit. I recommend going with a tour guide to learn more about the site.
6. St. Peter's Square
St. Peter's Square was redesigned by Bernini from 1656 to 1667 so "the greatest number of people could see the Pope give his blessings, either from the facade of the church or from a window in the Vatican Palace". I think that definitely was the impression I got when I happened upon the square, not knowing where I was or what I was looking at. This space in front of St. Peter's Basilica feels special and sacred. In the midst of such a busy city, this place remains open and welcoming, reminding you of a power higher than yourself.
5. Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is built on top of what used to be the Stadium of Domitian, where Romans would watch athletic contests. Today it has a church, multiple restaurants, a famous fountain of the four main rivers, Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, and loads of street artists. It's a fun place to explore. The piazza is long and oval-shaped, comparable to our modern day track stadiums. How cool is it to have the shape of the ancient stadium preserved and to remember what it was like in ancient times by transforming it to a piazza today?
4. Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is not one of the places that many tourist guides will tell you to visit, but it really is one of the most beautiful places in Rome, especially during sunset time. One afternoon, I took a stroll in the park and walked around to the sound of a trumpet playing "What a Wonderful World". I'll never forget that moment. The park is frequented by couples, children, and families alike for its nature and quiet haven away from the bustle of the city.
3. St. Peter's Basilica
Breathtaking. Colossal. Angelic.
St. Peter's Basilica (or Basilica di San Pietro), named after Peter, an apostle, was one of the first places that I visited in Rome. It's located in Vatican City and is the symbol of the Catholic faith, and in a way, Rome. It quickly stands out to you because it's the tallest building in the city and you can see it from almost anywhere, which is exactly what the architects and designers wanted. Inside, the church is huge. Think bigger than any other church you have ever visited.
I highly recommend getting tickets to see the inside of the church and to go up to the top of the dome. The views from there are stellar and you can see Rome for miles out. The stairs are a bit narrow, and it's quite a hike up to the top, but it's worth it. There's also Catholic mass in the plaza outside St. Peter's Basilica on Sundays, which was really interesting to witness and be a part of. I got to hear the Pope speak and he even waved to us from a small window in the palace. Pretty neat.
St. Peter's Basilica (or Basilica di San Pietro), named after Peter, an apostle, was one of the first places that I visited in Rome. It's located in Vatican City and is the symbol of the Catholic faith, and in a way, Rome. It quickly stands out to you because it's the tallest building in the city and you can see it from almost anywhere, which is exactly what the architects and designers wanted. Inside, the church is huge. Think bigger than any other church you have ever visited.
I highly recommend getting tickets to see the inside of the church and to go up to the top of the dome. The views from there are stellar and you can see Rome for miles out. The stairs are a bit narrow, and it's quite a hike up to the top, but it's worth it. There's also Catholic mass in the plaza outside St. Peter's Basilica on Sundays, which was really interesting to witness and be a part of. I got to hear the Pope speak and he even waved to us from a small window in the palace. Pretty neat.
2. Coliseum
What more can I say? Everybody goes to Coliseum because it is stinking awesome. It was the first amphitheater of its time and is still fairly well maintained and preserved today. You can actually go inside the Coliseum during certain times of the day and check out its many entrances, stairs, and seating. Plus, the structure is gorgeous in photographs and is probably the first thing people think of when they hear 'Rome'.
Pro tip: go during sunrise to experience the Coliseum in the company of your own thoughts. It does get a bit crowded during the day, but hey, more strangers to ask to take a photo of you. I know I definitely asked my fair share of strangers for a photo while in Rome.
Pro tip: go during sunrise to experience the Coliseum in the company of your own thoughts. It does get a bit crowded during the day, but hey, more strangers to ask to take a photo of you. I know I definitely asked my fair share of strangers for a photo while in Rome.
Don't forget to check out the Arch of Constantine, which is just a few steps away from the Coliseum.
1. Pantheon
My favorite place in Rome is not the Coliseum, but rather the Pantheon. The Pantheon is a large structure built during ancient Roman times. It was originally a Roman temple, then later a church, informally called the Santa Maria Rotonda. It still stands to this day, and has been remarkably well preserved. Like many other churches in Italy, the Pantheon is a place where you should dress modestly and respect the space.
When you walk in, you feel an instant rush of calm. The dome, which allows beams of natural light to flow in, is nothing short of breathtaking. The tall pillars in the front portico are stunning. What shocked me the first time I saw the Pantheon was its sheer size.
Travel tip: While you're at the Pantheon, grab some coffee and pastries at the nearby Sant' Eustrachio Il Caffe. They make their coffee with water from a Roman aqueduct and have over 2,000 reviews on Google Maps. I also recommend taking a moment to sit on the steps of the fountain in the square outside the Pantheon to people watch, pet some horses, enjoy live musical performances, eat gelato, and take in the views.
