Colosseum, Roman Forum, Spanish Steps… These are some of the iconic places you can’t miss when in Rome.
Last updated: May 10, 2024
The 11 Best Places and Things You Can’t Miss in Rome
Rome is one of those cities that screams for your attention. Regarded as the center of the world in the Middle Ages, the city hasn’t lost its charm and influence ever since.
Rome is a city full of unique historical sites. It’s a place where the ancient city beautifully coexists with the modern capital. Every corner, every street of Rome astounds, effortlessly taking you from one landmark to another. And there’s no end to them.
But let’s not forget about the time, which is never enough to explore every nook, every corner of this charming city. With that being said, here’re a few places you can’t miss in Rome under any circumstances.
11 PLACES AND THINGS NOT TO MISS IN ROME
1. Colosseum
One of the New Seven Wonders of the Worlds, the Colosseum is an ancient Roman amphitheater used for gladiatorial games. Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the oval structure in the center of Rome dates back to 72 AD.
Throughout their long history, the massive walls of the Colosseum witnessed a great deal of bloody sport battles and public spectaculars. Today, it’s a symbol of the capital of Italy and one of the main places you can never miss when in Rome.
2. Roman Forum
Similar to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum reminds of the time when Rome ruled over the world. Located west of the amphitheater, the Forum is an excavated area with the remains of Roman temples and government buildings. You can admire this landmark from Palatine Hill or take a guided tour to delve deeper in ancient Roman history.
3. Pantheon
The Pantheon is an iconic temple and one of the most important historic things you must see when in Rome. Surrounded by modern buildings, this landmark is used as a church and is free to visit.
4. Trevi Fountain: Iconic Things Not to Miss in Rome
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most beautiful fountains you can ever see. Rome’s largest Baroque structure of this kind, the place entices with spectacular sculptures of ancient Greek gods. Set in the rather quiet Trevi district, the Trevi Fountain is one of the free places in Rome that no art lover can afford to miss.
READ MORE: 10 Tips on How to Travel to Rome on a Budget
5. Spanish Steps
Irregular butterfly-shaped design is what attracts visitors of Rome to the Spanish Steps today. Initially, though, they were built to connect the Trinita dei Monti Church with the Spanish Square, home to the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See.
6. Castel Sant’Angelo
Towering cylindrical structure, Castel Sant’Angelo is a 2nd-century castle near the Vatican City. The building was commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for his family. Later, the popes used it as a castle and fortress.
Today, the Castel Sant’Angelo is a famous museum and one of the most interesting things to visit in Rome. If exploring the castle is not your favorite pastime, enjoying its beautiful views from outside will be the next thing to do.
7. Ponte Sant’Angelo
At this time, you might desperately want to catch a glance of St. Peter’s Square of better known as Vatican Obelisk. But wait a little bit longer and enter the Castel Sant’Angelo from the Ponte Sant’Angelo, an ancient Roman bridge built by Emperor Hadrian. Sprawling across the Tiber, the Ponte Sant’Angelo boasts ten gorgeous statues of angels along with spectacular views of the surrounding area.
8. Piazza Navona: Historic Things Not to Miss in Rome
The Baroque-style Piazza Navona is one of the largest and beautiful squares in Rome. It was built on the former Stadium of Domitian and still enjoys the open space of the latter.
The main attractions of Piazza Navona are three fountains: the Fountain of the Four Rivers, the Neptune fountain, and the Moor Fountain. Apart from the stunning sculptures and architecture, the square attracts visitors with ample outdoor cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs.
9. Capitoline Hill
Capitoline Hill or the Capitolium is one of the Seven Hills and arguably one of the most stylish places in entire Rome. The world-known architect and artist Michelangelo Buonarroti himself designed this remarkable hilltop square.
Although the smallest among other six siblings, Capitoline Hill owns attractions, the importance of which far surpasses its size. Palazzo dei Conservatori, Palazzo Nuovo, and Palazzo Senatorio are just some of the landmarks you can’t miss in this section of Rome.
10. Campo de’ Fiori
The oldest market in Rome, Campo de’ Fiori is teeming with local merchants offering fresh produce, flowers, spices, sweets, and souvenirs during the day. In the evening, it turns into a nightlife center – all thanks to vibrant restaurants and bars nearby.
11. Vatican City
The Vatican City is a major bonus to the 10 iconic things not to miss in Rome. The Vatican, however, is not a district of the capital of Italy. It’s the smallest country in the world surrounded by Rome.
Yet you don’t need an additional visa to visit the Vatican. Even an entry stamp is not needed to see the city-state and explore some of its unfading treasures, such as the St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
