A Complete Guide To Visiting Rome

There are a few places in the world I believe everyone should see at least once in their lives. Rome is one of them. For someone who loves both Roman and Renaissance history, I can’t believe it took me so long to get around to visiting Rome. Of course, it’s a busy place, it has been for millenia. Whether it’s for architecture, art, food, religion or history, there’s always something worth braving the crowds for.

This is the Eternal City and it’s just begging to be explored.

Disclaimer: this website contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase or booking, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me to continue this blog and help wildlife around the world!

Visiting Rome’s Main Sights – Are They Worth It?

It doesn’t matter the time of year, these attractions will always be busy. It is Rome, after all. But I still think it’s absolutely worth visiting them – they are the heart and soul of what makes Rome so special. So even if it means jostling elbows with a hundred other tourists, you should still make time to see them.

THE COLOSSEUM

The mother of all tourist attractions. I’ve been obsessed with Roman history since I was a kid, so when I turned a street corner and caught a glimpse of those ancient arches, I immediately became a giddy little girl again. I’m pretty sure I spent the next hour smiling. Which is why I definitely recommend visiting the Colosseum, properly called Flavian’s Amphitheatre, even if you want to get away from the tourist crowds.

Although if you want to get away from the tourist crowds, why would you come to Rome?

I’m sure I’ve said this about other places before, but the Colosseum is the definition of awesome. Though half its upper storeys are missing, the Colosseum is impressive nonetheless. Stepping underneath those arches is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and anyone who’s ever watched Gladiator will feel goosebumps at the sight of the rising tiers where thousands of ancient Romans once cheered at the spectacle of blood and death so often seen in this theatre.

Sure, even in the low season you will be constantly surrounded by other tourists vying for the best selfie spots. But do yourself a favour and ignore them all, instead spending your time just taking in the ancient surroundings.

And don’t forget to check out the Arch of Constantine next to the Colosseum. It’s one of the oldest monuments in Rome and is ridiculously well-preserved.

ROMAN FORUM AND PALATINE HILL

Almost as much as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum was one of the things I was most excited to see when visiting Rome. History nerd, remember? There’s something about walking the broken cobblestone paths surrounded by the remnants of great temples, statues and meeting places, imagining all the people who have walked here before. The Roman Forum is literally the centre of Rome, the Umbilicus Urbi, from where all distances were measured.

Here is one of the few places you can get away from the crowds. The Forum is quite large, so there are always some spaces around the outer edges where you can find a spot to yourself, whether for photos or peace and quiet.

For an amazing view over the whole Forum, walk up Palatine Hill. Along the way are multiple viewpoints. The top of Palatine Hill is an archaeological treasure trove in itself, with remains of multiple imperial palaces on view. This was the most exclusive neighbourhood during the Roman Empire; only the wealthiest nobles lived here. Augustus himself started the trend, building his palace on the hill overlooking the Forum. Fun fact: ‘Palatine’ is where the word ‘palace’ comes from!

Hot Tip: Tickets to both the Colosseum and the Forum are FREE on the fist Sunday of every month. I didn’t know about this when visiting Rome and just happened to go on the first Sunday of the month. Imagine my delight when I realised! Although of course there will be a lot more people there taking advantage of this.

THE PANTHEON

The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the world. Originally built as a temple dedicated to all the Roman gods, it has been used as a Catholic church since the 7th century, which is why it’s so well-preserved. Its unique circular shape is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Inside, the exquisite golden decoration is lit by a single window – the oculus at the very top of the dome. The perfect proportions of the Pantheon make it an architectural marvel. It’s amazing what the Romans could accomplish without the benefit of modern technology.

The Pantheon is still a functioning church, and may be closed when Mass takes place. The tombs of King Victor Emmanuel II and the Renaissance painter Raphael can be found within the circular space. Outside, the Piazza della Rotunda is a busy place filled with tourists, restaurants and a beautiful fountain.

TREVI FOUNTAIN

Be warned: most of the photos you have seen of this famous fountain are a lie.

Well, not exactly, but do not expect to find a similar scene when you visit. Unless you do as the Instagrammers do and go at five o’clock in the morning when there’s no one else around. Even in the low season, the crowds around the Trevi Fountain are outrageous.

After fighting your way to the water’s edge, you might get a few minutes there before others push in to take their turn. Souvenir hawkers watch over tables laden with every garish, plastic trinket you could think of, selfie sticks abound and groups of Asian tourists invade every last piece of space, with no regard for those around them (probably a prejudiced view, but I’m just going by my own personal experiences here). It’s a stunning fountain, to be sure, definitely worth walking past to take a look, but you won’t want to spend too long here.

SPANISH STEPS

Originally built as a path between two streets, this impressive staircase rises from a beautiful piazza up to an equally beautiful twin-spired church. This has been a Roman meeting place for generations, attracting artists and poets to its elegant steps. For any poetry buffs out there, you might be interested to know that English poet John Keats lived and died in the house at the foot of the stairs. It’s now a small museum dedicated to his memory.

On another note, the Spanish Steps are really hard to photograph. There’s always a large crowd and you need a wide-angle lens to really do them justice. I’d recommend coming very early in the morning, when there would be less people, or else at the end of the day. The crowds will still be heavy well into the night, but if you have the tools, the lower level of light could help you take some long exposure shots.

CASTEL SANT’ANGELO

First a tomb, then a fortress, a castle, a prison, and finally a museum, Hadrian’s Mausoleum has had many purposes throughout its long life. Built in the 2nd century (again, the skill of these Roman architects astounds me), Castel Sant’Angelo used to be the tallest building in Rome. Approached across the gorgeous Aelian Bridge, the circular tower demands attention. Named for the statue sitting proudly on top, the Castel Sant’Angelo offers views across Rome and the Vatican. The museum inside doesn’t have as good a reputation as others in the city, but still offers a great insight into the different periods of history Rome has seen.

Movie lovers will probably recognise the castle from Tom Hank’s Angels and Demons as the creepy place where the kidnapped cardinals were kept prisoner. Those cells really do exist, as does the long, not-so-secret passage connecting to the Vatican that was built as an escape route for Popes in the past.

Other sights worth visiting in Rome:

LARGO DI TORRE ARGENTINA

This place has two big draws. The first, it’s the site of the assassination of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March two millenia ago. And if that’s not enough to command your attention, there’s always the cats. These ancient ruins, somehow preserved all these years later amongst the relatively-modern buildings around it, are now the home to many, many stray cats. They’ve been here for years, and have set up such a home for themselves there’s now a rescue and adoption centre for them right next to the ruins. It’s easy to miss, but if you find the steps at one of the corners of the ruins, you can get down into the small rooms under the street that house cat beds, merchandise and volunteers who feed and care for the cats. Some are friendly, some are not, all are adorable (I mean the cats).

If only Caesar could see the place now. Walk around the edge and you can find a graphic pinpointing what is believed to be the exact spot among the broken columns where the dictator drew his final breath. A tall, thin tree now grows there. You almost feel like you can still see the blood.

• 

• 

PIAZZA NAVONA

Piazza Navona has been an urban centre for Romans since the 15th century and remains a favourite stopping point for many. With high-price restaurants, street vendors, performers, artists and the beautiful Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi designed by Bernini to be gazed upon, Piazza Navona is a must-see when visiting Rome.

At the southern end of the piazza – the largest in Rome – is the Palazzo Braschi containing the Museum of Rome. The beautiful Church of Saint Agnes in Adone dominates the western side. A church like this would stand out anywhere other than Rome, where there are so many incredible churches to see. Whether you decide to pass through the church doors or not, Piazza Navona is a good place to take a breath and rest your feet before continuing your exploration of Rome.

• 

• 

ALTARE DELLA PATRIA – VICTOR EMMANUEL II MONUMENT

This ginormous monument to the first king of the reunified Italy is a bit of a controversy. Many locals don’t like its sheer size and bulk, especially in comparison to the more subtle historic remains around it. Others are pissed at the loss of half of Capitoline Hill and medieval village remains that occurred to make way for it. In any case, it’s an impressive sight. At about 100 years old, it’s one of the youngest attractions in Rome. It includes a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, an Eternal Flame and a giant bronze statue of the king himself. There’s a lot to take in from the outside, but if you want to see even more, you can enter inside and see the views over Rome from the terrace as well as a museum dedicated to the unification of Italy.

TRASTAVERE

This neighbourhood of Rome sits across the river Tiber from the main city centre, just to the south of the Vatican. While I personally didn’t make it to this area of the city, it has been highly recommended to me. Often called one of the few places where you can see true modern Roman culture, the area is a maze of narrow, cobbled streets, ivy-covered houses and the constant feeling of being somewhere that’s lived in, not just visited. Or so I’m told. It looks beautiful, at least, and maybe someday I’ll get to experience it for myself.

• 

• 

How to break up your days when visiting Rome:

• Day One: Concentrate on the southern end of the city centre, where the Colosseum, Forum, Largo di Torre Argentina, Piazza Navona, Altare della Patria are located.
• Day Two: There’s a fair amount of walking distance between the Pantheon, Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, but this will give you a chance to wander the streets of the city along the way.
• Day Three: Head west across the Tiber for the Castel Sant’ Angelo, Trastevere and Vatican City (check out my guide on how to spend a day in the Vatican).
• If you have longer, there are plenty of museums worth checking out, including Galleria Borghese & Gardens, the Capitoline Museum, National Etruscan Museum, and the National Gallery of Modern Art.
• Got a day to spare? I highly recommend a self-guided day trip to Pompeii to continue your exploration of Roman history. It’s a long day, but easily done with a straight train journey down to Naples.

Ticket Prices (as of November 2022):

• Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: one ticket covers all three attractions and costs €16, except on the first Sunday of each month, when it’s free. You still need to queue and get a physical ticket though. No matter when you go, I recommend queuing at the Forum first, as the line won’t be as long as the one at the Colosseum.
• Pantheon: free, though you can pay for an audio guide once inside.
• Largo di Torre Argentina: free
• Piazza Navona: free
• Spanish Steps: free
• Trevi Fountain: free
• Castel Sant’Angelo: €14 or €7 if you’re an EU citizen aged 18-25, also free on the first Sunday of the month.
• Victor Emmanuel II Monument: free to enter, but €7 to use the lift to ascend to the viewpoint at the top.

Recommended Restaurants for Vegetarians/Vegans:

• Origano – typical Italian food with vegan options in both mains and desert. Really nice pizza and close to the Trevi Fountain.
  Via di Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, 25/2
• Vitality Food – close to the Termini Station. Serves healthy, simple food. Good for breakfast – has vegan croissants! (but don’t call them that, in Rome they’re called cornettos)
  Piazza dell’Indipendenza, 8
• Vega Food – all-vegetarian restaurant serving mainly Indian food. This place is tiny, in a really cute street, and the food is sooo good. Worth searching for.
  Via di Monte Giordano, 1
• Gelateria della Palma – who could possibly come to Italy and not get gelato?? This ice cream shop offers an impressive 150 flavours, including several vegan gelato options! Vegan gelato and ice cream is becoming more common in Rome, but I can personally attest that Della Palma will make your tastebuds tingle. And it’s near the Pantheon too. Via della Maddalena, 19-23
• Check out the Happy Cow Website for more veggie-friendly places in Rome.

Where to stay when visiting Rome:

I won’t claim to be the most knowledgeable about this bit. Where you decide to stay will depend on your budget foremost, then on what you’re in Rome for. I stayed in the Termini district – it’s a bit further out, not as nice as more central locations, but it’s great for those on a cheaper budget, with perfect access to public transport.

Highest rated hostel in Rome: The RomeHello Hostel

Here’s a great guide to the different neighbourhoods of Rome and how they each suit a different type of traveller: https://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/rome/where-to-stay-in-rome

How to save your energy in this big city:

• Rome is big. Really big, with long distances between many of the popular sights. It’s what makes it so difficult to really see the city in only a day or two. I recommend getting a map of the city and breaking down the places you want to see into several locations, as I suggested above. That way you can concentrate on a section of the city each day, really get to know that area instead of always rushing off to the next place. This also allows you do more walking while visiting Rome, which will both save you money on public transport and give you a more authentic Roman experience.
• Wear comfortable shoes. With Instagram all the rage these days, there’s so much pressure to look like runway models in all our travel photos. But is it really worth it if your feet are too sore to keep going half-way through your day? Not in my opinion. Better to wear comfortable boots that will handle all those uneven cobblestones, that instead of pulling your attention away from the beautiful city around you to your aching feet, will let you fully immerse yourself in the experience.
• Choose a hostel that suits your needs. When I’m travelling, I generally pick the cheapest place I can find – within reason. But you also need to take into consideration whether your hostel will give you a good night’s sleep, leaving you alert and refreshed for another day of exploring the next morning. My hostel, while nice, clean, comfortable and in a fairly decent location, was above a bar catering to backpackers and therefore was very loud. I didn’t sleep well during any of my nights there and I really felt it each morning. There are quite a few hostels in the areas near the main train station Termini, which provide easy access to public transport and is within walking distance of the main sights.

Tips for photographing Rome in the rain:

Visiting Rome can be a very different experience depending on the time of year. Summer months are sweltering hot and crowded, so I recommend visiting in spring or autumn. But that could mean dealing with not-so-ideal weather. Instead of staying indoors when the rain clouds come, put on some waterproof shoes, grab your umbrella and hit those ridiculously pretty streets. I knew that because I was going to be visiting Rome in March I would need to prepare for the rain getting in the way of photographing the city. So I did a little research and found these tips. Hopefully you find them helpful too!

• Use puddles on the cobbled streets for a different view. This works really well during breaks in the rain showers when the puddles are still. It’s especially nice to get both the reflection and the object in the picture.
• For something a little unique, why not try to incorporate your own umbrella into the picture for first-person view of the scene? I didn’t quite succeed at this one, but with a little practice it could turn out great.
• Don’t get frustrated at all those umbrellas getting into your frame. Often they provide a nice pop of colour, so use them!

Small suggestions that will make visiting Rome even more memorable:

• Try to get a window seat if you’re flying into the city. During the landing, we flew right over the city, with St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colisseum and the bridges over the River Tiber in full view.

• While the buildings and sights around are understandably distracting, don’t forget to look down as well. Many buildings and streets have beautiful floor mosaics.
• Watch out for the little Roman touches: bicycles leaning against streets everywhere, the quintessential tiny Italian cars squeezed into impossibly small parking spaces, the ancient letters S.P.Q.R. scattered throughout the city.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• If you have the time, energy and are so inclined, I recommend visiting some of the main (free) attractions twice – once in the daytime and once at night. Rome really changes at night, with a warm, golden atmosphere that feels totally different to the city in daylight. I particularly enjoyed the different perspectives of the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Castel Sant’Angelo. The latter is also gorgeous at sunset, its curved walls lit up with an orange glow as the sun dips down behind the nearby Vatican.

I hope you find this guide useful and informative. If there’s anything else you wish to know, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Are you planning on visiting Rome or thinking about adding it to your bucket list?

Like this post? Pin it for later!