20 TOP BEST List Of Tourist Attractions In Rome - Rome, a place of history and antiques, filled with fascinating relics of the ancient Roman culture and Christian faith. There is so much to do in Rome you could easily lose your mind. This is especially so considering the size of the county. So before you head off there, I would advise that you use this list of 20 most amazing sites in Rome. This way, you can come up with a game plan to visit all the sites that intrigue you the most, cover more area and stick to your budget. Here is a list of exciting sites to visit when in Rome.
1. Fontana di Trevi (Fountain of Trevi)
This is go-to area for most tourist visiting Rome. Designed from Boraque architecture, the Fountain of Trevi is an amazing display of ancient mythology where the god, Neptune, majestically rises from the pool guarded as his side by his trusted, mighty Tritons. This site of ancient mythology is a spectacle best viewed at night with lights illuminating the fountain.
They say that if you toss three coins into the fountain with your right hand placed on your left shoulder you will come back to Rome someday, fall in love with an irresistible Roman and join hands in holy matrimony with that very same Roman.
2. Foro Romano (Roman Forum)
This site is located right next to the popularly known Colosseum. So before you pop by the Colosseum to pay an entry fee, take a while to visit this free-to-marvel-at site. Although in ruins, this site portrays the most essential part of Rome’s most important place in ancient history.
The Forum once held monuments such as government buildings, the Arch of Severus and Arch of Titus. So get yourself a local guide, or if you’re feeling tech savvy, a digital audio guide to paint you a mental picture of the ancient times there.
3. Colosseum (Colosseum)
Think of great movies like Ridley Scott’s Gladiator and TV franchises like Spartacus and what comes to mind are the blood matches of the Colosseum. This standing display of magnificence dates back as far as 80 AD.
With a whopping 573 yards in circumference the Colosseum was said to have held 50,000 cheering spectators. The design and decorations of this ancient marvel challenges even the most modern of engineers who see the Colosseum as a wonder.
4. Basilica di San Pietro (St. Peter’s Basilica)
St. Peter’s Basilica is located at the center of the Vatican City, open to free tours every day except Wednesdays. Tourists mostly prefer to walk up the stairs to the church’s dome so they can take in the beautiful architecture. And your reward? A panorama view of an ecstatic landscape.
A word of caution though as this is an active church. So avoid tiny skirts, open shoulders and hats. The queue is always packed at this place, but fear not my trusty traveler, it moves surprisingly fast.
5. Pantheon
This is building is a spectacularly proportioned view of architecture. Constructed way back in 120 AD, it is unrivaled by even the most decorated of modern construction. This is really an amazing place to tour while visiting Rome.
Prominent individuals of Roman history were buried here. The likes of famous ancient artist, Raphael, as well as mighty Italian kings such as Umberto I and Victor II were all laid to rest here. And just in case graves give you an appetite, the Piazza Della Rotunda is just a few meters away.
6. Vatican Museums
Now, we’re not talking about the bony dinosaurs in one of the Central Park Museums. Rather, we’re talking about tours inside mystical ancient palaces, the famous Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms and the spiral staircase.
There is so much there that getting a guide is highly recommended. This will give you a full appreciation of the sites. However, considering you will need to pay a ticket at the entrance, you may consider an audio guide for reduced cost. You will also need to watch your dress code as the Sistine Chapel is active.
7. Church of San Luigi dei Francesi
If you are a great fan of Roman art and architecture, this is a site you definitely don’t want to miss out on. In this church you will find the works of numerous artists of the ancient times. Pieces such as �Matthew and the Angel’ and �Calling of St. Matthew’ are just but a few of the treasures there.
Fortunately, being an active church, you won’t need to pay a ticket at the entry. However, the church does close for lunch and as usual, with active churches, you will need to avoid skimpy clothing and hats.
8. Santa Maria Della Vittoria
Thanks to the featuring of this place by the book �Angels and Demons’ authored by Dan Brown, this church is packed with tourists. And in case you are one of the many Baroque art fans, you may need to squeeze through the crowd just to marvel at the magnificent Bernini’s Ecstasy of Saint Teresa.
This is an active church though, so be sure to keep your dress code in check. Also avoid visiting this church over lunch hours and the morning of Sundays. They are usually closed at these times.
9. Transvere
This is a neighborhood located south of Vatican City and is home to a number of famous restaurants and shops. This place is also home to Santa Maria. Experts say that your trip to Rome is not complete without a tour through this amazing neighborhood.
Most tourist attest that the neighborhood gives you a glimpse of the real Rome. To switch up the tempo from going to one crowded museum to the next, it is good to go through these calm street and enjoy the atmosphere there.
10. Church of Sant’Ignazio Di Loyola
The ethereal ceiling of this building is to die for! The art put into it is so exquisite that you just have to snap a couple of photos. They say you to get the best view of the ceiling, you would need to stand on a desk that seems to be fixed to the nave floor.
Sant’Ignazio is open daily from 7.30 am to 7 pm. However, they do close for lunch every day. There are also free guided tours available every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday between 3pm to 6 pm.
11. Ancient Appian Way
If there is truly a path down memory lane, then it is the Appian Way through Appia Antica. This path is packed with spicy stories that date back to 71 BC. From the burial of Cecila Metellla to the execution of Spartacus’s mighty army to the numerous earth-shaking marches of the Roman army.
So in case you plan on going there, get your favorite walking sneakers, a bottle of water and a trusty tour guide. It might be a long trek, but believe me, the stories to be told here are worth the effort.
12. Museo Capitolini (Capitone Museums)
This is the very first museum of the world. Just that fact is enough to send you running to the place. This museum houses Rome’s symbol of the bronze Capitoline Wolf. Ancient lore has it that this is the wolf that took care of the twins that founded the city. These twins were half-wolf, half-god.
The museum also holds quite a number of antiques, including statues of royalists of ancient times and art pieces by renowned artist the likes of Caravaggio. The Museum also holds an in-house, affordable restaurant with a gorgeous city view. They close on Mondays though.
13. Galleria Borghese
This is an utter favorite among Rome tourists. It is a half-villa, half-museum kind of arrangement with pristine gardens surrounding it. Inside the villa rooms are exquisite art pieces of renowned artists including Bernini, Canova and Caravaggio. Who wouldn’t want to see this?
Do note that you need a ticket to enter and that these tickets are booked in advance. Also each ticket gives you access to 2 hour sessions. These guys also close on Mondays so you may need to plan appropriately.
14. Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna)
These are the very steps that inspired Writers Byron and Balzac back in the 19th Century. Their enchanting lure is especially dazzling during spring as the azaleas blossom, cheering your way to the top. On your way, you will find quite a number of interesting Roman houses and shopping areas as your trek through.
The best time to visit this place is at night with a loved one. You can have some good tea as you enjoy the view down the steps. Also the place is a lot less crowded at this time.
15. Basilica di San Clemente
Archaeology draws great profound interest in the Basilica di San Clemente. It presents the ideal second century temple of the pagans situated immediately underneath a fourth century church, which is apparently also found underneath a 12th century church.
This provokes plenty of historical interest particularly for the history enthusiasts who have a passion for artistry. It gives a splendid glimpse of the culture of Rome providing a major centre of attraction for visitors and tourists from across the globe.
16. Piazza Navona
This represents one of the best known and renowned Rome's public squares. This is a major centre of attraction for visitors and The Piazza Navona can be traced way back to the end of the 15th century fascinating lovers of history. It also gives a glimpse of the rich heritage of the locality.
There are also fascinating and renowned monuments with the vicinity with great history behind it, including by Gianlorenzo Bernini and another one by Francesco Borromini. Piazza Navona is in close proximity and can easily be accessed by hopping off the metro at Barberini and walking just a mile west.
17. Santa Maria in Trastevere
The great Santa Maria is one of the oldest and renowned churches in Roma and dates back way into the 4th century. The travels suggest that the famous Santa Maria in Trastevere is also one of the most prolific and majestic churches across the entire city attracting numerous visitors across the globe.
The church is glamorous and with the church’s large nave splendidly anchored by rows of enormous columns and coloured by an attractive altar mosaic. An Ideal attraction for tourists across the globe.
18. Passeggiata del Gianicolo (Gianicolo Hill)
Located To the west of the Tiber River in close proximity to near another top notch attraction, in Trastevere; the Gianicolo Hill, which is also commonly referred to as The Janiculum, which is ideal for climbing providing thrill and fun to visitors.
Visitors can also have a splendid view once at the top of Rome's greatest buildings, such as the great St. Peter's Basilica and The Vittoriano providing sense of thrill and adventure to tourist.
To add icing on the cake, Travelers enjoy the view of Gianicolo Hill, with remarkable sunrise and sunset for a truly enchanting experience.
19. Campo de' Fiori
The Campo de' Fiori is defiantly worth visiting both during the day for its astonishing and bustling market and again during the sun sets for its romantic and exquisite nightlife that is a splendid attraction to visitors all over the world
The Campo de' Fiori has also maintained its historic outlooks and looks quite similar dating back in the early 1800s, except for the expansive and variety of pizzerias and splendid gelaterias that adorn the city periphery with its beauty and splendour.
20. Porta Portese
Porta Portese provides a busy Sunday morning market that is ideal for fashionistas. There are plenty of vendors selling exquisite and splendid antiques for lovers of fashion and design. They also catch a glimpse of history and artistry that is a treat for visitors across the globe.
The flea market experience is a major attraction for visitors with clothes selling, both new and old. The travellers enjoy the market experience and enable acquisition of souvenirs to gift loved ones. Some for romance while others just for a token of friendship.
All in all, Rome is far one of the most beautiful places in the world. With rich history and overwhelmingly exquisite art and architecture wherever you go, it’s hard to resist its enticing lure. So if you are looking for a holiday destination or a romantic getaway with your sweetheart, Rome is the place to be.
