aventuro
Italy
Things to do in Rome
1,759 attractions · Italy
Photo: FeaturedPics, CC BY-SA 4.0
Lazio, Italy · 41.900, 12.500
About Rome
Rome serves as a living laboratory of Western history, defined by its concentration of ancient ruins and its role as the seat of the Catholic Church. The city center is a dense architectural narrative where the Colosseum [1] stands as the iconic remains of imperial spectacle alongside the Pantheon [16], which features the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. Visitors can traverse centuries of artistic evolution within the Vatican Museums [202] and the Sistine Chapel [31300]. Its urban layout reflects layers of development, from the Roman Forum [9] to the Renaissance influence seen near the Spanish Steps [32881].
Good to know
- 1
Rome is the only city in the world to contain an entire sovereign state, Vatican City, within its administrative borders.
- 2
The city's 'Fontanelle' provide free, constant-flow drinking water from ancient aqueducts, a practice dating back to the 19th century.
- 3
Rome contains over 900 churches, the highest concentration of religious buildings per capita in the world.
- 4
Underground Rome, or 'Sotterraneo', features a vast network of subterranean ruins, ancient pagan temples, and early Christian burial chambers beneath modern street levels.
- 5
The city was built on seven hills, which historically served as defensive fortifications for the nascent settlement.
Plan your visit to Rome
Best time to visit
April to May or late September to October, when temperatures are mild and the city avoids the peak summer humidity and tourist density.
How many days
4-5 days, which provides sufficient time to cover major archaeological sites, Vatican City, and the primary public squares without extreme haste.
Getting around
The historic center is largely walkable, supplemented by an extensive bus network, trams, and two primary metro lines (A and B).
Where to stay
Stay in Trastevere for a traditional atmosphere with narrow alleys, or near the Pantheon for proximity to major landmarks.
Budget
Mid-to-high; while attractions are numerous, lodging and dining in the historic core command premium pricing.
Highlights of Rome
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
Colosseum
Explore the massive amphitheater that once hosted gladiatorial combat and public spectacles.
Trevi Fountain
Visit the city's largest Baroque fountain, traditionally believed to ensure a return to Rome if you toss a coin over your shoulder.
Pantheon
Stand beneath the oculus of the world's oldest functional concrete dome, constructed during the reign of Hadrian.
Vatican Museums
View an immense collection of classical sculptures and Renaissance masterpieces gathered by successive popes.
Sistine Chapel
Observe Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling frescoes inside this active site of papal conclaves.
Spanish Steps
Climb the monumental staircase that links the Piazza di Spagna at the base to the Trinità dei Monti church at the summit.
Castel Sant'Angelo
Tour the fortress originally built as Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum before its conversion into a papal residence.
Roman Forum
Walk through the primary political and commercial center of the ancient Roman Empire.
Top things to do in Rome
The 1,759 most popular places in Rome.
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811
Historical places Hidden gem
Palazzo Baleani Roma
Palazzo Baleani is a historic Roman palazzo located along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II in the rione Parione. The building...
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812
Venues Hidden gem
Stadio Casal del Marmo
Stadio Casal del Marmo is a dedicated sports facility located in the northwestern suburbs of Rome, primarily serving as...
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813
Historical places Hidden gem
Milliarium Aureum
The Milliarium Aureum, or Golden Milestone, was erected by Emperor Augustus in 20 BCE at the corner of the Rostra in the...
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814
Places of interest Hidden gem
Obelisco Matteiano
The Obelisco Matteiano is a small ancient Egyptian-style obelisk located in the Villa Celimontana gardens in Rome. Craft...
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815
Historical places Hidden gem
Palazzo Massimo alle Colonne
Palazzo Massimo alle Colonne is a renowned High Renaissance palace in Rome, commissioned by the Massimo family and desig...
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816
Historical places Hidden gem
The Complex of the Roman College
The Complex of the Roman College, also known as the Collegio Romano, is a historic site commissioned by Saint Ignatius o...
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817
Temples Hidden gem
Chiesa di San Giuseppe dei Falegnami
The Chiesa di San Giuseppe dei Falegnami is a 17th-century Baroque church built directly above the Mamertine Prison, an...
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818
Temples Hidden gem
Church of San Sebastiano al Palatino
The Church of San Sebastiano al Palatino stands on the site traditionally believed to be the location of Saint Sebastian...
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819
Temples Hidden gem
Chiesa dei Santi Biagio e Carlo ai Catinari
The Chiesa dei Santi Biagio e Carlo ai Catinari is a 17th-century Baroque church in Rome, constructed between 1612 and 1...
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820
Historical places Hidden gem
Casale Della Vaccareccia
Casale Della Vaccareccia is a historic rural farmhouse complex situated within the protected archaeological and green ar...
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821
Venues Hidden gem
Teatro Valle
Teatro Valle is Rome's oldest operating theater, originally commissioned by the Capranica family and inaugurated in 1727...
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822
Temples Hidden gem
ISMA - Istituti di Santa Maria in Aquiro
Istituti di Santa Maria in Aquiro (ISMA) is a historic charitable institution located in the heart of Rome, situated nea...
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823
Historical places Hidden gem
Palazzo di Propaganda Fide
The Palazzo di Propaganda Fide serves as the headquarters for the Dicastery for Evangelization in Rome. It represents a...
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824
Museums Hidden gem
Polo Museale Atac
Polo Museale Atac is Rome's transport museum, preserving the historical heritage of the city's public transit system. Lo...
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825
Historical places Hidden gem
Basilica Ulpia
The Basilica Ulpia was the largest and most magnificent basilica in ancient Rome, constructed as part of Trajan's Forum...
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826
Historical places Hidden gem
Casina of Vallati
The Casina dei Vallati is a notable 16th-century architectural structure located in the heart of Rome's historic Ghetto....
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827
Venues Hidden gem
Abarico Teatro
Teatro Abarico is a compact, independent theater space located in the San Lorenzo district of Rome. It primarily functio...
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828
Historical places Hidden gem
House of Livia on Palatine Hill
The House of Livia on the Palatine Hill in Rome is an exceptionally well-preserved private domus traditionally identifie...
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829
Temples Hidden gem
Madonna dell'Archetto
Madonna dell'Archetto is famously known as the smallest parish church in Rome. Tucked away in a narrow alleyway near Pia...
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830
Amusement parks Hidden gem
Parco
Parco located on Via Borgo Ticino in Rome is a local amusement and recreational park serving the residential area of wes...
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831
Museums Hidden gem
Dorothy Circus Gallery
Dorothy Circus Gallery is a contemporary art gallery located in Rome on Via dei Pettinari, specializing in Pop Surrealis...
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832
Historical places Hidden gem
Porta Tiburtina
Porta Tiburtina is an ancient gate in the Aurelian Walls of Rome, originally constructed as a monumental arch by Emperor...
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833
Venues Hidden gem
Teatro Villa Pamphili
Teatro Villa Pamphili is a multifunctional theatrical space located within the expansive grounds of Villa Doria Pamphili...
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834
Places of interest Hidden gem
Fontana del Giglio
Fontana del Giglio is a historic public fountain located in Rome, specifically in the western district near the Gianicol...
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835
Historical places Hidden gem
Meta sudans
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836
Temples Hidden gem
Church of Saint Gabriel Archangel
The Church of Saint Gabriel Archangel is a modern parish church located in the Cortina d'Ampezzo residential district of...
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837
Venues Hidden gem
Teatro Sammarco
Teatro Sammarco is a community-focused performance space situated within the San Marco Evangelista parish complex in the...
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838
Historical places Hidden gem
Sepolcri dei Festoni e del Frontespizio
The Sepolcri dei Festoni e del Frontespizio are two adjoining Roman funerary monuments located along the ancient Via App...
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839
Temples Hidden gem
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Luce
The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Luce is an ancient Roman church located in the heart of the Trastevere district. The sit...
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840
Museums Hidden gem
Galleria Lorcan O'Neill Roma
Galleria Lorcan O'Neill is a contemporary art gallery situated in a historic 17th-century palazzo in the heart of Rome’s...
Around Rome
Worth the short trip out of the city.
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Rome on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Rome?
Aventuro lists 1,759 curated attractions in and around Rome, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Rome?
Colosseum is the most popular place to visit in Rome right now.
What kind of attractions does Rome have?
The largest category is temples, with 582 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore Milan, Turin, Naples.
