Creating a top 20 attractions in Rome list is quite a challenging task. This eternal city has so many beautiful spots that even the list of those left out would outshine many other cities. Since Roman times, this has been a world city full of stunning monuments and squares.
Planning to explore Rome? Then you absolutely cannot miss our bike tour! This tour offers a unique opportunity to get to know this magnificent city in a short time, guided by an expert. Hop on a bike and let yourself be guided through the highlights of Rome.
A city trip to Rome has been a favorite among travelers for thousands of years. Are you ready to discover what makes Rome so special? Dive quickly into our list of Rome attractions! 🚴♂️🇮🇹🏛️
In Rome, the following attractions are often crowded. By purchasing your tickets online, you not only save money but also avoid long waiting times and enjoy a relaxed experience:
The Rome Tourist Card is a tip if you want to visit the Colosseum and the Vatican Museum. You can also choose to add other attractions such as Castel Sant Angelo, Pantheon, St. Peter’s, or opt for a public transport card including Airport Transfer.
Ensure you can fully enjoy Rome’s rich history and culture by booking and planning your tickets in advance.
Colosseum
The most iconic building in the city is the Colosseum. This 2000-year-old stadium served as a theater for (gruesome) games during the Roman Empire. Gladiator fights were commonplace. Captured slaves had to fight to the death, sometimes against each other, sometimes against wild beasts. Meanwhile, 50,000 people cheered on this violence. Strange people, those Romans.
Today, people are no longer allowed to fight to the death in Italy, but that doesn’t mean a visit to the Colosseum isn’t still interesting. The building is largely intact and during a Colosseum tour with a Dutch guide, you get a good idea of how things used to be.
Roman Forum
Near the Colosseum, you’ll find the Roman Forum. This was the historical center of the city. All important political decisions were made here, but it was also a place for trade and justice. For more than 800 years, noble Romans gathered here and decided the fate of the entire Western world. Today, it is also a major tourist attraction.
The Forum is mainly a collection of ruins, making it quite difficult to imagine how it all looked in the time of Julius Caesar. Fortunately, there are some knowledgeable guides who can help you with this.
If you choose the Roman Forum walk, our guides will vividly explain what the Forum meant for this world empire. You also get direct access to the Colosseum, so you see two must-see Rome attractions at once.
Castel Sant’Angelo
We remain near the Vatican, although Castel Sant’Angelo is indeed located in Rome itself. This castle, originally a mausoleum, stands on the banks of the Tiber. Due to its strategic location by the river and close to Vatican City, this structure was transformed into a fortress. There is a direct passage from St. Peter’s to Castel Sant’Angelo so the pope could escape in case of imminent danger.
Fans of Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code will definitely want to visit this attraction. Even if you haven’t read the book, this nearly 1900-year-old structure is an interesting place you won’t want to miss.
Atop the fortress, you have a stunning view of the Ponte Sant’Angelo, ancient Rome, and the Vatican. Bring a good camera because you will be amazed by the sights.
See more of Rome by bike
There are so many things to see in this city that it takes a lot of time to take it all in. Unless you choose the Rome highlights bike tour .
This tour with a Dutch guide takes you past the highlights you shouldn’t miss. You’ll cycle past the attractions from this article and many other special spots. In just a few hours, you’ll get a very good impression of what the Eternal City has to offer. This way, you’ll also have time left to enjoy some shopping or to visit a restaurant.
Pantheon
The best-preserved building from ancient Roman times is the Pantheon. This 2nd-century AD temple is still in almost perfect condition. Originally built to honor the Roman gods, it was converted into a Christian church several centuries later. This ensured it was always well protected.
The dome with the opening at the top is a true attraction and an impressive piece of architecture. The square in front of the Pantheon, Piazza della Rotonda, is also a delightful place to sit and people-watch. Although it might take some effort to find a spot on one of the terraces, as it is almost always busy. The Pantheon certainly deserves a spot in the top 20 attractions of Rome.
Below, you’ll read about attractions in Rome from a later period.
Piazza Navona
The fall of the Roman Empire was quite some time ago. Fortunately, there are plenty of attractions from later periods in the city. Piazza Navona is a beautiful example of this. This lovely square dates back to the 17th century.
Admittedly, in Roman times, there was a large stadium for athletic competitions here, which explains the shape of the square. You won’t see any trace of the stadium itself unless you opt for a visit to the excavations.
Piazza Navona is now a beautiful square with three stunning fountains. One of them is by Bernini, la Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi. This square is the best place to sit on a terrace and relax, despite the crowds.
St. Peter’s Basilica
During Roman times, Christianity began to rise. With Emperor Constantine the Great, it even became the religion of the empire. Rome quickly became the epicenter of the Christian institution. The pope and many ecclesiastical institutions were housed in the city. Eventually, they formed their own state, Vatican City, the smallest country in the world.
This small country has many interesting attractions, including St. Peter’s Basilica. Recognizable by its enormous dome, the basilica is a true attraction, even for non-believers.
The church you admire today dates back to the 15th century. Pope Julius II commissioned the renovation, which took more than a century.
From St. Peter’s Square, you get a good view of the church, but you definitely want to see St. Peter’s from the inside as well. Therefore, choose the tour of the Vatican Museums and you’ll also get direct access to the basilica.
Sistine Chapel
Another must-see attraction in Rome located in the Vatican Museums is the Sistine Chapel. This chapel is especially famous for the paintings by the great Michelangelo. The Creation is a prime example. Michelangelo’s Last Judgment is also something you don’t want to miss. Other renowned masters who contributed to the splendor of the Sistine Chapel include Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, and Perugino.
There’s no shortage of impressive art in this church. It is often crowded, resulting in long queues. We therefore recommend booking the Rome Vatican tour with a guide. Not only will this guide provide the best explanations of all the beauty in the chapel, but the ticket for this tour also gives you direct access to all Vatican Museums. Queues are a thing of the past, saving you a lot of time.
If you’re primarily visiting Rome to admire Vatican City, make sure you have a hotel nearby.
Trevi Fountain
It’s almost impossible to see everything in Rome during your city trip. To ensure you get another chance to see more, you should toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain.
Many people visit this Rome attraction to throw three coins into the fountain. The first coin means you will return to Rome someday, the second coin ensures you will find love, and the third coin promises you a marriage.
Depending on your wishes, bring enough coins when you visit the Trevi Fountain. The fountain as we know it today dates back to the 18th century, but water has flowed here since ancient times. It was the endpoint of one of the many aqueducts that the city had and provided three streets (tre vie) with drinking water.
Nowadays, the fountain recycles the water, so we recommend not drinking it. Many film scenes have been shot at or in the Trevi Fountain, with the scene in La Dolce Vita perhaps being the most famous.
The Trevi Fountain is located in a super fun neighborhood, but did you know there are many more neighborhoods in Rome?
Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna are one of the city’s most popular spots. This square, as you might expect, features steps and is a true attraction.
From the top, you have a great view, and the steps themselves are always bustling with artists or people taking a break.
At the foot of the steps are several fountains. The square gets its name from the Palazzo di Spagna, where the Spanish embassy has been located since 1647.
Villa Borghese
A green oasis in a vast city. Villa Borghese is a piece of nature amidst all the ancient buildings. This park belonged to one of the most powerful families of the Middle Ages, the Borghesi.
The family home has now been transformed into Galleria Borghese, one of the most beautiful museums in Rome. The 80-hectare park houses more museums, but even outdoors, you’ll find the most beautiful sculptures and buildings here. The pond with the temple is a spot you don’t want to miss during your city trip.
Rome is so versatile and fun to explore! So pump up your tires because the list continues below.
The following stunning Rome attractions are also not to be missed:
Piazza Venezia
Although Piazza Venezia has some new elements, it is also one of the Rome attractions that are centuries old. It is now mainly known for the impressive monument of Victor Emmanuel II. This is less than a century and a half old, but the square itself was laid out in the second half of the 15th century by order of Pope Paul II. It was and still is located right next to the palazzo he also had built. An active pope indeed!
Originally called Piazza di San Marco, both the palazzo and the square were renamed Venezia a century later. At the time, the place was used for horse races, among other things. Today, it is an important junction of various busy traffic arteries in the city. So be careful when navigating the traffic by bike.
Piazza Venezia is likely on your bucket list mainly because of the monument of Victor Emmanuel II. This monument was built at the end of the 19th / beginning of the 20th century in honor of the first king of United Italy. The funny thing is that the Romans themselves are not too fond of it and jokingly call the monument ‘the wedding cake’ or ‘the typewriter.’ Their dislike is not only because they don’t find the design beautiful, but also because dictator Mussolini delivered his infamous speeches to the public on the gigantic square.
Since real history was made here, you should definitely get off your bike to admire the statue of the king on horseback and walk through the enormous colonnade. Moreover, the museo del Risorgimento (museum of Italian unification) is located here, and from the 80-meter-high rooftop terrace, you have a fantastic view over the city!
Piazza Venezia has a lot of history
Not only is the monument of Victor Emmanuel II, despite its relatively young age, historical. Other places also fall under the category of historical Rome attractions, such as the more than 500-year-old Palazzo Venezia, the Basilica of Saint Mark (Basilica San Marco), and the oldest part of Piazza Venezia, the Forum of Trajan.
Piazza del Popolo
Popolo means people, yet in this name, it doesn’t refer to the people but to the poplar trees growing in the gardens of the Santa Maria del Popolo church. But it eventually did become a square for the people, as crowds often gathered here for various events, such as ‘cheerful’ executions.
Until 1826, condemned prisoners were hanged in this square, and the Romans flocked here in large numbers. Today, the square is one of the many free Rome attractions.
- Tip: Book the Rome Panorama bike tour. Our Dutch guide will take you past all the beautiful spots in the city, offering you the most breathtaking views. With seven hills, it’s easy to imagine the splendor you’ll see. This tour of Rome is a unique experience!
Campo de’ Fiori
The Campo de’ Fiori, or the field of flowers, is the place to enjoy the lively atmosphere and that typical Roman vibe. Stroll leisurely through the market with fresh products and then relax at a terrace to people-watch. Campo de’ Fiori is also one of the free Rome attractions where you can truly taste the history!
The best way to get to know Campo de’ Fiori is by cycling there. You can do this on the Rome bike tour with a Dutch guide. This experienced guide will take you past all the beautiful Rome attractions and tell you about the rich history. We recommend doing this tour at the beginning of your stay to really get to know the city.
Domus Aurea
One of the hidden gems among Rome attractions is the Domus Aurea. This prestigious construction project was intended to be a golden palace for Emperor Nero, with a vast garden featuring a pond, colonnades, and forests where wild animals roamed. It was never fully completed, but Nero could indeed claim to have a palace with 80 hectares of land in the heart of Rome! It’s truly worth a visit, as here you can delve into a piece of grim history.
Circus Maximus
You might have thought the Colosseum was a large stadium, but the Circus Maximus is truly colossal! This complex, with space for no less than 150,000 spectators, was where the Romans gathered to enjoy chariot races. The oldest sources mention that in the 6th century BC, the Romans came together to enjoy races at the site where the Circus Maximus would later stand.
The first stands date back to the Republican era, around the 4th century BC. The racetrack was 600 meters long and 118 meters wide. The stadium was built in the valley between the Palatine and Aventine, the two most important hills of Rome.
Circus Maximus was important to the people. Julius Caesar understood this well and expanded the stadium. The emperors after him followed his example. For instance, Hadrian had the stadium expanded to include three tiers where the people could sit. Earlier, Emperor Augustus had an obelisk brought from Egypt to embellish the battlefield where the popular chariot races took place.
Get to know the Circus Maximus on your trusty bike
Today, not much of the stadium itself remains, and there are no horses anymore.
The best way to get acquainted with this stadium is during the bike tour through Rome. With a Dutch guide, you’ll pass by all the beautiful spots of the city. You’ll learn a lot about the rich history and really get a good sense of Rome.
Baths of Caracalla
The Baths of Emperor Caracalla were a massive bathhouse in Roman times. Today, it is one of the many interesting attractions in Rome. The Baths are named after the cruel Caracalla. He was known as a fratricide and tyrant, but he did one thing right: the construction of the baths.
A social affair
In ancient Rome, bathing was more than just a quick soap and rinse. The bathhouse was the place to see and be seen and to stay updated on the latest gossip. There were large halls with underfloor heating, warm and cold baths, and a sauna area.
Most self-respecting bathhouses also had an outdoor pool and sports field for the enthusiasts.
The Baths of Trajan, on the remnants of the Domus Aurea, were always full, so Emperor Caracalla decided it was time for new, enormous baths. South of the Circus Maximus, he had a massive building complex constructed in the early third century AD. Built in striking red brick, it was one of the most prestigious projects of Roman times. The entire site was about 25 hectares. The main building was 337 x 328 meters, and about 8,000 people came to bathe each day. According to sources, 10 tons of wood were needed daily to heat the water.
In the 9th century, an earthquake destroyed part of the building. In the centuries that followed, the bathhouse was mainly used as a storage place for building projects. Today, you can visit the ruins and will surely be impressed by the size of the complex.
Along the Via Appia with a Dutch guide
A fun way to visit the Terme di Caracalla is during the Via Appia bike tour. With a Dutch guide, you’ll be led past the most beautiful attractions of Rome, such as the Colosseum, some temples, and mausoleums. The tour, along this 2300-year-old road through the city, is highly recommended!
Mausoleum of Augustus
How the mausoleum of Emperor Augustus originally looked is not clear, but that it was impressive is certain. Augustus was the first and probably the best Roman emperor: there is even a month named after him, and he built a magnificent mausoleum.
Augustus was born in 63 BC as Gaius Octavius. His father was a wealthy, important Roman, but at the age of 19, he was adopted by Julius Caesar, an even more important figure. When Julius was murdered and Octavius turned out to be his heir, Octavius hunted down his murderer. The result was the emergence of bloody civil wars, but by 31 BC, all opponents were defeated. Around 27 BC, Octavius declared himself Emperor Augustus.
Augustus was still quite young when he became the most powerful man in the world. At the age of 35, he already started building his tomb. The round building was gigantic. It probably had a domed roof with a huge bronze statue of himself on top, flanked by two Egyptian obelisks. The mausoleum consisted of many chambers. Augustus died at the age of 75. His body was placed in the center of the mausoleum. Of course, there was also a place for his wife, Livia, and later emperors would also be interred there.
The mausoleum is a great place to stop during your bike tour through Rome with a Dutch guide. In about three hours, you’ll cycle with an experienced guide past all the beautiful places in Rome. This way, you’ll really get to know the city. Many Rome attractions, like the Mausoleum of Augustus, are even more interesting when you know the story behind them.
Campidoglio
The Campidoglio is located on the Capitoline Hill, the most important hill of the city. At the top once stood the Temple of Jupiter. As befits a supreme god, he looked down on the city below. He protected the inhabitants, and they sought refuge in the temple during attacks on the city. Today, it is the site of the Campidoglio, a beautiful square with buildings designed by Michelangelo.
From the top of the hill, Jupiter overlooked the Roman Forum where all political and cultural decisions were made. Over the centuries, the Romans built several temples there, and this place played an increasingly important role. Virtually all traditional ceremonies took place on the Capitoline Hill.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the hill fell into oblivion, and the temples into disrepair.
In 1536, Pope Paul III commissioned Michelangelo, then the architect of Europe, to restore the hill’s dignity. There was urgency, as Emperor Charles V would visit in 1538, and Rome needed to regain its proud appearance of yesteryear.
Michelangelo designed a large square surrounded by restored palaces, such as the Palazzo dei Conservatori, and new buildings, like Palazzo Nuovo and Palazzo Senatorio, using stones from the former temples. In the middle of the square stood the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius. Unfortunately, the square was far from completed in time, and Michelangelo himself never got to see the finished result.
Cycle to the top yourself or take the grand staircase, the Cordonata, from Piazza Venezia, behind the monument of Victor Emanuel II to the beautiful square. The Palazzo Senatorio is now the town hall, and the Capitoline Museums are housed in the Palazzo dei Conservatori.
Tiber Island
Tiber Island is, as the name suggests, an island in the Tiber River. It measures about 270 meters long and 67 meters wide and has been connected to the mainland by a bridge for centuries. Isola Tiberina now has two bridges: the Pons Cestius, which connects the island to the Trastevere district, and the Pons Fabricius, dating back to 62 BC, the oldest bridge in the city.
The Pons Fabricius connects the island to the ancient center of Rome. In what is now the Jewish Quarter, formerly the Campus Martius, you can easily walk across the river.
In the third century BC, the Romans built a temple here for the god of medicine, and since then, the island has been associated with medical science. The temple no longer stands, but you can still find a sacred snake wrapped around a staff, known as the caduceus; a symbol for pharmacists.
In the tenth century, the Basilica of San Bartolomeo was built, and six centuries later, the Fatebenefratelli hospital also found a place on Tiber Island. This location was likely chosen for its protection against the spread of diseases like the plague.
Tiber Island is an intriguing attraction in Rome. A really fun way to discover Tiber Island is during the Rome Panoramic Bike Tour. Together with an experienced Dutch guide, you cycle past many beautiful spots in the city.
Via Appia
The Via Appia, or the Appian Way, was constructed more than 2300 years ago by Appius Claudius Crassus Caecus. It is one of the oldest Roman roads, built to allow troops to move quickly. Today, it’s one of those Rome attractions you don’t want to miss.
In 312 BC, the Romans began constructing the Via Appia as they were engaged in several intense wars with the Samnites. Appius decided to build a large, stone road to expedite troop movements.
The road proved effective, and soon it became clear that the empire was expanding because of it. The road was also useful for transporting goods. Inspired by its success, the Romans began constructing multiple roads with Rome as the starting point: hence the saying ‘All roads lead to Rome.’
In the heart of the city, you can still find a surprisingly well-preserved section of the Via Appia. The road began at the Roman Forum on the side where the Colosseum stands. From there, it ran past the Circus Maximus and the Baths of Caracalla towards the Porta Appia, exiting the city to head further south.
It’s truly recommended to cycle along the Via Appia! If you choose the Via Appia tour with an experienced Dutch guide, you’ll get a real sense of the importance of the best-preserved Roman road. The guide will take you past all the interesting spots, including the aforementioned attractions.
As you can see, it doesn’t hurt to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain because there’s simply so much to see in this beautiful city that you’ll definitely want to return.
Tourist tips Rome
- “Avoid eating in tourist restaurants: the most common mistake every tourist makes is dining in places that serve so-called tourist menus. On the board outside the restaurant, you’ll see pictures of dishes with poor translations.
- Having coffee near famous monuments with a seat can cost you up to 10 times more than a coffee in a standing bar tucked away.
- Order your tickets for the Rome Vatican Museum and the Rome Colosseum and Forum in advance online to save a lot of time. A tour with a Dutch guide is also definitely worth it for these top Rome attractions.
- For the Galleria Borghese, reserve tickets online, as it’s not possible to buy them at the box office.
- The cheapest way to get from the airports to the city center is undoubtedly with the Terravision bus. Taxis have a fixed rate. Check here for more information about Rome airport.
- Many monuments and museums are free for those under 18 if you’re from another European country. There are also cards offering discounts on museums and public transport for tourists, such as the Roma City Pass.
- On the first Sunday of every month, almost all municipal museums in Rome are free.
Discover Rome’s most iconic attractions with one pass – save money and skip the line! Book now and gain access to the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and more. All 100% digital and includes a handy audio guide app.
The lesser-known spots in Rome
“Besides the well-known Trastevere, it’s delightful to stroll through Monti and Testaccio. If you enjoy outdoor sports, we recommend the following neighborhoods:
- Villa Borghese
- Villa Pamphili
- Parco della Caffarella
The attractions in Rome are very impressive, and you certainly won’t have enough time in just a few days in this city. However, don’t forget the wonderful spots outside the center. Consider, for example, Castelli Romani, where you can enjoy Italian food and drink delicious wine.
The sea should not be missed either. For Rome beach, head to Ostia or Fiumicino. In Ostia, visit the excavations of Ostia Antica, such as the harbor and an ancient theater.”
Did you know that the city of Rome was founded in the year 753 BC? For more than 8 centuries, this city was the heart of the world. The Roman Empire encompassed nearly all of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Many of the most beautiful spots in Rome date back to this period.
Map overview of Rome attractions
Would you like to travel from Amsterdam to Rome by train? This article contains everything you need to know for this train journey!
Other interesting articles about Rome:
- Are you in Rome and want to take trips outside the city? Check out our top 10 day trips from Rome
- Want to avoid waiting times at popular attractions? Then check out our tips and city passes
- Read our article in the “spring break to Italy” if you plan to visit Rome soon
It’s no wonder Rome is a favorite among Baja Bikes customers!