If you are traveling to Rome and are looking to go on a tour of something amazing, check out this list of the top Rome tourist attractions!
Rome is an unrivaled Italian travel destination. Indeed, approximately 27 million tourists flock there every year to witness this incredible city for themselves.
Steeped in history, yet enmeshed in the hustle of a modern world, this is truly a tale of two cities in one. Buildings of ancient stone intertwine with those of shining glass. Old meets new and around every corner, there’s another piece of history to revel in.
Attractions seep from the very heart of Rome.
But it’s something of a mixed blessing. With so much on offer, as a tourist, it can be difficult to know where to start. We wanted to put together a list of the must-visit places to help you plan your trip!
Keep reading to discover 7 essential Rome tourist attractions to head to when you’re there.
7 Incredible Rome Tourist Attractions
Rome is an iconic European city that boasts a hell of a lot of things to see and do. In no particular order, here is a selection of the best.
Want someone to take you around? The Tour Guy would be a good place to start.
The Colosseum
Rome is a must-see European city.
You simply cannot go there and not visit the Colosseum.
Indeed, this iconic building is to Rome what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, or Big Ben is to London. The city is simply incomplete without it. People come from around the world to view this age-old monument with their own eyes.
This immense ancient structure has definitely stood the test of time. With construction starting in 72AD at the hand of Vespasian, this world-famous amphitheater is nigh on 2,000 years old. That’s a lot of history to glory in as a visitor.
To see the Colosseum is to understand modern sporting stadiums; games, gladiators, festivals, and circuses were all enjoyed by people from the lowest and highest classes of Roman society here.
Get there early to avoid the worst of the queues. Nicely, it’s a double whammy. While you’re there you’ll see the equally prestigious Arch of Constantine.
Trevi Fountain
Head to Rome once and it’s guaranteed that you’ll want to come back.
Be sure to visit the Trevi Fountain and throw a coin in to ensure you do so. That’s how the story goes anyway. Apparently, chuck in a coin into this famous fountain and you’re sure to return to Rome in future! Indeed, you’ll see countless tourists doing the same.
This 17th-century fountain is a sight to behold. Set to the backdrop of the Dukes of Poli palace, water streams down the beautifully crafted stonework.
St. Peter’s Basilica
No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to Vatican City.
The world’s smallest independent state boasts a host of its own attraction, which is impressive in its own right. After all, in total, Vatican City fits into an area that’s little more than half a square kilometer.
At its heart is the jaw-dropping splendor of St. Peter’s Basilica, designed with the help of Michelangelo himself. This Renaissance church is of great importance as a Catholic shrine and is hailed for its intense religiosity. Apparently, the tomb of St. Peter himself sits beneath the high altar.
Wander through its halls and gaze in amazement at its grandeur.
The Pantheon
History lovers unite.
Welcome to another remarkable Roman relic that’s more than 2000 years old. You wouldn’t know it though. It looks good for its age! The Pantheon is one of the best preserved Roman buildings in the city.
As you’d expect for something so old, it reeks of history. Originally a Pagan temple, it became a Christian place of worship in later years. Step inside and gaze in wonder at this marvelous piece of Roman architecture.
The Roman Forum
The Roman Forum was once the very core of the ancient city.
Situated between the Palatine and Capitoline hills, 2000 years ago the Forum was Rome. It was a site of great importance in Roman times.
Processions, commerce, speeches, elections, courts and religious practice would all have been experienced amongst the magnificent stone arches, columns and walkways there. It was the nucleus of all Roman affairs.
A couple of hundred years ago and all you would have found remaining was a thick layer of rubble. However, thanks to excavations of the 18th and 19th centuries we can once again walk in the footsteps of our Roman forebears.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Film lovers will recognize Castel Sant-Angelo from Tom Hanks’ ‘Angels and Demons’.
Funnily enough, that’s not all it’s famous for though.
This immense, age-old cylindrical building was constructed in 123 BC on the banks of the Tiber River. You read that correctly. We’re talking almost 2150 years ago. In the years since, the Castel has been a mausoleum (its original purpose), a fortress, a castle, a prison and now a museum.
Full of history, there’s a secret passageway between it and the Vatican City. This is a relic of when the Castel was a fortress used by Popes of years gone by.
The Spanish Steps (Centro Storico)
Short on time and want a taste of ancient Rome?
Head to the Centro Storico. It’s like stepping back through time. Indeed, this was the actual center of Rome back in the day. There’s a lot to see. Churches, palaces and squares abound. Everywhere you look there’s another sight of historic significance and the atmosphere is wonderful as a result.
The Spanish Steps are a centerpiece of it all. A tourist favorite, these famous flight of stairs was built at the beginning of the 18th Century. It’s a focal point of activity, especially in May, when the steps get decorated with bright pink flowers.
Time to Get Exploring
There you have it: 7 of the top Rome tourist attractions to enjoy on your next visit.
Millions of people head to the Italian capital city every year. And you can’t blame them. For a taste of history, it just doesn’t get better. Everywhere you look there’s another site of ancient intrigue to see and explore. It can be hard to know where to begin.
Hopefully, the information above has highlighted the places you simply shouldn’t miss!
Like this piece? Planning a short trip to Rome? Click here for a guide on how to spend 48 hours in the city.
