Rome Top Attractions for First-Time Visitors
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If you are searching for top tourist attractions in Rome, you’ll be pleased to hear that the capital of Italy is home to many amazing sites. Visit the world’s most impressive ancient ruins, people-watch at Rome's beautiful piazzas (town squares), throw a few lucky coins into Trevi Fountain to find love in Rome, or admire Sistine Chapel's painted ceiling by Michelangelo in Vatican City ... we have a great list of the most popular things to do in Rome for first-time visitors.
16 places
Colosseum
Attraction Ancient Ruin Arena
1 Piazza del Colosseo, Roma, Lazio 00184, Italy
As the world's largest standing amphitheater, Colosseum is the most visited tourist attraction in Italy. Opened in 80 AD, this ancient stadium was where epic gladiator battles took place in front of 50,000 spectators for centuries (200 - 500 BC). Colosseum is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides as one of the top things to do in Rome.
Trevi Fountain
Attraction Landmark Fountain
Piazza di Trevi, Roma, Lazio 00187, Italy
Rome is a city of public fountains and Trevi Fountain is the largest of them all. It's always crowded with tourists as the legend says that throwing a coin into the fountain means that you will return to this Eternal City, two coins means you'll return to Rome and fall in love, and three coins means you'll return, find love, and get married! Trevi Fountain is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Vi...
Pantheon
Attraction Historic Site Religious Site
Piazza della Rotonda, Roma, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy
As one of the best-preserved Roman ancient ruins, Pantheon is believed to be 2,000 years old. Once you are inside, look up to admire the temple's enormous 43-meter dome. It's the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome and considered a true architectural wonder from the Roman empire. Pantheon is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides as one of the top things to do in Rome.
Piazza Navona
Attraction Plaza / Square
Piazza Navona, Roma, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy
A picturesque square with Baroque fountains, Piazza Navona is one of Rome's most famous squares. Travelers will have an opportunity to see the lovely Sant'Agnese in Agone Baroque church and Bernini's famous Fiumi Fountain. Lined with touristy restaurants and shops, it's an ideal place to grab a drink and watch the fabulous crowds. Piazza Navona is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides...
Roman Forum
Attraction Museum Ancient Ruin
5/6 Via della Salara Vecchia, Roma, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy
Adjacent to the Colosseum, Roman Forum is a set of magnificent ancient ruins dating back to the 7th century BC. This is one of the world's most important archaeological areas and includes famous ruins such as the Sacred Way and Temple of Caesar. Roman Forum was the site of the original Senate and the epicenter of social life in the city. Roman Forum is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor G...
Vatican City
Religious Site Town / City Holy Site
Vatican City, Lazio 00120, Italy
Nestled in the city of Rome is the Vatican, the world's smallest independent state and the headquarters of the Catholic Church. There are numerous religious and cultural sites within the Vatican City such as St. Peter's Basilica, St. Peter's Square, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. You can also see the Pope live in person if you head to St. Peter's Square at noon on Sunday for the Angel...
Altar of the Fatherland
Attraction Statue / Monument
Piazza Venezia, Roma, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy
Altar of the Fatherland, also known as Altare della Patria or Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, is an imposing white marble monument located on the Piazza Venezia. Built in honour of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy, it is one of the most important historic monuments in Rome. Don't miss the view from its roof terrace - take the glass elevator to the top and enjoy a ...
Spanish Steps
Attraction Landmark Plaza / Square
Piazza di Spagna, Roma, Rome, Lazio 00187, Italy
Spanish Steps are one of Rome's busiest hotspots that attract both locals and tourists. This monumental stairway of 135 steps connects Chiesa della Trinita dei Monti and Piazza di Spagna. Keep in mind that it is forbidden to sit or eat your lunch sandwich on these steps, as an effort to keep them clean and pristine. If you think the steps look familiar, you have probably seen them on the big scree...
Castel Sant'Angelo
Attraction Castle Museum
50 Lungotevere Castello, Roma, Rome, Lazio 00193, Italy
Steeped in history, Castillo de Sant'Angelo used to be a mausoleum, fortress, castle, and even a prison. Nowadays, it serves as a museum and features an extensive collection of paintings, medieval weapons, and sculptures. Don't miss the beautiful Ponte Sant'Angelo, the ancient bridge built in 134 AD by the Emperor Hadrian to connect his mausoleum to the center of Rome. Castel Sant'Angelo is recog...
Piazza del Popolo
Attraction Plaza / Square
Piazza del Popolo, Roma, Rome, Lazio 00187, Italy
The main entrance to Rome during the Roman Empire, Piazza del Popolo is also known as the People's Square. Most visitors come to the square to see the Flaminio Obelisk and Santa Maria del Popolo church. To snap some cool photos of the square, climb the stairs on the east side of Piazza del Popolo. Piazza del Popolo is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides as one of the top things to d...
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Attraction Religious Site Church / Cathedral
Piazza di S. Maria Maggiore, Roma, Rome, Lazio 00100, Italy
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four major basilicas of Rome. Built in the 18th century, the church features majestic Byzantine ceiling with some of the oldest mosaics in Rome. It's probably the second most popular church to visit in Rome, only after St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides as one of...
Trastevere
Attraction Historic Neighborhood
Trastevere, Rome, Lazio Italy
Travestere is without a doubt one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Rome. Famed for its narrow cobblestone streets dotted with colorful historical buildings, the area is a popular spot for bar hopping and enjoying local food at taverns. Travestere is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides as one of the top things to do in Rome.
Campo de' Fiori
Attraction Food Market
Piazza Campo de' Fiori, Roma, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy
Campo de' Fiori is the most popular food market in Rome. Located just south of Piazza Navona, this 15th-century food market is a place where you can purchase fresh produce, as well as spices, meat, and even flowers. Travelers can also find many cafes and restaurants in the area. Campo de' Fiori is recognized in Hoptale's First-Time Visitor Guides as one of the top things to do in Rome.
Palatine Hill
Attraction Ancient Ruin
Palatine Hill, Rome, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy
Palatine Hill is the most famous of Rome's seven hills. It was the most desirable neighborhood where many Roman emperors and aristocrats built their grand homes. It's a great place for visitors who wish to enjoy stunning views of the city while exploring fascinating ancient ruins. It's usually less crowded than the other two more famous sites nearby - the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Palatine Hill ...
Circo Massimo
Attraction Park Ancient Ruin Event Venue
Via del Circo Massimo, Roma, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy
Though the Colosseum is better known, the Circus Maximus was actually the oldest and largest stadium in ancient Rome. Circus Maximus was built for chariot races which drew the largest spectator crowd (as many as 250,000) during the Roman Empire. Nowadays, the site is a public park and the stadium itself has become a mass entertainment venue where you can attend outdoor concerts and other celebrati...
Villa Borghese
Attraction Museum Estate / Residence Urban Park
Piazzale Napoleone I, Roma, Rome, Lazio 00197, Italy
Don't be fooled by its name - Villa Borghese is much more than just a nice villa. It's the third largest public park in Rome containing a few museums, historical buildings, and lovely English-style gardens. Inside the main villa (Borghese Gallery), you will find a large collection of sculptures and paintings by Italian artists. If you are visiting with kids, also check out the zoo called Bioparco ...