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BEST THINGS TO DO IN ROME FOR FIRST TIMERS W/ MAP | 20 Must-Dos, Hidden Gems & More!

Discover the timeless allure of Rome with this curated guide to its must-see landmarks and hidden treasures. From ancient wonders like the Colosseum and Pantheon to Baroque masterpieces and charming neighborhoods, explore the Eternal City's rich history, art, and vibrant culture.

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  • Colosseum

    The Roman Colosseum is the largest standing amphitheater in the world, dating back almost 2,000 years and known for hosting gladiator fights and animal hunts.

  • Pantheon

    The Pantheon is the best-preserved building from ancient Rome, housing tombs for famous figures like King Vittorio Emanuele II and Raphael, and featuring the largest unsupported concrete dome in the world.

  • Castel Sant'Angelo

    Castel Sant'Angelo, originally built as Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum, was later converted into a castle by the popes and has served as a fortress, safe haven, prison, and film set.

  • Vatican Museums

    The Vatican Museums house an unparalleled collection of art and historical treasures, including the world-famous Sistine Chapel.

  • Sistine Chapel

    The Sistine Chapel is located within the Vatican Museums and is world-famous for its art.

  • Vatican Gardens

    The Vatican Gardens are a tranquil oasis within Vatican City.

  • Villa Borghese

    Villa Borghese is one of Rome's prettiest and largest public parks, home to villas and museums including the Galleria Borghese.

  • Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

    Palazzo Doria Pamphilj is home to an elegant art museum.

  • Baths of Caracalla

    The Terme di Caracalla were once among the largest public baths in Rome and are today open to the public for visits.

  • Roman Forum

    The Roman Forum was the epicenter of commercial and government activity in ancient Rome.

  • Palatine Hill

    Palatine Hill is near the Roman Forum and Colosseum and included in the ticket you buy for the Colosseum.

  • Trajan's Market

    Trajan's Market is an impressive second-century complex spanning six stories and over 150 rooms, considered the world's first shopping mall and home to the Museum of the Imperial Forums.

  • Trajan's Column

    Trajan's Column is almost 2,000 years old and tells the epic story of Emperor Trajan's victory in the 2nd century Dacian Wars.

  • Circus Maximus

    The Circus Maximus is an ancient Roman site where chariot races once took place.

  • Terme di Caracalla

    Terme di Caracalla were once among the largest public baths in Rome and are today open to the public for visits.

  • Largo di Torre Argentina

    Largo di Torre Argentina is home to a cat sanctuary built on the site of where Caesar was murdered.

  • Termini Station

    Rome's Termini Station houses a McDonald's with its own piece of Roman Wall located inside.

  • Piazza di Spagna

    Piazza di Spagna is home to the Spanish Steps.

  • Spanish Steps

    The Spanish Steps are 135 photogenic steps.

  • Trevi Fountain

    The Trevi Fountain is a monumental fountain known for its impressive marble sculptures and dreamy blue hues, where tourists throw coins to ensure a return to Rome.

  • Galleria Sciarra

    Galleria Sciarra is a hidden courtyard full of beautiful frescoes and artwork, with a gorgeous glass and iron ceiling.

  • Piazza del Popolo

    Piazza del Popolo is considered one of Rome's most important and aesthetically pleasing squares, housing attractions including the Leonardo da Vinci Museum and several churches.

  • Leonardo da Vinci Museum

    The Leonardo da Vinci Museum is located in Piazza del Popolo.

  • Piazza Navona

    Piazza Navona is a baroque masterpiece with a unique oblong shape thanks to its history as the former site of the Domitian Stadium.

  • Domitian Stadium

    Domitian Stadium used to exist where now Piazza Navona is. It was built back in the 1st century to introduce Greek-style athletics to the Roman public.

  • Vittoriano

    The Vittoriano, also known as the Altar of the Fatherland, is a pristine marble monument constructed in the late 19th century to commemorate Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of a unified Italy.

  • Altar of the Fatherland

    The Altar of the Fatherland is another name for the Vittoriano, a pristine marble monument constructed in the late 19th century to commemorate Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of a unified Italy.

  • Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

    Since 1921, the Vittoriano monument has housed the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; a shrine dedicated to those who perished and sacrificed their lives during World War I.

  • St Peter's Basilica

    St Peter's Basilica is the largest church in the world.

  • St Peter's Square

    St Peter's Square is where the papal audience is held and is surrounded by elegant colonnades designed by Bernini.

  • Obelisk

    The Obelisk is located in St Peter's Square.

  • Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio di Loyola

    The Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio di Loyola is home to incredible frescoes that offer a cool and unique optical illusion.

  • Basilica de Sant'Andrea della Valle

    The Basilica de Sant'Andrea della Valle is known for its massive dome and amazing frescoes.

  • Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini

    Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini is known for its Capuchin Crypt, which is filled with chapels artfully decorated with bones.

  • Capuchin Crypt

    The Capuchin Crypt is located in Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, and it is filled with chapels artfully decorated with bones.

  • Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin

    The Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin has unique features like the School of St Valentine and the Bocca della Veritá.

  • School of St Valentine

    The School of St Valentine is located in Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin.

  • Bocca della Veritá

    The Bocca della Veritá is an ancient marble mask said to bite the hands of liars, located in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin.

  • Galleria Borghese

    The Galleria Borghese is one of Rome's most famous art galleries with an impressive collection spread across 20 rooms and two floors.

  • Terraza del Pincio

    Terraza del Pincio offers one of the best panoramic views in the city.

  • Giardino degli Aranci

    Giardino degli Aranci is a leafy garden on Aventine Hill lined with orange trees, offering a gorgeous panoramic view over the city.

  • Aventine Hill

    Aventine Hill is where Giardino degli Aranci is located.

  • Buco della serratura dell’Ordine di Malta

    Buco della serratura dell’Ordine di Malta AKA Rome's Keyhole is a popular photo opp with a unique view of St Peter's Basilica.

  • Janiculum

    Janiculum has its own beautiful monumental fountain and is just south of the Vatican.

  • Musei Capitolini

    The Musei Capitolini are considered the oldest public museums in the world.

  • Trastavere

    Trastavere is a neighborhood home to tons of beautiful streets and restaurants.

  • Quartiere Coppedè

    Quartiere Coppedè is tucked away in the Trieste district with a mish-mash of varying architectural styles.

  • Trieste

    Trieste district is where Quartiere Coppedè is located.

  • Testaccio

    Testaccio is a neighborhood home to Rome's last remaining pyramid.

  • Tivoli

    Tivoli is home to a few elegant villas and magnificent views that you can reach in as quickly as 40 minutes from Rome.

  • Appian Way

    The Appian Way - also known as Europe's longest straight road