9 Most Famous Highlights of Rome

There are standard cities, and then there are the iconic ones, and Rome firmly belongs in the latter category. Italy’s capital has something new waiting at every turn, from the impressive Colosseum to the sacred Vatican City, and a diverse culinary scene like nowhere else to match.

If it’s your first time here, you’ll naturally want to tick off all the highlights of Rome. To make things easier, we’ve rounded up nine of our favorites to help you experience the very best of the city.

See the Colosseum with Your Own Eyes

It only makes sense to kick off our highlights of Rome, Italy, with the Colosseum. After all, it’s one of the seven wonders of the world! Built between 70 and 72 CE, the Flavian Amphitheatre, better known as the Roman Colosseum, is instantly recognisable. As a symbol of the Roman Empire, it once hosted gladiatorial battles and public spectacles, making it an unmissable highlight for any visitor, especially if you’re a history buff.

Try to plan your visit to the Colosseum for early morning after arriving from Rome Airport to the city center. The crowds get worse as the day goes on. If you leave it too late, you’ll end up spending half your time queuing.

Sample Carbonara

You know what they say: when in Rome, do as the Romans do. And that means sampling the regional specialties, especially carbonara. This classic dish comes from Lazio and is made with just five key ingredients: pecorino romano cheese, eggs, guanciale, spaghetti, and black pepper. Sure, you’ll find variations with extra additions, but this is traditionally how it’s made.

There are so many delicious places to try carbonara after reaching the city with a Rome Airport taxi. However, there’s one standout everyone knows and loves, and that’s Roscioli Salumeria. Celebrated for its high-quality Roman dishes made with the finest ingredients, this restaurant offers carbonara unlike any other in the city.

Explore Palatine Hill

Another famous place in Rome is Palatine Hill, often considered the birthplace of the city. As the most iconic of Rome’s seven hills, it was once home to the wealthy, who left behind traces of their lives that can still be seen today. Among its most significant landmarks are the Palace of Domus Flavia and the House of Augustus.

Remember, when you buy a ticket to the Colosseum, it also grants access to Palatine Hill, so you don’t need to purchase a separate ticket.

Experience the Roman Forum up Close

The Roman Forum was once the center of everyday life in the Roman Empire, which stayed largely untouched until 20th-century excavations revealed just how vast it really was. Today, the site is dotted with temples, including those dedicated to Venus and Romulus.

Similar to Palatine Hill, you’ll get access to the Roman Forum when you purchase your Colosseum ticket. For this reason, you should set aside enough time to explore the three sites in one visit, as they’re all in the same area.

Soak up the Atmosphere of Piazza Navona

Of all Rome’s piazzas, none rivals the grandeur of the sprawling Piazza Navona. This Baroque square was built on the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, which once drew crowds for athletic contests. These days, it’s a vibrant hub, with three ornate fountains, charming restaurants, and regular street performances that bring the area to life.

Spend a Few Hours Discovering the Vatican City

At the heart of Rome lies the world’s smallest independent state, the Vatican City, which is the center of Catholicism. Visitors of all religious backgrounds can enjoy its many attractions, from strolling through the iconic St. Peter’s Square and admiring the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica to touring the Vatican Museums and marveling at the Sistine Chapel.

While some areas of the Vatican City, such as St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica, are free to enter, access to the Vatican Museums requires a paid ticket.

Toss a Coin Into the Trevi Fountain

Everyone wants to visit the Trevi Fountain on their trip to Rome, and rightly so. This Baroque masterpiece is truly spectacular, with its ornate designs and stunning sculptures that are a feast for the eyes. 

What really attracts large crowds here is the tradition of tossing coins into the fountains. The ritual goes like this: throw a coin over your left shoulder using your right hand, and it’s said that you will one day return to Rome. Throw two coins, and you may find love. For three coins, it promises a happy marriage.

Get Lost in One of Rome’s Most Gorgeous Districts, Trastevere

Trastevere is one of the top 10 things to see in Rome and is regarded as the city’s most picturesque neighborhood, characterized by cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and quaint cafés. A visit here provides a genuine insight into local Roman life without requiring you to stray too far from the main tourist hubs.

If you can’t resist the urge to do some sightseeing while you’re there, you can check out the Basilica of Santa Maria, with its marvelous mosaics, and the Botanical Garden of Rome, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk surrounded by nature.

Admire the Beauty of the Pantheon

Of all the remains of ancient Rome, the Pantheon is one of the best-preserved landmarks. It’s renowned for its striking dome and monumental facade, adorned with Latin inscriptions. The inside is equally impressive, showcasing intricate details up close and housing the tombs of Italian kings and other notable figures.

Visitors who haven’t purchased tickets in advance can still join the queue to buy one on the day. However, keep an eye out for ticket touts who may approach you in line, offering tickets at inflated prices.

Adam Ryan

Adam is a travel writer with a soft spot for strange borders, street foods he can’t pronounce, and sleeper trains. He’s aiming to visit every country in the world, but somehow keeps ending up back in Southeast Asia.