Tourist Attractions in Rome – A Classic Tour of Rome, Italy

I’ve been doing this survey on Twitter about the first place you’d like to travel to when it’s safe again, and a classic tour of Rome won the poll. So, I thought I’d take you on a 3 days tour of the main tourist attractions in Rome.

I realized that, though I wrote a few posts about Rome, I never focused on the major tourist attractions in Rome. So, when you get to Rome for the first time, and you only have a few days to explore it, these are the top tourist attractions you’ll want to visit.

When you’re in the eternal city, you’ve got to hit up the classics like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Trevi Fountain. And hey, after you’ve soaked up the history, don’t forget you’re just a train ride away from experiencing the romantic vibes of Venice. It’s a breeze to hop on a train from Rome to Venice, and before you know it, you’ll be sipping on espresso in St. Mark’s Square!

Top Tourist Attractions in Rome, a 3 Days Itinerary

I’m making this a 3-day itinerary of the most important attractions to see in Rome, organizing them by vicinity and the amount of time you’ll need to visit.

Day 1 – Main Tourist Attractions in Rome: the Colosseum

The Colosseum is probably the most visited attraction in Rome. Long queues form here, so booking a priority entrance or a guided tour is highly advisable.

You should know that a regular ticket will allow you to see most of the site but won’t grant you access to the Arena or the Underground. A full experience ticket will allow you full access from Stern Gate.

However, I would suggest booking a guided visit to help you visualize and understand what went on in the Flavian Amphitheatre (the actual name of the Colosseum).

All entrance tickets to the Colosseum also include access to the Roman Forums and the Palatine Hill.

The Forum was at the center of any Roman city. It was essentially a large public square, where people met, gatherings were held, and merchandise was exchanged.

The Palatine Hill, on the other hand, is the place where legend says Romulus, the founder of Rome, lived. During the Roman Republic and the Imperial times, the Palatine became the residence of many important Roman figures. For instance, Octavian Augustus built his imposing palace on this hill, just above Circus Maximus.

Seeing the Colosseum, the Forum, and the Palatine Hill will take you the whole morning. I’m assuming by this time, you’ll be happy to find a place for a good lunch.

Churches, Piazzas and Good Food

I suggest walking towards the Jewish Quarter about 2km away. On your way, you can see the Imperial Forums from the street, and you’ll pass by Piazza Venezia as well. There are a few good restaurants in this area to try some delicious Roman food.

For the rest of the day, make your way to the Pantheon and visit San Luigi dei Francesi Church to admire some of Caravaggio’s work. Then, stop for an ‘aperitivo’ in Piazza Navona or Campo de’ Fiori and finish your day across the river in Trastevere.

Day 2 – Main Attraction: Vatican City

The Vatican is on the other side of the Tiber from the other major tourist attractions in Rome. I enjoy walking everywhere in Rome. But, depending on where you are staying, the Vatican might be out of your walking range. The easiest way to get there is by metro line A, stopping at Ottaviano station. Here’s a quick guide for transport in Rome to help you plan your trip.

Now, the Vatican Museums are notoriously crowded. You need to buy a skip-the-line pass but still, expect to walk in line with hundreds of strangers and not be able to stop and admire what you’re most interested in. I would expect things to change now, at least for a while, with the need for social distancing.

The best option is an early guided tour of the Vatican Museum and St. Peter’s Basilica. The catch here is to start with the Sistine Chapel. That will allow you to admire it before the crowds rush in.

Have you seen The Two Popes, the movie? Well, it won’t be quite like that, but the closest you can get to it unless you’re a high-rank cardinal at the Vatican already.

As you exit St. Peter’s Basilica, spend some time admiring that incredible circular plaza in front of it. Then, head to your left and find Borgo Pio street. It’s a picturesque area with some cafes and good places to eat.

Sant’Angelo Castle

At the end of it and after lunch, you’ll get to Sant’Angelo Castle. Emperor Hadrian intended the unusual round structure as his mausoleum. Later, it served as a fortress. An entrance ticket is 15€, and the queue here is acceptable. There are also guided tours, but I’m not sure you need one here.

The main attraction of the castle is the panoramic view from the upper terrace. Also, I had one of the best cappuccinos ever on that terrace, so try one as you enjoy the views over Rome.

A couple more things in this area:

Leaving the Castle, to your left is a row of street souvenir vendors. It is a pleasant walk under the sycamore trees by the Tiber.

The pedestrian bridge in front of the castle – Ponte Sant’Angelo, was originally built by Roman Emperor Hadrian.

The next bridge, just after the street vendors, is Ponte Umberto I, and it’s the perfect place to catch a spectacular sunset over St. Peter’s Church.

Day 3 – Trevi Fountain & Borghese Gallery

I know, the first two days were full. There are just so many things to see in Rome that I’m trying to fit as many tourist attractions as I can in a short time.

I’m making the third day easier – no queues, no guides. First of all, you need to stop at the famous Trevi Fountain. This beautiful fountain will be crowded at any time of the day and no matter the weather. It’s probably best to get there in the morning and throw a coin in the fountain to be sure you’ll come back to Rome, as legend says.

From Trevi, it’s a 10 minutes walk to Piazza di Spagna. Go up the Spanish Steps for a beautiful panorama.

If you’re an Arts fan, your next stop should be the Borghese Gallery, one of the best museums in the world. You need to prebook a ticket to visit. Find out more about the museum on the gallery’s website. The other option is to book a guided tour of Villa Borghese to make the most of it.

Don’t ignore the beautiful park around the Villa, one of the largest green spaces in central Rome. Make sure to get to the beautiful terrace above Piazza del Popolo.

That’s about it, but it’s just the first taste of Rome. These top tourist attractions are what everybody wants to see when they get to Rome for the first time. However, there are many other things to discover in the Eternal City. You can start with my 17 free things to do in Rome.

Where to stay in Rome, Italy

Rome is a large city, and transport in Rome can be a pain. The best way to experience Rome is on foot so you must choose your accommodation carefully. I chose a few places to stay in the same area of central Rome, where you can walk to all major tourist attractions.

Palazzo Navona Hotel has every convenience and is situated at the very heart of Rome, close to Piazza Navona.

Hotel Damaso is a more budget-friendly option in the same area. My favorite part about it is the panoramic terrace on top.

If you prefer staying in an apartment, I found a cozy one, A Secret Corner.

I hope this tour of the main attractions in Rome will help you plan your trip. Have you been to Rome? Let me know what was your favorite part in the comments below.

Disclosure

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