Must-See Attractions In Rome, Italy

Without a doubt, you could weeks, months in Rome and never see everything but most of us are there for one day, a few days or week. Here are the Rome Must-See Attractions, everyone should see when they visit The Eternal City.

• Colosseum
• Arch of Constantine and Palentine Hill
• Roman Forum
• Vittorio Emanuele II Monument
• The Pantheon
• Trevi Fountain
• Spanish Steps
• St. Peter’s Basilica
• The Vatican Museum
• Michaelangelo’s Sistine Chapel

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Colosseum

 

The Colosseum is probably next to the Vatican the most visited attraction in Rome and for good reason. Seeing the interiors is pretty amazing and that it held close 70,000 is totally believable. As you well know, spectators came to watch the gladiator fight but did you know they had wild beast hunts as well. There is no cooler view of Rome than from the top level of the Colosseum. If you have a chance, definitely take the Roman Guy’s tour of the Top Levels of the Colosseum.  I highly recommend it and you can read more at Tour the Top Levels of the Colosseum with the Roman Guy (with a discount code.)

 

Arch of Constantine and Palentine Hill

Right outside the Colosseum is the Arch of Constantine, the largest surviving Roman arch from imperial Rome and commemorates Roman Emperor Constantine’s victory over Maxentius at the battle of Milvian Bridge in Rome. Of the famous seven hills of Rome, the Palatine Hill is supposedly where Romulus founded Rome. Romulus and Remus were twins who according to Roman mythology were the founders of Rome.

Roman Forum

After you finish visiting the Colosseum definitely take the time to wander around the Roman Forum.  The Roman Forum served as the center of the city for commercial, religious and political activity.  So many of the buildings and temples are very well preserved and is so interesting to see how the Romans lived during the 6th century.

Vittorio Emanuele II Monument aka the Wedding Cake

From the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, it’s hard to miss seeing the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument. The monument was built to honor Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy and stands out because of the two chariots driven by the goddess Victoria. It also offers panoramic views of Rome and is the home of the tomb of the unknown soldier.

The Pantheon

The Pantheon was built to honor the Olympian gods but it is famous for the dome with a hole in the center that opens up so you can actually see the sky. The construction of the Oculus allows light into the church so it’s not dark.

Yes, the hole in the dome means that when it rains, it pours.  Wondering how the church is not flooded well,  there are holes in the floor that drains the water.

 

Trevi Fountain

 

There are many fountains throughout Rome but the Trevi Fountain is by far the most famous. Not only is it a stunningly, beautiful baroque fountain, both in the day and at night but you are likely to recognize it from all the movies filmed there (La Dolce Vita,  Oceans Twelve and The Lizzie Maguire movie to name a few.) And everyone who goes to the fountain must throw a coin in because the legend says that “if you throw a coin into the fountain, you will return.” We did,  so we must be returning, let’s hope soon.

Spanish Steps (Scalina Spagna) 

 

After you visit the Trevi Fountain walk over to the famous Spanish Steps. Our photo does not do it justice but the Spanish Steps is known for its butterfly design and represents the Baroque style of the city. Whether you walk up the 153 stairway to the Trinità dei Monti church with a view of Spanish Steps below or come from the opposite direction starting at the top the stairs as we did, it is worth the view.  And if you are into some serious shopping, the neighborhood is filled with lots of fancy shops for you to spend your money.

St. Peters Basilica, The Vatican Museum, and Michaelangelo’s Sistine Chapel 

It goes without saying that you can visit Rome without visiting St. Peters, The Vatican and Michaelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. I know it’s a lot to take in but if you want to make the most of your time, I highly recommend taking a LivItaly tour of the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. It is well worth it. And if you can not take a tour, definitely start early!!

Triton Fountain (Fontana dei Tritoni)

 

 

It’s hard to miss the Triton fountain located in Piazza Barberini. The sculpture is done in the Baroque style and sculpted by the well-known Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The fountain is located near the U.S. Embassy and Westin Excelsior Hotel.

It goes without saying that this is a very short must-see list because there is so much more to see in Rome but if you only have a couple of days these are the must-see attractions.

 What is your favorite place in Rome? And if you haven’t been, what would be number one on your list of places to visit. 

 

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NYC Single Mom recommends  – visit the Top Floors of the Colosseum and Tour the Vatican Museum with LivItaly Tours. 

Need a place to stay, I recommend The Westin Excelsior near the Spanish Steps and Le Meridian near the Vatican.

Disclosure: NYC Single Mom was not compensated for this post. Opinions are 100% my own.