7 Things You Must See In Rome If It’s Your First Visit 2024
Planning Your Trip And Looking For The Best Things You Must See In Rome? Look No Further
This blog post is all about the 7 Things You Must See In Rome If It’s Your First Visit!
Welcome to Rome, a city where the past meets the present in a blend of history, art, and culture.
For those visiting for the first time, the array of attractions can be both intriguing and daunting.
To help you navigate through the city, we’ve compiled a list of seven essential sights that capture the essence of Rome.
Also, we will discuss how to get around Rome, where to stay and how long you need to visit.
Rome is my favorite city!! I absolutely love the food, culture & history!!!
It is one of those places that I could come back to many many times and still enjoy it and find new things to explore.
If you haven’t had a chance to visit Rome yet, I am super excited to share with you this post.
There is a map of Rome at the end which shows the location of all the things I have mentioned.
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7 Things You Must See In Rome
There is an endless amount of attractions to do and see in Rome, but I am going to focus on the 7 attractions that you absolutely must see in Rome on your first visit.
1. Colosseum
You didn’t expect me to write a post about Rome without starting with the Colosseum, did you?
The hostel in which I was staying was located super close to the Colosseum. So the moment I arrived, I dropped off my backpack and walked to it.
By the way, there is a subway stop right beside the Colosseum so regardless of where you’re staying, you will find it easy to get to it.
Overall, I find Rome to be easy to navigate and their metro system is great (more on this later).
I was completely stunned when I first saw the Colosseum! I couldn’t believe my eyes!
That evening, I only saw it from the outside, and I did the inside tour two days later.
Why is the Colosseum in Rome famous?
The Colosseum in Rome is one of the Seven Modern World Wonders and is the only one in Europe.
It was built almost 2000 years ago. The construction of the Colosseum began under the reign of emperor Vespasian and was completed by his sons Titus and Domitian.
It was used as a place to watch gladiator fights as well as other public spectacles such as animal hunts, re-enactments of famous battles, and public executions.
The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever constructed and to this day it remains the largest amphitheater in the world.
I highly recommend booking a tour in advance. Especially, if you’re going in the summer because there are always a lot of people in Rome.
If you don’t have your tickets pre-booked, you will have to wait in a long line to get in.
👉 This is the exact tour that I did: Colosseum and the Roman Forum
I was able to skip the huge line to get into the Colosseum and had a full guided tour of it and the Roman Forum.
The organization was excellent, and the price proved to be entirely worthwhile.
Why is the Colosseum broken?
The reason why the Colosseum is broken/damaged is a series of fires (The Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD and 217 AD) and severe earthquakes that took place in 443 AD and 1349 AD.
Also, neglect and the exploitation & plundering of the raw materials of the Colosseum in the past have caused it to look the way it does today.
Inside the Colosseum, we saw the first and the second tier while listening to the tour guide tell us about the great gladiator battles that took place here (you have a headset so it’s easy to hear the narration).
If I could do this tour again, I would upgrade to the one that includes the third tier (the top level where the spectators sat), the arena floor, and the underground chambers.
Unfortunately, when I was there, I was not able to do a longer tour due to time constrictions but I would definitely do the extended one next time.
Why is the Colosseum floor gone?
The floor of the Colosseum used to be made out of wood with a thick layer of sand on top to absorb the blood of the people and animals that perished during the battles.
There used to be a complex system of elevators that were positioned underneath the arena which had moving parts and sections that could be removed.
It was used to create the effect of the gladiators or animals popping onto the stage from below, instead of walking into the area.
That setup created a sense of euphoria and excitement in the spectators.
The floor was removed in the 19th century. Underneath, you will see a labyrinth of tunnels and cells where the gladiators and animals were held captive.
What’s around the Colosseum?
Don’t forget to check out the Arch of Constantine which is located between the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
Keep in mind that there is a fence surrounding the arch so you cannot go under or in it.
Another thing to see is Circo Massimo, which is a large ancient stadium that was used in the past as an entertainment venue where they used to have chariot races.
It is located right beside Palatine Hill.
In the area between the Colosseum and the Forum, there are a lot of people trying to sell water, knick-knacks, and selfie sticks.
I would not recommend buying anything from them. Also, be aware of pickpockets – always keep an eye on your belongings.
2. Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
The Roman Forum is located right in front of the Colosseum. It is a rectangular-shaped plaza that has the ruins of different buildings around it.
What was the Roman Forum?
Think of the Roman Forum as the main square of the city or the ”downtown” area.
It was the ”heart” of Ancient Rome.
Also, the Roman Forum was lined with different shops, businesses, and markets.
That is where the ancient Romans would go to purchase their day-to-day necessities.
What kinds of buildings would you find in the Roman Forum?
The Roman Forum was where the citizens of ancient Rome did their day-to-day activities.
Therefore, you will find different temples, government buildings, basilicas, monuments, arches, streets, etc.
Some of the buildings that partially remain are the Temple of Saturn, the Temple of Jupiter, the Basilica of Maxentius, the Temple of Caesar, etc.
Most of them are located in the lower part of the Forum, where city life happened.
From here you can take a lovely shot of the Colosseum as well.
When you start walking up the hill, you will reach the famous Palatine Hill.
Rome was originally founded on Palatine Hill making it the oldest area in the city.
This is where the emperors had their palaces. Here you will find more ruins but you will see how they are a lot more spread out.
You can tell based on the space and the way that the ruins are positioned that this area was reserved for the high class of Roman society.
They even have their own little stadium here reserved for royalty.
How much time do you need for the Roman Forum?
I would say at least 2 hours to enjoy the entire place (Roman Forum & Palatine Hill).
If it is your first visit, I would say 2-3 hours. If you want to do the Colosseum as well, you will need most of the day.
Make sure you bring water because there is nowhere to buy food or water once you enter. Tap water is safe to drink in Rome.
Also, wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a hat.
The tour ends on Palatine Hill. From here you can explore more on your own.
👉 This is the exact tour that I did: Colosseum and the Roman Forum
3. Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world.
What is interesting about it is that it is part of the building behind it.
In order to get to the Trevi Fountain, you will have to get off at Barberini Metro Station & walk for a bit.
Do I need tickets to see the Trevi Fountain?
No, you do not need tickets to see the Trevi Fountain. It is completely FREE.
There are a lot of restaurants around the area where you can stop for lunch or dinner (which is what I did).
There will be a lot of people trying to see the fountain. So it will be difficult to take pictures without people in the background or even to get to the water.
What is the best time to visit the Trevi Fountain?
If you want fewer people then, go early in the morning.
During the day it will be extremely crowded and it will be hard to take nice pictures.
At night, the Trevi Fountain is beautifully lit up so that is also worth seeing.
What is the Trevi Fountain coin myth?
Most people that go to visit the Trevi Fountain throw a coin with their right hand over their left shoulder standing with their back towards the fountain.
Apparently, if you toss one coin it means you will return to Rome.
If you throw two coins, it means you will return to Rome and find your forever love.
And if you throw three, you will marry that person.
The government collects the coins the tourists throw in the fountain and gives them to local not-for-profit organizations.
I didn’t know about the coin tradition then so I didn’t toss a coin but I’m pretty sure I will be returning to Rome eventually.
4. Castel Sant’Angelo
The Castle of the Angel is a building that had many purposes throughout history.
Therefore, it has been changed many times depending on what it was used for.
What is Castel Sant’Angelo famous for?
Its original name is the Mausoleum of Hadrian. The Roman Emperor Hadrian was the one who commissioned this building to be used as a resting place for himself and his family.
Later on, it was used as a fortress by the Popes (there is even a prison, which is not accessible to tourists) and it’s now a tourist attraction/museum.
The building has a unique exterior as you can see how it has changed throughout the years.
Can you go inside Castel Sant’Angelo?
Yes, you can! Inside, you will find the remnants of an old library, a museum, and different rooms.
Is it worth visiting Castel Sant’ Angelo?
Castel Sant’Angelo is a stunning building with a rich history.
However, if you are short on time, I would recommend skipping the interior tour as there is not that much inside.
The thing that is worth seeing from the interior tour though, is the beautiful view of the river Tiber and the Vatican from the top balcony.
The view alone makes it worth it for me but again if you are short on time, seeing it from the outside is enough.
The building is called the Castle of the Angel because there is a huge statue of an angel with a sword (Saint Michael the Archangel) on the top of the building.
Also, there are angels all around the bridge that connect it to the opposite shoreline (Ponte Sant’Angelos).
👉 To save time, you can grab your ticket before you go: Rome: Castel Sant’Angelo Skip-the-Line Ticket
One thing that was interesting to see was the Passetto di Borgo. It is a secret elevated passage that connects Castel Sant’Angelo with Vatican City.
It has been used in the past as an escape route for the Popes. Of course, as tourists, we can’t go through it.
However, you can see it from the balcony which I thought was super neat (see pic above).
How do you get to Castel Sant’Angelo?
Keep in mind there is no subway stop that is close to Castel Sant’Angelo.
The closest one would be one of the stops beside Vatican City (Ottavio Metro Station or Lepanto Metro Station).
Then walk for a bit – about 17 mins from either of the two stations.
I actually had a ticket for the Hop-on, Hop-off Rome Big Bus Tour and it did have a stop right in front of Castel Sant’Angelo (the stop is called the Vatican but it stops in Rome).
👉 Grab your Hop-on, Hop-off Rome Big Bus Tour ticket before you go
The bus route went to the places where the subway did not.
So having the combination of both helped me get everywhere without a problem.
🦄 While you are in Rome, a great tour you can do is the Angels and Demons Tour based on the famous book by Dan Brown. I have written a whole post about it: Angels And Demons Tour In Rome. You visit Castel Sant’Angelo on that trip.
5. Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is a famous, large piazza (square) in Rome.
There are a lot of restaurants and cafes spread around the Plazza.
It is the biggest piazza in Rome.
How long does it take to tour Piazza Navona?
If you want to only see the fountains and walk around, it would take you about 30 mins max.
If you want to sit in one of the restaurants or cafes then it will take you longer.
A lot of people sit on the rims of the fountains too and people-watch.
What are the 3 fountains in Piazza Navona?
The three fountains in the center of the square are called Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro, and Fontana di Nettuno.
The most famous one of the three is the Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi).
It has an obelisk (16 meters tall) in the center of the fountain with a dove on the top which is pretty unique.
The fountain features four river gods which represent the four big rivers in the world, located on four different continents.
The rivers are the Danube (Europe), the Nile (Africa), the Ganges (Asia), and the Río de la Plata (America).
What was the Piazza Navona used for?
Back in the day, Piazza Navona used to be an Olympic Stadium built by Emperor Domitian.
The stadium used to host different sports events and briefly even gladiator matches.
You can actually still see the ruins of the stadium below the street level of the piazza, which is super cool!
👉 If you want to explore underneath the largest piazza in the eternal city: Rome: Piazza Navona 1-Hour Underground Audio Guide Tour
However, it has since then been turned into a lovely square where you can grab some gelato or coffee and enjoy the baroque architecture.
Unfortunately, I was not able to spend enough time in the Piazza so I’m hoping I will be able to explore more the next time I visit.
6. Pantheon
The Pantheon is a large circular building that has a dome-like ceiling with a hole in it.
Originally it was supposed to be a Roman Temple but has since then been turned into a Catholic Church.
In front of it, there is a fountain with an obelisk – Fontana del Pantheon.
What is the Pantheon’s meaning?
The word Pantheon means ”Temple for the Gods”.
The ancient Romans were originally pagan and believed in many different Gods (polytheistic).
Their chief deity was Jupiter, the god of sky and thunder (same as Zeus in Greek Mythology).
The area around the Pantheon is littered with cobbled streets, cafes, and small shops.
The Pantheon is free to enter and you do not need a ticket.
What is inside the Pantheon?
Inside you will find an altar with pews in the center.
Also, along the walls, you can see the tombs of famous artists and poets the most memorable one of which is of the painter Rafael.
There are many paintings, art, and sculptures inside as well.
Why is there a hole in the Pantheon?
The hole is called an oculus and the purpose of having is to relieve some of the stress and weight of the dome.
It is the only natural light that enters the building.
The ancient Romans believed that the light coming from the oculus created a connection between the Gods and the temple.
And yes, it is always open, meaning that if it rains, the inside gets wet.
You don’t need too much time to visit the Pantheon, half an hour to 45 minutes will be plenty of time.
I would recommend doing Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and Castel Sant’Angelo in one day as they are relatively close to each other and the area where they are located is easy to walk around.
👉 If you want to learn more about the extensive history of the Pantheon, you can opt-in to do a Rome: 35-Minute Pantheon Audio Guide Tour
👉 If you prefer a live tour guide, you can do the Pantheon: Tour
The Pantheon is free to enter, those are simply two options if you want an actual tour!
7. Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are exactly what you would imagine – a large staircase.
When I was there, most of it was under renovation which is why the stairs in the pictures look empty.
If you see other images of the Spanish Steps you will see that people used to sit on them in the past.
Can you sit on the Spanish Steps in 2024?
As of 2019 (I am guessing after the renovation was done), it is no longer allowed to sit on the steps.
They were declared a historic monument and it is now prohibited to sit or lay on them.
That was done in order to preserve them. Police are patrolling around to make sure no one is sitting on the steps.
There are 135 steps so get your running shoes on!
There was only a small section of the stairs to the left where you could actually climb while the renovation was going on.
*At this point in time, the renovation has been completed and the entire staircase is now open for walking.
To get to the Spanish Steps you will need to get off the Spagna Metro Station.
The area around the Spanish Steps is lovely, there are a lot of high-end stores and restaurants.
Also, lots of places where you can grab gelato.
Are the Spanish Steps free to visit?
Yes, the Spanish Steps are free to visit! You can see them anytime and there is no ticket needed.
At the bottom of the steps is a fountain (Fontana della Baraccia – first pictured) and at the top, there is an obelisk and a church (Trinita dei Monti).
At the top of the stairs, you can see a nice view of the city.
I would recommend doing the Spanish Steps with the Trevi Fountain as they are close to each other (one Metro Station away or you can walk).
Near the Spanish Steps is the Villa Medici which is also a famous landmark however, I did not have the chance to explore it.
How long do you need at the Spanish Steps?
Since you can’t sit on them anymore, I would say 20 to 30 mins max.
👉 I have found a walking tour that visits four of the attractions mentioned above Rome: walking tour Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon
Basilica Saint Clement (Bonus)
Okay, this is probably the coolest thing I’ve ever seen in my life.
This is a church that is built on the foundations of two other buildings. And you can go to all three of them.
The lowest/oldest level features a structure that dates back to the first century!!!
The second level is the original Basilica of Saint Clement which was built in 392 AD so you see the foundations and walls of the original church.
And the level that is on the street level right now is the Basilica of Saint Clement which was constructed in the 12th century.
How freaken cool is that!!! The oldest level is over 2000 years old!!
It’s like traveling through history by simply walking up and down a staircase.
This basilica is located extremely close to the Colosseum so there is no excuse for not checking it out.
Is Basilica San Clemente free?
To enter the Basilica (street level) is free.
However, if you want to see the two lower levels, it costs 10 euros for an adult.
Also, keep in mind that you need to cover your shoulders and your knees if you want to enter.
The two lower levels are pretty dark and cold and the floor is uneven so make sure you wear comfortable shoes and watch your step because I tripped a bunch.
👉 If you want to visit it with a guide, it is included in this tour: St. Clements Basilica and Quattro Coronati Church Small-Group Tour
👉 Another option is this tour: Rome: San Clemente Underground & St. Peter in Chains Church
Both tours go to Basilica Saint Clement but the second church in the tour is different.
Map Of The 7 Things You Must See In Rome
How To Get Around Rome?
The easiest way to get around Rome is a mix of using the Metro, walking, and using the Hop-on, Hop-off Big Bus.
Metro and Bus
Rome’s Metro and the Hop-on, Hop-off Big Bus all run on the outside lines of the old part of Rome. They overlap for a few stops but they do go to different parts.
The subway system is a pretty small one, with only three lines, but I used it a lot and it was quite efficient.
For more info, check out the Rome Metro site and map.
The most central part of Rome consists of narrow, cobble-covered streets that are only explorable on foot.
Termini Train Station
Termini Train Station is the main train station in Rome.
This is the station you will arrive at if you are coming to Rome via train or using the Leonardo Express (the airport train).
Also, the Colosseum is located about a 20 min walk from Termini Train Station or two metro stops away (on the blue line).
All subway lines in Rome have a stop at Termini.
Where To Stay In Rome, Italy?
One area that is conveniently located and relatively cheap is around Termini Train Station.
Also, there are a few Metro Stations close by but the easiest to find is the Termini Metro Station (beside the Termini Train Station).
Beside it is also the stop for the Hop-on, Hop-off Big Bus.
There are a lot of restaurants and shops around the area as well.
I do have to mention that this area is not the nicest in the city.
However, you will find cheap accommodations and it’s easy to get around the city, get to the airport, or travel to the rest of Italy.
I was alone in Rome for 5 days and did not have any issues but simply wanted to mention it.
Sophie Terrace Hotel (Termini area)
- Sophie Terrace Hotel has the perfect location – right beside Termini Train Station and Metro Station
- Free WiFi in all areas
- Rooftop terrace with beautiful views
- Highly rated by guests – 9/10
👉 Check availability for your dates: Sophie Terrace Hotel
Rhea Silvia Luxury Navona (Piazza Navona area)
- Rhea Silvia Luxury Navona is a guest house located right on Piazza Navona
- Close to the Pantheon, Castel Sant’ Angelo, river Tiber
- Breakfast is available, and Free WiFi
- Top ratings – 9.2/10
👉 Check availability for your dates: Rhea Silvia Luxury Navona
🦄 If you are looking for more accommodation ideas in Rome, check out these two posts:
17 Best Rome Hotels Near Termini Station
21 Best Rome Hotels Near The Trevi Fountain
How Long Do You Need In Rome?
Honestly, I can stay in Rome forever. There is so much to see and the food & weather are perfect.
Jokes aside, I would say you will need a min of 3 days to see Rome (not including the Vatican).
Therefore, if you want to visit the Vatican, you will need to add another day minimum.
What things you must see in Rome in 1 day
- Pre-book tickets/tours for the Colosseum and Roman Forum
- Get a ticket for the Hop-on, Hop-off Rome Big Bus Tour and do a full loop so you can see the city as much as you can. They have a 24hr ticket available
One day is not going to be enough but this is the fastest way to see the most of it.
What things you must see in Rome in 2 days
- Keep day 1 the same as above but upgrade to a 48hr ticket for the Hop-on, Hop-off Rome Big Bus Tour
- Start with Castle Sant’ Angelo (there is no subway stop close to it, I used the Big Bus to get to the castle.
- Walk to Piazza Navona and explore that area (10 min walk – * refer to the map above)
- Walk to the Pantheon (5 mins)
- Stop in the area for lunch
- In the afternoon see the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain
- Have dinner around the Trevi area
It is a lot for one day, but you can do it if you wake up early and are relatively fast.
Pre-book tickets and know where you are going and how to get there.
What things you must see in Rome in 3 days
If you have an extra day, then do the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain on that day.
If you have time add Basilica Saint Clement (close to the Colosseum) or you can do it on Day 1 if you have time.
There is a Big Bus ticket for 3 days as well.
Day 4 – Visit the Vatican
🦄 If you need suggestions for things to see in Vatican City, check out this post: 5 Things You Must See In Vatican City
Conclusion: 7 Things You Must See In Rome If It’s Your First Visit
In conclusion, Rome offers a mix of historical and modern attractions for first-time visitors.
The seven recommended sights provide a glimpse into the city’s cultural and historical attractions.
As you navigate the streets, savoring the flavors and absorbing the atmosphere, Rome reveals itself as a destination where the old and new coexist harmoniously.
These suggested highlights serve as a starting point for a journey that promises to leave a lasting impression on every first-time visitor.
