Things to do in Rome
Museums and galleries, attractions, special things to do
A stroll through the Roman Forum evokes ancient Rome, as does the majesty of the Colosseum and the Golden House of Nero, all in the historic centre. Follow pilgrims to the breathtaking treasures of The Vatican Museums's museums. Rome's narrow alleys and hidden churches are revealed along the Tiber in Trastevere. A coin tossed into the Trevi Fountain ensures you will return. Charges apply to most sights; hours vary and can change at short notice.
Museums and Galleries
Expand all1. Galleria Borghese - Collection of masterpieces
Show more
The Galleria Borghese, housed in an elegant marble villa in the Villa Borghese park, contains masterpieces collected by powerful nephew of Pope Paul V, Cardinal Scipione. Paintings and sculptures by 17th-century masters like Botticelli, Caravaggio and Bernini are on display.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€12.50; concessions €9.25
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun 9am-7pm
Address
5, Piazzale Scipione Borghese, Rome 00197
Telephone
+39 06 841 3979
2. The Vatican Museums - Untold papal riches
Show more
The Vatican Museums, in Vatican City, make up the world's largest museum complex. Over 1,000 rooms are filled with a bewildering array of masterpieces commissioned or collected by successive Popes. Michelangelo's Last Judgement adorns the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€13; under-14s €8; free last Sun of the month
Opening Hours
Mar-Oct Mon-Fri 10am-3.30pm; Sat 10am-1.30pm; Nov-Feb 10am-12.30pm
Address
Viale Vaticano, Città del Vaticano, Rome 00120
Telephone
+39 06 6988 3332
3. National Gallery of Modern Art - Modern contrast to antiquity
Show more
Housed in a palazzo in the Villa Borghese park, the National Gallery of Modern Art, contains 19th- and 20th-century works by artists such as Monet, Cezanne and the Macchiaioli - the Italian Impressionists. The gardens contain sculptures, including Canova masterpieces.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€9; under-18s free
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun 8.30am-7.30pm
Address
131, Viale delle Belle Arti, Rome 00196
Telephone
+39 06 322 98 221
Attractions
Expand all4. Roman Forum - Hub of ancient Rome
Show more
The ruins of the Roman Forum are the centrepiece of Rome's historic centre. This was the political, economic and religious centre of ancient Rome, filled with magnificent public buildings. Visitors stroll to the Curia, where Julius Caesar met the senators.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
9am-one hour before sunset
Address
Via dei Fori Imperiali, Rome 00184
Telephone
+39 06 3996 7700
5. Colosseum - Icon of ancient Rome
Show more
The Colosseum offers an unrivalled insight into life in ancient Rome. This stadium, which seated 50,000 people, dominates the historic centre. Crowds came to watch brutal gladiatorial contests, naval battles and the slaughter of wild animals.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€9 (+ €2 for temporary exhibitions); concessions available
Opening Hours
Daily 9am-one hour before sunset
Address
Piazza del Colosseo, Rome 00184
Telephone
+39 06 399 67700
Transport
Colosseo Metro station
6. Keats-Shelley House - Shrine to a poet
Show more
Keats-Shelley House, beside the Spanish Steps, is where Romantic poet John Keats died, aged 25. Now a literary museum, its Victorian interiors are filled with manuscripts and memorabilia - including a lock of Milton's hair.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€3.50; under-6s free
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 9am-1pm & 3pm-6pm; Sat 11am-2pm & 3pm-6pm
Address
26, Piazza di Spagna, Rome 00187
Telephone
+39 06 678 4235
7. Piazza Navona - Bustling Roman square
Show more
Bustling Piazza Navona in central Rome, is perfect for people-watching. Built in the 15th century, its lavish fountains and open-air bars make this a popular meeting point, where Romans sip lattes and browse for bargains from street traders.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
Rome 00186
Transport
Electric bus 116T to Corso del Rinascimento
8. Trevi Fountain - Symbol of Rome
Show more
The Trevi Fountain, in central Rome, depicts Neptune's chariot pulled by winged horses. This baroque masterpiece by Nicola Salvi was immortalised in Fellini's film La Dolce Vita. Throw a coin into the waters to ensure your return to Rome.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
Piazza di Trevi, Rome 00187
Transport
Barberini Metro station
9. Pantheon - Well-preserved Roman temple
Show more
Hadrian's temple to the gods, the Pantheon in central Rome is extraordinarily well-preserved. Visitors stand inside and gaze up at the skies through the oculus, the nine-metre hole in the dome, then pay homage at Renaissance artist Raphael's tomb.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 8.30am-7.30pm; Sun 8.30am-6pm
Address
Piazza della Rotonda, Rome 00186
Telephone
+39 06 683 00230
Transport
Electric bus 116 to Piazza della Rotondo
10. Golden House of Nero - Emperor's lavish home
Show more
The ruins of the Golden House of Nero, in the historic centre, are being excavated. The vain emperor's vast palace, or Domus Aurea, had baths, banqueting halls and a gold facade. Take a tour to see the restoration of the frescoes.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€4.50 plus booking fee
Opening Hours
Tue-Fri 10am-4pm
Address
Viale della Domus Aurea, Rome 00184
Telephone
+39 06 399 67700
Transport
Colosseo metro station
11. Santa Maria in Trastevere - Ecclesiastical treasure
Show more
Santa Maria in Trastevere dates back to 1138. There's been a church on this site since the 4th century. Visitors step inside to admire the 13th-century gold mosaics, sniff the incense-laden air, and see the relic of Saint Apollonia.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily 7.30am-12.30pm & 3.30pm-7.30pm
Address
Piazza Santa Maria, Trastevere, Rome 00153
Telephone
+39 06 581 4802
Transport
Tram 8
12. Hadrian's Villa - Romantic ruins of luxury
Show more
Hadrian's Villa, in Tivoli, was Emperor Hadrian's favourite residence and epitomised luxury. Today, visitors wander through the romantic ruins with its temples, pools, and bath houses. The vistas across to his island retreat provide beautiful respite from Rome's bustle.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€6.50; under-18s free
Opening Hours
Daily 9am-one hour before sunset
Address
204, Via di Villa Adriana, Tivoli, Rome 00019
Telephone
+39 07 743 82733
Special things to do
Expand all13. Isola Tiberina - Picturesque island
Show more
The boat-shaped Isola Tiberina (Tiberina Island) sits in the River Tiber, connected to Trastevere via Cestio bridge. Once home to the Temple of Aesculapius, today visitors have a 10th-century church to visit. In summer the Cinema Festival takes place here.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
Rome 00186
14. Catacombs of San Callisto - Underground cemetery for Popes
Show more
The Catacombs of San Callisto are in south-east Rome on the Via Appia Antica. Six popes are buried in this maze of tunnels, that extends 20km and dates back to 2AD. Both frescoes and ancient graffiti adorn the walls.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€5
Opening Hours
Mon & Tue, Thu-Sun 9am-12pm & 2pm-5pm
Address
110, Via Appia Antica, Rome 00179
Telephone
+39 06 513 01580
15. Secret Rome - Rome behind the surface
Show more
Visitors uncover Rome's hidden treasures on the Through Eternity Secret Rome walking tour, which starts from the Piazza della Repubblica in the city centre. Churches, Byzantine mosaics, frescoes and archaeological finds, overlooked by most, are revealed here.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€30 per person
Opening Hours
Check tour times when booking
Address
Rome 00184
Telephone
+ 39 06 70 09 336
