Things to Do in Rome

Choose from 177 Fun Things to Do in Rome

Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore

There are many churches in Rome - and throughout the world - dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The largest one is the Basilica Papale (or Papal Basilica) of Santa Maria Maggiore near the Termini Train Station in central Rome.

As you might guess from the name, Santa Maria Maggiore is technically part of the Vatican - just as a foreign embassy might be. As part of Vatican City, the Basilica is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes all extraterritorial properties of the Holy See in Rome.

Although the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore has been expanded upon and redecorated over the centuries, it was originally built in the mid-5th century and much of the original structure is still in place. In the years after the papacy was moved back to Rome from Avignon, part of the church was used as the papal residence until renovations to the Vatican Palace was completed.

Some of the highlights of a visit to the basilica are its 5th century mosaics, a reliquary said to contain a piece of the crib that once held the baby Jesus, an ancient icon of the Virgin Mary, the tomb of Saint Jerome, and the tomb of the artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini. There is a Sistine Chapel in the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, named for Pope Sixtus V (the one in Vatican City is named for Pope Sixtus IV).

Piazza di S. Maria Maggiore, 42, Rome, Province of Rome 00100, Italy

Museum is open Daily 9:30am - 6:30pm.

From $ 21

Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere

As the cradle of Christianity, Rome is home to some of the oldest churches in the world. Among the most important is the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, with a facade and interior covered in golden mosaics from the 12th and 13th centuries. Dominating Piazza di Santa Maria, the church is a highlight of historical Trastevere.

The Basics

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere was originally founded in the third century, but a complete renovation in the 12th century left the church in its present form, with a Romanesque bell tower and shimmering golden mosaics inside and out. Believed to be the first church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the basilica has a 16th-century portico designed by Carlo Fontana and an interior divided into three naves by lines of columns taken from the ancient Baths of Caracalla. One of the most beloved churches in the city, Santa Maria in Trastevere is often chosen by Romans to celebrate weddings and baptisms.

Explore the church and the vibrant neighborhood of Trastevere on a guided walking, bike, or Segway tour. Guided food tours explore Trastevere and the nearby Jewish Ghetto, both known for their excellent cuisine.

Things to Know Before You Go

Visitors must wear modest attire covering knees and shoulders to enter the church.
Photography is allowed inside the church.
The basilica is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
The square outside the church is pedestrian only and generally filled with street musicians and artists, so a good stop if traveling with young children.

How to Get There

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is located on the square of the same name, along the east bank of the Tiber River, south of Vatican City. Cross the Ponte Sisto on foot, or take tram 8 from the center of Rome across the Ponte Garibaldi, just north of Tiber Island.

When to Get There

The church is a popular venue for weddings and other religious ceremonies on the weekends, during which time the interior may not be accessible. Visit the church in the late afternoon for the best light on the facade, then stop at one of the many cafés in the square just outside for a relaxing aperitivo.

Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere stands on Piazza Santa Maria, the heart of this bohemian neighborhood that is filled by day with Romans and visitors dining at sidewalk restaurants and sunbathing on the steps of the square’s central fountain. Come evening, the city’s youth flock to the many trendy bars and cafés in and around the piazza.

Via della Paglia, 14, Rome, Province of Rome 00153, Italy

From $ 34

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

Once the largest basilica in the world, the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls is one of four papal basilicas in Rome and among the city’s most important Christian sites. Presumed to be set over the tomb of St. Paul, the church has a striking interior decorated with 80 columns and extensive mosaics.

The Basics

As a papal basilica, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (San Paolo Fuori Le Mura) belongs to the Vatican—though is not located within the confines of Vatican City—and plays an important role in Catholic jubilee celebrations. In addition to the 19th-century church with its magnificent Gothic baldachin by Arnolfo di Cambio, the complex has a beautiful 13th-century Romanesque cloister built by the Vassalletto family, and an art gallery with some of the works that once decorated the basilica.

The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is a highlight of guided tours of Rome’s major basilicas and early-Christian holy sites, along with St. Peter’s Basilica, Saint John Lateran, and Santa Maria Maggiore.

Things to Know Before You Go

If taking a Christian Rome walking tour, wear comfortable shoes and sun protection, as there is a lot of ground to cover.
Catholic churches have a strict dress code, so wear clothing that covers knees and shoulders.
Photography without flash is permitted inside the church.
The basilica, cloister, and art gallery are fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

Rome’s Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls is located on Via Ostiense, just a short walk from the San Paolo Basilica stop on metro line B.

When to Get There

St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of Italy’s most important Catholic churches, and attracts the most visitors around Easter and Christmas, and on jubilee years.

Papal Portraits

Above the arches that divide the naves at Saint Paul Outside the Walls, there is a row of mosaic medallions depicting each pope from Saint Peter to Pope Francis—the only portrait illuminated, which signifies Francis’ role as the current leader of the Catholic Church.

Via Ostiense 186, Rome, Italy

From $ 70

Ara Pacis Museum (Museo dell'Ara Pacis)

Since opening its doors in 2006, the Ara Pacis Museum has caused more than its fair share of controversy, with its modernist glass and travertine façade splitting public opinion. The futuristic building, the work of architect Richard Meir, was one of Rome’s first major post-war architectural works and was built to house one of the city’s most significant ancient artworks.

Whatever your opinion of the museum itself, there’s no disputing the magnificence of its star exhibit – the Ara Pacis, or Altar of Peace, which dates back to 9 BC. The elaborate Roman sculpture is a gigantic marble altar towering over 35 feet (11 meters) high and built by the Emperor Augustus to symbolize peace in the Roman Empire. Today, the protected monument is preserved and displayed in its full glory, with the original structure augmented by reproductions of the panels already on display in the Villa Medici, the Vatican and the Louvre.

Practical Info

The Ara Pacis Museum is located on Lungotevere in Augusta in central Rome and is open daily from 9:30am to 7:30pm. Adult admission is €10.50.

Museo dell Ara Pacis, Lungotevere in Augusta, Rome 00100, Italy

Daily 9:30am–7:30pm

€10.50

From $ 45

Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem

One of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome, the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem houses several relics from the Holy Land brought to Rome around 325 AD. The relics are said to be parts of the cross from the Passion of Jesus Christ — carried from Jerusalem by the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine I, the St. Empress Helena. The church name comes from the Jerusalem soil that was laid on the floor of the basilica, as a way of moving part of the holy city to Rome. Though it was once the Palazzo Sessoriano, the palace of the St. Empress Helena, it was later converted into a small chapel.

It has since been renovated and restored over the centuries to its Baroque style facade that exists now. Today visitors can see three relics enshrined: pieces of the True Cross, a nail from the crucifixion, thorns from the crown, and small pieces of the tomb of Jesus and the Holy Sepulchre. There is also a full size replica of the Shrine of Turin.

Practical Info

The basilica is a short walk from San Giovanni in Laterano. It is free to enter.

Piazza di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Rome 00185, Italy

From $ 41

Antico Caffè Greco

Rome is known for its coffee culture, and Antico Caffè Greco is among the city's most famous and oldest landmark coffee shops. Over the past 250 years, artists, musicians, and writers such as Mendelssohn, Wagner, Ibsen, Keats, Byron, Liszt, Stendhal, Shelley, Casanova, and Goethe have all sat at its illustrious tables.

The Basics

Often simply called Caffè Greco, this storied coffee bar on the elegant Via dei Condotti just feet from the Spanish Steps is named for its Greek founder, Nicola della Maddalena, who served its first espresso in 1760. While many visitors stop in for coffee drinks, panini, or ice cream, most seek out the landmark because of its interesting history. The bar has a number of dining rooms, many of which double as art galleries showing paintings and drawings created by past patrons or depicting the bar. A stop at Caffè Greco is a must for coffee lovers and a highlight of coffee or gelato tasting tours in the city center.

Things to Know Before You Go

Caffe Greco is open from 9am to 9pm daily.
There is a surcharge to sit at a table rather than to stand at the bar, as is the case with most bars in Italy. Consider this a cafe that doubles as a museum.
This is a great place to linger over a cappuccino and soak in the historic atmosphere.
The cafe is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

Caffè Greco is just off Piazza di Spagna, so take metro line A to the Spagna stop.

When to Get There

Like most of Rome's coffee bars, Caffè Greco is especially crowded at breakfast time and after lunch and dinner, when Italians are getting their espresso shots. Time your visit outside those busy hours so you can find a free table.

Via dei Condotti 86, Rome, Italy

Varies

From $ 60

Ancient Rome

At the height of its power, the ancient city of Rome was home to millions and the capital of a vast empire, crowded with monumental temples, civic buildings, and villas. Today, visitors can get a sense of the ancient city’s wealth and power by visiting the archaeological ruins covering the Palatine Hill in the center of modern Rome, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Temple of Julius Caesar, and Arch of Constantine.

The Basics

The archaeological ruins of ancient Rome include some of the most iconic sights in Italy, and they’re visited by millions of tourists each year. Long entrance lines are common at the Colosseum and the Roman Forum (especially in summer), so consider booking a guided tour or skip-the-line access in advance. A half-day tour with a small group can cover most of the sites on the Palatine Hill, while a private Colosseum tour offering evening access is an excellent way to enjoy the ancient amphitheater without the crowds. For a unique experience, consider booking a Colosseum underground tour to understand the inner workings of this iconic stadium.

Things to Know Before You Go

A family-friendly group tour with an expert guide is a great way to make these important sites come alive for kids.
Most of the archaeological sites and monuments dating from ancient Rome are open air, so be sure to wear a hat and suitable clothing.
The Colosseum and other Ancient Roman sites are accessible to wheelchairs.

How to Get There

The most famous ruins of Ancient Rome are concentrated on Palatine Hill, and they can be reached from the Colosseo station on Line B of the city’s underground metro system, which also stops at the main Termini train station.

When to Get There

The sights of Ancient Rome are most crowded at midday, so consider scheduling your Rome tour around a visit in the early morning or late afternoon. Summer is the busiest season, when skip-the-line tickets or a private tour guide are essential; the sites are less crowded during winter.

Discovering the Circus Maximus

The newly excavated and restored remains of the Circus Maximus, ancient Rome's largest stadium, offer a fascinating look into Roman life. The site of chariot races and other sports and entertainment for almost 1,000 years, this immense venue could hold up to 150,000 spectators.

Rome, Italy

Daily

From $ 31

Appian Way and the Aurelian Wall

The Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) was the first and most important Imperial Roman road, stretching from Rome to Brindisi. The cobblestone road—built in the fourth century BC to transport supplies and soldiers to strategic points throughout the Roman Empire—still exists today, lined with archaeological sites and impressive ruins.

The Basics

Named for architect Appius Claudius Caecus, the Via Appia Antica was one of Rome’s main highways for centuries. As the empire began its decline in the third century and Rome experienced barbarian attacks, the Aurelian Wall was erected around the city’s seven hills for protection. This defensive wall had a number of gates, including Porta Appia (Porta San Sebastiano), which today contains a museum about the Aurelian Wall.

A guided walking or bike tour down the Appian Way from the Aurelian Wall through the Ancient Appian Way Regional Park and Caffarella Park is the perfect way to explore this historic road and the ancient sites along its route through the Roman countryside. Appian Way tours include stops at sites like the thermal baths of Caracalla, the early Christian San Callisto Catacombs, the Circus of Maxentius, the tomb of Caecilia Metella, and the ancient Roman aqueducts. You can also join a guided small-group bus tour to explore the ancient road from central Rome.

Things to Know Before You Go

If you are joining a hiking or cycling tour, be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Via Appia Antica and sites along its route are all open-air, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Some of the archaeological sites along the route require an entrance fee.

How to Get There

Metro line A has a stop at Parco Appia Antica, close to the entrance for Via Appia Park.

When to Get There

The Appian Way and its sights are almost entirely outside, so it’s best to visit in the spring and fall when the weather is mild. It takes anywhere from a few hours to an entire day to explore the route on foot or bike, so plan on setting off in the morning.

Parco Regionale della Via Appia Antica

The initial stretch of the Appian Way, just outside Rome’s city center, is part of a regional park, and many of the archaeological sites along the route are located within the park’s confines.

Via Appia Antica, Italy

From $ 19

Arch of Constantine (Arco di Costantino)

Standing proud behind the Colosseum and steps away from the beginning of the Via Sacra, the imposing triumphal Arch of Constantine was erected by the Roma Senate in 315 AD in honor of Emperor Constantine's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge that took place three years earlier. At 69 feet (21 meters) tall, the ornate monument was carved from a single enormous block of gray and white marble. In typical Classical style, the great central gateway is mirrored by two smaller side arches and supported by eight Corinthian columns. The arch is decorated with reliefs plundered from other long-forgotten memorials that describe feats of bravery by earlier Roman emperors, as well as inscriptions praising the achievements of Constantine.

Thanks to its close proximity to the Colosseum and its sheer size, the Arch of Constantine is an easy landmark to find and a popular spot for photos. Many walking tours stop to admire the arch before continuing on to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum or to Palatine Hill.

Practical Info

Located on Via di San Gregorio in Rome, travelers can take the Metro or a taxi to the Colosseum next door.

Via di San Gregorio, Campitelli, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy

From $ 6

Barcaccia Fountain

Marking the center of Piazza di Spagna, the unique 17th-century Barcaccia Fountain is one of the most famous in Rome. Commissioned by Pope Urban VIII Barberini and designed by Pietro Bernini, the fountain sits at the base of Rome’s Spanish Steps and is a popular gathering spot in the square.

The Basics

Barcaccia means “old boat” in Italian, and the Fontana della Barcaccia’s Baroque design of a half-sunken ship is said to be modeled on a ship that was deposited on this spot after the Tiber river flooded in 1598. The fountain features two masks on either end of the central marble boat that spout water, and motifs featuring the sun and bees taken from the Barberini family coat of arms.

Rome walking tours or hop-on hop-off bus tours are a great way to see the Barcaccia Fountain along with the Spanish Steps and surrounding Piazza di Spagna. You can opt for a small-group or private fountain and square tour that also includes the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona, or a Rome highlights tour that stops at other famous attractions like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon—often with skip-the-line access. For a unique look at the fountain, consider joining a small-group night tour to see the fountain dramatically lit.

Things to Know Before You Go

Sitting on and bathing in the fountain is forbidden, though you can drink the water from the fountain spouts.
The fountain is encircled by a low metal fence and is not accessible to wheelchair users.
The house where English poet John Keats lived, now a museum dedicated to his memory and works, is located just opposite the fountain.
Be aware of your surroundings and watch for peddlers who will thrust a rose or other souvenir into your hand and then demand payment.

How to Get There

Metro line A runs from the Termini train station to Piazza di Spagna.

When to Get There

Piazza di Spagna and the Barcaccia Fountain are crowded most of the day, so you'll have to visit early in the morning or late at night if you want to enjoy them in relative peace. The fountain is a good stop during the midday hours in summer, when you can take a cool drink from the spouts.

Waters from the Acqua Vergine

The water flowing in the Barcaccia Fountain comes from the Acqua Vergine, an aqueduct built in 19 BC that still provides clean drinking water to much of central Rome.

Piazza di Spagna, Roma 00187, Italy

From $ 40

Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano (Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano)

Rome’s Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano offers wonders both above and below ground. The interior of the 12th-century church is richly decorated with Byzantine mosaics considered among Italy’s best, and below the surface are two layers of ancient ruins including a fourth-century basilica, a temple, and a first-century villa.

The Basics

When visiting the Basilica of San Clemente, you can admire the present-day church—home to spectacular mosaics and the tombs of St. Clement and St. Cyril—before heading underground to tour the excavations below. Here, you’ll find well-preserved frescoes, a pagan temple dedicated to Mithras, and the remains of a Roman house.

There are thousands of years of history to take in at the Basilica of San Clemente, so the best way to visit is by joining a private guided tour of the church and underground excavation sites with skip-the-line entry. Many tours of San Clemente also visit the Capuchin Crypt and accompanying museum.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano is ideal for history buffs.
Book a skip-the-line tour to avoid long waits, especially in the summer months.
San Clemente is a Catholic church—modest clothing, covering shoulders and knees, and a respectful decorum are required.
Photography is not allowed inside the basilica.
The excavations beneath San Clemente are not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.

How to Get There

The Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano is located on Piazza San Clemente near the Colosseum. Take metro line B from the Termini train station to the Colosseo stop.

When to Get There

The church and underground excavations are open daily year-round; check the website for hours and mass times. The site is a cool reprieve from the summer heat, yet can be very crowded during this time.

San Clemente History

San Clemente was built on top of an older basilica dating from the fourth century, which in turn was built on the remains of a villa owned by a wealthy Roman, probably destroyed by the great fire in AD 64.

Piazza San Clemente, Rome, Italy

Varies

From $ 29

Ancient Ostia

Ancient Ostia (Ostia Antica), one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Italy, was once a thriving port city of roughly 100,000 inhabitants conquered by Rome. As the Roman empire expanded, its capital city needed a larger port, and Ostia was eventually abandoned and buried under silt as the course of the Tiber River changed. This layer of mud protected the ancient Roman town from the ravages of time. It is considered by some to be the “better Pompeii."

The Basics

There are a number of important sights in the Ostia Antica archaeological park, including the necropolis, the Baths of Neptune, the amphitheater, the Forum, the Collegiate Temple, and Via Casa di Diana, a main street lined with original apartment buildings and taverns. Given the historical importance of the port city and the collection in its archaeological museum, visiting on a private tour with in-depth explanation adds another layer to any experience. If visiting with kids, consider booking a family-friendly, small-group guided tour. The site is most often visited on half-day tours from Rome.

Things to Know Before You Go

Bring a hat and sunblock as the archaeological park is outdoors and the area gets hot in summer.
Ostia Antica is quite close to Rome, making a half-day tour an easy side trip.
It takes about 2.5 hours to visit the archaeological park with a guide on foot, so wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

How to Get There

If not taking an Ostia tour that includes transportation from Rome, the best way to reach Ostia Antica is by train. Take Rome's metro to the Piramide stop, which is also the Roma Porta San Paolo train station. Follow the signs to Lido, and take a train to Ostia Antica.

When to Get There

Ostia Antica can get hot midday in summer. From June to October, visit in the early morning or late afternoon to beat the heat. No matter when you go, keep in mind that the site is outside—dress accordingly.

Visiting Ostia Beach

Modern Ostia, near the Ostia Antica site, is a popular resort town that’s perfect for a beach break. Visit the archaeological ruins in the cool morning hours, then relax on one of the town's beaches in the afternoon.

Viale dei Romagnoli 717, Ostia Antica 00119, Italy

Open Tues - Sun 8:30am - 4:30pm and from 6pm-7pm

Adults: € 8

From $ 60

Basilica di San Nicola in Carcere

The Basilica di San Nicola in Carcere is a church in Rome with an interesting history. It was built on top of three ancient temples, and pieces of these temples were incorporated into the facade of the current church. There are columns and other sections from the Temple of Spes dating back to 250 B.C., a temple that honored Juno from the 2nd century B.C. and rebuilt in 90 B.C., and the Temple of Janus, the god of gates and beginnings, dating to 17 A.D. Unlike most churches in Rome that took columns from other ruins around the city and moved them, the columns in this church still stand in their original location.

Since the ground level was much lower 2,000 years ago, some of the ruins of these temples are now underground. Visitors can take a tour beneath the church to see these ruins, which are older than many other ruins in the city. These ruins are Republican era, making them roughly 500 years older than the imperial era ruins in other parts of Rome.

Practical Info

Basilica di San Nicola in Carcere is located at Via del Teatro di Marcello 46.

Via del Teatro di Marcello, 46, Rome, Italy

From $ 80

Basilica di Sant'Agostino

Located near Piazza Navona, the 15th-century Basilica di Sant’Agostino is home to the Cavalletti Chapel, where visitors flock to view Caravaggio’s Baroque masterpiece, La Madonna di Loreto, along with The Prophet Isaiah by Raphael, La Madonna del Parto statue by Sansovino, and the sumptuous high altar by Bernini.

The Basics

Although the church is dedicated to Saint Augustine, it’s actually the saint’s mother—Saint Monica—who is entombed there, but the Basilica of St. Augustine's main attraction is by far the rich art inside. You can visit the church by joining a walking tour of Rome's Baroque masterpieces that includes the art in this basilica as well as in other Roman churches by Caravaggio, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Bernini.

Things to Know Before You Go

When visiting Catholic churches in Rome, you must wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Walking tours require some time on your feet, so choose comfortable shoes.
The church isn’t wheelchair- or stroller-accessible; there are stairs at the entrance.
Flash photography is not allowed inside the church.

How to Get There

The Basilica di Sant'Agostino (also known as Sant'Agostino in Campo Marzio) is located on Piazza di Sant'Agostino in the heart of Rome's historic center, just off Piazza Navona.

When to Get There

Rome's most famous churches can be crowded in summer, so visit first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon to be able to enjoy the art in relative peace. The church is usually closed in August.

Sansovino's Miraculous Madonna

It is said that Jacopo Sansovino's La Madonna del Parto was originally a Roman statue of the Empress Agrippina holding her infant son Nero, which Sansovino reworked into a Christian rendering of the Madonna and child centuries later. The statue is said to have miraculous fertility powers, so it is usually surrounded by offerings from women who believe it interceded on their behalf.

Piazza di Sant’Agostino 80, Rome, Puglia, Italy

From $ 52

Bioparco

Yes, Rome has a zoo. It is a zoological garden with more than 1,000 animals located on the original site of the Villa Borghese. Open since 1911, it began as a place to collect and display animals in danger of extinction. Paths winding through the park allow visitors to observe lions, elephants, tigers, monkeys, and giraffes, among others. There is also a small barnyard area with goats, pigs, cows, and other livestock. Most notably the bio-park is home to a rare Kleinmann’s tortoise, which was rescued from a smuggler's suitcase in 2005.

Bioparco has been renovated and renamed from its original construction to illustrate its commitment to ecological practices and scientific knowledge. There is a small lake with seating to relax as well as a children’s area. All in all there are more than 200 species on the 17 hectares of zoo land here. It is one of Europe’s oldest zoos still in operation.

Practical Info

Bioparco is located on Viale del Giardino Zoologico at the Villa Borghese estate. It is easily accessed on foot from the Spanish Steps or Piazza del Popolo. The nearest metro stop is Spagna. Open from 9:30 am to 5 pm, it costs 15 euros to enter.

Viale del Giardino Zoologico, 20, Roma, Italy

Open daily from 9:30 am - 5 pm. Extended hours to 6 or 7 pm during summer months.

15 EUR for adults, 12 EUR for children

From $ 45

Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla)

The Baths of Caracalla, known as the Thermae Antoninianae in Roman times, are one of the largest and best preserved ancient thermal complexes in the world. Visit the impressive remains of the ground floor to get an idea of the vast complex, which housed the most sumptuous baths of its time.

The Basics

Built in AD 212 during the reign of Emperor Caracalla, the 25-hectare complex included three different baths, two gyms, a swimming pool, and a library. Open to Romans from all social classes, the Terme di Caracalla was more a center for leisure than strictly baths, though the Aqua Marcia aqueduct (the longest in Rome) was specifically built to provide water for the vast bathing areas. The baths were in use until AD 537, when invaders destroyed the aqueducts that supplied water and plundered the sculptures and precious materials decorating the baths; in the year AD 847, an earthquake destroyed part of what remained of the complex.

Like many ancient Roman ruins, the Baths of Caracalla are difficult to interpret to the untrained eye, so it’s worth booking a guide as part of an archaeological tour. Many small-group tours of Rome’s most important ancient sites include skip-the-line entrance to the Baths of Caracalla, along with the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Circus Maximus. You can tour these attractions on foot or join a bike or Segway tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Baths of Caracalla is an outdoor archaeological site, so wear a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes when visiting.
Tours of the baths are especially fascinating for Roman history enthusiasts.
The site is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
There are restrooms and a bookshop at the site.

How to Get There

The Baths of Caracalla archaeological site is located in south-eastern Rome, within walking distance from the Circo Massimo metro station that connects with the main Termini train station.

When to Get There

The archaeological site is largely open-air, so visit when the weather is clear and not too hot. In summer, arrive first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the midday sun.

The Politics of the Baths

The Baths of Caracalla was constructed by the notoriously spiteful Emperor Caracalla as part of a political propaganda campaign. Because the extravagant complex was open to all Roman citizens and completely free of charge, it eventually helped improve the emperor’s popularity among the public.

Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Roma, Italy

Varies

From $ 31

Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli

This impressive 16th-century basilica is set in the ruins of the Roman Baths of Diocletian, and its remarkable interior—designed by Michelangelo—is testament to the massive size of ancient Roman buildings. The church, located in the heart of Rome, contains a meridian line built in the 1700s to predict the exact date of Easter each year.

The Basics

The current Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri (Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs) is based on a design by Michelangelo, who worked on the church from 1563 to 1564; Luigi Vanvitelli oversaw later renovations. The sumptuous marble Greek-cross interior is decorated with 18th-century paintings, the tomb of Pope Pius IV, and the meridian line sundial—commissioned by Pope Clement XI, built by Francesco Bianchini, and still operational today. Polish sculptor Igor Mitoraj created new bronze doors and a statue of John the Baptist for the basilica in 2006.

Because of its location in the heart of Rome, the basilica is a popular stop on walking or Vespa tours of Christian Rome that also include religious sites like St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

Things to Know Before You Go

Comfortable shoes are recommended if visiting as part of a walking tour.
Photography without flash is allowed in the basilica.
Modest attire that covers shoulders and knees is required to enter the church.
The basilica is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

The Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri is in the ruins of the Terme di Diocleziano, located on Piazza della Repubblica just across from Rome's Termini station and Palazzo Massimo alle Terme. Both of the city's metro lines and numerous bus lines stop at Termini.

When to Get There

The cool and quiet interior of the church is a welcome respite from Rome's midday heat and chaos near the train station, so pop in during the hottest hours of the day.

Italy's Other Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli

Italy has two famous basilicas dedicated to Saint Mary of the Angels: one in Rome and one in Assisi, Umbria, the birthplace of Saint Francis. The Assisi basilica holds the small church called the Porziuncola—the chapel where the Franciscan order began—and is adjacent the saint's miraculous rose garden. Other sights in Assisi include the Basilica di San Francesco with the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi, the Basilica di Santa Chiara, and the castle fortress of Rocca Maggiore.

Via Porziuncola, 1, Santa Maria degli Angeli PG, Italy

From $ 58

Barberini Palace

Barberini Palace (Palazzo Barberini) is one of the most beautiful palaces in Rome, built by the city’s great Renaissance architects: Carlo Maderno, Francesco Borromini, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Now home to the National Gallery of Ancient Art, the palazzo contains an important collection of paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries.

The Basics

Worth a visit for the architecture itself, the 17th-century Palazzo Barberini has a soaring marble facade with three tiers of arches—the upper two glazed to form towering windows—facing a semi-enclosed courtyard. Inside, Borromini’s remarkable spiral staircase leading up to the piano nobile (main level), and the Grand Salone decorated by Pietro da Cortona's Baroque Allegory of Divine Providence and Barberini Power ceiling fresco, influenced the art and architecture of later palaces across Europe. The magnificence of this Renaissance palace now forms the backdrop to some of the most beautiful paintings in Rome, including Raphael's La Fornarina, a portrait of King Henry VIII by Hans Holbein, Guido Reni's portrait of Beatrice Cenci (beheaded for patricide in 1599), and a number of works by Filippo Lippi, Titian, and Caravaggio—including his unforgettable depiction of Judith Beheading Holofernes.

To fully appreciate Barberini Palace’s important architecture and artistic masterpieces, consider joining a private tour of the National Museum of Ancient Art that includes skip-the-line tickets and a guide. Some Rome night tours and walking tours include a stop by the palace to view its facade, courtyard, and garden...an excellent option for touching on the city’s highlights.

Things to Know Before You Go

The museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Large bags and backpacks must be left in the lockers near the entrance.
This is an especially interesting stop for art lovers who want to avoid the crowds in Rome’s more famous museums.
The palace’s Renaissance garden is open for free to the public daily all year.

How to Get There

Palazzo Barberini is located just off Piazza Barberini, one of the main bus and metro hubs in the city. A number of bus routes and metro line A have stops in the square, and from there it is just steps to the museum entrance.

When to Get There

The museum is closed on Mondays, but open throughout the day the rest of the week. Visit around midday when most the museum is quiet to enjoy the collection virtually to yourself.

Galleria Corsini

Rome’s National Gallery of Ancient Art is located on two sites: Palazzo Barberini and Galleria Corsini. The latter is set in Palazzo Corsini, an 18th-century Baroque palace in Trastevere on the opposite side of the Tiber river next to Villa Farnesina. The palace is home to a beautiful botanical garden covering the slopes of Janiculum hill in addition to a collection of paintings by primarily Italian artists dating from the early Renaissance to the late 18th century.

Via delle Quattro Fontane 13, Rome, Italy

Varies

From $ 21

Aventine Hill

Aventine Hill is one of Rome’s famous seven hills. It’s the southernmost hill, located on the eastern bank of the Tiber River. This hill is important in the myths involved with the founding of Rome. The brothers, Romulus and Remus, each chose one of the area’s hills on which to found a city. Remus chose the Aventine Hill, but it was his brother Romulus (set up on the nearby Palatine Hill) who saw more signs (supposedly from the gods) and who goes on to found the city of Rome.

In Ancient Rome, the Aventine Hill was the site of a Temple of Diana, but today the hill is mainly a relatively quiet and wealthy residential district with a few churches and gardens worth checking out, plus one of the most interesting views of St. Peter’s Basilica you’ll see in Rome.

Spots worth visiting on the Aventine Hill include the 5th century church of Santa Sabina, the rose garden, the orange garden, and the famous “keyhole” view of St. Peter’s Basilica at the building housing the Knights of Malta. The Circus Maximus is to one side of the Aventine Hill.

Italy

From $ 31

Arch of Titus

Located at the southeastern end of the Roman Forum, the triumphal Arch of Titus stands as a memorial to an emperor's brother.

Emperor Domitian commissioned the arch in the 1st century to honor his brother Titus, with the scenes showing Titus' many victories in war. Among the scenes is the Siege of Jerusalem – you can see a Jewish Menorah being carted back to Rome among the spoils.

Triumphal arches are familiar sights in Europe today – the Arc de Triomphe in Paris is one of the most famous examples – but most were based on the design of the Arch of Titus.

Practical Info

The Arch of Titus sits outside the Roman Forum, so it's always open to the public and free to visit.

Via Sacra, Rome, Italy

Daily

From $ 23