Things to Do in Rome

Choose from 177 Fun Things to Do in Rome

Piazza Farnese

The Piazza Farnese in the historic center of Rome is named for the huge Palazzo Farnese on one side of it, and is one of the nicest public spaces in this busy city. The Palazzo Farnese was begun in the early 16th century by a cardinal in the Farnese family who would eventually become Pope Paul III in 1534. No expense was spared – in fact, when he became the pope, the size of his still-under-construction palace actually grew. It remains the city's largest Renaissance palace, today serving as the French Embassy, and the dominant building on the eponymous piazza.

Other attractions on the Piazza Farnese include the Chiesa di Santa Brigida, a former house of the Swedish saint that was converted into a church upon her death in the 1370s, and two fountains that look like bathtubs – because they are. Each has as its base a bathtub from the ancient Roman Baths of Caracalla.

Practical Info

Piazza Farnese is located between the popular square Campo de Fiori and the Tiber River. If you leave the Campo di Fiori from its western corner and walk along the Via dei Baullari toward the river, you'll reach the Piazza Farnese.

Rome, Italy

From $ 24

Piazza della Repubblica

Piazza della Repubblica is a square in Rome not far from Termini train station. The square was the original site of the Baths of Diocletian. It was known as Piazza Esedra until the 1950s, and many older locals still refer to it by its old name. In the center of the square is the large Fountain of the Naiads, or water nymphs. Figures of the four water nymphs adorn the sides of the fountain representing oceans, rivers, lakes, and underground water. When the fountain was unveiled in 1901, it was considered too provocative due to the nudity of the statues.

One of Rome's most well known streets, Via Nazionale, starts at Piazza della Repubblica. On this street and in the surrounding area you'll find upscale hotels, shops, restaurants, and cafes. Near the piazza is the Teatro Dell'Opera Di Roma, a lavish 19th century opera house. There are also several churches and ornate buildings in the area.

Practical Info

Piazza della Repubblica is located at Largo Infante Dom Henrique. To get there take metro line A to the Repubblica – Teatro Opera station.

Piazza della Repubblica, Rome, Lazio 00185, Italy

From $ 31

Palazzo Farnese

Palazzo Farnese is one of the most majestic Renaissance palaces in Rome, built with the collaboration of architects including Antonio da Sangallo the Younger and Michelangelo and frescoed by Carracci and other 16th-century artists. Originally residence of the noble Farnese family, the palace is now seat of the French embassy.

The Basics

Alessandro Farnese commissioned Palazzo Farnese in the 16th century, and the building was expanded to its current size after he became Pope Paul III in 1534, with adornments like Michelangelo’s ornate central window that served as the facade’s focal point and dramatic backdrop for the pope’s public appearances overlooking Piazza Farnese. Today visitors can admire the palazzo’s ornate interiors including Sangallo’s atrium, the Carracci Gallery, and the Hercules salon with tapestries inspired by Raffaello’s frescos, and the courtyard and garden.

Palace visits are only by guided tour on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and must be booked at least a week ahead of time. View the palace from the outside on a walking, e-bike, or Vespa Rome highlights tour that includes sights such as the Quirinale Palace, Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, and the Spanish Steps. Sightseeing tours can easily be combined with skip-the-line tickets to the Colosseum and Vatican Museums.

Things to Know Before You Go

Palace visits require a security check and each visitor must carry a valid ID that matches the name on the reservation.
Children under 10 are not allowed.
The palace is not accessible to wheelchair users.
Photography and filming are prohibited during the tour.

How to Get There

Palazzo Farnese is located on Piazza Farnese in Rome’s historic center, an easy walk from the busy Largo di Torre Argentina, where a number of city buses stop.

When to Get There

The palace is only open to the public for guided tours booked in advance. To view the palace from the outside, stroll through Piazza Farnese in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is particularly pretty, or at night when the palace is dramatically lit.

The Farnese Family Legacy

The Farnese family was one of the most influential in Rome during the Renaissance and included a number of dukes as well as a pope. In addition to its political and economic power, the family was famous for its extensive sculpture collection, known as the “Farnese Marbles,” portions of which are housed in Naples in the National Archaeological Museum and the Capodimonte Museum.

Palazzo Farnese, 67, Rome, Province of Rome 00100, Italy

Varies

From $ 41

Piazza Trilussa

Located at the western end of Rome’s prettiest bridge, the Ponte Sisto, the Piazza Trilussa is in bohemian Trastevere, the city’s hard-drinking, clubbing district that comes alive at night when the backstreet bars are packed out. Named after a Roman poet from the 19th century, the cobbled square is home to a monument in his honor as well as the stately Acqua Paola water fountain, carved with the heads of dragons and lions. This travertine fountain was commissioned by Pope Paolo V, a member of the all-powerful Borghese family, and constructed in 1613 by Dutch architect and garden designer Giovanni Vasanzio (Jan van Santen in Dutch); it bears the Borghese family crest. Originally it was located on Via Giulia on the east side of the River Tiber but was reconstructed in its present home in 1898. Recent renovation work on the Acqua Paola have seen the restoration of the gardens behind it and the building of steps leading up to the fountain; these have now become are one of the most popular meeting places for the youth of Rome, and summer nights see the piazza crammed with crowds pouring out of the neighboring clubs and bars.

Practical Info

Piazza Trilussa, Trastevere, Rome. Take Bus no 271 from the Colosseum.

Piazza Trilussa, Trastevere, Rome, Lazio 00153, Italy

From $ 15

Piazzale Garibaldi

At the very top of the Janiculum Hill in Rome is Piazzale Garibaldi, which has a bronze statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi at its center.

The Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo in Italian) is not one of Rome’s ancient seven hills, but today is one of the best places to get an exceptional view over the city. Piazzale Garibaldi is at the top of the hill, surrounded by a road and some parking spaces.

The equestrian statue in the middle of the piazza honors Garibaldi, the man who led the fight to unify Italy in the early 19th century. The main draw of the square, however, is the view over Rome. You can see everything from the Colosseum to St. Peter’s dome to the Vittoriano monument and much more.

Piazzale Garibaldi and the Janiculum Hill get particularly popular at sunset, so if you want to see the sun go down from the top of the hill make sure you give yourself enough time to walk or take the bus up there. During the day, some Trastevere tours include the Janiculum Hill on the itinerary, too.

Practical Info

Not far from the Piazzale Garibaldi is a quaint little puppet theater that has regular Italian puppet shows on weekends.

Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, Rome, Lazio 00165, Italy

From $ 87

Piazza della Bocca della Verita

By far the most famous attraction in this square set between the Forum Boarium and the Tiber River is the Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità), located beneath the portico of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Featured in the 1953 film Roman Holiday, this massive ancient marble mask is one of Rome’s top attractions.

The Basics

Legend holds that the Bocca della Verità, probably originally a 1st-century drain cover from the nearby Temple of Hercules Victor, will bite off the hand of anyone who dares speak an untruth while inserting a hand in the mask’s open mouth. Audiences were charmed by Audrey Hepburn’s reaction when Gregory Peck feigned having his hand devoured in their iconic romantic comedy, and today visitors in Rome line up in droves to put the legend to the test.

The Bocca della Verità is one of the most beloved and whimsical attractions in Rome, and Piazza della Bocca della Verità is included in many walking, bike, and Vespa tours of the city’s highlights. Visit the legendary sculpted mask as part of a classic Fiat 500 tour of the Eternal City, or combine a visit with skip-the-line tickets for the nearby Colosseum and the Vatican Museums.

Things to Know Before You Go

You can view the mask from outside the church gates, but to take a picture with your hand in the Mouth of Truth, you’ll have to wait in line to access the enclosed portico.
Visitors are urged to snap their pictures quickly to keep the long line moving along, so have your camera ready.
This is a fun stop for kids, but remember that you only have a few seconds to pose them with their hands in the mask’s mouth.
The church portico and Bocca della Verità is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

Piazza della Bocca della Verità is along the Tiber River just across the Ponte Palatino bridge from the Trastevere neighborhood. A number of city buses from the Termini train station and across the city stop in or near the square.

When to Get There

The marble mask is only accessible when the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin is open, as it is located under the portico behind the church gates. Plan to get there first thing in the morning when the portico opens to avoid the long lines that form later in the day.

Other Sights in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin

After your snapshot of the Bocca della Verità, take a few minutes to visit Santa Maria in Cosmedin, one of the most important medieval churches in Rome. The church has the tallest medieval bell tower in the city and beautiful Cosmatesque floors, and is home to what many believe to be the skull of Saint Valentine.

Piazza della Bocca della Verita, Rome, Province of Rome, Italy

From $ 25

Parco del Colle Oppio

With its prime location overlooking the mighty Colosseum, the Parco del Colle Oppio (Colle Oppio Park) is often seen as a mere walkway to Rome’s star attraction, but the hillside park is also a fascinating archeological site in its own right. Famously one of the seven hills of ancient Rome, Colle Oppio was once the site of the Baths of Trajan and Titus, as well as the Domus Aurea, (Nero’s Villa) and is dotted with intriguing ruins.

Laid out by Raffaele De Vico in 1928, the 11-hectare park was once embellished with marble statues, grand fountains and rose gardens, but today maintains a somewhat unkept façade. It’s none-the-less a popular lookout point, offering great views of the Colosseum and the Palatine, and hosts live music, entertainment and art exhibitions during the summer months.

Practical Info

The Parco del Colle Oppio is located just northeast of the Colosseum in central Rome.

Colle Oppio Park, 22, Rome, Italy

Open daily dawn-dusk

From $ 57

Pietro Canonica Museum (Museo Pietro Canonica)

One of Rome’s hidden gems, the Pietro Canonica Museum is home to a stellar collection of works by the 19th-century sculptor and musician, all displayed against the backdrop of his luxurious fortress-style villa in the Villa Borghese gardens. Visitors will gain a unique glimpse into the artist's life a century ago.

The Basics

Canonica was a sculptor and academic born near Turin in 1869. Much feted by the aristocracy in Italy and Europe for his fine sculptural portraits of royalty and nobility, he was given this small but sumptuous "fortezzuola" villa by the city of Rome, and lived there until his death in 1959. The artist's house is now a museum dedicated to his life and work; visit as part of a Villa Borghese bike or Segway tour that also includes the Galleria Borghese, the Silvano Toti Globe Theatre, the Bioparco zoo, and the Pincio Gardens.

Things to Know Before You Go

The museum’s collection consists primarily of sculptures, but there are other eclectic things to see as well, including Canonica’s smock and beret.
Large bags and backpacks are not allowed in the museum.
The museum is partially accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Flash photography is not allowed inside the museum.

How to Get There

The museum is located on Viale Pietro Canonica in Villa Borghese park. The nearest metro station is Flaminio; the nearest bus stop is at Piazzale Brasile.

When to Get There

Because of its location in Villa Borghese park, the museum makes for a great stop on a nice day. It’s closed on Mondays.

The Pietro Canonica Museum Collection

Visitors can see original models for Canonica’s bronze and marble statues, as well as sketches and drawings, in the artist’s ground-floor studio. Upstairs, you can explore private apartments furnished with antiques, Flemish tapestries, and paintings by 19th- and 20th-century Italian artists such as Giovanni Battista Quadrone and Vittorio Cavalleri.

Viale Pietro Canonica, 2, Rome, Lazio 00197, Italy

From $ 45

Piazza Barberini

Sitting atop Rome’s Quirinal Hill, Piazza Barberini is home to two 17th-century fountains designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini: the ornately sculpted Triton Fountain near the entrance to Palazzo Barberini and the small yet delightful Fountain of Bees. A stop at this bustling square is a must for lovers of baroque art.

The Basics

Piazza Barberini is one of the main transport hubs in central Rome, but look past the bustle of passing traffic and pedestrians to appreciate Bernini’s baroque masterpieces. The square is also home to the National Gallery of Ancient Art (Galleria Nazionale di Arte Antica) in Palazzo Barberini, which contains one of the most important painting collections in Italy, including works by Caravaggio, Titian, and Guercino.

Hop-on-hop-off bus tours of Rome’s most famous landmarks stop at the square, as do city highlights tours, which may include sights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. You can opt for a walking or golf-cart tour to explore the square and other top attractions, or see the piazza as part of a food tour with a gelato tasting. The square is especially lovely at night when Bernini’s famous fountains are dramatically lit, so opt for a sunset or twilight tour for unforgettable photos.

Things to Know Before You Go

The square is pedestrian-only in the center, but busy with passing cars and buses around the periphery.
If you’re joining a walking or bike tour of Rome and Piazza Barberini, wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
Piazza Barberini is easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller, though the cobblestones make the terrain a bit bumpy.
There are plenty of cafés around the square, perfect for a quick snack or drink.

How to Get There

Piazza Barberini is located in the historical city center of Rome at the bottom of Via Veneto and is 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.

When to Get There

Since the piazza can be busy with traffic during the day, the best time to visit is later in the evening when Bernini’s fountains are beautifully lit and the urban chaos somewhat limited.

Highlights of the National Gallery of Ancient Art

Piazza Barberini is named for Palazzo Barberini, once residence of the powerful Barberini family and now home to the Galleria Nazionale di Arte Antica. Don’t be fooled by the name, however, as the collection focuses on paintings from the 13th to the 18th century and not ancient Roman art. Some of the most beautiful paintings in Rome are gathered here, including Raphael's La Fornarina and a number of works by Filippo Lippi, Titian, and Caravaggio—including his striking Judith Beheading Holofernes (Giuditta e Oloferne).

Piazza Barberini, Rome, Province of Rome 00187, Italy

From $ 3

Pantheon

Best recognized for its massive dome and center oculus, the Pantheon attracts millions of visitors as one of the most influential and well-preserved buildings of ancient Rome—its proximity to the gelaterias along Via della Maddalena is a bonus. Since AD 125, the temple-turned-church has astounded visitors with its awe-inspiring architecture, beautiful art, and Roman history. It also serves as the burial ground for the first king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, and Renaissance artist Raphael. You'll find tourists and locals admiring the structure from the steps of the obelisk in Piazza della Rotonda, a popular break spot.

The Basics
The Pantheon is free to visit and open every day. Visitors shouldn’t miss the experience of passing through the vast bronze doors and standing under the center of the dome, where light (and sometimes rain) shines down into the open interior. You can learn about the building’s history and architectural design with an expert, local guide on a small-group or private guided tour. Many other tour options, lasting three to four hours, combine a visit to the Pantheon with skip-the-line entry to the Colosseum or other popular Roman highlights such as the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Roman Forum.

Things to Know Before You Go

Wear comfy shoes, as walking tours are among the most popular ways to see this site.
If you’re not prepared to sweat through the summer heat, book a bus tour or a take a cool walking night tour around Rome’s illuminated fountains and buildings.
Bring your appetite on a food tour of Rome’s historical center that passes the Pantheon.
As the Pantheon is an active religious building, flash photography and loud conversations are discouraged.
Don't miss the stunning Gothic interior of the Santa Maria Sopra Minerva church, just one block behind the Pantheon.

How To Get to the Pantheon
The Pantheon is located in the center of Rome, a short walk from the Tiber River, the main shopping street of Via del Corso, and many other attractions. It’s possible to walk to the site or catch a bus or tram to stop Largo di Torre Argentina.

When to Get There
The Pantheon is open and popular with visitors every day. To see the building buzz with energy, attend weekend public mass, held Saturdays at 5pm and Sundays at 10:30am. Though the interior is not open at night, seeing the illuminated ancient architecture after dark is worth a visit in itself.

Piazza della Rotonda, 00186, Italy

Mon–Sat: 9am–7:30pm, Sun: 9am–5:30pm

Free

From $ 3

Piazza del Popolo

The Piazza del Popolo is one of Rome’s many large public squares. This piazza is in the northern part of central Rome. The architect of the present-day piazza, built in the early 19th century, removed some existing structures to alter the shape from a trapezoid to a larger circular shape. While the piazza used to be a thoroughfare for cars, it is now a pedestrian-only zone.

The center of the Piazza del Popolo is marked by an Ancient Egyptian obelisk, and on one side of the piazza are two matching churches - Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto - one on each side of one of the streets leading from the piazza. The two churches are not exact copies of one another, but their features are so similar that they provide a symmetrical anchor to that end of the piazza.

A third church on the Piazza del Popolo is also dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and is one of the main tourist draws on the piazza. The Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo is a 15th century church that is home to several works of art by masters - Raphael, Bernini, and Caravaggio among them.

Piazza del Poplo, Tome, Province of Rome 00187, Italy

From $ 21

Piazza Santa Maria

The heart of Rome’s bohemian Trastevere neighborhood, Piazza Santa Maria fills by day with young families and tourists dining at sidewalk restaurants and sunbathing on the steps of the square’s central fountain. Come evening, students and revelers flock to the many trendy bars around the piazza, one of Rome’s favorite gathering spots.

The Basics

The piazza’s western flank is dominated by the ornate Santa Maria in Trastevere church. The octagonal raised fountain in the center of the square, restyled by baroque master architect Carlo Fontana in 1692, is a popular neighborhood gathering spot. Lined with sidewalk restaurants and cafés, the square offers excellent people watching.

Piazza Santa Maria is closed to traffic, and many guided walking and cycling tours pass through this atmospheric square and neighborhood. Trastevere and the nearby Jewish Ghetto are famous for their excellent cuisine, so consider taking a street-food tour to discover the local specialties. Alternatively, tour by night to mix with young Romans out for an evening on the town.

Things to Know Before You Go

The nightlife in Trastevere centers around nearby Piazza Trilussa but spills over into the more staid Piazza Santa Maria late into the night.
The square is pedestrian only and generally filled with street musicians and artists, so a good stop if traveling with young children.
Trastevere is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Rome for dining and wine tastings, and Piazza Santa Maria is home to excellent restaurants and wine bars.
Wide and flat, the square is easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.

How to Get There

Piazza Santa Maria is in Trastevere, 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

To savor the authentic neighborhood feel of Piazza Santa Maria, stroll through the square or stop for a meal during the day. If Trastevere’s famous nightlife interests you, make an evening out of it and visit after dinner.

Santa Maria in Trastevere

Founded around AD 350, the Romanesque Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome. The facade has a 16th-century portico designed by Carlo Fontana, and both the interior and exterior of the church are covered with golden 12th- and 13th-century mosaics.

Piazza Santa Maria, Trastevere, Rome, Lazio 00153, Italy

From $ 3

Piazza di Spagna

Piazza di Spagna is one of Rome's best-known meeting places, thanks to a stunning statue, the iconic Fontana della Barcaccia and an attractive square that lies at the foot of the famed Spanish Steps. The landmark's central location grants travelers easy access to top attractions like nearby Trinita dei Monti, Keats-Shelley Memorial House and the Column of the Immaculate Conception.

Piazza di Spagna is also a prime destination for people-watching, thanks to the large number of visitors and locals who gather in the public garden and scenic space to celebrate sunshine when there's warmer weather.

Practical Info

Piazza di Spagna is easily accessible from the Spagna metro stop.

Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy

From $ 22

Piazza San Cosimato

Near the main square in the Trastevere neighborhood in Rome, Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, is the Piazza San Cosimato, where a local outdoor food market takes place six mornings a week.

The market at Piazza San Cosimato has been there since the early 20th century, and although it’s smaller than some of the other popular outdoor markets in the city, it has a dedicated following. Some of the vendor families have occupied a stall at the market since its early days, with stalls and locations handed down through generations.

Along with the usual stalls offering fresh local produce, fresh fish and meat, and locally-made cheeses and cured meats, there is a used book seller at the market.

Take a food tour of the Trastevere district in the morning to see the market in full swing. It’s the perfect place to stock up on food for the pantry if you’re renting an apartment in the area.

Practical Info

Take a peek in the Church of San Cosimato, for which the square is named, or walk to the nearby Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere to visit one of the oldest churches in Rome.

Piazza San Cosimato, Rome 00153, Italy

Mon-Sat 6am-1:30pm

From $ 80

Parco degli Acquedotti

One of Rome’s the most unique public parks, Parco degli Acquedotti is home to the remains of two ancient aqueducts—Aqua Felix and Aqua Claudia—and the 2nd-century Villa delle Vignacce. Part of Appian Way Regional Park, this 593-acre (240-hectare) expanse just outside the city center is a popular respite from the bustle of downtown Rome.

The Basics

Far enough outside the Eternal City to host flocks of grazing sheep but close enough to be an easily accessible retreat from the urban chaos, Parco degli Acquedotti is among the most fascinating areas of Appian Way Regional Park. Crossed by two aqueducts that provided water to ancient Rome, the park is fun to explore on foot or by bike as part of a guided tour that begins at the Aurelian Wall and follows the Appian Way along its historical route through the Roman countryside, visiting a number of archaeological ruins along the way.

Appian Way tours often include stops at sites such as the thermal baths of Caracalla, the San Callisto and San Sebastiano Catacombs, the Circus of Maxentius, and the tomb of Caecilia Metella. You can also join a guided small-group bus tour to explore this 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.
Parco degli Acquedotti is outdoors, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
The ancient aqueducts make for unforgettable pictures and are a must for photography enthusiasts.
Kids especially enjoy an outing to the park, where they can explore the walking and biking paths without dangers from car traffic.
The park offers a free electric-minicar service for visitors with limited mobility, which must be reserved ahead of time.

How to Get There

Located just under five miles from Rome’s city center, Parco degli Acquedotti can be reached by Metro line A (Parco Appia Antica stop) or by bus (Piazza Cinecittà stop).

When to Get There

Parco degli Acquedotti, located inside Appian Way Regional Park, is entirely outside, so it’s best to visit on a clear day in the spring and fall when the temperatures are mild. You can spend anywhere from a few hours to an entire day exploring the park on foot or bike, so set off in the morning.

Appian Way Regional Park

The initial stretch of ancient Rome’s Appian Way, beginning at the Aurelian Wall that encircles Rome’s historical center, is part of a regional park, and there are a number of archaeological sites set along the historical route that are located within the park confines. A visit to Appian Way Regional Park is especially interesting for archaeology enthusiasts.

Parco degli Acquedotti, Rome, Province of Rome, Italy

From $ 31

Piazza Navona

One of the most famous and sumptuous squares in Rome, Piazza Navona is home to the Baroque Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone and Palazzo Pamphili, both overlooking Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s famous Fountain of the Four Rivers. Bustling outdoor cafes and rowdy buskers lend a lively air to the otherwise stately square.

The Basics

With its ornate churches and palaces, lively restaurants, and riot of street vendors and performers, Piazza Navona is one of the most popular public spaces in Rome. Private and hop-on-hop-off tours of Rome’s most famous landmarks generally include a stop in Piazza Navona, as do themed tours of classical Roman or Baroque sights. In addition to this important square, skip-the-line Rome highlights tours may include the Colosseum, Vatican (and Sistine Chapel), and Trevi Fountain. You can opt for a walking or electric bike tour, or see the piazza as part of a food tour that also stops at the Campo de’ Fiori market and cafés and gelato shops.

Things to Know Before You Go

The pedestrian-only square is crowded with street performers, so it’s a nice break for families with young kids.
If you’re joining a walking or bike tour of Rome and Piazza Navona, wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
Piazza Navona is easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller, though the cobblestones make the terrain a bit bumpy.
There are plenty of cafés and gelato shops in or near the square, making it the perfect spot for a pick-me-up.

How to Get There

Piazza Navona is located in the historic city center of Rome between the Pantheon and the Tiber River. To reach the square by public transportation, take one of several buses that stop on Largo di Torre Argentina a short walk away.

When to Get There

Lively year-round, Piazza Navona is crowded with buskers and street musicians in summer, and is home to a charming Christmas market that lasts the entire month of December.

The Oval Square

The oblong-shaped Piazza Navona was built on the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, where citizens of Rome would watch games and races in the 1st century AD. The stadium may be gone, but the unusual shape of the space remains today, marked by three Baroque fountains: Bernini’s central masterpiece flanked by two smaller fountains by Giacomo della Porta at each end.

Piazza Navona, Rome, Province of Rome 00186, Italy

From $ 3

Piazza Venezia

The Piazza Venezia defies many assumptions one might make from the name. It’s an open space, so it can be called a piazza, but it’s really a gigantic intersection and not a public square. And it’s in central Rome, not Venice. The name comes from the nearby Palazzo Venezia, in which ambassadors from the Venetian republic once lived.

The enormous Vittorio Emmanuele Monument faces one side of Piazza Venezia, and the interchange is also at the base of the Capitoline Hill and next to Trajan’s Forum. In short, although this piazza isn’t one in which you’re likely to spend lots of leisure time, you’ll certainly pass through it on your way to and from other major attractions in central Rome.

Those of you taking the bus around Rome will find Piazza Venezia to be a major transportation hub, which is useful for getting around the city. And if you’re ambitious enough to be driving in Rome, you’ll probably pass through the intersection a number of times.

Piazza Venezia, Rome, Province of Rome 00186, Italy

From $ 3

Pincio Gardens (Monte Pincio)

Overlooking Rome’s Piazza del Popolo, the gardens on Pincio Hill have been present since the time of the ancient Romans. It is named for the Pincis, a noble Roman family whose estate was built on these grounds in the 4th century. The gardens were separated from the neighboring Villa Borghese by an ancient wall.

Filled with greenery, flowers, and bust statues of famous Italians, the present gardens were laid out in the 19th century. Tree-lined avenues were once (and still are) a grand place to go for a stroll. There’s also an obelisk and historic water clock located in the gardens. They are accessed via a steep, winding path up from the city. Once at the top, you’ll have one of the best views of Rome, looking out to rooftops, piazzas, and St. Peter’s Basilica. The panoramic outlook is arguably best at sunset.

Practical Info

The Pincio Gardens are located on the western edge of Villa Borghese. The nearest metro stop is Flaminio. It is also accessible on foot from the top of the Spanish Steps.

Piazzale Napoleone I and Viale dell'Obelisco, Rome, Italy

24 hours

From $ 45

Piazza della Rotonda

One of the liveliest squares in the heart of Rome, Piazza della Rotonda is lined with bustling bars, historical cafés, and alfresco restaurant tables. The piazza was built around the Pantheon, one of the city’s most famous ancient monuments, which predates the square by about a thousand years.

The Basics

Piazza della Rotonda was created in the mid-15th century when Pope Eugenius IV decided to clear the mass of market stalls and urban hovels that were spoiling the view of the Pantheon. The fanciful marble fountain was built in 1575 by Giacomo della Porta, to which a baroque Egyptian-style obelisk was added in 1711.

Private or small-group tours of Rome’s most famous landmarks generally include a stop in Piazza della Rotonda, as do themed tours highlighting classical Roman or baroque sights. In addition to this important square, skip-the-line Rome highlights tours may include the Colosseum, Vatican, and Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi). You can opt for a walking tour or see the piazza by luxury van, scooter, or golf cart. For a more romantic visit, join a tour at sunset or by night, when the Pantheon is dramatically lit and the square is particularly beautiful.

Things to Know Before You Go

The square is pedestrian only and crowded with street performers, so a nice stop for families with young children.
If joining a tour of the historical center of Rome and Piazza della Rotonda on foot, wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
The public square is easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller, though the cobblestones can make crossing a bit bumpy.
A number of Rome’s most beloved cafés and gelato shops are in or near the square, making this the perfect spot for a quick espresso or cone.

How to Get There

Piazza della Rotonda is located in the historical city center of Rome, about halfway between the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. To reach the square from the Termini train station, take one of several buses to the Argentina stop on Largo di Torre Argentina, a quick walk away.

When to Get There

Piazza della Rotonda is a lively spot to visit year-round. To get a comprehensive feel for the square, come during the day and again at night, when the Pantheon is lit. On summer evenings the space is crowded with buskers and street musicians, making it especially magical.

The Pantheon

The square is named for Santa Maria Rotonda, the official name of the Pantheon. This remarkable building dates from 27 BC, but was entirely reconstructed by Emperor Hadrian in the early second century AD. It is almost completely intact, and the interior is illuminated by a shaft of sunlight peeping through the round oculus in the dome. The building is the resting place of Italian kings Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I, as well as the artist Raphael.

Piazza della Rotonda, Sant’Eustachio, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy

From $ 37

Piazza del Campidoglio

The first modern civic square in Rome, Piazza del Campidoglio was designed by Michelangelo in 1536. Perched at the top of the Capitoline Hill overlooking the Roman Forum, the space is lined by the monumental Cordonata staircase and three Renaissance palaces, now home to city hall and the Capitoline Museums.

The Basics

Piazza del Campidoglio was commissioned by Pope Paul III on the occasion of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V’s visit, and Michelangelo laid out the square to face St. Peter’s Basilica, turning its back on the Roman Forum. He also designed new facades for Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Senatorio and built Palazzo Nuovo to complement the older palaces. Today, Palazzo Senatorio houses city hall, and the other two palaces house the Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini), with vast collections of classical sculpture, Renaissance paintings, and archaeological artifacts. Michelangelo also designed the square’s sweeping Cordonata Steps, unique geometric paving, and setting for the central equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius.

Piazza del Campidoglio is a stop on many guided walking, bike, and Segway tours of Rome’s highlights. Guided city tours generally visit other top attractions such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon and may include skip-the-line tickets to the Colosseum and Vatican.

Things to Know Before You Go

There is no shade in the square, so be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen if visiting on foot or bike in the hot summer months.
The square is flat and well paved, easily navigable by wheelchair or with a stroller.
Photography enthusiasts will enjoy the view from the square atop the Capitoline Hill.
There are no restaurants or cafés along the square, but the museum has a rooftop café overlooking Rome.

How to Get There

Piazza del Campidoglio is located behind the famous Vittoriano monument in Piazza Venezia, where a number of bus and tram lines stop. You can also take metro line B to the Colosseo stop and walk about 10 minutes to Piazza del Campidoglio.

When to Get There

With no shade, Piazza del Campidoglio can be very hot during the midday hours. Time your visit for early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the temperatures are milder and the light better for photographs.

Highlights of the Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museums on Piazza del Campidoglio are home to a number of important works of art, including the Capitoline Wolf (Lupa capitolina), a bronze statue of Romulus and Remus suckling a she-wolf; and The Dying Gaul (Galata Morente), dating from ancient Rome. There are also masterpieces by Caravaggio, Titian, Pietro da Cortona, and Guercino.

Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome, Province of Rome, Italy

From $ 3