From the Colosseum to the famous Sistine Chapel, a visit to Rome feels like stepping into your history books. Well, a part at least. This history is surrounded by the conveniences of today, creating an intricate juxtaposition of historic and modern before your eyes. Honestly, it’s one of the things I love about Rome.

There seems to be an endless number of historical sites in Rome, and more are being discovered every day. I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed on my first trip there. I wanted to be sure to see my fair share of historical sites, but I also wanted time to eat pasta and drink wine. Finding the perfect balance took time and was a bit stressful.

So, to help you make the most of your precious vacation time, I decided to provide you with a list of the amazing historical sites in Rome that I like to visit. After several trips to the Eternal City, I decided that these ancient sites should be on my must-see list in Rome.

1. The Colosseum

Colosseum Square, 1

The Roman Colosseum is one of the most iconic buildings in the world. This incredible piece of Roman architecture is still the representation of the power of the ancient Roman Empire.

Built in the 1st century AD, the Colosseum was considered an architectural masterpiece. The careful design allowed more than 50,000 fans to enter and leave the Colosseum in less than 15 minutes! Take note of the magnificent arches and columns that surround you during your visit.

While the structure is a work of art, the Roman Colosseum has a long and bloody history attached to it. It was here that brutal fighting games took place, pitting gladiators against each other and against wild animals, such as lions and bears. You can view the Gladiator’s Tunnels, or “Hypogeum”, from the bleachers when visiting the Colosseum. Some tours even take you through them.

Note that a visit to the Colosseum requires standing and walking up and down ancient stairs. Most walkways are uneven due to structural wear over time.

You can find information on opening hours and prices here.

Pro Tip: Buy your Colosseum tickets at the Palatine Hill ticket entrance. The ticket allows you access to the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum, but by buying here you avoid the long lines at the Colosseum.

2. The Pantheon

Piazza Della Rotunda

Another fabulous historical site in Rome that should be on everyone’s must-see list is the Pantheon. After the Colosseum, the Pantheon is one of the best preserved monuments in Rome.

It is believed that the Pantheon was built as a pagan temple. Its portico consists of 16 granite columns and its impressive domed interior is 142 feet wide and 71 feet high. Another architectural masterpiece, engineers today still marvel at the structure of the unsupported dome.

Today, the Pantheon is an active church that still holds services. The Pantheon is one of the many free things to do in Rome and well worth some of your vacation time.

Inside you will find an incredible stone floor, over 80% original, surrounded by granite and stone walls. The walls are lined with tombs of famous people, such as Renaissance artist Raphael and King Victor Emmanuel II of Sardinia. Of course, the highlight is the incredible unreinforced domed ceiling with an intriguing hole in the center that allows light (and rain) to enter the Pantheon.

Visit their website for up-to-date hours of operation and more information.

Pro tip: If you find yourself in Rome on April 21, be sure to visit the Pantheon. It is said that on this date the sun hits in such a way that the outer courtyard is saturated with light.

3. The Roman Forum

Via Della Salara Vecchia, 5/6

The center of the Roman Empire was the Roman Forum. The Forum has housed the political, commercial and religious entities of Rome for years. This incredible history is evident when you visit the forum, now in ruins in various states of preservation, and see firsthand the transformation the region has undergone throughout its history.

The streets of the Roman Forum were said to be among the grandest in history. You can imagine the hustle and bustle of everyday life around you as you walk in the footsteps of Julius Caesar. Unfortunately, what you see in front of you today is only a shell of the original splendor of the Forum, as it was plundered during the fall of the Roman Empire.

The Via Sacra, the main road leading to the Forum, has significant historical significance as it is the road on which triumphant Roman rulers would travel to town, celebrating their military achievements.

Other notable sites in the Roman Forum include the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Basilica of Constantine, the Temple of Vesta, the Curia (House of the Senate) and the Temple of Divus Romulus. Of course, one of the most notable sights in the Forum is the remains of the Temple of Julius Caesar, the final resting place of the famous Roman ruler.

If you purchased a Colosseum ticket, entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill is included in that ticket. Note that visiting the Roman Forum requires quite a bit of walking on natural, uneven surfaces. There are also stairs to navigate during the tour.

For more information on visiting the Roman Forum, go here.

Pro Tip: Head to the entrance of Via dei Fori Imperiali to admire an incredible view of the Roman Forum.

4. Trevi Fountain

Trevi Square

The iconic 18th-century Trevi Fountain is another must-see historical site in Rome. Arguably the most beautiful fountain in the world, the Trevi has been attracting visitors for years. Originally built at the end of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct as a source of drinking water for the Roman people, the Trevi soon became one of Rome’s most notable sights.

The Fontana di Trevi was one of Rome’s most famous filming locations. It’s been in many movies, like the 1953 movie roman holidays.

Legend says that if you throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, you are guaranteed a return to Rome. Now, I’m not saying the legend is true, but every time I visit I throw a coin in the fountain, and I’ve been back to Rome several times since.

Note that there is a bit of a walk to the Trevi from the street. The walk is on sometimes uneven paved paths.

Pro Tip: The Trevi Fountain is always crowded. Plan to arrive early in the morning or late at night if you want to see the beautiful fountain without all the people around it.

5. The Spanish Steps

Spain Square

In the beautiful Piazza di Spagna you will find 138 steps that make up Rome’s iconic Spanish Steps. This incredible staircase has been a favorite haunt of locals and visitors since 1726.

The staircase is separated into three flights, with landings meant to represent the Trinity. Climbing the steps, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the square and the city skyline around you. Throughout the year you will find locals gathering at ‘the steps’ to enjoy an evening of conversation in historic surroundings.

Pro tip: Eating on the Spanish Steps has recently been banned, and this is enforced by local authorities.

6. Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Vatican City

The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel should definitely be on your list of historical sites to visit in Rome. Not only are you visiting a world-class museum and a popular religious destination, but you are also visiting one of the smallest countries in the world. Vatican City is a city-state completely surrounded by Rome

The Vatican Museums is a museum complex housing countless ancient artifacts, ranging from works of art to priceless religious relics. Visiting the Vatican Museums allows you to see 54 incredibly decorated rooms while admiring the incredible collection.

Of course, for many people, the crown jewel of the Vatican Museums is the famous Sistine Chapel. The chapel, adorned floor to ceiling with frescoes by Michelangelo, is definitely a sight to behold.

Note that the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are spread over a vast complex. There is a lot of walking to do, but the whole complex is wheelchair accessible and has flat ground.

Visit the Vatican website for current opening hours and for more information.

Pro Tip: Vatican City is very busy. Queues for the Sistine Chapel are very long, so be prepared for that or consider taking a private tour to enjoy skip-the-line privileges.

7. St. Peter’s Basilica

Vatican City

Also in Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica was commissioned in AD 324 as a church dedicated to the Apostle Peter. The land where the church stands is believed to be the burial place of Peter after his crucifixion in the nearby Circus of Nero in 64 AD.

While the original church was destroyed in the 16th century, it was rebuilt into the structure you see today. An opulent structure whose dome, designed by Michelangelo, makes it the tallest building in the historic center of Rome.

During your visit, you can see the incredible church for yourself using the free audio tour, join a private tour, or take a free guided tour offered daily by the Vatican. Visit the Vatican website to find out more.

Pro Tip: Be sure to respect the dress code to enter the church. You should wear modest clothing, with no bare knees or shoulders. Moreover, Saint-Pierre is always crowded. In order to avoid some of the crowds, plan to visit before 10am or after 4pm

For more inspiration for your visit to The Eternal City, check out: