Best places to see in Rome

If you’re planning a visit to Rome, check out my list of some of my favourite things to see when sightseeing in Rome. Most of these places are free to visit, making it easier to explore Rome on a budget!

• 1. The Vatican

Vatican city is the smallest country in the world, but it can take a while to get around as there is so much to see. Sights in the Vatican include the Vatican Museums, the Sistine chapel, and Saint Peter’s Basilica. To make sure you get the most out of your visit, I would strongly suggest getting a guided tour, as this allows you to skip the long lines – you will definitely appreciate this if visiting in summer! There is so much to see in the museums so it’s a great idea to have a tour guide to make sure you see everything in the time you have and learn what everything is.

2. Saint Peter’s Basilica

Saint Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world and also has the tallest dome in the world. It is just next to the Vatican and shouldn’t be missed! The high ceilings and huge statues are so impressive and there is so much just inside this building to see, including the papal tombs. Entry inside is free but there can be long lines to get in. We had a guided tour, which ended outside Saint Peter’s Basilica, but we skipped any queues and walked straight inside.

3. Largo di Torre Argentina

Largo di Torre Argentina is where Julius Caesar was stabbed to death, and is now home to around 150 cats and a cat sanctuary. Some cats live in the sanctuary inside the ruins, and some choose to roam around the ruins alone, but are fed by the sanctuary. Although you can’t walk around the ruins, you can get a great view from the street above.

4. Basilica di Sant’Andrea della Valle

This is one of the most beautiful churches we saw on our trip to Rome. We walked past the Basilica di Sant’Andrea della Valle a few times on our first two days in Rome, not realising it would have such beautiful interior! Entry inside was free and we spent around 15-20 minutes admiring its artwork.

5.The Pantheon

One of the main sites to see in Rome, the Pantheon is truly incredible. Entry inside the building is free, but make sure you’re prepared and cover your shoulders or else you will be refused entry! The queue to get inside is long, however, it does go down quickly, and is definitely worth the short wait.

6.Trevi Fountain

Located in Piazza di Trevi, the Trevi Fountain is one of the most popular tourist sites in Rome, so is always extremely busy with thousands of people visiting every day, stopping for pictures and to throw coins into the fountain.

• 7. Temple of Hadrian

This amazing building is stunning from the outside and inside. Entry is free and it only takes around 5 minutes to look around inside, perfect if you have a little bit of time around the Pantheon area.