Rome is an incredibly beautiful city with an abundance of historical and cultural sites that you won’t want to miss. I suggest basing your siteseeing around the metro stops so that you can see multiple sights in one day. Many of the metros are located (and named after) the key sights so it makes it easy to plan your day tours.
Sites by Colloseo Metro
The Colloseum
An iconic symbol of Rome, this ancient amphitheater once hosted gladiator contests and public spectacles. Not to be missed, whether you get a ticket just to see the inside or take a tour.
The Roman Forum
Located next to the Colosseum, this sprawling archaeological site was the heart of ancient Roman public life, with remnants of temples, basilicas, and government buildings. This will take 3 or 4 hours depending on how long you take at each ruin. The Roman Forum is a sunken plot of land and it can get extremely hot so I suggest booking a morning or later evening time to visit if you find the heat and sun too much..
Palantine Hill
Overlooking the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus, Palatine Hill is considered the birthplace of Rome and was once home to emperors and aristocrats. You’ll find impressive ruins and panoramic views here. Visiting the Colloseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill in one day would be a very full day, but it can be done.
Sites close to Berberini Metro
Trevi Fountain
The most famous and spectacular Baroque fountain in Rome, known for its intricate sculptures and the tradition of tossing a coin to ensure a return visit to Rome. Try for an early morning visit before the crowds show up.
The Pantheon
A remarkably preserved ancient Roman temple, later converted into a church. Its colossal dome with an open oculus is an architectural masterpiece. From the Berberini metro it’s about a 15 minute walk on via del Tritone.
Piazza Navona
A beautiful and lively Baroque square, famous for its three magnificent fountains, including Bernini’s Fountain of Four Rivers.
Sites by Vactican City Metro
St. Peter’s Basilica
The largest church in the world, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture with stunning art, including Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s baldachin.
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Home to one of the world’s greatest art collections, culminating in Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes on the ceiling and “The Last Judgment” in the Sistine Chapel
Castel Sant Angelo
Originally Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum, it was later transformed into a fortress and papal residence. You can explore its history and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Tiber River.
Sites by Spagna (Spanish Steps)
The Spanish Steps
A monumental stairway connecting Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church, popular for people-watching and offering great views. Make sure you take some time to sit on the steps near the bottom and climb to the top to get a fantastic view of the streets below. Try to avoid those taking the usual selfie stick shots as there will be many folks posing on the steps.
Borghese Gallery and Museum
Housed within the beautiful Villa Borghese gardens, this museum boasts an incredible collection of sculptures by Bernini and paintings by Caravaggio, Raphael, and other masters. (Note: Timed entry tickets are usually required and sell out quickly).
Trastevere
A charming, historic neighbourhood.
Trastevere is renowned for its narrow cobblestone streets, lively atmosphere, and abundance of traditional trattorias and artisan shops.
It is one of my favourite areas to walk and experience the best ‘Mom and Pop’ Roman food. I suggest walking from Circo Massimo or taking an uber to Travestere and saving your legs to explore the buildings, the cobblestone streets and trattorias.
ROME
INSPIRATION
Scroll through beautiful Rome scenery
and find inspiration for your next visit.
Inside the Colloseum 
Looking out of the Colloseum 
Victor Emmanuel II Monument Building 
Tiber River at night 
The Colloseum 
Victor Emmanuel II Building 
Victor Emmanuel II Building 
Roman Pizza 
The Roman Forum 
Arch of Constantine 
The Roman Forum 
The Roman Forum 
The Roman Forum 
Circo Massimo 
The Roman Forum 
The Road to the Colloseum 
Inside the Colloseum 
Inside the Colloseum 
Inside the Colloseum 
Trevi Fountain 
Emmanuel Vitorrio Monument 
Circo Massimo 
Emmanuel Vitorrio Monument 
Inside the Sistine Chapel 
Inside the Sistine Chapel 
Sistine Chapel Spiral Staircase 
Ferrari 
The Colloseum 
The Colloseum
Getting Around Rome
I’ve been to Rome twice, each time in October (off season) – once in 2017 and in 2024, and I can honestly say the number of tourists has grown tenfold. This makes getting around much more difficult. In 2017, I easily enjoyed the sites by travelling on the city buses. Fast forward to 2024 and it was almost impossible to get to my destionation as the city buses were so crowded. I had to get off one bus on my way to Travestere as it was so jam packed and hot I couldn’t bear it. Because of this, I would suggest getting closest to your destination via the underground metro or opting for a Hop on/off bus or an uber that will take you to more of the remote sites.
The Colloseum, Roman Forum, Spanish Steps, and Vatican City are all very close to metros, however the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Travestere area and Piazza Nova are a little farther. For the remote sites I suggest taking an uber to the area and walking from site to site. Note if you take the metro, the stations are similar to London, England and are three levels down to the subway. At times I found that the escalators weren’t working and I had to walk up about 6 flights to the street. Now, I’m in good shape – a long time runner – however when you’re walking for hours a day this can be tiring even before you get to your destination.
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