1. Colosseum

The Colosseum is the biggest amphitheater ever built during the Roman era, and it remains an essential stop on any itinerary. You can certainly correct me if I’m wrong, as the embarrassing truth is that I used to take naps during my history lessons back in the day! However, let’s focus on this amazing structure, as it is easily one of the most important things to see in Rome. Gladiators used to fight here with up to 70,000 people watching them. Although the Colosseum certainly isn’t what it used to be during the glorious times of the Roman Empire, seeing the remains is definitely worth waiting in those notoriously long lines. To make the most of your visit, I highly recommend checking out some Italy travel tips before you go.

2. Vatican

While technically its own city-state, visiting the Vatican Museums is an absolute must-do during any trip to Rome. If you have both extra time and money and you want to spend it on something unique, I strongly suggest taking a guided tour. There are plenty of museums and breathtaking buildings to see here, and you don’t even have to be a religious person to truly enjoy the artistry. It is one of the most spiritually and culturally significant places in the world, offering a depth of history that is hard to match anywhere else.

3. Arch of Constantine

Standing right next to the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine is a triumphal monument that is pretty hard to miss! If you’re already in the area visiting the amphitheater, you should definitely snap a photo in front of this popular arch located right in front of the main entrance. And do you want to hear the best part? It’s totally free to view, meaning that you can snap a great photo even if you’re not planning to wait in the long line to take a closer peek at the Colosseum itself. It's a perfect spot for a quick travel memory that captures the grandeur of ancient Roman architecture.

4. The Roman Forum

Your history teacher has probably told you how important the Roman Forum was for the Roman Empire—right? I know mine did and, believe it or not, that was one of the lessons I actually do remember. If you’re planning on visiting Rome soon, don’t miss your chance to see this amazing complex of different buildings, ranging from religious temples to ancient government centers. It’s like stepping back in time to the heart of ancient Rome. You might also want to read about the Pantheon which is another architectural wonder located just a short walk away.

5. Pantheon

Next on my list of things to see in Rome is the Pantheon, which as the translation of its name (of all the gods) says, is a temple built to celebrate all deities. Fires had almost completely destroyed this building many centuries ago, but it has been beautifully restored and is now out there just waiting for you to check it out. One of the most magnificent things about it is the massive dome, which is the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome! Unlike the Colosseum, the Pantheon is remarkably well-preserved. Now, how’s that for an interesting fact to share with your travel buddies?

6. Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is simply beautiful and remains one of the most iconic spots in all of Italy! While I haven't visited every corner of the globe myself, seeing the photos from friends who visited last year really made my jaw drop. One friend visited in January and even with the winter weather, the fountain looked spectacular. I can only imagine how gorgeous it must look in the golden light of early summer. The Trevi Fountain is a real piece of art, plus it’s totally free to visit. If you need more convincing on why it should be on your list of things to see in Rome, just search for a few photos and you’ll see exactly what I mean. Don't forget to toss a coin in for good luck!

7. Piazza Navona

If you’re a fan of Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini, then you simply must visit the popular Piazza Navona and take a peek at the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers. Each of the four gods represents one continent and a major river within it: the Nile stands for Africa, the Danube for Europe, the Ganges represents Asia, and the Rio de la Plata represents America. It's a fascinating bit of symbolism, and the square itself is one of the most vibrant spots in the city, perfect for people-watching while enjoying a coffee.

I do hope you’ve planned to stay more than three days, as the list of things to see in Rome runs pretty long and three days are often not enough to see it all. By the way, some people say the pizza can be hit or miss in the tourist areas, so maybe stick to authentic pasta or other delicious local dishes. Before I conclude my list of things to see in Rome, I have a quick question for you: what would you do if you could choose between visiting the historic streets of Rome and the romantic avenues of Paris?

Quick Tips for Your Rome Trip