Airport: FCO • International

Top 10 Things to Do in Rome

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The Eternal City, an open-air living museum where the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City, and Baroque piazzas come alive amid authentic trattorias and gelato.

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Trip Planning Essentials

Best Season to Visit April to June and September to October (warm sunshine, comfortable walking, and vibrant outdoor dining)
Primary Commercial Airport FCO • Italy

Airport Transit & Ground Logistics Guide

Getting from FCO to the city center and major attractions

Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) connects directly to Roma Termini central station via the Leonardo Express train in ~32 minutes.

Curated Top 10 Attractions in Rome

Ranked by traveler popularity, uniqueness, and seasonal appeal.

#1

The Colosseum & Arena Floor

Ancient Wonders

The largest amphitheater of the ancient Roman Empire, where gladiators and wild beasts battled before 50,000 spectators.

Insider Tip: Book the combined ticket that includes the arena floor and underground hypogeum to see where gladiators prepared beneath the sands.
#2

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Archaeology & History

The political and religious epicenter of ancient Rome, filled with towering triumphal arches, temples, and imperial palaces.

Insider Tip: Climb to the Farnese Gardens terrace atop the Palatine Hill for the most dramatic panoramic overview of the Forum ruins.
#3

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Masterpieces & Religion

Centuries of papal art collections culminating in Michelangelos monumental ceiling frescoes and "The Last Judgment" in the Sistine Chapel.

Insider Tip: Book early morning prime entry (before general opening) to experience the Sistine Chapel in peaceful silence.
#4

St. Peters Basilica & Dome Climb

Cathedrals & Architecture

The epicenter of the Catholic world, featuring Michelangelos moving "Pieta", Berninis colossal bronze Baldachin, and a 448-foot dome.

Insider Tip: Climb the 551 steps to the top of the dome (cupola) for a sweeping circular perspective overlooking St. Peters Square.
#5

The Pantheon in Piazza della Rotonda

Ancient Architecture

A nearly 2,000-year-old Roman temple with the worlds largest unreinforced solid concrete dome and a 29-foot open oculus in the ceiling.

Insider Tip: On rainy days, watch rainwater fall through the central open oculus and drain into ancient floor conduits.
#6

Trevi Fountain Coin Toss

Baroque Fountains

Nicola Salvis stunning Baroque masterpiece portraying the god Oceanus, backed by the Palazzo Poli palace.

Insider Tip: Visit at sunrise (around 6:30 AM) to experience the monumental fountain in tranquil solitude and toss your coin over your left shoulder.
#7

Piazza Navona & Fountain of the Four Rivers

Historic Piazzas

A grand oval square built over the ancient Stadium of Domitian, anchored by Gian Lorenzo Berninis dramatic Fountain of the Four Rivers.

Insider Tip: Order a classic tartufo chocolate dessert at Tre Scalini while admiring the street painters and violinists.
#8

Trastevere Neighborhood & Authentic Trattorias

Culinary & Neighborhoods

A bohemian labyrinth of ivy-covered cobblestone lanes on the west bank of the Tiber, famous for traditional Roman pasta dishes.

Insider Tip: Taste Romes four classic pasta dishes (Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, Amatriciana, and Gricia) at neighborhood trattorias like Da Enzo al 29.
#9

Spanish Steps & Piazza di Spagna

Baroque Staircases

A sweeping 135-step Baroque staircase linking the Piazza di Spagna and Berninis sinking boat fountain with the Trinita dei Monti church.

Insider Tip: Sit by the Fontana della Barcaccia fountain at the base to people-watch, but note that sitting on the stairs themselves is prohibited by local ordinances.
#10

Borghese Gallery and Villa Gardens

Sculpture & Parks

An exquisite museum holding Berninis breathtaking marble sculptures ("Apollo and Daphne", "The Rape of Proserpina") and master paintings by Caravaggio.

Insider Tip: Reservations are strictly mandatory weeks in advance as only 360 visitors are permitted inside during each 2-hour entry window.