Things To See In Rome Besides The Colosseum

The Colosseum might be one of the most recognizable landmarks in the ancient city of Rome, and rightfully so! It’s iconic, it’s ancient, and it’s something you should definitely see at least once, especially if you’re visiting the Eternal City. But while it rightfully steals the spotlight, Rome is a city layered with history and mystery, and some of its most interesting spots are the ones you won’t always find on a postcard! 

From quiet courtyards and quirky neighborhoods to ancient ruins, there’s so much more to explore if you’re willing to look beyond the usual stops. So if you’re ready to explore a little more and just a bit deeper, here are some other things to see in Rome besides the Colosseum. 

If you are visiting the Colosseum (as you should), the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are just a short walk from it and where the real magic of ancient Rome hits differently. Once the beating heart of Rome, it used to be the center of politics, religion, and daily life in the city. Today, it’s a maze of ruins of ancient temples, crumbling arches, and the spot where Julius Caesar was cremated.   

Right next to the Roman Forum is the Palatine Hill, where Rome supposedly began. Emperors built their palaces on this very hill, and legends even say that Romulus founded the city here. Because it requires a bit of an incline walk, the Palatine Hill is usually quieter than the other major landmarks nearby.

So anyone wanting to escape the crowds for a little bit would definitely appreciate the Hill’s ruins hidden among trees, gorgeous gardens, and views over the Roman Forum. 

The Pantheon is one of those landmarks in Rome (and honestly, around the world) that just blows your mind. From the outside, it might look like just another impressive old building. But once you step inside, you’ll see you’re suddenly standing under a 2,000-year-old concrete dome that is still the largest dome built without any internal support structures in the world! It’s one of the best-preserved buildings from ancient Rome, making it a sight to see. 

It’s free to admire from the outside, but the small entrance fee to get a Pantheon Ticket is 100% worth it! There, you’ll see how the Oculus (the round opening at the top of the dome) lets in natural light and rain, creating this quiet, almost sacred atmosphere. It’s also where Italian kings and the artist Raphael are buried, adding to the Pantheon’s sense of peacefulness. 

If you think going to the spa is indulgent, wait until you see how the Romans did it. The Baths of Caracalla were basically an ancient Roman (public) wellness center! It was an enormous complex of baths, saunas, pools, gyms, libraries, and gardens, and could hold up to over 1,500 people at a time!

Even though it’s mostly ruins now, walking through it still feels grand. You can still spot remnants of mosaics, marble floors, and arched ceilings that hint at how grand it once was. 

It can get pretty busy during peak tourist season (which, of course, also happens to be the best time to visit), so do yourself a favor and book your Baths of Caracalla tickets in advance. It’ll save you time and help you skip the lines – more time for exploring, and less time standing around! 

While it’s technically an independent country, Vatican City is right in the heart of the Eternal City and one of the top things to see in Rome! And St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the places in Rome (well, Vatican City) that you just absolutely have to see. The dome, designed by Michelangelo, dominates the Vatican City’s skyline and is worth the climb alone. It has the best panoramic views of the city overlooking St. Peter’s Square and the surrounding city. 

Inside, don’t miss Bernini’s massive bronze canopy, called the Baldacchino, over the altar and Michelangelo’s Pietà – one of Michelangelo’s most famous sculptures. It shows the Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus after the crucifixion, carved out of a single block of marble. It’s one of those art pieces that makes you stop and just stare. 

Entrance is free, but the security lines can be long, so it’s best to get there early or later in the day. If you’re planning to climb the dome (which you totally should!), book your St Peter's Basilica tickets in advance to save time. For a deeper, more immersive experience, you might want to join a St Peter's Basilica guided tour. An expert guide can bring the place to life with stories and take you from the top of the dome to the underground crypts beneath the basilica.  

One of the top things to see in Rome (or again, technically, in Vatican City) is the Vatican Museums. The place is massive with endless hallways, hidden gems, and rooms filled with ancient sculptures, Renaissance masterpieces, and even Egyptian artifacts, including real mummies! It’s the kind of place where you’ll keep discovering something new with every corner you turn. 

But if you ask us what the star of the show is, it’s the Sistine Chapel tucked at the very end of the museum route. The details, colors, and sheer scale of Michelangelo’s ceiling will stop anyone in their tracks. It’s especially mindblowing to imagine how Michelangelo painted it in the early 1500s and did most of it while lying on his back, including the famous Creation of Adam, depicting an image where God and Adam nearly touch fingers. 

Just a heads up: no photos are allowed inside, and they ask for complete silence. Just look up, take a moment, and breathe it all in. It’s the best way to experience the gloriousness of the Sistine Chapel anyway!

Just a short walk from the Vatican, Castel Sant’Angelo might not be top of mind when it comes to the best things to see in Rome, but it definitely should be. Originally built as a mausoleum, this towering fortress has worn many hats over the centuries, from a Roman emperor’s tomb to a medieval castle, a papal hideout, and even a prison. Another interesting fact? It connects to the Vatican through a secret passageway that popes used to escape danger. 

While it’s sort of a hidden gem compared to the other tourist hotspots in and around the Vatican City, booking Castel Sant’Angelo tickets ahead of time is always a good idea, especially if you want to catch the golden hours views from the top and see panoramic views of St. Peter’s Basilica and the city’s gorgeous rooftops. 

If there’s one fountain that’s instantly associated with Rome, it’s the Trevi Fountain. It’s what pops into most people’s heads the moment someone says “Rome” and “fountain” in the same sentence. Sure, it’s starred in plenty of iconic films, but its popularity isn’t just about the screen time. The fountain is genuinely stunning. The dramatic sculptures, the sound of rushing water, and the way it glows at night are truly magical.

But what makes the Trevi Fountain even more special is the legend tied to it: toss a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand, and you’re guaranteed to return to Rome. That’s why you’ll see so many people standing with their backs to the fountain. It’s a little moment of hope and magic in the middle of the busy city! 

If you want to learn more about it, book a Trevi Fountain tour! You'll be explore the underground passages beneath Rome's iconic fountain.

About a 10 to 15-minute walk away from the Trevi Fountain is the Spanish Steps. It’s another iconic landmark in Rome, and where locals and tourists alike come just to hang out and enjoy the city’s atmosphere. It has 135 steps linking Piazza di Spagna at the bottom to the Trinità dei Monti church up top, and it is a picturesque scene.

People used to be allowed to sit on these steps, making it a perfect spot to take a rest, but the city has enforced a ban since 2019 to protect and preserve its historic landmark. If you’re looking for a place to relax nearby, Pincio Terrace in Villa Borghese is a short walk from the Spanish Steps and offers amazing views of the city in a more peaceful setting. 

If you’re up for it, another 10 to 15-minute walk from the Spanish Steps is Piazza Navona, where the Fountain of the Four Rivers is located. While not as famous in pop culture as the Trevi Fountain, it is also considered one of Rome’s most beautiful Baroque fountains.

Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the fountain represents the four major rivers of the known continents during the 1650s: the Nile (Africa), the Ganges (Asia), the Danube (Europe), and the Rio de la Plata (Americas).

So while it might not be on most lists of things to see in Rome, definitely take a moment to check this fountain out, especially since Piazza Navona itself is totally worth a visit just for the vibe alone!   

The Galleria Sciarra is a hidden Art Nouveau gem just a couple of minutes’ walk from the Trevi Fountain. It was built between 1885 and 1888, and was designed as a shopping arcade, but today it’s more like a mini art gallery you can stroll through for free. The beautiful Art Nouveau frescoes cover the walls and ceilings, and the iron and glass roof lets natural light in, making the colors pop and giving the whole place a dreamy feel. 

Because it’s part of a working building, you can only visit during business hours (typically from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM), but it’s worth timing your stroll here. And since it’s often overlooked, chances are high you can explore the place without an overwhelming crowd of tourists!  

Palazzo Altemps is one of Rome’s best-kept secrets and a must-visit for anyone who loves ancient art and history. This Renaissance palace showcases an incredible collection of Green and Roman sculptures and features a charming courtyard with a timeless atmosphere. Unlike the city’s busier spots, Palazzo Altemps offers a more relaxed experience where you can enjoy and truly appreciate world-class art without the crowds. It’s a ticketed attraction, so be sure to book your Palazzo Altemps tickets ahead of time for a hassle-free visit! 

Another landmark in Rome that can be considered a hidden gem is the Domus Aurea. Also called the “Golden House,” it was Emperor Nero’s opulent palace and was constructed after the great fire of 64 AD.

Today, it’s a remarkable archaeological site, offering a glimpse into ancient Roman grandeur. Visiting the Domus Aurea is a unique experience, as it’s only accessible through Domus Aurea guided tours, which include immersive virtual reality elements for guests to experience and witness its original splendor. Given the limited access, it’s best to book your tickets in advance to secure your slot! 

Rome is a city where history feels alive, from the grandeur of the Colosseum to the beauty of the hidden piazzas. Whether you’re tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain or wandering through its quiet cobblestone streets, every moment feels like stepping back in time. So if you’ve got a trip planned to visit Rome, consider yourself lucky because it’s a city that never stops inspiring and will surely leave you falling in love with it! 

What you should see in Rome if you’re visiting for the first time entirely depends on your interests and travel style. If you’re interested in the classics, you should see the Colosseum as the most iconic landmark in Rome. Or if you’d like to experience the grandeur of Michelangelo’s works, then you should see the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. 

Excluding accommodation, you can expect to spend around 150 Euros to 200 Euros (approx. 175 to 230 USD) a day in Rome. Public transport typically costs between 7 and 10 Euros, and meals can average about 30 Euros each. Add in entrance fees to popular attractions or guided tours, and your daily expenses can quickly add up to that range! 

The prettiest part of Rome really depends on what kind of charm you’re after. But if I have to pick one, Trastevere is easily one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Rome. There you’ll see ivy-covered buildings, narrow cobblestone alleys, and soft lights glowing over trattorias. It feels straight out of a fairytale, especially at golden hour when the whole place glows. By night, the neighborhood transforms with music and the buzz of outdoor dining, making it so easy to fall in love with it!