The Mediterranean Insider

Rome, Italy

How to see Rome’s 10 most famous sights with fresh eyes

The Mediterranean • See & do • How to see Rome’s 10 most famous sights with fresh eyes

An insider’s guide to the must-see sights in Rome

Rome doesn’t need an introduction – and yet somehow it’s still easy to miss the point of it. You land, you queue, you stare at something ancient behind a phone screen and before you know it, you’ve seen world-famous sights but barely taken any of it in. It’s not your fault. The Eternal City is buzzing and overloaded with history. It can be hard to slow down. This guide isn’t about skipping the big stuff – it’s about actually seeing it. Rome’s big hitters draw massive crowds for a reason — they’re spectacular. But seeing them with fresh eyes means looking for different angles, quieter moments and unexpected layers. Here’s how to do just that at each spot.

Top photography courtesy of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Colosseum

The Colosseum is an incredible example of just how advanced Roman engineering and architecture really were – even by today’s standards. Unlike earlier amphitheatres built into hillsides, the Colosseum is a freestanding structure made of stone, concrete and tuff, showcasing the Romans’ innovative use of materials and design. One of the Colosseum’s most intriguing features is its underground complex, the hypogeum, which has recently been opened to the public after extensive renovations. Avoid the queues and head in with an early-access tour that includes the underground tunnels and top tiers – both are off-limits with a standard ticket. For a different perspective, walk over to Parco del Colle Oppio, just across the street, for a panoramic (and peaceful) view. And if you’re into the backstory, don’t miss the Ludus Magnus ruins nearby – this was the gladiators’ training school.

Colosseum
Piazza del Colosseo 1
Roma
Italy

St Peter’s Basilica & Apostolic Palace

St Peter’s Basilica, located within Vatican City, is one of the most significant religious structures in the world. The basilica showcases the work of renowned architects, including Michelangelo, who designed its iconic dome and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who contributed to its grandiose interior and the surrounding St Peter’s Square. Adjacent to the basilica is the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope. This complex includes the Papal Apartments, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Go first thing in the morning or late afternoon – fewer people, better light. Climb the dome for rooftop views that stretch across the Vatican. Down below, the papal grottoes are surprisingly quiet and deeply atmospheric. Inside the basilica, skip the central aisle and explore the smaller chapels on the sides for more intimate details.

St Peter’s Basilica & Apostolic Palace
Piazza San Pietro
Città del Vaticano
Vatican City
Roma
Italy

Vatican City

Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state, spans just 44 hectares and is entirely enclaved within Rome. Despite its size, it holds immense religious, cultural and historical significance as the spiritual and administrative centre of the Roman Catholic Church. You can explore a wealth of art and history within the Vatican Museums, home to masterpieces like the Sistine Chapel ceiling and the Raphael Rooms. The Vatican Gardens are an underrated gem – you’ll need a guided tour to get in, but they’re tranquil and almost crowd-free. Another way to explore this iconic site without the crowds is to book a Friday evening visit to the Vatican Museums when they’re open late (seasonally). For something low-key, stroll through the nearby Borgo Pio quarter – it feels like a secret village hiding in plain sight.

Vatican City
Città del Vaticano
Roma
Italy

Pantheon

The Pantheon, originally constructed between 25 and 27 BC by Marcus Agrippa, was later rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian around 118-125 AD after the original structure was destroyed. What sets the Pantheon apart from other iconic sights is its massive dome, which remains the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome to this day. The oculus at the dome’s centre serves as the building’s sole source of natural light, creating a dynamic interplay of illumination within the interior. The Pantheon’s design has influenced countless structures throughout history, from Renaissance churches to modern government buildings. Stepping inside, one can’t help but feel a sense of awe at the seamless blend of form and function that has stood the test of time. Arrive right at opening or swing by late at night when the piazza quiets down and the building glows. For a different angle, head to the Minerva Roof Garden nearby for a coffee-with-a-view. And don’t miss Santa Maria sopra Minerva just behind the Pantheon – it’s blue-ceilinged, Gothic and often completely overlooked.

Pantheon
Piazza della Rotonda
Roma
Italy

Vittoriano e Palazzo Venezia

The Vittoriano e Palazzo Venezia is a monumental complex in Rome dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy. Adjacent to the Vittoriano is Palazzo Venezia, one of Rome’s oldest Renaissance buildings, constructed between 1455 and 1464. Originally serving as a papal residence, it later became the embassy of the Republic of Venice and, notably, the headquarters of Benito Mussolini. Instead of taking the glass elevator to the top straight away, start with the steps behind the monument – they’re free and offer some great vantage points. The attached Palazzo Venezia is usually skipped, but is worth wandering for its hidden courtyards and surprisingly calm museum. Sunset from the top terrace (Terrazza delle Quadrighe) is also a great way to take in the scenery and atmosphere.

Vittoriano e Palazzo Venezia
Via del Plebiscito 118
Roma
Italy

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain, completed in 1762, is Rome’s largest Baroque fountain. Designed by Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini, the fountain is built against the backdrop of the Palazzo Poli, featuring a central figure of Oceanus flanked by allegorical statues representing Abundance and Health. A popular tradition involves tossing a coin over one’s left shoulder into the fountain, ensuring a return to Rome. This practice results in approximately €1.4 million collected annually, which is donated to Caritas, a Catholic charity supporting various social programmes. Visiting Trevi Fountain is a case of timing – aim for sunrise or go around midnight. Both times offer quiet and a completely different atmosphere, but still give you the opportunity to snap that photo for Instagram.

Trevi Fountain
Piazza di Trevi
Roma
Italy

Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo, originally commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in 123 AD as a mausoleum for himself and his family, has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries. A cool legend associated with the castle involves a vision of the Archangel Michael sheathing his sword atop the mausoleum, signalling the end of a plague in 590 AD. This event led to the structure’s current name, Castel Sant’Angelo. The castle’s cylindrical design and strategic location along the Tiber River also offer panoramic views of Rome. Late afternoons are golden here, literally. The light’s perfect and the crowds are thin. Head up to the terrace café – it’s quiet and the views are some of the best in town. If you time it right, you can also walk part of the passetto di Borgo, the old papal escape route linking the Vatican and the castle.

Castel Sant’Angelo
Lungotevere Castello 50
Roma
Italy

Galleria Borghese

The Galleria Borghese, located within the Villa Borghese gardens, was established in the early 17th century by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V. An avid art collector, Scipione commissioned the villa to house his extensive collection of paintings, sculptures and antiquities. The gallery boasts masterpieces by renowned artists such as Bernini, Caravaggio and Raphael. Notable works include Bernini’s dynamic sculptures Apollo and Daphne and The Rape of Proserpina, as well as Caravaggio’s Boy with a Basket of Fruit. You’ll need to book ahead anyway, so choose a weekday slot for the quietest experience. Don’t rush – each room is a scene in itself. And while you’re there, spend time in the surrounding Villa Borghese park. You can rent a bike, grab a gelato and explore fountains, sculptures and leafy corners without the crowds.

Galleria Borghese
Piazzale Scipione Borghese 5
Roma
Italy

Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps will always remain an iconic symbol of Rome. Constructed between 1723 and 1725, these steps were built to connect the Piazza di Spagna at the base to the Trinità dei Monti church above. Designed by Francesco de Sanctis and funded by a French diplomat’s bequest, the 135-step staircase was intended to symbolise the peace between France and Spain. Over the centuries, the steps have become a popular gathering place for artists, poets and tourists. The English poet John Keats resided in a house adjacent to the steps, which now serves as a museum dedicated to his life and work – make some time to pop in there. Go at dawn or after dark. The main staircase is off-limits for sitting these days, but the atmosphere still shifts completely once the daytime crowds disappear and at dawn, you can capture beautiful photos of the architect with the morning glow.

Spanish Steps
Piazza di Spagna
Roma
Italy

Maxxi Rome

The Maxxi (National Museum of 21st Century Arts) in Rome represents a bold departure from the city’s ancient architectural landscape. Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, the museum was inaugurated in 2010 and stands as Italy’s first national institution dedicated to contemporary art and architecture. While the interior is filled with beautiful art, well worth exploring, don’t miss out on admiring the building itself. It’s a masterpiece of modern design, defined by fluid lines, dynamic spaces, and an innovative use of concrete and glass. Hadid’s vision was to create a structure that reflects the complexities and dynamism of contemporary culture. Maxxi is already off the beaten path, but go on a weekday midday for maximum breathing room and while in the area, explore the Flaminio district for more modernist architecture, including the 1960s Palazzetto dello Sport.