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The Mediterranean Insider

Rome, Italy

The 20 best design-forward things to see and do in Rome

The Mediterranean • See & do • The 20 best design-forward things to see and do in Rome

An insider’s guide to unmissable things to see and do in Rome

Rome is a city where every corner whispers stories from centuries past. Beyond the iconic landmarks, it offers an extraordinary blend of art, history and culture that invites you to wander through timeless streets. From ancient monuments to hidden galleries, the city unfolds with treasures waiting to be discovered. Our guide will navigate you through some of our favourites in Rome, unveiling unique spots, cultural experiences and awe-inspiring views. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply seeking a memorable adventure, this guide is your key to unlocking Rome’s vibrant soul and its captivating charm.

Pantheon

After visiting Rome countless times, we’re still spellbound by the Pantheon’s oculus – something about that huge, open eye to the sky just pulls you in. It’s always the first stop on our list, and the best part? It’s still free. But let’s be real: it’s a madhouse if you go at peak times. To skip the masses and avoid queuing, head there as soon as it opens or just before closing. Fun fact: that oculus isn’t just for show – it’s the Pantheon’s only light source, creating a constantly shifting play of light inside. The dome itself is an engineering feat, still the largest unreinforced concrete dome ever built. Despite being nearly 2,000 years old, it’s a design lover’s dream.

Pantheon
Piazza della Rotonda
Rome
Italy

Galleria Borghese

Galleria Borghese, housed in a 17th-century villa designed by architect Flaminio Ponzio, is one of Rome’s most refined art museums. Originally built as a pleasure retreat for Cardinal Scipione Borghese, the villa is a masterpiece of Baroque design, with marble floors, frescoed ceilings and lavish stucco details that reflect the cardinal’s passion for art and beauty. Inside, the collection is a feast for art lovers. Bernini’s sculptures, like Apollo and Daphne and The Rape of Proserpina, are breathtaking, their lifelike detail almost defying belief. Caravaggio and Raphael’s paintings add to the sense of walking through an artistic paradise, each room perfectly lit and intimate.

Galleria Borghese
Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5
Rome
Italy

Photography courtesy of Galleria Borghese

Villa Medici

We love a good juxtaposition between old and new, and French designer India Mahdavi is doing just that at Villa Medici. Originally built in 1544 by Cardinal Giovanni Ricci, this Renaissance villa became the French Academy in Rome in 1803, hosting artists and scholars for over two centuries. Mahdavi’s redesign is infusing the historic interiors with bold colors and contemporary design while preserving its artistic legacy. The villa’s gardens, among the oldest in Rome, still feature ancient sculptures and fountains. Inside, Mahdavi’s work respects the original architecture – think coffered ceilings and grand frescoes – while adding fresh textures and vibrant palettes. It’s a remarkable blend of French innovation and Italian history, making Villa Medici’s evolution a standout in Rome.

Villa Medici
Viale della Trinità dei Monti, 1
Rome
Italy

Photography courtesy of Villa Medici

Colosseum

The Colosseum, Rome’s most famous landmark, is a marvel of ancient engineering and Roman spectacle. Built between AD 72 and 80 under the Flavian emperors, it was designed to host everything from gladiatorial combat to staged sea battles. Walking through its arches and into the vast arena, you feel history come alive. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit—fewer crowds, softer light. For a fun twist, why not circle the Colosseum on a Vespa, channeling the spirit of Roman Holiday? Even from the outside, it’s breathtaking. The travertine stone structure, once alive with 50,000 spectators, still stands as a grand testament to Rome’s ambition and artistry.

Colosseum
Piazza del Colosseo, 1
Rome
Italy

Photography courtesy of Colosseum

Maxxi

Maxxi, Rome’s National Museum of 21st Century Arts, is an architectural masterpiece designed by the legendary Zaha Hadid. Opened in 2010, the sleek, futuristic building features flowing lines and light-filled spaces that stand in striking contrast to Rome’s ancient monuments. Its captivating contemporary art and architecture exhibitions showcase a bold blend of Italian and international talent. The museum’s design reflects Hadid’s signature fluidity, with its winding staircases and open galleries inviting us to explore every corner. Maxxi offers a perfect escape into modern creativity in the midst of Rome’s historic landscape.

Maxxi
Via Guido Reni, 4a
Rome
Italy

Photography courtesy of Maxxi

Quartiere Coppedè

Quartiere Coppedè is one of Rome’s most enchanting and eccentric districts, designed by architect Gino Coppedè between 1915 and 1927. A mix of Art Nouveau, Baroque and medieval influences, this neighbourhood feels like stepping into a whimsical fantasy world. Walking through its monumental entrance arch, we were immediately struck by the surreal blend of architectural styles, with elaborate frescoes, wrought iron details and mythical creatures adorning the facades. The Fontana delle Rane (Fountain of Frogs) at Piazza Mincio is a quirky centrepiece, rumoured to have hosted The Beatles for a late-night dip. The area’s theatrical beauty and its unexpected mix of styles create an atmosphere that is both elegant and playful.

Quartiere Coppedè
Piazza Mincio
Rome
Italy

Galleria Sciarra

Galleria Sciarra, hidden in the heart of Rome, is a striking 19th-century passageway designed by architect Giulio De Angelis. Originally part of Prince Maffeo Sciarra’s private palace, this courtyard was intended as an elegant shopping arcade. Today, it serves as a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle, with its stunning Art Nouveau frescoes by Giuseppe Cellini still captivating visitors. These frescoes, depicting feminine virtues like fidelity and modesty, wrap the walls and ceilings in soft pastel tones, illuminated by a beautiful glass roof. Now mainly used as an office space, Galleria Sciarra remains a serene spot for those seeking a quiet moment amidst Rome’s rich architectural history.

Galleria Sciarra
Via Marco Minghetti, 10
Rome
Italy

Photography courtesy of Galleria Sciarra

Eur

Eur, Rome’s Fascist-era district, is a striking example of rationalist architecture, conceived by Mussolini in the late 1930s for the 1942 World’s Fair, which never took place due to the war. Walking through its wide avenues and monumental squares, we are always captivated by the austere grandeur of its stark, geometric buildings. Architect Marcello Piacentini envisioned a modern city reflecting Roman Imperial ideals, blending neoclassicism with modernism. The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, also known as the Square Colosseum, is Eur’s most iconic building, with its repetitive arches paying homage to ancient Rome. Today, Eur is a business and residential area, but its striking architecture offers a fascinating glimpse into Italy’s 20th-century ambitions.

Eur
Esposizione Universale di Roma
Rome
Italy

Photography courtesy of Eur

Vatican City

Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state, is a treasure trove of art, history and spirituality. When walking through St Peter’s Square, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century, the grandeur of its colonnades makes an immediate impact. St Peter’s Basilica, with its vast dome by Michelangelo, is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Inside (after patiently queuing, at least in high season!), you will be mesmerised by the intricate mosaics and sculptures, including Michelangelo’s Pietà. The Vatican Museums showcase the finest works, culminating in the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, with its ceiling frescoes by Michelangelo. You will most likely spot members of the Swiss Guard, with their colourful uniforms designed in the 16th century, protecting the Vatican’s rich heritage to this day.

Vatican City
Rome
Italy

Photography courtesy of Vatican City

Musei Capitolini Centrale Montemartini

Housed in a former power plant, this museum offers a striking blend of ancient and industrial Rome. The contrast between classical sculptures and the mechanical backdrop of early 20th-century turbines creates a unique atmosphere. Originally intended as a temporary exhibition, the display became permanent due to the captivating juxtaposition of Roman art and machinery. The Venus of Cyrene and its elegance emphasised against the looming generators is truly striking. The industrial decor, with steel and iron structures, heightens the beauty of the marble works. This unexpected fusion of past and modernity makes Centrale Montemartini one of Rome’s most intriguing and unforgettable museum experiences.

Musei Capitolini Centrale Montemartini
Via Ostiense, 106
Rome
Italy

Photography courtesy of Musei Capitolini Centrale Montemartini

Palazzo delle Esposizioni

Designed by architect Pio Piacentini in 1883, Palazzo delle Esposizion s one of Rome’s grandest cultural venues. Walking through its neoclassical facade and into its vast, light-filled halls, its impressive scale and elegance is striking. This exhibition space hosts a diverse range of temporary art, film and photography shows, offering something fresh with every visit. Its high ceilings and crisp, minimalist interiors create the perfect backdrop for contemporary works, while the historic architecture adds a layer of grandeur. One fun fact: the building was Rome’s first public space with electric lighting. Today, it continues to be a hub for art lovers, blending Rome’s history with cutting-edge creativity.

Palazzo delle Esposizioni
Via Nazionale, 194
Rome
Italy

Photography courtesy of Palazzo delle Esposizioni

Gnam

Casa Broner, designed by German architect and painter Erwin Broner in 1960, is located in Ibiza’s Sa Penya neighbourhood. This modernist house served as Broner’s residence and studio, blending Bauhaus principles with local Ibizan design. The two-story house includes original furniture, paintings and drawings by Broner, maximising light and space within its 80-square-metre footprint. Partly cantilevered over a cliff, it offers stunning views of the sea and Formentera. Declared a Cultural Interest in 2000, Casa Broner showcases the harmonious integration of modernist and traditional architecture.

Gnam
Viale delle Belle Arti, 131
Rome
Italy

Photography courtesy of Gnam

Macro

Macro, Rome’s Museum of Contemporary Art, is housed in a converted 1920s Peroni brewery. The building was redesigned by French architect Odile Decq, whose bold use of glass, steel and striking red walkways creates an immersive space that feels alive with innovation. We love the dynamic mix of cutting-edge contemporary art, including immersive installations, photography and video art. The museum’s open layout encourages exploration and the juxtaposition of the raw industrial decor with avant-garde pieces adds to the experience.

Macro
Via Nizza, 138
Rome
Italy

Photography courtesy of Macro

Gallerie Nazionali Barberini Corsini

Gallerie Nazionali Barberini Corsini
Carretera Jesús, 0, Km 3
Rome
Italy

Photography courtesy of Gallerie Nazionali Barberini Corsini

Via Appia Antica

Via Appia Antica, built in 312 BC, is one of Rome’s oldest and most important roads, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely bike ride through centuries of history. Starting at Porta San Sebastiano, pedal about 10 kilometres along the ancient cobblestones, passing ruins, tombs and the ubiquitous tall cypress trees. This road once connected Rome to the southern reaches of the empire, serving as a vital trade route. Now, it offers a quiet escape from the city, with landmarks like the 1st-century BC Tomb of Cecilia Metella along the way. Exploring by bike allows you to cover more ground, and the tranquillity contrasts beautifully with Rome’s bustling centre.

Via Appia Antica
Rome
Italy

Photography courtesy of Via Appia Antica

Ara Pacis Museum

We love the stunning blend of ancient history and modern architecture of the Ara Pacis Museum. Designed by Richard Meier in 2006, the sleek, minimalist building showcases the Ara Pacis, a 1st-century BC altar commissioned by Emperor Augustus to symbolise peace. The airy, light-filled space showcases a stark but beautiful contrast between the crisp white marble of the altar and the contemporary glass and concrete structure surrounding it. The detailed reliefs depicting Roman figures and scenes of prosperity are breathtaking up close. The intriguing museum’s digital reconstructions offer a vivid glimpse of the altar’s original colours and context in ancient Rome.

Ara Pacis Museum
Lungotevere in Augusta
Rome
Italy

Photography courtesy of Ara Pacis Museum

Fondazione Giuliani

Fondazione Giuliani is a hidden gem for contemporary art lovers, located in Rome’s industrial Ostiense district. Established in 2010 by Giovanni and Valeria Giuliani, this private foundation showcases experimental and cutting-edge works from both Italian and international artists. The minimalist, industrial-style space provides a raw backdrop that perfectly complements the bold and often thought-provoking exhibitions. The mix of multimedia installations, sculptures and conceptual art makes for an immersive experience. One of the most exciting aspects of Fondazione Giuliani is its rotating programme, meaning there’s always something fresh and challenging to see.

Fondazione Giuliani
Via Gustavo Bianchi, 1
Rome
Italy

Photography courtesy of Fondazione Giuliani

Rinascente

The Romans take their shopping seriously, and Rinascente in Piazza Fiume is proof of that. Recently reimagined by designers Frederik De Wachter and Alberto Artesani of DWA, the iconic department store has undergone a bold transformation. Originally designed in 1961 by Franco Albini and Franca Helg, the building’s redesign has been led by architect Ippolito Pestellini Laparelli’s Studio 2050. The fourth floor, which opened in summer 2021, offers a beautiful blend of old and new, with brick-red ceilings and mint-green display elements that subtly contrast each other. The design beautifully balances the store’s historical architecture with modern elegance, so definitely worth a visit for both retail therapy and architectural beauty in one go!

Rinascente
Piazza Fiume
Rome
Italy

Photography courtesy of Rinascente

Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini

A visit to Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini is a must if you’re up for a fascinating journey into ancient Rome through the ruins of two luxurious Roman villas discovered beneath the 16th-century palazzo. As you walk through the site, the cutting-edge multimedia displays bring the past to life, projecting vivid reconstructions of mosaics, frescoes and everyday Roman life. Built during the imperial period, the domus showcases intricate floor designs and lavish decor, giving us a glimpse into the opulence of Roman aristocracy. What makes the experience so engaging is how modern technology enhances the ancient surroundings, allowing us to see how these homes once looked.

Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini
Foro Traiano, 85
Rome
Italy

Photography courtesy of Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj is one of Rome’s grandest private palaces, still owned by the aristocratic Doria Pamphilj family but open to the public for visits. Wandering through its lavish halls, a few ooh’s and aah’s will likely be uttered gazing at the sheer opulence of the decor, with gilded ceilings, chandeliers and sumptuous tapestries adorning every room. The palace is home to an extraordinary private art collection, including masterpieces by Caravaggio, Velázquez and Titian. The Velázquez portrait of Pope Innocent X, a Pamphilj ancestor, is a true highlight. Each room feels like stepping into a different chapter of Roman history and the intimate atmosphere, far from the crowds, makes it feel like we’re experiencing something exclusive and personal.