Map of Rome - Interactive or PDF to download

Transportation & tourist maps of Rome

Rome is a beautiful city full of history and culture. Around every corner you'll come across architectural and art treasures. There is so much to see and do it's sometimes hard to know where to start, and how to get the most out of your trip.

Spend a few minutes planning your time in this eternal city to get the most out of its attractions. Don't forget to leave yourself some time for relaxing over a cup of coffee and enjoying al-fresco dining on the flavors of Italy.

1. The Colosseum

The Colosseum must be one of the city's most thrilling sights. As you stare in awe at it, try and imagine it clad in Travertine stone and marble and supporting a huge canvas awning designed to keep the sun off 50,000 spectators.

In its cavernous underground world, gladiators lived and trained and wild animals were caged ready to be raised up to the crowds in pulley-operated lifts.

Its inaugural games were in 80 AD, when 50,000 animals were slaughtered over 100 days. Abandoned in the 5th century, it was later used as a fortress and its precious Travertine stone and marble stripped to decorate many of Rome's palaces.

2. The Roman Forum

Leave yourself at least a couple of hours to explore the sprawl of ruins that cover the site of the Roman Forum. Building started on the site of an Etruscan burial ground in the 7th century BC, becoming the magnificent central showpiece of the ancient city.

The area was home to temples, public spaces, baths and basilicas and with the help of informative maps and information boards you can still make out the outlines of important buildings and streets, such as the Via Sacra, the Forum's main road and the spot where Julius Caesar was cremated, the Tempio del Divo Giulio.

3. St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica is at the heart of the Vatican City, and is the most spectacular and richest of Italy's churches. St. Peter's is full of beautiful works of art, including La Pietà, Michelangelo's evocative sculpture of Mary and Jesus.

The church took 120 years to construct, eventually being consecrated in 1626. Be prepared to queue to get in and follow the strict dress code of this Catholic place of worship. No mini-dresses, shorts or bare shoulders are allowed in.

4. Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

Also in the Vatican City are a collection of museums containing some of the world's greatest art works. On show are Etruscan bronzes and Egyptian mummies, frescoes by Raphael and works by Caravaggio and Leonardo da Vinci.

Part of the museum complex contains the Sistine Chapel, or Capella Sistina, where one of the world's most iconic ceilings can be viewed. It is well worth being patient to get a glimpse of this fresco which took took Michelangelo four years to complete, working from a scaffold in a cramped and narrow space.

5. The Trevi Fountain

The eternal city is full of imposing and playful statues, but the Trevi Fountain is probably one of the most iconic. This fountain is known around the world for Anita Ekberg's dip in the film, La Dolce Vita.

Recently restored, this water feature is an over-the-top collection of baroque mythical figures and wild horses. Tradition states that throwing a coin into the fountain will ensure your return to the city. As an average of 3,000 € a day is tossed into its waters, it is apparent many people hope this is true.

6. The Pantheon

This is one of the oldest and most influential buildings in the Western world, having stood for over 2,000 years. Its magnificent bronze, gilded and painted interior belies the rather drab and pock-marked exterior it shows to the world.

The Pantheon has the largest un-reinforced concrete dome ever built in the world. The Pantheon's massive dimensions are perfectly symmetrical, while its most fascinating feature is a central hole, of nearly 9 meters, in the dome.

Symbolically this connects the temple to the gods, but in reality spreads the load of the concrete roof. The interior marble floor is sloped to allow rainwater to drain away without causing damage.

7. Piazza Navona

This ornate square was for many centuries the site of the city's main market. It is still a popular place for street artists and hawkers to entertain tourists while they relax at a street cafe.

The Piazza is surrounded by old baroque palaces and dominated by Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers - the rivers Nile, Ganges, Danube and Plate.

8. Villa and Galleria Borghese

This outstanding gallery contains one of the best private art collections in the world, with stunning works by Raphael, Titian, Bernini and Caravaggio.

The collection was put together in the late 16th century by one of the most ruthless art collectors of all times, Cardinal Scipione Borghese.

If you only have time to visit one gallery in the city, then it should be this one. Tickets need to be pre-booked and you will be given a two-hour slot.

9. The Spanish Steps

Nearly every visitor has their photo taken on the Spanish Steps. Built in 1727, they wind their way up from the Piazza di Spagna to the French church, Chiesa della Trinita dei Monti.

At the foot of the steps is an intriguing fountain, the Barcaccia, also known as the 'sinking boat' fountain.

Taking a seat on the Spanish Steps for a while is a great way to rest your legs and people-watch.

10. Castel St. Angelo

This grim and imposing circular palace near the Vatican was built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian.

Over the centuries it has also been a prison, a papal residence and a place of refuge for popes in times of trouble, being linked to the Vatican City by an underground passage.

Visit its museum and then have a coffee on the ramparts, a great way to view the city.