Setting off on a journey to Rome means setting off on a journey through history, culture, and art. This ancient city, soaked in history and overflowing with impressive buildings, offers a bunch of places you absolutely should visit that call out to every traveler looking for an unforgettable experience. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning your vacation during the lively holidays of the year or any other time, Rome’s timeless charm and fascinating tourist spots are prepared to delight you. From the famous Colosseum that stands as proof of the magnificence of the past to the lovely narrow streets of Trastevere that hold the mysteries of local life, every part of Rome has a tale to tell. Come along with us as we take a virtual tour of the eternal city’s most delightful spots, each a part of the captivating story that is Rome.

Quick Information	Recommendations
Best Time to Visit for Families and Kids	Ideal for families and kids, visit Rome during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October) when the weather is mild, and attractions are less crowded.
Best Time to Visit for Avoiding Crowds	To avoid crowds, consider visiting Rome in the winter months (November to February), excluding major holidays.
When to Visit on a Budget	Plan a budget-friendly trip during the winter months (November to February) when accommodation prices are lower, and tourist attractions may be less crowded.
When to Visit for Good Weather	Experience pleasant weather by visiting Rome during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October).
Travel Options	Explore Rome using various travel options, including walking, biking, an extensive bus network, metro, taxis, and car rentals.
Health and safety measures	Stay informed about health and safety measures through the official website of the Italian Ministry of Health.
Cultural events and festivals	Discover cultural events and festivals on the official tourism website of Rome.
Visa and entry requirements	Check visa and entry requirements on the official website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Language Compatibility	While Italian is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learn basic Italian phrases for a more immersive experience through language resources like Duolingo.
Accommodation options	Explore accommodation options on the official tourism website of Rome.
Popular Local cuisine	Indulge in authentic Roman cuisine, including pasta dishes like cacio e pepe and carbonara, along with traditional Roman-style pizza.
Transportation accessibility	Plan your transportation using ATAC, the official website for public transport in Rome.
Currency Exchange and Financial Services	Find currency exchange services and ATMs at major banks and airports. Check the Bank of Italy for more information.
Local Etiquette and Customs	Familiarize yourself with local etiquette and customs through resources like Culture Trip.

1. Colosseum

The Colosseum is like a symbol of how amazing ancient Rome was. It’s one of those places you really should check out, especially when it’s holiday time. This huge arena used to be where they had big shows and fights between gladiators. People think it’s super important in history and really well-designed, so lots of tourists come to see it all year.

During special times like holidays, the Colosseum lets you peek into the past like nothing else. When the sun shines on its old stones, it feels like time has stopped. The huge, amazing structure becomes even more magical with all the holiday decorations and the happy holiday vibes.

People can explore the detailed underground rooms where fighters and animals waited for their turn in the arena. The actual arena where epic battles happened has stories of bravery from ancient times. If you go up higher, you can see amazing views that show both the old ruins and the modern city together.

Sometimes during the holidays, there are tours that take you through the Colosseum’s history and make its stories come alive. With holiday lights on it, the Colosseum mixes history and celebration perfectly, making it a super memorable place to visit in Rome’s charming list of attractions.

2. The Roman Forum

The Roman Forum, an interesting old place right next to the Colosseum in Rome, shows how important the city’s history and culture are. This place you really should go to becomes even more special during holidays, which makes a lot of people want to visit.

Long ago, the Forum was the busy center of ancient Rome. Now it’s got a bunch of old stuff that tells a clear story about how the city used to be. When holidays come around, the place gets a unique feeling that brings history to life. People can really feel what it was like back then.

Some of the cool things in the Roman Forum are the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus, and the famous Curia Julia, where the Roman Senate used to meet up. Walking around the old paths, you can picture the big temples, important buildings, and lively markets that used to be here.

Adding a visit to the Roman Forum in your holiday plans gives you something to remember. While you look at the old Roman buildings and imagine how things were back in the day, you’ll start to like the city’s history even more. The Roman Forum mixes exploring history with holiday cheer, so it’s a great place for tourists who want to see Rome’s past during the holidays.

3. The Pantheon

The Pantheon is like a super important example of buildings from ancient Rome. It’s all fancy and amazing, showing how much history and art stuff happened in the city. When it’s holiday time, lots of tourists in Rome love to look at it because it’s so interesting. The Pantheon is an old temple that was made for gods back in the day. What’s really cool is its super special roof that has a hole to let sunlight come in. Inside, it’s really big and fancy. People all around the world think the Pantheon is awesome because it’s built so perfectly and smartly.

The Pantheon is a must-see spot for holidays at different times of the year. It has a special atmosphere that mixes the weight of history with the happy feeling of celebrations. People who come here can enjoy how the light and dark areas inside play together. And on special days, they can see the sunlight come in through the round opening, making a really lovely scene. The way the building is designed and how it connects the past to now makes the Pantheon a really amazing place to visit.

When you include a visit to the Pantheon during your holiday plans, you’re in for a treat that shows off Rome’s great architecture and culture. Its timeless charm, especially when it’s all festive, shows why the Pantheon is such an important part of Rome’s many interesting places to visit.

4. Vatican City

The little city of Vatican, kind of like a mini-country inside Rome, is a really interesting place to check out, especially during special times like holidays. One spot you absolutely shouldn’t miss is St. Peter’s Basilica, a super impressive building and the biggest church anywhere. Inside, you can see this famous statue called Pietà that Michelangelo made, and also just gaze at the really fancy insides.

The Vatican Museums are like a hidden treasure of art, holding a bunch of really amazing artwork from different times. The Sistine Chapel, which is part of these museums, is seriously mind-blowing. It’s got these incredible paintings Michelangelo did on the ceiling, including the one where Adam and God’s fingers almost touch.

When it’s holiday season, like Christmas and Easter, St. Peter’s Square becomes the main spot for celebrating. On Christmas Eve, there’s this big Mass that happens there, and on Easter Sunday, the Pope gives a special blessing called Urbi et Orbi. The square looks really grand and adds to the holiday excitement.

If you visit Vatican City during these times, you get this really cool chance to see how faith and art come together. It’s like history, spirituality, and amazing art all mix in one place. Vatican City is definitely a place you should go to if you like that kind of stuff.

5. Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is like a really amazing artwork from a long time ago. It’s one of the coolest things to see in Rome and it looks even more awesome during holidays. This famous fountain was made by a person named Nicola Salvi, and it’s designed to make people feel impressed and think about important stuff.

When it’s holiday time, like Christmas and New Year’s, the Trevi Fountain gets all dressed up with really fancy stuff, which makes it feel like you’re in a fairy tale. People have a tradition of throwing a coin into the fountain with their right hand over their left shoulder. This is supposed to mean that you’ll come back to Rome someday. Lots of tourists do this because they think it’s a fun thing to do.

The fountain has a lot of little details that you can see best when it’s dark and lights are on. This makes it a perfect place to go for a romantic walk. And guess what? There’s a big, beautiful building called a Palazzo right behind the fountain that makes the whole place look even cooler.

The Trevi Fountain is right in the middle of a bunch of cute cafes and restaurants. This means you can enjoy yummy local food while looking at the awesome fountain. You can also look at the water falling down and the sculptures that show old stories. The reason the Trevi Fountain is so great is not just because it’s old and fancy, but also because it gives you really magical feelings. So, when you’re on a trip to Rome, especially during holidays, don’t miss checking it out. It’s like a must-do thing!

6. Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps, a really charming spot in Rome that many people like, have a super nice setting that gets even more interesting during holidays at different times of the year. These 135 famous fancy steps made in the Baroque style connect the Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church, creating a really pretty scene that attracts visitors all year round.

On holidays that happen at different times of the year, the Spanish Steps come to life with festive decorations and a lively atmosphere. The steps themselves become a main spot for people to get together and have fun, as both local folks and visitors gather around to enjoy the holiday vibes. The sight of the steps all dressed up with lights and decorations is truly enchanting, making it a must-visit place for those who want to feel Rome’s holiday charm.

People visiting can also check out the view from the top of the Spanish Steps, which gives you a wide view of the city. The Trinità dei Monti church adds to the attraction with its really beautiful design and important history.

Whether you’re throwing coins into the Trevi Fountain for good luck, walking around the old streets, or treating yourself to local food, the Spanish Steps perfectly capture the feeling of a Roman holiday. With their seasonal change and timeless beauty, they really show the spirit of celebration and create an unforgettable experience when you come to visit the Eternal City.

7. Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona, a captivating square in Rome, is a must-visit destination, especially during seasonal holidays, as part of the city’s top tourist attractions. Encircled by magnificent Baroque architecture, the square comes alive with festive fervor, creating an enchanting atmosphere that’s hard to resist.

Piazza Navona is a really captivating square in Rome that you absolutely have to check out, especially when it’s holiday time. It’s one of the top places tourists love to visit in the city. The square is surrounded by these amazing old buildings that have a kind of fancy design from a long time ago. And when it’s holiday season, the whole square lights up with a happy and exciting feeling that’s just too hard to resist.

When the holidays come around, Piazza Navona becomes a super busy and fun place. It’s got three really beautiful fountains. One of them, called Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, looks even more amazing when they decorate it all Christmassy. Around the edges of the square, there are lots of people who are really good at making cool things and they’re selling them, like special crafts and gifts that you can take home. Also, there are musicians and people who do tricks on the street, and they make the place feel alive with their performances. It’s like a big show that everyone can enjoy.

The happy and festive feeling gets even better because there are cafes and restaurants that have tables outside on the square. You can take your time and enjoy a nice meal or a warm cup of chocolate while you’re surrounded by all the holiday happiness. The Christmas market is something you shouldn’t miss. They set up these cute little shops with lights and pretty decorations, and they sell all kinds of things, from things that people used to make a long time ago to really tasty treats.

Piazza Navona is extra special during the holidays. With its beautiful old buildings, busy market, and lively performances, it’s a place you have to go when you’re exploring Rome during the holiday season. It shows you exactly what the city’s culture is all about and gives you an experience you won’t forget. It’s like a piece of the happy holiday spirit right in the middle of Rome.

8. Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo, a really old and special place in Rome, is a super interesting spot that has lots of stories in its walls. At first, it was built as a big tomb for Emperor Hadrian. This amazing creation has changed a lot over time and turned into a fort, a place where popes lived, and even a jail.

When it’s holiday time, Castel Sant’Angelo becomes even more magical. The old-timey feel of the castle gets even cooler with holiday decorations and events. Just imagine walking through its really old hallways with holiday lights all around – it feels like you’re in a different time. The castle’s spot next to the Tiber River makes it even more special, especially when you see it reflected in the water under the light of the moon.

Some of the best parts include going up to the castle’s rooftop to see amazing views of Rome. It’s especially cool during the holidays when the city is all lit up. Inside the castle, there’s a bunch of old stuff like paintings and things from the past. They change things up for the holidays and make it all festive.

The mix of history, how the place looks, and the holiday vibes makes Castel Sant’Angelo a must-see during the holidays. Whether you’re into old stories, like cool buildings, or want a different kind of holiday experience, this famous castle gives you a taste of magic and importance that will make your visit unforgettable.

9. Galleria Borghese

The Borghese Gallery is a really cool art gallery located in the beautiful Villa Borghese park. It’s a great place to visit during holidays. This awesome gallery has a bunch of amazing artworks from different times. There are sculptures, paintings, and old things that show the skills of famous artists like Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael.

One of the best parts is Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s impressive sculptures, like “Apollo and Daphne” and “David.” These artworks show how good Bernini was at making marble look like it’s moving and showing feelings. Caravaggio’s painting “Boy with a Basket of Fruit” and Raphael’s painting “Entombment of Christ” are also really cool and hang on the walls of the gallery.

The cozy space of the Borghese Gallery lets you get really close to the art. You can look at all the small details in the sculptures and the bright colors in the paintings. It feels like you’re really a part of the art.

During holidays, the gallery looks even more amazing with fancy decorations inside. Visiting the Borghese Gallery during these times makes the art journey feel even more special. It’s a place you have to see because it’s all about culture, history, and the holiday feeling coming together.

10. Capitoline Hill and Museums

Capitoline Hill, one of Rome’s famous Seven Hills, is like a historical treasure that calls out to people who want to know more about the city’s interesting history. The Capitoline Museums, which sit on top of this hill, are like a treasure chest full of really old art and objects from the past. They’re a place you really should go to if you’re in the city during holidays.

In these museums, there’s a really cool collection that has statues of emperors, characters from myths, and old-style sculptures. Some of the best things are the famous statue of Marcus Aurelius on a horse and the captivating sculpture of a She-wolf that shows the story of Romulus and Remus. The Capitol Museums also let you learn a lot about Roman history through their big variety of old coins, carvings, and old papers.

When holidays come around, Capitoline Hill becomes even more charming because they decorate the museums and the areas around them in a festive way. The amazing views of Rome from the hill’s platform are like a pretty background for holiday pictures. The Museums also have special exhibitions and events that match the holiday theme. It’s like a special mix of history and celebration, which makes it a place where you can learn and have fun during the holidays.

While you’re looking around the Capitoline Museums on Capitoline Hill, it’s not just about old Rome – it’s also about feeling the holiday happiness in a place that brings together history and the present day.

11. Palatine Hill

Palatine Hill is like a special place in Roman history and stories. It’s a really interesting spot that shows what ancient Rome was all about. It’s right in the middle of the city and is super important because people think it’s where Rome was born and where the city started.

When it’s holiday time, lots of tourists want to go to Palatine Hill. From there, you can see the Roman Forum, a big area where Roman life used to happen. It’s in a great spot, so you can see amazing views of really old buildings.

When you walk around Palatine Hill, you can see really old palaces, bits of where important people used to live, and nice gardens that make you feel like you’re in the past with emperors and leaders. This old place gives you a good idea of how ancient Romans lived their everyday lives, how rich they were, and what they wanted.

Palatine Hill is one of the things to see in Rome. It’s a quiet and peaceful place away from the busy city below. It’s full of history and stories about old myths and real events. It’s a cool place for people who want to get into the history of the Roman Empire.

12. Trastevere

Trastevere is a really charming area in Rome. It’s like a little secret spot that calls out to people who want to experience its lovely streets and lively feel. Especially when there are holidays happening, it turns into this really interesting place that people love to visit in the city.

When you walk around the small cobblestone paths in Trastevere, you see these colorful houses covered in pretty flowers. It’s like looking at a beautiful picture. During holidays, the whole area becomes so full of life, and it’s like everyone, both the locals and the tourists, are having a great time together.

There’s this busy square in Trastevere called Piazza di Santa Maria. Right in the middle, there’s this amazing church called Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere. When it’s holiday time, this square hosts lively markets and shows. The church itself is really old and has these detailed pictures made of tiny pieces, showing how important this place is historically and artistically.

In the list of places you’ve got to check out, Trastevere has these old-style Italian restaurants called trattorias. They really want you to try the real Roman flavors. And when you’re there, enjoying the happy atmosphere, you can taste the local dishes and get to know the friendly people in the area.

What makes Trastevere so great is how it mixes old customs with a modern buzz. This makes it a top place to be during holidays. When you explore its classic charm, enjoy the tasty foods, and join in the celebrations, you get a real taste of what Rome is like. It’s an experience you definitely shouldn’t pass up on.

In closing, Rome is a really interesting place to visit with lots of places you should definitely see. This gets even better during holidays that happen at certain times of the year. Rome has a really long and cool history, amazing buildings, and a lively cultural scene that make the whole vibe really charming for people who come to visit. Checking out famous spots like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon isn’t just about seeing old stuff, it’s also like you’re getting a deep tie to the city’s history.