Attractions in Rome are some of the most visited and iconic in the entire world. Rome is one of the greatest cities on earth and the sheer number of world-class attractions can feel overwhelming when you first arrive. The Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, the Pantheon each one alone would be the highlight of most cities, but in Rome they’re all within a few kilometres of each other.
The key to making the most of Rome’s attractions is simple: book your tickets in advance. Skip-the-queue tickets save you hours of waiting and guarantee entry to the most popular sites, which regularly sell out days or weeks ahead during peak season. Visiting attractions in Rome is the highlight of any Italian holiday.
Here are the best attractions in Rome with skip-the-queue tickets and tours available for 2026.
Best Attractions in Rome — Book Your Tickets
The attractions in Rome listed here all offer skip the queue tickets.
These attractions in Rome are the most visited sites in Italy.
Plan your attractions in Rome visit early for the best experience.
🏛️ Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
The Colosseum is the most iconic symbol of Rome and one of the most visited monuments in the world. Built nearly 2,000 years ago, this extraordinary amphitheatre once held up to 80,000 spectators for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. Combined with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill — the heart of ancient Rome — this is an unmissable experience for any visitor to the city.
Book in advance — this sells out weeks ahead in summer!
- 💶 From: €18 per adult.
- ⏱️ Duration: 2-3 hours.
- ✅ Includes Roman Forum + Palatine Hill.
⛪ Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
The Vatican Museums contain one of the greatest art collections in human history — and the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling frescoes, is simply one of the most extraordinary rooms anywhere in the world. Skip-the-queue tickets are essential here — without them you can face waits of 2-3 hours even with a pre-booked ticket.
- 💶 From: €25 per adult.
- ⏱️ Duration: 3-4 hours.
- ✅ Includes Sistine Chapel.
⛪ St. Peter’s Basilica
⛪ St. Peter’s BasilicaThe largest church in the world and the spiritual heart of the Catholic faith, St. Peter’s Basilica is a magnificent and deeply moving experience. The basilica itself is free to enter — but book a dome climb ticket in advance to enjoy one of the finest views of Rome from the top.
- 💶 Basilica: Free entry.
- 💶 Dome climb: From €8.
- ⏱️ Duration: 1-2 hours.
- ✅ Skip the queue available.
🏰 Castel Sant’Angelo
Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant’Angelo has served as a fortress, a papal residence and a prison over its 2,000-year history. Today it offers some of the finest views of Rome and the River Tiber from its terrace — and a fascinating journey through centuries of Roman history inside.
- 💶 From: €16 per adult.
- ⏱️ Duration: 1-2 hours.
- ✅ River Tiber views included.
🎨 Borghese Gallery
One of the finest art museums in Italy — and one of the most intimate. The Borghese Gallery houses an extraordinary collection of Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings in a beautiful villa surrounded by Rome’s most elegant park. Entry is strictly limited to timed sessions so booking in advance is absolutely essential.
- 💶 From: €16 per adult + €2 reservation fee.
- ⏱️ Duration: 2 hours (strictly timed).
- ⚠️ Sells out 3-4 weeks ahead in peak season!.
🏛️ Palazzo Barberini
One of Rome’s finest baroque palaces, Palazzo Barberini houses the National Gallery of Ancient Art — including works by Raphael, Caravaggio and Holbein. Less visited than the Vatican or Borghese Gallery, this is a wonderful choice for art lovers who want to avoid the biggest crowds.
- 💶 From: €12 per adult.
- ⏱️ Duration: 1-2 hours.
- ✅ Less crowded than other Rome museums.
🗺️ Rome Self-Guided Audio Tour
Explore Rome at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour that brings the city’s history and stories to life. Perfect for independent travellers who want the knowledge of a guided tour with the freedom to stop wherever they like.
- 💶 From: €12 per person.
- ⏱️ Duration: Flexible — your own pace.
- ✅ Available in multiple languages.
🚗 Fiumicino Airport Transfer
Start your Rome trip the smart way with a pre-booked airport transfer from Fiumicino (FCO) to the city centre. Avoid the stress of navigating public transport with heavy luggage and arrive at your hotel relaxed and on time.
- 💶 From: €35 per vehicle.
- ⏱️ Duration: 45-60 minutes.
- ✅ Private transfer — no sharing.
🎫 Rome Tourist Card
The best value option for visitors planning to see multiple attractions — the Rome Tourist Card gives you access to several of Rome’s top museums and sites at a discounted combined price. Perfect for visitors staying 2-3 days who want to make the most of their time in the city.
- 💶 48hr card: From €33.
- 💶 72hr card: From €53.
- ✅ Includes unlimited public transport.
- ✅ Skip the queue at major attractions.
Tips for Visiting Rome’s Attractions
- Book everything in advance.Booking attractions in Rome in advance is essential during peak season. Rome’s most popular attractions sell out weeks ahead in summer. Always book tickets before you arrive — never rely on buying at the door.
- Start early.Visit the Colosseum or Vatican at opening time (usually 9am) to beat the crowds. By midday queues and heat make the experience much less enjoyable.
- First Sunday of the month is free.Italian state museums including the Colosseum offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month. Plan around this and save €18+ per person!.
- Dress code for churches.Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter St. Peter’s Basilica and other churches. Carry a light scarf in your bag just in case.
Plan Your Complete Rome Trip
Attractions are just one part of planning a great Rome trip. Use our guides below to plan everything: