10 Must-see Sites In Rome For First-time Visitors | Italy Travel Guide

[@Romewise]

*👉🏻 Best Tours & Experiences in Rome:* 🏛 Colosseum Underground, Arena & Forum Tour - gyg.me/0QU4PjRf 🏛 Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum Guided Tour - gyg.me/C6wUkJuL 🏺 Capitoline Museums Experience - gyg.me/qzSoWPuR 🏛Pantheon Small-Group Guided Tour with Entry Ticket - gyg.me/O4rfrnRg ✝ Vatican Museums + Saint Peter's Basilica tour - tinyurl.com/a9th8bch ✝ St. Peter's Basilica and Papal Tombs Guided Tour - gyg.me/oxse9Y5p ✝ Pristine Sistine Early Morning Tour - tinyurl.com/pristine-sistine ⛲ Trevi Fountain and Underground Tour - gyg.me/hm30LFam 🛌 FIND ACCOMMODATIONS IN ROME booking.stay22.com/romewise/EqoglrUcTO

[@MsPocahontasbeauty]

I am coming to Rome for the first time and I have watched many videos, BUT your videos are THE MOST informational, detailed, and accurate!!! Thank you so much for the work that you put in making these videos!! I, along with everyone else I am sure, are so grateful to you! I love your passion and work that you put into helping people become more informed to have the best experience possible! Thank you so much!! 😊

[@Romewise]

Wow thank you so much for your kind comments! I'm so glad you enjoy my videos and find them helpful - thanks also for recognizing the work I put into them - I care a lot that I make good videos with accurate, helpful information and I'm glad it shows! ☺☺☺

[@shannondreyer2126]

I absolutely love your videos! They are super informative and your historical knowledge is enviable! My husband and I are travelling to Rome this August. We’ve booked the hotel Della Torre Argentina. Do you know if this is a decent hotel? Wishing you a happy new year!

[@matthewgiuliano7498]

Elyssa is the best! Everything she said is spot on! I watched her videos before my 1st visit and hit the ground running! All of her videos are informative. 👍🏼

[@Romewise]

Thank you so much! So nice of you!

[@ralphcasale9702]

A huge shoutout to Ms. Bernard and to her husband for inspiring others to experience or re-experience so much of Rome, and Italy. Thanks for the must see list. 😊 It easily could be joined with so many other incredible sights: catacombs, countless spectacular churches, other breathtaking works of art, remnants of early Christian Rome, … the tally is virtually endless. Fortunately for us, it hopefully may mean that she and her husband will keep posting more fabulous videos!

[@Romewise]

Thank you so much, Ralph! Yes, you are right, we have lots more videos in the works including talking about more sites to see on a second visit, unusual things to do, and more. We are so grateful to all of you for continuing to follow us! Thank you as always!

[@louisedasilva6046]

Listening to you is like taking a university history course but better. Thank you so much for all the effort you put in to the videos. 😊

[@Romewise]

Wow what a nice compliment! Thank you so much!

[@lilpenny1982]

My Top 10: #1 St Peter's Basillica ⛪️ #2 Sistine Chapel 🖌 #3 Colloseum 🏟 #4 Pantheon 🏛 #5 Trevi Fountain ⛲️ #6 Spanish Steps 🪜 #7 Arch of Constantine / Arch of Titus / Arch of Septimius Severus ⛩️⛩️⛩️ #8 Piazza Navona ⚒️ #9 Palatine Hill 🏤 #10 AC Roma ⚽️

[@kristinak.297]

I’ll visit Italy for the first time next week. Randomly booked flight tickets last night because the weather in Northern Europe was horrible and miserable, hence the irrational decision. But I’m excited and been binge watching your videos. Elyssa, thank you for all the effort you’ve done. I love your informative videos which are easy and pleasant to watch. 🤗❤️

[@Romewise]

Thank you for your lovely comments. I'm glad you enjoy my videos. Have a wonderful visit!

[@JP-eo8xb]

*10/13/24* Hello! We are in Rome now and have found your videos very helpful in planning our trip; so thank you! One thing I would note is that it appears almost all the statues and fountains here in Rome are under construction: Trevi, Piazza Navona, the Palace of Victor Emmanuel, and all the statues on the bridge leading to Castel St. Angelo- all statues of everything listed were covered up (at least partially) for restoration.

[@Romewise]

Thanks a lot for watching. I'm glad you enjoy my content. Many sites in Rome are being restored right now, in anticipation of the Jubilee in 2025. I talk about this here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZTQcmqogN11kLs But this video will be up on my channel way past the time when all these works will be finished, with the exception of Piazza Venezia - so I mentioned Piazza Venezia but not the others because they are all going to be finished soon. Most will be done by the end of the year, and the Angel Bridge is due to be finished by March 2025.

[@Vanloves2travel]

We’ve been to Rome twice and taken in all of these sights but some, such as the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are so massive as to warrant multiple visits. Excellent, informative, video!

[@Romewise]

The Romans say "Non basta una vita" - A lifetime is not enough. I live here, and I agree! So glad you enjoyed the video and that you love Rome and plan to return!

[@antoinexu219]

Visiting the Vatican Museum before opening hours was definitely worth every euro spent. Did the Vatican Museum before open hours tour last year. That was WOW! It was my 4th time visiting the museum and absolutely brought the experience to a very different level

[@Romewise]

I agree - it makes the visit a completely different experience and is very much worth the early wakeup time and the cost of these tours! So glad you got to have that special experience - I think it really makes a difference how you see and enjoy the museums!

[@no-secret-chart]

Your info is really unique. I was telling my husband when we watched this episode that I have learned things from you that I don't hear anywhere else. So, thank you!!! Regarding the Trevi fountain, whatever needs to be done to preserve the experience for both visitors and especially residents.... by all means, I agree with charging a reasonable fee. I also agree with you that the Forum is the heart of Rome! ❤ Thank you again!!

[@Romewise]

Thank you so much for your lovely comments! I am very grateful. I appreciate you taking the time to tell me you learn interesting things from my channel - I work hard to do just that! Yes, right now they are restoring the fountain and perhaps next year there will be a fee to see it up close. I'll be sharing here when there is definitive news about that!

[@heatherqualy9143]

Always enjoy your videos. But fell in love with you when you said the Pantheon is your favourite Roman monument. 😉 Can’t explain it, but I have been infatuated with the Pantheon since I first learned about it in college. I went to Rome last year, and coming up the street behind it, my heart was racing I was so excited to finally be seeing it in person. It did not disappoint!

[@Romewise]

Thank you!! It goes way beyond being my favorite monument in Rome - I, too, am completely in love with it. In fact, I'm currently writing a book about it. There's a lot that many people don't realize, and things that get said on tours that are not quite accurate. Glad you love it, too! I see it often and I get that rush every single time!

[@thenry866]

Amazing information as usual, awesome content

[@Romewise]

Thank you so much!

[@peterjones7673]

Great timing for this content Elyssa as our good friends are coming to Rome for the first time and have asked us what to do. I have told them about your site and will send this to them. They cannot do better than follow your advice. Grazie.

[@Romewise]

Thanks Peter! So grateful for all your support - it also helps a lot that you recommend our websites and KZbin channel to others who might find them helpful! Thank you again!

[@CarolynDawson-pd2gp]

I love your videos, Rome is my favourite city and i hope to visit again next year, my number one site is also The Pantheon, I also think Piazza Del Popolo and the Borghese Gallery and gardens are must see sites.

[@Romewise]

Thanks so much! Yes, I agree Piazza del Popolo, Galleria Borghese and frankly a lot more sites are also musts - I'll be doing more videos like "top 10 sites to see on your second visit" (or if you have more than 3 days in Rome.) Thanks for your suggestions!

[@N.g._]

In rome first time ever, this week ... Love this video!

[@Romewise]

Thank you so much! I hope you have a wonderful visit!

[@shereemckinnon3896]

Loved your list! Managed to visit all of these while in Rome last month with the help of your other videos, although there were features that I missed! All good something to rectify next time. Thank you. ❤

[@Romewise]

Glad you like them! Thanks for letting me know you found my videos helpful!

[@hdibart]

Excellent commentary and list.

[@Romewise]

Thank you kindly!

[@eatcake2024]

You are really the best Elyssa! 🙌 Thanks for all the info😊

[@Romewise]

Thank you so much!

[@hannahconnell-t4i]

Hello my sister in law and I are loving your videos! We are bringing our family to Rome in January. Can you please suggest a great colosseum tour for a family who loves Rome history and wants to spend a good amount of time learning the history of this area. Also a great idea for a video is a tour of filming sites of Roman Holiday. There is not one video of this online. Thank you for all your great videos!

[@Romewise]

Thank you so much for your kind comments. Yes, I highly recommend this small-group tour for the Colosseum for their high quality guides and in-depth yet easy approach to learning the history of the sites: fas.st/t/jexcZN3q And thanks for the idea of making a video about the filming sites of Roman Holiday! It's amazing nobody has done that yet! I'll add it to my list!

[@gmnewlook]

Love the video. I think we have all those sites on our itinerary so far, and also visit the Trastevere neighbourhood, and other spots too. but our itinerary is still a work in progress.

[@Romewise]

Thanks for watching! You didn't say when you are coming but just to inform you, I have a whole video guide to Trastevere in the works. It will be up on this channel within the next 2 months.

[@gmnewlook]

@Romewise early July, will be arriving in Rome from YUL on June 30.

[@Romewise]

@@gmnewlook Have a great visit!

[@gmnewlook]

@Romewise thanks!

[@DenekiLakes]

Great Job

[@Steve-Duh-Rino]

Good Rome intro video. I also like Borghese Park and the Accatolica (sic) Cemetery. I’m reading The Swerve now (on your bookshelf)-fascinating!

[@Romewise]

Thank you! Yes agree both of those are excellent places to visit. I will be doing more of these videos, like top 10 things to do on your second visit to Rome (or if you have more than 3 days.) Yes, isn't The Swerve just fascinating???

[@Steve-Duh-Rino]

@@Romewise Great! The cemetery is like being in a movie set with the Angel of Grief being the dominant figure. Does Max Balletti still sell his artwork on the Piazza Navonna? He mailed me a few pieces years ago

[@Romewise]

@@Steve-Duh-Rino I made a video about Rome's cemeteries (it was during the pandemic so I have a mask on): kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGXTeZqYi9d6kKs I am not sure about the artist you mention but I can tell you that Piazza Navona is full of artists now so perhaps he is there.

[@Steve-Duh-Rino]

@@Romewise OK. Max was one of the many artists selling to the tourist market at the Piazza Navonna. His brother and he collaborated

[@Romewise]

@@Steve-Duh-Rino I see - well I don't know any of them specifically by name....hopefully he is still there and doing well!

[@theheroblob5036]

Hi Elysssa! Firstly, would just like to say that your content is consistently excellent. I was brought up in Rome many, many years ago and only went back for the first time earlier this year! I am intending to go again next year and have have been avidly watching your channel. I have seen another video here on KZbin showing workers constructing an ugly fence around the Trevi Fountain. Do you know if this is intended to be permanent? If it is, it is such a shame... but I guess we have over-tourism to thank for that. At least I still have my childhood memories of an uncrowded Trevi! Best regards 😊😊

[@Romewise]

Thank you so much for your kind comments! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Yes, they are renovating the Trevi Fountain right now. The works should be done by the end of November. The last time they renovated the fountain was in 2015 so it needed some upkeep. However, in 2025 they will be trying a possible new fee to see the fountain up close. This is unrelated to the current maintenance project. It's an idea being floated by the municipal government to try to deal with the large crowds and also people doing things like eating near the fountain and sometimes trying to get in it. This is not a done deal yet and they have not figured out exactly what it would look like, but stay tuned. If and when that happens, I will of course update everyone across my channels!

[@BenjaminAbay]

I have to check those outs when I go for the first time

[@stephaniedecamp2362]

Hello! Your videos have been so helpful and educational. I will be arriving this thursday, are the crowds still extreme this late in the year?

[@Romewise]

Thank you so much! Yes, sorry to tell you but October has always been the busiest month of the year in Rome so brace yourself for large crowds. Plan ahead, and try visiting less popular sites like the ones I talk about in this video. Just be prepared and you'll have a great time!

[@melynbiend760]

Thank you so much for the information. Please support this channel. I just returned from Italy and had a great time due to Romewise. I do not regularly post comments. But this channel provides accurate helpful information. I am so grateful for the information from this channel. I could not have had a great time without this channel. Please support this channel.

[@Romewise]

Wow that's so so nice of you! Thank you for your lovely and generous comments - I appreciate you!

[@Godlvr008]

#11 Lunch with Elyssa and her husband, excellent tips and money and time saving ideas. My fave is Roman Forum which is remarkably intact. You will feel you are there in heyday.

[@Romewise]

Awww that's so nice of you! Thank you as always for all your kind words. Yes, I truly love the Roman Forum (but actually more so the Palatine Hill!)

[@tunnus.123]

Great.

[@Dee-z1d]

Hello there, we are travelling to Italy next April and only have 2 days in Rome. We would really appreciate your walking map you mentioned to first time visitors? As we are arriving from Australia in the late afternoon we wondered what would be the best sites to see in early evening before starting in earnest the next morning? I appreciate there is so much to see and we will never manage everything but the best of the best would really help us. We are 70yrs old and so won’t be power touring but can manage pretty well all the same having travelled through the US and UK plus some of Eastern Europe. Thankyou so much, we love your down to earth experience and advise but I do get a bit lost on what to do as a group of sites to maximise our time while in Rome. Dee and Graeme

[@Romewise]

Thanks for watching my video. I'm glad you found it helpful. While this video lists sites to see, it's not quite a suggested itinerary. However, I have two videos that are itineraries, one for 48 hours and the other for 3 days in Rome: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpqppIWraJl-aaM kzbin.info/www/bejne/morLe5JtrLx2fs0 Both of those videos have maps you can follow. I hope that helps! Have a wonderful visit.

[@tioriccopuravidatrader121]

I'm here now.... Crowne Plaza.... second time here. Headed to Viterbo tommarrow. Was at Pantheon yesterday. I personally think Borghese Gallery the best thing to do... no matter what. Second walking around Rome, like you have said ... Piazza Navone, Pantheon and many other places so close.... just walk around and spend time in the Basilica's and around ancient monuments and ruins. We went with EcoArt tour for the Vatican Museum... thank you for your referral... we enjoyed it.

[@Romewise]

Wonderful! I hope you are having an amazing visit! Yes, I agree, the Galleria Borghese is up there with my favorite things to see and do in Rome. I'll be talking more about it in upcoming videos. So glad to hear you are enjoying Rome right now and not letting the scaffolding and restorations around the city dampen your experience!

[@mie175]

​But many sites are closed is a sad ​@@Romewise

[@Romewise]

@@mie175 Yes, many sites have scaffolding at this moment. None are closed. But it's just for a short moment, and I hope this video will be relevant for much longer than the next two months while we are renovating the jubilee.

[@techtiffany6494]

I’ve signed up for a few of your recommended tours🤩. Any recommendations for eSIM companies? I’m coming from USA at the end of the month.

[@Romewise]

Thanks so much for letting me know you are following my recommendations for tours. Yes, for an eSim, I highly recommend Holafly, and with my link, you get 5% off: tinyurl.com/Holafly-Romewise

[@sonarvord]

Thank you for a great concise video. In your clip for St. Peter's Basilica there are a lot of knees and shoulder from guys in shorts/sleeveless tee. Is that because the clothing rules for these exposed areas only apply to women?

[@Romewise]

Thanks for watching. The rules for how to dress for visiting churches in Italy are always the same for everyone, men, women, and children - no bare knees, shoulders, or midriffs. They are not just rules but also norms to show respect for the place (this holds true not just for churches but any house of worship, and also any holy or religious site such as the catacombs). How well the rules are enforced is another matter. Usually at the Vatican they are extremely strict, but often in summer, I do see people wearing knee-length shorts and dresses where the clothes come to just above the knee. However, I would not risk this as you never know. A guard might turn you away. So it's up to you.

[@StS-ny8sb]

What?! Piazza Venezia is under construction for another 10 years?! Okay. I'll just keep watching your videos until you say it's completed and then I'll go for my second visit 😄 Been to 9 out of the 10 (missed Campidoglio) on my first trip and it was amazing. Another downer for the Sistine Chapel is that you're not allowed to take pictures. I would still love to visit Rome again in the future.

[@Romewise]

Yes - they are saying 10 years but I think it will take more than that. Although maybe we won't have those giant fixtures there the whole time....we'll see! Meanwhile our Christmas tree is now being placed in Piazza del Popolo. Yes it's a bummer about no photos in the Sistine Chapel. Luckily I've been in there numerous times when I was allowed to take photo and video - I wouldn't share them otherwise! Hope you can visit Rome again!

[@sandra-says-777]

You are the best, Alyssa (sp?). Thank You!

[@Romewise]

Thanks so much! (It's Elyssa :) )

[@joelbubu8280]

Just came back from Rome, Sadly Trevi fountain was under renovation that we cant go really close to the fountain. We only can stand before the step going down to the fountain. Inside the St, Peter, they also doing some renovation on the centre of the church.

[@Romewise]

Sorry you experienced some disappointment on your recent visit. Many sites in Rome are being restored right now in anticipation of the Jubilee in 2025. I talk about this here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZTQcmqogN11kLs But this video will be up on my channel way past the time when all these works will be finished, with the exception of Piazza Venezia - so I mentioned Piazza Venezia but not the others because they are all going to be finished soon. Anyway I hope you did not let that experience ruin your trip, and I hope you'll be back to see Rome again!

[@giuliafdp]

Do you recommend the Roma Pass or Turbo pass for someone doing your 3 day itinerary?

[@Romewise]

I break it down for you here: www.romewise.com/rome-city-pass.html

[@lilianaraujosantos6383]

What is the name of the B&B that you run? I would love to be there while in Rome.😊

[@Romewise]

Sorry if it was not clear - we USED to run a B&B, but we don't any longer.

[@TheScarlett80]

Hi.. Thanks for all your videos 😊 should I wait to go to Rome in september 2026 insted of september 2025. I was in Rome in may, but I never come into the colosseum, where i buy my tickets, they change the date three times so I missed it.

[@Romewise]

If you're asking about postponing your trip to Rome because of the Jubilee in 2025, I don't think you should put it off. Rome is going to be crowded either way, and I believe in seizing the day - you just never know. But that is of course up to you!

[@TheScarlett80]

@Romewise thanks 😊

[@Romewise]

@@TheScarlett80 My pleasure!

[@judithdrury7167]

Just got back from a 3day trip to Rome, We were very central and visited the Spanish steps, Trevi fountain, Pantheon, Colloseum and the Last day the Vatican,Watched a few of your videos before we went..It was amazing.

[@Romewise]

Thanks for letting me know you found my videos helpful! So glad you had such a wonderful visit!

[@oscargarcia2313]

Forgot to mention the works that are being done to Trevi and Navona’s Fountain cause of the Giubileo. Bith of then are now enpty and with an acrilic fence

[@Romewise]

Yes that's true, and so are many sites in Rome in anticipation of the Jubilee in 2025. I talk about this here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZTQcmqogN11kLs But this video will be up on my channel way past the time when all these works will be finished, with the exception of Piazza Venezia - so I mentioned Piazza Venezia but not the others because they are all going to be finished soon.

[@cleoweber1957]

Where can I book a ticket for the Vatican Museum

[@Romewise]

You may find this video helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHO4nX-PaquMiqc Here's the official Vatican Museums website: www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en.html

[@already1891]

Hello, Are sites like the Colosseum, archaeology sites in Pompeii, and the Pantheon free for children under the age of 18, regardless if they are non-Italian citizens? Thank you for any information shared. AL- California

[@Romewise]

All state-run sites like the ones you mention are free for EVERYONE under 18, regardless of their nationality.

[@already1891]

@@Romewise Thank you!

[@LLMiller1]

I emailed the ufficio scavi for the tomb visit on oct 12 and got a confirmation email but no email for the visit. How long should I wait before booking a tour elsewhere?

[@Romewise]

I'm not sure what you mean by a confirmation email. When are your dates in Rome? Saint Peter's Tomb is currently being restored and is due to reopen sometime in November. If the Ufficio Scavi sent you a confirmation, that sounds like the only mail you will receive. Does the email say to expect further confirmation?

[@LLMiller1]

@@Romewiseconfirmation that they received my email request. We are going in August 2025.

[@Romewise]

@@LLMiller1 ah ok. I think it’s way too early to get confirmation of your actual ticket then. Usually you can expect to get an actual response closer to the date, perhaps six months in advance or so.

[@alanzeleznikar]

You could probably make an entire video on Mussolini's impact on the city of Rome, including Via dei Fori Imperiali.

[@Romewise]

Most definitely! Many books have been written on this subject. I've taken several tours in Rome about it as well. They are not as much of interest to most visitors as tours of the Colosseum, but I find the subject matter fascinating.

[@mie175]

A lot sites are closed is sad

[@Romewise]

Some sites are temporarily undergoing renovation in advance of the 2025 Jubilee. No site is actually closed. There is just some scaffolding up. And most of these works are due to finish before the end of 2024. The goal if this video is to be an evergreen guide to first-time visitors of things to see and do in Rome. For more timely or news-like content, please follow me on social media or sign up for my free newsletter.

[@SuperDrJeckyl]

People underwhelmed by the Sistine Chapel?????? These people are idiots. I went in May, 2024, and I am still amazed thinking of it. The ceiling is one of the most awesome sites I've ever seen. I am still in awe. How could anyone not be amazed by that supreme work and masterpiece?

[@Romewise]

Believe me, I am with you, although I am biased because Michelangelo is my favorite artist of all time, and because I am lucky to be able to see the Sistine Chapel often...but I think some people have certain expectations and then the crowds turn them off...anyway, I hope most people who see it feel as you and I do! I just try to ignore the people and noise around me, and take it all in...

[@SuperDrJeckyl]

@ Michaelangelo is my all time favorite, too. I am just stunned by his supreme talent. You are the luckiest person in the world to see the Sistine Chapel often. I will never forget that sight. I can’t wait to return and see more of his work, such as the Statue of David. I am so in awe of Rome. Thanks for your videos.

[@Romewise]

@@SuperDrJeckyl I am also always stunned by him. Yes, I agree with you. I feel super lucky to be able to see the Sistine Chapel and many of his other works around Rome and Florence. Thanks for your kind comments.

[@jhudoraevil333]

Trevi fountain is closed off right now @.@

[@Romewise]

Yes it is and so are many sites in Rome in anticipation of the Jubilee in 2025. I talk about this here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZTQcmqogN11kLs But this video will be up on my channel way past the time when all these works will be finished, with the exception of Piazza Venezia - so I mentioned Piazza Venezia but not the others because they are all going to be finished soon.

[@lizw.8895]

@@Romewise Hello, do you know when or if the Trevi fountain is expected to be filled with water again?

[@Romewise]

@@lizw.8895 That's the subject of my latest video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3yVXo2ao8uEqbM

[@francescolongo3860]

[@lilpenny1982]

The Top 5 reasons why people are underwhelmed or disappointed when they are inside the Sistine Chapel are: #1 There's too many people inside 🙈 #2 There's lots of BO there 🙊 #3 You can't take pictures or videos 📸⛔️📹⛔️ #4 There's not enough seats 🪑 #5 There are too many paintings to see and they are all over the place 🖌🖌🖌🖌🖌🖌🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨

[@Romewise]

Yes I understand it can be disappointing. I am never disappointed when I visit the Sistine Chapel even when it's crowded, but that's me. It's a different experience for everyone.

[@lilpenny1982]

​@Romewise I was there when it was super hot outside where everyone was lining up. Inside the Sistine Chapel lots of people were sweating and many of them did not use deodorant 😓 I literally had to cover my nose the whole time 🙊 But I secretly got a photo of the roof of the Sistine Chapel holding my breath 📸

[@Romewise]

@@lilpenny1982 Yeah it's uncomfortable when it's so hot!