Top 5 attractions in Rome

Rome has more famous sights than a weekend can hold, and the biggest ones have long queues. These five give you the best of the ancient city, the Vatican and the squares in between, with a note on which to book before you go.

1. The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

The Colosseum is the one sight nobody skips. The standard ticket also covers the Roman Forum, the old heart of the city, and the Palatine Hill above it, so allow at least half a day for all three.

• Entry to the Colosseum is at a fixed time, and tickets often sell out in spring and summer. Book Colosseum, Forum and Palatine tickets.
• There is little shade on the Forum and the Palatine: take water and a hat in warm months.

2. The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

The Vatican Museums hold one of the world's great art collections, and the visit ends in the Sistine Chapel under Michelangelo's ceiling. The route is long and busy, so go early or late in the day.

• Book a timed ticket rather than queuing on the day. Book Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tickets.
• Shoulders and knees must be covered, and photos are not allowed in the Sistine Chapel.

3. St Peter's Basilica and Square

Next to the museums, St Peter's is the largest church in the Vatican and free to enter, after a security check that can take a while at busy times. You can also climb (or take a lift part of the way up) the dome for the best view in Rome.

• The same dress code applies as in the museums.
• Early morning has the shortest security queue.

4. The Pantheon

The best-preserved building of ancient Rome, nearly 2,000 years old, with a concrete dome open to the sky at the top. It is in the middle of the old centre, so it fits easily into a walk.

• The Pantheon now charges a small entry fee; tickets can be bought on the spot or online.
• The square in front, Piazza della Rotonda, is a good place to stop for coffee.

5. Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps

These three are a short walk apart and free to see. Throw a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain, admire Bernini's fountains in Piazza Navona, then climb the Spanish Steps for the view.

• The Trevi Fountain is far calmer early in the morning or late in the evening.
• Sitting on the Spanish Steps is not allowed, and you can be fined for climbing into or sitting on the fountains.

How to fit it in

Two full days work well: ancient Rome (Colosseum, Forum, Palatine) on one, the Vatican on the other, with the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the squares in the evenings. Book the Colosseum and the Vatican first, then plan around those times.

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