Rome is known for many things, ranging from its ancient history to its amazing food. That makes it hard for many visitors to know where to start on their trip to the Eternal City.

If your goal is to soak up Rome’s culture and history, book one of the many cheap hotels in Rome, and then focus on the following sites and museums during your stay, and you will be sure to get all you wanted out of the beautiful Italian capital.

Photo by Hansen via Trover.com

Tour Vatican City

Though technically a separate country, no cultural tour throughout Rome would be complete without a visit to the seat of Catholicism and the home of the Pope. Since Vatican City is probably where you will meet the most crowds and tourists, head to the Vatican first while your enthusiasm for sightseeing is still fresh.

Admire St. Peter’s Basilica and then head to the Vatican Museums to discover a little more about Roman and Catholic history. Finish off your tour with a beautiful view of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.

Admire Caravaggio in San Luigi dei Francesi

If you are an art history buff, or just an admirer of art in general, head to San Luigi dei Francesi to see one of Caravaggio’s most famous works, “The Calling of St. Matthew”. Two more of the famous artist’s work hang in the church as well. Make sure you get there in the morning, as the church usually closes around noon.

Go to Galleria Borghese

The Galleria Borghese is one of Rome’s premier museums, housed in an opulent 17th century villa. Come here to admire both the art and the structure itself. The good thing about the Galleria is that it provides little snippets of art and culture in Rome throughout the ages, rather than focusing on one particular era. The villa houses everything from antiquities to the Baroque period.

Discover Ancient History in the Roman Forum

For visitors with any kind of interest in ancient empires, a stop at the Roman Forum is an absolute must. You can take a self-guided tour through ruins of ancient Roman buildings and arches, and stand in the same spot where the people of ancient Rome used to gather for all their festivals and rituals. Before you leave, make sure you head up Palatine Hill to get some of the best views of Rome.

Explore the Pantheon

Travelers should check out the 2,000 year old Pantheon for its stunning architectural beauty and its history. You can follow Rome throughout the years when visiting this ancient site, as it was originally built as a temple to the Roman gods, then converted to a place of Christian worship, and lastly converted into a tomb for prominent Romans like the artist Raphael.

End the Day at the Fontana di Trevi

The Fontana di Trevi is a huge tourist attraction in Rome for good reason – it is one of the most beautifully designed fountains in the world. Unwind next to the fountain, and then toss in 3 coins and make a wish to see if it comes true, as most people do.

If you would like a knowledgeable tour guide to help you at some of these sites, ask at the hotels in Rome you are staying at for recommendations, or follow some of the links included to join a group tour!