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Colosseum
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Colosseum

10
4.6/5
4.7k reviews
•This was the place where gladiators fought for their lives, prisoners on death row struggled with hungry lions, and it was also the great symbol of eternal Rome •Take in the magnificent architecture and imagine epic battles that once took place here •Imagine the bustle of the marketplace, the intrigue of political debates, and the opulence of imperial residences △ The Colosseum was built on the site of the magnificent Dumus Aurea and was completed in 80 AD. But with the decline of the Roman Empire in the 6th century AD, the Colosseum was gradually abandoned and became overgrown. Since then, the Colosseum has been damaged by earthquakes many times, and it has even become a source of stone and marble for builders. Nowadays, only the incomplete skeleton of the Colosseum is left in front of people, but you can still get a glimpse of the style of that day. △ From the outside, the Colosseum has four floors (including the underground). On the first floor, you can clearly see the maze-like building in the center of the Colosseum. The basements that were once the Colosseum housed the beasts and gladiators who were about to duel. If you want to see the underground part up close, you need to be led by a tour guide. △ The entire exterior wall of the Colosseum is made of limestone, with 80 arches (vormitori) on each floor, allowing spectators to quickly enter and take their seats. The recesses on the second and third floors were once filled with marble statues. The top of the wall is dotted with windows and slender Corinthian pilasters, and there are 240 wall columns to support the canvas canopy covering the Colosseum.Italy · Rome
Pantheon
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Pantheon

10
4.6/5
1.5k reviews
The Pantheon is located in the center of Rome and is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings still in use today as a church. It was first built over two thousand years ago by Agrippa, the son-in-law of Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, to worship the gods. The current main structure is the result of a reconstruction on the original site during the reign of Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, with Agrippa's inscription still preserved on the lintel. The entire building has exquisite proportions and was praised by Michelangelo as "the design of angels." In front of the hall is the Rotunda Square, where an Egyptian obelisk stands in the fountain, making it the perfect spot to capture a panoramic view of the building's facade. The main structure is simple and clear: a massive cylinder with both width and height exceeding 40 m, topped by a hemispherical concrete dome. The hall has no windows, with all light coming from a circular opening over 8 m in diameter at the dome's apex—on sunny days, sunlight pours through the opening, forming a beam that slowly sweeps across the niches and stone walls as the sun moves; during rain, water falls directly into the hall and is drained through hidden floor outlets. The construction of such a wide-span dome without steel reinforcement has inspired architects for over a millennium, serving as a subject of study and emulation. The niches around the interior were originally dedicated to the gods and now house statues and altars: the Renaissance master Raphael is buried here, and the tombs of Italian kings Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I are also located within. Take a moment to look up at the light streaming down from the dome, then follow the niches to admire the statues and tombs, feeling the awe inspired by this nearly two-thousand-year-old building that remains perfectly preserved.Italy · Rome
Gallery of the Academy of Florence
2026 Europe 50 - Best Things to Do

Gallery of the Academy of Florence

9.5
4.5/5
563 reviews
The Gallery of the Academy of Florence was established in 1784 by Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo of Tuscany through the reorganization of Florence's art education institutions. It is located on the former sites of the San Matteo Hospital and the San Niccolò Monastery, with its origins tracing back to the Academy of Drawing Arts founded by Cosimo I de' Medici in 1563. The gallery's collection initially served as a teaching resource for students to copy original works. In 1873, to protect Michelangelo's David from exposure to the elements in Piazza della Signoria, the statue was secured on a wooden cart and transported through the center of Florence to the gallery. As the dedicated exhibition hall was not yet completed, it remained sealed in a wooden crate for nine years until the Tribune of David, designed by architect Emilio De Fabris, was finished and opened to the public. Today, David stands bathed in natural light from the skylight above, drawing countless visitors who come specifically to see it. The museum also displays a concentrated collection of Michelangelo's four unfinished sculptures, "The Prisoners," originally carved for Pope Julius II's tomb, along with the equally incomplete "St. Matthew." The human figures appear to be breaking free from the rough stone, offering a direct experience of his "unfinished" sculptural language. At the center of the Hall of the Colossus near the entrance stands Giambologna's full-scale terracotta model for the marble group "The Rape of the Sabine Women," created for the Loggia dei Lanzi. Surrounding it are 15th- to 16th-century Florentine paintings by Botticelli, Perugino, Filippino Lippi, and others. The 19th-century hall, originally a women's hospital ward, now replicates the studio of Lorenzo Bartolini, displaying plaster models. The museum also houses a musical instruments section, featuring a Stradivari viola and cello once owned by the Medici family, as well as early keyboard instruments made by Bartolomeo Cristofori, the inventor of the piano. The visitor route extends from the Hall of the Colossus at the entrance to the Hall of David at the end. Most travelers turn back to the exit after seeing "David," leaving the painting galleries and the musical instrument department on both sides with sparse crowds, making them great places for quiet art viewing. The museum is not large and has a clear layout. Long queues at the entrance are common during the peak season, but the painting galleries and musical instrument exhibition areas are less crowded and worth visiting as well.Italy · Florence
Borghese Gallery and Museum
No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Italy

Borghese Gallery and Museum

9
4.6/5
358 reviews
The Borghese Gallery and Museum was originally a 17th-century countryside villa built by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in northern Rome. The villa and its collection were nationalized in the early 20th century and converted into a museum, still surrounded by extensive gardens today. The gallery is renowned for its Baroque marble sculptures and Renaissance to Baroque paintings, featuring masterpieces by Bernini, Canova, Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, and others, all displayed within this compact two-story building. The highlights on the first floor are almost all by the young Bernini: in room 2, "David" twists his entire body, frozen in the moment before releasing the stone; in room 3, "Apollo and Daphne" captures the fleeing maiden as her fingertips sprout laurel leaves; in room 4, "The******of Proserpina" shows Pluto's fingers sinking deep into the marble-carved flesh; while room 6's "Aeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius" was sculpted when he was just over twenty—the hard stone takes on the soft textures of skin, foliage, and drapery in these statues. Room 5 houses the "Sleeping Hermaphroditus," an ancient Roman copy of a Greek original, with the buttoned mattress beneath added by Bernini in 1620, so lifelike it could deceive; at the center of room 1 stands Canova's reclining statue of Napoleon's sister Pauline, the goddess holding a golden apple, with a hidden mechanism in the base allowing the entire sculpture to rotate. Don't rush through the entrance hall either—underfoot lies a 4th-century gladiator mosaic floor, while overhead is Mariano Rossi's ceiling fresco depicting Romulus being welcomed to Olympus to meet Jupiter. Gallery 7 features ancient Egyptian-style displays, while gallery 8 showcases original works by Caravaggio, including "David with the head of Goliath," "Sick Bacchus," and "Boy with a basket of fruit." The second floor is a gallery displaying a condensed history of Italian painting, with Titian's "Sacred and profane love" and "Venus blinding Cupid," Raphael's "The entombment," Correggio's "Danaë," Rubens' "Susanna and the elders," Cranach's "Venus and Cupid as honey thief," Botticelli's Madonna, and Pinturicchio's 1473 "Crucifixion" all lined up in sequence. The art museum has long implemented a reservation system with entry by time slot. Each slot is limited to 2 hrs with a capped number of visitors, and peak season quotas often get booked up well in advance—plan ahead to secure your spot. Once inside, consider focusing first on the Bernini sculptures on the first floor and Caravaggio's works in Hall 8, then leisurely head to the second floor for the paintings. Two hours is just enough to thoroughly cover the highlights.Italy · Rome
Pompeii Archaeological Park
No. 11 of Best Things to Do in Italy

Pompeii Archaeological Park

9
4.6/5
478 reviews
The Pompeii Archaeological Park is located on the shores of the Bay of Naples in southern Italy, with Mount Vesuvius as its backdrop. In 79 CE, the sudden eruption of the volcano buried the entire town under ash and pumice, inadvertently preserving its streets, houses, shops, and frescoes—freezing the daily life of an ancient Roman town at the moment of disaster. Beyond the ruins, the site also features poignant casts of victims: cavities left by decomposed bodies in hardened ash were filled with plaster by archaeologists, recreating their final moments, with a group of such casts displayed in the Garden of the Fugitives. The tour typically begins at the Porta Marina in the west, where the Temple of Venus, the patron goddess of Pompeii, stands on a high platform to the right of the entrance. Along the main street, visitors can see the rectangular Basilica with its recognizable column remnants and frescoes, followed by the ancient Temple of Apollo nearby. Further ahead lies the central forum, where the columns of the Temple of Jupiter frame the silhouette of Mount Vesuvius in the distance—a classic photo spot. The stone-paved streets outside the forum still bear deep ruts from ancient cart wheels. To the south are the Large Theatre and the covered Odeon, the latter once used for musical performances, with the Temple of Isis reflecting Egyptian influence nearby. Heading north to an intersection, the Stabian Baths offer a glimpse into ancient Romans' passion for bathing. Further east, the House of the Venus in the Shell features a small garden surrounded by a colonnade, with the famous fresco of Venus reclining in a shell still adorning the garden wall. At the southeastern end of the town stands the Amphitheatre, built around 2,000 years ago and capable of seating 20,000 spectators—one of the earliest surviving stone Roman amphitheatres, offering panoramic views from the upper seats. The House of the Faun in the northwest occupies almost an entire block; its excavated Alexander Mosaic is now housed in Naples' National Archaeological Museum. Nearby, the House of the Tragic Poet displays the famous "Beware of the Dog" mosaic at its entrance, with interior frescoes depicting mythological and theatrical scenes. The vast site offers limited shade, so allocate at least half a day for exploration, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water. Those interested in seeing the original Alexander Mosaic and other artifacts can pair their visit with the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.Italy · Pompei

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Experiences you can't miss in Italy

Featured Culture & history in Italy

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Pompeii: Flexible Entrance Ticket
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Official admission ticket for Milan Cathedral | Cathedral/museum/top access/baptistery [popular reservation]
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Uffizi Gallery: Reserved Entry + Digital Audio Guide
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FromMXN$587.58
St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Entry
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4.4/5
· 22 reviews
Duration: 5 hrs
English
5% off
Limited-time sale
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Pompeii: Skip The Line Ticket + Audio Guide
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews· 77 booked
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Rome Pantheon: Fast Track Ticket + Official Audio Guide
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FromMXN$367.24
St. Peter's Basilica Entry + Audio Guide & Optional Dome Climb
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4.8/5
· 209 reviews
Duration: 1–2.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
23 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
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FromMXN$348.87MXN$367.24

Featured Food & drink in Italy

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Parma Delights Tour: Parmigiano, Prosciutto & Balsamico
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4.7/5
· 17 reviews
Duration: 7–8 hrs
Free cancellation
FromMXN$3,530.19
Florence: Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine
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4.9/5
· 7k reviews· 24 booked
Duration: 2–2.5 hrs
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98.1% of travelers recommend
5% off
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FromMXN$358.84MXN$377.73
Florence Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine
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5.0/5
· 1 review· 33 booked
Duration: 150 mins
English
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Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine in Florence
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4.9/5
· 888 reviews· 69 booked
Duration: 150 mins
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30 consecutive positive reviews
FromMXN$534.98
Rome: Pasta & Tiramisu Class with Fine Wine by the Vatican
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4.9/5
· 3.7k reviews· 49 booked
Duration: 2.5–3 hrs
English
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98.6% of travelers recommend
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Half day Chianti Vineyard Escape from Florence with Wine Tastings
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4.5/5
· 2.1k reviews· 72 booked
Duration: 5 hrs
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FromMXN$1,178.99
Bologna: Pasta Cooking Class, Ragu, Spritz, Wine & Gelato
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4.9/5
· 704 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
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32 consecutive positive reviews
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FromMXN$1,102.43MXN$1,160.46
Milan Cooking Class: Pizza & Unlimited Gelato or Pasta & Tiramisu
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4.9/5
· 582 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
56 consecutive positive reviews
FromMXN$1,168.27

Featured Spa & wellness in Italy

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Milan: QC Termemilano Spa Admission Ticket
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4.8/5
· 395 reviews· 72 booked
Duration: 4–24 hrs
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94.7% of travelers recommend
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Voucher for QC Terme Dolomiti Spa
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Voucher for QC Terme San Pellegrino Spa
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De Montel - Terme Milano: Entry Ticket
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5.0/5
· 1 review· 21 booked
Duration: 5 hrs
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Voucher for QC TermeTorino Spa
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FromMXN$1,385
Voucher for QC Terme Pré-Saint-Didier Spa
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FromMXN$1,259.09
Voucher for QC Terme Milano Spa
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FromMXN$1,468.94
Rome: QC Termeroma Spa Admission Ticket
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4.7/5
· 19 reviews
Duration: 4–24 hrs
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FromMXN$1,515.1MXN$1,594.85

Featured Day tours in Italy

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Half-day tour of the ancient Colosseum in Rome, Italy|Including Admission Ticket Reservation + Certified Guided Tour
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4.8/5
· 6 reviews· 120 booked
Duration: 2.9 hrs
English
Free cancellation
62 travellers saved
FromMXN$1,842
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
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5.0/5
· 7 reviews
Duration: 2.5–3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromMXN$1,515.1MXN$1,594.85
Italy Sorrento + Positano + Amalfi Day Tour|Comfortable minivan|Optional lunch included
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4.8/5
· 13 reviews· 178 booked
Duration: 5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
387 travellers saved
FromMXN$1,981.9
Vesuvius and Pompeii Transfer + Entrance for the Vesuvio
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 8 hrs
English
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FromMXN$996.77MXN$1,049.24

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Free things to do in Italy

What travellers say about Italy

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@nightkymz8430 October 2026
5.0
Solo Traveller Review – Colosseum, Rome 🇮🇹An absolutely amazing experience visiting one of the world’s most iconic historical landmarks! As a solo traveller, being able to explore the Colosseum at my own pace made the experience even more special. The architecture, history and atmosphere are truly impressive, giving you a glimpse into the greatness of the Roman Empire.Definitely a must-visit when in Rome, especially for history lovers and anyone who appreciates ancient architecture. Walking around this magnificent monument is an unforgettable experience. Rome never disappoints!

Colosseum

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Anonymous user13 September 2026
5.0
Have been multiple times, it's worth returning once in a while. Stunning cathedral and view

Milan Cathedral

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Dreamer200227 October 2026
5.0
⛪ Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence 🇮🇹 — A Renaissance Wonder! ✨Visiting Florence’s magnificent cathedral, also known as the Duomo, was an unforgettable experience! ❤️ Its breathtaking marble façade, intricate details, and iconic red dome make it one of Italy’s most beautiful architectural masterpieces. 🏛️😍What impressed me most was Brunelleschi’s extraordinary dome, an engineering achievement that still inspires admiration centuries later. The atmosphere of Piazza del Duomo is equally magical, especially in the early morning. 🌅📸💡 Travel tip: Cathedral entry is free, but climbing the 463 steps to the dome requires a paid reservation. The panoramic views over Florence are absolutely spectacular! 🏙️❤️ A must-see destination where art, history, and Renaissance architecture come together beautifully!#Florence #SantaMariaDelFiore #DuomoDiFirenze #ItalyTravel

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

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lw897329 October 2026
5.0
Definitely worth a visit: 1. The Dome and the Oculus: The largest non-reinforced concrete dome in human history. The interior height equals the dome diameter, both being 43.3 meters, perfectly accommodating a complete sphere. The only light source is a 9-meter-high circular opening at the top, allowing sunlight to slowly move across the ground over time. Rainwater is collected through hidden drainage holes in the floor, preventing water accumulation. Michelangelo described it as "the design of angels." 2. Raphael's Tomb: Located on the left side of the hall, Raphael, the Renaissance master, is buried here. His epitaph is deeply moving: "When he was alive, nature feared to be conquered by him; when he died, nature feared to perish with him." A major attraction for art lovers. Also located here are the tombs of Italian kings. 3. The Portico Columns: The entrance features 16 massive granite columns, quarried from Egypt and transported to Rome. Each column weighs over ten tons and is 2000 years old. The heavy bronze doors are also original Roman artifacts. 4. History: Completed in 126 AD during Hadrian's time, it was originally dedicated to all the Roman gods. It was converted into a church in the 7th century, which is why it was preserved intact and did not have its stones removed like other ancient sites.

Pantheon

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Blessed by God28 September 2022
5.0
such a lovely place, the duomo or cathedral is very big that I cannot take a picture of the whole cathedral. Even if I have seen it several times I always love to visit and see it again and again.

Piazza del Duomo

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_We***6030 October 2026
5.0
Eva's explanations were witty, humorous, and easy to understand. She's an expert in Western art history, and none of my questions were stumped. We had a very pleasant and successful afternoon. The Uffizi is definitely worth visiting! Florence is so beautiful.

Uffizi Gallery

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冰语馨洁26 January 2026
5.0
Landmark Significance: As the city center of Milan, the square is an irregularly shaped polygon covering approximately 12,000 square meters. It was the coronation site of the first king after the unification of Italy (Napoleon was crowned here in 1805) and is now part of a World Heritage Site.

Piazza del Duomo

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Anonymous user24 October 2026
4.0
It is worth a visit if you want to see David and you are into Christianity painting, sculpture and stuffs

Gallery of the Academy of Florence

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Brent Joseph3 July 2026
5.0
Amazing gallery! Book early ahead of time. But it is one of the best things to do in Rome.

Borghese Gallery and Museum

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M58***9017 October 2026
5.0
Highly recommend our guide, Ruoqing! She took us to see the ruins of Pompeii, including the villa, baths, ancient brothels, and bakeries, and we even met several Pompeian kittens! Her explanations were detailed, bringing the lives of the ancient Romans to life, making the ruins more than just cold stones. Her guided tour was incredibly enriching, and our Pompeii trip was made all the more special by her. ✨

Pompeii Archaeological Park

Trip Moments in Italy

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Italy?

Don't miss these attractions in Italy: Colosseum, Milan Cathedral, and Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. If you like Culture & history, try Pompeii: Flexible Entrance Ticket. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Parma Delights Tour: Parmigiano, Prosciutto & Balsamico.

You can give Parma Delights Tour: Parmigiano, Prosciutto & Balsamico and Florence: Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Half-day tour of the ancient Colosseum in Rome, Italy|Including Admission Ticket Reservation + Certified Guided Tour, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Guided Tour, and Italy Sorrento + Positano + Amalfi Day Tour|Comfortable minivan|Optional lunch included. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 1 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Italy is around MXN 996.77 – MXN 1,981.9. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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