Check out the best museums in Rome and add them to your travel itinerary to the Italian capital. With our tips, you’re sure to get a lot out of it.
Capitoline Museums in Rome
The Capitoline Museums are divided into 6 areas: Palazzo dei Conservatori, which houses the original work of the Capitoline She-wolf from Romulus and Remus, Palazzo dei Senatori, Palazzo Clementino-Caffarelli, Palazzo Nuovo, Galleria Lapidaria and Centrale Montemartini.
It’s worth noting that the museums have a large collection of works from various periods in the history of art. They are on the list of the best museums in Rome and one of the most visited in the whole of Europe. There are many bronze sculptures there, which is why it is considered one of the oldest museums in the world. However, it was only opened to visitors in 1734.
In the Capitoline Museum complex there are many works that recount the history of the Italian capital and visitors can travel back in time just by looking at the local works.
They are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 8pm and are closed on December 24th and 31st.
National Roman Museum
Another on the list of the best museums in Rome is the National Roman Museum. This is because it is one of the most famous and visited in Italy and has a vast and incredible collection. The museum’s collection has grown so much that it now has extensions in other spaces, divided into four locations: the Baths of Diocletian, the Balbi Crypt, Palazzo Massimo and Palazzo Altemps.
Although the offices are well-located and close to well-known tourist attractions in Rome, they are at different addresses and a little distant from each other. However, the good thing is that the ticket to visit this museum is valid for 3 days and you can make a very nice itinerary, visiting one or two of the venues a day and other attractions in the city.
It’s worth noting that from Tuesday to Sunday the museum is open from 9 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. and is closed on Christmas, January 1st and May 1st.
Vatican Museums in Rome
Anyone who goes to Rome must visit the smallest country in the world: the Vatican. Not only that, but the coolest thing about this destination is seeing the museums there and the grandeur they represent. They are: The Pio-Clementine Museum, the Etruscan Museum, the Egyptian Gregorian Museum, the Chiaramonti Museum, the Ethnological Missionary Museum, the Profane Gregorian Museum and the Pio-Christian Museum.
One tip we always give is to buy your tickets in advance to avoid queues and running out, as these places are in great demand.
A curiosity is that the origin of the museums dates back to the 16th century, when Pope Julius II began collecting sculptures. Today, the Vatican Museums are on the list of the richest museums with great historical value.
Their opening hours are Monday to Saturday, from 9am to 6pm.
- Important tip: to make the most of your trip to Rome, staying in the best areas is essential. So, if you want, check out our article explaining the main areas, the hotels and how you can save a lot on accommodation.
Galleria Borghese Museum
The Galleria Borghese is located inside the villa of the same name, in a palace dating from 1613 and 1616. It was built for Scipione Borghese, heir to one of the noblest families in Europe, the Borghese family, known for having members who were Popes and Cardinals in the Vatican.
The collection was officially founded in 1903 and contains very valuable works, including sculptures and paintings by renowned artists such as Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Rafael Sanzio, Antonio Canova, Raffaello, Titian, Rubens, Bernini and others.
The space is open every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is an incredible place with a beautiful collection of works of art, as well as a great way to enjoy the outdoors at Villa Borghese.
Save on tickets for paid attractions in Rome
To save time and money, buying travel tickets online is always the best option, in our opinion. We’ve traveled a lot and, after a lot of research, testing and getting to know each other, we discovered the company that offers the best tours in Rome, at very good prices.
So, the great tip is to go to the Tickets for Rome website and check out the best options for tours along with their prices, in the order of the best sellers. The platform is very safe and well known, and sells the main tickets so you don’t waste time on your trip with long queues, or run the risk of having tickets sold out.
Main tickets sold for Rome:
- Tickets for the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Arena of the gladiators
- Free tour of Rome
- Guided tour of the Vatican
- Underground Colosseum and Arena Forum and Palatine Hill
- Illuminated Rome night tour
Save money on your trip to Rome:
Saving money: do you want to plan your trip while making the most of your budget? Be sure to read our article on how to travel to Rome cheap, with all the tips to save the most, while still enjoying it!
Car: if you are thinking about renting one this is the best website. It compares the price at all rental companies and finds unbeatable prices. You can save up to 30%!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Hotels: our article on where to stay in Rome. You will find out the best area and how to save a lot on the hotel.
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
Transfer: do you need one from the airport to the hotel? Find out here how to book and for the lowest price!
