Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea di Roma

Brand new museum designed to celebrate the art and architecture of the 21st century.

Perhaps most famous for a large model of imperial Rome, but also has a large display of various aspects of ancient Rome, using plaster casts, models and reconstructions of works found in museums throughout the world.

Perhaps the most fascinating building in Rome. The core of the structure began life as the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian, built between 135 and 139 AD. Subsequent strongholds built on top of the mausoleum were in turn incorporated into a residence and castle by medieval Popes. The building was used as a prison until 1870 but now houses a museum. Opera buffs will be exhilarated to visit the balcony from which Tosca leaps to her death. Film buffs will recognise it as a setting from Angels and Demons.

More modern than most Roman churches: it was not started until 1873. This is Rome’s Episcopalian church. Some very interesting artwork, particularly the mosaics by Edward Burne-Jones of the Pre-Raphaelite school.

The Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs) is, according to Roman Catholic tradition, the staircase used by Jesus Christ to approach Pontius Pilate to be sentenced to death. Attracts numerous pilgrims who climb the stairs on their knees.

Church built on the site of three Roman pagan temples, which can be explored underground for a small fee paid at a desk near the church entrance.

Baroque church more noted for its position at the top of the Spanish Steps than it is for the church. Backdrop for numerous movies including Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday.

This is a treasure-trove of art. There are a couple of paintings by Caravaggio: "The Crucifixion of Saint Peter" and "The Conversion of Saint Paul" (in a dim alcove to the left of the altar, both at right angles to the viewer, with a machine wanting €2 to switch on the lighting) together with a sculpture by Bernini, frescoes by Pinturicchio and mosaics by Raphael. Part of the Dan Brown tour, this church featured in Angels and Demons, although the Vatican did not allow filming inside.

A museum devoted to pasta, Italy's premier gift to world cuisine.

Contains the ruins of several large villas that belonged to wealthy Roman families. You can buy a combined ticket for the Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum here, avoiding the long lines at the Colosseum. While the Imperial and Roman Fora are probably more spectacular, overall, there are amazing sights on the Palatine Hill, so unless you are terribly short on time or find it too challenging to climb the hill, allow an hour or more for these sights, too.