Rome is a city well-known for its museums that preserve a large part of Europe’s cultural heritage. Walking through the Italian capital doesn’t just mean coming across monuments and squares; it also means stepping into galleries filled with classical sculptures, frescoes, paintings, and collections that cover centuries of history. The Vatican Museums, the Capitoline Museums, or the Borghese Gallery are visited every year by millions of people eager to better understand the city’s past and artistic influence.

‍

For travelers planning a trip, organizing a visit to the Rome museums can be a challenge, there are so many options that it’s hard to know where to begin. This guide offers a simple itinerary to cover some of the most important sites while also pointing out hidden spots with collections that might surprise you. You’ll also find practical details about tickets, transportation, opening hours, and the average time needed for each stop, so you can make the most of your time in the city.

‍

Capitoline Museums

‍

Located in Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo, the Capitoline Museums are considered the oldest public museums in the world. Here you’ll find iconic pieces such as the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius and the Capitoline Wolf, along with unique views of the Roman Forum. Admission is about €16 and is included with the Roma Pass. You can reach the square by bus or by taking the metro to Colosseo station (line B). Plan to spend two to three hours here; the site is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

‍

Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

‍

Visiting the Vatican Museums is one of the most complete cultural experiences in Rome. The galleries hold extensive art and archaeology collections spanning centuries, but the Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo is undoubtedly the highlight. Tickets cost around €20, and it’s strongly recommended to purchase them online to skip the long lines. The easiest way to get there is by metro to Ottaviano station (line A). Seeing everything properly usually takes three to four hours, and it is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

‍

Borghese Gallery

‍

Set within the Villa Borghese gardens; the Borghese Gallery is famous for its carefully curated collection of sculptures and paintings. Works by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Canova are the main attractions here. Admission is €15, but reservations are required in advance, since access is organized in time slots. It’s easily accessible by bus or by metro to Spagna station. Expect to spend around two hours, with opening hours from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

‍

National Roman Museum

‍

The National Roman Museum is spread across several locations throughout the city. Palazzo Massimo is especially notable for its collection of Roman frescoes and mosaics, while the Baths of Diocletian showcase fascinating archaeological remains. Admission is €12 and includes entry to all branches over multiple days. The main building is near Termini station, making it convenient to reach by public transport. A visit usually takes one to two hours in each location, and the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

‍

MAXXI and Centrale Montemartini

‍

If you have extra time and want something a bit different, Rome also offers the MAXXI and Centrale Montemartini. MAXXI is the national museum of contemporary art, designed by Zaha Hadid, while Centrale Montemartini offers a striking contrast by displaying classical sculptures inside a former power plant. Admission ranges from €10 to €12, and each can be explored in about one to two hours. To reach MAXXI, take tram line 2, while Centrale Montemartini is near Garbatella station on metro line B. Both generally open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., though it’s best to double-check before you go.

‍

Tips for Your Museum Route in Rome

‍

Exploring several museums in one trip takes a bit of planning, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. And if you’re also interested in saving money on cultural outings, you might want to check out our article on free-entry museums in Barcelona. A good approach is to choose which collections interest you the most and set aside enough time to enjoy them at a comfortable pace. Some museums, like the Borghese Gallery or the Vatican, have strict entry schedules, so advance planning is essential. Others, like the Capitoline Museums, are more flexible, which makes them perfect to combine with a stroll through the historic center or nearby landmarks. A balanced way to plan your day is to dedicate an entire morning to one major museum and leave the afternoon free to wander the streets.

‍

It’s also worth mixing cultural stops with more relaxed moments. After walking through galleries and exhibitions, take a break at a café, sit in a piazza, or rest in a nearby park. This balance between time in the museums and everyday Roman life makes the experience more enjoyable. Don’t forget to check closing days before building your itinerary, many museums close on Mondays, while others have reduced hours on Sundays. With a bit of preparation, you’ll be able to enjoy every visit without unnecessary stress.