This is perhaps the best gallery in Rome. As well as the largest collection of Caravaggios it holds incredible works, the highlight of which are several Bernini sculptures. It is essential to book online, as places fill up well in advance, especially during the busy season. The Villa is situated in the Borghese gardens which are worth walking or cycling around. In particular, the Tempio di Esculapio is a beautiful spot to sit. There you can walk down to the twin churches Chiesa Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto.

Musei Capitolini

Piazza del Campidoglio 1, 00186

These are large museums on top of the Capitoline. They can be overwhelming and some of the objects are not very interesting. The highlight is probably the piazza and buildings viewed from the outside, which were designed by Michelangelo.

Palazzo Barberini

Via delle Quattro Fontane, 13, 00184

This is one of the most beautiful buildings in Rome. It is generally not as busy as the other museums, and it is often possible to buy a ticket at the door.

Villa Aurora

Casino di Villa Boncompagni Ludovisi

This is a private villa, which has changed hands dramatically over the last few years. From time to time tours are available, but with the recent sales it is not clear whether they will resume.

St. Luigi dei Francesi

Piazza di S. Luigi de' Francesi, 00186

This church is located near the Piazza Nuvona. It is free, though you must place coins in a little machine to light up the paintings for 1-2 minutes. When I was young I was too poor to afford this, and would have to wait for tourists to come in and light it up before I could see the paintings.

Santa Maria del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo, 12, 00187

This church is located near the Borghese gardens on the north side of Piazza del Popolo, one of the most famous squares in the city. The church is hemmed in between the Pincian Hill and Porta del Popolo, one of the gates in the Aurelian Wall as well as the starting point of Via Flaminia, the most important route from the north. There is no cost.

Musei Vaticani

Vatican City

The museums at the Vatican come with a general entry ticket. Along with the other galleries such as the Hall of Maps and Sistine Chapel, it will take many hours to properly see these. It is also strongly recommended that you visit the Vatican Gardens, which can only be done with a tour.

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

Via del Corso, 305

This is one of the most incredible galleries in Rome, like a more modest version of the Villa Borghese. While the Caravaggios are minor, it is most famous for Velasquez’s Portrait of Pope Innocent X (1650), one of the most incredible works of European art. The tickets are more expensive than other museums, but the gallery is generally less busy. The audioguide is voiced by a scion of the family, who speaks very strangely about his grandmother.

Sant'Agostino

Piazza di S. Agostino, 00186

This is a minor Roman Catholic basilica not far from the Piazza Navona. It is a short walk from the St. Luigi dei Francesi, though also has strange opening times. It is free.