Best Museums in Rome

I visited 5 museums in Rome, Italy in 2016 — every one is rated below, best first, on my 0–3 scale (how I rate). 5 earned my top “don't miss” rating — start with Colosseum. 1 of them is free.

  1. 1.3

    Colosseum

    Don't miss · ~€13 ($14.00) · Visited 2016 · I’d revisit
    Combined ticket with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

    The largest Roman amphitheater ever built, host to gladiator combats and public spectacles for 2,000 spectators across nearly 400 years.

  2. 2.3

    Great Synagogue of Rome

    Don't miss · ~€11 ($12.00) · Visited 2016 · I’d revisit
    Not really a museum, but an interesting place

    The main synagogue of Rome and the attached Jewish Museum, chronicling the 2,000-year-old Jewish community of the city.

  3. 3.3

    Markets of Trajan

    Don't miss · ~€12 ($13.00) · Visited 2016 · I’d revisit
    Hidden gem for the true classicist

    Imperial Roman complex of administrative offices and shops, often described as the world's first shopping mall.

  4. 4.3

    Pantheon

    Don't miss · Free · Visited 2016 · I’d revisit
    Admission was free at the time of visit.

    The best-preserved building of ancient Rome, originally a temple to all gods and now a church, famous for its oculus dome.

  5. 5.3

    Roman Forum

    Don't miss · ~€13 ($14.00) · Visited 2016 · I’d revisit
    Combined ticket with the Colosseum and Palatine Hill.

    The political, religious, and commercial heart of ancient Rome, with ruins of temples, basilicas, and triumphal arches.

See also: all cities · every museum in NYC, ranked · the full map