Must see attractions open in November 2024

Rome has always been at the top of my list— with its rich history, awe-inspiring architecture, and endless charm. So, planning a trip to celebrate my birthday felt like the perfect way to immerse myself in its beauty. But after booking the plane tickets, I ran into a twist I didn’t expect: the city is under renovations for the upcoming Jubilee. This is what happens when you don’t do you research properly. So, suddenly, a few of those iconic sites I’d been so eager to see were marked as “under construction” or only partially accessible. Bummer!

I quickly realized that this birthday trip would require a bit of extra planning to keep things smooth and enjoyable. I began diving into online updates and reaching out for local insights. I chose to see the upside in the situation which is the unique opportunity to discover more off-the-beaten-path treasures.

So, if you are also coming to Rome in the following weeks, there are still plenty of breathtaking attractions open and ready to welcome visitors. So, here’s my humble and most probably incomplete guide to navigating the Eternal City and make the most of it.

Top Attractions Open to Visitors

Here are some key sites that remain open and are partially/fully operational for visitors:

Scala Sancta

• Location: Piazza di S. Giovanni in Laterano, 14, Roma
• Hours: 9:00-13:00; 15:00-17:00
• Tickets: Free
• Description: According to Catholic Church tradition, the Holy Stairs were the steps leading up to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem on which Jesus Christ stepped on his way to trial.
• More info: https://www.rome.info/attractions/basilica-of-st-john-lateran/
  

Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano

The church is the oldest and highest ranking of the four major papal basilicas as well as one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. Founded in 324, it is the oldest public church in the city of Rome, and the oldest basilica of the Western world.

Church of Gesù

• Location: Piazza del Gesù, 00186 Roma
• Hours: 7:30-12:30; 16:30-19:30
• Tickets: Free
• Description: Known for its “Triumph of the Name of Jesus” fresco, this is a must-see for art and history enthusiasts. The most remarkable element of the interior is the magnificent ceiling painting made by Giovanni Battista Gaulli (8 May 1639 – 2 April 1709), in the 17th century.
• More info: https://www.chiesadelgesu.org/

The Colosseum

• Location: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, Roma
• Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Tickets: €18
• Description: Despite nearby renovations, this ancient amphitheater remains accessible for the superior floors, offering a glimpse into the gladiatorial past of Rome.

Palazzo Barberini

• Location: via delle Quattro Fontane, 13 – 00184
• Hours: 10:00-19:00
• Tickets: 15€ Palazzo Barberini + Galleria Corsini
• Description: A 17th-century palace in Rome, facing the Piazza Barberini in Rione Trevi, with three floors of art including works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Canaletto and Holbein.
• More info: https://barberinicorsini.org/

Galleria Corsini

• Location: via della Lungara, 10 – 00152 Roma, Italia
• Hours: 10:00-19:00
• Tickets: 15€ Palazzo Barberini + Galleria Corsini
• More info: https://barberinicorsini.org/

Villa Farnesina

• Location: Via della Lungara, 230, Roma
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Tickets: €12
• Description: A Renaissance villa with art by Raphael, this gem of architecture offers both beauty and history. Created as a summer retreat for a wealthy Renaissance-era banker, this 16th-century villa was built to the highest specifications and decorated by major artists of the era. Frescoes by the likes of Raphael, Baldassare Peruzzi, and Sebastiano del Piombo cover the walls and ceilings.
• Website: http://www.villafarnesina.it/?lang=en

Pantheon

• Location: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
• Tickets: €15-25
• Description: One of the best-preserved ancient Roman structures, the Pantheon is a marvel in both architectural and engineering history.
• More info: https://www.pantheonroma.com/home-eng/

Vatican Museums

• Location: Viale Vaticano, 00165 Rome
• Hours: 08.00 a.m. – 07.00 p.m. Check online for the latest updates.
• Tickets: Approximately €100 for a complete tour
• Description: Featuring iconic works like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums are a top priority for art and history lovers.
• Website: https://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en.html

Galleria Colonna (part of Colonna Palace)

• Location: Galleria Colonna Museo e Pinacoteca, Via della Pilotta, 17, 00187
• Tickets: Full guided itinerary € 35
• Hours: Open to public on Fridays and Saturday morning; 9.30-10.30
• Description: Palazzo Colonna is one of the oldest and largest private palaces of Rome.Its construction began in the fourteenth century by the Colonna family, who still resides there since eight centuries.
• More info: https://www.galleriacolonna.it/en/visits-to-the-palace/

Galeria Doria Pamphili

• Location: Doria Pamphilj Gallery, Corso Street, 305 – 00186
• Description: The Doria Pamphilj Gallery is the exhibition space at the heart of the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, a blend of art and history
• Hours: Open from Monday to Thursday from 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday the opening hours are from 10.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
• Tickets: € 16. With online booking € 17.
• More info: https://www.doriapamphilj.it/roma/

Visiting Rome during the Jubilee’s renovations will definitely add an extra layer of adventure to my journey. With another layer of frustration maybe…But I must confess, I am not crying so much over the closing of Fontana di Trevi! Those galleries I found are spectacular and I cannot wait to visit them!

For any major city you plan to visit, it’s always wise to plan ahead and book tickets in advance. By focusing on the many attractions still open, I’m confident I’ll be able to enjoy la dolce vita—soaking in the history, culture, pasta, and gelato that make Rome unforgettable.

P.S. Some details may change due to the ongoing renovations, so please check for the latest updates. Thanks.

Ciao a tutti!