When I found out I was going to be stopping in Rome for three weeks, I was beyond excited. Not only do I love art, history and find the accent Romans to be fascinating, (the Emperors, the conquering and stealing everything from the Greeks really turns my crank) but also drinking a cappuccino while staring at the Colosseum was something I put on my bucket list when I was 18 and I needed to cross it off.
I remember my first day exploring Rome like it was yesterday. I left my hostel, hopped on the bus and headed for the subway station. I remember being in awe of everything I saw on the bus, even though it wasn’t anything worthwhile. Over the next few weeks I explored the city. I saw everything you should see while in Rome. I threw a penny in the Trevi Fountain, I took a photo on the Spanish Steps and spent a day adoring the art of the Vatican Museum. I ate enough pizza and pasta to last me a lifetime. I flirted with some of the most attractive men I have ever seen. I got lost in the streets of Rome daily and took in the beauty of the city every moment I had.
One of the coolest things about exploring Rome was that I got a little glimpse of what my ancestors lived like. I am Italian and getting to connect with my background was an unique experience and I really felt like I was getting back to my roots. I remember walking the streets and seeing people roasting chestnuts, a tradition that my father and grandfather both practice, and eating fresh pizza and pasta and instantly comparing it to my Nonna’s cooking back home. Also, my skin looked amazing in Rome. I tan really well everywhere in the world, but while in Rome, my skin knew it was home and I got the best tan I have ever had in my whole life.
Rome is one of those cities that is timeless and I am here to help you see it. So order a pizza, put on the Lizzie Mcguire Movie and let’s dive into my guide to exploring Roma!
Explore:
Colosseum
When you go to Rome, you obviously need to see the Colosseum. I’ll never forget the first time I saw the Colosseum. After a short subway ride, I arrived at our stop. I climbed up the steps to exit the underground and BAM, without warning, there was the Colosseum. My heart stopped. I couldn’t move, there in front of me was the magnificent structure that I had been dreaming of seeing my whole life. It was right there in the middle of the city, like it wasn’t a big deal. Locals walked by without even noticing it and little ol’ me was jaw-dropped and in awe. My friend and I walked around and found a little cafe. I ordered my cappuccino and just took in the moment. Another thing crossed off the grand bucket list.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most beautiful pieces of art that these eyes have ever seen. You can look up photos of the fountain online and be in awe but seeing it in real life, getting to examine all of the details and appreciate the handwork will literally blow your mind. You’re going to want to throw a penny (or any coin) into the Trevi Fountain to ensure that you will return to Rome one day. You are supposed to place the penny in your right hand and throw it over your left shoulder into the water. Pro tip: A LOT of people are going to be at the Trevi Fountain. In the movies and photos online, you always see the Trevi Fountain completely empty, but that may not be the case depending on what time you visit it. If you want a tourist free experience, then I recommend you go at sunrise. You will also get the perfect lighting, so your photos will be dope.
Spanish steps
Another classic tourist attraction that you have to see is the Spanish Steps. The steps are located between the Piazza di Spagna and the Piazza Trinità dei Mont and are absolutely gorgeous. I visited the Spanish Steps a few times during my three-week stay in Roma. On one of those occasions, it started raining and everyone left the steps running for cover to avoid getting wet, which made it the perfect time for a photo shoot! My friend and I were pretty much the only ones on the steps and we took the cutest photos.
Get lost!
As cliche as it may be, getting lost in the streets of Rome is super fun. There is so much going on in Rome, little cafes to explore, boutiques to wander into, history everywhere, which makes walking around the city an endless adventure.
Trastevere
Speaking of getting lost, one of the neighbourhoods you should get lost in is Trastevere. Trastevere is a charming little neighbourhood that is filled with narrow cobblestone streets. The Medieval era neighbourhood is located across the Tiber River and is the perfect area to get lost in. It is home to colourful shops, wide piazzas, museums, trendy bars and restaurants and is one of the best areas for Instagram photos.
Eat!
Where my foodies at?! Italy is known for its delicious food, so why not spend all your time in Rome eating! You can go on a food tour, take a cooking class, or go on a wine tour. If you are a dedicated food lover, you can also go on a food tour throughout Italy. Intrepid has a fabulous food tour where you can eat your way around Italy.
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The Vatican, The Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel
Take a visit to The Vatican, and experience all of the history, architecture and art. If you don’t know, The Vatican is an independent state inside of the city of Rome where the Pope lives. The buildings are beautiful and it is home to The Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo painted his masterpiece on the ceiling. Pro Tip: spend the money and take a guided tour of The Vatican and the Museum, it is worth it for two reasons. 1. You get to skip the giant line of people who are waiting to get into the Museum. 2. There is so much art in the Museum it was very helpful having an expert tell stories of the pieces.
If all you do in Rome is visit the Sistine Chapel, honestly your whole trip will be worth it. If you take the tour, the Sistine Chapel is the last stop on the tour and it is the most perfect way to end it. You can not talk in the Sistine Chapel, and you are not allowed to talk any photos in there. You are forced to take a moment and just enjoy Michelangelo’s incredible masterpiece. It is awesome.
Shopping
Is it possible to go to Italy and not shop? I’m gonna say no. Go to Italy and treat yo’ self! Get some cute clothes, or a designer purse. When I was in Italy, I didn’t spend a lot of money on myself because I had no room in my bag, and I had four other countries to visit before I would make a quick pit stop home. But luckily for me, my little sister went to Rome the year later and she brought me home a gorgeous black purse and I love it so much! Cheers to her for being the real MVP.
Beaches
I know that there are a lot of things to do and see in Rome, but if you are looking for some outdoors time, why not take a trip to an Italian beach! Being by the water is really good for your health and it is a nice way to take a little break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy more of lovely Italy.
Hike Via Francigena
Hikers, get excited! Spend a day of your trip hiking a section of the Via Francigena. This route goes from Canterbury, UK to Rome, Italy and passes through England, France and Switzerland. You can hike a part of this medieval trail while visiting Rome, or you can spend a few months and hike the whole thing. Adventure time!
There are a lot of other things you can explore in Rome, these are just 10 of my favourites. Want to add anything to the list, write it in the comments below.
[su_quote cite=” Anatole Broyard”]”Rome was a poem pressed into service as a city.” [/su_quote]
Places to stay:
Being a tourist city, there are a lot of places to stay in Rome that range in price. I stayed at Camping Village Roma, a campground style hostel. The staff were super friendly and they have a pool, restaurant and bar on site and is very affordable. I had a great time here. If you want more of a luxurious VIP trip in Rome, you could check out Palazzo Navona Hotel, and Relais Trevi 95 Boutique Hotel.
Where to eat:
Honestly, everything I ate was absolutely fabulous. So much pizza, pasta and even a panzerotti. I cannot remember any of the restaurants I ate at but I found this guide on the Internet that I think can help you find the best restaurants. If you are vegan you should check out this guide. There are a lot of fun bars in Rome, for more information use this blog as a reference.
Transportation:
I used public transport, taxi’s and my two feet and didn’t have a problem. The buses and subways are pretty easy to navigate. I walked a lot in Rome, which is a great way to see the city.
Rome is a beautiful city that you will fall in love with. If you haven’t been, I would recommend that you do so as soon as possible. Have any questions about Rome, or need help planning a trip, shoot me a message.
Ti auguro buone avventure. Ciao Bella!
xoxo,
