Rome is near the top of most people’s lists of must-see cities. It should be number one: it deserves pole position, certainly in Europe, for it is simply one of the world’s greatest cities.
Super-charged with cultural energy, with artworks and sculpture everywhere you look, Rome combines accessibility with awe-inspiring architecture and history, an approachable manner with sophistication and fun.
I instantly loved Rome and I think most foreigners will to. There’s the wine, the coffee (none of this Nescafé stuff), the pizza, and the gelato (Italian ice cream).
Rome is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful cities in all the world. The eternal city. The capital of the Roman Empire. The site of the Vatican City. The cosmopolitan-crazy Italian capital.
Despite its incredibly rich history, Rome is a city which lives for today with amazing cafes, bars and restaurants, thousands of mopeds, beautiful people, crazy drivers and its fair share of ancient ruins. There is an endless array of things to see including the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, the catacombs, the ancient Roman Forum, the Colosseum and the Pantheon.
The old ‘capital of the world’ is thoroughly modern and cosmopolitan. As one of the few major European cities that escaped World War II relatively unharmed, central Rome remains essentially Renaissance and Baroque in character. The Historic Centre of Rome is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Sited on the River Tiber, between the Apennine Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Eternal City was once the administrative centre of the almighty Roman Empire, governing a vast region that stretched all the way from Great Britain to Mesopotamia. Today the city is home to around 2.8 million people.
In my opinion, one of the most iconic images of Rome is the Colosseum. This is where gladiator games and public spectacles were held for free. These games were brutal, with gladiators fighting each other until death. Gladiators were also at times forced to fight animals such as lions.
Viva Roma!
Rome Facts
Some random facts about Rome…
• The Capuchin Crypt in Rome consists of five chapels and a corridor 60 meters long—and it is decorated with the bones of 4,000 deceased monks. The coffee drink Cappuccino takes its name from this order of monks who were known by their custom of wearing a hood or cappucio with their habits.
• Rome’s population of more than a million was not matched by any other European city until London finally over took it in the nineteenth century.
• The first-ever shopping mall was built by the Emperor Trajan in Rome. It consisted of several levels and more than 150 outlets that sold everything ranging from food and spices to clothes.
• Romans invented central heating and would warm rooms from under the floor using what was called a hypocaust, literally “heat from below.” Homes of some rich people had both running water and central heating.
Best Time to Visit Rome
Italy is arguably better explored during autumn or spring, because the weather is still warm, but the selfie-stick-touting families are nowhere to be seen (well, most of them anyway). Rome still gets about eight hours of sunshine a day in October, so you can get in all your sightseeing, tuck into a huge bowl of pasta al fresco in the sun, and spend your evenings sipping on Aperol’s. Summer is busy, hot and expensive.
Where to Stay
If money is no issue, you have the choice of so many amazing places to stay. I recommend the Westin Excelsior Hotel – this is one of the most lavish hotels in the world.
If you are on a backpackers budget, check out The Yellow Hostel. This is a super cool hostel complete with bar, club, escape room, salon and tattoo parlour (avoid after a few beers, unless you want a tattoo of a pizza). Fantastic central location, 8 min walk from Termini train station – ideal for a city-hopping tour of Europe!
Get the best deals on places to stay on Booking.com.
First Time Trip to Rome – Essentials
I imagine most people plan to visit Rome as part of a city break, so I’ll share some highlights from my first two day trip here.
My first night in Rome was perfect. There’s gelato involved and there’s a walking tour of the sights by night, which I reckon is the best way to see Rome without the heaving crowds.
My first full day, I bought a Roma tourist pass and smugly skip a massive queue to get into the Colosseum – it was incredible. After the Colosseum I did the Forum, Palatine Hill and then the Trevi Fountain, where I sat on the edge and threw two coins over my shoulder into the water – the first to ensure a return to Rome and the second to grant me a wish. And no, I’m not going to tell you what I wished for!
I then went in search of a celebratory gelato and by total accident I stumble across the place which Elizabeth Gilbert, who wrote the book ‘Eat, Pray, Love,’ says sells the “best gelato in Rome.” From the outside it’s so un-assuming. It’s like they thought ‘we make such good gelato we don’t need to advertise’. Inside, the gelato is hidden under shiny metal lids and it costs double the price for half the size. But, it’s amazing.
I had their Seville orange, cinnamon-ginger, honey, chocolate with crushed meringue, and zabaione (egg yolk, sugar and sweet wine). It became my afternoon ritual, gelato and people-watching at the Pantheon, which is my favourite Roman monument – it’s so medieval looking and so grand.
I spend a day going the wrong way round the Vatican. However, I did stumble across where they house all the old pope mobiles. The grand finale of any Vatican tour is Michaelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. After the Vatican I headed for St Peter’s Basilica and on the way spot the ridiculously dressed but quite handsome Swiss guards.
The interior of the church is very grandeur and very palatial, although I would have appreciated some warning of the presence of the late Pope John XXIII. I actually gasped out loud when I stumbled across his wax-like body behind glass!
After I caught my breath, I lost it again clambering up the 551 stairs to reach the top of the dome for the best panoramic views of Rome.
Check out a 24 hour Rome itinerary or more of my Rome travel tips below.
Attractions & Top Places to See
Wandering through the ancient streets of Rome really is like being in history book. The architecture, cobbled streets, ancient buildings and tourist sights make Rome such an amazing city to be a tourist. Here are some destinations you shouldn’t miss.
The Trevi Fountain
You must have known that Bernini’s famous font would make an appearance. While somewhat cliché, the celebrated night scene from La Dolce Vita continues to inspire visitors to seek their own romance. However, unlike the stars of Fellini’s 1960 cult film, you’ll have to stay on dry land, as it’s frowned on to dive in these days! This is an essential place to visit on any trip to Italy.
The Colosseum
The Colosseum is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Europe located in the centre of the city of Rome, close to the Roman Forum. It is over 1,900 years old and one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. This is the world’s largest amphitheater and it is still in fantastic condition considering how old it is. Be sure to wander around the ruins of the Roman Forum nearby too.
The Pantheon
Cliché it may be, but the Pantheon truly has to be seen to be appreciated. It is the oldest building with its roof still intact, and is remarkable for its size, construction and design. Work was initiated in 27 BC by the statesman Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, but it was completely rebuilt by the emperor Hadrian sometime between AD 118 and 128.
Some alterations were then made in the early 3rd-century. The body of the building, an immense circular space lit solely by the light that floods through the 27-foot oculus, or “eye”, opening at the centre of the dome, was revolutionary; possibly this was the first of several great buildings of antiquity that were designed to favour the interior rather than the exterior.
Via Giulia
To start off with, how about a walk along the elegant and tranquil Via Giulia? This street was designed during the heady days of the Italian Renaissance, when art and society were both preoccupied with the beauty of life and love. The road preserves a slow, delicious energy that will captivate visitors, be they single or attached.
Piazza Navona
Rome’s most popular square is the perfect spot to head for some quality time. You might choose to grab a slice of pizza or gelato and enjoy it next to the fountain, or perhaps you’ll while away the time enjoying dinner and a glass of wine at one of the square’s restaurants.
Roseto Comunale
What could be more romantic than a rose? Try a whole garden full of them, at sunset, with a view of The Vatican. If that sounds at all tempting, you’ll have to head to the Aventine Hill, one of Rome’s Seven Hills. Here you can find the Roseto Comunale, Rome’s public rose garden. It attracts few tourists, so it could be the perfect spot for a quiet moment away from the crowds.
The River Tiber
While nothing special by day, especially in the summer when it dwindles in the heat, the River Tiber at night is enchanting. Take an evening boat ride, passing many of Rome’s most treasured monuments, including St. Peter’s Basilica. Nature’s treats can’t help but captivate you either, the gentle tree-lined banks of the river providing the perfect setting for your nocturnal adventure.
The Vatican – A Holy Experience!
Visiting the Vatican completed, nay, it made my trip to Rome. My advice for visitors? Pay whatever the admission cost is, for any of the attractions, and live to tell the story of the most beautiful art you have ever seen.
Make sure to spend at least thirty minutes walking through St. Paul’s basilica – breathtakingly huge. There mere spaciousness seems to muffle your words – it’s like the space is so big that sound cannot even travel across it. Gaining admission into the Vatican museum is like paying to see some of the world’s most famous art pieces: The Map Room and the Sistine Chapel.
Interesting/unique things to do in the Vatican:
• Every Wednesday and Sunday (or so I’ve heard), the Pope makes a short appearance and blesses the crowds in St. Peter’s square.
• Check out the kitschy souvenir shops and pick up one of the hundreds of statues or even a pope lighter.
Rome Travel Tips
Shopping
Most important of all, you’ve got to devote a little time to shopping. The best browsing and window-shopping is in Tridente, the spear-shaped trio of largely pedestrianised streets pointing up to Piazza del Popolo. All the great labels have main outlets here – Gucci, Prada, Moschino – but if you’re after value rather than designer gear you can find really good Italian clothes and accessories all over, at decent prices.
Food and Drink
Visits to Rome aren’t all about sight-seeing. If you like a good strong brew, you’ll love the city’s fabulous coffee culture, and who could resist a slice of delicious Pizza Romana? Rome has some of the best food in Italy, with world class restaurants and lots of local and affordable places to eat.
Rome is one of the true homes of ice-cream, and it’s not unusual to walk past a gelateria offering dozens of flavours on every street. But Fatamorgana at 90 Via Tirso is different. This is more than a mere ice cream parlour. It’s a laboratory where the weirdest and most wonderful flavour combinations are dreamt up.
If you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, why not try a Little Devil ice – made from sugar, habanero peppers, water and tomatoes. Naughty but nice? You decide! Check out my tips for where to buy the best ice cream in Rome.
Nightlife
Once the sun goes down, Rome has plenty of lively venues where you can dance the night away. Options for all muscle tastes and interests.
How to Visit Rome on a Budget
Rome is one of those bucket list cities that everyone wants to visit, and luckily, you don’t have to be a millionaire to have an incredible experience the highlights.
Families, couples and solo travellers from all over the globe travel here each year in their droves, to feast their eyes on the stunning statues and ancient ruins that adorn the city, and they all have very varied budgets themselves.
Whatever your reason for wanting to visit this iconic city, I thought I’d offer up a few key pieces of advice for how to have a memorable trip there, but without breaking the bank.
Buy multi-passes where possible
First of all, you’ll be pleased to know that ticket vendors have caught on to the fact that so many people want to visit places like the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and the Pantheon.
That’s why there are now so many options to buy passes that encompass certain attractions, and you’ll often find that this doesn’t only save you time queuing up at every attraction, but money too.
For example, you can pick up the Roma Pass, which can either last for 48 hours or three days, and includes free public transport in Rome, free entry to the first museum you visit and discounted entry to others, as well as fast track access to the Colosseum.
Or, if you just want to see certain sights, you can visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill under the same ticket.
Buy tickets in advance
Are there any events that you’re heading out there to see? It could be a concert, a food festival or a museum exhibition that’s only in town for a few days, but your best bet at avoiding disappointment is to book them in advance.
There are often early bird offers for event tickets, so you can bag yourself a better the price the earlier you buy them. Plus, with more prestigious shows, such as watching a live opera or ballet performance, it’s always better to book with a credible and reliable company.
Don’t be scared of going on foot
Although there are many coach tours and open-top bus tours available, Rome is a fantastic city to get around on foot if you want to save the pennies for things that really matter on your trip. I would always recommend this, because exploring places on foot is the best way to find those hidden gems in cities like this. Whether it’s a flea market selling traditional Italian goods or an eatery tucked away from the main streets, you’ll get the best experience of a new culture this way.
Eating out
Speaking of which, don’t be afraid of street vendor food. This is where you’ll find the freshest ingredients and true, rustic Roman food, so enjoy it! Try the local pizza style, with an extra thin and crispy base like nowhere else in Italy.
Best Day Trips & Places to Visit Near Rome
If you are visiting Rome for the first time there chances are you won’t want to leave the city centre. There’s no shortage of things to do on day two. For day trips and exciting destinations near Rome, there is also a lot of choice.
Some travel operators offer trips to the ruined city of Pompeii, outside Naples, a couple of hours south of Rome on the slopes of the brooding volcano Vesuvius. It’s a great trip to see the ancient streets and houses, many standing much as they were when smothered with hot ash from the eruption of 79AD, is unforgettable.
Rome is such an unselfconsciously cool city that it can be hard to tear yourself away. Throw that coin in the Fontana Trevi and they say you’re guaranteed to return one day. So, when are you next heading to Rome?