Rome Rome Rome

Is there a city that keeps pulling you back? You are going about your day and you can't help but notice signs from the universe to go back to this city. Just me?

Rome is the city that captivates me. I yearn for its cuisine, vibrant atmosphere, the friendliness of both locals and fellow visitors, and, of course, the stunning architecture.

As tempting as it is to document all my Rome advice in one blog, I’ve decided to do so in a series of blogs. Of course, it all comes from a perspective of Rome as a visitor who likes to take advice from locals and sprinkle in a few (or more) personal tips.

Let's start with the basics with places to visit and then where to eat. A separate blog with food advice is coming soon! :)

Essential sight-seeing spots in Rome

Colosseum

The Colosseum or the colosseo as they call it in Italian, is an amphitheatre in the heart of Rome. When one thinks of Rome, this magnificent structure from the 1st century CE comes to mind. With plenty of seats hosting Roman spectators for centuries, the Colosseum held spectacles such as the gladiatorial games. Do take time to visit the Colosseum and the museum inside. We even toured with an audio guide - totally worth the extra few euros!

Make sure to book your tickets in advance. Also, keep in mind that summer afternoons can be brutal in Rome.

The Roman Forum

The Roman Forum, right next to the Colosseum, was an ancient marketplace, political hub, and a centre of life in Rome...I can't quite put into words what it really is today, but Lonely Planet very accurately describes it as "a spread of ruins". I suggest getting an audio guide here too, as it gives you a glimpse into the life of Romans back in the day and describes all the ancient temples and ruins. What can I say, even the ruins in Rome are beautiful. (Side note: this city even inspired a song titled “Beautiful Ruins” in Emily in Paris.)

Since it's right next to the Colosseum, try visiting both the Forum and the Colosseum on the same day.

The Vatican

A little country within Rome. It’s hard to miss views of the Saint Peter’s cathedral when in Rome. The Vatican museum is filled with classic arts and sculptures, and of course the famous Michelangelo fresco in the Sistine Chapel.

Frankly, the museum can get a bit overwhelming because there are just so many rooms and interesting artworks to see. I suggest mentally preparing which ones are a priority to you, unless you’re okay with just strolling and going with the flow.

After the museum, you can get in line to enter the Saint Peter’s cathedral and soak in the Vatican holiness. The queue can be intimidating, but it moves quickly! It’s free to enter and the cathedral is like a whole other museum itself.

Definitely get the tickets to the museum well in advance. They get sold out rather quickly.

Trevi Fountain

An exquisite fountain visited by countless tourists everyday with Oceanus in the center. In present day, this fountain is also visited by superstitious tourists who throw coins in the fountain. If you have your back to the fountain, and throw a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand… you’re going to visit Rome again! There’s more if you throw in a second and a third coin…Don’t ask me more about it — I didn’t do it.

While I’ve visited this iconic Roman landmark several times, including at night (needless to say, it’s worth it), this was when the access to the fountain was free. Now, tourists are charged 2 euros to enter the Trevi fountain and I’m not quite sure what parts of the fountain and the area are accessible to tourists without tickets.

Pantheon

Just a short walk from the Trevi Fountain lies this ancient 2nd century Roman temple. Now, it is a Catholic Church. The massive dome-shaped ceiling with an oculus in the center allows light to flow into this ancient temple. The thought of this construction taking place nearly 2000 years ago blows my mind.

It’s funny that the feeling I most associate with this landmark is the cooling temperature inside compared to the 30 or so degrees outside.

Getting around

To and from the airport

Trains at the Rome Fiumicino Airport are a convenient and economical way to get to the city. You can either take the Leonardo Express or the local train - the latter is cheaper - and get to Trastevere or Roma Termini.

And it's the same the other way round! I would advise planning to get to the airport in advance if you are taking the train. One of our trains was delayed by hours. This was an exceptional case, so I just want you to be more cautious when you have a flight to catch!

Within the city

WALK. I can’t recommend this simple yet powerful method of transportation. You can soak in the beauty of the city at your own pace. If you need a break, just stop at a cafe for a coffee… or a vino or aperitivo. You’re on holiday, indulge yourself!

Electric scooter was another easy way for us to go around. We downloaded apps like Dott and Lime, which have easy-to-read maps to locate available scooters and drop-off zones. They sometimes offer package deals for multiple rides.

I wouldn't know much about taking a bus or the metro in Rome - never tried, sorry!