ROME TRAVEL GUIDE
Italy’s capital city is bursting with history and character. Rome celebrates centuries of architectural history. Below are some of my recommendations for a first time visit.
MUST SEE IN ROME (ROMA):
SPANISH STEPS
Make sure you stop and experience the vibrant and picturesque Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti). The steps were originally built as a way to connect the square (Piazza di Spagna) to the church (Trinità dei Monti), and today serve as a perfect meeting place to start your Roman Holiday.
PIAZZA NAVONA
Stop and enjoy the energy of Piazza Navona. In the center stands an Egyptian obelisk and fountain (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi) designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Explore the nearby shops or take a seat at one of the many surrounding cafes.
PRO TIP: Be aware of your surroundings and for pickpockets in large bustling crowds, thieves commonly work near tourist attractions such as museums and monuments!
PANTHEON
Tucked in the historical city center (Centro Storico), the Pantheon is known for its breathtaking and record breaking unreinforced concrete dome. Stand near the center of the church and look up to see the “eye” or oculus open to the outside.
COLOSSEUM
Don’t miss one of Rome’s classic architectural icons, the Colosseum. This ancient arena still stands, inviting today’s visitors to envision games and gladiators. Tour the open-air amphitheater by group, private, or self-guided audio.
PRO TIP: As the second most popular attraction in Italy, consider purchasing Colosseum tickets in advance to avoid the inevitable long lines.
VILLA BORGHESE
On a sunny day, rent a bicycle or plan a picnic in Rome’s Villa Borghese. The vast park is home to historic fountains, secret gardens, and spectacular views of the city.
FONTANA DI TREVI
Relive Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, at the Fontana di Trevi, Trevi Fountain. It is Rome’s most famous fountain. Storytellers reveal, that if you toss a coin into the fountain, it guarantees you will return to Rome.
ROMAN FORUM
Step back into time, by visiting ancient Rome’s architectural showpiece. The Roman Forum is now an archeological maze of ruins. Get tickets or tours paired with the Colosseum for reduced prices. To continue your archeological excursion, walk through ancient Rome’s most exclusive neighborhood, Palatino (Palatine Hill).
CASTEL SANT’ANGELO
Adorned with a statue of Michael the Arch Angel, Castel Sant’Angelo, Castle of the Holy Angel, is a striking museum, originally commissioned as a mausoleum for emperor Hadrian. The best perspective of the castle is standing on the adjacent bridge, Ponte Sant’Angelo.
MUST SEE IN VATICAN CITY:
We set out at 5:45AM to walk from our Airbnb to Vatican City for sun rise. The morning was quiet and empty as Rome began to wake up. It has rained the night before, so the stone pavers reflected the morning light breaking through the clouds.
St. Peter’s Square, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, is a dramatic gesture of embrace. The colonnades reach out on both sides of St. Peter’s facade symbolically appearing as the welcoming arms of the Catholic Church.
As Italy’s most prominent Basilica, St. Peters, is an architectural symbol of grandeur. Once inside, its triumphant interiors are both dramatic and dynamic. Michelangelo’s design for the dome, emphasized verticality soaring 390 ft (119 meters). Bernini’s bronze canopy, the baldacchino, boldly marks the papal alter and St. Peter’s tomb.
PRO TIP: The dress code is strictly enforced at St. Peter's Basilica. No shorts, bare shoulders or miniskirts.
Walk north, along the Vatican Wall, to the museum entrance to visit the Vatican Museums & Gardens including the Sistine Chapel. This takes around 10 minutes walking from St. Peter’s Square as you have to walk around the entire complex.
On your way to the Vatican Museums- do not be discouraged or fall victim to the people selling “skip the line tickets.” If you do not buy tickets online- don’t worry! You can buy them there. It is upstairs once you are inside. (I almost had a panic attack because its not easy to find the ticket sales BUT do not loose hope!)
PRO TIP: We purchased the self guided audio tour. We could skip around and go out our own pace.
The Museum is a UNESCO-listed complex, and houses a notable highlight reel of religious art and artifacts, including Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Plan to spend at minimum 4-5 hours walking through the collections and the Vatican Gardens.
As we were leaving the gift shop with new postcards in hand, we saw that the Vatican has its own Post Office- Poste Vaticane. It was the most efficient and direct way to send our mail out to our family and friends on the spot! As you leave the Museum, you exit by the Bramante Staircase. The double spiral was designed by Giuseppe Momo and is the final stretch.
PRO TIP: Organize your visit, and prepare. This could be very stressful without a plan. Don’t fall victim to the people selling “skip the line tickets.” If you want to purchase tickets in advance, do so through the official Vatican service, Vox Mundi. To avoid long waits, purchase tickets online and arrive early. Check the Notices of temporary closures to avoid any unwelcome surprises and refer to the Vatican’s website for frequently asked questions.
