All roads lead to Rome for a reason!
When traveling, people often like to say that it’s best to visit new places like a local would. But, sometimes, simply being a “regular” tourist can give you the experience you’re looking for! You just have to be smart about it.
Places To See (Also Known As, Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day)
With so many famous monuments, ruins, and museums, is it possible to see them all in only one trip?
No. That would be crazy and you wouldn’t enjoy the experience with all the rushing around. BUT, you can visit some of the most important ones!
Tour the Colosseum
One of the seven wonders of the world, the Colosseum is the most recognizable symbol of Rome, and, as such, is obviously a must-visit for any tourist who loves history, or who has seen Gladiator.
However, there are things to keep in mind/different ways to visit.
The Colosseum is one of those attractions where if you don’t get there early and book a tour, you’ll likely be miserable waiting in line for hours (at least in spring and summer). It is by far the most popular tourist attraction in Rome, and the lines reflect that.
A Note – Make sure that the ticket you buy includes entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Also, double check the reviews for your tour, because some tours are not prompt about times and don’t really care about your experience.
Once inside, get ready to climb stairs, dodge the elbows of other tourists, and get your steps in. Luckily, with hardship comes reward and you’ll be treated to amazing views of an incredible structure that has lasted for centuries (praise be Roman engineering), and if you have a guide, they’ll give you a great inside view on how it was built, what it was used for (even besides the gladiators), and how it has fared through the ages. However, it is important to note that a “normal” ticket will not give you access to the underground area of the Colosseum. To see underneath, you have to purchase a specific ticket which comes with a tour guide.
Tip! – Take a night tour of the Colosseum with a ticket that allows you to go underground. The arena is lit up beautifully and you can access areas that are normally off-limits to the public.
Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain
Rome has all matter of famous landmarks and none disappoint. However, what can be disappointing are the crowds that block your view of the spectacular sight.
My solution? Go at dawn!
And when I mean dawn, I mean EARLY dawn. Like the sun hasn’t even come up yet and the sky is only starting to lighten a bit.
You’ll be shocked at the difference in your experience. For me, the Trevi Fountain was what truly showed me that early is always better. I had gone the night before and the crowds were so intense, cops with huge guns had to patrol along the edges in order to control the masses. But at 6am, there was next to nobody else out and I could enjoy my Lizzie McGuire fantasy to the fullest.
A Note – The other people who are there that early are likely looking to take pictures, and will be MORE than happy to collaborate with you on how to get each other the best shots.
Experience the Vatican
Am I religious? No. Do I have complicated feelings about the role religion has played and continues to play in the world? Yup. Was I still excited to visit the Vatican? Hell yes!
Guys, the Vatican is gorgeous. You can appreciate art and architecture without believing in the stories behind its creation.
A Tip – Take a morning tour. I understand that some people aren’t exactly “tour group” people, but in this case it’s in your best interest to do it. Doing a morning tour means that you get to skip all the lines and experience the Vatican without people crowding all around and shoving their arms past you to take off-kilter photos. It also means that you don’t have to watch a million documentaries beforehand to understand what you’re seeing, as the guide will tell you instead.
For a full article about my experience in the Vatican, click – here.
A Note – You have to dress modestly in some parts of the Vatican. This means that pants/skirts much reach the knee and your shoulders have to be covered.
Go Museum Hopping
Like any major city, Rome has a plethora of museums. And, like any major European city, many of them exist in/near historical buildings or monuments (the Vatican, the Mausoleum of Augustus, etc).
Luckily, this makes your time as a tourist easier, as you can kill two birds with one stone in many cases – seeing famous monuments as well as the museums there. It also means that a large majority of the museums are dedicated to history and/or art.
To see all of the options for museums in Rome, click – here.
Visit the Pantheon
When people think of the Pantheon, they may get it mixed up with the more famous Parthenon in Greece.
This does make sense, as the name derives from ancient Greek and it was thought to have been built as a public temple for worship to the Roman Gods (who, as we all know, are pretty much just the Greek Gods with different names (in most cases)).
The Pantheon was built between 27-25 BC and has a very, very long history involving emperors, fires, destruction, generals, thefts, kings, and Popes. It is also considered to be the best-preserved building from the time of ancient Rome. Most historians agree that this is likely because the Pope ordered that it would be converted from a pagan temple to a catholic church, thus protecting it from being destroyed.
Today, the Pantheon is technically still a church, but many consider it to be a monument of the past rather than a true place of Christian worship. It is an architectural marvel that you can visit on any trip to Rome as long as you buy a ticket. Upon purchase of the ticket, you can also choose to download an audio guide if you wish (I did not).
Traverse down the Spanish Steps
Tip! – This is another contender for a *get there early or you’ll be miserable* award.
Aesthetically, the steps are a highlight due to their proximity to the Trinita dei Monti church, the Fontana della Baraccia, and the Piazza di Spagna. The combination of all makes for a truly impressive view.
Historically, the steps are impactful for being one of the widest staircases in Europe. They were commissioned by a French diplomat, who wanted to further expand the artistic footprint of France in Rome, seeing that the stairs would be just below a church built in the French style and commissioned by a French king.
Although the diplomat died before he could see the stairs, his money was still used to help build them decades later. They were completed in 1725 and have been a symbol of Rome ever since.
So, why are they the Spanish steps? Why not the French steps?
That’s because the steps lead down to the Spanish embassy. The Piazza is also named for this embassy – the Piazza di Spagna.
A Note – The steps are somewhat fragile and have been reconstructed many times. As a result, you cannot sit, eat, use a pram on the steps or otherwise harm them in any way. There is a hefty fine for those who do.
Wander down ancient pathways in the Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is where history nerds get to shine.
Nicknamed the heart of ancient Rome, the Forum was, in many ways, the most important area for all Roman citizens. It was a meeting place, a market, a place for speeches, trials, and processions, and was where some of the most significant buildings in ancient Rome resided – namely the Senate House and multiple temples.
In the centuries that followed the fall of the Roman Empire, the Forum fell to ruin and medieval churches and other buildings were built over the area. However, the Renaissance brought an interest in resurfacing the ruins and these newer buildings were destroyed to uncover the ruins. With the Forum now uncovered, the problem became conservation. Over time, the power of conserving the ruins fell to different hands and they were increasingly damaged and stripped bare. It wasn’t truly until the 1800s when real effort was put into excavation and protection.
So, what’s the point of me telling you all this background history?
It’s because the Roman Forum may not look as impressive as its history might suggest. Traveling through Europe, you’re likely to see many Roman ruins scattered throughout the continent. As a result, many tourists may barely give the Roman Forum a second glance.
In my opinion, you would be doing yourself a disservice if you did this. There are layers of history at work here and although only ruins remain, they’re still impressive nonetheless.
Tip – The Forum is not free to visit (unless you visit on the first Sunday of the month or you’re a child or a senior), but the ticket for the Forum also includes basic access to Palatine Hill and the Colosseum. There are also guided tours you can purchase, which I do recommend if you are even a little bit interested in history.
Visit the Alter of the Fatherland
Technically, the monument is actually called the Victor Emmanuel II Monument (or Vittoriano), and the Alter of the Fatherland is only one part of the monument. But, it is the most famous part of the monument and is most symbolic of the true meaning/intention of the building due to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the goddess Roma who stands above.
Most tourists probably visit this building for its historic and symbolic value and to pay their respects, but that’s not really why it was a standout to me.
Let’s just say that the tomb is guarded by soldiers – handsome soldiers. Is it blasphemous and inappropriate for me to point that out at a monument that is meant to garner respect? Probably, but facts are facts. I don’t think I’ve ever seen more handsome soldiers in any other country I’ve ever visited.
So, pay your respects, but also sneak a peak.
Climb up the Palatine Hill
One of the seven important hills in Rome, Palatine Hill is adjacent to the Roman Forum and the Colosseum – so much so, that they share admission tickets.
Similarly to the Forum and the Colosseum, you go here to see ancient ruins. Palatine Hill is where palaces for emperors were located, as well as a temple and gardens.
However, this Hill is important to Rome for another, more symbolic meaning. It is believed that the cave where Romulus and Remus were weaned by the wolf Lupa was located in this hill, and it is also where Romulus killed Remus and established the city of Rome.
Take a walk through the Baths of Caracalla
Many tourists miss this spot, likely due to the fact that it’s not directly located in the city center. And yet, it’s a mere 15-20 minute walk from the city center, so it truly makes no sense to skip out on some of the best preserved Roman ruins in the city.
The ruins are that of (you guessed it) a giant bathhouse. And while that might not sound exciting on its own (although, history nerds know just how impressive the Roman engineering for bathhouses was at the time), the complex is impressive to behold and was even called a wonder of Rome at one point in time. Many buildings are still standing (although roofless), with towers and mosaics proudly displayed. There are even underground passages!
A Note – I found the walk out to the Baths and visiting them to be a welcome break in my touristy schedule. They ARE a tourist attraction, make no mistake, but the walk out there and its location provides a quieter, calmer side to your day in Rome.
Experiences (Also Known As, Do As The Romans Do)
Traveling isn’t just about seeing all the sights, it’s also about enjoying the moments in between and coming across experiences that you can’t find in your hometown.
Shop in the Campo de’ Fiori Market
Ready to feel like a local browsing at your favorite market? The Campo de’ Fiori Market has you covered.
The Square is open all day, every day, but the market is open from 7am – 2pm every day except Sundays. Although the market is best known for its flowers (hence its name), they also sell anything else you’d find at a farmer’s market: fruits, veggies, small goods, etc. Once done with your shopping, there are also multiple cafes and eateries to sit in and enjoy the view.
Eat gelato every day
Out of all of the food in Italy, why am I singling out gelato?
It’s because I can’t eat dairy and yet, most gelato places in Rome had multiple dairy free options for me to choose from. Which was a REVELATION to me. And no, it wasn’t just fruit options and sorbets. Many places also had dark chocolate options that were just as delicious as their “regular” options (my sister did a taste test and confirmed this).
Tip! – Many of these places in the more touristy areas have spoons in the gelato with different colors that indicate what allergens are in them (egg, dairy, etc). Most places also have ingredient lists or the person working there can talk about the ingredients for each easily, because the good spots use local ingredients and are proud of it.
Shop along the Via del Corso
This long street in the historical district links many tourist attractions together and is also known as one of the best streets for shopping in Rome. As such, it’s also great for people watching and a daily passeggiata.
Looking for clothes? Shoes? Accessories? Skincare? From brands like Apple to Swarovski to Calzedonia to Prada, this street has everything you need.
A Note – This is also the street where my father nearly was pickpocketed, so keep an eye on your pockets and bags!
Eat/Drink with a view of the Colosseum
There are a few different restaurants with views of the Colosseum, but it’s especially impactful to sit outside in the ones that border it.
No, the food is not the best food you’ll find in Rome, but it’s likely still better than most restaurants in your hometown. Plus, there’s an unbeatable view! But if the food still doesn’t seem appealing, grab a drink instead!
Relax by the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi in the Piazza Navona
There are many gorgeous fountains in Rome, but this fountain holds a special place in my heart.
It is, of course, visually stunning and located in the similarly impressive Piazza Navona. But it was really the wide expanse of space around the fountain that drew me in and allowed me to take a seat at a nearby cafe and relax. It was a perfect stop in my day of walking to every tourist attraction I could.
Eat… everything!
Did I eat gnocchi every day in Rome? Yes. Did I gain 500 pounds with that on top of pizza, gelato, and all the other goodies Italy has to offer?
Actually, no. Eating delicious food made with fresh ingredients and love is GOOD FOR YOU. It’s not only food for the stomach, it’s food for the heart and soul.
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Any questions? Comment below or contact me!
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