The ancient city of Rome, Italy is said to have been founded in 753 BC. Known for its rich history, ancient ruins and iconic landmarks, millions of travelers from around the world flock to the bustling metropolis to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture. History books don’t do Italy’s capital city justice – this is one you’re going to have to see for yourself!
Things To Do
Toss A Coin in the Trevi Fountain
The construction of Rome’s most famous fountain, the Trevi Fountain, began 1732. Its iconic beauty and design is made from travertine stone and marble. Featured at the fountain’s center is a statue of Oceanus, the God of the sea. With approximately 10,000 visitors per day, the best opportunity for clutter-free photos are early morning and midnight. The tradition of tossing a coin from the right hand over the left shoulder is believed to bring visitors back to Rome one day.
The Trevi Fountain is surrounded by shops and eateries. L’Antico Forno is a bakery that sells fresh pastries, sandwiches, cheeses and meats. Captain Candy is a one-stop-shop for Italian sweets. My favorite spot, Enoteca, serves visitors endless samples of flavored liqueur, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, pesto, cheese, cookies and more! Whether you’re shopping for the perfect souvenir or simply grabbing a quick bite to eat, the options in the area are endless.
Tour the Colosseum and Ancient Rome
The Colosseum continues to hold the title for the world’s largest amphitheater. This immaculate structure was used for gladiator fights, animal hunts, live performances and even executions. The once rowdy stadium now hosts religious ceremonies, public events and guided tours. For $136 (€120), the Colosseum Arena & Ancient Rome tour takes travelers back in time to the city’s beginning. From the remains of the Roman Forum to the top of Palatine Hill, our guide, Fe, provided an educational experience for all ages.
Standing in the presence of the Colosseum is absolutely breathtaking. The guided tour concludes as you walk through the Gladiator’s Entrance onto the arena floor. Guests are able to enjoy the area and take as many photos as they’d like. Stairs to the second level offer an elevated view of the incredible structure.
Take a Pasta Making Class
This 5-star experience is one you can’t go without! The well-seasoned team of chefs at Rome With Chef have made it their goal to share their secrets to creating authentic Italian food. The Pasta and Tiramisu Making Class offers the best of both worlds: dinner and dessert. The lead chef, Mariza, walked us through the process of making fettuccini from scratch. To top it off, you’ll pick between two popular Roman sauce recipes: cacio e pepe or carbonara. Class ends with a celebration surrounded by new friends and creamy tiramisu.
Visit Vatican City
With a 2-mile radius, Vatican City is the smallest country in the world. This city-state is home to the Pope and many historical attractions. Visitors enter through St. Peter’s Square, a charming open area with fountains and statues. The Vatican Museums house many artifacts that span across time. A notable highlight includes the Sistine Chapel. Unfortunately but understandably, photography is strictly prohibited to protect the integrity of the artwork from camera flashes. General admission is $22.70 (€20), but guided tour options are also available.
The most important Catholic Church in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica, is believed to be the burial place of St. Peter. Visitors can make the 551-step trek to the top of the dome for a 360° view of the entire city. A $2.27 (€2) elevator ride offers the option to surpass the first 231 steps, but the remaining 320 are up to you!
Dining
Comodo Mercato Trevi is located around the corner from the Trevi Fountain. This 5-in-1 market style restaurant offers everything including Roman cuisine, pizza, fresh sushi and freshly baked bread. Previously a carriage shed, printing house and garage, the building’s open-area architecture and high ceilings offer a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
Pinsitaly Tivoli creates every pizza topping combination you can imagine. The highly hydrated dough goes through extended fermentation to develop more complex flavors. Each pizza is rolled out and worked by hand to achieve the perfect pie every time.
Royal Art Café stands in the heart of historic Rome with its neighbor none other than the Colosseum. The roof terrace provides exceptional views accompanied by delicious Italian dishes and incredible service. Celebrating a very special day, the staff members sang me “Happy Birthday” while bringing out a flaming tiramisu!
Lodging
Located at the Quattro Fontane crossroads, one of the most picturesque spots in Rome, is Hotel Trevi. Just steps away from the Trevi Fountain, the close proximity to some of the capital’s most famous attractions and landmarks is unbeatable. This cozy hotel offers complementary Wi-Fi, a breakfast buffet and 24-hour multilingual concierge. As all lodging in the area, room prices vary on availability and season. Rates rise during peak summer months and holidays, but lower significantly during the off season. I recommend adjusting your travel schedule to avoid busy season and enjoy your stay in the city when the crowds are less prevalent.
Transportation
There are many options to get from Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to the heart of the Rome. I, personally, would not recommend taking a shuttle. The cobblestone streets provide a rocky ride. With no street lights or speed limits in the city, driving isn’t for the faint of heart.
ItaliaRail offers rides on the Leonardo Express for approximately $20 (€18) each way. Connecting the airport to the main train station in Rome, travelers can hitch a ride every half-hour, or every 15 minutes during peak hours. The smooth, 32-minute ride is a convenient traffic free option.
The city of Rome is incredibly walkable. As always, be sure to pack a sturdy pair of tennis shoes. I’d recommend my favorite pair of Skechers. They’re affordable, comfortable and come in so many cute colors! Buses are also a prominent form of transportation. Bus tickets can be purchased at a station for $3.41 (€3) and must be stamped in the machine on the bus.
Walking through the streets of Rome opened the door for me to experience the way of life of my Italian ancestors – something that is difficult to put into words. When visiting this historic city, I challenge you to open your mind to the infinite knowledge you will obtain, cuisine you will digest and culture you will absorb.
Love Always.
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