The Eternal City of Rome is a must-see on most bucket lists, but where on earth do you even begin to start your sightseeing in a city this large? We’ve partnered with Keryn Means of Walking On Travels to help us plan our own adventure, catching the best in the city and a day trip to get you away from the hustle and bustle too.
Photo by Joshua Earle on Unsplash
All roads lead to Rome. Well, that’s what they used to say when Rome was busy conquering the known world, that’s for sure. Now there are so many roads going in and out of Rome, the first-time visitor is more likely to get lost than to be led anywhere.
When planning your first trip to the Eternal City, you need to narrow down your “must-see” list. There are plenty of museums, monuments, statues, ruins and piazzas to keep you busy for well over a year. If you want to jumpstart your trip to Rome, follow our handy guide to the city that has inspired more than a few hundred novels and helped Audrey Hepburn fall in love with Gregory Peck in the film Roman Holiday. Here our eight of the experiences you must have while in Rome.
Photo by Gokhun Guneyhan on Unsplash
Play with Gladiators at the Colosseum
You really can’t go to Rome and not see the Colosseum. First off, it’s huge and hard to miss. A daytime tour of the Colosseum is worth the price, but go back at night to see it all lit up. It’s a beautiful site and tends to be a lot quieter. Make sure you stop to get a photo taken with the Gladiators and Julius Caesar. It may be cheesy, but just think of how much fun you will have sending that photo out to all of your friends and family during the holidays.
Get Your Steps in on Palatine Hill
Delve into the history of Rome as you walk around Palatine Hill. This is where Rome, according to mythology, was founded after Romulus and Remus were found by the she-wolf Lupa in a cave in the hill. As Rome grew, many wealthy Romans had their homes on this hill, the highest of the seven hills of Rome. It is a great view point to get the lay of the land and see many of Rome’s most treasured sites and monuments.
Photo by Keryn Means/ WalkingOnTravels.com
Do a Little Shopping at the Roman Forum
OK, OK, so you can’t shop at the Roman Forum anymore, unless you want to hit the gift shop, but for centuries Romans used to shop in the Roman Forum. They also debated, celebrated triumphant victories and held criminal trials in this plaza. It doesn’t take much to imagine these ancient ruins in all of their glory. Make your way through this architectural site. Read the descriptions of the other buildings around you. It is a good reminder to be grateful that you now have indoor plumbing.
Eat Your Way Across the Campo de’ Fiori
Everyone knows that you can grab great pizza and gelato in Rome. My personal favorite gelato is at San Crispino right near the Trevi Fountain. What most people forget to do is hit the local food markets while they are in town though. Campo de’ Fiori is probably the most popular in Rome, especially amongst travelers, which means, more English may be spoken. Fruits and vegetables are sold in abundance. There are also flowers, meats, cheeses and small gifts to take home to friends and family.
Photo by Simone Savoldi on UnSplash
Say a Little Prayer in Vatican City
Religious or not, there is something awe-inspiring about Vatican City that makes you want to say a little prayer to whomever you worship. Between the monumental architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica and the drool-worthy art collection in the Vatican Museum that has most museum curators across the globe weeping with jealousy, you don’t want to skip this micro-nation within the city of Rome. Oh, and there is this little room called the Sistine Chapel inside too. You won’t want to miss that and this is definitely where you will find the crowds. While it is impressive, the rest of the museum and basilica are equally as amazing. Don’t just rush through to get to the chapel and then leave.
Rub Shoulders with Real Football Fans
The international game of football is alive and well in Italy. Of course, when I say football, I do mean soccer to all the Americans in the audience. Ask your Rome hotel if an Italian league or European Cup game will be broadcast while you are in town. If there will be a game on, make your way to the nearest bar or restaurant with a TV. Order up a pint or a glass of wine. Now get ready to experience a sporting event like you have never seen before. No one is more passionate than football fans, and Italians take it to another level. It is one of our favorite things to do and the best way to meet the locals and other European visitors. If you know the rules of the game, you will be fast friends with the whole bar.
Say Hello to the Bones in Catacombs
One of the more macabre sites in Rome is the Capuchin Crypt under the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini (yes, where the word cappuccino comes from). The skeletal remains of what is supposedly 3,700 Capuchin friars have been ornately set up in several small chapels in the crypt. The Catholic order swears it’s not meant to be creepy. However, it still comes off as a little odd to those of us raised to let the dead rest in peace.
And yet, we can’t help going to visit this crypt! There is the Crypt of the Resurrection, The Mass Chapel, Crypt of Skulls, Crypt of Pelvises, Crypt of Leg Bones and Thigh Bones, and Crypt of the Three Skeletons. In the latter, a plaque reads, “What you are now we used to be; what we are now you will be…” So, enter if you dare. It’s not as creepy as you think, but there is a bit of an old bone smell. You have been warned.
Photo by Keryn Means/ WalkingOnTravels.com
Take a Day Trip Out of Rome
There are so many day trips out of Rome, but one of the easiest is the trek out to the Villa d’Estes in Tivoli and Hadrian’s Villa. Both can be visited in one day. You can easily get to them via the metro and a bus if you don’t have a car. Villa d’ Este was once the home of Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este. It is now owned by the state and a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Italian Renaissance gardens. You could easily spend all day wandering the grounds, but the house is also worth a look.
Hadrian’s Villa, another UNESCO site, is just at the bottom of the hill from Villa d’ Estes and along the same bus route. It was constructed as a retreat for Roman Emperor Hadrian during the second century. There aren’t many buildings left to explore, but the grounds are extensive and worth wandering. Just remember to pack a snack to keep your energy up. It is a long day if you explore both properties.
While Rome is a sprawling city that can be explored for weeks on end, you can see a lot in just a week. Start with your bucket list of sights to see and go from there. Don’t forget to allow for a little serendipity. You never know when a wrong turn or an interesting alley way will turn into an adventure you never expected.
Keryn Means
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I have only been to Italy once and can’t wait to go back. I didn’t make it to Rome. I have to agree, the Capuchin Crypt would be creepy! But the food markets…I would LOVE that! Thanks for the great list. Bookmarking for my next visit!
Need to fly from LAX into Milan Italy on morning of May 22, 2020 and return home departing Rome on June 2,2020 arriving at a decent hour. Does your company provide flights to and from different airports. If so please provide quote for 2 adults.