I often get the question from friends, "If I only have the opportunity to travel to one place, where should I go?
My answer: ROME.
It has the perfect mix of everything your wanderlust-self craves; food, people, language, shopping, sights. I'm slightly obsessed with the place.
Around every corner, it is bursting with culture, architecture, and art. Your eyes will never get tired of taking in the city as you stroll the streets lined with delicious restaurants and trattorias, as well as cafes and bars intermixed between the buildings that have been standing for more than 3,000 years. Plus, there isn't a square in Rome that doesn't have a fountain; what's not to love? It is quite arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Rome wasn't built in a day and it shouldn't be seen in one either. I recommend you give yourself three days minimum. And those three days will only allow you to see the first layer of the city.
There are many layers to Rome waiting for you to peel back each one. I have five starting tips that will help propel you into falling in love with one of the best cities in our beautiful world:
5. Shop
If fashion could name a queen, it would allocate Italy. The Italians just have it. Europeans in general, take pride in getting dressed every day. It’s not a, throw on some Lulu’s and a hoodie, type of culture. How you present yourself to the world, is everything. And Italians are the trendsetters.
There are two prime shopping areas in Rome. One, near the Vatican. Take the Metro on Line A to Ottavanio and walk the surrounding streets to find a plethora of little Italian boutiques; names and brands you have more than likely never heard of. Italian’s shoe game is very strong, which you can't help but notice as you pass the various shops.
The second area equipped for shopping is near the Spanish Steps. Take the Metro on Line A to Spagna and follow the streets directly across from the Steps. Within these streets holds the higher end shopping; the Gucci’s, Prada’s and so on. But you will also find the Italian boutiques and more common brands mixed in as well.
An entire day can be dedicated to shopping 'till you drop. In between stores, don’t be afraid to take breaks at a local cafe and watch the Italians as they walk by and take note of their high fashion sense; try your best to apply some tips to your own wardrobe.
In my next life, I hope I’m Italian; full wardrobe included.
4. Food. Wine.
With all of the shopping, sightseeing and walking you are going to be taking on in Rome, being well nourished is crucial (nor difficult to accomplish).
It’s hard to go wrong when it comes to finding good Italian restaurants to dine in. Thin crust pizza, tomato sauce that explodes in flavor you never imagined possible, and cheese so divine you want to nibble it ever so slowly just so it never ends.
When it comes to finding the perfect restaurant in Rome, my recommendations are to try to stray a bit outside of the typical touristy areas. Not far, but a few streets away prove to be slightly better.
I have found a few favorites in my time in Rome that are must go-to’s:
We frequently bring tours to Rome and we stay in the Termini (main train station) area. It is great for accessibility for moving around the city.
If you exit the train station (exit closest to the McDonalds) and go two blocks directly straight ahead, hang a right on Via dei Mille, towards the end of the block is a hole in the wall Italian restaurant owned by a wonderful man, named Francis. And inside those doors, is Italian food that will knock your socks off. Flavor heaven. Francis is the man. Don’t forget the house red wine and the Limoncello!
Last time I was in Rome I stumbled upon a hidden gem. Chianti is my favorite Italian wine. You can never really go wrong ordering it off the menu wherever you go.
We had stopped to see the Trevi Fountain, browsing the surrounding shops when we decided to go into a restaurant calling us inside with its charm. The further we dove into it, the better it became. All the tables were full when we immediately walked in but we soon discovered there was a downstairs which was covered in gorgeous authentic murals from wall to ceiling.
After ordering a cheese plate and a risotto to share, and of course a bottle of Chianti, we were all looking at each other with eyes of love and lust all wrapped into one.
As I decided this was a place I wanted to remember, I pulled out my phone to star it on Google Maps and discovered the name: II Chianti Vineria. It all made sense. My favorite wine’s restaurant. Gold.
After you’ve toured the Vatican Museum, you are going to be hankering for a delicious home cooked Italian meal. This next tip is crucial: you need to venture a few blocks to get the real authentic tastes of Italy.
Closer to the Vatican, is the area that caters to tourists. The trinket shops, the restaurants with the menus on display on big boards out on the sidewalks, and men holding menus, cat calling you into their place. Do not go here. It’s a trap. Yes, it’s Italian, not bad, but for the sake of all Italians out there, you owe it to yourself to bask in the glory of the genuine Italian food.
A few blocks away is a cozy little restaurant called, Osteria delle Commari. Friendly service, tiny tables tucked in a small space, and a various amount of small dishes to choose from. The real deal.
3. The view from Castel Sant'Angelo
Along the Tiber River near the Vatican, is a beautiful little castle called Castel Sant’Angelo.
After you’ve filled your belly and satisfied your Italian heart, head over to this spot. There is often street musicians of all kinds playing instruments where you can hang out near the bridge and enjoy the sights in all directions.
I also recommend paying the fee of to go in and tour this one. The view at the top is what makes it all worth it. (15.50 full price, 10.50 for 18-25 year olds)
2. Vatican/Colosseum and Roman Forum
The Colosseum is one of those monuments of Europe that never fails to take my breath away. I put it in the category of, soul shaker. It’s impressively massive and holds a great deal of history within its round walls.
Colosseum tickets are 12 Euros. This is if you simply show up and wait in the normal line. Also remember to bring your passport if you are under 18, it is free.
The price of admission is definitely worth it to see the structure that used to hold up to 55,000 spectators who would go to watch games of sparring to the death between animals and gladiators. Also don't forget, your ticket gets you in not only to the Colosseum, but to the Roman Forum (you have to exit the Colosseum to enter).
Insider Tip: If you reserve your tickets prior, online (an extra 2 Euros, but worth it), you will skip the line. The line is usually anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on when you decide to go
The Vatican, home to the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope, is one of the most visited sites which houses ancient sculptures and art as well.
Inside the Vatican are 11 Vatican Museums including Michaelangelo's Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.
Insider Tip: Price of admission is 16 Euros per person for standing in line. You can also pre-reserve online, for an extra 4 Euros, and skip the line.
1. THE walk
One of my favorite walks in the world is winding through the streets of Rome. It can take anywhere from 45 minutes, if you go straight through, to a few hours, all the way to a full day; depending on how often you want to stop and take in what is around you.
Start at the Metro stop on Line A Colosseo, and once you’re outside on the steps taking in the monstrosity of the Colosseum, take a right and head down the street towards the Roman Forum.
As you walk down the street, the Forum will be on your left which is ruins of several ancient buildings. On your right will be Trajan’s Market, more of the cities ruins.
Before you know it you will be approaching one of the most impressive buildings in Rome, the Vittoriano. Which is a National Monument built to honor the Italian King Victor Emmanuel. It is a war museum. I recommend climbing the steps for a beautiful view of Rome, and to feel absolutely tiny. Something Rome is exceptional at accomplishing.
After taking in the Vittoriano, be careful not to get taken out by a car or Vespa, at this point traffic and crossing streets can be interesting.
Start to curve towards your right and follow a narrow street, Via Quatro Novembre. As you follow this street it will eventually open up to the immaculate Trevi Fountain.
This fountain is one of the sculptural gems of the world at 85 feet high and 65 feet wide. The combination of the colors of the white stone and the sea blue water with the sound of the water cascading down, is enough to satisfy all of your senses without moving one inch.
Before moving on to your next destination, make sure you don't forget to throw your coins into the fountain (back facing the fountain, right hand over left shoulder). Legend has it that you should throw three coins; the first is for your return to Rome, the second is for finding a new romance, and the third will lead you to marriage. Nearly 3,000 euros per day are tossed into the fountain! That's a lot of people looking to come back to Rome and find the love of their life!
Insider tip: The best time to see the Trevi Fountain is at night, lit up. You won't be disappointed.
As you are looking at the Trevi Fountain, go left, follow the signs and the streets that will take you next to the Pantheon.
The Pantheon holds a large meaning in history as it was the first temple built for common people. Before the Pantheon, only vestals and priests could enter temples to worship. The Pantheon led the way for what would come later for churches, synagogues, and mosques.
The other unique part of the Pantheon, you can see upon entering. It has the largest brick dome ever constructed and has a hole at the top, the oculus.
After taking in what the Pantheon has to offer, continue a few blocks more, to the gorgeous Piazza Navona.
For centuries artists and street performers have used this piazza as their stage to showcase their talents to the world while being surrounded by many restaurants, outdoor cafes and night-clubs in the neighborhood.
From Piazza Navona, you have a good 20-minute walk to your final destination of the Spanish Steps and metro stop, Spagna.
Insider tip: Although the Spanish Steps look like the perfect place for a picnic with a bottle of wine and a hunk of Italian cheese and a baguette, it is forbidden to eat there. You can try but they are heavily patrolled and you will be whisked away immediately. So consume your gelato before walking up the stairs and then find a place to bask in the sun for the digestion process.
Insider Tips on getting around:
-WALK.. seriously, walk as much as you can. The public transportation system is excellent and efficient in Rome but there are so many intriguing buildings and streets around Rome that it is best to get lost, take a wrong turn and find something unexpected. It's Rome, there is always something unexpected waiting to be stumbled upon.
-Metro: the underground transportation system. If you are looking to cut down your travel time, the Metro is the way to go. It has two major lines, A and B which dissect in the main train station, TERMINI. Tickets for this can easily be bought at the machines in the train station or at any Tabacchi store in/around the stations and city. Each ticket is 1.50 Euro and is valid for 100 minutes from the time you first stamp your entrance.
Also BEWARE of pickpockets, especially when taking the Metro. They are professionals in this area and if you're not paying attention you will lose a phone or a wallet without even blinking an eye. Wear your bags/purses/backpacks in front and simply be aware of your surroundings.
Looking for a place to contemplate life? For a city that will make you feel like a tiny speck of dust on the spectrum of our universe? Craving to savor in some of the finest cuisine the world has to offer? Want each of your five senses to be heightened to fresh, new, invigorating levels? Guess what? "All roads lead to Rome."
