Rome, Italy

Rome is, without a doubt, one of our favorite destinations. So much so, that we’ve visited it on four occasions and have a fifth visit scheduled in the fall of 2019. It’s a city of many facets, from art and history to culture and culinary delights. We love it all. Which might be surprising to you if know us. Rome is a very crowded city which could have easily ruined I for us. Mike spends an inordinate amount of time in his car for work and the traffic on our home town of Los Angeles is some of the worst in the world. However, even the traffic in Rome don’t bother us. Maybe because we are too busy enjoying the historic sites that seem to be on every block? Or perhaps it’s the intoxicating scents emanating from the local patisseries and restaurants? Who knows? One thing is for sure, we will always have Rome on our list of places to return to. 

WHAT TO SEE

Rome is chock full of sites to see and it can be overwhelming trying to see everything in one trip. Save yourself a lot of running around and plan your visit ahead of time. All of the major sites have long lines to purchase entry tickets. However, booking a tour in advance is easy and will save you a great deal of time. Most tour companies such as Viator, Get Your Guide, Dark Rome, Walks of Italy and The Roman Guy offer bookings online via their websites or convenient apps. 

COLLEUM and SURROUNDING AREA

The Colosseum is nothing short of impressive. We found the best time to visit is in the afternoon, when the crowds are a little smaller and it’s easier to take photos without a dozen or more people blocking your shot. Next to the Colosseum are the Roman Forum, Circus Maximus and Palatine Hill. Some tickets allow you access to multiple sites while other sites are free. 

CENTRAL CITY SITES

In the historical center of Rome you will find the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo de Fiori, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. All are free and all are crowded during late morning to early afternoon but don’t let that deter you. The Pantheon, with it’s oculus atop its dome, is a Pagan Temple that was later converted to Christian church when the emperor Constantine converted to Christianity. Here you can find the final resting places for famed artist, Raphael and the first King and Queen of Italy. Piazza Navona is surrounded by restaurants overlooking the three fountains including the famed Fountain of the Four Rivers, created by famed sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Campo de Fiori is filled by an open air market each morning where local restaurants purchase fresh ingredients for the day’s menu. It’s also worth noting that there is a pizzeria in one corner of the piazza, Forno Campo de Fiori, that has amazing pizza! You should definitely stop and get a bite to eat before heading to the Trevi Fountain, which is just a short walk away. When you arrive at the Trevi Fountain, you can’t help but be amazed at its beauty. Despite the huge crowds, you barely hear them because the sounds of all the rushing water drowns them out. We found it less crowded along the corners of the fountain and easier to get a photo of yourself or a loved one sitting on its edge where you can partake in the fountains coin tradition that says that a coin thrown into the fountain ensures the return to Rome, two coins thrown to ensure romance with a Roman, and three coins thrown to ensure the marriage with him or her. From the Trevi Fountain, it’s just a short walk north to the Spanish Steps. Recently restored, the Spanish Steps are a must see. A short climb up the iconic stairs offers unparalleled views of the city and if you get tired climbing the stairs, then have a seat among the locals and tourists feasting on gelato while gazing at the town below or the Trinita dei Monti church above. 

THE VATICAN

No visit to Rome would be complete without a visit to the Vatican. This basilica and its imposing open-air square surrounded by twin colonnades that are as imposing as they are beautiful. Mass is performed in the square every Wednesday morning, so be sure to take that into consideration when planning your visit. Lovers of art will be overwhelmed with the vast offerings of the Vatican Museum and sculptures in the surrounding gardens. The basilica itself is huge. Everything inside is scaled up. However, it is important to remember that the basilica is a house of worship so be mindful of your behavior and attire. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.

If you have time, you should consider climbing up to the top of the dome. It’s a lot of stairs, but the views are well worth the climb. We did the climb after wrapping up our Scavi tour. This is a tour only available by contacting the Vatican directly to make reservations. The tour takes you underneath the grottoes of the Vatican to the ancient ruins that the current basilica is built on top of. The highlight of the tour is a glimpse of the tomb of Saint Peter, BFF to Jesus, and the church’s first Pope. It was an amazing experience that we will never forget.