Rome wasn't built in a day, so when you go be sure to apply this philosophy to your itinerary! There is so much to see and do, both touristy and non-touristy. With so much rich, powerful history it will keep you on your toes, but you absolutely must ensure that after the classic things are ticked off your list, that you have left time to wander. You heard me - WANDER. Get an idea of the direction you're going in on Google Maps, then free-roam your way there. Take every backstreet and track off the beaten path you can! You will find fountains engraved into the corners of apartment buildings, eateries that only the locals go to and archaeological sites poking out of building blocks.
This is how I love to travel - getting up at 4am to have the Piazza di Spagna to myself as the sun rises and walking through the streets that aren't the fastest way to get there. I love feeling like it's my city just for a couple of days, not just a city I'm quickly passing through for an instagram shot.
Here is my list for you of the traditional must-sees as well as some hidden gems Rome has to offer!
1. The Colosseum
Have you even been to the eternal city if you have not experienced the wonder of the Colosseum?! Make a booking on Viator.com (the best site along with Airbnb for tours and experiences) and get a local Historian to guide you through the wonder that is the Colosseum. It was Gladiator prisoners versus Elephants versus 50,000 people. The largest amphitheater in the Roman world and the biggest ever constructed, if you get as lucky as I did you will get a Roman guide who is a passionate ancient historian with the gift of great storytelling. Our guide was so vivid with her descriptions you could hear the crowds cheering, see the men waiting; petrified as they were about to either die or leave the ring a hero. It provides a truly horrific window into history, for every animal and prisoner that had to endure it, but you will marvel at the fact that it was just the same as going to the movies for the Romans in those days. They even used to flood the Colosseum before it had any underground sections to create mock naval battles!
2. Trevi Fountain
You know that famous scene from La Dolce Vita - Anita Ekberg tipsily glides through the fountain in her beautiful black strapless gown, while the water falls as romantically as her blonde curls do. That is exactly how the Trevi makes you feel, given you get the chance to experience it the way Ekberg did. I highly recommend waking up early - between 5 and 6am (depending how close you are, though all of Rome is walkable!) and making your way over as the sun is still rising to have it all to yourself. I did this with my beautiful mum who is just as much the adventure seeker as me. She said to me the day we landed, "Let's go to bed early and wake up at 4am! Trust me it will be magic!" And she was right. Though we were burned out from the 40,000 steps we managed to do the first day, we were passed out by 8pm and got ready as before the sun rose.
In about 15 minutes of walking through some spectacular back streets, we made it to the Trevi. With the exception of one Instagram model and her boyfriend, we had the entire square to ourselves. We got to see it lit up in the dark, the only noise coming from the soles of our shoes along the cobblestone and the fountain spilling its secrets into the morning air. To sit and marvel with no rush, no crowd was one of the best moments of my life, especially getting to share it with my mum.
Once the sun starts to rise or your jaw is no longer on the floor, snap your pics from whatever angle you want - this square is yours before golden hour!
Fontana di Trevi gives many reasons to admire. It is mostly built from travertine stone, the same stone the Colosseum is made from. It was commissioned in 1730 by Pope Clemens XII via a contest to design a new fountain, originally won by Alessandro Galilei, descendent of Galileo. Although apart of a legacy, the public was not happy and so Nicola Salvi was awarded the task. Why though was the public unhappy? Because Galilei was a Florentine, whereas Salvi was a born and bred Roman.
Also be sure to make your wish (although a Paolo may not appear directly afterward) as every night the coins are collected every night for Caritas. Caritas is a charity that helps the poor buy groceries.
NOTE: Il Melograno makes amazing gelato in this square!
3. Capuchin Crypt
It contains the skeletal remains of 3,700 bodies of Capuchin friars. Their bones were constructed into artworks, making a statement about death and mortality in art.
This is an eerie but surreal experience and be sure to wear modest clothing (otherwise you can wear one of the funky tissue-paper-like robes they have).
4. Vatican City
Whether you are religious or not (like myself) you have to see Vatican City. It is no wonder it is the smallest but richest country (that's right - country!) in the world and that the Vatican citizens have their own passports!
The top things to see are:
St Peter's Square
St Peter's Basilica - where Popes of the past are on display, having been covered and preserved in Wax!
Vatican museums
Sistine Chapel - home to Michelangelo's 'Creation of Adam' and ceiling masterpiece.
Scavi: Vatican Necropolis
The Swiss Guard
Remember to dress modestly otherwise you cannot enter the venues above. If you are travelling warmer weather, bring a light scarf or two to wear as a wrap around over shorts or a shawl to cover your shoulders.
5. Pantheon
Built in 126 CE is one of the most beautiful monuments in Rome! If you are travelling in May, make your best effort to visit during Pentecost on the 15th. Tradition sees tens of thousands of rose petals flutter down through the Pantheon’s oculus!
6. Piazza Navona
This square was built in the 1st Century CE as a competition arena. Today it is bustling with artists, restaurants and features beautiful sculptural fountains. In the centre stands the famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers, 1651), at the southern end is the Fontana del Moro (1575) featuring four tridents and at the northern end is the Fountain of Neptune (1574).
7. Piazza di Spagna
The square that boasts the stunning Spanish Steps! As I did with the Trevi, I highly recommend making this the next pit stop on your sunrise escapades through Rome! Having this square before everyone is awake is MAGIC. You can appreciate the square for everything it is with no crowds covering it up and what a sight it is to behold!
Near the steps are the public bicycles for hire (you just need to download the app and put a few Euro in) and off you go! Exploring Rome by bike is so much fun and you should give it a go, even if only for 30 minutes.
NOTE: Cucina & Vista is a cafe across from the steps that is one of the only early-openers (from about 6am which is when I walked the square) and they have beautiful Tiramisu.
8. Roman Forum
Here lay the ruins of several important ancient government buildings in the city’s centre. Amazing to explore is an understatement as here you will see the original inspirations behind structures that were inspired by the forum all over the world. The Arc de Triomphe may be famous in Paris, but it is actually a copy of the Arch of Titus!
9. Campo dei Fiori
The ‘field of flowers’ is a square of markets and endless restaurants. It is perfect to dine in after exploring any of the above sights! I highly recommend the mozzarella bar Obica - their pizza is phenomenal! Here is a classic pasta dish topped with a fresh mozzarella I indulged in last visit
10. Castel Sant'Angelo
So beautiful and SO underrated - the bridge of angels pictured below is just stunning. It leads to ‘The Mausoleum of Hadrian’, now referred to as Castel Sant'Angelo. Initially commissioned by Emperor Hadrian (shoutout for the origin of my name!) it was then used by popes as a castle, and is now finally a museum.
11. Bocca di Verita
If you are a film lover like myself, here is a perfect experience for you! Audrey Hepburn’s famous Mouth of Truth scene was filmed here and you too can place your hand into the mouth of the marble mask!
12. Monti
The birthplace of Julius Caesar, Monti is now the hipster district of Rome. The youth of the city gather at night by the fountain in the centre of this district before filling the bars and countless restaurants! Vintage shops and weekend markets, this is not one to miss!
13. Trastavere
Another distinctive district in Rome, it is beautiful and bustling with locals. Wander through the back streets and visit the charismatic churches, bars, cafes and restaurants. Night time offers Trastavere in w whole other light, full of life, music and art!
If you have enough time in Rome, other neighbourhoods that have been recommended to me include Testaccio and Pigneto. There is always more to see, but I’ll get around to these next time!
14. Vittorio Emanuele II Monument aka 'The Wedding Cake'
The Romans call it ‘The Wedding Cake’ because it is so new, white and grand that it looks just like one! They also do not like this building at all for the way it sticks out from the rest of the ancient city. Although it is actually a pretty exquisite building, it definitely stands out in an almost tacky way. Regardless it’s still a grand sight to see!
