Italy's capital city, Rome, is overflowing with history, beauty and culture. Whether you desire to see all the amazing history Rome has on offer or if you're simply looking to sink your teeth into the best food, the eternal city is where you'll find it all.
History
Vatican: Home of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, the official HQ of the Catholic church will take at least an entire morning to conquer. Buy tickets in advance (guided tours cost around 40 euro) to avoid the queue to get into the museum, and plan on dressing modestly the day you visit (no shoulders or legs showing!). If you're religious and plan your stay in Rome right, on Wednesday mornings the Pope gives mass, you wont need tickets to attend and it is completely free of charge. Arrive at St. Peters Square before 7am and line up at the golden gates, doors open at 9 and mass begins around 9:30am. Roman Forum and Colosseum: Get up early and give yourself the better half of your day to explore these two icons of ancient Rome. To make the most of your time, sign up for a walking tour or download Rick Steve’s audio guides for both the Forum and Colosseum. Bring plenty of water when touring these two sites, as they are both in direct sunlight for the majority of the day. TIP: Italy has potable, cold, free flowing mountain water, so you would be completely out of your mind to buy water, just stop by any fountain and fill your bottles up!
Food
If you follow my Instagram account you would've seen through my stories I was more on a food safari than anything else. Italy just seemed the perfect place for it. I had some of the most delicious meals during this trip and especially the best Spaghetti Bolognese in Rome.
Trattoria Dal Cavalier Gino serves authentic Italian food that you definitely want to try during your visit to Rome! The restaurant is tucked away and may look simple on the outside but it really is extraordinary. The dishes here are home made by native Romans and shows Italian cuisine at its finest. Prices are super reasonable too, in case you needed another reason to visit. Spaghetti Bolognese and house wine a must!
Trattoria Dal Cavalier Gino serves authentic Italian food that you definitely want to try during your visit to Rome! The restaurant is tucked away and may look simple on the outside but it really is extraordinary. The dishes here are home made by native Romans and shows Italian cuisine at its finest. Prices are super reasonable too, in case you needed another reason to visit. Spaghetti Bolognese and house wine a must!
IL Vero Alfredo - the birthplace of Fettucine Alfredo. This restaurant has been made famous one spoonful at at time by the likes of the Kennedys, Elizabeth Taylor, and Walt Disney himself . It's the most famous Roman dish that has traveled the world because of its delicious combination of Parmesan cheese and butter. If you love cheese (and who doesn't) you'll be impressed.
Outdoors
Trevi Fountain: Madly in love with Rome yet? Head to the Trevi Fountain to toss a coin and wish for a return trip. While Bernini’s fountain is gorgeous in the sunlight, I recommend swinging by late at night or early in the morning when it’s less crowded. Enjoy a scoop (or two, or three) of Gelato on the steps and take in the glistening turquoise water.
Spanish Steps: A trip to Rome is incomplete without a stop at the historic Spanish Steps. The 135 steps, designed and built in the 17th century, served as a symbol of the newfound peace between France and Spain. Centuries later, local lovers as well as tourists from all over the world trek up and down this beloved staircase. For an incredible view head to the rooftop of The Inn hotel.
Rome is full of pretty streets, winding cobblestone alleys, Fiat500s or Vespas zooming by or parked against a lovely old backdrop and the quaintest corners and piazzas. So be on the lookout for vintage shop signage, cute bars and streets scenes and take note of the colours and the walls. Look up, look down. Capture it all and take it in (oh and remember to also put the camera or phone down every now and then!)
Enjoy Rome!
Spanish Steps: A trip to Rome is incomplete without a stop at the historic Spanish Steps. The 135 steps, designed and built in the 17th century, served as a symbol of the newfound peace between France and Spain. Centuries later, local lovers as well as tourists from all over the world trek up and down this beloved staircase. For an incredible view head to the rooftop of The Inn hotel.