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When in Rome… Eat lots of pizza, pasta, and gelato and look at all the specular architecture and wander the streets! As an art history buff, Rome is one of my all-time favorite cities in the world. Every time I visit Rome, I hope that I will have a Lizzie Mcguire moment and every time I am disappointed that I don’t… just kidding… but not really! However, this time I went back with husband and I can say that it was way better than any Lizzie Mcguire superstar moment! Okay real talk now, this trip was my third time going to Rome and it never gets old. The iconic sights are just as incredible the third time as the first time. There is always something new to see. If you haven’t been to Rome, it’s a must go!
Things To Do
Colosseum
Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
We have to talk about what is probably the biggest and most iconic tourist attraction in Rome, the Colosseum. Buying tickets online for entry beforehand is a MUST or you will be waiting in ridiculously long lines. The Colosseum has so much rich history. What I find the most fascinating is that the gladiators (usually slaves or criminals) would fight to the death while the crowd watched… Like so disturbing!?! I won’t bore the non-art history buffs out there with more, but I stongly suggest doing some research before you go. Knowing the history behind the iconic amphitheater gives this attraction a whole new level of interest.
Roman Forum
Address: Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
The Roman Forum is located right next to the Colosseum. The Forum is a collection of ancient ruins. The ruins were the heart of the city back in the day and many of the ruins were important government buildings. Many people don’t realize there is an entire backside of the Forum. It is slightly difficult to find, but it is WAY less busy than the main area. The backside of the ruins are located on the south side of the Forum. Online, you can bundle tickets for the Colosseum and the Roman Forum at a discounted price.
Trevi Fountain
Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
One of the most famous fountains in the world! Everyone knows that you toss a coin in the fountain, but does everyone know why? I think not, as I watched a billion tourists toss coins in the fountain. The legend goes that if you toss one coin, you will return to Rome. If you toss two coins, you will return and fall in love. If you toss three coins, you will return, find love, and marry. The only time I tossed coins in the fountain was on my first trip to Rome, when I was a little girl. At this age, I was not concerned about finding love and getting married, I just wanted to be like Lizzie Mcguire! Now that I am in love and married, it’s totally pointless for me to toss coins, but all you single ladies throw in a bunch of coins and find yourself a nice Italian man!
Piazza Navona
Address: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
A gorgeous piazza in the heart of Rome that features three fountains and gorgeous buildings! Of course, like everything in Rome all these structures have historical significance. Sit at a café with a glass of wine and research the history of this piazza or just sit and admire the beauty. Whatever you do, just make sure you have wine!
Spanish Steps
Address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
I suggest visiting the Spanish Steps at sunset. At the very top of the steps, there is a beautiful view overlooking Rome with the sun setting behind the city. What a breathtaking view!
Vatican City & St. Peter’s Basilica
Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
The Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica are located in Vatican City, which is the smallest country in the world. To give you some perspective, Vatican City is 120 times smaller than New York City… Like what the heck that is one small country! Vatican City is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic church and home to the Pope. The second time I went to Rome, I attended an event where the Pope was outside greeting the people. A small child being held by their mother took the hat right off the Pope! The mother was mortified, but the Pope was laughing. When that child grows up and has to say a fun fact about themselves, they are going to have one cool fact… anyways, such a tangent! Seeing the Pope was such a unique and incredible experience. When you visit, definitely look into events where the Pope will be present. I also suggest doing research before visiting the Vatican so you truly understand the significance.
Vatican Museum
Address: 00120 Vatican City
The Vatican Museum is right by the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica. The museum is a trove of iconic art and architecture. It is the home to many ancient Roman sculptures, as well as Renaissance frescoes. The most famous fresco is the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo. He laid flat on scaffolding to paint the Sistine chapel. My question is, how did he get the proportions of the fresco so accurate!? He was one talented dude! Being an artist myself, I cannot even imagine the intensity and planning it took to create a piece of that magnitude. There is so much to see inside the museum, but make sure you frequently look out the windows. Much of the museum is located high up, so you have incredible views of the city. You can buy tickets at the museum, but I suggest buying tickets online in advance.
Walk Around Trastevere
My favorite neighborhood in Rome! Trastevere is colorful and funky, but still has old architecture and charm. There are many great restaurants and artisan shops. We rented an apartment on Airbnb for only $56 a night. I highly recommend staying in this neighborhood if you want less of a touristy feel and more of a traditional Rome experience at a fantastic price. Also, you are still within walking distance of all the big sites!
Pantheon
Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
The Pantheon is a former Roman temple that is now a Catholic church. The Pantheon features an oculus, which is a round opening in the center of a dome. Yes, rain does fall through the oculus into the Pantheon and that is a sight to see! I also suggest visiting in the evening. I find the Pantheon enchanting in the evening with lights shining up on the building.
Food
Nannarella
Can I eat my weight in pizza? The answer is yes, yes I can! I would highly suggest doing this at Nannarella. It is a restaurant full of locals in the heart of Trastevere.
Address: Piazza di S. Calisto, 5, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
What to Order: The red house wine and margarita pizza
Mimi & Coco
Address: Via del Governo Vecchio, 72, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Can I eat my weight in pasta? The answer is yes, yes I can! Honestly, I support eating your weight in any type of carbs. Mimi & Coco has one of the best plates of spaghetti I have ever had! There are two Mimi & Coco locations and we went to the location in Trastevere.
What to Order: Spaghetti Al Pomodoro E Basilico (spaghetti with tomato sauce and basil) or Spaghetti Alla Carbonara (spaghetti with bacon, cheese, and egg)
Neighborhood Pizza Places
As you walk the streets of Rome, you will see many small storefronts selling pizza, lets call them pizza bars! These pizza bars are usually one of a kind pizza places that are often family owned. I can almost promise you that they are all delcicious! Find yourself one of these pizza bars and take some slices to go or sit for a quick bite. An easy, delicious, and inexpensive way to satisfy your pizza craving!
VII Coorte
Address: Piazza Sidney Sonnino, 29, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Let’s talk about delicious seafood! I usually don’t like octopus, but my taste buds were feeling adventurous. I ordered octopus pasta and oh boy it was delicious! This restaurant has an upper patio with outdoor seating and is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner.
What to Order: Their menu is constantly changing. I honestly believe you cannot go wrong with anything you order. Matt and I had a seafood crudité appetizer and octopus pasta. Also, do yourself a favor and order dessert!
Gelato
THERE IS FAKE GELTATO! Yes, you heard that right! There is such a thing as fake gelato. Gelato has become such a tourist attraction in Italy (rightfully so) and many places are taking shortcuts and veering away from traditional gelato. Here is the easiest tip to spot the real gelato out of a sea of imposters (I know this sounds dramatic, but one should not mess around with their gelato consumption)! Brightly colored gelato is a nono! Traditional gelato is made with natural ingredients and little to no coloring and additives. Lemon gelato should be white instead of yellow. Pistachio gelato should be brown instead of green.
Shopping
Be C
Address: 11-12, Piazza Benedetto Cairoli, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Be C is located on Piazza Benedetto Cairoli Street, which is a wonderful street full of boutiques! It has wonderfully selected clothing and accessories in a wide range of styles and colors. There is something for everyone in this boutique!
Bags & Fruits
Address: Via dei Giubbonari, 106, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
As you walk through the streets of Rome, there is no shortage of shops selling leather goods at inexpensive prices. These shops are a fabulous bang for your buck, but the downside is that all shops carry the same styles. Bags & Fruits is the complete opposite of that! In my opinion, it is the best leather shop in Rome. Bags & Fruits carries handmade limited-edition leather bags produced with high-quality materials. When I visited, they had the most fabulous handbags made of leftover leather from garment production. They were so fabulous that I was absolutely shocked they were made of leftover leather!
Materie
Address: Via del Gesù, 73, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Materie is a small jewelry store offering modern and contemporary jewelry. Every year, the owner travels and sources new pieces from international designers. The jewelry is made in a wide range of materials. There is something for every price range in this store!
If you have not been to Rome, make sure it is the next place you wander to. You will love it because of the incredible history and architecture, but most importantly, the PIZZA!
Xo Haley Jean
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