I would like to take you on a tour of Rome, my favorite city in the world. Although I’ve only been there three times so far, it’s a beautiful city with a rich history and looks like one large museum. Everything you see probably meant something in the past and was a part of a bigger picture.

I don’t want you to get lost in Rome, so I have split it up into smaller parts:

1. Colosseum, Foro Romano, Palatino

We’ll start with the Colosseum, Foro Romano and Palatino. In my opinion, the Colosseum looks much better from the outside – it’s not really worth entering. Nevertheless, if you’re determined to go in, go ahead!

Foro Romano is quite the spectacle. To truly appreciate it, one must use their imagination. It’s a vast location that still oozes

If you want to see Rome from a hill, go to Palatino which is just a stone’s throw away from the Foro Romano, offers a spectacular view – one I can highly recommend!

Near to the Colosseum, there is „Altare della Patri“ -memorial of the Vittorio Emanuele II., there are stairs on the right side. They say if you walk up the stairs three times in a row, you become a millionaire. On the top of it there is a small church where a lot of weddings take place and there is one of the best views in Rome.

2. Vatican, Castello Angelo, Vatican museums

Vatican, based in the middle of Rome, is one of the most popular places to visit. It has a number of attractions like the dome and Basilica of Saint Peter which are worth exploring. It is best to get there early before eight o’ clock in order to beat the queues. The terrace of the dome also offers breakfast at prices comparable to other places around Rome. Although I’m not a fan of art myself, I can appreciate that Vatican museums as they are a huge complex, covering all time periods and art styles. With the entrance to the museums, you also get a free entrance to the Sistine Chapel which is great. However, it is always crowded, and was a bit underwhelming to be honest.

Castello St. Angelo and the bridge nearby is one of my places in Rome. I love the atmosphere and the view.

3. Piazza del Popolo, Via Borghese, Piazza di Spagna

Piazza del Popolo is a unique square with humorous traffic lights and an obelisk. It’s an ideal place to shop, being close to Via del Corso where you can find many gelaterias, small shops and known brands. Not far away stands the majestic Spanish Steps. Be aware you cannot longer sit on the stairs and police will tell you off if you try to do so. As I already said I am not into art, but I loved Villa Borghese! There are some incredible paintings and ceilings. The nearby park is amazing too.

4. Fontana di Trevi, Pantheon, Campo de´Fiori, Piazza Navona

Without a doubt, Fontana di Trevi is my second favourite place in Rome. If you want to ensure your return to Rome, make sure you throw in your 5 pence! I believe its left hand over right shoulder but don’t take my word for it! Whilst it is usually overrun with tourists, there is an oasis tucked away – a quiet church just around the corner not to be missed. As for getting out and about, entrance to the Pantheon is free; Piazza Navona and Campo de´Fiori offer endless entertainment; and on Sundays there are plenty of markets full of delicious fresh veg and fruit.

5. Where to eat in Rome?

Gustando 

My favourite restaurant / bistro / bar can be found on Via del Colosseo 1 – so just few steps from Colosseum. It is nor expensive or posh, but it is a great place to have a pizza or Aperol Spritz. The atmosphere is authentic especially in the evenings.

Taverna del Corso, Gelateria

We have talked about Piazza del Popolo already. What we will talk about now is the Gelateria on Via del Corso. They have special types of ice-creams, I recommend fig one. Just next to the Gelateria there is Taverna del Corso which is a great restaurant with quick and friendly staff.

Frigidarium

Best ice-cream in Rome without doubt. It is not far away from Piazza Navona, hidden in small streets. They have received many awards and have incredible fruits sorbets! The address is: Via del Governo Vecchio. Btw. don’t get persuaded by any other ice-cream shops nearby, by patient, queu and enjoy 🙂

Blue Ice 

Not far way from Pantheon there is another Gelateria called Blue Ice. Don´t be afraid to come in even though it doesn´t look the best from the outside. I recommend chocolate one which is delicious. The address is: Via De Baullari 147.

Those are all my favourite place in Rome 🙂 Rome is one large museum where everything has a hidden meaning. Every square, every sculpture, every stone. One of those place is a square with four fountains. Even if you get lost, you will always end up by Colloseum. And there are chances you will find some great places as well.  Rome is THE capital with an energy and unbeliavable atmosphere. You will fall in love. I wish you a pleasant trip! Have fun 🙂

Some more tips:

-if you need to use the public transportation, go for the underground. Buses are not easily found and there are no schedules. Beside that bus drivers do not speak English at all.

-buy all the tickets online. You won´t be queuing and everything will run smoothly.

-even though it will probably be a nice weather, take a sweater as you need to hide your shoulders when going to the churches.

-you can find fresh water everywhere – at Piazza de Fiori, by Colosseum or Patheon

-have a cup of coffee at the bar while staying, when you sit you will pay more

Want to visit some more Italian cities? 

Read my guide on what to visit in Venice.