Finally, I have made it to the land of Lizzie McGuire, except, regrettably, the Trevi Fountain was under construction so I could not throw a coin in over my head and come up to find my Paolo (hopefully this reference is not lost on too many people, as I am pretty sure I have watched the Lizzie McGuire movie at least a dozen times in my lifetime).
Though definitely not my absolute favorite Italian city (that honor would probably go to Florence, from what I have seen so far, but I am DYING to feast my little brown eyeballs on Cinque Terre), this capital city is one of the most famous and historically important cities on the entire planet and there is a sense of magic and romance about being there that is probably unlike any other city (then again, for me due to my sheltered upbringing, going to any famous city leaves me almost starstruck). Visiting Rome should be no problem for anyone spending time in Italy, because, as they say, all roads lead to Rome.
What to Do
Visit Vatican City
Come on. A trip to Rome is not complete without a trip to Vatican City (plus, the Vatican is another SEPARATE country you can cross off your list – the smallest state in the world in both size and population!). I was not lucky enough to see the Pope during my visit (he was away on very official Papal business), but I took a tour through the city, which is the best way to go. You’ll walk through St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel itself (no pictures allowed though; Michelangelo worked far too hard for your pesky flash to damage his insanely intricate work). Very cool experience – let me specify: cool as in neat/amazing/dope, not cool as in chilly, because this was one of the hottest experiences of my life! Note to all: do not wear a maxi dress unless you enjoy feeling like you’re wrapped in a sweaty thermal blanket with no way out for the entire day. Rome, and the Vatican, is definitely a trip for the fall.
Go inside the Colosseum
Like the Vatican, no trip to Rome would be complete without AT LEAST walking around the Colosseum and soaking up its glory, but if you REALLY want the full experience, going inside and hearing the bloody history of this massive amphitheatre from someone who really knows what she is talking about is the way to go. Plus, you’ll get to look inside and feel what it was like to be watching an actual gladiatorial fight in Ancient Rome (sort of).
Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain
Unless, of course, you discover that they found out you were coming and decided to close it for construction for your arrival. The legend has it that if you throw a coin into the fountain over your shoulder, you will guarantee a return to the ancient city. And the fountain itself is so beautiful and well-known, a huge landmark in Rome; for those who see a lot of movies, the fountain is almost as recognizable as the Colosseum!
Take a cooking class
Pizza and pasta: inarguably the most important dishes you’ll have during your time in Italy. Rome has a ton of cooking classes that will teach you how to prepare these meals and others authentically, so you can go home and wow your peasant friends who are eating pasta out of a 99¢ box!
Where to Eat
Ristorante Tre Scalini
Right off of Piazza Navona, with a wonderfully authentic Italian menu, this is the perfect place to stop if you find yourself at this square in the middle of the day (which you probably should). Pizza, pasta, and wine. All I ate and drank for a week.
Numbs Piazza di Spagna
Located on Piazza di Spagna (fancy that), this restaurant is great for grabbing a glass of wine and enjoying the view, which is what we did one night while in Rome. Sit outside, people watch, eat a pizza, and then you can explore the area, which is in close proximity to many sites to see.
Gelato
OBVIOUSLY!! AN ITALIAN STAPLE! There is a fantastic little shop right off of Piazza Navona where I got my most favorite serving of gelato of my entire trip to Italy, but there are shops every two millimeters in this city, so no excuses. Do not pass up the gelato. It is calling your name softly.
What to See
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona – the world’s favorite Roman piazza. It has been called the most beautiful of all of Rome’s multitude of squares, and it is huge, full of life and culture, and home to many other famous attractions, such as Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi and the church Sant’Agnese in Agone. If you’re lucky, you’ll find an Italian artist stationed here who has apparently been around for a few years, creating incredibly beautiful portraits for passersby. There are actually tons of artists and vendors everywhere — one of my favorite things about Europe and Italy especially.
Pantheon
Only a 5 minute walk from Piazza Navona on Piazza della Rotonda, the Pantheon is, literally, a “temple of every god,” one of Ancient Rome’s best-preserved buildings. The building’s dome is thought to resemble a dome to the heavens. The Pantheon is very well-known and an important part of Roman history, so it is worth a visit.
Spanish Steps
Remember Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday? How can we forget? She sat on these steps eating gelato with her circle skirt and teeny tiny waist: 135 steps leading up to the Trinità dei Monti church, a huge gathering place and gorgeous photo-taking opportunity.
Roman Forum
The heart of what was once Ancient Rome, the Forum is the site of many ancient architecture fragments of government buildings and temples. One of the most historically-rich places I’ve ever stepped foot in…absolutely a must-visit. Bonus — you can get entrance to the Forum with your tickets to enter the Colosseum..woo!
If I can give one piece of advice prior to visiting, again, avoid the massive heat wave that passes through here in the height of summer. When I went to the restroom at the Roman Forum I could not even get my shorts down because they were so plastered to my sweaty body (yummy, right?). A month or two after the peak months may be best, and will help you enjoy the Forum without worrying about possibly falling unconscious due to heat exhaustion.
Rome is a classic city and a classic and historical trip that should be on everyone’s list. Expect to gain a few LBs in this city, but regret nothing…it is part of the experience! I did not get to throw my coin into the Trevi Fountain while I was here in Rome, but that certainly does not mean I won’t be returning.
italygrid
