It is very widely recognised that Rome was most certainly not built in a day. Likewise, this Italian city cannot be fully explored, savoured and enjoyed in the same amount of time. The perfect trip to the empire city will take you on a journey through laneways, as you traverse the Italian capital’s dense history, all the while eating the most amazing food you may ever try in your life.
Location, location, location
Rome was made the capital city of the ancient empire because of its geography. High hills and difficult landscapes made Rome the perfect natural barrier to enemy attack. Unfortunately for tourists, doing Rome by foot can be a little bit painful. When choosing your hotel, make sure you position yourself in the best area. I would recommend a hotel near the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish steps. They may cost you an extra few euro, but you will be near the epicentre of delectable coffees and all-night parties. From there, you can catch the Metro to Vatican City and the Colosseum. A three-day tourist pass for the Metro will set you back 16.50 EUR / 18.50 USD and it will take you about 10 minutes between each stop.
The food
Italy is well-known for its pastas and pizzas, but the best bet to taste real Rome is to steer clear of any restaurant with an English translation. The best meal I’ve ever had in Rome is a chicken parmigiana alla Romana from a tiny, local restaurant near the B&B I was staying at. If you want to taste real Rome, ask your waiter for a serve of Bucatini All’amatrciana, which is a thick spaghetti-like pasta with a rich sauce. For a great, touristy Roman feed, try Il Chianti near the Trevi Fountain, with its fresh charcuterie, zucchini flower pizza and triangoli in sage and butter sauce, which is great for friends or for a date.
The bucket list
Take a day out of your Roman adventure to see all of the sights in one day, so you have enough time to enjoy the laid-back, espresso lifestyle of the locals. In this order, you should visit the Colosseum, the ancient forum of Rome and break for lunch. After that, explore St Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Pantheon, Parliament House, the Spanish steps, break for dinner, followed by visiting the Trevi Fountain by moonlight. There is nothing more enchanting than the Trevi Fountain at night, with the buzz of excited tourists snapping photos and the chatter of patrons in the restaurants that surround the magnificent piazza. Do not allow anyone to take photos of you, as this is a common scam to force tourists to pay exorbitant prices for a “professional” photo.
Amazing Rome!
During the summer months, Rome can become quite unbearable because of the lack of natural wind. If you are travelling in summer, pack really light and be prepared to slow down the pace. Spring or autumn are the perfect travelling times as the city is at its most pleasant. Also to consider in Rome is security. As a tourist, you are a likely target for pickpockets, especially in tourist areas and on the Metro. Try to blend in and keep overt security measures at a minimum so you are discrete. Dressing down to keep a low profile will definitely be helpful.
History
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