Fun fact about me…there is only one European city I’ve visited twice. It’s Rome! It makes the most sense because I am Italian after all. On my first trip there I went with my parents and it was an amazing trip. It was their first time out of the country and we booked the trip with Adventures By Disney, which was a great choice for us. I will never forget my dad’s face on our private tour of the the Sistine Chapel, he was in awe and rightfully so, as it was breathtaking.
I went back to Rome with Mike a few years later and we planned the trip ourselves. Being that I was on a guided tour the first time I was excited to explore the city on my own. Mike and I love traveling and planning trips. We have figured out a lot of little secrets along the way to maximize our trips. From getting the most out of airline mines to getting the cheapest rates on a high-end hotel. We do fall victim to over-planning sometimes, though. I tend to over plan and forget to leave time to wander and explore freely.
Going anywhere multiple times has its advantages. For example, you are able to pass on things that weren’t worth your time and spend more time on the things you loved. Rome was one of those cities. I had a good idea on what is a must-see and what you can skip. It also provides insight on transportation, duration of stay and what to eat. Today I’m sharing with you my tips to maximize your time in Rome.
How Long To Stay
When I plan a trip to a European city I always struggle with how long to stay. I want to ensure that I see everything I need/want to, but also want to plan to have downtime. Downtime on a trip is when you just wander the streets, hang out at a cafe, and just take in the hustle and bustle. You have no set plans, nothing you have to see. It’s the time on the trip to live like a local. Use this time to check out recommendations from locals, as they usually have the best ones!
For a Rome vacation, I would recommend 3 days in the city. For me 3 days was enough to see the traditional tourist sights and have enough time to wander as a local. Rome is a great place to spend a few days and venture on to another Italian city. With the train system it’s also a great place to keep as a home base on your trip.
How To Get Around
I’ve been on a Rome vacation twice and learned a few inside tips. Avoid the hop-on hop-off double-decker bus at all costs. It sounds like a great plan and the bus will literally get you anywhere you need to go. What they don’t tell you is how long it takes. The buses are timed and spaced out. So you may run to catch the bus and end up sitting on it for 30 minutes before it leaves for the next stop. I found it to be a huge time suck and not efficient at all. We actually bought a multiple day pass for the bus and took one ride.
The best way to get around is with your own two feet. Your feet will take you anywhere. If you need to be somewhere early for a tour I would grab a taxi to get there. Have your hotel concierge call ahead for a taxi to ensure you get to where are you are going on time. Hailing a taxi from the curb is not the normal method in Rome, so be sure to plan ahead for that.
If you are walking, you need make sure you have a comfortable pair of shoes. I found that my All Birds are great for walking long distances as well as my Eccos. Go with what you know and don’t test out a new shoe on this trip.
What To Eat and Drink
The one take away I have when traveling to Europe, especially Italy, is that the food just tastes better over there. The tomatoes are insanely fresh and the mozzarella cheese doesn’t get any better. The key to surviving the food is moderation. You will burn out if you don’t take it slowly!
Obviously you will want to get pizza, but it’s really all about the pasta over there. We discovered cacio e pepe, an authentic Italian pasta dish. It’s a simple pasta with a couple ingredients, but packed with flavor. I’ve never had it in the U.S., but now make it all the time at home with this simple recipe. Other pasta favorites were carbonara and angel hair with tomatoes and basil.
When on a Rome vacation get an aperol spritz! Everyone is drinking them over there and I can’t believe it took me so long to find out about this delicious drink. It’s refreshing, not super boozy and great for Instagram pictures.
See the Dome of the Pantheon
Located in the Piazza della Rotonda the Pantheon is one of Rome’s former temples. You would never guess this structure was completed in 126 AD, because it still looks to be in good shape. Entrance to the Pantheon is free, but they do close its doors to the public for mass. Women are expected to have their shoulders covered when visiting the Pantheon.
Touring the actual structure can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, it just depends on how long you want to stay. I personally stayed for 15 minutes and then found a spot on the Piazza at a restaurant to take in the culture. Order an aperol spritz and hang out like a local. The view from any table in the piazza is the best one.
Colosseum Self-Tour
A Rome vacation must include a visit to the Colosseum. Visit this monument on your own, a guided tour isn’t necessary. You can navigate the grounds on your own and see mostly everything there is to see there. Grab your tickets online ahead of your visit and arrive at your designated time. The lines move quickly there, so you won’t waste a lot of time waiting around.
Take the stairs all the way up to the top and be sure to get a panoramic photo to savor the memory. There are water spigot in the Colosseum with fresh drinking water, take advantage of those and stay hydrated.
Sit on the Spanish Steps
Use the steps as a stopping point between Piazza di Spagna (on the top of the steps) and the Piazza Trinità dei Monti (on the bottom of the steps). All 135 steps get super crowded late in the day. Be the early bird and head out there in the morning with your espresso and sit for a bit before the crowds arrive.
When you are done taking in the steps stroll the streets coming off the Piazza Trinità dei Monti for some great shopping. There are tons of tiny boutiques and high-end stores just a few feet away from the steps!
Toss a Coin in Trevi Fountain
It’s not a Rome vacation without a stop at the Trevi Fountain. Stop by the fountain when the sun has gone down. The fountain is way more spectacular at nighttime as it illuminates the entire area. Make your way to the front to get an action shot of you throwing a penny into the fountain. By tossing the coin into the fountain the right way you will be destined to return back to Rome one day. The correct way to toss the coin is with your right hand over your left shoulder. Fun fact, they collect $1.5M every year from the fountain! All that change is donated to feed the homeless in Rome.
Visit the Vatican
Spend a full day at the Vatican and you won’t be disappointed because there is so much to do and see. While you can visit on your own, I highly suggest getting a guided tour. We used Walks of Italy for our tour and I highly recommend them. They were very knowledgeable and professional.
Given the size of the Vatican you may not be able to see everything. If you are short on time I would prioritize the following:
- Sistine Chapel – A must see, it will take your breath away. You are not allowed to take pictures inside this sacred place and security it tight! I was lucky enough to take a private tour after hours and they allowed photography. It was one of the highlights of my trip.
- Take a picture in St. Peter’s Square – It’s iconic and just as big in person as you’ve seen on TV.
- Climb to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica – Mike and I love to climb to the top of monuments. It’s a long way up, but worth the steps.
- Send yourself a postcard – Vatican city is an independent city-state within Rome, making it the smallest country in Europe. When you visit Italy and The Vatican you actually get to visit two countries at once! See why I send myself a post card on every trip I go on in this post.
A few things to note about your visit. Plan ahead of time and pack accordingly. Ladies need to cover their knees and shoulders while men need to cover their knees. The dress code is highly enforced. Also be prepared to wait in long lines because security is tight at the Vatican.
Wander Freely
Be sure to schedule time to wander freely during your Rome vacation. Walking around any city without any plans is the best way to discover. I take it to the extreme though and just use a good old fashioned map to get around. When traveling abroad, I typically don’t turn on international cell phone service because I want to be disconnected. I don’t want to be distracted by my phone. With that comes no GPS or Googling on the go. Using a map sharpens my brain and gives me a sense of accomplishment.
I also like to use this time to check out any recommendations I’ve received along the way. Whether you ask for recommendations at your hotel or get them from a local you must follow through with recommendations. I have an Italian work colleague who recommended several restaurants before I went on my Rome vacation. His recommendation was by far the best meal we had the entire trip. Online reviews can get you so far, but real life recommendations from people you know are the best.
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