1 Day in Rome Itinerary Roaming Through Italy’s Capital
LAST UPDATED: JANUARY 23, 2025 | TRAVEL DATE: MAY 2022 + JULY 2024 | EST. READING TIME: 14 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Craving a taste of ancient history with a glimpse into gladiator life?
This Eternal City evolved from a small settlement into the capital of a vast empire, and later, a major European city—making Rome your Italian gateway to the past. Experience the likes of ancient history firsthand by strolling the stage where gladiators fought to the death or gazing upon the ruins of a bygone city center. Everywhere you look, dramatic tales arise with whispers of a former world.
Alongside this history lesson come to life is tasty regional Roman cuisine which stands out from other destinations around the country—dig into carbonara, cacio e pepe, and gricia to delight in local delicacies! No matter how you spend your time in Rome, a one-day stop in Italy’s capital is sure to be a delightful introduction to this artistically romantic culture.
1 Day in Rome Itinerary
In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview detailing this 1 day in Rome itinerary walking around the city:
10:00 - 10:30 AM: ⛪ Stroll around the Spanish Steps, window shopping and people watching (30 min)
10:30 - 11:15 AM: ☕ Grab cannoli and coffee from the 18th-century favorite, Antico Caffè Greco (45 min)
11:15 - 11:45 AM: 🪙 Toss a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain and make a wish! (30 min)
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM: 🏛️ Continue to the Pantheon to admire preserved Roman architecture (30 min)
12:15 - 1:45 PM: ⛲ Stroll around Piazza Navona before a traditional Roman lunch at Virginiae (1 hr 30 min)
1:45 - 2:30 PM: 🍰 Gaze upon the controversial “wedding cake” monument in Rome, Vittoriano (45 min)
2:30 - 3:45 PM: 🤼 Walk the ancient battleground of gladiators as you tour the Colosseum (1 hr 15 min)
3:45 - 4:45 PM: 📜 Experience the previous center of public Roman life within the Roman Forum (1 hr)
4:45 - 5:45 PM:🍦 Try Rome’s #1-rated dessert spot (yes, seriously!) on TripAdvisor, Gelateria Pasquino (1 hr)
6:00 - 8:15 PM: 🏨 Return to the hotel to freshen up before your fancy dinner (2 hr 15 min)
8:30 - 11:15 PM:🪿 Dig into the best meal of your life at two Michelin star Enoteca La Torre (2 hr 45 min)
In actuality, I accomplished this itinerary over two days after arriving in the late afternoon following a flight over from Taormina. Marinating in bed the morning of my second day, I visited the city quite tired during the tail-end of an action-packed Sicily trip.
That said, you could absolutely fit everything into one day, or take it easy if you have time to spread this Rome travel guide describing what to see, do, and eat over two days.
How to Get From Florence to Rome?
As a Trainline affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
FROM: Firenze Santa Maria Novella (Piazza della Stazione, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy)
TO: Roma Termini (Via Giovanni Giolitti, 40, 00185 Rome, RM, Italy)
TRANSPORTATION: Trenitalia high-speed FRECCE trains via Trainline (1 hr 59 min, direct, ~€45)
If you’re only stopping in Rome for a day, it’s likely you’re coming from another Italian destination or using Rome’s international airport as a starting point before venturing further into the countryside. In that case, a northern Italy exploration will likely take you through Florence, since it’s the next closest major city before Milan and Venice!
Fortunately for you, Florence is my favorite place I’ve visited in Italy and it’s one and a half hours away from Rome by train! Easily reach Florence by hopping on one of the many Trenitalia routes from Roma Termini to Firenze Campo Marte. This line runs every 15 minutes during the day and costs ~€45 one-way for economy tickets.
When simply traveling within the country, there’s nothing more to do than show up at the station and hop on the correct line! Racks are available to store luggage, and most long-distance trains have comfortable seats with outlets and tray tables, similar to a typical airline offering.
How to Get Around Rome?
WALK: Walking is the best way to go if the journey takes 20 to 30 minutes. Rome is quite walkable—especially in the city center where the majority of landmarks are located—plus you never know what hidden gems are tucked away in the cobblestone alleys of this ancient city!
TAXI: Request a cab in your hotel lobby or call one on Uber or FreeNow to see the estimated wait time and fare up front. I used both apps for my 1 day in Rome transportation needs, and at least one of these options was always able to offer me a swift ride!
The base taxi fare is €3.50, with an added €1.10-1.70 per kilometer during the day. Fiumicino Airport transfers have a fixed rate of €55 to the city center and Ciampino Airport has a fixed rate of €40. Most taxis accept credit cards as a payment method—which is guaranteed if you order a ride on Uber or FreeNow anyways.
BUS: Truth be told, I’ve never taken any public transportation in Rome since I walked everywhere in the city center or was so tired and sweaty I was willing to call a cab. Since traffic can cause bus delays—especially around landmarks with the most tourist congestion—and the limited metro network only offers 3 subway lines, I’d recommend simply walking around during the single day you spend in Rome.
This will be easy when following the above itinerary, with the only place you may want to take the bus being Enoteca La Torre—but if you’re going out to a fancy dinner anyways, you’ll likely want to call a taxi as opposed to getting on the bus in heels!
Where to Stay in Rome?
HAUTE HOTEL: Hotel Splendide Royal Rome ($1,091.44 for two nights, split among two people)
Offering refined Italian style and elegant sophistication, Hotel Splendide Royal in the heart of Rome is a 5-star jewel with irresistible charm. This 19th century haute hotel stands out for its refined style and regal architecture. A luxury experience blending absolute comfort, ancient atmospheres, and modern technology guarantees an unforgettable stay in the capital.
A stone's throw from exclusive Via Veneto and the main shopping streets, this finely furnished hotel provides the perfect home base for your walking tour through the city.
-
In the main lobby, find precious marble floors and lavish Murano chandeliers recalling the exclusive atmospheres of ancient Capitoline nobility. Stay as Roman aristocrats once did within Palatine Hill, with sumptuous decorations, gilded wood, and handcrafted Baroque nuances embedded in the contemporary yet classic style of each room.
I was delighted to be upgraded to a Splendide Prestige Room. Glamorous romantic flair was expressed through the single large space including a king-size bed with a Simmons Black Diamond mattress, couch wrapped in soft capitonné, and bathroom covered in Italian marble. The furnishing style rich in vintage decor was a perfect alchemy of ancient allure and modern design, blending warm parquet floors and antique paintings with modern amenities like Chromecast with a smart TV.
Begin each morning in the Crystal Lounge, where mirrors and light interplay within the 6th floor breakfast spot. While this room offers a magnificent perspective, a truly unparalleled view stretching from the Spanish Steps to St. Peter's Basilica is granted by the rooftop fine dining Mirabelle restaurant. Following dinner, continue the evening with a night cap at the Adèle Mixology Lounge, a panoramic sky bar!
What to Do in Rome?
Spanish Steps
Begin your Rome 1 day itinerary with a leisurely 10 minute walk down Via Francesco Crispi to one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, the Spanish Steps.
Built between 1723 and 1725, the Spanish Steps were funded by a French diplomat to connect the Spanish Embassy—hence the name—at the bottom of the steps with the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. The 135-steps are a masterpiece of Baroque architecture mixing curves, straight flights, and terraces to create a dynamically grand ascent.
A longtime meeting place, the area around the steps—particularly Piazza di Spagna at the base—is surrounded by luxury boutiques, cafés, and historical sites, making it a vibrant social and cultural hub. Eye the designer drip gracing upscale storefronts of famous fashion houses, or simply set up a perch on the base of the steps and people watch to your heart’s content!
Brunch - Antico Caffè Greco
Steps away from the steps (get it?) down Via dei Condotti find Antico Caffè Greco, where John Keats and Lord Byron once sat at the marble tables of this richly-ornate 18th-century café.
One of the oldest cafés in Rome and in Italy, this is a must-visit spot for travelers interested in the city’s cultural heritage—but even more notably, this is one of the few historic landmarks where you can enjoy a refreshing cup of coffee and air conditioning! In addition to your caffeine vehicle of choice, try their authentically creamy ricotta-filled cannolo!
-
Founded in 1760, Antico Caffè Greco has always been a gathering place for intellectuals, artists, and political figures, imbedding the literary hub with cultural importance. This rich history adorns the café’s interior, lined with paintings, photographs, and artifacts that reflect its storied past while giving it the appearance of a museum as much as a café.
Despite the passage of time, Antico Caffè Greco has maintained much of its traditional charm, with furnishings evoking the atmosphere of a bygone era you can explore via this unique glimpse into Rome’s historic café culture.
Pro Tip:
A “latte” in Italy is just a glass of milk, so if you’re intending for some espresso to be served in your cup don’t make the €8 mistake I did and be sure to order a “caffè latte”
Trevi Fountain
It’s time for another historic landmark; walk 10 minutes to Rome’s most notable water feature — the Trevi Fountain! The largest Baroque fountain in Rome and one of the most famous designs by Nicola Salvi, it’s renowned for dramatic grandeur and intricate architecture. Centered around powerful Neptune god of the sea, the main statue is flanked by Tritons, beautiful sea horses, and allegorical figures representing abundance and health.
The fountain stands at the end of Aqua Virgo, an ancient 19 B.C. aqueduct which was restored during the Renaissance to supply water to Rome. Following the retirement of this outdated invention, the Trevi Fountain was built as a tribute to showcase the abundance of fresh water it provided—with water cascading from rock formations into the large basin below.
This becomes an even more spectacular sight while illuminated at night! Don’t hesitate to toss a coin over your shoulder and make a wish either, since this currency is donated to charities helping fund food programs for the city's needy.
Pro Tip:
Legend has it that if you throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain, you’ll return to Rome one day. Throwing two coins means you’ll find love in Rome, and throwing three means marriage is around the corner!
Pantheon
Up next 8 minutes away is another piece of inspiring history: the Pantheon. Famous for perfectly preserved Roman architecture, this revolutionary 126 A.D achievement was built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian with the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.
At the center of this significant engineering feat is a large circular opening, or oculus, which allows natural light to enter while serving as a symbolic connection to the heavens.
Originally dedicated to all Roman gods—hence the name meaning "all gods"—this religious inclusiveness helped protect the continuous place of worship from damage over the centuries.
Now technically the Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs, famous figures rest here like Renaissance painter Raphael and two Italian kings—Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I. An active Christian site today, rose petals are dropped through the oculus during the Pentecost mass to symbolize the descent of the Holy Spirit!
Piazza Navona
Continue another 4 minutes down Via del Salvatore to Piazza Navona, a vibrant social center. Its transformation from a Roman stadium to Baroque piazza showcases the city’s tradition of repurposing spaces, and "Navona" is even derived from Latin "agones" meaning "games."
The ovular layout and lively atmosphere of Piazza Navona today hosting performers, artists, and vendors carries on its ancient origins as a public space, blending Rome's layers of history.
-
The dramatic Baroque façades flanking the charming cafés, restaurants, and gelaterias here conceal an artistic rivalry. Bernini and Borromini were each commissioned to work on different parts of the piazza, injecting historical intrigue to this site.
Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi designed by Gian Bernini in 1651 is the centerpiece, featuring allegorical statues representing four major rivers from four continents—the Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Rio de la Plata—topped with an Egyptian obelisk. The positioning of the statues in Bernini's fountain—particularly the Nile figure covering its face—is often interpreted as a critique of Borromini's work on the church this statue faces, Sant'Agnese in Agone.
Although you can find a host of spots here to grab lunch, I recommend a plate of cacio e pepe from traditional Roman Virginiae, located down Via di Tor Millina just behind Borromini's church.
Find a typical Roman menu conveyed to the palate through authentic flavors, ancient recipes, and high-quality dishes reflective of the national cuisine including amatriciana, carbonara, and gricia prepared to perfection following the precise dictates of tradition.
Vittoriano
After lunch, walk 20 minutes to the controversial layered "wedding cake” formally known as the Victor Emmanuel II Monument or Vittoriano. This enormous example of grandiose Neoclassical architecture was initially met with public criticism from locals who found it to be an eyesore.
The ostentatious white marble, towering columns, and intricate sculptures stand in stark contrast to the surroundings, lacking the subtle refinement of ancient ruins, medieval buildings, and Renaissance structures. A significant portion of Rome's historical fabric was also demolished when it was constructed, leading to a loss of historic heritage many felt could not be justified by the construction of the new monument.
In theory, this well-intended monument dedicated to the first post-Risorgimento king was meant to symbolize the birth of a unified Italy. However, the monument was later co-opted by Mussolini’s regime, tainting its image further as a site for Fascist rallies. In front, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with an eternal flame burning was added after World War I, today guarded by soldiers 24/7.
Tour the complex Vittoriano and Great Garden of Palazzo Venezia for free daily from 9:30 AM - 7:30 PM, with the last entry at 6:45 PM.
To take in one of the best panoramic views of Rome, pay €17 to access the rooftop terrace located at the monument's highest point. See a 360-degree view of the city, including iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and St. Peter's Basilica. This ticket also grants access to the Sommoportico, Central Museum of the Risorgimento, and Palazzo Venezia.
Colosseum
Sightseeing continues in this one day in Rome walking tour—since Rome has more than enough cultural treasures to fill up one day! Walk 13 minutes down Via dei Fori Imperiali to arrive at the most iconic enduring legacy of ancient Rome, the Colosseum or Flavian Amphitheater.
The largest ancient amphitheater ever built was capable of holding 80,000 spectators within the elliptical structure, which itself is a remarkable feat of Roman engineering. Built between 70 - 80 A.D. under emperors Vespasian and Titus, this New Seventh Wonder of the World symbolized the power, wealth, and architectural prowess of the empire while functioning as a grand stage for public spectacles demonstrating the might of Rome.
The innovative architecture included a complex system of vaults along with sophisticated elevators and trapdoors for moving scenery into the arena for brutal contests. In these cruel events, gladiators fought each other or wild animals to entertain the elites seated closest to the arena, serving the political purpose of giving "bread and circuses" to the lower class populace.
-
Tour the Colosseum daily from 8:30 AM - 7:15 PM for €18 to see the complex architecture up close, exploring viewing tiers of various heights to reimagine the ancient amphitheater from three different perspectives. Purchase admission tickets online in advance; the box office frequently sells out with hour-long queues.
The most desirable times—namely the morning when it’s not so hot—sell out the fastest. Obtaining full experience and guided tours to the underground levels and attic are even harder to secure!
Tickets are released 30 days in advance on the exact minute of the tour time. For example, for a 9:30 AM CEST tour, the associated tickets become available at 9:30 AM CEST exactly 30 days before the designated date. Set an alarm to secure one of these more premiere packages, since a substantially smaller amount are offered compared to the standard entry admission!
Pro Tip:
On the first Sunday of each month, entry to the Colosseum is free, however expect much larger crowds on these days.
Roman Forum
Next door find the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Rome which today persists as a symbol of this enduring legacy. Important government buildings, temples, and spaces remain where citizens used to gather for political, commercial, and social activities in this public hub.
A symbol of the influential power and historical depth of Rome, today the Forum provides a tangible connection to ancient times with the opportunity to wander the ruins of the most important center in the Roman Empire.
-
On the governmental side, this diplomatic epicenter housed the Senate House and Rostra, a large speech platform from which leaders like Cicero addressed the public with famous orations. Decisions that shaped the empire were made here, as well as significant events in Roman history like the cremation of Julius Caesar in 44 A.D. and the following takeover by his grandnephew, Augustus.
Facilitating past religious rituals were the temples of Vesta, Castor and Pollux, and Saturn. These structures coexist with a rich collection of ruins from different periods, including the Arch of Septimius Severus and Basilica of Maxentius, showcasing architectural advancements as the space evolved to meet the urban planning needs of a growing empire.
-
Inside the larger archaeological park is Palatine Hill, the residential center of ancient Rome during the Republican and Imperial periods. It was home to many of Rome’s elite politicians who built their imperial palaces on the hill. Beginning with the first Roman emperor Augustus, rulers built their residences here with well-preserved frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures which remain today, giving rise to a name meaning "palace” from the Latin word palatium.
Traveling back even further, archaeological excavations uncovered some of the earliest evidence of human settlement in Rome, dating back to huts and early dwellings from 10th century B.C.
Even before that, Roman mythology details this as the site where Romulus founded the city of Rome in 753 B.C. after being abandoned with his twin and raised by a she-wolf in the Lupercal cave on the Palatine.
No matter which origin story you ascribe to, you’re guaranteed to find the best panoramic views of Rome from this point, with the hill in view of the Forum, Circus Maximus, Colosseum, and other key ancient landmarks.
Since the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill are close together, you might as well explore them at the same time, and the €18 combined 24-hour admission ticket allows you to do just that! This ticket is sold for the exact same price as variations granting entry to the individual landmarks, so you won’t spend any extra dough seeing them all in the same day! Tour the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill daily from 9:00 AM - 7:15 PM, except on Saturdays when the Forum closes earlier at 5:30 PM.
Dessert - Gelateria Pasquino
After 1 day in Rome, Italy this last stop will be a final 24 minute trek before you return to the hotel, but I promise it’s worth it. Visit the #1 ranked dessert out of 950 spots in Rome on TripAdvisor at the time of writing! Gelateria Pasquino serves up artisanal ice cream in Trastevere, the most ideal place for excellent gelato in an informal, friendly atmosphere.
From fruit flavors to creams and chocolates, all their frozen treats are prepared with only fresh, organic, and high-quality raw materials. Carve out a moment of pleasant relaxation and savor the creamy consistency which conveys freshness, cleanliness, and lightness to the palate. The prices are astronomically reasonable for the notoriety of this establishment—I dug into a medium cup with two flavors for only €4, choosing lavanda and fior di latte of course!
Dinner - Enoteca La Torre
FROM: Hotel Splendide Royal (Via di Porta Pinciana, 14, 00187 Roma RM, Italy)
TO: Enoteca La Torre (Lungotevere delle Armi, 23, 00195 Roma RM, Italy)
TRANSPORTATION: 8 min, ~€18 euro taxi from the hotel to the restaurant via Uber or FreeNow
Conclude this 1 day in Rome itinerary with the fanciest, most delicious dinner at a two Michelin star, three Gambero Rosso fork masterpiece situated within the aristocratic Hotel Villa Laetitia, Enoteca La Torre. Upon arriving at the villa, find refined Baroque architecture dating from 1911 inside the magnificently elegant dining room adorned with stucco and columns.
The perfect setting for a special occasion, delight in native Campania concoctions imagined by Chef Domenico Stile alongside creative influences from Italy and further beyond. In our case, this meant trying entirely new proteins like guinea fowl from one of the youngest chefs to receive his second Michelin star.
Given this represents one of the most exclusive food experiences in the capital, you can certainly expect refined cuisine. Celebrating creativity with energy and exuberance, Mediterranean flavors are neatly paired with welcoming customer service that finishes some courses directly in the dining room!
-
Opting for the 6-course menu entitled, “a journey with your eyes closed,” this was truly an unforgettable night of 360° gourmet fun marked by the surprising scents and watercolors of this decidedly festive cuisine.
While the course was described to entail 6 dishes, by the end we had really tried more than 11 incredible innovations when taking into account all the amuse bouches, sides, and many extra desserts enjoyed. That said, I found the €200 price tag to be outrageously reasonable, considering how only a couple dishes can easily rack up this high of a bill back home.
To lean into this experience, I recommend pretending to be a food critique with your fellow diners, comparing notes on the balanced “sweet umami” flavor profile of the bright pink cherry, beet, and salmon roe appetizer.
Whether trying the honey amuse bouche served on a delicate hive cracker with a photorealistic bee on top or the charming rum baba sorbet dessert prepared table-side—which is followed by an animatronic big top candy cart—expect your mind to be blown in this dynamic reality that makes a passion for fine dining the emblem of its daily life.
Adding on to our final bill, we also indulged in three glasses of wine procured from the well-stocked cellar, ordering our pairings based on recommendations which sublimated the corresponding dishes.
For some reason, it costs more to select the three-glass wine pairing from the drink menu as opposed to ordering each of the selections individually, so order those recommendations as separate entities if you’d like a proposal by the glass to accompany your meal. If you prefer to go off script, a thousand bottles are available on the menu from the historic cellar built into the ancient walls of the city to preserve old vintages!
Enoteca La Torre is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but otherwise open for lunch from 12:30 - 2:30 PM and for dinner from 7:30 - 10:00 PM. As evidenced by our 11:30 PM departure time, they won’t kick you out if your dinner runs long!
How Much Does One Day in Rome Cost?
Following the above 1 day in Rome itinerary led the cost of a one day, two night trip to be $1,035.45 for me as a young 20-something on a couples trip to Rome:
Lodging
$545.72 - two nights in Hotel Splendide Royal, split amongst two people
Transportation
$21.79 - taxi ride from the Roman Forum to Hotel Splendide Royal
$35.96 - taxi rides to and from Enoteca La Torre departing from Hotel Splendide Royal
$57.20 - Uber ride to the airport from Hotel Splendid Royal
Food
$37.05 - two coffees and a cannolo from Antico Caffè Greco
€15 - cacio e pepe from Virginiae behind Piazza Navona
$4.36 - water from Terre E Domus
€4 - medium gelato cup from Gelateria Pasquino
$303.45 - “a journey with your eyes closed” menu and three glasses of wine from Enoteca La Torre
Activities
€18 - 24-hour Colosseum and Roman Forum admission ticket
The largest expense was our hotel, which isn’t reflective of a one day in Rome itinerary in most cases since we spent a total of two nights there. Plus, I was traveling with my boyfriend on our first Europe trip together, so we heavily splurged on our lodging and dinner in manner I wouldn’t recommend for a tighter budget—that is, unless you want to go all in on living your best life in Italy!
Aside from those two massive expenses, food and activities in general were extremely reasonably priced in Rome. I also saved a ton on transportation since we mostly walked everywhere! Your largest transit expense will be the ride to and from the airport, but otherwise expect to only spend ~€20 on delicious, authentic Roman meals and incur the same expense to tour ancient areas if they aren’t already free—most common tourist sites are!
What to Wear in Rome?
Fashion in Rome blends timeless elegance with pieces that practically endure the summer heat, ensuring you can spend all day exploring while capturing the city's effortlessly chic vibe. A rich historical tapestry dotted with ancient landmarks, Rome invites you to embrace a classic yet relaxed style where sophistication meets everyday wear.
Light neutral tones are a natural choice since they won’t absorb heat like a little black dress. Lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton comprising airy adornments are another must to stay cool under the Roman sun. For footwear, opt for fashion-forward flats crafted with interesting leather configurations; Rome’s cobblestone streets require shoes which convey style while offering stability. Wear simple, well-tailored pieces elevated with contrast stitching or a bodice belt to seamlessly incorporate visual interest without adding layers of clothing. Think classic Italian refinement, but with a breezy, laid-back twist perfect for the city’s warm summer days:
Little White Dresses
beat the summer heat in a breezy little white dress which reflects the intense daylight rather than absorbing it
Contrast Stitching
exude elegance with monochrome contrast stitching adding visual interest to your fit in the most sophisticated way
Belted Bodices
since it’s too hot to accessorize with layers, convey old money charm with a classy belted bodice add-on
Spaghetti Straps
you’ll surely be sweating wearing shoulder coverings, so stay cool with teeny spaghetti strap tops and dresses
Airy Adornments
stay comfortable while walking around by only packing outfit adornments composed of airy, breathable fabrics
Fashion-Forward Flats
strut around town in comfy, fashion-forward flats elevated with interesting strappy shapes and bold pops of color
Is Rome Worth a Stop on Your Italy Tour?
The first time I visited Rome in 2022 was only for one day after an extremely hungover train ride following wine tasting in Florence, so you can imagine how well prepared I was to receive the city. Prior to my recent return, I would’ve said Rome was an okay Italian destination but couldn’t compare with Florence or Lake Como, as I remembered walking around for hours on end during a humid summer day.
Not that anything too different this time around—since it was so hot we returned to our hotel three times to change clothes!—but without a pounding headache I was immensely more impressed by the ancient architecture. Rome takes you allll the way back in time, preserving structures that would be incomprehensible to the modern mind otherwise.
If you haven’t visited Rome before, it’s impossible to grasp the monumental size of the Colosseum—or even the Trevi Fountain for that matter—which is why doing the typical “touristy” things on an initial visit is extremely worth it.
On any additional days you have more than enough time to explore local spots like the hip Trastevere neighborhood or lesser known landscapes like Villa Borghese, but the most notable, famous landmarks have earned that reputation for a reason. Making all the expected stops is more than worth it to get the authentic taste of ancient Italy that only Rome can provide.
To address my original question—yes, you should absolutely stop by Rome on your Italy trip! Not only will you explore the country’s capital, but you’ll embark on a sensory journey through layers of history built upon each other like a sedimentary rock made out of entire civilizations in one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in Europe!
✺ TRAVEL TOOLS ✺
Rome Customized Map (Google Maps)
Thatch guide (Create a custom itinerary!)
✺ ABOUT ME ✺
Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?
While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.
I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.
It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m going to make it to all 195 countries before my time is up—and I’m taking you along for the ride!
✺ READ MORE ON THE BLOG ✺