ROME, ITALY

Roam around Rome: Rome wasn't built in a day, but you'll try and see everything you can...

A view of Rome, Italy

Rome can overwhelm even the most organised traveller. Turn one corner and there is a fountain you have seen in films. Turn another and you are standing beside a 2,000-year-old temple, a church ceiling that plays tricks on your eyes, or a trattoria serving carbonara so good it ruins all future versions. The best way to enjoy the Eternal City is not to rush it. Rome rewards slow mornings, long lunches, late walks, and a little planning around the big sights. This guide brings together the classic landmarks, quieter stops, beautiful walks, and the foods worth making time for.

Throw a coin at the Trevi Fountain:

The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s great pieces of theatre. Water crashes over marble, Neptune commands his horses, and the whole square feels alive from morning until late at night. Go early if you want a calmer view. Sunrise is best, especially if you care about photos. At night, the fountain glows beautifully, but expect crowds. The tradition is simple: stand with your back to the fountain and toss a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand. It is said to promise a return to Rome. A useful route is to visit the Trevi Fountain after the Pantheon or before the Spanish Steps. They are close enough to link on foot, with plenty of cafés along the way. Come here during the day and at night; beneath the fountain lies the Vicus Caprarius - The Water City, which is also worth taking a look. And if you're very much in love, then drink from La Fontanella Degli Innamorati and kiss your partner for eternal love...

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Make sure you visit the Trevi Fountain by day and by night

Step inside the Pantheon:

The Pantheon is one of the most impressive buildings in Europe. Its massive dome, open oculus, and perfect proportions still feel bold today. Built as an ancient Roman temple and later converted into a church, it has survived in remarkable condition. The best moment is when light falls through the oculus and moves across the interior. If it rains, water drops straight through the opening and drains away through the floor. It is a building that makes engineering feel poetic. You can pair the Pantheon with Piazza Navona, Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio di Loyola, and the Trevi Fountain in one easy half-day walk...

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The ins and outs of the Pantheon

Sit by the fountains in Piazza Navona:

Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most beautiful squares. Its long oval shape follows the outline of an ancient stadium, and today it is framed by baroque architecture, terrace cafés, artists, and fountains. The centrepiece is Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers. It is worth walking around it slowly to see the figures from different angles. The square is lively at most times of day, but early morning gives you the space to admire it properly. For food, be a little careful right on the square. Some places rely on the view more than the cooking. Walk a few streets away and you will usually find better value and more memorable meals.

Climb the Spanish Steps:

The Spanish Steps were originally constructed to connect the Piazza Di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti Church above. The steps themselves are elegant rather than dramatic, but the view from the top gives you a lovely sense of central Rome’s rooftops and winding streets. At the base, the Fontana della Barcaccia adds a quieter note to the square, with clean drinking water, perfect for a hot summer's day. Around the area, you will find plenty of designer shops, smart hotels, and elegant cafés. It is not the cheapest place to eat, but it makes a fine stop for coffee if you want to sit and watch Rome move around you...

Look up inside Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio di Loyola:

Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio di Loyola is one of Rome’s best surprises. From the outside it can look like another pretty church. Inside, the ceiling fresco is extraordinary. Andrea Pozzo’s painted perspective creates the illusion of a vast dome and soaring architecture. There is often a mirror set up in the nave so visitors can admire the ceiling without craning their necks. Take your time here. It is close to the Pantheon, so it fits neatly into a central Rome walking route.

Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palentine Hill:

The Colosseum is Rome’s most famous ancient monument, and it still has enormous presence. Outside, its arches dominate the area. Inside, the scale becomes clearer as you look down towards the arena floor and underground passages. Book ahead where possible, especially in peak travel months. A combined visit with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill gives better context. The Forum was the centre of public life in ancient Rome, with temples, basilicas, and civic buildings layered across the site. Do not treat the Roman Forum as an afterthought. Give it time. Palatine Hill also offers beautiful views over the ruins and across the city...

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For more information check out my blog, Colosseum: Be a gladiator for the day

Visit the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II:

The Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, located in the heart of Rome, is a striking tribute to the first king of unified Italy. This grand structure, often referred to as the "Altar of the Fatherland", is not only an architectural marvel but also a significant historical site. Visitors are often captivated by the equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel II, which stands proudly at the top. Surrounding the monument, you will find the bustling Piazza Venezia, a central hub in Rome. The area is rich in history, with nearby attractions such as the Roman Forum and the Colosseum within walking distance. The panoramic views from the monument’s terrace offer a breathtaking perspective of the city, making it a perfect spot for photography...

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Climb up the steps of the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, then take the elevator up to the roof for a proper panoramic view

Cross the River Tiber for the Vatican City:

The west side of the Tiber gives Rome a different rhythm. The streets near the Vatican can be busy, but the river walks, bridges, and evening views make this side of the city special. Vatican City is its own tiny independent state, but for most visitors it feels like part of the Rome experience. The main highlights are St Peter’s Basilica, St Peter’s Square, and the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. The Vatican Museums are vast, so do not try to see every room with equal attention. Pick a few priorities and move at a steady pace. The Sistine Chapel is the famous finale, but many of the galleries before it are also beautiful. St Peter’s Basilica is free to enter, though queues can be long. Inside, the scale is astonishing. Michelangelo’s Pietà and the huge dome are major highlights. If you have the energy, climbing the dome gives one of the best views in Rome. Dress modestly for church visits. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and this applies especially at the Vatican.

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For more information on exploring the Vatican, click on the link!

Walk to Castel Sant'Angelo:

From St Peter’s, walk down Via della Conciliazione towards Castel Sant'Angelo. This massive fortress began life as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum and later became a papal stronghold. Its round shape makes it instantly recognisable. The bridge in front, Ponte Sant'Angelo, is lined with angel statues and works beautifully at sunset. Even if you do not go inside the castle, the area is worth visiting for the view back towards St Peter’s and the river. If you do enter, the terraces give excellent city views. It is also a good place to understand how Rome changed from imperial capital to papal city...

Castel Sant'Angelo is one of the best places to combine history with a sunset walk

Spend an afternoon in Villa Borghese Park:

Villa Borghese Park is the place to go when Rome starts to feel intense. It is central, green, and full of soft escapes: shaded paths, fountains, viewpoints, and small museums. The Pincio Terrace, on the edge of the park above Piazza del Popolo, offers a lovely view over the city. It is especially good around golden hour. If you enjoy art, the Borghese Gallery is one of Rome’s finest museums, with works by Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian. Book ahead, as entry is usually timed. Villa Borghese also works well for families, couples, and anyone who needs a quiet break between heavier sightseeing days...

Italian Cuisine:

Food in Rome is simple, direct, and deeply satisfying when done well. The best meals often come from places that look modest from the outside. Rome has four famous pasta dishes, and each one is worth trying:

• Carbonara: Made with egg, pecorino Romano, guanciale, and black pepper. No cream.

• Cacio e pepe: Pasta with pecorino Romano and black pepper. Simple, sharp, and comforting.

• Amatriciana: Tomato, guanciale, pecorino, and chilli. Rich but balanced.

• Gricia: Often described as amatriciana without tomato. Salty, savoury, and excellent.

Otherwise for a quick bite, look for supplì: fried rice balls usually filled with tomato rice and melted mozzarella. Pizza al taglio: sold by weight in rectangular slices, is another easy lunch. Choose a place where trays are coming out fresh and locals are queuing. For something sweet, maritozzo: a Roman bun filled with whipped cream. It is indulgent, messy, and best eaten with coffee.

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Rome has thousands of places to eat, from excellent old-school trattorias to obvious tourist traps. A few simple habits help. Look for menus that are short and seasonal. Be cautious of places with staff calling people in from the street, laminated picture menus, or food from every region of Italy on one long list. A good Roman restaurant does not need to serve everything. Neighbourhoods worth considering for di

nner include:

• Testaccio: for traditional Roman cooking and a strong local food identity

• Trastevere: for atmosphere and late evenings

• Monti: for stylish but relaxed restaurants

• Prati: for meals before or after the Vatican

• Jewish Ghetto: for Roman Jewish dishes and historic streets

  
  

A good Rome trip balances the major sights with time to wander. If every hour is planned, the city can feel like a museum queue. If the plan is too loose, the big sites become harder to visit smoothly. For a first visit, this shape works well:

Day	Focus	Main Sights
Day 1	Historic Centre	Trevi Fountain Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio di Loyola Pantheon Piazza Navona
Day 2	Ancient Rome	Colosseum Roman Forum Palatine Hill
Day 3	Vatican City	Castel Sant'Angelo St Peter’s Basilica Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel
Day 4	Slower Rome	Spanish Steps Villa Borghese Park Monument to Victor Emmanuel II

If you only have two days like an express weekend trip, focus on the historic centre, Colosseum & Vatican City.

A few practical tips make the whole trip easier:

1. Book timed entry for the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Borghese Gallery.

2. Carry a refillable water bottle. Rome has public drinking fountains across the city.

3. Wear shoes that can handle cobbles and long walks.

4. Visit major outdoor sights early or late for fewer crowds.

5. Keep small coins or a card handy for quick coffees, snacks, and public transport.

6. Do not over-order at lunch if dinner matters to you. Roman portions can be generous.

   
   

Enough Rome-ing around? Now head to the Colosseum and be a gladiator for the day! Or even grab your passport and step into a new country, the world's smallest country, at the Vatican City!