When in Rome | Top things to do





When in Rome | Top things to do


The great thing about Rome Italy is that there are  many places you can visit; you can plan to go for one day via a cruise or you can choose to fly in and stay a few days.    My first visit to Rome was via a Mediterranean cruise which was a great opportunity to sample Italy and many places such as Sorrento, Capri, Rome, Pisa, Florence and Naples…but one day in Rome is definitely not enough time.  During our second trip  (Greek Isle Cruise) we purposely chose to leave from Civitavecchia to  take full advantage of the time.   In our particular case we decided to spend a few days (4 in total)… before and after the cruise.  It took 2 days to do many of the things in Rome and the other 2 days were used for day trips to Orvieto,  Tivoli, and Florence. 

1) Take a stroll down Piazza Navona 

    Great area to walk through. It has beautiful architecture and is not as crowed as some of the other locations.  The Plaza also has many shops and restroom aurants. If you want to get lost in the streets of Rome this is highly recommended. In the Piazza you can also visit San't Agnese in Agone... regardless of religion of choice...the ceilings inside this church are splendid.


    2) Eat where the locals Eat   

      Where is that? Ask the locals.  Strike up a conversation with business owners and ask them for good places to eat.  If you try to ask in their own language they will be much more willing to help and suggest something good.  We decided to stay in an Airbnb and the owner suggested a few spots.  They were all amazing and very affordable.

      3) Consider staying in a Airbnb or Home Away

      This was a great decision we made because if you are traveling as a family you can all share the in the cost.  It allows you to create fond memories instead of everyone having individual hotel rooms.   The first apartment we chose was older and historic extremely beautiful and located within walking distance to Piazza Navona.  It had a food mart nearby and a gelato shop…Yum!  The second apartment was a penthouse style apartment.  It was a bit more modern and eclectic in decor. It had a roof top terrace with great view. On our last night we decided to pick up pizza from a shop nearby (suggested by the owner) and had our last dinner in the roof top...it was pretty amazing!

      4) Take a Walking Tour 

      Rome features incredible architecture and many fountains.   The best thing about a walking tour is that you get to see and learn about locations that you otherwise may have overlooked.  Everyone loves a good story so when in Rome…take your time to find out the story.

      5) Visit the Colosseum  

      Great history, beautiful pictures, enough said!

      6) Walk The Roman Forum 

      Similar to the Colosseum The Roman Forum has an abundance of history but I suggest you take a tour.  If you do not have someone telling you about the history of what you are looking at the experience will be anticlimatic.

      7)Visit the Vatican and Sistine Chapel

      Regardless of religion of choice the Vatican offers many rooms with extremely beautiful decor...and the ceilings will take your breath away.  

      8) Look inside the Pantheon

      This is a quick  5 to 10 minute stop ...great if you are in a hurry.  It is very beautiful and if you take a walking tour most of them will include this as one of their stops.

      9) See the Trevi Fountain 

      I am a romantic at heart so of course I had to make a stop at this fountain.  My favorite part of this fountain is the location it allows you to walk through side streets in Rome and it is surrounded by many restaurants and shops.  The only drawback is that it can be overly crowded but still well worth the walk.

      10) Enjoy your trip 

      You may think...well of course I will enjoy my trip however, here is the dirty truth.  Traveling to Italy can be exhausting …there is ALOT of walking involved sometimes running if you are trying to catch a train.  Some places are overpriced and crowded … if you are traveling with a big group that has its own challenges.   The vacation can turn into a grumbling session if you focus on the negative.  That is why my number 10 spot goes to enjoying your trip!  Don’t let little things get you down…take a good pair of walking shoes and just try to see it all.

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