Rome is crazy. It’s a bustling city rich in culture and history and there is so much to see, do and take in from this city. Like most major cities, it would take weeks to scratch the surface on all the sites but as always, not everyone has time to spend weeks in just one city and that’s why I’ve created this 3 day guide of what I view are the ‘must see sites’ in Roma, Italy. Hopefully this will help you maximise your time in Italy’s capital city.
day one.
Jump on a train to the Spagna Metro stop which is where you’ll start your day. Walking is a great way to explore & get around Rome, especially in the historic centre. If walking isn’t for you, I suggest a Hop on Hop off tourist bus to get you around.
Start at the busy Spanish Steps, a popular site in Rome. If your travelling in the summer or peak holiday times, it’s a known fact that you’ll be fighting through tourists who are here to see the sites as are you. The Spanish Steps are great for people watching and you might be happy to know that most of today’s walking is down hill from here. At the fountain, turn left and walk towards the next sight…
As you twist and turn through the narrow streets you will soon enough stumble upon the amazing Trevi Fountain. Located in quite a small square, you’ll notice the huge fountain taking up most of the space. It’s beautiful & soon became my favourite in Rome.
From here, continue on to the Pantheon. Be sure to go inside this impressive monument. Piazza Navona is a great place to end your first day, stop in for a Gelato or dinner & enjoy the beautiful square.
day two.
I couldn’t wait to explore my most anticipated site in Rome – the Colosseum. The largest amphitheatre in the world, this great historic site held spectators who watched gladiator fights and is one of the seven wonders of the world.
You may have realised that the line is incredibly long – boo! Head across the road to the Palatine Hill entrance to purchase a combined ticket to all three. There may be a line here, but guaranteed to be smaller than the line at the Colosseum. Explore Palatine Hill, one of the most ancient areas of the city before descending down to the Roman Forum and enjoy the great views.
The exit is close to the entrance of the Colosseum, so it’s perfect to spend the whole day exploring all three! The metro stop closest to the Colosseum is right across the road & called Colosseo and it couldn’t be better situated for the site.
day three.
Today, or at least most of it will be solely dedicated to a brand new country – Yep! Who would of thought that once in Rome you’d be crossing a ‘border’ within the country itself. Luckily there’s no border control. The Vatican is the smallest country in the world. Even though it’s so small, it’s jam-packed with sites including the Vatican Museum, St Peter’s Square, St Peter’s Basilica & the Sistine Chapel.
It’s recommended to join a walking tour of the museum as your guide explains the history & the art. Most tours will depart from the famous St Peter’s Square and you might be as lucky to see the Pope. Tours usually end via the Sistine Chapel before entering St Peters Basilica. No photos are allowed in the Sistine Chapel according to a ban from Kodak – I’m unsure just how true those allegations are but most would hide the camera to take the famous shot anyway.
Afterwards, climb to the top of the dome in St Peter’s Basilica. Those with claustrophobia beware, the climb is steep, windy and narrows tremendously at the top but don’t be too shy – the views are breathtaking below.
top tips
Eat gelato & pizza! Toss a coin in the Trevi fountain! Wave to the pope! Join a walking tour at night or navigate your own! Beware of beggars & people selling illegal products in the streets! Don’t take roses from strangers as they will try to charge you! Walk lots! Eat lots! & although it may be silly, sit down for a funny drawing with a family member, friend or loved one – It’s the best when the drawings are as outrageous as possible!
ONLY HAPPY WHEN I TRAVEL 