No trip to Italy is complete without visiting Rome. This is one of my favorite cities to visit which is apparent from my first visit in 2001 to subsequent trips in 2004 with my mom and 2013 with my nieces. I love this city and always seem to find something new each time I am there.
1. Colosseum
The last time I was in Rome; I stayed down the street from the Colosseum. I didn’t know it at first until my nieces and I started heading down the street to find something to eat. As we crossed the street and walked a bit further down, we looked ahead of us and saw it in all its glory. I couldn’t believe how close I was to the Colosseum. Might I make a suggestion if you want to go inside; purchase your ticket online to avoid standing in line?
2. Roman Forum
Not far from the Colosseum is the Roman Forum. I was fascinated by this place the first time I visited it. I love history and seeing ancient ruins in the middle of the city was fascinating to me. You wouldn’t see anything like this in the middle of any of the cities I have visited in the states.
3. Trevi Fountain
Legend has it that if you throw a coin into the fountain, with your back to the fountain, throwing a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder that it will ensure a return to Rome. I have done this each time I visited Rome and each time I have come back to this city. It may have taken me a few years between visits but I am drawn back to this city whether it is because of throwing the coin into the Trevi Fountain or it was my time to visit this place again.
4. Spanish Steps
I always think of ‘where’s waldo’ when I stop here each time I am in Rome. Don’t ask me why but that was my first thought when I found my way to the Spanish Steps in 2001. Don’t stop at the bottom steps when you get here; you need to walk to the top of the steps to see the view from up top.
5. Pantheon
Don’t forget to stop by the Pantheon while you are walking around Rome. A little bit of history; the dome is still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.
rubenru3 / Pixabay
6. Mouth of Truth
Supposedly if you put your right hand in the mouth and you tell a lie then the mouth is supposed to close on you. Well I had to try it and no, it didn’t close on me!
serghei_topor / Pixabay
7. Santa Maria Della Concezione
I stumbled upon this church by accident. I couldn’t tell you exactly where it is located but it is worth a visit. I know it wasn’t far from the Spanish Steps; of that much I do remember. You should be able to search the name to get an idea of where it is located.
By Geobia (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
8. History
One of the things I love about Rome and why I will visit it whenever I can is because of the history. Seriously, where in the states can you go to that is going to have ancient ruins in the middle of the city? I can’t think of any but in Rome, you could be walking down the street and come upon these ruins or find your way to the Roman Forum. I just love the history that abounds with this city that I have come to love.
9. Parks
I found a couple of parks near the Ciak Hostel where I was staying. One was a couple of blocks from the hostel and the other one was across from the Colosseum. I found myself heading to the one near the Colosseum while I was staying there. Walking through the park; history abounded with every step you took.
10. Pizza
Quite literally you could eat an entire one all by yourself. Not that I’ve don’t it. Okay maybe once…. The last time I was in Rome, I was given pizza that looked like it was more of a salad then pizza. Not what I was expecting when I revisited Rome. The next one I ordered was made with white sauce. My favorite! You should try pizza made with white sauce if you have never had it. It is the best type of pizza I have ever eaten and makes me not want to order pizza made with red sauce ever again.
I would love to hear your thoughts on Rome if you’ve ever visited this city or if you ever decide to plan a trip here.
