Benvenuto! Rome attracts visitors far and wide for its central role in European history and beautiful cityscape. As a worldwide hub worship, tourism, commerce and governance a trip Rome requires careful planning to factor in all of your priorities. If you happen to find yourself in this wonderful city, be sure to enjoy these great ideas that are sure to leave you with some warm memories.
1. Relax at Lunch in Piazza Navona and then tour the Pantheon
The absolute first thing that you must do in Rome is visit the Vatican. Before you go searching for what to do in the Vatican, here are the big 2: Visit Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Something that will make any relative or friend happy is if you send them a post card from Vatican City’s official post office.
Tip: Every last Sunday of the month is free entrance except if it lands on a Catholic Holiday.
2. Make a light painting with the Trevi Fountain at night
Fontana di Trevi is spectacular and does, indeed, belong in a Hollywood movie (shout out to the Lizzy McGuire fans out there). Make sure to visit the Trevi Fountain at night because the lights/colors and roar of the fountains is memorizing.
Something that is worth a try is creating an awesome light painting by setting a long exposure on your camera. Because there is always so many people roaming around the fountain, they will blend into a sea of movement and lights with the Trevi Fountain remaining still in the background. Be creative and see if you can place yourself or someone else in the photo to make it personal! You can also try and use a light, such as a glow stick or maybe even on of the light up balloons or sling shots the street vendors are selling to make it even more epic. Enjoy!
3. Beat the Sun and all the other tourist and Explore the Colosseum Archaeological Park During the early Morning
On any given day in the amazing city of Rome, get an early start as there is still a lot to see and the crowds don’t start to pick up until later in the day. Stop, the Colosseum in the morning because it can be quite hot by mid-day and archaeological park is very larger and has limited areas to sit in the shade. The entire archaeological park spans a few square kilometers so you can expect to do quite a bit of walking and the best advice that we can provide you at this point is to not forget a water bottle.
4. Have a Night Out at Via Della Madonna Dei Monti & Piazza Monti; Eat at Tavern Romana
Via Della Madonna Dei Monti is a great spot to have a fun night near the Colosseum. The metro line Cavour will bring you right there and its only one stop away from the Colosseum, although you could easily walk as well.
While taking your appertivo at Piazza Monti you will notice it is full of life and is frequented at night by locals, college students and pretty much everyone. Bars with terraces line the streets of the Piazza so finding a place to sit down will not be a problem. There is often live bands playing in the square so be sure to check and see about any up and coming events. For a good website that is updated often with live events in Rome click here.
There are many other cool places up and down this street like night clubs, bars, shops (you name it). However, we think the coolest part is walking to the end of the street, which pops out on a ledge overlooking the Colosseum, providing some spectacular views (possibly in the moon light, making for a super romantic event).
6. Send Someone a Post Card form the Vatican Cathedral
Something that will make any relative or friend happy is if you send them a post card from Vatican City’s official post office. The post office also has other neat souvenirs that you will want to take a look at and some of the artwork features popular themes found in the Vatican itself!
Tip: Every last Sunday of the month is free entrance except if it lands on a Catholic Holiday.
7. Take an old tram near the Vatican to Piazza del Popolo for a turn of the century experience
Believe it or not trams have been used in Rome since the late 19th century and have continued to operate in limited capacity since. The terminals and cars allow its passengers to experience a more vintage mode of transportation that just feels more authentic and regulared by the locals for some reason. If you have the chance to ride, take a trip to Piazza Del Popolo, where you start your journey to Via del Corso.
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