Hi loves! Ready for the second part of the Italy Tour series and my top things to see in Rome? I know, I am. The translation “I came, I saw, I conquered” Rome is one of those cities you cannot honestly do in a day. The city that created the infamous line “Rome wasn’t built in a day” also meant it about traveling.
Staying in Rome
This stop of the Italy involves the Enteral City. Rome has so much history, so much culture. That it is honestly worth spending a couple of days here. On my journey, we spent three days in Rome. We also divided the days into which sites we were going to see and had an itinerary already made up. When deciding on a hotel we’d prefer to pay the extra money to be in an amazing location as well. Now Rome isn’t a small city.
The Vatican is one part of the city then the Colosseum is another, etc. My best friend and I chose the Starhotels Michelangelo which was absolutely incredible! The concierge team was amazing with helping us buy tickets and also letting us know the true Italian restaurants we should hit.
The room is more “Americanized” meaning bigger beds, A/C, and room service which was a pleasant surprise from the small European hotels of Milan and Venice. Plus, being called Michelangelo each room has a painting on the wall of the various cities around the world.
The true beauty of this hotel was literally I would step outside look to my left and there were the Vatican walls. We were literally steps away from the Vatican! If you’re planning a trip to Rome, I would highly recommend the Starhotels Michelangelo because it is clean, great service, perfect location also its rated 4 stars of 5 on both TripAdvisor and Hotels.com.
Day 1 of Things to see in Rome
Our first day in Rome we decided to go explore the Colosseum and the Roman Forum since they are literally next to each other. Plus, a bit of advice our hotel informed us of the City Sightseeing bus tours which is an amazing deal and highly recommended.
A bus picks you up at certain locations and will take you to see the all the things to see in Rome in a double decker bus plus you can also buy tickets to get into the Colosseum and other sites ahead of time to avoid waiting in line. We saved so much money from buying a two-day ticket instead of having to take cabs everywhere.
Roman Forum:
Once we got our tickets, we went first to the Roman Forum. The Forum was basically the center of Roman public life back in the days. It’s the heart of ancient Rome. Many temples to the different Gods were also built here and many are still standing today. It is a great place to check out with the kids or friends.
Plus, many locals will actually come here for a picnic, to read a book, or take a nap. We were amazed at how many locals just came to really hang out. The Forum is also very big and easy to get lost in and very easy to spend the whole day in. But we made the trip early to be out around 1 to go hit one of my top things to see in Rome! Rome’s most known attraction and one of the seven wonders of the world.
Colosseum:
The Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever to be built. The Colosseum is the one of the main attractions in Rome and for good reason top on our Italy Tour of things to see in Rome. Everyone knows about the famous gladiator fights that would occur and many other festivities during that era.
It is amazing to see how great the Colosseum has held up over all these years. Many people have tour guides telling them about the famous gladiator battles, where they kept the prisoners/winners, and animals.
Word of advice: Don’t pay the extra money for a tour guide. Go in and just experience it! We’ve all heard the stories and it’s easy to see where some of the animals and prisoners were kept, the royalty place of seating, and the commoners’ area.
It is a breathtaking view to see the inside, walk the stairs, and stand where the royalty would be. This actually conclude day one for us on the Italy tour stop of Roma. You’d be amazed at how much time it takes to walk around and explore every little inch you can so make sure you plan properly. Make sure to grab a gelato when you’re out!
The Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps:
When we arrived at our hotel after the exploring the Forum and Colosseum. We decided go to visit the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain before it got dark. This time we took a cab to the Trevi Fountain. From our hotel it was about a 15-minute drive. We did take longer because all the roads were shut down for some reason we did not know until we got to the Fountain.
Zoolander 2 Filming:
Along the roads to reach the famous fountain are many high-end designer brands. Like Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Valentino. When we arrived at our stop we actually saw what was holding us up and creating such a traffic buzz around the city. Ben Stiller was filming at the Prada store a scene for the Zoolander 2 movie. They had the whole roads shut down. My friend and I actually got to watch the scene be filmed which was a pretty cool site.
Now our mistake we did not look to see if the Trevi Fountain was open because we assumed it would be. Always check before going to some of Italy’s best sites. Because Fendi was actually paying for the remodeling and upkeep of the famous fountain. Many sites do remodel and have up keeping during the years to keep the sites in good conditions.
Legend of the Trevi Fountain:
The Trevi Fountain was actually nothing when we went. There’s a photo below to show what was left of the fountain during the renovations. Still we were in Italy. Obviously the Trevi Fountain is known that if you throw a coin into the water, you’ll come back to this iconic fountain.
Of course, we had to throw a coin in the little tub of water they had. I have to go back to see the full fountain in all its glory. Legend has it to throw the coin over your left shoulder and you shall return to this place again.
We had dinner in a cute little restaurant we saw along the road of the fountain. After dinner, we walked maybe for 15 minutes to get to the Spanish Steps. By this time, it was already dark but the steps lit up at night. So many people gather around to sit and have a drink or climb to the top to see the view of the city.
We wanted to go to the steps because we had seen it in so many movies and it wasn’t far from the fountain. We figured night time was the best way to see it. Things to see in Rome can continue even at night. Rome is full of life, sites, and magic.
Day 2 of Exploring of the City
Day two of our things to see in Rome we spent going to see the Pantheon and exploring the cities political buildings, fountains and architect. The Pantheon was a former temple and now a church in Rome, that is actually one of the best kept landmarks of the city.
You wouldn’t even know it was built around 126 AD. The Corinthian columns on the outside, the dome with the opening on the inside, make this a site to go see. The nice thing that since it now a church its free to go visit and walk inside.
We again did the city sightseeing tour which took us around the city to different locations and we explored more of the art this city has to offer. We even had lunch in Plaza Navona, because we saw it in the thriller Angels & Demons, but also because it was known to hold many games and competitions back in the day.
Day 3: The Vatican
Our last place of things to see in Rome we decided to spend it at the Vatican. For one thing it was Sunday and we actually got to hear and see the Pope give a blessing from his balcony. We also wanted to spend a whole day in the Basilica and Sistine Chapel and shopping for gifts our families that they would appreciate. You can even take a stroll in the Vatican Gardens!
The Vatican is a sight to see inside and out. Make sure your shoulders are not showing and you’re wearing long pants. The Vatican is huge itself as well. St. Peter’s Square where the Basilica is located is a good two hours’ worth to get in.
Sistine Chapel:
You have to walk around the outside of the Vatican to get to where you can begin to climb to the Sistine Chapel. I’m telling you that climb we did was a good 30-minute walk. Wear your good walking shoes! You do get to see many paintings, statues and the view to the Gardens on the way. But it is a sight to see and worth all the walking and climbing! Just imagining how Michelangelo was on his back for a majority of the painting. It is truly incredible!
Rome is clearly a city that wasn’t built in a day. So clearly not a city that can be explored in a day as well. When you go make sure you plan ahead the things to see in Rome that are important to you, find a city tour where you can hop on and off at different places. And make sure you take it all in. History is in the air in Rome. Even walking down some of the cobblestone streets you feel it.
The next part of my Italy tour take us further south of Italy. A place where lemons are the most scared fruit in all the city. Any guesses to where I’m describing? Stay tuned for next week’s final conclusion to the Italy tour series and maybe Sorrento will be there.
XOXO
Karen Giuliana
Hello loves, welcome to my blog! My name is Karen Giuliana Bardales and I am currently 31 years old. I was born New Jersey and raised in Florida, graduated from Florida Atlantic University and still residing in sunny South Florida.
The reason for my blog is to write about my experiences from traveling, the beauty industry, fitness and other things I love. I want to help inspire others through my personal experiences and be seen as a role model to young woman everywhere.
Thank you for reading and following along through my journey of life. Your support means everything to me, so thank you!
Love this so much! Can’t wait to hear about the rest 🙂
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Thank you thank you! 😁