When in Rome
Rome: the eternal city
The magic of Rome is almost as unmistakable as its hustle and bustle. It’s the ancient history of a place like this that draws you in, like sweet ambrosia to the Gods. Today’s post on Rome will conclude our Summer in Italy series, spanning travel guides from Sorrento, Pompeii, Positano, and Ravello.
Today I’ll be sharing what to see, do, and experiences not to miss when you have just a couple days in Rome. So without further ado, let’s jump right in!
Your Rome bucket list
Visit The Colosseum
Rome, the ancient land of emperors, homeplace of gladiators and of course, the Colosseum (est. 72-80 A.D.). It would be quite ridiculous to visit Rome and NOT see the largest amphitheatre in the world.
TICKETS: You can buy tickets once you get to the Colosseum or online in advance.
WHEN TO VISIT: The best time to visit (during the summer that is) is early in the day. The earlier the better because of the heat and crowds.
WHILE YOU’RE HERE: Make sure to check out the Roman Forum area as well.
Throw a coin in The Trevi Fountain
Ahh, the stunning 18th century Trevi Fountain. Legend has it if you close your eyes and throw a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand in this magical fountain, you’ll make it back to Rome one day.
The Trevi Fountain is simply magnificent. This masterpiece is on everyone's bucket list to stop by when in Rome. The fountain is timeless, unique and still powered by an over 2000 year-old aqueduct built by the Ancient Romans.
WHEN TO VISIT: The earlier in the day, the better. This is a tourist hotspot and the crowds are almost unmentionable. I have heard that if you go somewhere in the 5-7 am time slot, you can (in theory) miss some of the crowds.
Explore Piazza Navona Square
Piazza Navona is the most famous square in Rome. It’s a large piazza with fountains, a large obelisk, and is the background/setting for more than a few movies. This is unquestionably a must-visit location.
Take a moment to throw a coin over your shoulder and make a wish in the square’s fountain. Yes, there are many fountains to visit (and so little time), but I promise you, if there’s one thing you won’t regret doing, it’s taking a moment to make a wish in Rome ✨
Gelato, yes please
You’re visiting the birthplace of Gelato - yep, that’s right! 🍨 Gelato, which means “frozen” in Italian, was originally created in 16th century Rome. The absolute perfect complement to a sunny afternoon or evening walking around Rome is to stop for a cooling gelato. Just make sure to eat it before it melts (unlike me).
Pasta in the Piazza
Pasta pasta pasta. You simply cannot visit Italy and NOT have pasta. You just can’t. It isn’t done.
Like Italians say, there are two things they do best: pasta and pizza 🍕 And if you’ve never tried basil pesto on a pizza or pasta dish, first of all, shame, and second of all YOU HAVE TO. It might be life-changing. We stopped in the square for a lazy afternoon meal and wow, that was the best pesto basil with pine nuts pasta I’ve ever had in my life.
This square is the perfect spot for a lovely meal and to people-watch.
Drop by the Pantheon
The Roman Pantheon is a must-see, and a historic sight to behold. Structurally speaking, it’s nothing short of a miracle as it’s the largest unsupported dome in the world. But its history is worth noting as well. The original Pantheon was built in 27 BC but later burned down in 80 AD. Two other versions were built which were also sadly destroyed. So the one currently standing was actually built on the remains of the previous Pantheon ruins around 119 - 128 AD. This third iteration of the Pantheon only really survived because it was rebranded and turned into a Christian church (so looters/vandalism became less likely than when it was still an area of worship to the Roman Gods).
The interior architecture of the Pantheon is just as stunning as its magnificent exterior and is filled with carefully selected works of art. There’s a hole in the ceiling (quite famous) called an Oculus, or the “eye of the Pantheon”, from which a perfect stream of light shines down to the middle of the Pantheon. That hole is never covered, and I found myself wishing I could come back when it’s quiet to sit inside and watch while it rained. How peaceful.
What to know about the dress code
Make sure to bring an elegant scarf to Italy to cover your shoulders in the churches as many like the Pantheon will not let you in without the proper modest attire. You can look over my dress code checklist below for additional details. I highly recommend you take a moment before heading to any Roman church and double-check your attire to avoid not being allowed in.
Dress code at a glance:
no bare shoulders or low cut/midriff showing tops
no short shorts, mini skirts, or flip flops (a long/midi dress and nice sandals would be perfect)
Men must take their hats off, no tank tops/shoulders showing
If you’re wearing sleeveless attire (I mean it is 100 degrees!) and forgot to bring a scarf you can grab one for 10-15 euros outside the Pantheon from one of the many overly assertive and audacious fellows hawking their wares.
Pizza at the Pantheon
The Pantheon is also the perfect place to stop for lunch. Picturesque and bustling, this square holds many outdoor restaurants that are happy to serve you during Apertivo/Happy Hour. Stop there for lunch, dinner or just grab drinks with a great view.
One other delightful lively area to add to your bucketlist: Trastevere. It’s a beautiful, walkable and lively Roman neighborhood and definitely worth adding to your walking tour. Learn more here.
Visit Vatican city
Vatican City should be on your “absolutely cannot miss when visiting Rome” list.
Fun fact: Vatican City is technically its own country that the Pope rules, so if you go, you can say you’ve been to Italy AND the Vatican: 2 countries, 1 trip. Justin first visited Vatican City in 2017 and was actually in time to see the Pope give a speech and drive by the crowd.
For those of us not lucky enough to be able to catch the pope giving a speech, my #1 recommendation to not miss in Vatican City is the Vatican Museums. Inside the Vatican Museums, there are many smaller museums you can visit. I’ll list a few, and my recommendation would be to just wander around if that’s your preferred travel style or grab a map if you know exactly what you want to see.
The Vatican Museums
If you’re an art and history lover, you’ll be enchanted from the moment you walk into the Vatican museums. The Vatican has many lovely and immensely historical pieces in its collection.
Pro tip I recommend purchasing a skip-the-line ticket (to avoid waiting in long lines outside in the heat), and ensure it includes seeing the Sistine Chapel! Likely around 27 euros.
The Chiaramonti museum
Inside the Vatican Museums you can’t miss visiting the Chiaramonti Museum. It is the proud home of over 1000 sculptures and various works of art. For those who love all things Greek and Roman, you’ll love this one. While you’re there, also check out the “New Wing” for more pieces of similar nature.
Posing with my distant Gorgon ancestor, Medusa on the left. Can you see the familial resemblance? On the right is how I imagine Minerva (or Athena) the Goddess of Wisdom and Warfare must have felt watching from Olympus as the Ancient Romans squabble over trivialities.
Museo Pio-Clementino
Another not to miss would be the Museo Pio-Clementino museum in the Vatican Museums. The above statue of Laocoön and His Sons was excavated in Rome in 1506. There’s a lot of history and lore surrounding this piece, dating back to the legendary Trojan War.
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel
Obviously, you can’t visit Rome and Vatican City without seeing Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. The most famous ceiling in the world, the Sistine Chapel ceiling, was painted entirely in fresco by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512.
Sistine Chapel, by Michelangelo, Vatican City, Rome
The Creation of Adam is without a doubt one of the most iconic of the fresco’s in the Sistine Chapel. It shows Adam reaching out to touch the hand of God, and God reaching back. This was a massive change from how God was usually portrayed in art at the time - instead of a stoic, detached presence, you had a warm, inviting God reaching out to engage in creation of the world and a relationship with its occupants. It truly is a stunning piece of art and I love how Michelangelo incorporated beauty and aesthetics into such a powerful piece that stood the ages of time.
Earlier this year in April, I went to the Michelangelo exhibit that came to Kansas City. My hope was that seeing the exhibit would be a fun precursor to seeing it all in real life.
But nothing really prepares you for a moment when you see a great work of art like this in person. It’s a bit surreal.
Explore Roman Churches
Someone somewhere (supposedly Albert Einstein) once said that there are two ways to live your life, as if nothing is a miracle and as if everything is. I believe you need more than a few moments of awe in your life - you need to visit places that inspire you and lift you out of everyday existence.
Without beauty, life would lose much of its meaning. These places of worship are definitely awe-inspiring. Here are a few of my favorite captures.
When in Rome
A quote to share:
“If you listen real close, you can hear them whisper their legacy to you. Go on, lean in. Listen, you hear it? - Carpe - hear it? – Carpe, Carpe Diem, seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary.”
― N.H. Kleinbaum, Dead Poets Society
When in Rome, you do as the Romans do. Taste the pasta, indulge in gelato, and surround yourself with the pleasures of this ancient city.
As I reflect on the past year - the places I got to see and the people I got to meet, I am pressed with an urgency to convey something to you. Here’s my hope for you.
I hope you enjoy all that life has given you. I hope you make or continue to make room for your joy, your creative expression, and the things that make you come alive. I wish you the enriching fulfillment that comes from chasing after your biggest yes or yes’ in life.
But most of all, I hope that when you lay your head down in the evening (no matter if you are traveling faraway lands or at home) you can say, “Veni, Vidi, Amavi.” I came, I saw, I loved.
Until next time, my friends.
Seize the day.