Rome - the Eternal City
View on the Colosseum from the Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo
There is a good reason why Rome is called the Eternal City as it’s one of the oldest cities in the world with a history of more than 2,500 years. It also includes Vatican City which is the seat of the Catholic Church which just adds to the rich history. Today Rome is the capital of Italy and one of the most visited towns in Europe.
Travelling to Rome
Italy has one of the best highspeed train systems in the world and there are two companies running trains: Trenitalia and Italo. No surprise then that the most convenient way of getting to Rome is by train. The countries main line is Milan/Turin to Rome with stops in Bologna and Florence. Some of those trains run through all the way to Naples. There are also train services from/to Venice, with stops as well in Bologna and Florence. Coming into town by train you will arrive at one of the two major train stations: Roma Termini and Roma Tiburtina. Roma Termini is served as well by international trains from Germany (Deutsche Bahn, DB), Switzerland (SBB), France (SNCF) and Austria (ÖBB) incl. some night trains.
Rome has two airports Fiumicino and Ciampino, with the first being the newer and more modern one. The official name of Fiumicino is Leonardo da Vinci International and serves mainly long-haul and European flights by full-service airlines like Lufthansa, British Airways, and Air France. Ciampino, official name Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport serves mainly domestic and regional routes operated by low-cost airlines like Ryanair or Wizzair. To get to and from both airports you have trains leaving from Roma Termini station. For Fiumicino take the Leonardo Express and for Ciampino get on the Ciampino Airlink.
What to do
View from the Copula of St. Peter's Basilica
Visiting Rome there is a good chance that the main reason for you is to see the infamous Colosseum. And there’s nothing wrong with that, it is impressive and absolutely a must see. It’s the ruin of the elliptical amphitheatre build in 72 AD. Back in the days there was a simple trick to skip the lines by buying the combined tickets at the Forum Romanum and just walk-over (they’re literally right next to each other). This doesn’t work anymore as you now get timed tickets for the Colosseum, so just chose the time slot that suits you best. Keep in mind that the popular slots run out very quickly. As mentioned, Forum Romanum is equally impressive, if not even more. It’s a huge area with ruins of temples, houses and public spaces which served as the day-to-day centre of Rome back in time. Make sure you make your way up to the Terrazza Belvedere del Palatino for the astonishing view over the Forum. Just south of the Forum Romanum you have the Palatine Hills with the palaces of the former Roman emperors as well as the Circo Massimo. Between the Colosseum and the Forum, you’ll find a big arc (Arco di Costantino) built in 315 AD which inspired the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Close to the Circo Massimo look out for the Bocca della Verita (Mouth of Truth).
Walking down Via dei Fori Imperiali from the Colosseum and past the Forum Romanum you get to Piazza Venezia with the Monument for Vittorio Emanuele II, nicknamed the Wedding cake. It’s a white marble building housing the Shrine of the Flags of Italian Armed Forces. It’s one of the few modern architectural jewels (this might be contested by some) in Rome.
If you’re superstitious and you want to make a wish you definitely need to visit the Trevi Fountain. But be prepared for the hordes of tourist standing there throwing coins into the fountain over their left shoulder. Best time to visit for sure is early in the morning or late at night, when there are fewer tourists. Same is true for the Spanish Steps, even though not very impressive it’s a meeting point, especially at night for the young before heading out for the night. During the day it’s overrun by fellow travellers.
When in Rome, don’t skip or miss out on Vatican City. Technically an independent country, there are no border controls. Nevertheless, St. Peter’s Square is separated from Rome by some guardrails. The square itself is worth a visit if you don’t want to queue to visit the biggest church in the world: St. Peter’s Basilica. I would recommend going early in the morning or late in the afternoon, otherwise you will wait for hours to get into the Basilica. There’s nothing that compares to the interiors of the church and there’s so many things, the centre altar is one of my favourite items there. For a very special view on St. Peter’s Square, Rome and the interior of the church go up the copula. If you’re claustrophobic or have a fear of heights don’t go up, for anybody else it’s worth the extra fee. St. Peter’s itself is free of charge. Coming back to the things to watch out on St. Peter’s Square. In the middle of the Piazza you have the St. Peters Obelisk, surrounded by stones indicating a Wind Rose. It’s a diagram that uses the compass points to show the different wind directions. To the north of the Obelisk, you’ll find an mark on the ground indicating the spot from where the three rows of columns of the colonnade looks like one. Beside St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, you definitely have to visit the Sistine Chapel (no photos allowed but impressive ceiling paintings) and the Vatican Museum. Especially the Vatican Museum house artifacts of the two thousand years history of Christianity. Both are very popular so make sure you make a reservation as soon as possible.
View from the Terrazza Belvedere del Palatino in the Forum Romano
From St. Peter’s Square walk down Via della Conciliazione towards Castel Sant’Angelo (Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’ Angelo) and the bridge in front of it (Ponte Sant’Angelo). The bridge has multiple Angel statues and a nice view on the St. Peter’s Basilica. Walking a bit further south on Corso Vittorio Emmanuele II you will get to Piazza Navona which is one of the nicest open areas in Rome, with plenty of restaurants and bars. To the east of the Piazza you’ll get to the Pantheon, the iconic temple turned church turned museum housing the tombs of some of the most important Italians persons. Around the corner of the Pantheon to the southeast is the Piazza Minerva. On the square you have one of the most bizarre statues in town: an Elephant carrying an Obelisk on its back. The church on this square (Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva) has some astonishing ceiling paintings and sculptures from Michelangelo, and best: it’s free.
One of my favourite activities in Rome is walking along the riverbanks of the Tiber. Especially in the summer the trees along the river offers shade and make the heat bearable. You also get a glimpse of the daily life in Rome and some of the historic neighbourhoods (like Trastevere).
Where to stay
Over the years I’ve been multiple times in Rome and every time I stayed in different areas. Hands-down the best stay was in the Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo which has beautiful views on the Colosseum. Another feature is the rooftop with a pool and terrace. If you want a bit more luxury on the same street and closer to the Colosseum is Colosseo View Luxury.
Another great area with affordable hotels is around Vatican City. Even though the hotels there can be dated, that only adds to the charm. For travellers looking for hostels or those on a budget the area around Roma Termini station is ideal. Obviously, there are way more areas to stay, but the ones above I’ve been to and found them enjoyable.
Food & Drinks
An area not to miss, especially during your first trip is the neighborhood of Trastevere. I’ve been to plenty of restaurants there, even though it’s quite a touristy area, the food is great. But try to stick to the places where locals eat. I love Osteria Cacio e Pepe, Pizzaria Dar Poeta and Hostaria Da Corrado.
Another street full of restaurants and bars is Via del Governo Vecchio. I really like Fattoincasa. For Pasta lovers check Pasta Imperiale (I found two: one in walking distance from Colosseum and the other close to Castel Sant’Angelo) or Il Pastaio di Roma (also close to Castel Sant’Angelo). Both are shops specialised in selling homemade pasta, but you can also eat there. Go outside main lunch and dinner hours as they get super crowded.
Italy is nothing without Gelato and there are a lot of places selling ice cream (sorry Gelato). During one of my stays, I was lucky to meet up with a local, now living in Spain, in Giolitti. It’s a historical Gelato shop, walking distance to the Pantheon. As any other good place in Rome it can get packed, so you’ll have quite some queues. If you sit down then you have the waiters bring you the delicious Gelato, coffee or other things you’re craving.
Travelling around Rome
The most convenient way to get around Rome, beside renting a Vespa, is public transport. Both metro and buses are very efficient and cheap. Unfortunately, not all the main sites are connected by Metro, so sometimes you either have to walk or connect with a bus.
Best Photography Spots in Rome
The Eternal City offers a lot to photographers and there are so many scenic spots. For me the most impressive vistas you have from the copula of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Some good views on historic sites (without paying the entrance fees) you have from Via del Fori Imperiali (Colosseum and Forum Romanum) and Via del Circo Massimo (Palatine Hills and Circo Massimo). In Forum Romanum don’t miss out on Terrazza Belvedere del Palatino.
Via Della Conciliazione is the street leading up to Vatican City and offers some of the best views on St. Peter’s Square and Basilica. On the other end you have Castel Sant’Angelo.
Even though all the places offer great views during the day and at night, walking along River Tiber at night is magical and a must while in Rome.
I hope with all the above, I could help you planning your next trip to Rome.
Here a link to my Rome site which hopefully gives you some ideas what to expect.
