Rome, Italy

Rome: A Land of Love and Laughter

by Bethany Wells

I have visited Rome twice and rest assured I will be going back. There is so much to experience in this beautiful city that I did not have time to see or do all the things I wanted to while there. Two things I did not see were the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. Unfortunately, the fountain was under construction both times I visited.

Since I first saw it in the Lizzie McGuire movie as a kid (90’s baby here), I had a desire to make a wish and throw a coin in the fountain. Though I have not seen it yet, it is still a must in Rome. With that being said, here are some tips and other must-see/do suggestions to get the most out of a visit to Rome.

Rome Things to Do and See

Vatican City

One could easily spend an entire day in Vatican City alone. St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel are two churches many tourists flock to as part of the Rome experience. Understandably, they are must-see venues of the city. I was in awe walking through the halls.

There was beauty at every corner. The ceilings displayed intricate religious paintings such as the famous Creation of Adam while statues of mythological and historical pieces were displayed along the walls and walking paths.

One of my personal favorite sculptures was Michelangelo’s Pieta at St. Peter’s Basilica. Heartbreaking and glorious, even those who do not understand art can appreciate pieces such as this. It is one of the many inspiring pieces found in Vatican City.

Colosseum and the Spanish Steps

You can tour the steps and the Colosseum during the day, but to me, the best views and experiences happen in the later hours. The Spanish Steps are where my friend and I spent much of one night stuck in Rome waiting for the first train back to Naples to catch a 9 AM flight.

At the base of the steps is a fountain from which you can view the gorgeous Trinita dei Monti church. Even in the late hours, many shops were still open. Be careful when visiting the steps, though. There is a fine for resting, eating, or drinking on the steps. Visiting the Colosseum at dawn or sunset not only allows for lovely pictures but offers a sense of wonder that the hustle and bustle of the daytime cannot provide.

I went to the Colosseum once during the day for a tour and once on my own in the evening. To learn about its history and construction, the daytime tour was beneficial. However, if you have the time I recommend a dusk or dawn viewing as it proved to me to enrich the spirit.

I recommend visiting Rome in the fall or winter months. It is much cooler, but if it is your only chance to see the city and hope to see its many sights do not visit in the summer. Not only is it hot, but it is the peak season for tourists. This means higher travel prices, more crowds, and longer lines. I visited Vatican City in June and the Sistine Chapel was so crowded that it was difficult to appreciate its profound art. Tourists walked through and stood shoulder to shoulder most of the way through.

Rome Food:

Gelato –

One tasty treat Italy is known for its gelato, ice cream’s creamier, smoother cousin. A trip to Rome wouldn’t be fulfilled without sampling some of the many delicious flavors. Near the Pantheon, you can find Gelateria Della Palma. This is where my friend and I satiated our gelato fix, and it was scrumptious. I recommend trying nocciola (hazelnut) or tiramisu flavors.

Pasta –

While visiting my friend, her host family prepared a delicious Italian seafood pasta, spaghetti with calamari, and mussels. The home-prepared meal also included salad, bread, and a meat, cheese, olive, and cracker plate. With that being said, the best meal you could have in Italy is a home-cooked one. My friend’s host family was warm, inviting, and made me feel so welcome. Even with the delicious cuisine all around the city, you can’t beat a meal produced by loving hands. If you go to Rome and do not want to eat in a local’s home, however, and would like to try authentic Italian seafood pasta, take a peek at the links below to find some popular restaurants that serve this tasty pasta.

Rome Costs

Getting around:

Rome doesn’t have to be expensive to enjoy the beauty and excitement it has to offer. There are several sites that can be visited for free, but be prepared to pay for entrance fees, guided tours, or transportation.

Fortunately, many sights can be seen by foot due to their proximity to one another, so I would invest in a good pair of walking shoes. Other than that, the cheapest way to get around the city is to take the public transit system. Check out the links below to view information on cheap city transportation options.

Rome Nightlife

Italians are known for staying up or staying out late, whether with family or friends. Although the city is full of romantic spots, my time in Rome took me to a few good bars and clubs. Goa, one of Rome’s popular nightclubs, offers a techno atmosphere, plenty of space for dancing, and a lounge/bar area in case you need to rest your feet. If you enjoy electronic and house music, Circolo degli Illuminati is the place to be. Here, there are plenty of drink and food options as the establishment offers a restaurant and club. I had fun experiences at both locations, but my favorite spot to grab a drink was Black Market Monti. I appreciate the chill, relaxing atmosphere, and this lounge matched my personal bohemian, hippie taste. My friend who spent a semester in Rome took me to this place and the moody, dark, quiet atmosphere was perfect for me. There are also some tasty eats (e.g., burgers, meats and cheeses, etc.) here in case you want a light snack. If you appreciate the arts or a more quiet environment to enjoy a drink, this is a wonderful place to go.

*Note: Due to COVID, some clubs and restaurants may be closed or have limited times and/or max patron occupancy.

Rome Safety

In general, Rome is very safe. My friend and I got stuck in the city one summer night and spent the whole time exploring. Not once did we feel unsafe. People are friendly and lots of places stay open until the early hours of the morning.

One thing I would be cautious of is pick-pocketing as it is a known petty crime in the city. To avoid this, I would recommend wearing a money/card pouch around your neck or carrying cash/cards in your shoe instead of toting a purse or wallet. Pick pocketers can expertly remove wallets or items from inside a bag, so finding covert ways to carry your cash is important for keeping your money secure.

Conclusion

Rome is a fantastic destination regardless of the occasion. Whether exploring the streets, tasting the local cuisine, admiring the architecture and artworks, or exploring and learning about its rich history, there is something for everyone to see/do in the city. Give yourself a treat and go experience breathtaking Rome.