*see my 2017 Rome Travel Guide here*
This was my second visit to Rome so I already knew the major things to see but this gave me the opportunity to try restaurants i missed the first time around and enjoy knowing sort of where I was going. So this is going to be similar to my last guide but with some updated information and different food!
What to Do
The Coliseum
The first time I went to Rome we weren't sure of our plans so we didn't pre-buy tickets. This time, however, I knew that the Coliseum was the main thing we were doing in Rome. I originally wanted us to do the Underground and Panoramic tour but we hadn't finalized our dates early enough and they all sold out. It's very competitive! (although the upper levels are closed right now so it would have just been underground) A couple weeks before the trip they released more regular tickets so we grabbed the first time slot of 8:35am.I highly recommend getting this first time slot and arriving early (before 8) so you can be in the front of the line. When we got in we were pretty much the only people for the first 10 minutes. We were literally the first to walk in and then when we made it to one of the main photo spots a few other couples came in. It was magical to see it without all the crowds. For help with buying tickets I recommend this TripAdviser thread, they are very helpful at telling you when tickets will be released and how it all works.
Palatine Hill / Roman Forum
You can gain access to these with a ticket from the Coliseum, its 14 Euros for all three if you pre-buy online. It's one of the Seven Hills of Rome and is one of the most ancient parts of the city. We did this right after our Coliseum visit in the morning so it wasn't TOO hot yet, but you will want some water. Once you come down from the Palatine Hill you will find the Roman Forum.Trevi Fountain
One of the most crowded photo spots in Rome is the Trevi Fountain. It is constantly full of people (except in the wee hours of the morning) so getting your shot will be a bit difficult. The legend goes, if you toss a coin in the fountain you're sure to return to Rome some day.Piazza Di Spagna / Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are another huge tourist area. Last time I went they still allowed people to sit on the steps, which was a bit annoying for people who actually needed to use them. Now they have people stationed there making sure no one is sitting. After checking this out you can do some designer shopping in the surrounding streets! I checked Gucci to see if they had the bag I want and went into Prada and some other stores as well.Piazza Navona
This is a great place to sit and relax. Christian and I spent a couple hours resting our feet here while we waited for it to be dinner time. There are 3 gorgeous fountains, that have been featured in numerous movies, as well as lots of people watching. Just watch out for all the people peddling selfie sticks and other touristy garbage.Where to Eat
Tempio di Mecenate
This was one of Christian's favorite meals of the trip and we just happened to go to this restaurant because it was close to our airbnb after our long day at Pompeii. He had the Cacio e Pepe and I had Fettucini al Ragu. Both were super delicious even if the old man we had as a waiter was cranky, ha ha. I wish I had a better picture of Christian's pasta but we were sooo hungry!Sapori e Delizie
This was one of my favorites, the pizza was so good! We got the Calabrese pizza that came with red onion, sausage, and 'nduja spicy sausage. AMAZINGGGG. We also had the place almost all to ourselves because we went in between lunchtime and dinner time.
I would love to visit Rome one day, I'm so enjoying the pics and info you're sharing! maybe one day I'll get to visit - I think the boys might be a little young for it at the moment though!
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a great week :) So hot here, felt like summer today even though it's only spring!
Away From Blue
Your visit to Rome sounds wonderful, and all that pasta - yum! I was reading an article about the remains of Pompeii and how the plaster casts of the deceased were made. It is really creepy, and it does feel disrespectful to the dead.
ReplyDeleteChic on the Cheap
Yea, definitely is a bit awkward. But when we think about the science/history of what happened it's very interesting to see. (Almost didn't post the photo of the body but in the end decided to since its not gratuitous. If people were posing with it smiling THAT would be very bad.)
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