Pizza,
gelato and well-dressed Italian men... what more do you need?
Well,
how about 2800 years of history, masterpieces of art, magnificent
architecture, and countless cobblestone roads filled with romance, wine, and
vespas??? Let's go to Rome.
for the tourist
Vatican City
Located
entirely within Rome, the headquarters of the Catholic Church is
actually also the smallest country in the world, at only .2 square
miles. Don't miss this masterpiece-packed sight during your trip.
St.
Peter's Basilica. The most famous sight in the Vatican. This dazzling
church is sure to be a highlight of your trip. Stunning doesn't even
begin to describe the 500 year-old largest church in the world.
Around 20,000 visitors go through what many consider to be the
"Center of Christianity" on a busy day. If you're planning
on being one of them, don't forget to dress appropriately! No bare
knees or shoulders.
Sistine
Chapel. You also won't want to miss Michelangelo's famous masterpiece
on the ceiling of Sistine Chapel. It is one of the most treasured
works of art in the world and will leave you in absolute awe.
The
Colosseum
Of
course, how can you go to Rome without visiting the icon of the ancient city. The amphitheater, once used for gladiator contests, was
constructed in... wait for it... drumroll please.... 70 AD. You
read that right. The history in this city is absolutely incredible,
and you won't want to miss the tour of the Colosseum. Take either a
self-guided audio tour or one accompanied by a tour guide, so you can
hear the rich stories that the Roman Colosseum has to offer.
The Pantheon
Along
with the Colosseum, the Pantheon is another one of Rome's iconic
sights to see. Currently a catholic church, it's located in the
center of a cute square lined with outdoor dining restaurants. Lots of romantic spots and gorgeous city settings.
The
Trevi Fountain
No
trip to Rome is complete without tossing a coin in the Trevi
Fountain. Legend has it that, if you toss one in, you will be back to
visit the city again. Toss your coin, make a wish, and witness the
magic of the city.
Roman
Forum
Full
of history, the Roman Forum was the ancient center of the Roman
Empire, and parts of it still stand today. If you're a history buff,
you'll love seeing the remains of the heart of the fallen Roman
Empire.
Piazza
di Spagna
Less
of a sight and more of a destination, the Spanish Steps serve as a
central meeting place in Rome. Every day and especially at sunset,
people gather to meet up or just sit and watch the crowds go by. It's
been a magnet for visitors and locals alike in Rome since the 1700's.
Definitely a great spot, with lots of shopping, dining, and
hotels all around.
 |
| Out with friends this Summer in Roma! |
for
the girls
Okay,
so I have to admit that I've shopped my way around the world. And
Rome, mis amicis, is some of the best shopping I have ever
experienced. First of all, it's so easily walkable. There are streets
and streets of all your favorite department stores, boutiques, and
italian designers you've never even heard of. The most famous is Via
Del Corso, as well as the streets that radiate from it. Take an
afternoon, burn off that gelato and shop until you drop into that
glass of italian wine at dinner. On Via Del Corso, you'll find so
much variety. With the well-known top designers, the huge amazing
H&M's and Zaras, and the hole in the wall Italian leather shops,
you can't go wrong. Also check out the street Via del Boschetto, full
of less chain stores and more boutiques and artisan stores. For men,
no matter where you shop in Rome, you're going to want to splurge on
an Italian suit. It'll be half the price of what you would pay for
one of that quality in the states, so go for it. For the women, been
dreaming of that perfect leather jacket? An awesome colored leather
wallet? Italy has some of the finest leather in the world. Take
advantage, and come home with some killer gifts for your loved ones..
or yourself. After all, why get a magnet for your refrigerator of the
Colosseum when you can get some new Prada shoes and call them your
Italian souvenir.
 |
| Me on the Spanish Steps before the crowds |
It
won't take you long to get your grounds in Rome. By the second time I
visited the city, I knew it backwards and forwards. With so many
iconic landmarks, it's hard to get lost, so have fun exploring the
city and walking everywhere. There are so many hotels in Rome, and
most popular places to stay if you're in a hotel or hostel are close
to the center of the city, so it's easy to get around. Personally, I
recommend being by the Spanish Steps, as it's a great area of the
city, close to everything, and right next to one of the main train
stations to get you anywhere you want to go. The Hotel Esquilino comes highly recommended by my best friend who stayed there for her honeymoon recently and had a blast. She says it is a great value, has charming service, fresh breakfasts and a prime location in the center of the city!!
Where
to have a drink
The Hassler
The famous luxury 5-Star Hassler Hotel rests on the top of the Spanish Steps and boasts one of the most romantic settings in Rome. Go there for a drink on the upper patio and enjoy the panoramic view of the city that will leave you breathless. The Hassler. Piazza della Trinita dei Monti 00187 Rome, Italy
The Albert
The famous luxury 5-Star Hassler Hotel rests on the top of the Spanish Steps and boasts one of the most romantic settings in Rome. Go there for a drink on the upper patio and enjoy the panoramic view of the city that will leave you breathless. The Hassler. Piazza della Trinita dei Monti 00187 Rome, Italy
Go to a Wine Bar
Wine bars abound the streets of Rome. Glasses of impeccable Italian wine with dinner are not a luxury in Rome, it's the standard. Check out Trimani, in the city center near Termini train station, as it's one of the best known wine bars in town, with all the labels you winos will be looking for.
Roscioli, also near the center of the city, is also famous for it's food and is super trendy. Definitely worth checking out for a great night out! The Albert
Check out the Albert pub for a beer by the Trevi Fountain. This traditional British Pub is a great place to stop and grab a drink. Via del Traforo 132
Campo de Fiori
 |
| Tossed a coin in the Trevi with my brother.. and yes, I've been back! |
Via
della Pace
More
upscale than Campo de Fiori.. This street is just a couple blocks
West from Piazza Navona and is a great spot to grab a drink or go out
at night.
Go on a tourist bar crawl!
This is what we did this summer! A group of 10 girls and I were hanging out by the Spanish steps and got approached by a rep from one of the tour companies that run nightly bar crawls in the city. It was awesome because they took us to so many bars that we would have never have known about- we even went to a party on a yacht as part of the night!!! At only about $20 a person, this is definitely a great idea for a night out with friends, and a great way to meet people while traveling!
Go on a tourist bar crawl!
This is what we did this summer! A group of 10 girls and I were hanging out by the Spanish steps and got approached by a rep from one of the tour companies that run nightly bar crawls in the city. It was awesome because they took us to so many bars that we would have never have known about- we even went to a party on a yacht as part of the night!!! At only about $20 a person, this is definitely a great idea for a night out with friends, and a great way to meet people while traveling!
Gabriele Bonci's Pizzarium
With the chef being dubbed the "Michelangelo of pizza", you're not going to want to miss this place. Prices are reasonable and I know you're already craving some Roman pizza, so you better put this gem on your itinerary!
With the chef being dubbed the "Michelangelo of pizza", you're not going to want to miss this place. Prices are reasonable and I know you're already craving some Roman pizza, so you better put this gem on your itinerary!
Pizzarium. Via della Meloria 43, The
famous chef also gives pizza making lessons, what a fun idea for your trip!
Fortunato al Pantheon
frequented
by diplomats and celebrities alike, this classic Italian eatery is a
perfect place to have your typical Italian meal, complete with menu
items such as the tagliolini, fresh fish, ravioli,
artichoke meatballs, and a fantastic wine list. Fortunato. Via
del Pantheon 55
Il Passetto
This cute restaurant is located right on Piazza Navona. A gorgeous setting. Try the white truffle fettucine, and, of course, limoncello for dessert. It's been around for awhile and was actually where my dad asked my mom to marry him so many years ago!! A perfect romantic Italian meal, and, in the summer, beautiful outdoor seating.
What a
city.
If you're planning a trip to Europe or Italy, do not miss
out on this iconic paradise that manages to combine it's magnificent
history with it's bustling city life. Get out there and
roam Rome!
Don't forget to take time to relax, sip on a glass of
Italian wine, watch the city crowds go by, and enjoy la dolce
vita like only the Italians can.
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