Rome is one of the most iconic cities in the entire world. It’s filled with so much history, beauty and the most delicious food. It is a city that keeps you coming back, regardless of whether you throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain or not. I visited Rome in May and I experienced beautiful weather. This is a perfect time to go in my opinion. 

1. EXPLORE THE COLOSSEUM

Built around 80 AD, the Colosseum is one of the most recognizable Roman attractions and one of the most visited places in the entire city. Being able to actually see something in person that you read about in history books your entire life is one of the most incredible feelings. This is how I felt when I first laid eyes on the Colosseum. I could not stop staring and smiling! This Colosseum used to hold plays, sporting events, gladiator fights and animal hunts. 

I would recommend going inside if you can. Even though the underground was under construction when I visited its definitely worth it to see it from the inside. It’s pretty crazy to think that slaves and animals were housed here. This is also where the gladiators got ready to fight.

When visiting you must expect lines. I highly recommend booking a tour ahead of time. I booked Skip the Line: Colosseum Small Group Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill on Viator. It was so easy to get in and we skipped all the lines. It’s completely worth it to me especially if you are limited on time. It’s also nice to have a guide to tell you stories and give you information on what you are seeing.

2. ROMAN FORUM

Located right outside the colosseum is The Roman Forum. The forum is just a magical sight, literally history from thousands of years ago that is very well preserved. The forum contains the ruins of several important ancient government buildings.

3. VIEWS FROM PALATINE HILL

Next to the Roman Forum is Palatine Hill, the center most of the seven hills in Rome. Palatine Hill is supposedly where Romulus founded the city of Rome in 753 BC, as well as the former site of the Imperial Palace. The best part of Palatine Hill is that it holds spectacular views of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum that just blew me away! It’s an amazing sight to see all the importance of Roman history all in one view.

4. ORDER CACIO E PEPE

After my tour around the Colosseum I stayed within the area and got a bite to eat at a restaurant my friend recommended. This is where I had a life changing meal.

When in Rome, there’s one pasta dish that’s a MUST try: Cacio e pepe! It’s made of Pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mine was served in this amazing Parmesan bowl. I still dream about this dish every day. The name of the restaurant is Pasqualino al Colosseo. We didn’t make a reservation but feel free to book ahead here.

5. TASTE THE BEST GELATO

If you are in Rome and have not tried Gelato, then your Roman holiday is not complete. It is one thing to have Gelato in your hometown and another to have it in the country where it was invented! After dinner I was able to grab some delicious Gelato on my walk back to the Colosseum. I enjoyed a nice stroll around the area eating my Gelato and taking in all the beautiful colors of the sunset. This moment wasn’t planned and was completely spontaneous and is one of my favorite memories of the trip.

6. ARCH OF CONSTANTINE

The arch is located outside the Colosseum and a great sight to see. This is the largest surviving triumph in Rome dedicated to Constantine the Great.

7. VISIT THE IL VITTORIANO

This building is hard to miss. I remember it being one of the first buildings I laid eyes on during my ride into Rome. I remember my jaw dropped and I could not stop staring at this building. It is a beautiful huge white building constructed of white marble, almost like a palace. It features a statue of a horseman as its focal point. It’s definitely worth a visit. It’s also open to the public free of charge. I walked up the steps and wandered around a bit. I also took in some amazing views of Rome from the terrace.  

8. TOSS A COIN IN THE TREVI FOUNTAIN

A trip to Rome is not complete without a visit to the iconic Trevi Fountain. The fountain is located in the Quirinale district of Rome and is known as being one of the most stunning fountains in the world. It literally took my breath away. I recommend getting there early because it gets extremely crowded. It is also nice to visit at night as well. I did both! Make sure to participate in the tradition of throwing a coin over your shoulder into the Fountain. Not only does this make for a great insta video, but rumor has it it will ensure a trip back to the eternal city. I am already dreaming of returning!

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9. DRINK FROM THE ANCIENT AQUEDUCTS

Rome has been known for the quality of its drinking water for more than 2,000 years. The Ancient Romans built the aqueducts which you can still find standing around the city and the surrounding countryside. You can enjoy some ice cold refreshing water from them entirely for free. See below as we fill up our water bottle with fresh Trevi fountain water!

10. TAKE AN ESPRESSO BREAK

Coffee in Italy is a way of life and there are rules! Rule number one: do not ask for a skinny medium double-shot vanilla latte with whipped cream on top. What you want to say is “I would like a caffe” which is a strong shot of espresso. It’s delicious and great when you are in a hurry, on the go and need a quick jolt of energy. You will also notice that most Italians drink coffee while standing at the bar. I found this so different from the US where people hang out in coffee shops for hours sitting down. Another interesting thing that I learned is DO NOT order a cappuccino after noon in Italy if you want to fit in. The locals will give you a funny look especially at a local bar. 

11. CLIMB THE SPANISH STEPS

Sitting right off the street of designer shops is the Spanish Steps. Beautiful Trinità dei Monti church stands at the top of the steps. The Spanish steps are used as a common meeting ground for locals and tourists. The stairs offer a nice seating space for those who wish to take a break during all their roaming around Rome. I tried to get here earlier in the day to avoid the crowds. 

12. SHOPPING

Right off the Spanish steps is Via Condotti, a street full of luxury designer shops. If money is not an issue you can shop some of the top luxury brands here. Even if you do not have the money it’s always fun to browse around! The best thing to buy in Rome is leather. High end brands like Gucci, Chanel, Fendi and Golden Goose are tax free to tourists. You can actually save some money while shopping in Italy this way! There are also tons of shops and boutiques wherever you go in Rome that sell beautiful handmade leather bags & jackets that are more on budget. I always like bringing back a special piece from shopping during my travels.

13. THE PANTHEON

The Pantheon is beautiful to admire from the outside and inside. The Pantheon is built in a Greek Style and was originally built as a temple dedicated to the Pagan Gods of Rome. It’s free to go inside and is now used as a church. The Pantheon holds the world record for having the largest unsupported concrete dome. It is quite an engineering marvel for its time.

14. VATICAN CITY & MUSEUMS

Did you know that Vatican City is literally it’s own city? It’s the smallest country in the world with a population of just 1,000 residents. They even issue their own passports and driver’s licenses. 

A trip to Rome is not complete without visiting St. Peter’s and the Vatican. I am so glad I booked a guided tour with Viator because the lines were outrageous. You would waste an entire day waiting on the line for this and I’d feel bad if you’d come all this way and you missed out. Our tour guide was able to get us in within 5 minutes and was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The tour included the Basilica, the Vatican museum, and the Sistine Chapel and lasted around 3-4 hours. You could easily spend days in the Vatican museum and still not see everything!

15. MARVEL AT THE SISTINE CHAPEL

The Sistine Chapel is located within Vatican City. Being an artist, this was one of the most incredible things to see in person. The Sistine Chapel contains one of the most important paintings in the world, the Last Judgement painted by Michelangelo. You stand in a room full of people in silence and get to admire its beauty. Unfortunately, taking photographs is strictly prohibited but here is a stock photo.

16. BE AMAZED BY ST PETER’S BASILICA

This was the last stop on my Vatican tour. Saint Peter’s Basilica is the world’s largest church with its world famous dome that can be seen across Rome. It was designed by a number of talented artists and architects including the famous Michelangelo and took over 300 years to build! One of the most impressive sculpture is Michaelango’s Pieta which is made of marble. For those of you who studied art history this is a special sight to see. Thousands a week flock to see the Pope give his blessings on Wednesday. Unfortunately I didn’t get to see him during my visit.

17. ENJOY A SPRITZ FOR APERTIVIO

After all the walking you will want to find a nice place to sit and enjoy a Spritz. If you only try one new drink while you’re in Italy, let it be an Aperol Spritz. This is a traditional Italian drink that combines sweet, bubbling Prosecco with bitter, herbaceous Aperol topped off with a splash of soda water and an orange garnish. It’s a refreshing citrus drink that is perfect in the afternoon. It was so relaxing to dine within the charming streets of Rome. There was even a man passing by us who played Italian music on the accordion!

18. STROLL THE STREETS OF TRASTEVERE

In Trastevere you will find narrow, cobblestone streets filled with medieval era buildings. This area is known as Rome’s most charming neighborhood. It’s a trendy area known for great food and a lively atmosphere. Since I ran out of time I didn’t get to spend as much time as I would have liked here. 

19. VILLA BORGHESE GARDENS

If you are looking to escape the crowds in Rome, Villa Borghese is a wonderful place to go. Villa Borghese is the second largest public park in the city. My fiancé and I walked spent around an hour or two walking around, admiring the beauty and it’s hidden architecture built within nature. It was one of the most romantic parks we ever visited. 

20. EAT ALL THE PIZZA & PASTA

Roman Pizza & Pasta had to be my favorite Italian food. The pizza is thin and crispy and made with simple yet delicious ingredients. Unlike in the States where you will find pizza with numerous toppings, pizza in Italy is meant to be enjoyed with simple ingredients like cheese and sauce and some basil. That’s it! The gnocchi is also the freshest I have ever tasted in my life. Also go for the gnocchi with simple ingredients. All you need is some sauce and basil. 

21. ROAM AROUND ROME

Make sure to leave some time for some wandering. Go off the rails and get lost in the charming cobble stoned alleyways. It’s so relaxing and such a nice treat to the eyes to stroll around this beautiful city. You never know what you might find. Maybe a hidden gelato spot or pizza shop. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.

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Let me know in the comments below if you are planning a trip to Rome and tag me on Instagram @blondevoyagenyc so I can see your adventures.