During my time in Italy I made three trips to Rome. The first was by myself (To all my solo Italy travelers out there, do not pass up this day trip ), the second I met my sister-in-law there to explore for several days, and the third I met my mom there where I showed her all my favorite places.
For this article, I thought the best way to show you the most memorable sights and things to do in Rome would be to take you on a quick photo tour with my favorite photographs that I feel best capture the essence of such an Italian city gem.
Cue Lizzie McQuire *This is what dreams are made of*
Campo de' Fiori (farmer's market)
Each time, I made it a point to stay in Campo de' Fiori, and it was 100% worth it. I highly recommend staying in this area if you are making the trip for a few reasons. Firstly, it is a safer area where there are plenty of well-known shops and restaurants, which make it easily accessible to whatever you need. Second. the area itself is in a perfect location to walk around all of Rome to see (for example) the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, ect. The point is that the location is the best way to stay somewhat close to everything. Lastly is also the location of a farmer's market every morning with fresh produce, flowers, trinkets, grains, and spices. What is better than waking up fresh flowers and produce outside of your door? NOTHING is the answer.
Piazza Navona
This iconic square and the fountains are worth all the buzz. There is a reason tourist destinations are tourist destinations! As much as I want to warn against falling into the tourist traps, sometimes its important to ignore the cynicism and enjoy the beauty for what it is. Piazza Navona held my favorite souvenir spot and THE coolest spot to buy leather journals and stationary. Beyond that it's iconic beauty cannot be beaten!
Pantheon
This gorgeous Catholic church and former Roman temple is worth the stop and all the hype! With the eye grabbing, intricate architecture and the beautiful bursting sun beam in the center (if you come early enough), the Pantheon stands as a must-see. AND ITS FREE!! Plus, the famous picture of graceful, Italian model native Sophia Loren will have you trying to duplicate all the elegance in a photo of your own!
Streets and Cathedrals
Rome is THE BEST.... (I repeat), THE BEST place to lose yourself down the street. I highly advise to take a couple of days away from tours or your normal plans and just get lost! I took the time to walk and shop and eat all day and wander in and out of churches. It was so worth it!!! Travel is about taking the time to enjoy where you are so don't forget to explore... in in every sense of the word, to truly immerse yourself into the city! Below are a few pictures of street views, a couple of gorgeous cathedrals, and shops too beautiful to be captured in just a picture! So what the heck are you waiting for? Go traverse through Rome or else you will regret it!
Food, Drinks, Gelato
Gelato in Rome is out of the question. Within a five minute walk I would probably pass at least 6 gelato shops, and that's being pretty modest. So the point is don't ask yourself "Should I get gelato?" Ask yourself, "Where should I get gelato?" You have to and will eat some gelato, and when you do, I'd advise you consider going to this little dime. Don Nino's is cute, its got enough space to it to sit and relax, and... oh yea, the gelato is heavenly. Now lets be honest, if your in Italy, you really can't go wrong with the quality of the gelato no matter where you go. The only difference is the price and I found this shop pretty reasonable. Just make sure you get some, OK?
Emma's
This restaurant has *hands down* one of THE best pizzas I have ever had. I ate pizza in Naples too so that's why I can't rank it above that pizza, but that's understandable... it is Naples. With that said, this pizza took a close second. I tried a lot of food on my Italian adventures, but I liked ordering a Margherita pizza at a ton of restaurants everywhere to compare them. I have say, this one takes the win for Rome. If you go here though, you can get super adventurous with this menu. Everything looked incredible and authentic (of course!) and when in doubt, order a Margherita pizza with a chilled glass of Moscato or Chardonnay. It is a combo that will never be beaten. Especially in Italy.
 |  |
Eitch Borromini
This wonderful restaurant/bar is located on a rooftop. It's the gorgeous atmosphere and perfected drinks for aperitivo that make this place so special! Why not indulge in a high end cocktail in the authenticity of Rome with a killer view?!
Cocktails and Pasta
Lastly, do not forget to wander in and out of random cute restaurants to enjoy alllll the best authentic Italian cocktails you can! Don't forget about a nice refreshing aperol spritz on a hot summer day, with a heaping plate of spaghetti.
Trevi Fountain
This beautiful fountain is best seen at 7AM when little people are in sight!! There are few people there that time a day so I would recommend getting up early to take pictures and get as close as you would like without the crowds.
Spanish Steps
I can't lie; I did spend an embarrassing amount of time trying to replicate the famous "Roman Holiday" picture of Audrey Hepburn, and I wasn't very successful (haha). The Spanish steps are such cool sight, and I would also recommend getting there early in the morning to assure time and space for pictures and enjoyment without the routined loads of people in the way.
 |  |
Vatican
This is a MUST see, and one of the few places you have to pay for that I actually feel is worth it. I won't go on about this one because it takes hours and hours to just go through every incredible room of paintings and sculptures and more. Just know it's worth it, and it is helpful to plan out your visit with a map beforehand! It is a church like no other. I would consider it a museum of a lifetime truthfully. Even if you don't plan your visit beforehand, however, it is still absolutely beautiful and worth while. Just go. (:
Well friends, that does it for this blog entry. I still have a few more places to write about from last summer's trips. Meanwhile I am staying snug in quarantine itching to get on a plane? Who is with me?!
Don't forget to follow my instagram and subscribe to be notified for any more blog entires I have for you!
