Top 5 Places to Visit in Rome, Italy

Ciao! Do you enjoy impressive landmarks and ruins? And good eats or drinks? Maybe high-carb foods such as pasta and pizza? Do you have the opportunity to travel? Let me explain to you why I thought it was necessary to make a second trip to Rome, Italy. The majority of us know how long, stressful and irritating planning a trip can be. Well, while planning your next trip, avoid the lengthy screen time and stress, this blog will help facilitate your plan instead of reading numerous websites for places to visit and foods to eat while in Rome.

Spot 1: Trastevere

This spot was the first that came to mind about the city of Rome. Trastevere is a beautiful area by the river where locals and tourists alike walk the small streets lined with one fantastic restaurant after another and bars overflow into the alleyways. Need a drink? A must drink is an Apérol Spritz, an aperitif cocktail which is made of Prosecco, Apérol and soda, finished with a slice of orange or an orange peel. Need a bite? The three delicious pastas known to the Romans as their specialties are Spaghetti alla Carbonara: a spaghetti made with eggs, guanciale or pancetta meat, freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino and freshly cracked black pepper. Bucatini all’amatriciana, a dish made-up of rich smoked pork, tomatoes, chili peppers and a sharp pecorino cheese. And finally, a personal favorite, Cacio e pepe, made of only three ingredients: pecorino romano cheese, black pepper and the pasta. If you want to discover Rome's best local restaurants and cafés, check out this website! 

Spot 2: Piazza Navona

A stroll through the most popular square, Piazza Navona is a must with a gelato in hand in the evening. This breathtaking city is a true pleasure to walk through at night when the Bernini fountains are lit, the shops are closed, and the tourist’s busses have left the sights. During the day, the square is filled with street performers, artists and musicians and surrounded by cafés and restaurants. I’m sure you can imagine the big crowd during the day so I suggest you keep a close eye on your belongings. There are thieves.

Spot 3: Ponte Sant’Angelo

A walk across Ponte Sant’Angelo, meaning the “Bridge of Hadrian”, is a Roman bridge over the Tiber river built and completed in 134 AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian - if you care. The bridge is lined with stone carved angels that seem to look down at you from the heavens. As you walk over the bridge, you see the beauty of Castel Sant’Angelo ahead, and to your left, the Vatican stands in all its glory. The reflection of the neighbouring bridges reflects into the water in perfect imagery.

Spot 4: Fontana di Trevi

A must-see spot, which you’ve seen or heard about in every Roman-based film or literature.  The most famous fountain in the world, Fontana di Trevi, also known as the Trevi Fountain is located in the Trevi District. However, it is also the busiest fountain in the world, and by busy, I mean REALLY busy. I highly recommend visiting the Trevi Fountain after midnight. By that time the tourists are gone, and you have the opportunity to appreciate the beautiful fountain that is well-lit and see the allegorical figures that fill the fountain. Legend has it, if you toss a coin into the water, you will return to Rome… along with the numerous beautiful sites, that may also be one of the reasons I’ve returned.

Spot 5: Vatican / Vatican City

This well-known area, also known to be smallest country in the world, is essential to visit while in the city. I highly suggest a tour of the St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum is a must with the most renowned Roman sculptures and most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world. Whether or not you’re into religious landmarks, The Sistine Chapel, where they conduct the papal conclave, has the famous ceiling painting by Michelangelo, which is a MUST SEE while in Rome.

I hope this helps you plan your next trip to Rome.

Thank you for reading!

Are you a travel bug? What are your top places to visit while in Rome?  Let me know -  Contact page