2024 Best Sights Around Rome Italy
The Colosseum - Rome, Italy
Intro
‘When in Rome,’ has become a popular turn of phrase in most countries and cultures for doing something out of your norm that is common in the city or culture you are visiting. But you might ask, what are those common customs, traditions or experiences that are common to modern day Roma?
Come experience Rom with me in this blog, where I will relay some stories from my experience visiting this magical city as well as add some recommendations of sights, activities, and restaurants that are highly recommended by myself, the internet, or Anthony Bourdain.
Trevi Fountain - Rome, Italy
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In the fall of 2007, shortly after I graduated from college, I was a bit loss at what direction to take in adulthood...wanting to hold onto the carefree life of childhood just a little longer. I decided to enroll in an acting class in Dublin, which is ironic because I lived right outside of New York City and spent a brief time living in Los Angeles, the two acting capitals of the world, however; I just needed something vastly different and had wanted to live in Europe for awhile after visiting a few times in college. So I signed up for a 3 month acting course in Dublin and booked a one way ticket to the city.
A few weeks before my departure, my class was cancelled. At a loss for what to do with a cancelled class and a non-refundable flight, I was speaking with a friend who mentioned I could just take the I would spend for the class and use it towards a trip around Europe. This may have been the wisest piece of advice I have ever received in my life. At 22 years old, with a lack of crisis management skills, this alternative to the issue hadn't dawned on me.
I spent the next couple of weeks planning out a 2 months, 11 country, and 14 city adventure. One of those cities was Rome, Italy, the city of love. Unfortunately, I did not fall in love while in Rome, but a street vendor at the Vatican did off the cuff propose. I gave it some serious consideration.
I spent 9 days in Italy in total, 3 of those days in Rome (the other 6 days were divided up between Venice and Florence, which will be detailed more in future posts).
Only having 3 days in the city, I tried to maximize my time there so as soon as I laid my bags down in my hotel, I was back out on the Roman streets.
I spent the first few hours on my first day on a Hop-On/Hop-Off tour of Rome. It sounds maybe corny and touristy, which it is, however, I enjoy that these tours are affordable, highlight most of the major attractions in the city, as well as not having you trying to figure out mass transit or walking the whole city. The bus took me past most of the major sights I was hoping to see: the Vatican, the Colosseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum, and the Spanish Steps.
By Day 2, I was ready to conquer the city. I was staying at a Best Western not too far from the Colosseum so I started with a an audio tour on my own. I had a wicked cold by the time I got to Rome, so I wasn't as productive as I would have been so I only got the Colosseum and dinner at a local Italian cafe done on the first full day.
Day 3 in Rome was also kind of a fail, in a good way. I was still sick but on top of that, I didn't do as much research as I should have on the Vatican. It was a hot day in October and I was dressed in long shorts and a tank top. When I walked up to the Vatican, there were signs everywhere that you needed clothing to cover your shoulders and past your knees. I tried to pull my long shorts down a bit, which worked but unfortunately a sleeveless shirt is not as versatile and I wasn't able to make it into the Sistine Chapel. Instead I enjoyed the square in front of the Vatican before making my way to the Castel Sant'angelo.
While my time in Roma was short, it was an impactful trip nonetheless.
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Rome is the capital of Italy.
Rome was founded in 735 B.C.
The current Roman population is just under 3 million.
Roman artifacts were identified dating back 14,000 years.
The Colosseum was the original venue in Ancient Rome where sporting events took place.
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Le Meridien Visconti Rome
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Best Time of Year to go to Rome
I don’t think there is a bad time to visit Rome. I was there in the beginning of October and it was beautiful and still very warm versus the UK at that time. I think September through November and March through May might be great months to visit Rome because of the weather, which will be pleasant versus the summer which can be hot and humid. Also, these couple of months tend to have less tourists than summer vacation.
Pantheon - Rome, Italy
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Riserva Naturale Statale Tenuta di Castelporziano
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Rome, Italy
St. Peter's Basilica - Rome, Italy
Conclusion
Rome was not built in a day, so I am not sure why I thought 3 days would be enough time to try and scrape away at this magical city. I had the very high level overview tour of Rome. Walking past the Spanish Steps and the Roman Forum. Touring the Colosseum and wandering around the Vatican’s Courtyard. I am so thankful for the opportunity to do so but I am biting at the bit for my next Roman excursion to truly immerse in the Roman attractions, culture and history.
Quote
"From the dome of St. Peter’s one can see every notable object in Rome… He can see a panorama that is varied, extensive, beautiful to the eye, and more illustrious in history than any other in Europe.” Mark Twain
Next on the Blog…
If you are looking to explore another country with rich history and culture, check out my Must See Sights in Israel.
Sistine Chapel (Almost)