La Dolce Vita...Tips for your next Roman Adventure
Updated: May 20, 2020
Rome was not built in one day, but there is a way you can experience it in two. Rome is a city filled with so much history and can be explored in many different ways.
1. What to see in Rome
When I was planning on going to Rome, I decided to make a list of sites I really want to see and experience. Italy is filled with history, delicious food and a romantic language.
Rome, in particular compared to other cities in Italy, is home to history and art.
When travelling to Rome, you must decide on the type of trip you want to experience. I measure the amount of days I want to stay by the sites I want to see.
So, my first advice is to determine what you would like to see and experience.
This image is my list of must-sees in Rome.
With this list you should give yourself two full days in Rome.
How to get to Vatican City
Try to go early in the morning because there will be fewer people. Next, book your ticket online ahead of time at Musei Vaticani to secure your spot. There are many ways to get to the Vatican City from the city centre; metro, bus, train or walk. If you choose to take the metro, bus or train click here. If you choose to walk click here.
TIP: Don’t plan on going on a Sunday because the Sistine Chapel is closed. Also, wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders to make sure you are allowed inside.
*WALKING FROM THE PANTHEON TO VATICAN IS ONLY 28-32 MINUTES*
Trevi Fountain Photography Tips
The best time to visit the Trevi Fountain is during sunrise or sundown. We decided to wake up early and walk 10 minutes from our Airbnb to arrive at the Trevi at around 7am. At this time there were already a good amount of people there but not enough that will leave us squeezing between others to take a photo.
The Trevi Fountain Legend
Throw the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder
Throw one coin: you will return to Rome
Throw two coins: you will fall in love with an attractive Italian
Throw three coins: you will marry the person that you met
TIP: DO NOT sit on the ledge of the Trevi Fountain (just like I did in this photo). Due to the major restoration that they did in 2015 (which I was there and wasn’t able to experience the Trevi) they are very conscientious of the integrity of the fountain, which I totally respect. I found out the hard way, my head is turned because a policeman was whistling at me to get up.
Tips on how to purchase your Colosseum and Roman Forum tickets
You can purchase your tickets at one of the ticket windows and with this you will get entrance to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. You can either purchase your tickets at one of the locations at the Colosseum or at the Roman Forum ticket booth. I suggest getting your ticket at the Roman Forum because the line tends to be shorter there and like I said before, this will allow you to enter both the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
2. Where to stay in Rome
My next advice is getting your accommodation within the area of Ancient Rome. The airbnb we stayed at was in a perfect location. It was located in the area of Monti. Everything is in walking distance and it is said to be an area with a younger crowd as well as home to ‘Rome’s hip kids’. In this area you can find unique patio restaurants that are not overpriced.
Click here for our Monti Airbnb
3. How to budget for Rome
Airbnb: $75-150 CAD/night *Depends on the area and season of travel.
Lunch Dinner: $15-50 CAD *This all depends if you go out to eat or make your own meal. I suggest choosing when to go out to eat wisely because it can get expensive. With the luxury of an airbnb we were able to have breakfast in and left us getting a small snack from the grocery store for lunch and eating at a restaurant for dinner.
Train to City Centre: $20 CAD *I did not include the metro because honestly the best way to travel in Rome is by foot (and the cheapest).
Attractions: $5-60 CAD *Depending on what you want to see and do.
Water: Tap Water is drinkable!
4. Best time to Visit Rome
The best time to visit when trying to avoid crowds is late October-March. This is also a good time to walk the city just because the temperatures aren’t high.
However, I personally love the heat and would chase the sun everywhere if I could. If you are like me then June-September is a good time, but it is also the busiest months of travel for Rome.
5. Getting around Rome
And lastly, wear comfortable shoes. The city centre and ancient Rome can be done all on foot. We were able to tour Rome all on foot and see the sites on our list.
How to get from the airport to the city centre
There are many ways to get to the city centre from Fiumicino International Airport “Leonardo da Vinci”. The best and least expensive way is by TRAIN. The train is called The Leonardo Express and it takes you to the city centre within 30 minutes. This train runs every 15 minutes making it super convenient to any traveller and only costs 14 euros (one-way).