The Rome travel guide: Food, things to do and piazzas
Is Rome really worth the hype? (Spoiler – IT IS!)
Let’s not mess around. Rome is spectacular. Although it’s not a great surprise to see a post about Rome on an Italian travel blog, we couldn’t really leave it out and maintain our credibility. From the history of the Roman empire and the catholic church to its scrumptious food, you need to get to Rome! As always, we help the curious traveller dive deeper into the culture and history of the city.
While it’s easy to fall into traveller stereotypes, we hope this guide will make sure you can’t go wrong. Try the best food at the best places, don’t spend the trip bamboozled by the metro, make sure you don’t miss the hidden gems. We got you!
Contents
The best piazzas you need to visit in Rome
Sorry, we have made a list. Piazzas are big squares to meet others and bring the community together. Here are the main ones:
Piazza Di Spagna – The famous piazza at the bottom of the Spanish steps, named after being the location of the Spanish embassy to the holy see. Also known in Italian as the scalinata di trinità dei monti, after the church at the top of the steps. You have surely seen and heard of the Spanish steps before? This iconic location is often best experienced early in the day if you want to avoid the crowds (and take the best pictures!). Marking the start of spring, they are often decorated with Azaleas. P.S Don’t sit on the steps!
Piazza Navona – Often a location of musical performers and artists, the piazza is dominated by Bernini’s fountain of four rivers. It is worth a trip just to see it. Rome really feels like an open-air museum at times, with history around every corner.
Piazza del Popolo – It’s massive. Centred by the Flaminio obelisk and two churches either side, decorative fountains and the ancient gateway, yet another mini museum. Useful meeting point for many trips and tours.
Piazza San Pietro (The one in front of Saint Peter’s Basilica) – This keyhole-shaped piazza is the grand entrance to the world of the Vatican and the Catholic Church. It is here where you can see saint peters basilica. Full of history and iconic moments, it is a real privilege to be here. If you time it right, you may get a sighting of the pope, the famous white (or black) smoke emanating from the Sistine chapel during the conclave, or even get to see a new Pope being announced.
Piazza Venezia – Often busy and bustling due to the busy road that goes through it, this piazza is dominated by the giant Vittorio Emanuele monument. It is quite a sight. You will probably also pass through here on the bus as it is a major terminal.
What to eat in Rome, the traditional Roman dishes
When you come to Rome, come hungry. Home to many of the classics that we all know and maybe a few that you don’t. So, what are the classics?
- Cacio e Pepe – Creamy (no cream used!) pasta dish, cheesy, with a strong pepper flavour.
- Carbonara – Creamy (no cream used!) pasta dish, egg and cheese-based sauce with flavoursome guanciale (pig cheek) and plenty of pepper.
- Amatriciana – Similar to carbonara but with a tomato-based sauce instead of the cheesy egg sauce.
- Pizza Romana – A thinner crispier pizza, perfect by the slice for a snack or a whole one at a roman pizzeria.
- Suppli – Rice ball usually filled with tomato and a piece of mozzarella. It is not the same as Arancini!
- Gelato – Gelato!
What to do in Rome – The must visit attractions
I made another list, yay! These are the main things to do but you could easily spend weeks in Rome and still never get bored. I wanted to add more stuff but chatgpt said not to make the post too long so I will make a separate post for everything else (When I have time!).
The Roman Forum – The centre of ancient Rome. Iconic moments of history leaping out at you, walking the steps of the roman people, it is truly an inspired sight. The well-preserved remains of ancient city life allow you to dive deeper into this central hub of the city. It is overlooked by the palatine hill where the emperors of old used to reside (when not out on their wild excursions!). Highly recommended to go with a guide to point out important points of interest and guide you through the history of Rome. Tip: Don’t be afraid to bombard your guide with questions. Rome tour guides are full of secret bits of knowledge!
The Colosseum – The iconic Colosseum. Imagine going to Rome and never visiting the colosseum? No, we cant either! The ancient amphitheatre is yet again one of Rome’s best-known sights – and with good reason. This spot is dripping in history. The stories of the shows put on by the emperors are well known to include slaves, gladiators, animals and even naval battles. While it is one thing to watch the films and tv shows it is another to experience it for yourself. The colosseum is just across from the forum and is recommended to do on the same day. Again, grab a guide.
The Vatican Museum – We won’t spoil it for you, but there are some absolute wonders in this museum. Some pieces could easily be worth billions on their own. Of course, there are some spectacular pieces, but you must also go through to the Sistine Chapel, with its famous ceiling fresco and the last judgement behind the altar by Michaelangelo. You can feel the weight of history in the very room where the conclave meets to elect a new Pope.
St Peters Basilica – The biggest church in the Christian world, built on top of the tomb of Saint Peter. Yet another iconic location full of history. The basilica also contains one of Michaelangelo’s most famous works. It is also possible to gain access to the upper and lower levels of the basilica, which is also recommended to take advantage of.
Trevi Fountain – If you don’t get there at 3am or in the middle of winter there will be hordes of people. Take it slow, take it easy and you will be rewarded with a magnificent sight. It is also recommended to check they are not cleaning when you get there. There is not much luck in throwing a coin into an empty fountain. On this point, make sure you throw your coin in properly or the magic will not work!
Pantheon – One of the oldest monuments in Rome, with a reasonable price tag. Advised to book in advance. A truly unique building. We won’t spoil it, but look up 😉.
Getting around Rome
Again, after speaking to my senior advisor (chatgpt), I decided not to make it too long and I will add a separate post to guide you on using the trains, busses etc. The main point is, if you have any level of common sense, you will find traveling around Rome a breeze!
Airport – City centre: Easy access to Fiumicino airport station which takes you directly to the central station in Rome (Roma Termini), this is the easiest way to get into the city centre. Easy links from here via bus, metro and taxi. Of course, there are also plenty of taxis and buses available too from the airport. Ps. Don’t worry if your Italian is not perfect yet, most signs are also in English!
Walk – The best way, if you can, is to walk around Rome. There are so many interesting little gems and interesting little caffe’s and restaurants that you just would not see otherwise. It is also the best way to get a real ‘feel’ for the city.
Train – Termini station is a large central hub where you can take regional trains to all those quaint little villages and also high-speed trains to other big cities like Naples or Florence. Tip – Rome is generally safe, but as with all stations, keep an eye on your valuables.
Understanding Roman Culture
Just to prepare you before you go, here are a few bits of local customs, rules and ways of doing things to avoid locals staring at you like you have three heads! (We sincerely apologise to anyone with three heads).
Language – As with lots of other regions, Rome has its own dialect of Romanesco which you may pick up a few words of here or there. Don’t worry if you have only come prepared with standard Italian, you will be able to communicate easily. If all else fails, Rome is a big international city and there will be plenty of English speakers to help you!
Mealtimes – You will find that the ‘less touristy places’ are usually open for lunch around midday and close again around 3pm. They then open again at around 7pm for dinner. Italians usually eat out from around 8:30 pm onwards, so plan your meals out and get into the Roman Flow for the best experiences!
Crossing the street – Slightly different to other places at crossings. Don’t wait for the cars to stop first at a crossing, just walk calmly and at a normal pace across the road. Do not panic! The cars will stop! Don’t be that person at the crossing waiting for hours for the cars to stop.
Where to stay in Rome
Rome offers stunning accommodation across a wide variety of price points and travel styles. Having the opportunity to stay near the centre of Rome in a characterful building is a real treat. However, Rome is also a modern city that can accommodate all your needs. Live like a Roman prince or princess (even if it is just for a week!).
It also caters especially well to the solo traveller, boasting some of the best hostels in Europe for all ages and tastes. Meet new friends and team up for a fun day out to really elevate your trip. From party hostels to chill, arts-focused ones, it is a great place to solo travel.
We have been there, we have done it and we have made the mistakes ourselves. We hope this means you can trust us!
Travel your way and do not forget your passport!