Rome is one of my favorite cities in Italy — maybe even in the world.
It’s one of those places that feels like stepping onto an old movie set: ancient stones under your feet, narrow streets buzzing with scooters, artists sketching under warm sun, the Vatican’s domes watching over everything, and food that tastes like a secret you want to keep.
I want to share my little Roman holiday with you — the good parts, the tiny mistakes, and the soft moments that made me promise myself: I’ll be back.
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How I Got There — A Tiny Lesson
I landed at Fiumicino Airport with my heart already racing — Rome does that to you before you even see it.
Wanting to be smart (and save a few euros), I bought a bus ticket to the city center.
Big mistake — or maybe just a small adventure.
The bus stop isn’t right outside the airport doors like I imagined. It’s about a 15-minute walk (with luggage, that feels like a hike through ancient ruins already). And there are signs everywhere, buses everywhere, and so many letters and numbers that my brain decided to just… hope for the best.
I ended up waiting almost an hour for the right bus. By the time I got to my hotel, I swore: never again.
On my way back, I took the train instead. €15, a smooth ride, straight to Roma Termini — no confusion, no guessing, just Rome rolling past the window.
Tips
If you want my honest advice: skip the bus from Fiumicino and hop on the train. Your legs and your patience will thank you.
Where I Stayed — In the Heart of It
I booked a hotel close to the historic center — Rome is best seen on foot. Every turn, every crooked alley, every hidden fountain is a gift.
I used Trip.com — quick, easy, and it gave me that little push of confidence that I was exactly where I needed to be.
Tips
Stay central, even for just a few nights. Rome rewards slow walkers and wanderers.
First Stop — The Colosseum
Of course, the first thing I did was head straight to the Colosseum.
Standing there felt unreal — this place I’d seen in history books, movies, and postcards… suddenly, it was in front of me, older than everything I know, grander than I’d hoped.
I booked my ticket in advance — no lines, just me, my wide eyes, and those ancient arches. Worth every cent.
Tips
Buy your tickets ahead. A little planning means more time staring at stones and imagining gladiators — and less time standing in lines under Rome’s sun.
A View Worth the Steps
Next, I wandered through the Roman Forum and climbed all the way up to the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II.
Breathless from the steps, I found myself standing above the city, rooftops and domes stretching into forever.
And the best part? Free. Just bring your legs and a bottle of water.
Tips
Not everything in Rome costs money — sometimes, the best view is waiting for you at the top of some marble steps.
Lunch — Thin Pizza & Happy Waiting
Rome runs on two things: history and carbs.
After all that climbing, I landed at Pizzeria da Baffetto. If you love thin Roman pizza, you probably already know the name. There’s always a line — I waited 40 minutes, stomach growling, eyes on the door.
When that first slice landed on my plate, I forgave the wait instantly.
Tips
Good pizza is worth standing for. Bring patience, appetite, and maybe a tiny snack for the line.
The Vatican — A City of Art
On my second day, I went to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel.
It’s not just a museum — it’s an entire tiny city of marble, gold, frescoes that take your breath away, and endless corridors where you’ll lose track of time and yourself.
I spent four hours there and it still wasn’t enough.
Michelangelo’s ceiling. Ancient statues. Hushed whispers. All of it — more than I could hold in my mind.
Tips
Spring and summer? Book your tickets online early. Waiting outside for hours is not a Roman holiday — it’s just a sunburn.
Trevi Fountain — A Promise in a Coin
I let my feet lead me afterward — wandering narrow streets until the sound of water drew me to the Trevi Fountain.
It’s crowded. It’s bright. It’s everything you think it will be — and more.
I turned my back, made a wish I’ll keep secret, and tossed my coin over my left shoulder. I know I’ll be back — the fountain promised.
Tips
Go at sunrise if you want it almost to yourself. Otherwise, embrace the crowd — wishes feel bigger when you share them with strangers.
A Sweet Ending — Tiramisu & Sunset
That evening, I wanted something sweet.
I slipped into Pompi — legendary for a reason — but instead of classic tiramisu, I picked one with wild berries. I carried it through Rome’s dusk, climbed the Spanish Steps, and sat there at the top, fork in hand, sunset filling the sky.
It was noisy below, but up there? Just me, my dessert, and Rome glowing under a velvet sky.
Tips
Try the unexpected flavor. The classics are always there, but sometimes the best taste is the one you didn’t plan for.
A Little Wrap-Up
Rome is a city you don’t just visit — you feel it cling to you, gently, like the smell of espresso on your scarf.
It’s old stones and loud Vespas, pizza crusts and whispered wishes, sunlight on ancient marble and the hush inside a painted chapel.
I know I’ll come back. Because Rome doesn’t let you see it all at once — it invites you, piece by piece.
Arrivederci,
and may your Roman holiday find you exactly where you need to be.
💛 Tanya
🛫 I found my flight and car rental on Kiwi.com — one search, one booking, total freedom. If you want to roam where buses don’t go, do the same.
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