Rome, the Eternal City, has captivated visitors for centuries with its stunning architecture, rich history, and mouth-watering cuisine. This magnificent city is a cultural mecca that boasts impressive landmarks, hidden gems, and endless possibilities for exploration. Recently, we had the pleasure of spending three days in Rome, where we immersed ourselves in its beauty, savouring its flavours and uncovering its secrets. In this article, we share all about Exploring the Eternal City of Rome, share our personalized itinerary and highlight some of the best experiences that Rome has to offer. Join us as we discover the magic of the Eternal City.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Rome’s Historic Centre
Our journey began when we arrived in Rome in the afternoon, eager to explore the Eternal City. After checking in at The Guardian Hotel, a fantastic accommodation that was conveniently located near the main train station, we could hardly wait to start our Roman adventure.
Since we only had a few hours before sunset, we decided to start with a leisurely stroll around the historic Piazza Navona. This charming square is filled with Baroque architecture, elegant fountains, and lively street performers, making it a perfect place to soak up the Roman atmosphere.
Next we made our way towards the Colosseum, one of Rome’s most famous landmarks. Even though we didn’t have time to take a tour of the interior, we were in awe of its magnificence, especially as the setting sun cast a golden glow over the ancient structure. As night fell, the Colosseum was illuminated, making it a truly breathtaking sight.
By now we were really hungry and excited to try some of Rome’s famous cuisine. We headed to a local pizzeria where we indulged in a traditional Margherita pizza, with its simple yet delicious combination of tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil. We also tried another Roman classic, Cacio-e-Pepe, a creamy pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper. It was a perfect ending to our first day in Rome, and we couldn’t wait to see what the rest of our trip had in store for us.
Day 2: Exploring Ancient Rome and Enjoying Local Delicacies
On our second day in Rome, we were eager to dive deeper into the city’s rich history. We started with a self-guided tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, using the Rick Steves audio guide. It was an incredible experience to walk among the ruins of this once great civilization and imagine what life must have been like in ancient Rome.
After the tour, we were feeling a bit peckish and decided to grab some food on-the-go. We headed to the Colosseum metro station and picked up some delicious sandwiches and burgers. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food, which tasted fresh and flavourful.
Next, we visited the Colosseum, another iconic landmark of Rome. We had booked our tickets in advance through CoopCulture and opted for the one that allowed us access to the arena floor, which we highly recommend. It was a unique and unforgettable experience to stand in the same spot where gladiators once fought for their lives. One tip we have is that if the official website shows all the time slots as booked, you can wait closer to the date of your visit as they do open some slots later. You can also book your tickets through CoopCulture.
As the day progressed, we made our way to the Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most famous attractions. It was quite crowded, but we managed to find a spot to toss in our coins and make a wish. Afterward, we relaxed at a nearby cafe where we enjoyed some refreshing Aperol Spritz and indulged in some local delights, including Supplì (deep-fried rice balls) and delicious street-style pizza slices.
Overall, it was a fantastic day filled with history, culture, and of course, delicious food!
Day 3: Vatican City, Trastevere, and Local Delicacies
On the final day of our trip, we started the day bright and early, waking up before sunrise and headed to Trevi Fountain and Pantheon to soak in the beauty without the crowds!
Next on our to-do-list was to explore the religious and cultural heart of Rome, so we took a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the famous Sistine Chapel. The tour was incredibly informative and gave us a deeper appreciation for the art and history of the Vatican City.
After the tour, we headed to Trastevere, a charming neighbourhood located on the west bank of the Tiber River. But before that, we made a quick stop at Ponte Sant’Angelo to admire the stunning sunset. The bridge offered a breathtaking view of the cityscape and the River Tiber, which was a perfect start to the evening.
Trastevere is known for its narrow cobbled streets, quaint shops, and traditional restaurants. We roamed around the neighbourhood and admired its vibrant atmosphere. We also indulged in some local delicacies, including the famous fried artichokes, which were delicious.
Our last stop was the Spanish Steps, which were practically empty at that time of day. It was a peaceful and serene experience to sit on the steps and watch the world go by. We ended our trip with some gelato and reflected on the wonderful memories we had made in this beautiful city.
In conclusion, our three days in Rome were packed with unforgettable experiences, from exploring ancient ruins to indulging in local cuisine. It is a city that truly captures the essence of Italy’s rich culture and history, and we can’t wait to return someday. If you’re planning a trip here, I hope this article helps you in Exploring the Eternal City of Rome 🙂
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