Rome, Lazio, Italy
UNESCO world heritage site
UNESCO world heritage site
*All work including photos and writing on this page is my own, except the link to the Expedia video, freely available on Youtube.
Rome has to be my all time favourite city in the whole world! Where else in the world can you find such amazing architecture and history on every corner. They have so many treasures that they can not possibly keep all the buildings renovated. I think it is a great city just to wander around and be surprised and amazed when you open a little church door to reveal such awesome wonders. Buildings that don't look much from the outside can be hiding hidden gems inside. If you could only ever afford one holiday, Rome would certainly be my recommendation of that one special place to visit!
As most people only allow themselves two or three days in Rome, here are My top attractions not to be missed for a short break to Rome.
1) The Coliseum This has to be the top attraction when visiting Rome. Just imagining yourself back in those days watching, what would now be considered barbaric practices going on in front of your eyes. It is an impressive structure. 2) The Vatican You don't need to be catholic (I am not) to appreciate the majestic beauty of the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. One can only stand in awe at the artwork that looks down on you as if you are looking straight into heaven itself. There are several museums here too and you can also visit St Peter's Basilica. 3) The Spanish steps and the Trevi Fountain
The most romantic place in Rome to take that special person for a walk has to be the walk down the Spanish Steps to the alluring Trevi Fountain. It really is breathtakingly beautiful. Just make your wish and enjoy your time together. 4) The Pantheon Whilst out for a walk one day, we just stumbled across the Pantheon, almost hidden down an innocuos side street. These gems just jump out at you everywhere you go in Rome. It was my son who actually spotted it, recognising it from a computer game. 5) The Roman Forum With so many ruins in Rome, you could easily walk past the Roman Forum and not think too much about it, but it is worth a good look around. From here walk south to see what is left of the Circus Maximus too and just envisage how it would have been many years ago, alive and noisy. Below is what it looks like now. |
There are just so many museums, art galleries and monuments to see in Rome, that I recommend you take a look at Tripadvisor
To see which ones appeal to you most. You are sure to find some that will impress you!
Food in Rome
Food in Italy is very regional, although Rome is one place you can find most types of Italian food. The local specialities do still dominate the restaurant menu's here though. The main food to try here is Carbonara (my son's favourite Italian dish!), White Pizza, Offal and fried food (you can find all sorts of food fried here).
Of course you will find Pizza everywhere here too as well as the most delicious Gelato, the two best foods in Italy! |
Popular restaurants in Rome
- Bono Bottega Nostrana, Italian
- L'altra Guancia, Italian/Mediterranean
-Rame Sushi, Japanese
-Vulio, Italian fast food,
-Rosamunda's, Italian/pizza
-Cipasso bistrot,
-Quanto Basta Slow Restaurant, French
-La Tavernetta 29 Da Tony E Andrea, Roman Italian
- Bono Bottega Nostrana, Italian
- L'altra Guancia, Italian/Mediterranean
-Rame Sushi, Japanese
-Vulio, Italian fast food,
-Rosamunda's, Italian/pizza
-Cipasso bistrot,
-Quanto Basta Slow Restaurant, French
-La Tavernetta 29 Da Tony E Andrea, Roman Italian
Crime
Rome is a very safe Capital city, surprisingly safer than Venice, Bologna and Siena! The main problem is pick pockets and crazy drivers. The areas to avoid though are: Esquiline, Corvial, Romanina, Tor Bella Monaca and San Basilio.
I am sure you will enjoy your trip to Rome. You can combine your trip with a drive around Tuscany (See my page on Tuscany) or combine it with a cruise. Many Cruise ships start their cruises from here. In my opinion the best time to visit Rome is in the Spring or Autumn April/May or Sep/Oct. The summer is very hot and can be uncomfortable for sightseeing. Also it can be very crowded that time of year. The winter can be a bit chilly, although we went in the winter and although it did rain, we were able to walk around all the attractions with very few tourists around, so that really suited us! For more information on Rome see this website: Rome
The staircase in the Vatican.