Rome Was Not Built in a Day, But We Tried!
My husband and I decided to embark on a whirlwind adventure from Naples and Capri, heading straight to the heart of Rome. With the sun shining brightly and a sense of excitement, we boarded the early flight, eager to explore the Eternal City.
We arrived at Rome's bustling airport around noon. With our bags in tow, we got in the taxi line and made our way to the Viminale View Hotel; a charming boutique hotel that offered a glimpse of the city's historic charm.
Despite our limited time, we were determined to make the most of our 24 hours in Rome. Ready to hit the road, we checked in, changed quick and set out to explore the city's iconic landmarks!
Viminale View Hotel: Piazza del Viminale 14, 00184 Rome
The Viminale View Hotel is located in a palace built by the famous architect Marcello Piacentini that overlooks the beautiful Piazza del Viminale, headquarters of the historic home, the Viminale Palace, which now houses the Ministry of the Interior, in the heart of historic Rome. We really enjoyed our stay as it was in a great location. The hotel is not very busy as it only has about 15-20 rooms. The hotel was secure, clean and rooms had comfortable beds!
Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo
Jumped into one of the better Ubers I’ve ever been in and headed to Vatican City. With limited time, we booked a skip the line tour of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel; linked above. This was an excellent way to see the incredible museum at your own pace. Yes, it was very busy but worth buying these tickets, which allowed us to enter a shorter line, and get through he checkpoints. Bring a photo ID! I was not aware, but both the Sistine Chapel & Colosseum needed us to show a form of identification. We do wish we did the audio guide; however, this allowed us to stop at the individual parts we wanted to read about further. You could spend days inside and I would suggest going earlier rather than later to beat the tour crowds.
Trastevere Area is one of the most pleasant neighborhoods in the city. Before and after dinner I highly recommend you grab a drink and walk around the area. It had a peaceful fun vibe with the small bars and live music. We met are friends who were on their honeymoon in the area for some drinks, dinner, and after dinner live street music!
Dinner at La Scala Trastevere
La Scala was recommended by a friend, so I made a reservation for dinner for 4 people outside. We ordered a couple of bottles of wine, some oysters, and our server was fun and full of recommendations. The gnocchi was one of the best meals I had in Italy. I truly enjoyed everything we ordered and the people watching was just as good too. Definitely visit this gem if you are in Trastevere.
The Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps
A Trip to Rome would not be complete without a photo opp at the iconic Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.
After doing much research you have to get to the Trevi fountain at sunrise to beat the large crowds. With a short 10-minute walk we had our coins ready to throw in the fountain and make a wish. The famous fountain was made of the same stone as the colosseum and has made an appearance in some iconic films. The sun was rising as we walked up to about 75-100 people already taking photos with an engagement happening in the corner. This fountain is breathtaking and the rushing waters over the statues is incredible. The research was correct! Get there early, take in the sites, get your photos, grab some water from the fresh fountain and then head to your next stop!
What did I wish for?
On the way to the Spanish Steps, I had to stop for a pistachio croissant and cappuccino, not just any stop but at the most beautiful McDonald’s I had ever seen!
A beautiful & delicious stop at McDonald’s
The Spanish Steps are also a quintessential Roman landmark, with a whopping 138 steps to climb (or not to climb, that is the question).
They’re a fantastic example of the unique architecture the ancient Romans are famous for. Plus, the view of the Piazza di Spagna from above is exceptional.
The Colosseum Tour
The Roman Colosseum in my opinion is the capital's most remarkable monuments. Walking up, I was blown away and excited to go inside and learn about this century old stadium. Every year over 6 million people come to visit this incredible structure. The best way to skip the lines upon entering and to get to know the famous monument in detail is to buy a skip the line tour, and it was perfect!
Months ago we booked the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill experience and gain entry to these iconic attractions in Rome's city center. The group leaders communicated days prior via the app, this led us to the meeting place with our english speaking guide. At the meet up location, this was a perfect opportunity to get photos as their was a pedestrian bridge nearby. Not only was it value for money, but our guide was very informative and shared a lot of fun facts about gambling, fighting, hierarchy and more. Such a fascinating step back into life in Ancient Rome.
After exiting the Colosseum we headed to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, an open-air museum of Rome's ancient political, commercial, and religious life. The whole tour took about 3 hours, which was perfect. In order to avoid endless lines that can cost you several hours, I recommend either arriving early in the morning or buying an entrance ticket to Palatine Hill, since there are usually fewer people there and the cost of entrance is combined.
Although our 24 hours in Rome were fleeting, this city sure did leave a lasting impression. We fell in love with the city's rich history, charming atmosphere, and delicious cuisine. If you're planning a short trip, Rome is the perfect destination for a quick getaway.
There are fresh water fountains all over the city!
Notable Recommendations From Friends Previous Trips:
Lunch:
Bonci Pizza (Near Vatican Museaum a few blocks behind). Owner is the Pizza God. Quick and cheap, not sit down order from the window and walk
Dinner:
Maccheroni (Center Rome, near Pantheon)
http://www.ristorantemaccheroni.com/
Carbonara
Da Enzo 29 (Must get reservation as it sells out, our favorite meal of the trip, small, casual, and cheap). Get the buratta, carbonara, veal. House wine is super cheap.
Local Recommendations:
GELATO
Giolitti (Pantheon)
Gelateria al Teatro (Piazza Navona)
Fatamorgana (Monti)
Frigidarium (Navona)
La Botega (Garbatella)
Ping pong (piazza della radio)
Quinto (Navona)
COFFEE
Cafe Sant’Eustachio (Pantheon)
Tazza d’oro (Pantheon)
Caffè museo
CARBONARA
Da Enzo (Trastevere) - my FAVORITE!!! (Everything is amazing here.)
Da teo (AmaZing! - cacio e pepe with shrimp and lime!) (trastevere)
Zi’mberto (trastevere)
Antica Trattoria da Carlone (Trastevere) huge portions! 06 580 0039
Flavio Velavevodetto (Testaccio) 06 574 4194
Da Felice (Testaccio)
Da Francesco (Navona/Pace)
Il ragno d’oro (Prati)
Osteria La Sol Fa (Santa Croce Gerusalemme)
Osteria Romana (Campo)
Il girasole (garbatella)
La villettta (piramide) (roman)
Osteria de ghiottoni (fidene)
Da settimino
Impiccetta
CACIO E PEPE
Roma Sparita (Trastevere) comes in a cheese bowl!
Ba'ghetto Milky (ghetto)
ITALIAN
Cul de Sac (Navona)
Coso (center)
Trattoria Corsi (center)
Augustine Bibiana
Prosciutteria (Trevi/Trastevere/Navona)
Maccheroni (Center)
Zi'Umberto (Trastevere)
Giulio Passami l'olio (Center) 06 6880 3288
Antico Forno (Testaccio)
PIZZA
Bonci Godfather of pizza
Dar poeta (Trastevere) thick
Baffetto (Navona) thin
Da Francesco (Navona/Pace) thick
Da ivo (trastevere)
Ai marmi (trastevere)
Nuovo mondo (testaccio)
Il grottino (testaccio)
PINSA
La Pratolina (Prati)
Da Ivo (Trastevere) Filippa
ARTICHOKE alla giudia (and everything)
Ba'ghetto Milky (TO DO )