Essential Rome- One Day in the Eternal City

Posted on by getsetg2

Since I have been to Rome on three separate occasions, I have a pretty good feel for the city. My first experience in Rome was a day trip from Florence while I was studying abroad. Five years later I returned there before and after a cruise and spent a total four days in the Eternal City.

Rome is one of those places in the world that you need to visit at least once. The history and architecture are unbelievable and don’t tell me you didn’t dream of visiting the Colosseum after seeing numerous pictures in your school history books. With that being said, I hope you make Rome a part of a longer visit to Italy since there are plenty of other cities I would recommend just as highly as Rome.

Whether you are coming from a cruise ship (the port of Civitavecchia is a 70-80 minute train ride from the historic center), the airport or from another Italian city, here are my recommendations for how to spend one day in Rome:

Morning

Vatican Museums and Saint Peter’s Basilica- Vatican City is the smallest nation in the world, complete with it’s own post office and headed by the Pope. It is located on the northwest side of Rome and is easily reached by subway. The Vatican Museums are an extensive network of hallways decorated with beautiful artwork and containing thousands of Roman, Greek and Egyptian artifacts. The most famous area of the museum is the Sistine Chapel, painted primarily by Michelangelo. When you are in the Sistine Chapel, there a several guards making sure you are being quiet and not taking pictures (a flash could damage the paintings).

It wasn’t until my third visit to Rome that I finally went inside Saint Peter’s Basilica which was built from 1506-1626. Not only is there amazing artwork inside the Basilica, I was amazed at the sheer size of the interior. When the Pope is in town, he gives a mass on Wednesdays that can be attended if you purchase an advance ticket.

If you are looking to save some money, it is free to enter the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel on the last Sunday of every month. Arrive early and expect some lines, but I used this option both times I visited.

Colosseum- From Vatican City I would hop on the subway again and get off at the Colosseum. During my first visit to Rome, I stood in awe of the Colosseum as I excited the subway station which happens to be right next to ancient structure. Built between AD 72-80, it was originally known as the Flavian Ampitheatre and although some areas have been restored, it is amazing that it is still standing today. I do recommend purchasing a ticket to go inside to see where the ancient Romans slaughtered thousands of animals in the name of entertainment. The ticket will include entrance to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill and the lines to purchase a ticket will most likely be shorter at the Palatine Hill entrance (about 1 1/2 blocks away).

Roman Forum and Imperial Forum- The Roman Forum is the plaza or main square that contains the ruins of the ancient center of Roman public life, including government buildings, shrines and temples. It is located between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills and is home to the Arch of Augustus, the Temple to Julius Caesar, the Temple of Saturn and numerous other temples, forums and arches. the Imperial Forum, located across the Via dei Fori Imperiali, is a collection of forums (public squares) built by various Roman leaders, including Trajan, Augustus, Caesar and Nerva.

Afternoon 

Trevi Fountain- From the Imperial Forum, I would head north on Via Del Corso towards the Trevi Fountain. It is highly likely that you will need to find some lunch on the way and there is no shortage of restaurants throughout Rome. Once you reach the Trevi Fountain, it is a tradition to throw coins into the water to ensure your return to Rome (I guess it worked for me). Although it was built in 1732, the Trevi Fountain still looks beautiful and I recommend visiting at night if you have the chance. It was a little less crowded and the lights around the fountain make for a romantic place to sit.

Pantheon- Emperor Hadrian built this structure in AD 118-225 and it contains the widest masonry dome in Europe. It has been used for various purposes over the years and has been ransacked a few times, but the main structure is still perfectly intact.

Piazza Navona– One of the most famous of Rome’s public squares, the Piazza Navona is a bustling tourist area full of restaurants, cafes and street performers. It is actually located on the site of the Stadium of Domitian, and remains in the oval shape once used for competitive games.

Spanish Steps- during my second visit to Rome last summer, the Spanish Steps were under construction and had gates surrounding them. When the 138 steps are open, they link the Piazza di Spagna to the Triniti dei Monti, a beautiful church that overlooks the city. They are the widest stairs in Europe and have long attracted painters and poets and served as a meeting place for the rich and famous. I recommend finishing your day here because there is a subway station near the Spanish Steps that can take you back to the Termini train station.

Bonus- If you have some extra time in Rome

Walking Food Tour in Testaccio- this is the Jewish region of Rome and is home to some delicious markets and restaurants. It is a working class neighborhood and the restaurants don’t cater to tourists, which makes them that much more amazing. With the help of a local guide, we got to try the best food in the area, everything from coffee and pastries to pasta and wine to cheese and gelato. It was delicious but I have never been so full!

Museums– there are numerous museums in Rome that are worth a visit if you have a few days in the city, including the Musei Capitolini, Museo Nazionale Romano and the Galleria Borghese.

Tips

  • Be prepared to walk! Although the subway system in Rome is easy to use because there are only two lines, there are not many stops within the historic center of the city. I happened to be wearing a pedometer the day I visited Rome during my study abroad and logged 32,000 steps in about 7 hours.
  • Bring a good map. The streets in Rome are not set up as a grid like in some cities and although there are signs pointing to famous attractions, it is always a good idea to have an idea where you are 🙂
  • Most of the restaurants near the main tourists areas are not authentic Italian restaurants. You will need to head off the beaten path if you are looking for some delicious Italian specialties.
  • Be prepared for crowds, especially if you are going during a popular time. Most information I found suggests visiting during the shoulder season which is April-June and September-October.
  • If you will be in Rome for only a day, have a plan before you go. Decide if you want to take a guided tour of the historic sites, the order you want to see them, and the most efficient way for you to get around town (subway, walking, taxi, etc).

Most importantly, enjoy your time in Rome and soak up all the history!