Buongiorno a tutti! Today, I would like to take a moment to explore my top recommendations in [central] Rome where all the action is. From the Colosseum, The Vatican, Roman Forum, and so much more within a few square kilometers, my intent is to go over a few selections I feel are worth mentioning which you may not have thought of previously.
Getting There
All roads lead to Rome, as they say, so take advantage of the amazing rail and bus system Italy has to offer from the surrounding regions. I’ll be linking some of the major rail vendors in Italy with some information to relevant websites and other information you may find helpful for purchasing rail tickets either online, or in person at the terminals throughout the city.
I want to mention that if you’re focusing on central Rome (as this post does), it may be worth noting that you’d find commuting via the Termini Station will be your most convenient for everything in this list — and quite a few other locations as west as the Prati district, where you’ll find the St. Peter’s Basilica on the west bank of the Tiber to the Colosseum on the east bank.
One-time passes can be purchased for as little as 1-7€ for a 5km ride, or approximately 6-12€ for a train pass directly at the stations which you’ll find situated throughout the city of Rome, connecting well over 200 cities in the nation of Italy with over 300 stops daily. You can rest well knowing that odds are in your favor if you need to travel for a low price. Trenitalia is excellent and one of the most well-known transport operators in Italy.
Standard bus tickets are under 2€ and are exceptionally convenient for quick travel, but it can be a bit much if you’ve never been to Rome before, so I’d recommend reviewing the bus lines beforehand to confirm which lines to take to your destination. If this topic of discussion is something you’d like to know more about, please comment on the post and I’d be happy to expand on this more in the future!
For those arriving via aircraft, you will be arriving, most likely, at the Fiumicino International Airport (IATA: FCO). You’re able to catch shuttles to your respective hotels or you’ll easily be able to find transportation outside of the airport terminal’s arrival hall that go throughout Rome and the surrounding areas. Keep in mind that Uber and Lyft are available in Rome, as well as public transportation via bus or taxi. I recommend for logistic simplicity, as well as safety, to contact your hotel for guidance before arrival if you would like to get some local recommendations or to confirm whether or not there is a shuttle to and from the property; most hotels have a concierge who can direct you at no cost if you have an active reservation and would be more than happy to assist.
Borghese Villa, Gardens and Gallery
This is a beautiful gallery inside of the luxurious villa of the Borghese dynasty, completed in the early 1600’s. The grounds are impeccable, as is the interior which houses some of the most celebrated Baroque and Rennaissance artists of the time, from Rafael to Caravaggio.
I really enjoy this gallery because of something I find very impacting — traffic. There is a strict limit of 360 people permitted to tour every two hours to avoid too much noise and interruption while enjoying the villa artwork (something you surely won’t find at the Louvre). Now operated by the Italian government, they strive to uphold a space in which you can indulge in this experience making it a beautifully unique memory. I’d highly recommend checking this out if you find yourself around the Ludovisi district.
Galleria Borghese (beniculturali.it)
Make a day of your adventure in the area and check out some of these sites within walking distance of Borghese: Palazzo Madama, Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps, just north of the Roman Forum and just east of the Trevi Fountain.
The Capuchin Crypt
I was debating for some while whether or not I wanted to write specifically about this particular location during this post or wait until another time, but I thought… of course! It’s definitely a different vibe that the Borghese, that’s without a doubt, but it’s equally as intriguing. This location is home to over 3700 human skeletons arranged in hauntingly beautiful archways, alters, and other constructions of the crypt and chapel. The remains of Capuchin friars beginning in 1631; the soil itself was imported from Jerusalem by order of Pope Urban VIII. I won’t go into so much great detail right now; I can’t spoil it for you after all. Go experience it for yourself during your visit in Rome!
It’s only 15 minutes from Termini Station by foot and less than a ten-minute walk to Trevi Fountain or the Borghese villa. I found this location to be unique in a multitude of ways and it is a more macabre kind of experience intended by the creators that life is fleeting and to be mindful of our own mortality. On a delightful note, the Capuchin (I frati cappuccini) monks indeed inspired the name of the cappuccino you may come to find yourself sipping along the very streets where they celebrated life. Tours and information are available in Italian, English, French, German, and Spanish.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain we must mention here, of course. This is an icon of Rome and has inspired so many films, other pieces of architecture from Paris to Las Vegas. Only steps away from the Spanish Steps [“lol” if I may]. I’d like to point out that Audrey Hepburn, Sofia Lauren, and many more have filmed here, and with its history going all the way back to the original fountain’s construction in 2047 years ago (19 BCE) from the natural spring below the intersection of three major streets which will guide you to your next journey.
It’s a tradition to ensure you will return to Rome by facing away from the fountain and tossing a coin over the left shoulder. Though it’s not scientifically confirmed, it’s a romantic gesture which I’d advocate doing to continue this tradition and upon collection, the coins are guaranteed to go towards Roman charities.
Spanish Steps
Just adjacent to the Trevi Fountain, we have the spectacular 135 Spanish Steps leading up to the romantic Chiesa della Trinità dei Monti from the Piazza di Spagna below; I’m including these in one section since they’re adjacent to each other and go hand-in-hand in my opinion. The area was a haven for the elite and Bohemians of the 1700s lasting well over a century and with its romantic atmosphere of the lighting and surrounding architecture, it was a perfect place for inspiration by quite a few throughout the ages from John Keates to the Medici dynasty, which you’ll find one of the villas nearby less than a ten-minute walk from the piazza.
The impressive Chiesa della Trinità dei Monti at the top of the steps housing some of the most spectacular frescoes of the 1500s by Volterra and works by Cortona was built for its beauty, and it shows with every step of the way. You’ll find weekly adorations here throughout the week and may attend mass on Sunday mornings at 9:30am unless posted otherwise. Visit their website for details and more up-to-date information available in English and French.
Trinità dei Monti (trinitadeimonti.net) (Chiesa della Trinità dei Monti)
Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti | sovraintendenzaroma (Spanish Steps)
Campo dei Fiori
Here we have a classic Romanesque piazza famous for its stall displays selling everything from kitchenware to clothing. This is an awesome stop for souvenirs with regional significance from the Lazio region of Italy. Not only are there great shopping attractions here, but there’s also, as one may expect, strolling through Rome, historical significance in every step. The Inn of Pope Borgia’s Mistress can be found here and a number of interesting stories behind the name itself, “Field of Flowers”, a pope’s mistress? Windflower sales? It’s possibly lost to time, but the mystery makes it all the more attractive, I feel. You’ll find some incredible dining options here as well, from dine-in restaurants to cafes – This is definitely a hot spot for a nighttime adventure blending the historical with the modern.
Il Tempio Maggiore di Roma and Il Portico D’Ottavia
For those interested in the Jewish history of Rome, you’ll be interested to know there’s a rich history of Yehudim Italkim in the region for well over 2,100 years. Rome has been a forerunner in preserving Italian Jewelry in recent years and the preservation of Jewish sites has not gone unnoticed by Popes John Paul II and Pope Francis who visited the sites attempting to create new interfaith bonds. The temple is a beautiful representation of Italian Jewish architecture and care dating back to the 2nd century BCE and the largest synagogue in Rome just on the north bank of the river near the Portico D’Ottavia, where you’ll find one of the entrances to the old Roman Jewish Ghetto.
There is a beautiful museum which you can visit within the synagogue for 6-11€ which houses some of the most beautiful pieces of Jewish art in the city. Guided tours are available in over 8 languages as well as other types of reservation options for larger parties, celebrations, or even services. The following site is available in English, Italian, and Hebrew – I recommend to anyone keeping kosher while in Rome to check it out for a listing of recommendations by the temple staff and other attractions you may be interested in during your stay.
Museo ebraico di Roma, Information for tourists – Jewish Community of Rome (romaebraica.it)
Just steps away, you’ll find yourself at Il Portico D’Ottavia you’ll find an array of sites which, I may ultimately do another post about entirely since there’s so much going on in just that sector alone, let alone on the opposite side of the river in the Prati district and the St. Peter’s Basilica. Just a few interesting places to check out are:
- Isola Tiberina
- Teatro Marcello
- Pons Fabricus
Eating in Rome
Food is a unique conversation of itself which again, deserves its own post, particularly in Rome. I want to just point out a few recommendations for dishes you may want to try while visiting any of the areas I’ve mentioned on this list since this is indeed a food mecca. Here are just a few Romanesque dishes I’d hate to miss if I were out and about for a day:
Pizza Ebraica
A Roman-Jewish delicacy with a long history and sweet flavors of fruits, honey, and almonds. Its name may give you an idea of pizza, but it’s more of a pastry and is a great way to satisfy the sweet craving after a delicious meal with a cappuccino (in my humble opinion).
Supplí
Deep-fried rice balls which typically have a cheese and a rich tomato sauce.
Trappizzino
A small pizza-like sandwich with as many options of toppings as you could imagine from meatballs to eggplant. This comes highly recommended from so many of my clients and I have to agree with them – Definitely a great street food.
Depending on the interest in this, I’d be happy to go more in depth, so if there’s anything you’d like to see covered in the future, please leave a comment or contact me! My goal is to provide you with some incredible options to consider during your stay in Rome, whether it’s for a day while passing through via rail or otherwise, we’ll cover some great places to check out which aren’t typically mentioned during conversations with people who may be interested in travelling to/through Rome, but surely are quite worthy of your time from galleries, dining options.
