Category Archive: Spain

When in Rome, Do as the Tourists

Rome, the eternal city, carries quite a reputation and is a city everyone must see at least once in their life. Yet, it could take even a practiced traveler an eternity to see everything if you don’t have a plan. Check out below for the tips, tricks, and best practices for all the top sights and events in Rome and the Vatican City.  

1. Colosseum: A non-negotiable must-see if you’re in Rome, the massive, stone amphitheater is in the center of the city and served as the scene of numerous hand-to-hand combat matches between gladiators. You’ll want to book this sight ahead of time and hit it early in the day right when it opens at 08:30 (although purchase the unreserved time ticket in case anything happens on your trip that changes your plan). The initial crowd is enormous, but the line that follows is hours long. Going early will ensure it doesn’t suck up your entire day. If you’d like an audio guide, they’re 5 euros and are easily shareable amongst a group, so don’t pay for more than one.
2. Roman Forum: You may not know about this site in Rome unless you’re a history buff, but the ticket is included in the price of the Colosseum and it’s a quick walk. It’s an absolutely breathtaking spot, and on a nice day, you can spend your time walking around the gardens and exploring what Ancient Rome used to look like.
3. Trevi Fountain: This is another spot you’ll want to hit early (I’m talking 07:30 early) if you’d like a good picture. The Trevi Fountain is a large, well-known Baroque fountain and one of the most famous fountains in the world. Toss a coin into the fountain and make a wish—but beware that everyone else will be doing the same thing as you.
4. Pantheon: A pretty church with an open top. If you’re in Rome when there’s rain, this is supposedly a beautiful spot. It’s free and there’s no limit on the number of people able to go in, so don’t be deterred by a long line; it moves quickly unlike the Colosseum.
5. Spanish Steps: Don’t get caught dead here in the middle of the day if you don’t want to feel like you’re at a rock concert. Everyone loves to sit and sunbathe during a nice day on the Spanish Steps. If you’d love the opportunity for a photoshoot, go early so your experience won’t be marred by tourists. There are a number of great lunch spots around here (Pastificio Ditto Guerra is one to check out) but eating on the steps is forbidden so don’t do it.  
6. Vatican City: This is a huge one to put all under one heading, but the Vatican City isn’t one you can miss if you’re headed to Rome. The city-state is entirely independent despite being surrounded by Rome and is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. It boasts plenty of its own famous sights: the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museum, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Book tickets ahead of time through the Vatican online. If interested, you can also attend a mass. The Pope regularly celebrates mass in St. Peter’s Square for visitors to attend. On holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s, or Easter, be sure to read up on how to get tickets. Tickets are ALWAYS free (never pay for a mass ticket) but helps the Vatican ease the flow of visitors who wish to attend on Holy Days. Although these are Catholic practices, mass has been positive spiritual experiences for non-Christians visiting Rome so feel free to check it out if you’re comfortable.

Be sure to check out the above on your next trip to Rome and the Vatican City! You’ll leave with an abundance of knowledge and charmed by the city as a whole. Just keep these best practices in mind so you can squeeze in as much as possible. Enjoy!

This is a guest post