(Originally posted 8 July 2016) We have both been to Rome before in 2005, and Lauren went again in 2009. Well, we went back in July 2016. So why do we keep going back when there is still so much of the rest of the world to see? What keeps drawing us to this city?
Rome was a city we visited on our first international holiday, and one could think that the nostalgia of the exciting maiden voyage is what intrigues us, but I believe it is so much more than that.
The famous and impressive sites like St Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Castle of Angles, Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon are on everyone’s itinerary for Rome with just cause.
St Peters is breathtaking. You are first overwhelmed by the scale of it all, but when you look closer, every tiny part is impressive in its own way – you can keep coming back over and over again and see something new each time.
The colours of the Sistine Chapel are so bright and vibrant, with Michelangelo telling intriguing stories with each stroke of the brush. Be sure to wait your turn in the throngs of people for a seat where you can sit and quietly admire this place of beauty. Be sure to look up to the top right-hand corner above the entrance to see how dark the colours were before the restoration.
The Colosseum is a Wonder of the World* for good reason, and it gives you a glimpse into the majesty of Rome in her hay-day. The Castel Sant’Angelo and adjoining bridge (Ponte di ‘Angelo) over the Tiber river make great stops on a walk from St Peters Square to Piazza Navona.
Piazza Navona, with Bernini’s lovely fountain, Fontana dei Fiumi, surrounded by trendy and overpriced cafés, gives you a feel of what it is like to be a part of Rome’s high society. Nearby, the Pantheon, with its gigantic columns and high dome, is another attraction that shows the majesty of this city. We have been lucky enough to be here when it is raining to see how this perfect ancient design still works today to drain the water.
Other attractions such as the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain are just as jaw-droppingly gorgeous. But this city has something lovely to see around every corner, with ruins and rich history everywhere you look.
How can you get the most out of Rome?
1. Spend no less than three days in Rome
You will find that you will already need to keep up a rapid pace if you only have three days in Rome. Although it is possible to see the major attractions in a well-organised tour over two days, you will not have time to walk the streets, enjoy the cafes, drink cappuccinos and eat ice cream.
2. Bring comfy shoes and get a good map
Many of the attractions are within walking distance from each other – we did not realise this on our first visit because we were transported by our tour bus. Walking also makes it possible to stop by all the hidden gems that can be found on your way.
3. Get a week metro/bus ticket if you stay for more than two days
The bus and metro transport network are helpful to get around to some of the outlying attractions or when you have just walked too much for one day – something that you do very easily in Rome because you are always checking what is around the next corner.
4. Buy tickets online
Many of the museum tickets can be purchased online in advance. This means you can avoid long lines in peak season. Without these tickets, you could find yourself, as we did at the entrance to the Galleria Borghese, with no more tickets left for that day.
5. Restorations are unavoidable
Don’t be disappointed if you arrive at an attraction and it is undergoing restorations. Every time we have been to Rome, this has happened, and at least one of the sites you want to see is likely to be covered up and inaccessible. It is just an unfortunate part of being a tourist with only a few days to explore a city, but there is so much to see, so just move on to the next awesome site.
*The Colosseum is one of the New7 Wonders of the World
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