When studying abroad in 2017 I spent nearly every weekend in another city outside of the Czech Republic - the first being Rome & the Vatican! Rome (and the Vatican) are some of the most iconic travel destinations in Europe. From a long, prolific history to the rich culture including delicious food & old world charm Rome is one of those places I really believe anyone with the opportunity to visit should. Here’s my Rome & Vatican travel guide - salut!

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: These museums hold artifacts and happenings of modern day Catholicism even if you do not belong to the Church, I recommend seeing. There are so many sights, relics and more to see that are an interesting look at faith, culture and what a unique place the Vatican is. Expect long lines and allot yourself time being here. The base ticket (including both the museums and the chapel) is €17. If you book ahead online (which I recommend) there is an extra €4 charge but I can’t say enough to helpful it is to skip the lines and save time.

St. Peter’s Basilica: Considered to be Rome’s most iconic church, the Basilica is a must. Here you can see the church, Saint Peter’s tomb and climb the stairs (or take the elevator) for some of the best views of Rome. I took the stairs and totally sweated my butt off (and maybe almost passed out - eat breakfast!) but the view was so worth it. Visiting the church is free, but to see the views you pay either €8 for the stairs or €10 for the elevator.

The National Museum of Rome: Made up of various branches located throughout the city, the museum focuses on archeological findings of ancient Rome.

Roman Forum: One of the most important sites in the world, the Forum was Rome’s original main square and holds various ancient ruins from centuries past. Give yourself time to explore here - there is A LOT to see and is best done at one’s own pace in my opinion. I explored this solo and loved putting in my earbuds and exploring around! To see the Forum, Palentine Hill and the Colosseum are on one ticket! Tickets cost €12 and I highly recommend booking online (+€2) so you can skip the long ticket line and ensure you’re good to visit when you’d like.

Colosseum: Hard to miss, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built, and it’s a can’t-miss attraction. There are various tours you can join if you’d like more information or you can self guide your way through it! To see the Forum, Palentine Hill and the Colosseum are on one ticket! Tickets cost €12 and I highly recommend booking online (+€2) so you can skip the long ticket line and ensure you’re good to visit when you’d like.

Pantheon: Built in 126 AD to honor the pagan gods, the Pantheon remains to be one of the most well preserved buildings of ancient Rome. You can walk inside, sit on the outside steps and enjoy the square you’re at. I visited a few times throughout the day and there are usually live performers making the steps & outside area the perfect place to have a bit of gelato. Admission here is free so this is definitely a must see - even on a budget!

Trevi Fountain: If you’re wanting to live out your Lizzie McGuire dreams you MUST go here (duh!) There are typically huge crowds but you will find your time to wiggle in and throw your euro in! Even better, all the money that is thrown in - about 3,000 euros daily - is donated to charity. There is a pretty good chance in your time here you will witness a proposal - I know of multiple people who have gotten engaged here and saw one proposal myself when visiting!

The Spanish Steps: The 135-step Spanish Steps is one of the most famous piazzas in all of Rome and a destination I highly recommend to just people watch and rest for a while. Police are pretty strict about sitting and eating here so make sure to finish your bite before hand.

Palentine Hill: This is the place where Rome was founded and now is the home various generations of rulers & their ruins. Located on the center of the Seven Hills of Rome, there are incredibly beautiful views! To see the Forum, Palentine Hill and the Colosseum are on one ticket! Tickets cost €12 and I highly recommend booking online (+€2) so you can skip the long ticket line and ensure you’re good to visit when you’d like.

Castel Sant’angelo: Built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian later turned into a fortress, the Castle is one of my favorite places I explored in Rome. I highly recommend giving yourself at least one or two hours to just wander around (I did with my music in since I was solo) and enjoyed all the views and history. Entrance is €7.

Piaza del Popolo: Know as the People’s Square, many visit to see the Egyptian monolith that dates all the way back to 10 BC. This is a very popular place but given it’s size it never feels crowded so it’s another great place for people watching and relaxing. Do be sure to keep on guard for various scams that can happen to tourists, especially if you are a woman traveling solo. I was followed by one of these men for multiple blocks before he left me alone - thankfully he was just nice and not aggressive or violent - but be careful!

Vittorio Emanuele II Monument: Something you can’t miss given it’s size, this huge marble monument was built to honor the first king who united Italy - Victor Emmanuel II. If you ride up to the top you will see great views of the city and costs €7.

Still not sure what to do or how to see it? Try some of the (many) free or inexpensive walking tours offered in Rome! Some websites I recommend are New Rome Free Tour, Rome Free Tour, Rome’s Ultimate Free Walking Tour and Rome Free Walking Tour.

Mercato Centrale: as Rome’s market/food hall, it is a must visit! Not only can you buy fresh produce and other products, you can snag local bites from the various stalls selling prepared food. Not only are their the traditional Italian dishes you’d expect, they also have international bites & a good selection of beer and wine.

Pizzarium: This is Anthony Bourdain’s favorite pizza place in all of Rome and that’s saying something if you ask me. There will be a wait since this place is known locally and globally for its slices!

Pizzeria ai Marmi: A historical & classic take on pizza is a local fave so its always busy. With their open kitchen you can watch your (and others) pizzas being made by hand!

De Agostino: Looking for carry out to enjoy at the hostel or hotel? This is the place!

Al Grottino: Opened in 1936 this old school pizza place is the definition of a neighborhood pizza joint where staff and locals know each other by name and then some.

Dishes to Try:

Cacio e Pepe - Cheese and pepper is very simple but extra yummy and a true taste of Roman cuisine
Suppli- like delicious hushpuppies, these little balls of fried rice stuffed with various veggies, meats and cheeses are cheap and super yummy. A lot of street vendors make these so try them out even on the go!
Carciofi alla Giudia - As one of the most famous dishes from Roman Jewish heritage, these fried artichokes are on many peoples foodie bucket lists. Many sources say to only eat this in the spring since that’s when artichokes are in season and otherwise may not be as fresh (or good).
Gelato - if you can, eat this every day if not multiple times a day. There is something about eating it while exploring the city that makes it taste that much better. My personal favorite flavors are pistachio and carmel.
Coffee/Espresso - if you like coffee - or even if you don’t - you gotta try the local goods when in Rome. While this does vary a ton from what we’re used to in the states - stronger, more robust flavor - it is delicious and a great time to do as the locals do.

How Long to Visit? I recommend at least giving yourself 3-4 days for Rome & the Vatican. There is SO MUCH to see, do (and eat) this is not a quick destination! If you are especially visiting as a history or art buff, I recommend giving yourself even more time. Unless you want to rush around (something I do on certain trips) I highly recommend this destination as a place to give your self time to explore and take it all in.
You don’t have to break the bank to have the best meal of your life! Do your research, get recommendations or just let yourself wander! There are amazing bites all over that are not inherently expensive! That being said, there are a lot of tourist trap restaurants with sub-par food. Do your research and as always - look for where the locals go.
Take the Side Streets. There are so many cool little side streets and alleys all across Rome due to all its development over the centuries. I highly recommend giving yourself time to just explore and get lost (safely!)
The Nightlife. In Rome (and much of Southern Europe) everything starts later. People eat dinner later, go out (and stay out) later. If you want to take on the clubs I do recommend napping during the day - Romans know how to have fun and that can make for a very late night (early morning?)
So how Touristy is Rome? Honestly? VERY. Roma attracts MILLIONS of visitors annually so expect big crowds, long lines and limited tickets. Plan ahead, book online (and skip the lines!) and if possible avoid visiting in the summer. Not only is it HOT, it’s even more crowded as this is one of the most popular times to visit for tourists.
Are pickpockets as bad as people say here? YES! While thankfully I have not had to deal with this, I know SO many friends & peers who have gone here and had things stolen. At train stations, on busy transit lines - but especially Termini Station (the main train station) pickpockets are very good at what they do and will target tourists. Be vigilant with your items - don’t put things in pockets, have a sturdy, difficult to open bag and keep everything in sight - and you should be fine!
Rome is a dirty city. As harsh as it sounds Rome is dirty just like a lot of major cities are so don’t be alarmed!
Summers are HOT! The middle of summers are incredibly hot and a decent amount of hostels and hotels don’t have AC. Be sure to do your research on where you’re staying especially if in the summers!
Take a Breather & Reflect. While I don’t consider myself the most religious person I always take a few minutes to reflect and talk to whoever is up there in every spiritual place I go whether it be a church, synagogue or mosque. If you’re someone traveling, especially solo, this can be a good way to stay grounded in the hustle and bustle of a jam packed itinerary.
How’s the Metro? Beyond walking this is the best way to get around the city and is pretty simple. The bus and tram also are decent but are not always the most reliable unlike the metro. Make sure to get your tickets before you board any of the public transit lines. You can purhcase these at tobacco shops, corner stores or automated ticket machines or ticket windows in the Metro. Any ticket works on the metro, bus or tram.
- A single ticket ride is €1.50 and you can change busses or go in and out of the metro on one trip - valid for 100 minutes.
- 24-hour tickets are €7
- 48-hour tickets are €12.50
- 72-hour tickets are €18
- If you plan on staying for the 48 or 72 hours and visiting museums, I do recommend getting the Roma Pass!
Avoid Holidays if you can! In Rome, like many places in Europe, religious holidays really are celebrated and nothing is open. Plus, hotels and hostels raise their prices! Try to avoid: January 1, January 6, March 17, Good Friday-Easter Monday, April 25, May 1, June 2, August 15, November 1, December 8, December 25, December 26