What is it about Rome?

We have both been to Rome before in 2005, and I went again in 2009. 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 do believe it is so much more that that. 

The famous and impressive sites like St Peters 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 breath-taking. 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 just keep coming back over and over again and see something new each time. 

 

St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

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.

Colosseum, Rome, Italy

The Colosseum is a Wonder of the World* for good reason. 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.

Ponte di 'Angelo, Rome, Italy

Piazza Navona with Bernini’s lovely fountain, Fontana dei Fiumi, surrounded by trendy and overpriced café’s 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 once again show 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.

Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy

Dome of the Pantheon, Rome, Italy

Other attractions such as the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain are just a 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 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 that two days

The bus and metro transport network is 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 and in peak season. Without these tickets you could find yourself, like 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. This has happened every time we have been to Rome, 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