Rome is not just a city, it’s an open-air museum with thousands of years of history.
From the ancient ruins of the Colosseum to the baroque squares and the picturesque alleys of Trastevere, the Italian capital exudes a sense of magic and timeless beauty.
We could say that Rome is a city of contrasts: imposing monuments stand next to small cafés, and busy avenues lead to cobblestone squares with historic churches.
Additionally, I can confidently say that Rome is a paradise for food lovers. Delicious pasta dishes, irresistible gelato and tiramisu, pizzas and countless incredible specialties are waiting for you to try.
Transportation in Rome
In Rome, one thing is certain -you will walk several kilometers every day, especially in the city center. However, the Italian capital also has a pretty good public transportation network.
You can use the metro and buses to get around. A ticket costs €1.50, and you can tap your card directly to buy a ticket instead of printing one from the machines.
The 24-hour pass costs €8.50 and the 48-hour pass costs €15.
To reach the airport from Rome’s city center, we went to the Termini train station and from there took a bus that goes directly to the airport. The journey costs €9.
Sights in Rome
Colosseum
The emblematic symbol of Rome, the Colosseum impresses with its size and history. Here, Romans once watched gladiator battles and spectacles that still fascinate people today.
For tickets, you can check the website colosseo.it. The ticket also includes entrance to the Roman Forum.
Roman Forum
Just a few steps away, the Roman Forum reveals the heart of ancient political and social life. Temples, arches and ruins that once hosted gatherings and ceremonies.
Trevi Fountain
Undoubtedly the most famous fountain in the world! Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain and make a wish to return to Rome!
It’s probably the most crowded attraction in the city — no matter the time of day, it’s always packed. I recommend going before 8 a.m. to enjoy it with a reasonable amount of people around.
Pantheon
One of the best-preserved monuments of antiquity, the Pantheon captivates with its massive dome and the impressive light that enters through the oculus at the top.
The ticket costs €5, and for EU residents it’s €2. If you are under 18, entry is free.
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona, with its three fountains and surrounding cafés, is one of the most atmospheric squares in the city. Don’t forget to admire Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers.
Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola
One of the most impressive baroque masterpieces, this church amazes visitors with its painted dome.
There is even a queue inside the church to take a photo using a… mirror for €1. Tip: Don’t fall for this silly trick — just place your phone on the floor and take the same photo without paying.
Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II
This impressive monument in Piazza Venezia is dedicated to the first king of unified Italy. From the top, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Rome.
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
One of Rome’s four papal basilicas, Santa Maria Maggiore stands out for its mosaics and grandeur.
Pope Francis is buried inside the church. Entrance to the basilica is free and tickets are required only for the upper floor.
Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti)
A meeting point for both locals and tourists, the Spanish Steps lead to the Trinità dei Monti church and offer an incredible view over Piazza di Spagna.
Piazza del Popolo
Another impressive square, known for its Egyptian obelisk and the twin churches that frame it. From here begins Via del Corso, ideal for shopping and strolling.
Villa Borghese
Rome’s most beautiful and largest urban park. Here you’ll find the Galleria Borghese museum with works by Caravaggio, Bernini and Raphael, as well as peaceful paths for walking or cycling.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, it later became a papal fortress. From its terrace, the view of the Tiber River and St. Peter’s Basilica is breathtaking.
The Vatican
At the heart of Catholicism, the Vatican hosts the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo’s world-renowned Sistine Chapel.
The Vatican is the smallest country in the world, so since you are entering another state, you must carry your passport or ID in case of inspection.
You can visit the impressive St. Peter’s Basilica and the large square for free, but you must buy a ticket for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
Because the lines for the museum are huge from early morning, I definitely recommend buying a skip-the-line ticket. You could also book a guided tour so the guide can explain everything you’re seeing.
Trastevere
One of the most picturesque and bohemian neighborhoods of Rome. Narrow alleys, local restaurants, street music and an authentic Roman atmosphere that will charm you.
I really liked this area because it offers a break from the noise of the city center, and you can enjoy your meal peacefully in one of the many local restaurants.
Pyramid of Caius Cestius
Yes, Rome has its own pyramid! An unexpected monument in the heart of the city, an Egyptian-style pyramid built in the 1st century BC as the tomb of Roman official Caius Cestius.
Stadio Olimpico
If you love football, then don’t miss a visit to the Stadio Olimpico, home to Roma and Lazio. You can book a tour to see the stadium, but it would be even better to watch a match.
Food in Rome
Trattoria Vecchia Roma
Near the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, we found Trattoria Vecchia Roma — a wonderful place with delicious food, good prices and large portions.
We hadn’t made a reservation, so we waited in line for a bit, but it was worth it because everything we ate was excellent.
It was the first restaurant we visited in Rome, and here we tried the Saporita pizza with gorgonzola, mozzarella, ham and mushrooms, and as appetizers, supplì de riso, which are fried rice balls with tomato and mozzarella.
Of course, pasta was a must — we ordered a fantastic cacio e pepe and an authentic Italian carbonara.
L’Antico Forno di Fontana di Trevi
A very famous bakery in the heart of Rome, right next to the Trevi Fountain.
There, we tried Rome’s most famous cream-filled dessert: maritozzi. These are sweet, fluffy buns filled with whipped cream and traditionally eaten for breakfast.
We also got an amazing pistachio croissant. It was so good that we went back the next day for another one.
Giolitti
Of course, you can’t visit Italy without eating gelato. Although it was hard to choose among so many flavors, I finally had nocciola gelato at Giolitti and it was perfect.
Spaghetto
If you want something quick or more affordable, I highly recommend Spaghetto, a place that serves only pasta made right in front of you — and everything costs €8.
We tried the carbonara, the cacio e pepe, and the truffle pasta. Everything was delicious. But the one that stood out the most was the cacio e pepe.
All’ Antico Vinaio
All’ Antico Vinaio is without a doubt the most famous place in Italy to eat sandwiches. You’ll understand why from the long lines, especially on weekends.
If you’re lucky enough to avoid a massive queue, definitely try one of their sandwiches.
Osteria da Fortunata
I discovered Osteria da Fortunata when I visited Milan in 2024, and since then I haven’t found a better carbonara anywhere.
If you go to Rome (or any city in Italy where they have this restaurant), choose it without hesitation.
Antico Forno Roscioli
In a small alley, you’ll discover a tiny bakery, Antico Forno Roscioli, offering amazing street food. I had supplì again, this time one with minced meat and one with cheese, and we also got a margherita pizza.
Be careful: In most bakeries like this, the price shown for pizza is usually per 100 grams, not per slice. They cut the piece you want, weigh it and calculate the price accordingly. Keep this in mind so you’re not surprised by the bill.
Supplizio
The paradise of supplì is definitely Supplizio, a small place loved by locals for a beer, a glass of wine and their favorite snacks.
Each supplì costs €3, and I tried a classic with red sauce, one cacio e pepe that tasted like risotto, one with carbonara filling and one amatriciana, which was a bit spicy.
Two Sizes
Even if you’re not a tiramisu lover, if you visit Rome you must try at least one.
If you try only one place, I recommend Two Sizes — according to TripAdvisor it’s the best place in the city for tiramisu.
They have only five flavors: original, pistachio, strawberry, peanut butter and caramel. The large size costs €4 and the small €3. I’m not a tiramisu fan, so I ate mostly the middle cream and it was dreamy.
L’Antico Salumaio
Near the Vatican, you’ll find a small deli with a very kind owner who makes amazing sandwiches. He slices the cured meats right in front of you, so you know they’re fresh, and he helps you choose what you want with a smile and the few English words he knows.
We paid €8 for a huge sandwich, which he cut in half for us to eat easily. Inside it had mortadella, truffle, arugula, stracciatella cheese and a sauce.
Nannarella
In the Trastevere area, which locals prefer, as I mentioned, we visited Nannarella, a restaurant with delicious food.
We ordered one last carbonara before returning to Athens, and it was the best one I had on this trip. We also had an irresistible pinsa margherita.
Pinsa is the Roman version of margherita pizza — crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, thanks to a blend of flours (such as wheat, rice and soy) and a long, 24-hour fermentation.
You can tell it apart because it isn’t round — it’s smaller, thinner and oval-shaped. Regardless of the shape, what mattered was the taste — and it was perfect.
Fior di Luna
For one last gelato, we went to Fior di Luna in Trastevere, where I had nocciola gelato again (hazelnut) — and it was excellent.
We also ordered a cream-filled cornetto with chocolate chips, but honestly, I didn’t like that one.
If you want to see more from my trip to Rome, visit my profile on Instagram.
