Rome isn’t just a city—it’s a drama, a romance, and a buffet rolled into one. From the second we stepped off the train, it felt like we were walking through a historical fever dream... except instead of sandals and togas, we were in sneakers and wildly underestimating how many carbs we were about to consume.
Let’s start with the Colosseum. This ancient beast is Rome’s pride, and she knows it. Entry is around €16, but we booked a guided tour with access to the underground arena and the Roman Forum for about €25–€30, and honestly? Worth it. Standing in that arena, we could almost hear the roar of the crowds (or maybe that was just our stomachs growling). Right next door, the Roman Forum is a walk through time—think “ancient Instagram,” where emperors once strutted and gossiped.
From there, we made our way to Palatine Hill—which sounds like a Game of Thrones kingdom but is actually where Rome was founded. It offers the best panoramic views of the Forum below, and climbing it almost counted as our workout for the day (if we didn’t stop every 3 minutes to take photos).
Next up: the Trevi Fountain. We joined the crowds of tourists flinging coins into the water with the grace of caffeinated pigeons. Legend says if you throw one coin, you’ll return to Rome. Two coins? You’ll find love. Three coins? You’ll get married. I threw four just in case—Rome was working some kind of magic on me.
Then we hit the Spanish Steps, which are less about “stepping” and more about sitting, snacking, and people-watching. We sat there, gelato in hand (flavors: pistachio and hazelnut, always—€2.50 to €4 depending on the size), watching the sun dip behind rooftops while a guy nearby played “Volare” on his guitar. It was aggressively romantic.
And now—the Vatican. Technically its own country, so we added another passport stamp without leaving Rome. St. Peter’s Basilica is free to enter, but if you want to climb the dome (and you should), it’s €8 by stairs or €10 with the elevator. The views from the top? Heavenly. The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel entry is about €17–€21, depending on if you book online or join a skip-the-line tour (which you should, unless waiting in a two-hour line is your thing).
The Sistine Chapel is everything you expect and more. Michelangelo really did that. Just be aware: no photos, no talking, and absolutely no pretending you're part of the ceiling restoration crew.
Let’s talk food—because Rome’s cuisine will haunt your dreams in the best way. We ate cacio e pepe (pasta with pecorino and pepper), carbonara, and amatriciana like it was a competitive sport. A solid pasta dish at a good trattoria ranges from €10–€14. Our favorite was Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 in Trastevere—be prepared to wait, but the creamy carbonara will make you weep into your wine.
And speaking of wine—house wine is a thing here, and it’s not just drinkable, it’s delicious. Most places serve it by the liter (yes, you read that right) for €5–€8. It’s cheaper than water and probably holier.
We couldn’t leave without a stop at Campo de' Fiori for some snacks and souvenirs (spices, olive oil, limoncello), and we got lost in Piazza Navona watching street performers and debating if we should move to Rome forever. Spoiler: we still might.
By night, we strolled along the Tiber River, watched the city glow under golden lights, and found ourselves in a random piazza drinking espresso at 10PM because in Rome, sleep is optional but carbs are not.
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In Summary:
Rome is loud, chaotic, gorgeous, and delicious. It’s a living museum where ruins peek out from traffic circles, and every meal is a spiritual experience. You’ll fall in love—either with a stranger, a plate of gnocchi, or a guy named Fabio who sells limoncello in a souvenir shop.
Either way, throw that coin in the fountain. You’re coming back.
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