Rome is definitely one of the most romantic and talked about cities in the world. From rich history to incredible culture to amazing food, this Italian city has it all! My job has taken me to Rome twice so far and I am already eager to go back. Although it is a big city, I would say you don’t need more than a day or two to see and appreciate all the main attractions! Here is what I managed to do within my short 24-hour layover in August 2016.
We landed in Rome around 11:00 am. By the time we deplaned, cleared customs, and took our shuttle bus to the hotel it was about 1:00 pm. Usually, after working a long flight to Europe, the first thing I do is nap.. but this time my crew convinced me to go out right away. When we got to the hotel, we all went to our rooms, showered, changed, and got ready for a day of adventure.
Trevi Fountain
The first place we visited was Trevi Fountain. From our hotel, it was a nice 10-minute walk to Piazza di Trevi (and the weather was perfect!!). When we got to the fountain, there were so many people!! We had to wait forever just to get a picture and to throw a coin in (it was amazing nonetheless). The belief is that if you throw a coin in the fountain (with your back to the fountain, throwing the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder) it will ensure a return to Rome. And, believe it or not, I did end up flying back to Rome a few months later… coincidence?? (Hahaha!)
After throwing our coins, we walked around for a little while. Piazza di Trevi is full of souvenir shops, restaurants, and kiosks selling delicious gelato (although you should buy your gelato on your way to or from the fountain because sellers at the piazza definitely jack up their prices). Trevi Fountain is definitely a must-see when visiting Rome.
Colosseum
The next thing on our list was the famous Colosseum. We could’ve walked from Trevi Fountain (20 mins approximately) but we decided to take a taxi because we were very short on time. When we got to the Colosseum, the sun was about to set and the lighting was breathtaking. It is such a special piece of architecture (makes you feel like you are going back in history).
A Few Fun Facts About The Colosseum
- Β The construction of the Colosseum started in 72 AD. Ten years later, in 80 AD it finally opened its doors. That means the amphitheater is almost 2000 years old!!
- Β It is said that (back in the days) it could hold between 50 000 and 80 000 spectators. It is the largest amphitheater in the world!
- There were many rooms and underground passages below the Colosseum where they kept animals and gladiators.
- Β The Colosseum is also known as Flavian Amphitheatre (Amphitheatrum Flavium in Italian).
- Β If you want to visit the inside make sure you go during opening hours: between 8:30 am and 7:00 pm.
Pantheon
After spending some time at the Colosseum, we decided to go for a nice dinner. We walked back towards our hotel and stumbled upon the Pantheon. There are many restaurants facing this gorgeous building (we ate at Da Claudia Ristorante). There was a man playing guitar, vendors in the street, and candles on all the tables (I felt like I was in a movie!!). We each ordered pasta, a full pizza, and a full bottle of wine… (when in Rome.. haha). The food was better than I ever could have imagined. If you go to Rome, you need to try pasta, pizza, wine, and gelato. Talking about gelato, we had some for dessert on our way back to the hotel (best gelato I’ve had in my life.. by far!).
It was an amazing day full of adventures. By the time I went to bed, I had been up for about 24 hours straight.. you can imagine I slept like a baby that night (cabin crew life is not always glamorous haha!!).
Vatican City
The next morning, one of my colleagues and I decided to wake up early and go to Vatican City before our flight back to Canada. We had breakfast in a cute little cafe next to the hotel then walked over to Vatican City (which was about 5 minutes from our hotel). We did not have enough time to go inside the Sistine Chapel but we walked around, took pictures, and talked to people. The best part was meeting locals and learning about the history of the Vatican City.
Things to know about Vatican City
- Ladies!! If you want to go inside the Sistine Chapel make sure you are wearing appropriate clothes. If your shoulders and knees are not covered you will not be able to go in!! Make sure you follow the dress code.
- The lineup to get inside the Sistine Chapel is always extremely long (allow enough time in your itinerary and be patient). To save time, book everything online!
- St Peter’s Basilica as well as St Peter’s Square are free. You have to pay to get into the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St Peter’s Dome but it costs less than 20 Euros.
The last thing we had on our list was to go check out the Spanish Steps. Unfortunately for us, they were under renovations at the time we went and most of it was closed (so we did not get to experience the full thing). Hopefully I can go see these famous steps one day.
If you are planning a trip to Rome,Β my best advice would be to wake up early. It is always a good idea to visit popular places early in the morning or late at night (you avoid the crowds.. and Rome gets extremely crowded!!). My favorite thing about Rome was definitely the food (I am a big foodie). I think every traveler should go visit this Italian city at least once in their lives. Go learn about history and religion, indulge in some world-famous gelato, and walk through one of the most romantic cities in the world!
Europe, Italy, Rome
Rome is a great city! I went there for a few days when I was 10 years old, however it was in December so it was very cold and raining the whole time. My family visited the colosseum, Roman forums, Vatican City, and took a day trip to Pompeii. It was all amazing!
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Hi Aurora! Thatβs awesome!! I wish I did a day trip to Pompeii too! Maybe next time I will add that to my list! ?
This post brought a lot of good memories!! I got to visit Rome like 4 years ago and really loved it!! Too bad the Spanish steps were being worked on. Although I would say that was the least awe thing that I did while in Rome so I wouldn’t say you missed much. Last month I went to London and was so stoked for a picture with Big Ben and it was under construction so that sucked, but it gives me a reason to go back haha
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Hi Wendy!! Youβre right it is always a bummer to travel when there is construction… but it gives us a good reason to go back!! Hopefully next time you will get that beautiful picture with Big Ben!! ?
I loved Rome when I visited years ago with my family. I really want to go back! Great info in your blog. ?
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Hello Aoife! Glad you liked Rome as much as I did!! Thank you for your comment! ?
Beautiful photos! I am so jealous and will have to make a trip soon!!
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Hi Erin!! Thank you so much! And yes.. you absolutely have to visit Rome soon!!!! ?
You are right, Rome is amazing and Italian food great! I went to Rome for 24 hours too in 2016 so I am planning to go back in May! Even if I had visited pretty much the same attractions as you I feel like you need to allow plenty of time in this city and no rush in order to get the real sense! Hope you will back soon again!
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Hello Valentini! I totally agree.. 24 hours is not enough time to get the real sense of Rome! Hopefully you will have more than 24 hours when you go back in May! Enjoy your trip! ?
Many Italians saying : You must 1 in your life visit Rome at least for 24 hours. I see you visited many places there. We been in Rome in February. Did you have a chance eat ice cream next to fountain ?
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Hello! Yes, I ate a lot of ice cream and gelato!! And I definitely had a delicious gelato at Piazza do Trevi! Glad to know you enjoyed Rome in February! Thank you for your comment ?
It’s great that you get to explore a city rather than just fly in and out. Love your pics, they bring back memories ?
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Hi Nichola! Visiting cities during my layovers is definitely the best part of my job!! Iβm glad you like my pictures!! Thank you! ?
Roma in a day is quite impossible to see, but if you have only that time well you did a great job!
The fact that you were there in August helped you a lot, didn’t have to deal with the traffic jam and all sort of other issue.
Happy that you enjoyed the city where i was born!
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Hi Simone! I agree, August was an amazing time to visit Rome and I enjoyed it very much! I think itβs pretty awesome that you were born in such a great historical city!! Lucky you! ?
Rome is so beautiful city, I was there with my husband for our honeymoon almost 10 years ago. Your post brings me beautiful memories, we should definitely repeat the trip. Love your photos, thank you for sharing ?
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Hello Vesna! What a perfect honeymoon destination… so romantic! Iβm happy to be bringing back memories! Hopefully you and your husband get to repeat the trip soon.. Rome is so amazing! ?
I can’t wait to visit Rome! This is a super helpful guide, especially the tips about starting off early. Thanks for sharing. π
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Hello Miranda! I canβt wait for you to visit Rome.. you will LOVE it!! Happy the tips were helpful! ?
Rome is one of my most favorite cities in the world! Great list here, I hope you also ate a lot of gelato!
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Hi Lissy! I agree, Rome is one of the best cities in te world!! And yes, I ate tons of gelato!! So so good ?
Really difficult to get bored in Rome. What an amazing city. Romans know how to party too
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Hello! Thank you for your comment!! Good to know that Romans know how to party.. maybe next time Iβll get to experience the night life! ?
Wow – Rome looks so beautiful! It’s defo on my list of places to visit. I’m interrailing Europe soon but I’m missing Italy out due to costs and it not fitting well into my route… but I’ll definitely be exploring there in the future! Thank you for the helpful tips π
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Hi Esther! Have so much fun interrailing Europe!! Hopefully you get to see Rome too one day! π
I’m from Italy and I loved this post! Very helpful tips for anyone visiting Rome. Also, I really love all the pictures you’ve taken!
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Hello Julia! Glad to know my post is also appreciated by locals!! π Iβm happy you like the post and the pictures! Thank you!
Rome is always so fun! These are great tips for trying to see as much as possible in a day, great for cruise passengers in port for a short time!
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Hi Stephanie! Yes, Rome is so fun!! π I agree, it would be the perfect guide for people with a short cruise stop! Iβm happy you like the post.
Reading this blog topic about Rome, reminded me why I want to go to Rome too.
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Hello Tom! Yes, you need to go to Rome! It is amazing! Hopefully this post inspires you to do so! π
I love Rome so much! I went there once and have been dreaming of going back ever since! I’m currently working on a blog post related to Rome on my blog http://wanderlizzy.wixsite.com/wanderlizzy lol the wanderlust is too strong!!
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Hey Lizzy! I’ve been to Rome twice and I already want to go back so I definitely understand the wanderlust haha!! Let me know when your blog post is up! ?