If you haven't visited Rome yet then I would highly recomend it.
Following my trip to the Eternal City, I wanted to give people who havent been before some ideas on what to see whilst in Rome.
If you’re able bodied then I wouldn’t bother with the metro or buses, there is something to see on every corner so take comfortable footwear and wear off all the gelato (ice cream) and pasta you’ll be consuming on foot!
If you love marble as much as I do then you'll be in heaven, its everywhere!
During my stay the top places I visited were:
Vatican City –
One of the many unique qualities to Rome is that it holds a country within the city. It is not only the smallest country in the world, but it is also the wealthiest. Inside its walls hold the astounding St Peters Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. I’m not a religious person but I was astounded by the history, art and detail everywhere I looked. This beautiful spiral staircase is situated at the end of the Vatican Museum.
Pantheon –
2000 years old and still standingm where Raphael is laid to rest and the first King of Italy, the concrete spherical roof is a credit to the genius of ancient romans who built it.
Colosseum –
Needs no introduction, the ancient gladiatorial amphitheatre was the largest ever built, I would recommend seeing it lit up at night.
Altare della Patria –
Built in honour of the first king of a unified Italy Victor Emmanuel designed in 1885 and completed in 1925. This structure although more modern, is very impressive, there is a café with views over the Roman forum (see below) and an elevator which you can pay to go even higher for the best views over the city.
Roman Forum –
This is the centre of the ancient city of Rome where ancient government building and market place ruins remains.
Spanish Steps –
Currently under renovation, the 135 steps climb the steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti with the beautiful Trinità dei Monti church at the top.
Trevi Fountain -
Standing 86 feet high it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city. I expected the water to be dirty given the swarms of tourists visiting it but it is clear blue. Make sure you toss a coin into the fountain and make a wish.
If all else fails or you've had enough of the history, then theres plenty of designer shops like Burberry, Prada, Gucci and Michael Kors at the bottom on the Spanish Steps!
Remember:
- Take comfortable shoes – trainers are probably best, the streets are cobbled and you will do a lot of walking.
- At restaurants the food does not come generally with sides included. This means that when looking at the menu you need to factor in the price of your salad or vegetables, bread etc.
- Pizzas don't come with pepperoni! Italians stick to toppings such as cottage cheese, fish and salami.
- Some motorists will stop for you at pelican crossings, others wont even if there is a green man!
And lastly, enjoy!
Ax
Outfit details:
Earrings - ASOS
Roll neck top - Zara
Bag - Michael Kors
White dress - Missguided
Watch - Daisy Dixon
