How would you describe ‘first love’? For me, it’s like strolling down the cobblestone streets of Rome, gelato in hand, taking in the breathtaking Roman architecture and watching life go by from the Spanish Steps. Over four days, Rome’s charm grew on me as I explored the ancient city on a scooter. It became my first love for European architecture and the first Italian city I ever visited. Since then, I haven’t stopped exploring Italy.
Florence, Venice, or Rome first?
When planning a trip to Italy, there are so many choices. Unfortunately, my vacation days were limited. After thinking it over for a while and being persuaded by a friend to choose Rome—partly because it’s the capital of Italy—I finally decided to book a flight from Paris to Rome. At that time, I just had a feeling that my trip to Rome would be an incredible adventure in Europe, and it was true! I even ended up extending my stay in Rome, shortening my time in Brussels and Amsterdam. While in Rome, I made sure to visit Vatican City and also stopped by Castel Gandolfo, a small town outside of Rome famous for the Pope’s summer residence and Lake Albano. I haven’t written about Vatican on this blog yet, but you can read the article I wrote for a newspaper here.
Exploring Rome, Italy: Throw Two Coins Over Your Left Shoulder and You’ll Find Love in Rome
Choosing Rome as the first stop in Italy was a perfect decision before exploring other cities. Not just because one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, the Colosseum, is in Rome, or because it’s the most popular tourist destination in Italy. But from the dawn of civilization until today, Rome has always been the most important city and the seat of government, leaving behind numerous cultural and architectural treasures that we can enjoy and admire while exploring Rome.
Rome’s grandeur began when it became the capital of the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic, and later the Roman Empire. I’ve loved Roman civilization ever since I watched the Spartacus TV series. How many times have I traveled somewhere just because of a TV show? I even planned an entire trip to the Balkans just to visit Dubrovnik, one of the main filming locations for Game of Thrones.
When the Western Roman Empire fell and Europe entered the Middle Ages, Rome became the capital of the Papal States, which ruled Europe for centuries until 1870. During this time, Rome’s appearance transformed into an artistic masterpiece. Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical buildings and artworks created by renowned artists have survived to this day. If you are an art lover like me, Rome will definitely spoil your senses. When Italy united and became the Kingdom of Italy (and later the Republic of Italy in 1946), Rome was also chosen as the capital.
Exploring Rome, Italy: How to Get There
My journey to Rome began at Orly Airport in Paris. I took EasyJet for a 2-hour flight to Fiumicino Airport in Rome. I don’t quite remember the ticket price, but I think it was around 1 million Rupiah (about €60). Orly Airport is a bit far from central Paris, so I had to take the metro for about 1.5 hours. EasyJet is a budget airline in Europe, but it wasn’t bad for a 2-hour flight.
Exploring Rome, Italy: Getting Around
Once I arrived at Fiumicino Airport, I headed straight to the bus stop outside the arrivals gate to continue my journey to Rome. The bus ticket cost €5, and the trip took about 55 minutes to reach Termini Station, Rome’s main station.
During my time in Rome, I never used public transport like the subway, bus, or tram. I went everywhere by scooter with a friend from Vietnam. However, Rome’s public transport is quite extensive, including subways, buses, and trams. The fastest modes are the subway and trams. Buses can be slower due to traffic congestion but can reach areas that the subway doesn’t. A single trip ticket costs €1.5.
You can also purchase a daily pass during your stay in Rome. This pass allows unlimited use of all public transport. A 1-day pass costs €6, a 3-day pass costs €16.5, and a 7-day pass costs €24. Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines at stations, newsstands, or vending machines. Other modes of transportation available in Rome include taxis, Uber, and bicycles.
Exploring Rome, Italy: Things to See & Do
1. Colosseum
Along with the Vatican, the Colosseum is Rome’s greatest tourist attraction. Six million people visit the Colosseum every year. Visiting it feels like traveling back in time to the Roman era.
Built by Emperor Vespasian and completed in 80 AD during the reign of Emperor Titus, the Colosseum—originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre—was used for rather brutal spectacles by today’s standards. Executions of prisoners, wild animal fights, and gladiator matches took place in this arena, which held over 50,000 people. When the Colosseum was inaugurated, Emperor Titus held 100 days of games, which led to the deaths of over 2,000 gladiators.
This Wonder of the Modern World remained active for over 500 years. In modern times, the Colosseum suffered damage from earthquakes, looting, and bombing during World War II. It was also once used as a church, a warehouse, and even a castle. If you plan to visit during your trip to Rome, it’s best to go early in the morning to avoid long lines. Or, you can buy a combined ticket at the Palatine Hill ticket office, where the lines are usually shorter. The combined ticket costs €12 and includes entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
2. Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Some travelers who aren’t into history or architecture might wonder, why go all the way to Rome just to see ruins? But the Roman Forum is only 500 meters from the Colosseum and is included in the combined ticket with the Colosseum and Palatine Hill, so it’s a must-see if you don’t want to miss out.
This complex was the political, social, and commercial hub during the Roman era. You can enter the Roman Forum from either Palatine Hill or the Arch of Titus, which is located right next to the Colosseum. Built since the 7th century BC, the complex contains the ruins of important Roman structures such as the Temple of Julius Caesar, the Temple of Saturn, the Curia (Roman Senate headquarters), the Tomb of Romulus (one of Rome’s founders), the Basilica of Maxentius (the largest building in the Roman Forum), and monuments like the Arch of Septimius Severus.
What caught my attention the most in the Roman Forum was the House of the Vestal Virgins, who tended the sacred fire in the Temple of Vesta. In ancient Rome, six young girls aged 6 to 10 were chosen to serve as priestesses for 30 years, tasked with keeping the sacred fire burning. If the fire went out, they were whipped. If they lost their virginity, they were buried alive. Scary, right?
Meanwhile, 40 meters above the Roman Forum is Palatine Hill. From there, you can view the Roman Forum from above and explore the remains of luxurious palaces that were built when Rome was still a Republic. Admission to the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill is included in the €12 combined ticket, which also covers entry to the Colosseum. It’s advisable to buy your ticket online or early in the morning to avoid long lines. Purchasing tickets at Palatine Hill is recommended since the lines there are usually shorter.
3. The Vatican
The Vatican is arguably my favorite part of Rome. It is the smallest country in the world, nestled within the city of Rome itself, and serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and the home of the Pope. I visited the Vatican during the Jubilee Year, and unsurprisingly, there were countless tourists and worshipers gathered around Piazza San Pietro (St. Peter’s Square). It took me nearly an hour just to get inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Fortunately, it was springtime, and while Italy is warmer than the Netherlands, the heat wasn’t unbearable.
St. Peter’s Basilica is truly breathtaking—stunning, elegant, and awe-inspiring. I was immediately amazed upon entering. The blend of Baroque and Renaissance architecture, along with the detailed frescoes, statues, and paintings, made the place feel incredibly luxurious. If I hadn’t been pressed for time, I would have lingered longer, absorbing every detail of the masterpieces created by Michelangelo, Bernini, and Leonardo da Vinci. The enchanting décor, combined with the gentle sounds of classical music, made me think that even the least religious person would feel a touch of spirituality in this sacred place.
Aside from St. Peter’s Basilica, other must-see parts of the Vatican include the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. I won’t delve into too much detail here, as I plan to write a separate article on the Vatican soon.
Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free, but tickets to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel cost €16. However, if you visit on the last Sunday of each month, you can enter for free.
4. Pantheon
Originally built as a temple dedicated to the Roman gods Mars and Venus, the Pantheon was later transformed into a church. Located not far from the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon is the best-preserved building from ancient Rome. Its most admired feature is its dome, with a central opening that serves as the building’s primary source of natural light.
The current Pantheon was built in 126 AD during Emperor Hadrian’s reign. The original Pantheon, constructed by Agrippa, was destroyed in a fire in 80 AD. In the early 7th century, the Pantheon was donated to Pope Boniface IV, who converted it into a church. Inside, you can find the tombs of Italian kings as well as that of Renaissance painter and architect Raphael, surrounded by other works of art. Admission to the Pantheon is free.
5. Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is always crowded with tourists, especially at night when couples flock to the site. This is likely due to the romantic legend associated with Rome’s largest fountain. The myth goes that if you throw one coin with your right hand over your left shoulder, you will return to Rome; two coins will help you find love, and three coins will lead to marriage. I tossed in two coins… what happened next? That’s a secret!
Because so many coins are thrown into the Trevi Fountain, it’s said that around €1 million is collected annually. The money is then used to support good causes.
The Trevi Fountain was completed in 1762 by Nicola Salvi and Giuseppe Pannini. If you plan to visit, try to go before lunch, as the fountain becomes increasingly crowded with tourists and couples taking pre-wedding photos as the day goes on. Visiting the Trevi Fountain is free.
6. Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are the perfect spot for people-watching in Rome. These steps, built in 1723, connect Piazza di Spagna at the bottom with Trinita dei Monti Church and Piazza Trinita dei Monti at the top. When I visited Rome, the Spanish Steps were under renovation, yet tourists still gathered on the unrenovated portions. Since 2019, sitting or eating on the 138 steps has been prohibited, with violators facing heavy fines.
Around the Spanish Steps, you’ll find several interesting landmarks, such as the Fountain of the Old Boat, the John Keats Museum, and Babington’s Tea Room & Restaurant. Don’t forget to stop by Via dei Condotti, an upscale shopping street lined with luxury fashion brands like Gucci, Prada, and Dior, as well as restaurants and bars.
7. Castel Sant’Angelo
If you’ve watched The Da Vinci Code, you’ll recognize Castel Sant’Angelo. This fortress was built as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum at the end of the 1st century AD. It has also been used as a prison and a residence for the Pope. Inside, there’s a secret passageway connecting the castle to the Vatican, constructed for the Pope to escape in emergencies. Castel Sant’Angelo has seven levels, and visitors can climb to the Terrace of Angels for breathtaking views of the city. Entry costs €7.
There are far too many landmarks in Rome to fit into one article! Besides the attractions I’ve mentioned, there are plenty more worth exploring during a visit to Rome, such as the iconic Piazza Navona with Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, the ancient Appian Way connecting Rome to Brindisi, hiking up Gianicolo Hill, exploring Trastevere, and of course, indulging in the city’s renowned cuisine. Sadly, I didn’t get to try many different types of Italian food, so I won’t be writing about that.
You might wonder if it’s even possible to travel to Rome given the uncertain times we’re living in. Well, let’s hope the world recovers by the end of the year, and we can all travel again. When that time comes, get ready to fly to Rome to experience the most romantic city in Europe—and don’t forget to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain. How many coins? That’s up to you.