Rome in a Day?!

I first went to Paris (yes Paris....hear me out) when I was 7 years old. My mum won a trip with work and my Nan couldn't go with her, so she took me. From that moment, it was my favourite place in the world. I have visited over 25 countries across the world since I went to Paris and I have never loved somewhere more...until now. 

Earlier this month I went to Italy on a girls trip. We stayed in Naples for 3 nights (future blog incoming), but decided to take the fast train to Rome on our last day. We had contemplated taking a day trip down the Amalfi coast instead, but the train was only just over an hour, so Rome it was. What a decision we made.

We booked our tickets in advance with Italo, and business class was just over £42pp return. We received a drink and snack on each journey too. The trains were spacious, clean and really comfortable. It wasn't a very scenic journey, but little did we know what was really waiting for us at the other end. 

For the entire day we relied on Google maps to direct us where we needed to go. I had done some research beforehand to work out the best way to tackle it so we could see as much as possible. We knew we likely wouldn't have time to go in anywhere properly, but as we only had a day we were happy to see the sights, have an Aperol or two, and keep going.

We started off with the one and only Colosseum, and it really is as magnificent as it looks. I had heard it can be quite underwhelming from the outside, but honestly I just did not feel that. It is absolutely huge and from outside you can get some fantastic viewing spots for free. 

After the Colosseum we made our way to the Basilica de San Pietro in Vincoli, which is where the incredible Moses by Michaelangelo is situated. It was honestly such an amazing piece of art and was really breath-taking to see. Everyone was so quiet, just taking in the craftmanship and concept of how old this piece of art was. 

On our way to the Trevi Fountain we stopped for a drink and bruschetta at a gorgeous outdoor patio cafe and they were serving pasta in pans, it was fabulous! I had a food goal for my time in Italy - pasta, pizza, bruschetta, risotto and tiramasu.

The Trevi Fountain was absolutely beautiful but empty due to cleaning! I was honestly so sad, but it is still really amazing to see. Since coming home I have learnt so much about the ancient waterworks which run the Trevi Fountain, and I'd love to see that.

The whole area is surrounded by really pretty shops and bars, including the Rooftop Bar at Hotel Cesari which was absolutely stunning. The views were amazing and we were so lucky to have such sunny weather, cosidering it had been raining the week before, so the whole experience was so relaxing. Although a little pricey (€8 for a cranberry juice) it was well worth it.

We headed on after a bit of shopping and rest to the Pantheon. Nothing prepares you for how busy it is in the square, but also how huge it is! Visiting inside the Pantheon is absolutely something I want to do, but I have now noted to get there VERY early! The queues were spiralling around the square. Also, although we didn't actually eat there, there were so many great looking restaurants surrounding the Pantheon. Talk about lunch with a view?!

After this, we decided to head to the Spanish Steps. This was our last stop before we headed further out of the centre. Although this was a bit of a walk compared to the other sites, no-one tells you how pretty the whole of Rome is. Every single side street is so charming, and there are so many classic Italian quirks. From eateries, to stationery stores, to gift shops and art galleries, there is not an inch of this city that I saw that wasn't beautiful.

Completely by accident we happened upon Via dei Condotti which is famous for it's shopping. The Spanish Steps were just at the end, but of course I had to pit stop at Tiffany's for a picture.

I was warned the Spanish Steps may be crowded, and I'd say they were, but not to the point we couldn't get a quick snap! The fountain at the bottom of the steps is so pretty, and the whole view up the steps is mesmerising. People were enjoying walking up or down, having a drink or even just having a rest, though it was absolutely a sun trap! It was roughly 27° by this point, and so so hot! I have since learned you actually aren't allowed to eat, drink or sit on the Spanish Steps - the police patrol and you can be fined. I will say there were police present but lots of people were doing these things and not being reprimanded. However, always best to respect the rules and not take the risk! 

Finally, we made our way to the Vatican City, which is actually an independent sovereign state, meaning it is it's own country, and it's actually the smallest in the world covering just 0.49 km². En route we stopped for seafood risotto and enjoyed picking up some souvenirs for friends and family. When we arrived at the Basilica de San Pietro we could not believe the queues to get through security to the Sistine Chapel, and given it was later in the day we decided to just enjoy the centre and sit by the fountain. 

At the end of the day we decided to get the metro back to the train station, since we had walked over 10 miles and 25,000 steps across the day! The metro is such a great way to get around, and the tickets are so cheap at just €1.50 each way. I'm sure there will be day passes and other options available but given how little we used it, we didn't really see a need. 

Overall, with the exception of transport, we did not spend a penny on anything other than food, drink and souvenirs. Everything we saw was completely free as we didn't go inside any sites or do any guided tours. We had the most wonderful day and I was absolutely mesmerised by one day in this beautiful city. 

Just 3 days after I returned home I booked to go again in May 2027, solely to Rome for 3 nights instead of a day trip. I would really love to re-visit some of the places above but also see some new sights which I didn't manage to see. Rome has so much to offer, and I feel like I have only scratched the surface!

Love, Beth x