Rome is undeniably one of the European cities that is rich in history and culture. For newbie travelers, we want to see all the famous attractions, yet, with limited time, it's almost impossible to squeeze in every place. Well, this blog post is for you who plan to visit the Eternal City for the first time and are still looking for itinerary ideas.

Rome By Foot: 4-Day Itinerary, Newbie Friendly

Get to know the area that surrounds your hotel and the nearest metro station, and ask for assistance in the reception area. The best way to travel around the city is by foot and metro. So that goes to the first must-do- purchase a ticket. For convenience and money-saving tips, purchase the 72 hours Ticket that costs around 18€ which is valid for 72 hours from the time you bought it. Well, if you decide to walk more, you can also buy single tickets for 1,50€ if you plan to travel farther sometimes. I stayed at Hotel Archimede during my vacation (this is not a sponsored post), strategically located - near the Termini metro station, grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants. Most establishments in Rome accept cards and cash. 

Explore first the city's crowdest places:  Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. 

These areas are fully packed during the day which is quite challenging to get any decent photos or appreciate the ancient infrastructure. To get the best view, try to visit early at 6:00 a.m. when there are only a couple of people but expect at 7:00 a.m. to see a crowded Trevi Fountain. 

Next day: Roman Forum, Colosseum, Monument of Victor Emmanuel II

Forum Romanum is ancient Rome's city center, which for centuries was continuously built and beautified. Inspired by Greek's agora, Romans held public meetings, law courts, and gladiatorial combats in this city center. Some remaining structures of the ancient city can still be seen today such as the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the Temple of Romulus, and the Cloaca Maxima. Just east of Roman Forum, Colosseum was built by the empire to revitalize Rome after the turbulent years in 69 CE. Built between 70 CE and 72, Emperor Vespasian intended the Colosseum as an entertainment venue, for gladiator battles, and animal hunts.

Not far from the Colosseum and Roman Forum is the Monument of Victor Emmanuel II, the first King of unified Italy. The huge building is made of white marble located between Capitoline Hill and Piazza Venezia and at the top, you can have an eye bird's view of Rome. With extra time, visit the Museum of Risorgimento which houses historical memorabilia of unified Italy.

A day in another country: the Vatican City State

Just a few metro stops, you will be in the Vatican  City where the largest catholic church in the world can be found, St. Peter's  Basilica. In front of St. Peter's Basilica, baroque statues of 162 saints stand in a circle at the top of the colonnade.  Vatican Museum holds most of the famous artworks and the Sistine Chapel's famous ceiling frescoes by Michaelangelo. Entering the chapel can be surprisingly awesome but crowded. Aside from its magnificent interiors, the traditional gathering at which the successor of the deceased pope is elected also happens here. Furthermore, frescoes rooms can be found also in the museum, such as the Renaissance frescoes made by Raphael:  Hall of Constantine, Room of Heliodorus, Room of the Signatura, and Room of the Fire in Borgo.

Rome is also home to magnificent churches that holds a lot of history. Whether you are a devoted Christian or architectural enthusiast, Roman churches are a must-visit. The first stop would be the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore which is also one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. This Papal Church holds a solemn celebration every 5th of August that recalls the Miracle of the Snows- you will witness the white petals cascading and blanketing the hypogeum during this time as part of the celebration. 

San Pietro in Vincoli Basilica is on the list too, where St. Peter's chain is housed and the famous Moses statue by Michaelangelo ( the tomb of Pope Julius II: “Moses”). And then, visit the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside The Walls (one of the four major Papal Basilicas in Rome) where the apostle Paul was buried and all of the Popes' frescoes portraits can be found.

Rome By Foot: 4-Day Itinerary, Newbie Friendly

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