Roma My Top 10 Activities and why
Hi everyone!
We're back today with a TOP 10 Activities in Roma ! The capital city of Italy, where the Roman Empire started and where you will find one of the 7 Wonders of the World ;)
Let's get started:
1 - How to come to Roma
Train, bus, car, plane, the city is accessible by any means!
The train station is located in the center not far from the monuments, and the airport is 30min away by train from the center. It's very accessible.
2 - How to get around Roma
Frankly, you will walk through the whole city. Wherever your hotel may be, at the train station, the Fountain, in front of the Colosseum, you will never use public transport. Why? The only monument a bit far from the center is the Vatican. The price of local transport for your whole stay won't be worth it even if you have to take 1 or 2 buses on the spot.
3 - Which pass should I choose?
So, if you like to visit a lot of monuments, which let's be honest, there is a great amount of in Roma, you will probably think about getting a City Card. There are 3 City Cards you will find, and here is what I would suggest getting according to your plans :
- Roma Tourist Card
My favorite one personally. One, because it's the only one you'll get directly on your phone and not have to get it when you arrive to the city in a tourist office. Two, because it doesn't have public transport which as I told you I mostly find useless. Three, because the main activities are included! I didn't get to use it for myself, but my boyfriend went there a few months after me with his mom and we got him this one, which they loved. When you buy it (on Tiqets), you can directly choose which day and time you want to do your visits. So half of your planning is already done. Be careful of the locations of every site and the time you will have to spend there. (for more information, ask me for a call ;)
- Omnia Pass
The most popular, it's the most expensive one and it includes the most entrances,
- Roma Pass
This one includes public transport, and just 2 entrances to museums, none which are the Colosseum or the Vatican. Basically, this one is your last resort if the other ones are out and you found yourself planning too late your trip or last minute, and even then, only if you reaaaaaaally need the transport ticket I would get it. Meaning, only if there is going to be a really bad weather and you don't want to walk under some rain. And even though, never ever take the metro at the train station. You'll have to wait at least 3 metros to get in, that's how much people there will be for this one at any time of day.
4 - Top 10 Activities in Roma
The Colosseum -
RESERVE IN ADVANCE! Very important, if you don't want to arrive and have to wait in line for hours, buy your entrance in advance with a defined date and time ;)
Roman Forum -
Book a combined ticket of the Colosseum + The Roman Theater. It will take you half a day to visit (around 3 hours, and I would recommend getting a guide or at least an audioguide to tell you the stories inside ;) It's great to be there for cute pics, but if you enter, at least take the time to listen to the history, your entrance will be way more worth it that way trust me. Walking around in ruins is something you can do in any old city
Trevi Fountain -
If you want the place to yourself, you know the drill it's early in the morning or late a night. I did the mistake of going during the day, and we barely had the place to take a pic (on which we were definitely not alone), and there was no way to get close to the fountain (way too many people around). Sooo no jokes, it's so crowded during the day.
The Pantheon -
One of the world's wonders :) It's a really nice architectural piece. You can book your entrance on any app, and you'll have to queue at the entrance. You also get an audio guide during the "visit". It's basically a really small type of church, and you'll make a round and take a sit to pray for a minute if you want. It's a short visit (10min tops) There are nice gelato shops around haha
The Vatican -
Did you know that the Vatican is situated in Vatican City which is actually a country on its own? It's basically the only thing a bit "out of the center" that you might need to take a bus to get to if you don't want to walk 30min. Be ready to spend also half a day on this side of the city! BOOK IN ADVANCE as well, you'll understand when you get in the front and see the huge line from the bottom of the Museum to the top ;) Be careful with the time, choose early in the morning or early in the afternoon, or like at 11am is fine because there is a restaurant inside so you can take a break and eat there :) There are different aprts to discover, and I would also recommend at least getting an audio guide or a real-life guide. It's a huge monument to visit trust me. Also, be careful of the clothes you are wearing if you're planning on entering the Sixtine Chapel, it's like any other church you have to respect the religious aspect and not wear too open clothes and too short stuff. The Chapel closes earlier than the Vatican, and in order to get there you will have to go all the way through an Egyptian Museum so count on 30min from the center of the Vatican. Therefore, be early. There also is a cute garden you can take the sun in :) Finally, you can send postcards from the Vatican post office! You can buy the postcards and stamps on the spot no worries. I found the idea really nice :)
Saint Pierre Basilic -
Next to the Vatican, don't miss visiting it when you are there!
Sant'Angelo Castel -
The Castel is on your way to the Vatican, before you cross the river back to the center :) It's a nice visit, you have a cute café there for a break and a really nice view of the city :) Definitely a spot for cute pics
Villa Borghese -
If you take the Roma Pass for example, you will have the possibility to visit this place. Careful you have to email them to get a spot and don't do it too late or you won
Spanish steps -
The spanish steps have a history - check it out before you get there to understand and take your best stairs poses ;) You'll be right next to some big brand shops, and the view at the top of the stairs is worth the hike haha
Palatine Hill
A walk worth the hike :) Add it extra to your journey if you still have time !
Where to stay?
Here are some recommendations of Hotels during your stay
And for you young broke or just solo travelers, some youth hostels as well :
Bonus Tips :
Try the local dishes like pizza on the spot, pasta cacio e pepe, and pasta carbonara (you won't have ever tried them like that trust me)
Hope you found useful and new information here, and book a call if you want more informations !
Anna the French Traveler <3
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