Rome Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: Where to Stay & Top Things to Do
Finding your Footing in the Eternal City
Having visited Rome more than any other European city, the endless charm and ancient mystique felt among the ruins never ceases to amaze me. Streets and structures that have withstood the test of two thousand years impress and intimidate to this day, with giant stone arches and looming columns as beautiful now as they were in the 1st century. A rare gem of a city where the traditional food is as desired, if not more, than the city itself, Rome truly is a one-of-a-kind feast for all 5 of the senses. Almost all experiences on any given day as a tourist will be playfully cliche and refreshingly iconic. From the smells of the tiny pizzerias that dot every avenue, to the sounds of the street performers playing classic Italian tunes, to the colors of the ancient stones that glow bright in the afternoon sun, Rome is the epitome of the quintessential European experience.
Top 3 Neighborhoods to Stay in Rome
1. Trastevere - Our next Trip’s Choice
Located across the river from the Historic Center, Trastevere is a more quaint neighborhood just south of the Vatican. Known for it’s laid-back vibes in comparison with the more famous areas, the classic cuisine and cafes with outdoor seating have a more genuine feel in this part of the city. Narrow cobblestone streets and beautiful rustic restaurants, shops and studios adorn the narrow blocks that may have you pulling up Zillow after a few short hours there. Next time in Rome, we plan on choosing this area for it’s calming charm and authentic atmosphere.
Booking ahead online is an easy way to know exactly what is included in your package. Viator has been consistently reliable from Europe to Latin America to Southeast Asia, and offers no shortage of standard walking tours, exciting day-trips, and eclectic classes on local culture, from pasta-making to pottery painting. During our European jaunt, we stuck with Viator for it’s variety and ease. If rolling the dice upon arrival is more your speed, you will have options, though those seeking a specific experience may not want to rely on this approach. Of course, the hotel front desk is never a bad option for getting a local’s advice on the best tours in town.
Top 5 Sites to See in Rome
1. The Coliseum
Anyone who grew up watching GLADIATOR will surely have the Coliseum at the top of their Rome bucket list. One of the most recognizable stadiums in the world, ancient entertainment unfolded here like Lambeau Field and Fenway Park do today. When searching for any type of tours, the results from google are overwhelming, and there is the added worry in a foreign land of being scammed. Though we often have luck finding a tour at any given site the day of, I wanted to be sure the tour included going down to the floor of the Coliseum. Having visited twice before, I was bummed to learn that only designated tour groups are allowed to actually go down to where gladiators and lions fought it out.
Where to stay in Rome
Rome, as a whole, is a genuine tourist hub. Though that may sound like a turn-off for more seasoned travelers, the ancient aesthetic and easy-going atmosphere of Southern Italy instantly soothes any feelings of jet-lag or homesickness. It’s hard to go wrong when choosing an area to stay, so long as you’re nearby one of the many tourist sites scattered throughout the city. Although choosing your favorite landmark and setting up shop near there is a practical and admirable tactic, choosing a neighborhood at random in a city such as this is a fun way to to discover areas you might not otherwise have thought to check out. Whether you land in Trevi near the fountain or Ponte along the Tiber, one is never more than a few minutes walk to some of the most magnificent monuments of the Ancient World.
2. Trevi - For First-Timers
If it’s your first time in Rome, and your goal is to see as much as humanely possible, Trevi would be my recommendation. Located in the Heart of the Centro Historico, the busy streets of this popular area has an inspiring energy that make one want to see the sites ASAP, regardless of jet-lag. Though it can be a bit noisier, Rome as a whole is not known for obnoxious partying or ear-aching nightlife. Still, from sunrise to midnight the streets will be quite busy and restaurants and cafes fairly full with travelers from all over the world. Nonetheless, this is quintessential Roma, an excellent choice to stay for those finally crossing the Eternal City off of their bucket list.
3. Pigna - Our Personal Choice
After the “paralysis by analysis” that often accompanies my search for the perfect spot, we finally settled on the Pigna neighborhood in the Centro Historico (Historic Center) of Rome, which encompasses the areas around the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, And Piazza Navona. Our hotel was located directly behind the Pantheon on a quiet block void shops or restaurants. We stayed at the Le Clarisse al Pantheon, and found the accommodations clean and cozy, with the main square of the Pantheon only a 2 minute trek from out hotel steps, and ideal blend of atmosphere and location.
How to Sightsee in Rome
Never will you ever be as busy sightseeing, as you will be when you go to Rome. From ancient stadiums to pagan churches to the hotel you’re staying in, everywhere you go is a testament to the ages, and a marvel of human capabilities. Deciding on what to see, and where to start, can be just as agonizing as it is amazing. Prioritize what most appeals to you and spare no expense in picking out the tours. We quickly discovered that regardless of the destination, a tour of some fashion is almost always beneficial. It is a waste of time to visit these incredible monuments, and have zero information on what they are, or why they are important. Free walking tours are our favorite, though of course a modest (or generous) tip is customary at the end of such tours. Audio-guides in museums are also a personal preference, where the ability to go at your own pace makes the outing more relaxed and fluid. Occassionally, even a cheap ride on public transit can be a fun way to wrap your head around the layout of a new city.
3. The Vatican
Located in the Northeast corner of Rome across the Tiber River, Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, and the seat of one of the very few absolute monarchies in the world, it’s leader a Chicago-native who roots for the White Sox. Regardless of religion, any visitor to the Holy Sea cannot help but be amazed at the scale of the grandeur and the variety of the artistic achievements. Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, is free, and open every day from 7AM to 7PM, except Wednesday mornings when the Papal Audience limits access until noon. Tickets to the Vatican and top of the Dome can be purchased on site, though time slots do sell out, especially in the peak season.
2. Piazza Novana/Campo D’Fiori
If sitting sipping espresso and wine in between shopping is more speed, an ideal area is the Piazza Navona and it’s surrounding blocks . A long, oval shaped square with beautiful fountains surrounded by old world shops, kiosks, and eateries, the tiny side streets that shoot off of the large, open plaza lead to even more options for cute stores and small, local restaurants. We particularly enjoyed this area late at night, when the crowds began to wane and the dinner rush gave way to late night drinks, desserts, and gentle strolls around the square. Here is where you can also visit the small but informative Rome Museum, a lesser known but practical attraction for getting your bearings on Rome’s history and geography. If you could care less about that, we also ate here and had the most basic, delicious meal of caprese salad and spaghetti carbonara. Sometimes, the simplest decision is also the wisest.
Purchasing ahead of time online will ensure a smooth day with no disappointments. The top of the Dome requires some moderate physical ability, as it is a narrow spiral staircase several flights up with no elevator. To see the Sistine Chapel, one needs to purchase Museum tickets and traverse the entire length of it to view the iconic ceiling at the end. It is a beautiful experience, though be prepared to do just as much walking as one would do out on the streets.
4. Trevi Fountain/Spanish Steps
An indispensable stop on your Roman Holiday, the Trevi Fountain is worth the hype, despite being one of the densest tourist areas in the city. Unless arriving around daybreak, it is a jam-packed plaza filled with avid tourists elbowing their way to the water to toss a coin and snap a pic. Unlike many of the fabled tourist traps in the world, the Trevi fountain is one that, in my humble opinion, actually lives up to the hype. The scale and artistry are even grander in person, with the sheer size of the fountain more immense than I remembered from the first time I saw it. Nestled conveniently in the Centro Historico, the half hour or so of shoving and admiring can easily be followed by shopping, eating, or further sightseeing near the Spanish Steps, which gives you very nice views of the city from it’s top.
Our Coliseum tour not only included floor access, but also a tour of the Forum and Palatine area. Our tour guide escorted us across the grounds before giving us thorough descriptions on the many ruins, and in some cases still intact buildings, that have survived through the millenia. It being February, the sun was already setting and the air was a brisk 55 degrees Fahrenheit. It was a very chilly, but pleasant way to take in the ruins of Rome. After our tour completed around 5PM, we wandered some more around the palace courtyards atop the Palatine before heading back into the city for a nice, warm meal, the temperature well below 40 degrees by the time it was dark. One of our favorite spots to warm up in was an Irish Pub a short walk from the forum. No matter where we’ve gone in the world, we’ve often found a reliable, friendly pub serving up staples and hosting wayward westerners such as ourselves. Always a safe bet.
5. The Forum/Palatine Hill
Though overshadowed by the Coliseum, The Roman Forum and adjacent Palatine Hill, the former imperial palace perched on the highest part of the city, is truly like stepping back in time. Acres covered in ancient temples and columns trace the outline of the original gathering place for the senate and people of Rome. Again, free access is useless without a knowledgable guide who can offer a full education on the ruins found there, and the historical events that unfolded at these sites. It is enthralling and humbling to stand next to the site where some of the most well-known people in history and lived and died. As with most spots, mid to late mornings will be fairly crowded, though even two thousand years ago the same could be said.
The Eternal Appeal of Rome; A Classic Fan Favorite
Whether a veteran of European travels, or a first-timer overwhelmed by your first trip to the Old World, Rome is timeless in it’s antique beauty and ever-lasting energy. Excited tourists and friendly locals make one feel as if they’ve finally come home, no matter their country of origin. From fresh slices of pizza, to ancient sports stadiums, to the greatest works of art in history, to the best shopping in all of Europe, the appeal and pleasure prolific throughout Rome makes it the gold standard for the Western World. The undisputed envy of every other culture, Rome’s eternal appeal has only just begun.