I recently spent five incredible days in Rome, Italy, with my friend S♡, who lived in the city for a while and travels there frequently. S♡ was the ideal tour guide, thanks to her in-depth knowledge of the city and its treasures. I was incredibly grateful for her company and the way she effortlessly navigated me through Rome’s rich history and vibrant culture. We spent our days sightseeing, exploring historical landmarks and indulging in the city’s delicious Italian cuisine. Despite the sweltering heat of around 33°C, the experience was delightful. The trip was not just about visiting Rome for the first time but also about reconnecting with my dear friend from Singapore. Rome not only checked off my bucket list but also quickly became one of my top favorite cities. It was a trip that left me with lasting memories in one of the most captivating places in the world. I will definitely be back for the truffles and gelato hehe!

Day 1:
Our journey from Zurich landed us at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, and with our late arrival, we decided to skip lunch. Instead, we indulged in a creamy gelato, a sweet start to our Roman adventure. It was the perfect treat to keep us satisfied until dinner.

With our tummies happy, we set out to explore Rome on foot. The city’s timeless charm greeted us as we wandered through its historic streets, taking in the sights and sounds. We dined at my friend’s favorite restaurant (Ristorante Carlo Menta) in Trastevere. I chose the Menu del Giorno, which was an excellent value at €18. The meal started with a delightful bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes, followed by a classic spaghetti carbonara and a capricciosa salad. I finished off with a creamy creme caramel for dessert. My friend went with her favorite dish: Penne Carlo Menta. This specialty came with penne pasta in a creamy sauce with peas and meat, and she loved it as it brings back old memories.

To cap off our day, we strolled along the Tiber River, where the summer pop-up bars were in full swing. The lively atmosphere and cool evening breeze made for a perfect end to our first day in Rome.

Day 2:
On our second day, we visited the Vatican Museum. We arrived around 10:15 and tried to get tickets by standing in line. After waiting for quite a while with no progress, we spontaneously decided to buy tickets online for the next available slot. Conveniently, there were QR codes and links posted everywhere along the railing where we were waiting. Luckily, we managed to snag tickets for the 11am entry.

The museum itself was stunning, both inside and out. The intricate statues, beautiful paintings and small details in every corner were mesmerizing. There were so many different rooms to explore, each more fascinating than the last. Visiting the Vatican Museum was definitely one of the highlights of the trip.

Afterward, we had lunch and continued walking around the city, soaking in more of Rome’s sights. Later, we returned to Trastevere to meet up with my friend from Singapore and with S♡’s friend, who is living in Rome. It was a lovely gathering and we enjoyed chatting as a group. The day ended on a warm and pleasant note, full of great company, conversation and gelato :)

Day 3:
Today was another scorching day in Rome, so staying hydrated was a must! Luckily, there are fountains scattered all over the city providing cold, drinkable water. I was genuinely surprised by how refreshing it was. S♡ even taught me a clever trick for when you don’t have a bottle: wash your hands under the flowing water, then block the spout with your finger. The water will then shoot out from a small hole on top, creating a perfect mini fountain to drink from!

We made our way through the city, revisiting the Trevi Fountain, and then on to the Pantheon, Colosseum, and Villa Borghese, a peaceful park that gave us some much-needed shade. There is something I forgot to mention: sadly, many of Rome’s landmarks are being renovated ahead of the 2025 Jubilee, which was a bit of a letdown, but we made the best of the day.

Dinner was at Ristorante La Canonica, where the spaghetti was served right in the pan – a fun touch! To top off the evening, I had gelato (again, of course) and we ended the evening at Mr. Brown Pub, a nostalgic spot from S♡’s old days.

Day 4 & last Day:
On our final day before heading back, we visited the Basilica. The wait was about 30-45 minutes as far as I can remember (best to go early). We climbed up to the Cupola and explored inside the Basilica. It was absolutely enormous – just to give you an idea, St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City could fit 60’000 people standing! It is also home to Michelangelo’s Pietà, one of his most famous sculptures.

After sightseeing, we had a light lunch at Pasta in Corso, where I had the best Caprese salad ever. We then indulged in ice cream at the nearby Della Palma Gelateria, which boasts around 150 flavors. Next, we visited Pompi for some delicious tiramisu – yes, I sampled everything I could before heading home, even if I was full haha! I capped off the day with shopping at CONAD and Carrefour for last-minute souvenirs.

For our final dinner, we went to Piazza Navona, where I enjoyed a delicious pizza with S♡ and my friend from Singapore. Although Della Palma didn’t have my desired chestnut flavor, a quick Google search led me to Campini, known for its outstanding marron glacé ice cream. It did not disappoint! It was absolutely fantastic and a perfect end to our Roman adventure!

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Accommodation

My friend suggests staying in the Trastevere area for hotels because it’s known for its charming atmosphere, lively nightlife, and excellent dining options, while still being conveniently accessible to major attractions.

Casa Mia in Trastevere Roma
Via della Renella, 88/90
00153 Roma RM, Italy
+39 06 8697 4870

Important note:
The hotel had a great location and the staff were very friendly. Be aware that not everyone speaks English, and unfortunately, the internet wasn’t working during our stay. We also didn’t have single beds, even though that had been confirmed. The breakfast was simple but very good. If you arrive in the early afternoon, you might need to make a phone call as the reception might not be staffed. Keep this in mind when booking.

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Useful Travel Tips for Rome, Italy

Currency
The currency of Rome is the Euro, abbreviated as EUR and often symbolized by the “€” sign. One Euro is around 0.93 CHF / 1.11 US dollars (09.2024).

Adapter
In Rome the power plugs and sockets are of type C, F or L. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Transportation
atac.roma.it/en/tickets-and-passes
In Rome, ATAC offers various ticket options for public transportation, including single tickets, multi-ride tickets, and passes. We had the 7-day pass, which costs €24. This pass provides unlimited access to buses, trams and metro lines within the city for a full week, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for tourists and frequent travelers. The ticket does not cover travel between Rome city and Fiumicino Airport (buy a separate ticket, price is around 8 ~ 14 EUR)

Sightseeing & Attractions
Rome’s attractions are spread out, so be prepared to do a lot of walking to fully experience the city’s rich history and landmarks!

• Colosseum – Ancient Roman amphitheater known for gladiator contests.
• Pantheon – Well-preserved ancient Roman temple with a stunning dome.
• Trevi Fountain – Iconic Baroque fountain where visitors toss coins for good luck.
• Vatican City – Home to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.
• Spanish Steps – Famous staircase leading from the Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church.
• Piazza Navona – Elegant square featuring the Fountain of the Four Rivers.
• Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore – One of Rome’s major basilicas with impressive mosaics.
• Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano – The oldest and highest-ranking basilica in Rome.
• Castel Sant’Angelo – Historic fortress with panoramic views of the city.
• Campo de’ Fiori – Vibrant market by day and lively square by night.
• Villa Borghese – Large park with museums, gardens, and a lake.
• Capitoline Hill – Historic hill with museums and a panoramic view of the Forum.
• Trastevere – Charming neighborhood known for its narrow streets and vibrant nightlife.
• Rome’s Cat Sanctuary– Located in the Largo di Torre Argentina, this sanctuary is home to a large number of stray cats and offers a unique experience for animal lovers.

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Fun Facts Rome

• Ancient Origins: Rome is over 2,700 years old and was founded in 753 BC.
• The Vatican City: The smallest independent state in the world, it’s located entirely within Rome and is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Famous Fountain: The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most famous landmarks, and legend says if you throw a coin into it, you will return to Rome. Throwing two coins means you will fall in love with an Italian and three coins signify marriage!
• Historic Roads: The saying “All roads lead to Rome” is based on the ancient Roman road network, which was incredibly extensive and well-engineered.
• Language Legacy: Latin, the language of the Romans, is the basis for many modern languages, including Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Romanian.
• Tipping in Rome: If you want to give a tip to a waiter in Rome, it’s best to do so with cash. Most places don’t accept tips by credit card.
• Free Drinking Water: Rome is known for its many public drinking water fountains, called “nasoni,” which are scattered throughout the city. The water is fresh and safe to drink.
• Taxis vs. Uber: In Rome, taking a taxi is usually cheaper than using Uber, especially for shorter trips. Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or found at designated taxi stands.
• Bus Punctuality: Buses in Rome are known for being less punctual compared to other major cities. It’s common for them to run late, so it’s a good idea to plan extra time when using public transportation.
• Cappuccino Etiquette: In Rome, cappuccino is typically enjoyed only in the morning. Ordering one in the afternoon is considered unusual, as Italians prefer espresso after meals.
• Spaghetti Rule: Never cut spaghetti with a knife! Italians believe pasta should be twirled around the fork. Cutting it is a big no-no in Italian dining culture.
• Church Dress Code: When visiting churches in Rome, it’s important to cover your knees and shoulders. This rule applies to both men and women, especially in sacred sites like St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Jubilee 2025: Rome will host the Jubilee in 2025, a special holy year in the Catholic Church that happens every 25 years. Millions of pilgrims are expected to visit the city, which will be full of special events and religious celebrations.