Discover Rome's Iconic Landmarks
Chances are, if you’ve seen a movie set in Rome, you’ve seen people running around the city in Vespas, eating gelato and taking pictures in front of its most iconic landmarks. But since we’re talking about real life, we know that it isn’t as easy as spending an idyllic summer in this beautiful city… In fact, sometimes you’ll have very few days there. However, that doesn’t mean that you cannot enjoy the hours that you have in the city, regardless of how few they are! Even one day is enough to get an excellent glimpse of the vibrant spirit of Rome, its electric atmosphere and the fact that it has one of the most amazing sceneries in the world.
Keep reading our blog to discover our idea of a perfect day in Rome, visiting some of its most iconic sights while simultaneously enjoying an authentic Italian experience. Now, since there’s so much to see and to do and so little time, be ready for a hectic day, although there are going to be peaceful and quiet moments. With this itinerary, you’ll understand why Rome is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and why it has been a global cultural and artistic epicenter.
The Colosseum is without a doubt Rome’s most popular landmarks, thanks to its imposing structure and its history of Roman greatness.
Continue Your Journey Through Rome
Well, your morning in Rome certainly had a great beginning, and now that you’ve seen its most iconic landmark, it’s time to move on and explore Rome’s other beautiful sights. To visit these sites, you’ll have to walk less than 20 minutes going from one place to the other, and the best part is that this stroll is just another excuse to keep falling in love with the breathtaking city that is Rome. Firstly, head over to the Trevi Fountain, also pretty popular with visitors, and one of the first parts of Rome that are filmed for movies and TV shows. Clearly, there’s a reason why it is the largest and most famous water feature of the city, and once you pay attention to the detail in the design, you’ll understand why. During the 18th century, Nicola Salvi created this rococo masterpiece filled with wild horses and mythical figures. Today, this is the place where you go to make a wish, which often ends up reflecting your desire to return to Rome some day.
Your walk continues in the Piazza Navona, located at the heart of the city’s historical center atop of an ancient Roman arena. It will seem as if you’ve entered into a delightful postcard, with elegant baroque architecture, picture perfect fountains, a domed church and of course, charming palazzi or mansions completing the picture. To complete your visit to the piazza, get some coffee at one of the local cafés and sit down to appreciate its tranquility and beauty. Since you’ve had time for a break, now you are well rested to end your morning sightseeing at the Pantheon, a 2000-year-old temple that is one of Rome’s best preserved ancient monuments. It was built in 125 AD by Emperor Hadrian and even today, its structure is recognized for its complexity and style, because its dome (with a 142 feet in diameter) is the largest in the world, and its giant columns and thick walls are impressive, specially from within since it is possible to appreciate how vast the Pantheon actually is.
Indulge in Rome's Culinary Delights
After such a well-stocked morning, time has come for lunch! Obviously, you have to have a typical meal from Rome, but the thing is, that it can have several faces. We have a couple of recommendations for you, but feel free to look out for the ideal place for you. If you’re in Italy, of course pizza should be on your menu, so head over to Roscioli Forno, to enjoy an authentic large tray of Roman-style pizza. Is there something better than thin, crispy dough mixed with fresh tomato sauce and all kinds of toppings? We doubt it. Since the place is always pretty crowded, your best option might be to simply order your pizza for takeaway and eat it while you stroll around the area. If you’re set on sitting down and enjoying your meal, you can go to Enoteca Corsi, a family-run spot in the heart of Rome that has been feeding locals and tourists alike for over 80 years. During lunch, there’s a small menu of traditional Roman homestyle dishes, so feel free to choose the one that catches your attention. For example, one of this restaurant’s specialities is the baccalà (salt cod), which is oven-roasted or stewed with tomatoes. To start your meal, you can get the delicious pasta with chickpeas, or during the summer, the refreshing cold pasta with tomatoes and mozzarella. As its name suggests, this restaurant is an enoteca (that is, a wine shop), so you can accompany your food with the finest selection of wines available.
A must-see in Rome is the rococo spectacle of the Trevi Fountain, and when you visit, don’t forget to toss a coin and make a wish.
An afternoon immersed in Art and Culture:
You’re halfway through your day in Rome, and there’s still quite a lot to see. We think that your afternoon will be best spent surrounded by art. Thus, your next stop is the Vatican Museums, founded in the 1500s by Pope Julius II. With 54 galleries and numerous courtyards and hallways, the museum houses one of the world’s largest and most significant art collections. There are over 20,000 pieces garnered throughout the centuries by Popes and the Catholic Church, so it is impossible to see it all in just one visit. However, there are highlights from the collection of antique artifacts and Renaissance paintings and sculptures that are a must-see. Undoubtedly, you cannot miss Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, because they are simply one of the most breathtaking and spectacular pieces of art in the world. Afterwards, head over to St Peter’s Basilica, the largest in the world, that’s iconic on its own because inside, you’ll find pieces by two of Italy’s most important artists, the Pietà, by Michelangelo, and the bronze canopy over the papal altar by Bernini.
End Your Day Like a Local
Your day in Rome is coming to an end, but before that, you should have dinner. Thankfully, the city is filled with all kinds of restaurants to enjoy at night, although we think that to truly feel like a local, you should go to a neighborhood trattoria, where you’ll find genuine Italian food. For example, you could go to Trastevere, a beautiful neighborhood filled with hidden piazzas, medieval lanes and alleyways worthy of a photograph. It is one of Rome’s trendy areas, and among its countless cafés, trattorias and restaurants, you’ll be able to enjoy a last exquisite meal in the city.
The Vatican Museums is home to one of the world’s largest and most significant art collections, where you’ll find Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.
Unfortunately, this is the end of your 24 hours in Rome. Even though it was a hectic day with a packed itinerary, there’s still so much left to discover in the city. That’s why making a wish at the Trevi Fountain is so important, so that you rest assured that someday, you’ll come back to continue your adventure in one of the most romantic, artistic and incredible cities in the world. We hope that you enjoyed your day in Rome, see you soon!
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