Rome, Lazio, Italy – 3 Day Trip

Flying from Nice to Rome with Alitalia, I was only a few hours away from arguably one of the greatest cities I’ve explored in my life. Spending 3 days here was a regret, especially since the Vatican ends up taking up a full day. I think 5 to 7 days would be the right amount to spend in Rome.

We came to Rome for two reasons, one I wanted to see the colosseum and two the Rome airport had a direct flight to Saint Petersburg, Russia, which is where we were headed to see a World Cup match. However, I fell in love with the food, the culture, the gelato, the historic city. Every block you could see something that is brand new, a few hundred years old, or a thousand years old.

In Rome, there are drinking fountains “Nasoni” that is safe to drink from. There are over 2500 of them scattered around the metropolitan area. There is no need to pay for water from a street vendor in Rome, simply carry a stainless steel water bottle and you’ll be good to go!

At the time of writing this post EUR 1 = USD 1.22

Day 1 – Colosseum & Trevi Fountain 06.28.2018

We had an early flight into Rome and then took the train to the city, it was a bit more work than I expected especially with luggage, an Uber would have been better. The train takes about 30 minutes and costs €15, you can buy your tickets at the airport after you arrive. We were able to get an early check-in to the Airbnb, which you can see here. A nice Airbnb but it was in a basement so no views of the city. Looking to try your first Airbnb? Use my referral code for $50 off your first stay.

First stop was to see the Colosseum. To get around Italy you a few options, the Tram, the Bus, and the subway. To get tickets for the bus and Tram you can buy them at any street vendor that sells newspapers. Taking the Tram from our Airbnb, we arrive at the Altar of the Fatherland. From there it is a 20-minute walk 1.3km (.8 mi) to the Colosseum, during the walk, you will pass the Roman Forum. It took me a while to understand how to get tickets to the colosseum online and I wanted to avoid a tour group. I got my tickets at Co-op Culture, they were €14, and they include entry to the Forum. When you arrive at check-in there are a lot of people that want to see your tickets, once they see you’re not on a tour they offer you several times to take a tour, you do not need to do this, simply get in line, pass security, and you’re in.

• 

• 

The colosseum is amazing, my mind was blown walking through the stadium knowing that it is almost 2000 years old (80 AD). If you want to go downstairs below the main flow you do need a tour group and that does cost extra. Otherwise, if you want to walk to the top floor and walking all around the colosseum is included in your ticket price.

• 

• 

• 

Leaving the colosseum we took the subway to see the Trevi Fountain, a 15-minute trip. If you have time you should visit the fountain during the day and at night and if you want to avoid crowds you have to come at sunrise. The place is packed shoulder to shoulder and there is no shortage of people trying to sell you stuff.

Day 2 – Roman Forum & Patheon 06.29.2018

Today is my golden birthday and we set out to do two things, walk thru the Roman Forum and to see the Patheon. I find it difficult to write about the forum because I’m not much of a history buff. There is so much to see and you could honestly spend a full day in here. We walked around for about 2 and a half hours exploring the area. After the forum, it was time to knock off yet another Hard Rock Café dinner.

• 

• 

• 

On our way back we stopped at the Patheon only to find out that there were not more time slots available to take a tour. A bit of a bummer, but it was nice to sit outside the Patheon with plenty of places to eat and shop. Lastly, we walked over to the Trevi Fountain to see it light up at night.

• 

• 

Day 3 – Vatican City 06.30.2018

Last full day in Rome, you can check out my time spent in Vatican City here. We did attempt to try and get into the Patheon again but it was full, so note to self and for anyone reading, plan for the Patheon.

I look forward to going back to Rome someday and taking a full tour of the colosseum, seeing the Spanish staircases, going inside the Patheon, and of course, eating more pizza and gelato. Time to head to Russia for the World Cup.

Cheers!