When in Rome: My Top Travel Tips for The Eternal City

In case you missed it, I recently shared a blog with all of my top travel tips for Florence! Today, I’m sticking with the Italian theme, but moving on to Rome!

September 2024 marked my third time visiting this iconic city, and while there’s so much to love, I think it’s safe to say I’m not in a rush to go back. It’s one of those places that’s absolutely worth experiencing at least once in your life—the kind of city that makes your jaw drop and your heart skip a beat… but also one that can feel a little overwhelming and worn in.

If you’re planning a trip to Rome, I’ve rounded up some of my top travel tips and takeaways—what I loved, what I’d skip, and what I definitely recommend doing (and eating!) while you’re there. Let’s jump right in!

General Thoughts

Rome is big, historic, a little chaotic, and has this masculine, rustic charm that feels like you’ve stepped back in time. Each time I’ve gone, I’ve only spent about 2 to 3 days, but if it’s your first visit, you could easily fill an entire week if you wanted to.

I gasped out loud when I saw the Colosseum and Roman ruins. The history is so powerful, it honestly gives you chills. Same goes for places like the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain—they’re touristy no doubt, but for good reason.

LIV Tours is our go-to for getting the most out of the experience—think private golf cart tours, super knowledgeable guides, and zero stress. I highly recommend booking with a reputable tour company like this one for your must-see spots. I can’t say enough good things about LIV Tours!

Places to Stay

While there are tons of lovely Airbnbs available in Rome, I’ve realized over the years that I’m more of a hotel girl when it comes to travelling, especially with kids or extended family. Last time, we stayed at The Westin, and while it’s definitely an investment, it was central, super comfortable, and had all the modern conveniences we needed. Bonus? It’s a brand we know, so using points and the opportunity to snag a few upgrades doesn’t hurt either.

If you’re looking for a more hotel options, booking.com is a great place to look, just be sure to read the reviews!

For each of my Europe travel blogs, I wanted to include some of my bucket list items with you… so maybe you can check it off your list before me and let me know how it was!! One day, I’d love to check into Hotel Eden… it’s on my Pinterest board for sure.

To Eat

Let’s just get one thing straight: the food scene in Rome is incredible. Honestly, I would budget most of your spending on food in this city—you won’t regret it.

One of the most fun nights we had was dinner at Crazy Pizza—it was loud, lively, and perfect for a special occasion. Think sparklers, music, and over-the-top energy. Service here can be a little… interesting… so don’t expect top-notch service… but embrace the experience. They made my mom feel SO special for her 70th birthday.

One meal I’ll never forget was a dinner on a rooftop above the Spanish Steps at Ristorante Ciampini. If you can snag a spot at sunset… it is jaw-dropping. The view, the old-school Italian seafood pasta, and the wine… perfection. (And it just so happens to be Justin’s parents’ favourite!)

Getting Around

We’ve taken the train between cities all three times we’ve visited Italy, and I can’t recommend it enough. Train Italia is super easy to use, and upgrading to first class isn’t that much more—plus, access to the lounge makes it feel extra special.

It’s hands-down our favourite way to get from city to city without the stress of airports or renting a car.

Activities/Culture

The Vatican is so much more than a tourist stop. Last time we were there, it was while some devastating events were occurring around the world, and I’ll never forget how spiritual and emotional that experience was. So many people, from all different walks of life, coming together… it made me feel so connected to humankind. I’m not a super religious person, but every time I’ve visited, I have felt so much love and faith, and it makes me believe in all the goodness around us again. 

We booked a Flytographer shoot in Rome and have used Roberta for family photos multiple times—it is such a fun way to capture your trip. My code JILLY50 gets you $50 off your first shoot!

I received SO many recommendations to visit Villa Borghese, but to be honest, I found it really sad. I would steer clear of this for sure. 

Another thing to keep an eye out for are the doors in Rome! Yes, the doors! They’re stunning, full of detail, and the studded designs actually inspired Valentino.

Final Thoughts

While I can confidently say that Rome isn’t my #1 favourite city in Italy (I’m more of a Tuscany kinda gal), it’s one that I’m so grateful I got to experience a few times. The history, the architecture, the wine… it’s truly unforgettable.

If you’re planning your first visit, go big on the food, get yourself a good tour guide from LIV Tours, and take in all of the incredible history. Here’s a peek at my map of favourites in Rome —hopefully it helps you plan your own Italian adventure!

xo

Jilly