Exploring Rome: 5 Ways To See This Magical City
If you can’t tell from the numerous amount of posts, I absolutely love traveling to Rome. Each time I visit this ancient city, it only makes my image of Rome even more magical in my eyes. Some of my fondest memories have been from strolling through via Guilia Street at night while arm and arm with the one I love, and taking photographs of the Roman forums while also getting lost in its vastness and history. Every trip has been unique and memorable and with the 5 tips I offer below, I hope that these can help you in experiencing Rome and its true magic.
1. Explore Rome on foot & Get Lost
Every person who has set foot on the old streets of Rome will tell you the same thing- see Rome by foot. The city does offer a metro that will take you to many of the main historic sites, but the best way to truly get an authentic feel for the city is to just walk and take it all in.
As you begin your stroll, throw away the maps and put away your phone. Don’t make any plans for your next destination and just get lost. Rome’s true magic is discovered by just wandering its streets, and being surprised and enchanted by what you will encounter.
2. Explore The Hidden Neighborhoods
There are three neighborhoods within the city center that I highly recommend investigating on your next Rome adventures.
Monti is the area that is right by the Colosseum and sits between Roma Termini and the Colosseum and is one of the most scenic neighborhoods in Rome.
You can access this area by hopping off the metro at Via Cavour. This ancient area has a long and interesting history and now charms its visitors and inhabitants with cobbled streets, small alleys, old churches, vibey restaurants, and independent shops.
Trastevere is another neighborhood that is one of my favorite areas to hang out in and explore.
Like Monti, it has many beautiful streets with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings dripping with ivy, and balconies enlivened with geraniums. You can also find delicious restaurants and cafes, which some claim to have the BEST pizza in town. You’ll have to let me know if you find it! This area is reasonably quiet, and relaxed, and has far less traffic than other parts of Rome. There is also an antique market that happens on Sundays that you much check out if you’re in town!
Quaterquartre is a bizarre architectural area nestled within the Trieste district in the northern part of the city.
Designed by the visionary artist Gino Coppedè, this hypnotic and sometimes obscure neighborhood comprises 18 palaces and 27 buildings and villas built between 1920 and 1930. The entire area has a fairytale feeling, with green ivy covering the walls, together with fairy fountains and marble sculptures that seem to come to life as you pass by.
3. See The Sights! Go On A Tour.
With a city as rich with history as Rome, you have an endless amount of tours at your fingertips. One of my favorites that I do every single trip is the Rome by Night Walking Tour – Legends & Criminal Stories tour. You’re led through the city center at night and hear of the dark and wicked tales of this city’s history. However, if you’re not up for a wicked evening in the city, there are many other types of tours that you can find for all kinds of travelers, from the foodie to the historical junkie. And you don’t have to do just one!
Here are a couple of tours that I’ve featured on this blog that may interest you!
4. Walk Rome At Night
One of my favorite times to walk through the city center of Rome is at night. There’s a reason why Dean Martin has the song, Evening In Roma. There’s a majestic shift that takes place in the city once the sun goes down. Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain and gaze upon the vastness of the Colosseum under moonlight. All the historic sites are lit up gorgeously (especially the Pantheon) and you’ll find many side streets incredibly charming with their warm lighting and vibrant activity coming from all the restaurants and bars. The city becomes quite lively at night, so take a stroll and see where the night takes you.
5. Eat, Drink & Be Merry
One of the best ways to truly get to know a new place and its culture is to try the local cuisine. You may hear from some people that Rome is incredibly commercialized and that it’s hard to find good food, but you just have to know where to look! Don’t grab a sandwich or a pizza right next to the Colosseum. Instead, wander down a random street and stop in a small cafe or restaurant to see what they offer. Try some homemade pasta or indulge in a Margherita pizza. Accent it with an excellent red wine from the region and end your meal with a small espresso. The point is to indulge. To eat, drink, and, most importantly, be merry.
Enjoy yourself, take your time, and take it all in. Or as they say, “Do as the Romans do”.
“Rome is not like any other city. It’s a big museum, a living room that shall be crossed on one’s toes.”
EXPLORE THE DARK SIDE OF ROME
Rome is not only full of rich history and stunning/iconic views, but it also has a wicked and dark side that adds to the lore of this incredible city. Read more about the weird/wicked travel of Rome in my article: Weird Traveler- Rome.
