In 2018, I lived in Rome for six months. Not only was it my first time in Rome, it was also my first time in Italy and away from home longer than a month. Unfamiliar with the culture and its customs, I knew I was in for a challenge. In time, I quickly transformed from tourist to expat. Even as an expat, I continued to enjoy the beauties in the touristy activities because when in Rome, do as the Romans do and then some. The ancient city is full of countless historic artifacts passed down from civilizations–not cherishing every ounce each day would be a cardinal sin.

Without further ado, here are my top five touristy sites for Rome, Italy: Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Spanish Steps and last, but certainly not least, Villa Borghese Gardens. My decision to narrow the list down to only five sites was very difficult. This was a very difficult decision to narrow down to only five destinations when Rome is filled with a myriad of amazing sites. I lived there only six months and didn’t even manage half of what Rome has to offer.

1. Fontana Di Trevi

This 18th-century sculpted fountain widely known as the Trevi Fountain, is as magical in person as it is in this photo. In 2018, I relived my inner Disney Channel days, where Lizzie McGuire made it very clear that, “this is what dreams are made of“. The Trevi Fountain is number one on my list because it’s a live-in-the-moment site. If I could, I would stand there all day because the architecture is impeccable, it’s mesmerizing.

Overtime, it has become tradition to throw coins into the water over your shoulder for good luck. According to legend, tossing one coin into the Trevi Fountain means you will return to The Eternal City of Rome (check!), tossing two coins means you will return to fall in love (check!), and tossing three coins means you will return, find love, and marry–I know people that are well on their way to this actually coming true. Luck or no luck, your money goes to charity regardless. The coins in the fountain are donated to soup kitchens, shelters, and many efforts toward’s Rome’s poverty-stricken communities.

Recommendations

The Trevi Fountain is located in one of the most populated areas in Rome. Via del Lavatore, Via Poli, and Via della Stamperia lead to this beautiful monument. The area is very tight and compact. If you are claustrophobic or agoraphobic, you may have to skip this one. Midday to early evening are probably the worst times to visit due to large crowds.

2. Colosseo

Also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum is one of the most iconic landmarks around the world. It was constructed to hold approximately 80,000 spectators. The Colosseum’s main purpose was to hold gladiator tournaments or other forms of entertainment.

Six days since arriving in Rome, I walked out of the metro stop and could not believe my eyes. I immediately FaceTimed my mom, not cognizant of what time it was back home, which turned out to be 7am ET. I was standing in front of something I had only seen in movies and magazines. The Colosseum is literally steps away from Colosseo metro stop on Line B and also one of the busiest metro stations.

The Colosseum is walking distance to many other popular tourist hotspots like the ruins, Piazza Venezia, Via del Corso, Termini (Rome’s main train station), Trevi Fountain, and more. It helps that it is centrally located in order to make the most out of a short trip to Rome.

Recommendations

If you do not buy tickets ahead online, buy them at the door. I do not buy tickets from “just anyone” aka the guys looking to arrange group tours or offer discounted prices. To be honest, I do not trust them. Plan to go early in the day when they open at 8:30am. When I visited, my friend and I arrived between 8am-9am to get in line. We didn’t run into any issues and waited more or less 20 minutes. I have also heard it is better to visit 1-2 hours before the closing time (one hour before sunset), which depends on the season or daylight savings. If you have any questions or concerns there are plenty of official tourist concierges in the area that can help.

3. Basilica di San Pietro

Saint Peter’s Basilica is located in Vatican City, which believe it or not is considered a country of its own! A country within a country! I am not a religious person whatsoever. I am intrigued of the fascination with religion and why so many people cherish it. Not to mention the architecture inside and out is amazing–it’s my favorite part! Every detail from the lights to the paintings to the wall panels are meticulous and embedded in Roman Catholicism.

Although I haven’t been to mass, I hope to attend someday. Each week, the courtyard is decked out with chairs and jumbo screens with Pope Francis upon them. When mass is not in session, there is typically a line that wraps around the courtyard. It may look very intimidating, but to be quite honest, the line moves rather quickly. My friend and I arrived between 9am-10am where we waited about 30 minutes. There is no cost to enter. Note: the Vatican is located two blocks from Ottaviano (Line A) metro station.

Recommendations

Aside from exploring the inside, you can explore the dome. I’ve always wanted to do this, but never knew where to go. Get there early when they open at 8am! There are two options, you can pay €8 to climb the stairs from the ground floor or €10 to ride the elevator about halfway up. Cash is only accepted to tour the dome and discounted passes are unheard of. If you choose to take the lift like I did, it is a great choice because I had no idea there were only 320 steps that leave you at the first stop to view the dome from inside the chapel. Needless to say, it’s not over from there and you should prepare yourself for a workout! Don’t let that deter you, though, because the view and the experience is absolutely worth the hard work to get up there.

4. Piazza di Spagna

The Spanish Steps were constructed in the 1700s where 135 steps present an amazing view of Rome. This square is connected to one of the fancier tourist areas of Rome as it is surrounded by many luxury shops and one block from Via del Corso. Unfortunately, Rome passed a new rule in 2019 banning people from congregating on the steps, so that means no sitting or eating like years prior. However, you can stop for a photo-op, of course.

In the area: Just around the corner is Spagna (Line A) metro station. This is one of the closer metro stations if you’ll be spending time shopping in the heart of Rome. Aside from Via del Corso, this stop is also near the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. Moreover, if you head to the top of the Spanish Steps and head straight, in about 10 minutes walking time you’ll run into the U.S. Embassy, which is also closer to Barberini (Line A) metro station. When I first arrived, I was exploring Piazza di Spagna and mapped the embassy from there, so it was good to know it wasn’t too far away even though I clearly could have taken the metro there.

5. Villa Borghese

Villa Borghese is a landscape park in Rome. In a big city, parks can be sparse. Villa Borghese is Rome’s third largest park with open space to take some time for yourself or go for a run. There are also quite a few cafes and restaurants. In addition, the area is pretty calm and relaxed. The easiest metro station is Flaminio (Line A), which is located across the street from Piazza del Popolo, in the city center on one end of Via del Corso with Piazza Venezia on the other.

Recommendations

Visit Bioparco di Roma (the zoo) if you can. If you have children, this could be a “breather” for them. When I was an au pair, the youngest girl (11yo) and I spent the day at the zoo and I actually had a good time. It is interesting to see the difference from the zoo in Florida. The zoo is located on the opposite side of Villa Borghese (entrance from Flaminio). Pack a light snack or lunch and spend the day strolling.

Enjoy the gallery for more photos 😊