Rome in a Day - Unforgettable Highlights of the Eternal City - Passing Thru

Traveler Profile: Kitty, UK

Location: Rome, Italy

Time of Year: December

Travel Goals: Walk in the footsteps of Eat, Pray, Love, great photography locations, history and Italian cuisine

As a bit of a romantic at heart, and watching Julia Roberts of Eat, Pray, Love fall in love with Rome, I had to visit when I was in Europe. The Eternal City is akin to a living museum that offers a blend of historical sites, vibrant street life, and culinary delights. Spending just one day in Rome can seem daunting given its wealth of attractions, but with careful planning, you can experience the essence of this magnificent city. My guide should help you navigate Rome’s iconic landmarks, from the ancient ruins that tell tales of Renaissance art adorning the city, all while indulging in exquisite Italian cuisine. Thank you Ms Roberts!

Breakfast at Café Café Bistro

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Start off your stay in the right way with breakfast at Café Café Bistrot, a charming spot known for its cozy ambiance and delicious offerings. Located conveniently close to the Vatican, it’s the perfect place to fuel up before exploring the city. The café serves a variety of breakfast options, from classic Italian pastries and coffee to more substantial dishes. Enjoy a cappuccino paired with a cornetto, the Italian answer to the croissant, as you soak in the morning vibes of Rome.

Morning Tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum

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No visit to Rome is complete without stepping into the Colosseum, the iconic symbol of Rome’s imperial might. This ancient amphitheater, where gladiators once battled, highlights the mastery of engineering and architecture. Adjacent to it, the Roman Forum showcases the city’s historical significance, with ruins that were once the center of Roman public life. A guided tour of these sites brings their history to life and allows you to appreciate the ingenuity of ancient Roman civilization.

Visit the Pantheon

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After the Colosseum, make your way to the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome. This architectural masterpiece, with its massive dome and oculus, has inspired builders throughout history. Originally a temple to all the gods of pagan Rome, it now serves as a church. The Pantheon is an architectural feat and the final resting place of renowned figures such as Raphael and King Victor Emmanuel II.

Lunch in Trastevere – Mimi E Coco Trast

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Having worked up an appetite and over 10,000 steps, I headed to the charming district of Trastevere and found a table at Mimi e Coco Trast, a local favorite known for its authentic Roman cuisine. Trastevere’s narrow cobblestone streets and ivy-clad buildings provide a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely lunch. The Mimi e Coco Trast menu features classic Roman dishes, such as carbonara and amatriciana, prepared with a focus on quality and tradition.

Afternoon at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

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Spend your afternoon exploring the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, home to some of the world’s most famous artworks. The Vatican Museums house an extensive collection of art and artifacts gathered by the popes, including classical sculptures, Renaissance masterpieces, and modern art. The highlight is undoubtedly the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling and The Last Judgment.

Wander Around the Trevi Fountain

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Before dinner, make your way to the Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. This baroque masterpiece, featured in countless films, is an architectural wonder that has captivated visitors for centuries. Tradition holds that throwing a coin into the fountain ensures a return to Rome.

Dinner at Trattoria Al Moro

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Conclude your day in Rome with dinner at Trattoria Al Moro, a historic restaurant tucked away in a quiet alley near the Trevi Fountain. Known for its classic Roman dishes and intimate atmosphere, Trattoria Al Moro offers a dining experience that transports you to the heart of Roman culinary tradition.

Overnight at Casacau

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Casacau offers a distinctive and tranquil boutique apartment experience in the heart of the city, nestled within a 17th-century building mere steps away from the iconic Trevi Fountain. This accommodation offers a unique blend of privacy and serenity amidst the bustling city center. The hosts at Casacau are both helpful and knowledgeable, having meticulously designed each apartment to reflect a chic, Sixties-inspired aesthetic that would resonate with renowned Italian fashion icons such as Anna Dello Russo and Anna Piaggi. The interior design features dramatic, fresco-printed headboards, a collection of art prints spanning various eras, and an assortment of antique ornaments, all contributing to the space’s vibrant and stylish ambiance. Additionally, each apartment is equipped with turquoise and tangerine-hued kitchenettes from the mid-century modern period, offering guests the convenience of self-catering during their stay.

History of Rome

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Rome’s journey from a modest settlement founded by Romulus in 753 BC to the bustling capital of Italy encapsulates over 28 centuries of history. Evolving from the heart of the Roman Kingdom to the epicenter of the Roman Republic’s political innovations, Rome achieved unparalleled expansion, cementing its dominance over the Mediterranean. The transition to Empire under Augustus ushered in the Pax Romana, fostering a golden era of peace, prosperity, and cultural achievements. Despite the Western Roman Empire’s fall in 476 AD, Rome’s legacy endured through the Byzantine Empire, the Papacy’s ascendancy, and a Renaissance rebirth, ultimately becoming the capital of a unified Italy in the 19th century. Now, as a modern metropolis, Rome preserves its rich tapestry of history, culture, and architecture, continuing to enchant visitors as the “Eternal City.”

The People of Rome

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Romans, the inhabitants of Italy’s capital, embody a rich mix of cultures and histories, reflecting the city’s role as a historical melting pot. Originating from a Latin tribe, ancient Romans absorbed a multitude of peoples through conquests, from Europeans to North Africans and Middle Easterners, creating a unique blend of cultural practices and identities. Today’s Romans inherit this legacy, living a life that marries deep historical roots with modern Italian customs. Embracing “la dolce vita,” they prioritize family, food, and leisure, reflecting a centuries-old tradition of enjoying life’s pleasures. Civic pride runs deep, fueled by Rome’s monumental past as the heart of an empire and a key religious center. This pride is visible in the careful preservation of historical sites and the celebration of Rome’s extensive artistic and architectural heritage. Modern Romans continue to honor their multifaceted heritage, contributing to the city’s dynamic culture and maintaining its status as a vibrant, cosmopolitan metropolis.

When to Travel

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The optimal time to visit Rome is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) months. During these periods, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, making it conducive for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions and historical sites. Additionally, these months typically experience fewer tourists compared to the peak summer season, resulting in shorter queues at major tourist destinations and a more comfortable exploration of the city.

How to Get There

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By Air: Rome is served by two main airports: Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Ciampino Airport (CIA). Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport is the primary international gateway into the city, located approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Rome’s city center. It offers a wide range of international and domestic flights. Ciampino Airport, situated about 12 kilometers southeast of the city center, primarily handles budget airlines, domestic flights, and charter operations.

From Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport to Rome: Travelers can reach the city center via the Leonardo Express train, which operates non-stop services to Rome’s Termini Station with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, regional FL1 trains, buses, taxis, and rental cars are available for the transfer from the airport to various destinations within Rome.

From Ciampino Airport to Rome: The most convenient options include buses operated by several companies that connect the airport to Rome’s Termini Station, taxis, and car rental services. The journey by bus can take around 40 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

By Train: Rome’s main railway station, Termini, is a major hub for domestic and international rail services, making it a convenient option for travelers coming from other Italian cities or neighboring countries. High-speed trains such as Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa and Italo connect Rome with major Italian cities like Milan, Florence, Venice, and Naples with frequent services.

By Road: Rome is well-connected to Italy’s extensive network of highways, making it accessible by bus or car from other regions of Italy. Numerous bus companies operate services to Rome from cities across Italy, offering an economical alternative to train travel.

The Bottom Line

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Even a single day in Rome can unfold like a journey through centuries, offering a glimpse into the city’s glorious past and vibrant present. From the awe-inspiring Colosseum to Trastevere’s tranquil streets, Rome captivates every traveler’s heart. As you explore, remember to savor each moment, whether marveling at a masterpiece of Renaissance art or enjoying a simple espresso. Rome is an experience to cherish.

Rome in a Day – Unforgettable Highlights of the Eternal City