My first encounter with Rome was back in 2019, on a sunny January day, with a few Christmas decorations still hanging here and there. It was love at first sight. And like every tourist who secretly hopes to return someday, I went straight to the Trevi Fountain and tossed a coin over my shoulder — just to make sure I’d come back.
A few years later, the longing for Rome and the magic of that little coin did their job: I returned, with the same excitement and an even stronger desire to rediscover the city.
Day 1 in Rome: Trevi, Colosseum & Delicious Desserts
1. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
The year 2025 was a Jubilee Year in Rome — a major event in the Catholic world, during which the Holy Doors of all four Papal Basilicas are opened for pilgrims. Santa Maria Maggiore is one of these churches, and this year it was incredibly crowded, with thousands of people waiting in long lines to enter. Being part of the UNESCO World Heritage, its importance goes far beyond religion — it is a cultural landmark as well.
2. Viminale Mercato Regionale
Just a few steps from the basilica, we found a small “local secret”: a market filled with clothes at surprisingly low prices, mostly visited by locals rather than tourists. And yes, bargaining works here — I definitely didn’t leave empty-handed.
3. Trevi Fountain
We continued toward the Trevi Fountain, the most famous tourist attraction in Italy and the place where Rome’s magic truly comes alive. I tossed another coin — for good luck and, of course, to ensure I return. Because really, who ever gets tired of Italy? 🙂
4. Spanish Steps & Piazza di Spagna
One of the most elegant spots in the city, always lively, always full of tourists, artists, and people just enjoying the scenery. From here, we walked around Piazza di Spagna — still my favorite square in Rome.
5. Villa Borghese
Next, we headed to Villa Borghese, one of the most beautiful parks in Rome. The panoramic views over the city are spectacular and absolutely worth the walk.
6. Villa Medici
Located at the edge of the park, Villa Medici is one of the most beautiful Renaissance residences in Rome. It can be visited only with a guided tour, and tickets can be bought on-site.
7. Piazza del Popolo
We spotted Piazza del Popolo from the terrace of Villa Borghese — perfectly symmetrical, spacious, and far less crowded than other major squares in Rome. The star attraction here is the Flaminio Obelisk, an Egyptian monument over 3,000 years old, brought to Rome during Emperor Augustus.
8. The Pantheon
On our way to one of Rome’s most visited sites, we stopped for a perfect plate of carbonara, then walked to the Pantheon. This monument seems to defy time — it’s one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in the world. The interior, illuminated by the central oculus, is simply breathtaking.
Interestingly, the line for online tickets was enormous, while those buying tickets on-site (cash only) could enter without waiting. Good to know for future visits!
9. Gelato at Venchi
Right after the Pantheon, we stopped at Venchi, where I had the best gelato. And trust me — I’ve tried many in Italy!
10. Vittorio Emanuele II Monument (Il Vittoriano)
This is one of my favorite landmarks in Rome — locals often joke that it looks like a giant typewriter. The terraces offer stunning views over Rome, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Access to the terraces is free, but you’ll need a ticket to visit the interior.
11. Supermercato Elite
Another local gem — perfect for grabbing Italian goodies at good prices. Definitely worth a stop!
12. Colosseum
No trip to Rome is complete without at least passing by the Colosseum. Even though it wasn’t my first time, I couldn’t leave without seeing it again — and updating my photos, of course.
13. Tiramisu at Merisu, Trastevere
We ended the day in Trastevere, one of Rome’s most charming neighborhoods, with my favorite dessert: tiramisu. At Merisu, everything is freshly prepared in front of you — and it was absolutely delicious.
Day 2 in Rome – Visiting the Vatican
As mentioned, 2025 was a Jubilee Year — an event dedicated to forgiveness, pilgrimage, and spiritual renewal. It takes place every 25 years and attracts millions of visitors from around the world.
This year, the influx was overwhelming: the Vatican was extremely crowded, with large groups of pilgrims getting priority access to St. Peter’s Basilica. For tourists, that meant endless queues, long waiting times, and limited access during certain hours.
Luckily, we had already visited the Vatican in 2019, so missing the interior this time wasn’t a big disappointment. Instead, we enjoyed the atmosphere, wandered around, took photos, and soaked in the energy of the place — even if the crowds were massive.
Vatican – What to See
Basilica San Pietro (St. Peter’s Basilica)
- The largest Catholic church in the world
- Home to Michelangelo’s Pietà
- Free entrance
Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica
- Accessible by elevator (partially) or stairs
- Offers one of the most beautiful panoramas over Rome
Vatican Museums
- A vast collection of art, sculptures, and historical artifacts
- Includes the Raphael Rooms, papal galleries, and Renaissance masterpieces
Sistine Chapel
- Famous for Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling
- The highlight of the Vatican Museums
St. Peter’s Square
- Known for papal audiences and ceremonies
Vatican Gardens
- A peaceful, beautifully maintained green oasis
Vatican Necropolis / Tomb of St. Peter (Scavi Tour)
- A rare, exclusive tour that must be booked in advance
How to Get From Rome to the Vatican
Reaching the Vatican is very easy, no matter where you stay in Rome:
- Metro line A (red line): get off at Ottaviano or Cipro, both 5–10 minutes from the entrance
- Bus: lines 40 and 64 connect Termini with the Vatican
- Train: stop at San Pietro station
- Walking: around 30 minutes from the Historic Center — and one of the most beautiful routes through the city
Castel Sant’Angelo
Near the Vatican entrance stands Castel Sant’Angelo, one of the most impressive and photogenic buildings in Rome. Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, it later served as a fortress, papal residence, and prison. Today it’s a fascinating museum with a terrace offering incredible views of the Tiber and central Rome.
In the evening, we returned to the Centro Storico, where Christmas decorations were already lighting up the streets.
And because tiramisu is my favorite dessert, I had to try as many famous places as possible. This time, we headed to Pompi Trevi, near the Pantheon — also delicious!
Accommodation in Rome
Accommodation in Trastevere
- B&B Hotel Roma Trastevere
- Hotel Ripa Roma
- Suitinn19
- B&B Dulcis In Fundo
- Terrazza Munira Trastevere
- Maelle Trastevere
- Core De Roma Suites
- Magenta Collection Del Grande 51
- Hanky Suite
- Khris Home Apartments – Trastevere
Accommodation in Rome Centro Storico:
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Enjoy your travels! 🥰
