Eternal City… an open-air museum from end to end that captivates you from the moment you set foot! Monuments, temples, fountains, churches from all periods of history will not leave anyone unmoved. Flavors, entertainment, history, art, romance are all intertwined with Rome. Its historic center with its countless monuments has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1980, while within its urban fabric lies another independent country full of treasures… the Vatican.
The existence low cost of airlines from Athens and Thessaloniki make Rome an ideal destination even for weekend getaways. But are 48 hours enough to see its magic and feel the Italian temperament? Definitely not. However, you will not go to the Eternal City just once. You will visit it again and again because you will always leave something to see for the next time. That's how we did it too... Now, having a good knowledge of the city, we have created a guide that you can follow step by step, so that in almost a weekend you can see the main attractions of the city. So, start, keeping in mind the saying: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do"!
When to go?
Spring or autumn! In summer the temperatures are quite high and it is not advisable to walk around the ancient monuments in the hot sun…. Also, due to the age of the buildings and for reasons of preservation of the exhibits, most museums do not have air conditioning. So imagine being in the Vatican museums in August with a lot of people….pure sauna!
How to get there
Whether from Athens or Thessaloniki, the most economical solution is Ryanair with direct flights to Ciampino airport. We have flown to Rome and for 29 euros round trip!
How to get from the airport to the city
To get from Fiumicino Airport to Rome city center, the fastest option is the Leonardo Express which reaches Termini Station directly in 32 minutes, while the regional train FL1 serves other areas like Trastevere at a lower cost. Alternatively, you can use Shuttle Buses (such as Terravision), which are the most economical solution but depend on traffic, or take a taxi which offers a fixed fare for trips within the city walls.
What to see
1or day
– Colosseum. It is undoubtedly the trademark of Rome. Admire it from the outside, go inside, close your eyes and bring to mind scenes from the movie "Gladiator" that you saw a few years ago... Get a ticket here to avoid queues.
– Next to the Colosseum is the arch of Constantine the Great with the inscription "In this victory" which he is said to have seen in a vision before his victory over Maxentius.
– Then, cross the street Via dei Fori Imperiali towards Piazza Venezia. On your left is the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum (there is a combined ticket to visit these two with the Colosseum). On your right is the Augustus Forum and the Trajan Forum with the Great Semicircle. Mentally you are in Ancient Rome. You are walking where the Legions, the ancient Romans and the Emperors paraded…
– Take the road on the left that goes up to Capitoline Hill (Via di S. Pietro in Carcere) and you will find yourself at the seat of the Administration of Rome and the Capitoline Museums. Admire the view of the Roman Forum from above and enter the excellent church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli. When you leave the temple, go down the steps of the Cordonata, designed by Michelangelo (as was the square) and see the statues of Castor and Pollux on the right and left.
– Immediately to your right is the controversial monument to Vittorio Emanuele, who is considered the father of the nation, and Piazza Venezia with the eponymous Palazzo, the building that originally served as the seat of the Pontiff.
– From there begins one of the most famous streets in Rome (because of the shopping stores) the Via del CorsicaIf you search carefully both here and in its verticals, you can find good deals on clothes, and even made in Italy!
– Cross Via del Corso until you reach Piazza del People with the Egyptian obelisk, which was transferred to Rome in 10 BC. This square has a special history as public executions were held there until 1826.
– Go up the road that leads you to Villa Borghese. A beautiful park in the center of Rome with the best spot being the Pincio hill for the sunset view. Really worth it!
– After enjoying the view, head south towards Piazza di SpagnaThis square takes its name from the Spanish embassy that was located there. Sit, like all the tourists, on the steps and take a close look at the Fontana della Barcaccia, Bernini's famous fountain.
– Next stop the beautiful Trevi Fountain. This is the largest fountain in the city in the Baroque style. Throw a coin (with your back turned as the custom requires) to return to Rome again!
2or day
– Vatican Museums. Start your day early in this huge museum complex that has countless things to see and do. Choose what interests you because time flies by there without you realizing it! Whatever you do, don't miss the 4 rooms with Raphael's frescoes, the Chiaramonti Museum, the corridor of geographical maps and the Sistine Chapel. You will get the tickets online because otherwise you will wait in line for many hours!
On the last Sunday of every month from 9 am to 2 pm, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are free! (But the queue is… from another planet).
– St. Peter's Basilica. I'll give you the best tip of all time! Don't wait in line in the square to visit the temple. From the Sistine Chapel there is a small wooden door that leads you directly into the temple. Entrance is free and there is an 8 euro ticket to go up to the dome (10 if you take the elevator), which is worth it because of the wonderful view… Your attire should be modest both there and in the Vatican Museums.
– Castle of San Angelo. It is located near St. Peter's. It initially served as a mausoleum for Hadrian's family and then as a papal fortress. In front of the building is perhaps the most beautiful bridge over the Tiber. Admire the building from the outside and pass it by as its interior has nothing to fascinate you.
– Continue your journey towards the beautiful Piazza Navona in the Baroque style. Once upon a time, the stadium of Diomedes was located there (hence its semicircular shape). Today, the fountains with sculptures by famous Italian artists such as Bernini and Borromini dominate.
– Near Piazza Navona is the Pantheon. It is the largest Roman monument in size that has been operating as it is since the 2nd century AD and has survived to this day! Dedicated to all the gods of Ancient Rome, it still has the largest dome, without reinforcement, while rainwater disappears from the 22 holes in the floor. Admission is free.
What not to do
– Don't drink coffee at Antico Caffe Greco. It's expensive and maybe not as good as you'd expect. Go check it out out of curiosity. It's located at Via Condotti 86 near the Scalinata di Spagna.
– Don't eat near the tourist areas. The prices are twice as high and the quality is inversely proportional.
– Don't visit the Trevi Fountain during peak hours. The crowds of tourists and selfie sticks will irritate you. Best time to visit is late at night or early in the morning.
– If you want to have your own means of transportation, don't rent a modern car. Rent an old Fiat 500 or even better a Vespa. You'll see Rome, in style, faster and you'll be able to park easily.
– Don't visit the big shopping malls in Rome. They are far from the center and won't satisfy you. As for the discount villages, they are even further away and there, unfortunately, you will only find low prices on clothes 2-3 seasons old.
– Don't take a photo with the gladiators in front of the Colosseum. They will ask you for money in an indecent way, and even if you want to take a photo of them alone, they will start making… gestures.
– Don't order cold coffee. It has nothing to do with the freddo we drink here in Greece and you will pay a lot for it.
Where will you eat and have fun?
Save money on food by eating on time aperitif. It's the Italian happy hour from 6 pm to 9 pm (and elsewhere from 7 to 10 pm). By getting a drink you have access to an unlimited buffet. Also, forget the Greek-style carbonara made with cream. Italians eat it with an egg and always al dente. As for their pizza, it is thin unlike ours.
– At the bakery Campo de' Fiori Bakery at the Campo de' Fiori market, he tried hand-made pizza and focaccia. Nearby is also the "MyAle» with excellent prosciutto sandwiches and a wide variety of beers.
– Visit the most hipster neighborhood in Rome Monti (Cavour metro stop) and especially Piazza della Mantona di Monti for an aperitivo.
– You will try ice cream at La Gelateria Frigidarium near Piazza Navona. Ask to be topped with iced chocolate, either white or dark. It's a dream! We tried divine ice cream with buffalo milk at Günther Rohregger near the Pantheon! Indonesian cinnamon took us off.
– Take a walk in the alternative neighborhood Testaccio. There you will find the best pizza in Rome… guaranteed! Oh… and lots of night clubs.
– Everyone who goes to Rome will definitely take an evening walk in the area Trastevere and not without reason. It is a picturesque neighborhood full of bars and restaurants. We tried it and we liked it Brakes and Clutches and Prosciutteria Trastevere – Cantina dei Papi.
-Of course there are many options in the historic center. Around the street Via Del Governo Vecchio, you will find many bars for drinks and food. We also liked and recommend the cocktails and flavors of Bar del Fico στην Piazza del Fico. Πολύ καλές εντυπώσεις μας άφησε και το εστιατόριο Ginger with organic flavors and playful dishes.
Where to stay?
With a quick search on Booking, you'll see that the Termini area (near the train station) has the most and most affordable options. However, we would suggest avoiding it as it is somewhat run-down and will ruin your overall experience of the city. But take a look at this beautiful accommodation we recommend within walking distance of the Colosseum.
Extras tip
– Rome is a safe city. However, due to the abundance of tourists, there are countless pickpockets, masters of the art. How they can take money from your pocket is an art! So find the best possible way to protect your money, although using your debit card is probably the best solution.
– The water in public taps is drinkable everywhere and there is no risk to your stomach! Tested…
– For your shopping, along with Via del Corso, visit Via Condotti, where, however, due to the presence of well-known fashion houses, the prices are clearly higher.
– Look for the days you will stay if it suits you to take the Roma PassIt includes a visit to a museum and the means of transportation you will use…
Rome is undoubtedly one of the most interesting capitals in the world! A weekend is enough to get a small idea of its magic. You will feel the many things we have in common with the Italians as a people, but also their temperament, which is more intense in many moments. Finally, you will throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain and you will come back two or three times… Arrivederci
