I’m just back from Italy and thought I would share some advice for a more enjoyable travel experience in the Eternal City and give you some useful tips on how to get the most out of your time in Rome.

Rome is a beautiful city. It’s one of the most impressive cities in the world, actually. You constantly feel like you are walking through a huge museum. Every street, every church, every building breaths history. It’s a city like no other and I strongly believe everyone should visit, at least once!

Let’s start with when to go

I was there beginning of June and the weather was perfect, it will quickly start becoming hot so I wouldn’t recommend going before mid to end of September!

Where to go?

If it’s your first time there are PLENTY of must-sees, but keep in mind it gets extremely busy so if you’re an early riser or a late sleeper I’d recommend going to both the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain super early in the morning or very late at night. I went for a jog at 7:30 am and I‘m extremely glad I go to see both these wonderful places with very very few people.

The Vatican Museums and Colosseum are definitely on the must-see list but you must buy ‘skip the lines ticket’ or don’t bother going in, you’ll waste most of your day queuing….

A big part of any Italian trip experience is obviously related to the food. Food in Italy can be absolutely delicious, but don’t do the mistake of assuming it will be everywhere you go. If I can give one piece of advice it would be to avoid tourist places. On my list of personal favorites there is Antica Trattoria Polese for a very casual pizza, Ill Forno for a piece of pizza in Campo di Fiori, Piperno / Da Felice a Testaccio / La Tavernaccia / Roscioli – for a typical Italian trattoria, Da Pierluigi – for Italian seafood, Il Moro – for a classic Roman menu (order their special Il Moro pasta!), Dal Bolognese – for a typical tagliatelle Bolognese and lasagna!

If your budget allows, try to find a place in the old city center, close to Piazza Navona and you’ll be able to walk almost everywhere.

My last advice is don’t underestimate the importance of good footwear when visiting Rome. The distances are big and you will be walking a lot. Also, the streets are unevenly paved so it’s ideal to get supportive flats/shoes, you’ll thank me later!

Ciao!