The next leg on our European trip was Rome.
Click here to see what I would do differently next time in Paris.
Click here to find out what I loved and would do differently in London.
We (barely) caught an early morning flight from Orly Airport to Fiumicino Airport in Rome. Barely? Yes. Check-in was complete by the time we arrived and my nerves were on edge, fearing we would miss our flight. But Vueling Airlines kindly ushered us through ticketing and security. We made it to our gate with minutes to spare!
With a sigh of relief once on the plane, I put my AirPods in, closed my eyes, and fell asleep moments after take-off.
Waking up to the tires touching down on the tarmac, my only concern was where I could find my first espresso of the day.
This was my third visit to Rome, and yet I found myself just as excited as the first time. Rome is a city where history, food, and energy collide. And it even offered me a surprise.
If you’re planning a trip, here’s exactly what we did, what stood out, and what I’d do differently.
Where We Stayed in Rome
We stayed at Trevi Contemporary Suites, located near the Trevi Fountain. This really turned out to be a great location. It allowed us to be moments away from everything and convenient when we needed to return for a light jacket or to freshen up.
We arrived early, dropped our bags, and immediately headed out—something I always recommend to beat jet lag.
When it comes to lodging in Rome, don’t judge a book by its cover. Our hotels in Rome have been underwhelming from the outside, but spacious and charming inside.
Day 1: Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain & First Taste of Rome
Tired, hungry, and experiencing museum-fatigue from Paris, we decided to keep our first day in Rome light.
Our first stop after a quick bite was the Spanish Steps.
The Spanish Steps
Climbing the Spanish Steps gives you a great view of the city—and quickly pulls you into the energy of Rome.
The 135 marble steps are worn and uneven, but provide a memorable climb from the Piazza di Spagna (the plaza at the base of the steps) to the Trinita dei Monti church.
The Piazza and surrounding area offer some of the best high-end shops in Italy. Designer shop after designer shop, my wife and stepkids would go in and look—as I stayed outside and merely gazed through the windows. I couldn’t do any damage to my credit card from the outside!
As I walked the streets, I wondered, “Why are these stairs located in Rome called the Spanish Steps”? Better question…why am I asking this on my third visit here? I’ll answer later.
Trevi Fountain (and a work crisis)
The Trevi Fountain was gorgeous. Lit up as day turned to night. Crowds gathered to throw a coin and make a wish, just like you see in the movies. The fountain is truly spectacular!
The last time I was in Rome, the fountain was under repair and renovation. All my pictures were of scaffolding. But this time, restored to its former glory, I marveled over the size and detail of the carved travertine stone.
As I sat on the steps of a church across from the fountain, my phone started buzzing. My business partner needed me on a video call. So with the Trevi Fountain as the backdrop, I took the call. Crisis averted (in style)!
Unfortunately, we spent too much time there, and our opportunity to visit the Pantheon was missed. It had closed just minutes before we arrived. But from the outside, the structure is still amazing.
First Lesson: Where You Eat Matters
One of the best tips I received about Rome, avoid restaurants right next to major attractions. Instead, walk a few streets away (and maybe down an alley). We had lunch, and it paid off.
We found a small restaurant filled mostly with locals. The vibe felt authentic, and the food?
Outstanding. The Cacio e Pepe was one of the best dishes I had on the entire trip.
But for dinner, we found a restaurant located mere steps from Trevi Fountain. The food was still very good, but it didn’t compete with our lunch, either in terms of quality or price.
How to Spot a Touristy Restaurant?
Here’s an easy rule:
If someone is outside trying to pull you in, keep walking.
Those restaurants often:
- Have large menus in English displayed in glass by the host
- Pushy hosts
- Average food
- Built-in service charge
That said, the average food in Rome is still very good.
Day 2: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
This was our most ambitious day—and easily one of the most memorable.
We started our day at a small restaurant recommended by the front desk clerk. Locals were ordering “take-away” breakfast sandwiches and cappuccinos. Some were standing at the counter, enjoying a shot of espresso as they waited for their sandwich to be warmed. The bustle of the front counter was so different from the sit-down area to the right.
As I waited for my Americano, I watched the interaction of the “take-away” counter patrons and staff. It was obvious these were regulars. They laughed and joked like old friends. I didn’t know what they were saying, but I didn’t have to…I understood. I felt like I was observing the real Rome—the Rome you don’t see in pictures or on YouTube. These were real people, living their lives, and their morning routine became a defining moment for me.
I paid the check and took a cappuccino to go. Off to the Colosseum!
Colosseum (Book Early!)
Visiting the Colosseum is a must.
We booked tickets that included access to the arena floor—but not the underground. If you want underground access, book early—it sells out quickly.
Standing inside the Colosseum, it’s hard not to wonder:
How did they build this?
From every angle and vantage point, the Colosseum is an architectural marvel. I thought I had made it to the highest level that could be accessed…until I saw a group near the top. But at the arena floor level, you really get a sense of the magnitude of this remarkable structure. Looking down, you can see the tunnels and passageways underneath. Looking up, you see the many levels of rows where the spectators would have sat. I was awestruck, thinking here I stood where gladiators fought almost 2,000 years ago. Mindblowing!
A Modern Observation
What was life like before selfies?
I couldn’t help but notice how many people were focused on getting the perfect Instagram shot. Meanwhile, they were standing in one of the most historically significant places in the world. Confession…looking at my phone, I had 20 selfies in the Colosseum, but none posted to Instagram!
A reminder to occasionally put the phone down.
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (Surprising Highlight)
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill completely exceeded my expectations.
During my other two visits to the Colosseum, we looked at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill from afar. I don’t know exactly why we never entered, but if I had to guess, trying to do too much in too little time contributed. But my stepkids insisted we go.
What I thought would be a quick 45-minute walk turned into:
Over 3 hours of exploring.
- Incredible views
- Challenging climbs
- Quiet, less crowded paths
Again, I could not believe these structures withstood centuries of earthquakes, fires, vandalism, and neglect. I came away with deep respect and admiration for archaeologists and preservation groups.
This may be the most underrated experience in Rome and though it’s been around for 2,000 years, it came as a surprise to me.
Lunch With a View
We had a late lunch overlooking the Colosseum as the sun began to set. The beams of sunlight skirted the left edge of the Colosseum, intensifying, and then vanishing—only to leave a warm red-orange glow. It was magnificent.
Yes, another restaurant outside an attraction. I know. Average food and high prices.
But some views are worth paying for.
Day 3: Rain, St. Peter’s Basilica & Slowing Down
Rain changed our plans—and honestly, it was a blessing.
We slowed down.
We returned to the Spanish Steps in the morning as my stepson visited a tattoo parlor for a Roman Forum-inspired tattoo. My wife and stepdaughter had some unfinished business in a few of the stores. I took my place outside, under an umbrella, waiting.
As the intensity of the rain grew we decided to wait for my stepson at a restaurant in a tucked away Piazza. Honestly, I think you would have to be lost to find this restaurant. But here we were, eating under the restaurant’s weathered awning with a heater providing enough warmth. The bottle of red wine may have helped, too.
St. Peter’s Basilica (Worth the Wait)
After lunch, we returned to our hotel for a change of clothes before taking an Uber to St. Peter’s Basilica.
We waited nearly two hours in the rain to enter St. Peter’s Basilica. My jeans were soaked nearly to my knees. My socks were drenched. My teeth chattered as my body shook.
Cold. Wet. We were questioning our decision.
And then we walked inside.
Completely worth it.
Immediately, you could genuinely feel the warmth of the basilica. It’s one of the most breathtaking, awe-inspiring places I’ve ever been.
You may be asking, why didn’t you go to The Vatican Museum? I wish we had. I have been there a couple times before, and will return. But I fear had we gone, the visit would have been rushed—and the Vatican is not the place you want to rush through.
Final Night in Rome
We ended the trip with a simple, authentic dinner near our hotel. I was told the restaurant was a favorite of a famous movie actor and director. I don’t know if that is factually accurate, but it was enough to sell me on going.
This restaurant was the real deal. The menu was in Italian, the waitstaff spoke little-to-no English, and the charm was unmistakably Roman. A liter of their House Red was 11 Euros! Each dish demonstrated the love and passion of Italian cooking. It was everything we could have asked for, except for my stepdaughter. All she wanted was an authentic Roman pizza to end her stay in Italy. Pizza wasn’t on the menu. My apologies, Priya.
Lessons Learned in Rome
1. Rome is incredibly walkable
But be prepared—there’s a lot of uneven terrain and hills.
Our trip to Vatican City was the only time we needed transportation. Otherwise everything was in close proximity.
2. The food is better (and cheaper) than Paris
Rome is a food lover’s dream—and much more affordable than we experienced in Paris.
The pizza, the pasta, and the gelato! And I can’t forget about the mortadella sandwiches on soft focaccia bread!
3. You need more time than you think
Three days felt rushed. The ideal stay is probably 4 to 5 days.
We missed out on The Pantheon, The Vatican Museum, and casually strolling through gardens and Trastevere.
On our last visit to Rome, we decided to take a day trip to Florence via the high-speed train. With an extra couple days built into a trip to Rome, day trips to Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast are possible.
4. Eat away from tourist areas
This might be the single most important tip.
The food is of higher quality. The meals and wine are less expensive. The 10% service charge isn’t automatically charged. And you get to practice speaking Italian (or pointing at things on the menu).
5. Slow down and enjoy it
Like Paris, I made the same mistake:
Trying to do too much.
If I could do it again:
- Fewer scheduled activities
- More wandering
- More meals that last hours
One Last Thing (the Spanish Steps)
I didn’t forget…
The answer to where the Spanish Steps got their name…it’s named after the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See, which has been located at the base of the Piazza di Spagna. And it only took me three visits to finally look it up.
Final Thoughts
Rome is chaotic, beautiful, historic, and unforgettable.
It’s a city where:
- You can eat some of the best food in the world
- Walk through thousands of years of history
- And still feel like you didn’t see enough
And that’s exactly why you’ll want to come back.
