Ciao! We are back with another history filled itinerary, but this one is in the eternal city of Rome! If you are craving a history filled Euro Summer, check out our London blog that gives you all our recommendations for historical sites and museums in London and combine your trip with your Rome Adventure. As we review the Rome Itinerary, we hope you enjoy the ShiShi Style magic of ‘why’ you should visit these locations.
Below you will find a 3 day history edition itinerary of Rome packed with our tips and tricks to beat the lines and take on the Roman Empire.
📅 Day 1:
Start your day with a delicious cappuccino and pastry.
✅ Helpful Tips for the Rome
👉 Comfortable walking shoes: Purchase comfortable walking shoes to help you survive those 20,000+ steps with ease. A few of our favorites are Adidas Sneakers and good old Dr Scholl’s Sneakers.
👉 Modest clothing: You may be denied entry into churches if you are not modestly dressed. Pack a shawl or scarf to cover your shoulders and tights or leggings if you are wearing a short skirt or dress. You don’t want to miss these beautiful churches.
👉 Pick pocketing: We strongly advise you to be extremely careful with pickpocketing and ensuring your valuables are secured at all times.
👉 Guided Tours: Here at ShiShi Style we highly recommend guided tours. While they are a bit more costly, it truly helps you understand the history and significance of the locations.
👉 Front of the Line tickets/ VIP tickets: Several companies via Viator or Trip Advisor offer from of the line passes. We highly recommend this to avoid long lines especially if you have limited time in Rome.
Once you have enjoyed your cappuccino, make your way to Piazza del Popolo as your starting point for the day.
Why start here? If you look at a map of Rome, you’ll notice that the locations listed below are laid out in a straight line making it easy to explore them seamlessly and efficiently. We’ve taken the guesswork out for you and arranged them in the perfect order (in true ShiShi Style fashion, of course 😉).
Piazza del Popolo
🌸 Why visit Piazza Del Popolo?
Historical Significance: Piazza del Popolo has served as a main entrance to Rome for centuries and it was a major transportation hub for countless years before trains, planes and cars.
Other things to see here: Ancient Egyptian Obelisk, Twin Churches ( Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto), Pincio Terrace (a terrace offers panoramic views of the city), and The Gate of the People (Porta del Popolo). This gate, part of the Aurelian Walls, is a historic entrance to the city
🎟️ No tickets required for admission
Spanish steps
Distance from Piazza Del Popolo: 10 minute walk/ 4 minute bus ride
🌸 Why visit the Spanish Steps:
The iconic Spanish Steps, consisting of 135 beautifully designed steps, were inaugurated in 1735. They were originally built to connect the Spanish Embassy, located at the base in Piazza di Spagna, with the Trinità dei Monti church that stands gracefully at the top. The steps were made particularly popular in the 1953 movie Roman Holiday, starring Audrey Hepburn.
🎟️ No tickets required for admission
Trevi Fountain
Distance from the Spanish Steps: 8 minute walk
🌸 Why visit the Trevi Fountain?
Besides visiting it because most of us are Lizzie McGuire fans, this is the world’s largest Baroque fountain, and was built in the early 18th century. May we also add that it is so beautiful! It is said that if you make a wish and throw a coin into the fountain, you will get your wish.
More importantly, it is important to know that each night the coins are removed from the fountain and used by a charity that helps those in need purchase food.
🎟️ No tickets required for admission; Try to visit as early as possible as it gets very crowded
👉 As you walk between the locations, you will see beautiful churches and cafes. We encourage you to stop and go where your heart takes you. You won’t regret seeing the absolutely stunning churches.
Pantheon
Distance from the Trevi Fountain: 7 minute walk
🌸 Why visit the Pantheon:
It was built as a temple to all of the Roman gods and the Pantheon’s name derives from the Greek words “pan” (all) and “theon” (gods). The Pantheon was converted for use as a Christian church in 609 AD and this is why it is now known as Santa Maria ad Martyres.
It’s also notable for being home to the graves of a number of important people, including the painter Raphael and two Italian Kings.
The Pantheon is a functioning church and is open to worshipers on Sundays without restrictions beyond those of other churches in Rome.
🎟️You can pre-purchase your ticket online on the Pantheon Website to help skip the lines. (Admission: €5 per person)
We recommend doing a guided tour to help you fully understand and take in the significance of the Pantheon. Here is a suggestion for a tour guide website.
Piazza Navona
Distance: 5 minute walk from the Piazza Navona
🌸 Why visit the Piazza Navona:
By this time you will be exhausted and ready for some pizza, pasta and wine.
Piazza Navona has been a designated public space since the 15th century, and is full of gorgeous Baroque architecture. It is famously known for the Bernini’s fountain, which stands at the center aka the Fountain of the Four Rivers, which dates from 1651.
There are lots of restaurants in the area for you to choose from based on your preferences.
🎟️ No tickets required for admission
Here is where we conclude day 1. You deserve to put your feet up and relax after a fun long day of stunning architecture and rich history. Ciao!
📅 Day 2:
Start your day with a delicious cappuccino and pastry.
Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum: They are all located adjacent to the Colosseum and we highly recommend buying a ticket that includes all three locations.
👉 We highly recommend pre-buying your tickets and working with a guided tour company. The copious amounts of detail and history at the Colosseum surely blew us away.
👉 Purchase a ticket that includes the tour for all three locations (Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum) as they are connected.
👉 Plan to arrive early to take lots of pictures and meet with your tour guide or purchase tickets if you do not wish to work with a guide.
🌸 Why visit the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum:
The Colosseum is the largest amphitheatre in the world located in the heart of Rome. It was built in 72–80 AD. It used to host gladiator battles and public spectacles and it held up to 80,000 spectators at one time. Despite suffering some damage in its two thousand years of existence, it is still hugely impressive to visit. Today, it’s one of the world’s most iconic landmarks and a powerful symbol of Rome’s imperial history.
The Roman Forum: It was a bustling center of politics, religion, and commerce during the Roman empire and was surrounded by grand temples, basilicas, and government buildings, it was where Romans gathered for public speeches, trials, and celebrations. Definitely a must see!
Palatine Hill: Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and considered the birthplace of the city. It is said that Romulus founded Rome in 753 BC in this location and it was the site of lavish imperial palaces. It is currently a space where you can see all the archaeological ruins. I personally found this so cool to be standing in the heart of the Roman Empire.
🎟️ Ticket prices: Prices will vary based on whether you select a guided tour, VIP entrance and different routes of the tour.
Here is a LINK of the tour we took and really enjoyed.
👉 After a long morning of walking through Roman history and admiring pathways built in the year 0, it is time to head for some delicious pasta, pizza and gelato.
Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere
Distance: 8 minute drive (it is located across the river)
🌸 Why visit the Trastevere area:
It has a titular minor basilica in the Trastevere district of Rome, and one of the oldest churches of Rome. The basic floor plan and wall structure of the church date back to the 340s, and much of the structure to 1140-43. The first sanctuary was built in 221 and 227 by Pope Callixtus I and later completed by Pope Julius I. The church has large areas of important mosaics from the late 13th century by Pietro Cavallini.
Trastevere maintains its character thanks to its narrow cobbled streets lined by ancient houses. At night, natives and tourists alike flock to its many pubs and restaurants, but much of the original character of Trastevere remains.
🎟️ No tickets required for admission
Enjoy a yummy lunch in this area and kick back and enjoy the italian way of life!
To end the night taste a biscuit or/and fried artichokes from local bakeries.
Last but not least, LOTS OF GELATO!!
📅 Day 3:
Start your day with a delicious cappuccino and pastry.
Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel
🌸 Why visit the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel?
I am sure no introduction is needed here, but here are some fun facts for you: The Vatican City is the world’s smallest independent state and the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church. It’s home to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and countless religious and artistic treasures.
One of its most famous highlights is the Sistine Chapel, renowned for Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment. The chapel is still used today for papal ceremonies, including the election of a new pope.
I cannot emphasize having a guided tour enough. The museum is filled with history over decades and centuries and it is worth the few extra Euros to soak in all this information (is my nerdy side showing again HAHA)👉 Dress code: Dress modestly since this is a church. There’s a strict dress code in place so no miniskirts, shorts, or bare shoulders. You can be denied entry due to your clothing.
St Peter’s Basilica: Free admission to the church.
We suggest that you book a ticket to go to the top of the dome for the spectacular views of the city. You have to climb to the top, so if you have individuals who struggle with steps in your party, you may sit this one out.
Seeing The Pope:
Wednesday mornings
You can see the Pope every Wednesday morning (except during July or when the Pope is traveling) in St. Peter’s Square or the Paul VI Audience Hall (indoors during colder months) where the Pope gives a teaching and blessing.
🎟️ Tickets: Admission is free, but you must request them in advance through the Vatican or your local parish.
Sundays at noons
You can see the pope when he appears from a window above St. Peter’s Square. It is a short reflection and prayer, followed by a blessing.
🎟️ No tickets required.
A fun activity to do while at the Vatican: Mail yourself a post card from the Vatican post office for when you reach home.
Why you may ask? The Vatican City is the smallest independent country in the world and it is a fun and symbolic travel experience plus you get to use their cool Vatican Stamps.
We recommend spending the rest of the afternoon exploring the charming and picturesque corners of Rome. The Eternal City reveals its beauty in even the smallest, tucked-away streets. Don’t hesitate to chat with locals as they often have the best recommendations for where to eat and truly experience authentic Roman cuisine.
Enjoy Gladiating your way around Rome while enjoying all the yummy gelato! Ciao!
