48 Hours in Rome - Day 1

PEBREROME

Our flight landed at Fiumicino Airport at around 10 in the morning via EasyJet. We initially planned to take the Leonardo Express train to transfer to the city center. However, just in front of the entrance to the platforms, there were many travel agencies that offer much cheaper transfers: a 15 euro pp private van transfer straight to the hotel. This was much more practical than taking the 14 euro pp Leonardo Express train to Rome Termini station and then taking a 1.50 euro pp bus, be dropped off somewhere near the hotel and then walking all the way with the luggage to the hotel. Time is gold, so we chose the offer and the transfer took around 45 minutes as compared to the Leonardo Express train that takes 32 minutes to get to Rome Termini only.

Travel tip: Buy your travel tickets in the airport. The travel tickets can be valid for 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours or 7 days - depending on how long you're staying in Rome. The ticket is valid for unlimited use of city buses, trams, metro, and some rail services. It is much cheaper and more practical to buy a travel ticket like this rather than buying individual tickets every time you're going to use public transport. For more information, visit Rome Transpo.

We arrived at Hotel Colors before lunch. Checked in, settled our stuff in the room, freshened up, and then headed to explore.

THE SPANISH STEPS

Piazza di Spagna

This famous steep set of ~135 steps stretches between Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinita dei Monti. At the foot of the steps is the Fountain of the Old Boat, one of Bernini's works, and at the top is the Trinita dei Monti church. Since it is located at Piazza di Spagna where the Spanish Embassy can be found, it's name became such. Although the steps look perfect to sit on and munch a nice sandwich, apparently, it is not allowed to eat there in order to maintain its cleanliness. So better just bring a book and perhaps a nice drink? Recommended length of stay: ~30 minutes

FONTANA DI TREVI

Trevi Fountain at day

The largest Baroque fountain in the city, and the most beautiful of its kind in the world, Trevi Fountain is one must-see spot in Rome. Originally being an ancient Roman aqueduct termination, the fountain was duly named as such because it was built at the junction of three roads (tre vie). There is a well-known ancient tradition of tossing a coin into the fountain once to ensure that you will return to Rome. But other people also believe that if you throw another coin a 2nd time, true love will find you. To learn more fun facts about the fountain, visit Walks of Italy. Recommended length of stay: ~30 minutes

LUNCH: GINGER (Sapori e Salute)

Ginger lunch: authentic Italian carbonara has no cream!

Known to both locals and tourists, this restaurant boasts of healthy and deliciously satisfying food. The menu is veggie friendly (i.e. most dishes are plant-based), and you can tell from the queue outside how this place is a must-try for good-tasting local cuisine. The service was prompt, and staff are very friendly. The price ranges from budget to mid-range, depending on what you order, and they match the servings of the food. Try out their wide variety of interesting smoothies and other healthy refreshments. Length of stay: about an hour; meal pp: ~20 euros

PANTHEON

Pantheon

Formerly a Roman temple to "honour all Gods" (hence the name), the Pantheon now serves as a church. Marvel at its giant dome with a hole at the top (i.e. the oculus or the eye of the Pantheon). The dome is known as the largest unsupported dome in the world. The Pantheon houses the tombs of the artist Raphael and several Italian kings and poets. Visit Pantheon Facts to learn more. Recommended length of stay: ~30 minutes

PIAZZA NAVONA

One of the largest piazzas in Rome, this is where the grandstands of the Stadium of Domitian once stood. At piazza, you will find Bernini's La Fontana dei Fiumi in the center, 2 other fountains, and the baroque church of Sant'Agnese in Agone. La Fontana dei Fiumi is the centrepiece and is also the most photographed item in the square. In the center of the fountain is a Roman obelisk surrounded by 4 great rivers, Ganges, Nile, Danube and Plate, represented by four giants and the water fountain itself. The piazza is a good place to sit down and enjoy a great cup of coffee and sandwich. Recommended length of stay: at least 30 minutes

PIAZZA VENEZIA

Piazza Venezia

Located almost at Rome's geometric center, Piazza Venezia is a treasure trove of tourist landmarks. Named after Cardinal Venezia, in the piazza, you can find the Palazzo Venezia (Cardinal Venezia's palace), Palazzetto Venezia, Assicurazioni Generali (an insurance company building), Il Vittoriano (monument of Victor Emanuel II), Palazzo Bonaparte (home of Napoleon's mother), Palazzo delle Aste, and the churches of San Marco and Santa Maria di Loreto. Recommended length of stay in the piazza: ~15 minutes, then you can visit each landmark as preferred.

VIA DEI FORI IMPERIALI

Foro Traiano

Stretching from Piazza Venezia, this street would lead straight into the Colosseo. But along the way, be taken away by the beauty of ancient Roman architecture. Coming from Piazza Venezia, on the left side, you can spot Foro Traiano, and Foro Augustus, while on the right side, there is the Foro di Cesare, Roman Forum, and the Basilica di Santa Francesca Romana.

COLOSSEO

Colosseo

Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum can seat about 70,000 spectators. Its main purpose was for Emperor Vespesian to gain popularity by staging deadly combats between gladiators, as well as wild animal fights for public viewing. Its bloody history came to a conclusion when Christianity put an end to the gladiatorial fights as they were against the sanctity of life. Regular tickets (Colosseum+Roman Forum+Palatino) are priced at 12 euros pp. Recommended length of stay: at least an hour

ROMAN FORUM

Foro Roma

The Roman Forum was the centre of business and commerce, and is the city's communal hearth. It used to be home to the city's most important buildings, and spaces for both religious and judiciary activities. Recommended length of stay: at least 45 minutes

BASILICA PAPALE DI SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE

Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore

This basilica is one of four Patriarchal Basilicas of Rome. It has a very interesting and rich history. It houses the Sistine and Paoline chapels on the right and the Cesi and Sforza chapels on the left. Click here to learn more about the Basilica. Recommended length of stay: ~30 minutes

PIAZZA DELLA REPUBBLICA

Just a few minutes worth of walk from the Basilica is the Piazza della Repubblica. It was built as part of Rome's post-unification makeover. It follows the lines of semicircular exedra (benched Portico) of Diocletian's baths complex, and was originally known as Piazza Esedra. It features 4 nude water nymphs surrounding the central figure, Glaucus, wrestling a fish. Recommended length of stay: ~15 minutes

TREVI FOUNTAIN AT NIGHT

Trevi Fountain at night

We then decided to head back to this beautiful fountain to see how it looks at nighttime, and it did not disappoint. It was even more magical at night, and was certainly a delightful thing to admire. Be sure to see it both at daytime and at nighttime. Recommended length of stay: ~30 minutes

DINNER: PANE E SALAME

Pane e Salame dinner: meat and cheese board

A sandwich shop, Pane e Salame is known for their quality sandwiches, and meat and cheese boards. The servings are generous for the price, and the taste does not disappoint. Staff and service are 5/5. I highly recommend this place for both lunch and dinner, and aperitif - this is evidenced by the queue outside. Length of stay: minimum of an hour; meal pp: minimum of 15 euros