I wrecked my feet in Rome.
So the weather has been glorious the last few days and it got me thinking about my trips and when Iāve had the best weather.
One thatās definitely top of the list, is Rome.Ā
Iāve actually visited Rome twice, but itās only the second time I really want to talk about! Sometimes it takes a couple of trips to really appreciate a country and Iāve definitely had a love hate relationship with Italy. The people you go with also have a huge impact on your experience, so being with the love of my life definitely helped! #CHEESE.
This particular trip was in October, celebrating my one year anniversary with my other half. We only stayed for 3 days, however I think thatās a perfect amount ofĀ time for a city break!
Iām going to split this blog into 3 sections, pros and cons, sights and my overall opinion, so hopefully this helps someone planning their own trip!
Pros and Cons
Pros
1. The sights really are stunning. Thereās so many different places to go and visit, so if youāve got the time, youāll never be short of things to do.
2. There is a reason Italian food is so famous - itās delicious!
3. Depending on when you go, youāre almost guaranteed to have the weather on your side. I was there in October and it was still 26 degrees (c), so if youāre visiting in the summer months, you definitely want to pack shorts!
4. If youāre like me and counting countries to tick off your list, it is a massive score that you can cross of The Vatican too!
5. Things can be costly, however walk around - you will always be able to find someone offering a competitive price.
6. The markets are amazing and the vintage finds could bankrupt me!
Cons
1. Itās Europe which usually means, have a healthy budget. Iām travelling from the UK and I definitely noticed a hike in prices, especially food!
2. Itās busy - you canāt expect to go somewhere as notorious as Rome and be the only people there. The crowds for Trevi Fountain are insane and be prepared to spend your time in queues!
3. There is a reason this blog is called āI wrecked my feet in Romeā! You have to do so much walking. Public transportation isnāt as easily accessible as you may normally be used to and everything is quite far apart! My number one point from this blog would be, pack sensible shoes!!!!
4. Contrary to what I said earlier, the weather could REALLY let you down. Weather checks are vital! Donāt get drenched because you only packed for a summer trip!
Sights
Well, Iām sure youāre aware of what Rome has to offer, but Iām going to show you anyway! I could rant and rave, causing this blog to be a million pages long, so Iām going to provide three sights and my mixed reactions, to trim this down a little bit.
Trevi Fountain is gorgeous and I can totally understand why the crowds are so big, however honestly, itās a little panic inducing. Trying to get close enough to get a decent picture made me feel so claustrophobic. I literally snapped the shot and ran!Ā
If you are the same, Iād definitely recommend taking a camera with a great zoom feature, so you donāt have to compromise your space!
Alternatively, for some people, the crowd is all part of the fun!
I did revisit the fountain later in the day and there was hardly anyone there, plus it looks amazing lit up at night, so that would be recommendation number two. Donāt like crowds? Just plan your visit a little later!
The Colosseum is most definitely my favourite thing Rome has to offer...well other than Gelato!
Itās gorgeous on the inside and out and makes for the most amazing photos!
Entry was $12 for me and I had to queue for around an hour, however thatās nothing in comparison to a line at Disney, so it wasnāt a big deal. If however youāre really opposed to waiting in lie, a skip the queue will set you back $16 - not a bad price to pay!
Iād say an hour and a half is about as long as you want to be spending in there, but some people may feel this is too rushed. The tours are excellent and very informative, however for me, I like to walk at my own pace and take it all in, which I feel is compromised when running behind a guide. An alternative to this could be an audio guide, but then again, you have a certain path you have to follow, else the audio makes no sense!
Piazza Di Spagna was a bit disappointing if Iām honest. Itās ridiculously overcrowded and underwhelming. Itās still lovely to go and see, but Rome has so much more to offer...
Often undergoing a lot of construction (currently) too, so youāre lucky if you manage to see it all clearly!
Overall opinion
Of course there are things I havenāt touched upon in great details. For example, The Vatican and St Peterās Basilica is incredible and so worth the visit, although you may be queuing for what feels like years! I could sprout on and on about the interior and the dome. How photogenic it is, however Iām trying to create something that will help people with their planning and maybe prioritise things, to get the best out of what may be limited time! The Vatican is of course, usually the number one hot spot for people anyway; understandably!
My first trip was an absolute disaster and so I always thought Rome was tainted for me, however thatās why Iām writing about my second trip.Ā
I completely fell in love with Rome.Ā
Yes there were things that were hit and miss, but overall, Iād go back in a heartbeat.
I would definitely recommend 3 days being the minimum length of time you spend there, else youāll definitely feel short changed! Thereās so much history and culture to take in, donāt do that to yourself!
Wear sensible shoes, learn from my mistakes.
Live in the moment. Yes of course itās amazing to take photos and I do, regularly, but donāt live through your lens. Rome is astonishing, breathe it all in!!
Budget! Unless you are flexible with your expenditure, in which case, go wild, when in Rome and all that jazz!
If youāve found anything interesting, or maybe you want to disagree with me, please let me know! I love hearing about everyoneās travels!
Or you know what? Even if you think Iāve missed something and would like me to do a follow up - for example, maybe you want more info on The Vatican, rather than a skim read? Tell me and your wish shall be granted!
Hope this has helped somewhat and hope anyone going to Rome has THE MOST AMAZING TIME <3
Peace and love, E.Ā
x