Most European scholars say it's a three way tie between London, Paris and Rome for the greatest city in Europe. We say its Rome, mainly because we are Italian, but also because you take a step back in time and realize the power of the Roman Empire 2000 years ago. It's an overwhelming presence.

 

COLOSEUM
The Coloseum is the greatest example of Roman engineering. It was constructed for the citizens of Rome to be entertained while watching bloody battles between Gladiators. There are two ways to enter. You can either wait in line and pay 11 euro or join an English speaking tour and skip the line for around 22 euro. I recommend taking the tour, it's worth the time of not waiting in line.

FORUM
This is where Caesar and the Romans used to congregate. It's in ruins now but at one time it was spectacular. The Forum is right next to the Coloseum. Walk through the Forum and head toward the stairs at the end. There is a beautiful view of the Forum and the Coloseum from here.

PANTHEON
This is the only piece of ancient Roman architecture that was not touched by the Barbarians during the fall of the empire. You will find the graves of Vittorio Emanuele (first King of Italy), his wife Margherita (after whom the margherita pizza was named) and Raphael. It always makes me laugh to see the ancient Pantheon and a McDonalds in the same Piazza, no more than steps away.

 

SPANISH STEPS
People relax here all day and night. If you walk directly straight from the steps you will find a shopper's paradise- a street filled with every designer brand possible.

 

 

 

NIGHT STROLL
Starting at Campo de Fiori, there are signs on street corners that read "area pedonale" which means pedestrian area. Simply follow these signs on a nice romantic walk through Rome.

 

FOOD
When choosing a restaurant I recommend reading a tour book and going with one of the book's suggestions. The hotel concierges will recommend a tourist restaurant where they will get commission on your bad dinner. Stay away from restaurants with pictures next to the menu. They tend to be too touristy, pricey, and not very tasty.

 

 

VATICAN MUSEUM
Noted as one of the top three museums in Europe, you will find the Sistine Chapel,
The Last Judgement, Leonardo & Michelangelo works, and much more. My favorite
art piece in the Vatican Museum is a sculpture called the Lao'coon. When it comes to
waiting in line, get ready to wait. The best times to go are in the afternoon or on Wednesday
morning. IMPORTANT- after seeing the Sistine Chapel, exit the door in the far right corner. This will take you to the entrance of St. Peters Basilica.

 

ST. PETERS BASILICA
You wont find a more elaborate Catholic Church in the world. Catholics believe St. Peter is buried below the Basilica but none really know for sure. To the right of the entrance is Michelangelo's Pieta. You can't miss it because you'll see 2 million people crowding around it. I also recommend hiking to the top of the church to get a view of Rome.
IMPORTANT- you need to be wearing pants and your shoulders need to be covered inside the Church. If you are there on either a Sunday or a Wednesday, you might be able to see the pope give a blessing to the crowd. The Catholic religion is extremely important in Italy, and you will realize this if you get to see the Pope.