Rome Was NOT What We Expected — What We Wish We Knew Before Visiting
Rome Was NOT What We Expected — What We Wish We Knew Before Visiting
Notable moments
- 07:55 Refilling Water at Rome's Free Fountains
Rome features thousands of public drinking fountains, known locally as nasoni, which flow continuously with cold, clean drinking water. Carrying a refillable water bottle allows travelers to stay hydrated throughout the hot summer days completely free of charge while exploring the city streets.
- 09:18 Climbing St. Peter's Basilica Dome
Visitors can climb hundreds of narrow spiral steps inside the dome of St. Peter's Basilica to reach the exterior panoramic lookout over St. Peter's Square and the cityscape. An elevator option is available for part of the ascent, leading to an interior balcony with close-up views of the ceiling mosaics before the final narrow stair climb.
St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City - 09:59 Touring the Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums display vast historical collections of classical sculptures, tapestries, and Renaissance frescoes that lead toward Michelangelo's famous Sistine Chapel. Visitors are advised to book tickets well in advance, arrive early, bring physical passports, and adhere to strict dress codes covering shoulders and knees.
Vatican Museums, Vatican City - 10:25 Exploring Inside the Colosseum
This nearly 2,000-year-old ancient amphitheater once held tens of thousands of spectators for gladiator fights and public spectacles. Booking a full experience entry ticket grants visitors access to explore the multi-tiered interior corridors as well as the restored arena floor overlooking the underground hypogeum.
Colosseum, Rome, Italy - 11:15 Visiting the Ancient Pantheon
Originally built as a Roman temple, the iconic Pantheon is renowned for its immense dome, which remains the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. Entry into the preserved interior allows visitors to view the massive central oculus open to the sky alongside historic royal tombs.
Pantheon, Rome, Italy - 11:34 Admiring the Trevi Fountain
Completed in the 18th century at the terminus of an ancient Roman aqueduct, the Trevi Fountain features dramatic marble statues of Oceanus and sea creatures set against a turquoise basin. The surrounding piazza is notoriously crowded during daytime hours, making early morning or late night ideal times for visiting.
Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy - 11:54 Coffee and Pastries at Cafe Forum
Situated next to the Trevi Fountain, Cafe Forum offers outdoor table seating for enjoying traditional Roman morning treats like pistachio-filled croissants and cream-stuffed maritozzi. Pairing sweet pastries with iced espresso provides a quick fuel stop while watching the crowds gathered around the fountain.
Cafe Forum, Rome, Italy
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