Around The Ancient City of Rome in 72 hours

Temple Rome was my home away from home for more than 3 months. I tried the food, talked to locals, went sightseeing, explored the hidden streets, and learned to appreciate this man-made city. I did everything a tourist could possibly do until I became an expert myself. However, most people don’t have months on end to spend traveling. So, I compiled a 72-hour itinerary so you can accomplish all your bucket list items in the span of a weekend.

Fountains and Fantasies: Day 1

As I make my way to the down the streets of Rome at 6:30am, night has officially turned into day. Excitement starts building at the thought of seeing one of the most famous fountains in the world without a large crowd. Just as I turn one abandoned looking corner, I get this gorgeous, peaceful view of the Trevi Fountain. The stress leaves my body as I realize I could get a clear shot of the fountain without a random body in the way, since it is estimated that over 1,000 people visit the fountain every hour, says the Drivers and Rome, Transportation and Tours group.

After stopping in at a local coffee bar for a quick cappuccino and a traditional whipped cream filled pastry called a maritozzi, I make my way west towards the Pantheon. I am instantly transported back into the Roman Empire as this 142ft stone structure stares back at me. After taking in the view, I walk south to Largo di Torre Argentina, a location that was on my Rome bucket list when I first came. This eerie location is where Julius Caesar was killed in 44BC. Today, its serves as a sanctuary for approximately 150 cats, which served as a slight problem since I am allergic to cats.

I then make my way back to the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo. Within this square, I stop by Pastascuitta to grab a large bowl of pasta to go for only 6 euros. This quick, but homemade pasta absolutely melts in my mouth, and I just kept asking myself “why don’t we have this in the U.S?”

Ciao Bella!: Day 2:

Today is the day to visit one of the 8 Wonders of the World. I arrive 30 minutes before my tour and my breath is instantly taken away by the Colosseum. Standing before me is a 157ft round travertine limestone structure that was once an entertainment center for the rich population of Rome. As my tour enters the premise, I can barely move with the amount of people, but my sole focus is on the stone design that has lasted centuries.

My day doesn’t stop there as I make my way to the Roman Forum. Images fill my head as I try to picture what this area once looked like at the height of Rome’s power. I picture women in long tunics, men in dark grey metal armor with swords, and carriages pulled by horses.

After spending most of my day in the beating sun, I decide it is time to gain a different view of the city. I take an uber to Terrazza Piazza Garibaldi. This terrace in Rome provides a view of the entire city from above, where all of the magnificent structures suddenly look tiny.

Pasta La Vista: Day 3

The Vatican quickly became one of my favorite spots to visit. It is easy to spend an entire day in The Vatican, but you definitely have to go inside to see the Sistine Chapel and St. Peters Basilica. These two works of art make you appreciate what humans were capable of without modern technology. While art is not one of my passions, I commend architects for being able to evoke a range of emotions from a viewer by creating a contrast of smooth and rough surfaces when creating shapes made out of the finest materials.

After exploring this historic masterpiece, I head down to the lively neighborhood of Trastevere to grab lunch. When I walk down the street, all I can hear are the birds chirping, meaning I have found a more local spot waiting to be explored. This is where I find Da Enzo. This family-owned restaurant shows tourists how Italians live by encouraging them to eat every single piece of pasta off their plate. Even though this may be one of the smallest restaurants in Rome, it has the biggest heart. Locals and tourists line up an hour before the restaurant opens for lunch to show their loyal support. A bartender goes through the line bringing everyone drinks as they wait for a table, making the experience start before you even sit down.

At this time, I am more than ready for a good nap back at the hotel, only to wake up again to see all those famous sites, but at night. Through modern lighting technology, Rome is able to take these significant locations and blend them with the current age. Travel writer Rick Steves even describes Rome at night as “intimate and approachable.” There is nothing quite like walking down the historic Roman streets with a cone of gelato in hand.

Rome provided me the opportunity to learn more about the past and how architecture has developed over the years. When I need a break from schoolwork, I always walk past City Hall in Center City Philadelphia. Doing this reminds me of the people that spent decades creating the centerpiece of that city. Rome helped me understand that ancient architecture can bring life and personality to a city.

Whether you are traveling to Rome for a couple days, a week, a month, or more, you can truly hit every landmark with time to spare. Arrivederci Roma!

All photos were taken by Alexandra Pombo