europe, italy, rome, study abroad, travel, travel tips

October 26, 2019

Weekend in Rome | 48 Hours

I have dreamed of having myself a Roman holiday ever since first watching the enchanting Audrey Hepburn and handsome Greggory Peck zip away on their Vespa. Or maybe even a precursor to Audrey Hepburn, seeing Lizzie McGuire take the stage in Rome probably is what really won my heart to the historic city. One of the first trips I booked after arriving in Germany was to Rome. My friends and I booked our trip for the Friday after Thanksgiving. We left early that morning on a Ryanair flight for a weekend in Rome. (and yes I still do not suggest flying Ryainair!)

Now, one weekend in Rome hardly even skims the surface of everything to do in the city. That city is so deep in history I think it would take a few days at minimum to really get a good grasp of Rome. But our Roman holiday was really only 48 hours. Did we still jam pack our day? Well of course! In case you’re trying to determine the must-stop tourist destinations on a mighty quick trip during a weekend in Rome, then you’ve come to the right blog! This is by no means a comprehensive list, but certainly a fun one!

Explore The City at Night:

Generally, I wouldn’t advise this, and I still don’t advise this if you don’t have multiple people with you, but seeing the streets come to life in the piazzas was exactly what I imagine Rome to be like in my fantasies. There were performs and artists along every street. Couples strolled hand in hand eating gelato, and tourists pointing at all the fascinating sites! Oh, wait… that last one was me!

Visiting the Colosseum:

If you go to Rome and don’t do anything else, at least visit the Colosseum. This magnificent piece of architecture could hold up to 80,000 people and held some of the most gruesome gladiator fights and chariot races. We got a package deal where we paid for the colosseum and forums together. Long story short, we blindly followed a guy up a hill for the tickets. He could have been a murderer y’all and we just followed him! But he wasn’t and we got a slight deal!

Discover the Roman Forum:

Back during Ancient Rome, the Forum was the center of city life. It was used for religious, political, economic, and social purposes. Now it’s a hot tourist destination. It was raining cats and dogs when we went. We got so soaked! I gave up on an umbrella after a while because it wasn’t helping at all! At one point, we found a little covered vending machine, hid under it and got some snacks. It was a memorable experience. If you go to the Roman Forum, please get some chips from the vending machine on my behalf.

Getting Run over by Vespas:

Wait, what do you mean you don’t want to get run over? Don’t you know crossing roads in Rome is an extreme sport! Be prepared….

Visiting the Pantheon:

My architecture professor once told us that when he first visited the Pantheon, he stood there and wept for 3 hours at its beauty. Funnily enough, apparently this building shouldn’t be standing, yet it does. It’s a magnificent building. Be sure to notice how the light enters through the oculus, opening in the ceiling.

Visiting the Vatican:

If you want to visit the Vatican, buy your tickets in advance. Also, be prepared to suffocate from the crowds. If you can get through that, then visiting is wonderful. For those who may not be familiar, the Vatican is home to the Pope of the Catholic church. I don’t know too much about catholicism, so I won’t go into too much detail, but I know it’s very impactful for those who are catholic to visit the Vatican. I personally loved seeing the Sistine chapel. It was amazing.

Sitting on the Spanish Steps:

The iconic Spanish steps are a must-see! They are at Piazza di Spagna (Piazza di Spagna was our metro stop that was closed by the way, and we got lost trying to find another) We purchased some roasted chestnuts and talked on the steps as we ate. Talk about a perfect Roman experience.

Trevi Fountain:

Y’all, I tossed my coin into the fountain and a cute, Italian pop star did not come and whisk me away (Lizzie McGuire Movie reference). When we went it was extremely crowded, but I’ve heard visiting early in the morning helps you to avoid the hoards of tourists (of course I say that as a tourist- the irony).

Seeing the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument:

This building was built in honor of the Italian king who unified Italy in the 19th century. After WW1 the monument housed the tomb of the unknown soldier. The building also became the setting for military parades during the fascism movement leading to WW2.

Eating Gelato:

Oh there is gelato on every street corner in Rome! The best shop we found was right near the Vespa Museum.

Pizza:

Finally, you have to eat Pizza for every meal in Rome because it is just so delicious! Your stomach might hate you for it, but your soul will be relishing in the delight of each slice!

I hope this gives you a helpful rundown of how much you really can fit into a weekend in Rome. One thing I forgot to mention, pack your walking shoes! You’re going to be on the go from dusk till dawn, but seeing all you can most certainly be done! Also a big shout out for Lauren practically being my model in these pictures!

Weekend in Rome | 48 Hours

Explore The City at Night:

Visiting the Colosseum:

Discover the Roman Forum:

Getting Run over by Vespas:

Visiting the Pantheon:

Visiting the Vatican:

Sitting on the Spanish Steps:

Trevi Fountain:

Seeing the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument:

Eating Gelato:

Pizza:

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