Conquer Rome: Thoughts from a First-Time Traveler

Conquer Rome: Thoughts from a First-Time Traveler

*Links in this article are affiliated

Click here to see the latest fights to Rome

Rome, The Eternal City where every corner is dripping with history and every plate is heaping with carbs. If you're anything like me, you might be feeling that delightful mix of thrill and terror of the vast and unknown. But fear not, my fellow adventurer! Conquering Rome is not only possible; it’s downright essential. At this point Rome has been covered by every travel guide and influencer out there. I am not sure there are any more hidden gems or secret dining spots I can share that you haven’t already seen over and over again. Instead I’m here to share my journey and simple insights as a first time traveler. Hopefully you can navigate this enchanting place like a seasoned pro or at least like someone who knows where to find the best Negroni.

The Initial Overwhelm

The moment I stepped into the chaotic swirl of Rome, I felt lost. Where do I even begin? The Colosseum? The Vatican? The nearest pizzeria? Decisions, decisions.Sound familiar? Many travelers worry about getting lost in this sprawling maze of history and stunning architecture. And trust me, you will get lost. Probably more than once, Rome is a city of glorious chaos. Ancient ruins stand shoulder to shoulder with hipster cafes, and every piazza is a stage for street performers and gelato enthusiasts. Instead of trying to impose order on this delightful mayhem, I learned to embrace it. Let curiosity be your compass.

So, how do you tackle this beautiful mess? Here’s the lowdown, straight from my rookie mistakes:

1. Prioritize Your Must-Sees

First things first: make a list of your must-see attractions. For me, it was all about the big hitters: the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. Focusing on just a few sights helped me breathe a little easier. Book your tickets well in advance as there will definitely be long lines. I also recommend doing a quick search on how long each stop is expected to take. The Vatican for instance is a full day with half of that waiting in line. I was only there for a few days so decided to skip it rather than wasting the day on one thing but if that is one your must do’s be prepared to allocate the appropriate amount of time to do it.

2. Researching Rome: Discover the Secrets of the City Before You Pack

While getting lost can lead to delightful surprises, having a plan and some knowledge can be crucial. When you think of Rome, you probably picture the Colosseum, Vatican City, and Ancient Ruins but before you slap on your sandals and hit the cobblestones, do yourself a favor: dive into the history of these iconic sites. I mean, how else will you impress your fellow travelers with random facts about Emperor Nero’s obsession with singing or how the Colosseum once hosted naval battles? Seriously! Researching these historical tidbits is like unearthing the secrets of Rome suddenly, those ancient stones aren’t just props for your Instagram photos; they become characters in a wild, chaotic play where the Romans had a flair for drama, intrigue, and plenty of debauchery. History is literally all around you and can even be overwhelming. I found myself amongst some ruins surrounded by cats only to find out later this was also the site where Julius Caesar was assassinated. So, before you lose yourself in the beautiful chaos of this city, arm yourself with some juicy historical anecdotes.

3. Use Public Transport Like a Local

Listen, public transport can be intimidating especially when you’re surrounded by locals who seem to have been born on a bus. But trust me, Rome’s buses, trams, and metro are easier to navigate than your average spaghetti order. Grab a day pass, hop on, and don’t be afraid to stand close enough to make awkward eye contact with your fellow passengers. It’s all part of the experience! However on the morning I was all set to leave, I went down to the front desk and asked the concierge to call me a taxi as I normally do. To my surprise he told me he would try but didn’t think he would be able to get one anytime soon. After several tries and waiting on hold I started to panic that I would miss my train. I got on my phone and ordered an Uber instead but following it on the app I could see it was painfully slow and also would not arrive in time. Out of desperation I finally took to the streets and was able to flag down a taxi that had just dropped off some other passengers. Now I am not sure if this is commonplace or not but it might be worth talking to the front desk the night before you plan on leaving to arrange for pick up.

4. Plan for Breaks

Exploring Rome can be exhausting, especially if you’re trying to see it all in one trip. Schedule downtime to relax at a café or enjoy gelato while people-watching in a piazza. I learned the hard way that pacing myself made my experience much more enjoyable. It’s all about balance, sightseeing and snacking are equally important. You will hear this alot but worth noting again, water costs money so bring a reusable bottle with you. I also found it very hard to find public washrooms and they typically cost money as well. So just be prepared for that and never pass on a chance to use one if you see one!

5. Connect with the Locals

One of the best ways to conquer Rome is to engage with the locals. I found that chatting with shop owners, waiters, and even fellow travelers added depth to my experience. They often share the best-kept secrets of the city like the hidden trattoria down a side street that serves Cacio e pepe so good it’ll make you forget about that fancy Michelin-starred restaurant you read about.

Now, you might be thinking, But what if I don’t speak Italian? Relax. Most Romans are friendly, and many speak English, especially in tourist areas. If all else fails, a little gesturing and enthusiastic hand movements can go a long way. Trust me, you don’t need a degree in linguistics to order a delicious plate of pasta.

6. Location, Location, Location: Picking the Perfect Place to Stay in Rome

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Rome, let’s face it location is everything. You wouldn’t want to plop yourself down in a sketchy neighborhood that’s a 30-minute trek from the sights while dreaming of sipping espresso at a local café. Navigating Rome’s neighborhoods can feel staggering, but it doesn’t have to be. From the charming cobblestone streets of Trastevere to the bustling heart of Centro Storico, each area has its own vibe and allure, waiting to be discovered. Think about what you want: do you crave late-night gelato runs or proximity to ancient ruins? Want to blend in with locals or revel in touristy chaos? Embrace the excitement of exploring your options! Remember, even if you find yourself in a less-than-ideal spot, every misstep can lead to unexpected adventures. So, roll up your sleeves, do a little research, and prepare to uncover the perfect Roman retreat that matches your travel style. I Highly recommend Trastevere, a neighborhood that feels like it was plucked straight out of a movie. The streets are so charming, cobblestone lanes winding like a pasta noodle, vibrant piazzas bursting with laughter, and trattorias serving up pasta that will make you question why you ever settled for anything less. In Trastevere, you can sip a spritz while watching the sun dip behind the ancient ruins, and suddenly, your worries about that weird coworker or your unkempt laundry pile seem as distant as the Colosseum's glory days. Locals and tourists alike gather to navigate the narrow streets and if you're not careful, you might just trip over a cat because let’s be honest, the cats of Trastevere are the real rulers of the roost. Let the vibrant atmosphere sweep you off your feet.

Click here to book hotels in Trastevere

Embrace the Unknown: Adventure Is Just Around the Corner

Remember, conquering Rome isn’t just about ticking items off a to-do list. It’s about savoring the moments like the smell of fresh pasta wafting through the air, the thrill of standing inside St. Peter's Basilica. As you step into the vibrant streets of Rome, let go of the fear of the unknown and embrace the adventure that awaits you. With these tips in hand hopefully you’re a little better equipped to navigate the Eternal City confidently. Now go ahead, wander, explore, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Rome is waiting for you and trust me in the end, it’s not just about where you sleep, it’s about the stories you’ll gather along the way!