Rome, Italy

It probably goes without saying that I have quite a few pictures to go through from my trip to Italy in early July. Slowly but surely I’m making progress and am happy to share a glimpse from our first stop in Rome. I have some girlfriends heading to a couple of the same places we visited so I included a list of my insights on Rome below in case any of you are planning to visit anytime soon.

ROME
-Embrace being a tourist: wear comfy shoes for lots and lots of walking (girls avoid the heels, even the biggest heel lover is wasting precious suitcase space by giving it a try), carry a water bottle, wear a hat, use a map + travel guide. It is such a huge city and there are so many important things to see and do…you will get the most out of it if you are prepared.
-Research the sights before arriving: many of the must see spots have options for reservations or fast pass tickets that will save you time in line, a HUGE perk if you will be in Rome during the hot summer days.
-Rick Steves is your guy: remember when I talked about my love for the Rick Steves podcasts here? Well, I’m telling ya again because they are the BOMB and probably my #1 suggestion if you have a trip planned to Europe. I also highly recommend buying his travel books as they are full of every detail you could ever possibly need to know and very well organized. Plenty to choose from on Amazon here.
-Trastevere is a must: my buddy Rick Steves has a podcast walking tour that will weave you through the magical streets and help you explore this charming and much more quaint part of the city. It also happens to be where we had the best meal of the entire trip. Just trust me and make a reservation to sit outside on the patio at Taverna Trilussa. We got there very late and were lucky to snag a table at all. Also, get the Bucatini all’ Amatriciana. Don’t ask questions, just get it and thank me later.
-The History: spend some time before you go understanding the historical context of what you are seeing. It is such a unique city and the more you know the more special it is to experience because ‘WOOOWWWW I can’t believe what I’m looking at is still standing after all these years’ is just the beginning of how much there is to appreciate.

Prosecco, fresh jasmine on the terrace and my cute guy, welcome to Italy!

Dining al fresco at this restaurant called Edy right outside our apartment

Look close, the mosaic pieces are about the size of my thumbnail but these murals cover the walls in the Vatican

Secret gardens from above

Can you see the people in line?

Mailing Postcards to our parents and grandparents

Tiny heads, big domes

Looking out over the city

At first I was embarrassed, then I just gave in #ubertourist (warning ladies, you have to cover your shoulders AND legs!)

Breathtaking in person

I was sneaky!

The lighting caught my eye

Pretty little street moments

Even in Rome

The lights went out during one of our dinners, we obviously didn’t mind

My favorite fountain, so beautiful at night

The nightly routine

Soooo, that’s the moon (!!!!!!!!) over the Pantheon

Prepping the produce of the day

Exploring Piazza del Popolo

Gorgeous

The doors, oh man the doors!…they are all so beautiful

Nerdy tourists (at least we didn’t buy a selfie stick)

This falls under that tip about reading up on the history. If you know anything about the Pantheon your jaw is on the floor the entire time you experience it