Italy
The historical center
Ready for a day full of sightseeing? Today you will explore the rest of Rome, so put on your walking shoes and let’s go!
Start your day at Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is the perfect place to start your day. Take a seat on one of the many terraces, order a cappuccino and enjoy the charming square full of stunning fountains and buildings. People watching highly recommended!
Once you’ve finished your coffee, it’s time to visit a major attraction that’s right around the corner - only 2 blocks away.
Explore the Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved buildings in Rome. Both the inside and outside are very impressive and well worth a visit. Admission is free and and even though there always seems to be a long line, the wait is fairly quick! Make sure to look up once you’re inside, as this temple does have an open roof - amazing! Make sure to bring along a scarf to cover your shoulders, and wear something that covers your knees as well.
If you thought the previous stroll was a short one, you’re gonna love this one! Your lunch is waiting for you at the other side of the building that’s across the Pantheon entrance.
Grab a sandwich at All’ Antico Vinaio
Time for a sandwich on the go! All’ Antico Vinaio offers the tastiest, freshest, most flavorful sandwiches we ever tried. You get an enormous freshly baked schiacciata, filled with all kinds of meat, cheese and/or vegetables. A sandwich costs between 7 and 11 euros, but can be considered a full meal. You certainly won’t be hungry for the next few hours! (we promise)
Time to get lost in the narrow streets of Rome’s city center. On your way to the next destination, make sure to admire the buildings and architecture!
Visit Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola
Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola is one of the most magnificent churches of Rome. The painted ceiling was really spectacular. There was even a mirror in the middle of the church in which you could stare at the ceiling. At some point you think you’re seeing a dome, but nothing could be further from the truth! It is an optical illusion, it is actually a flat painting with 3D effect. Everywhere you look you see fine beauty and detail, this is truly mesmerizing.
Your next stop is probably (one of) the reason(s) why you came to Rome. This amazing monument is waiting for you, and it’ll take a 5 minute walk to get there. Halfway through, you’ll come across the Via del Corso, a historical street that now houses lots and lots of shops. If you want to take a shopping-detour, now’s the time!
Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain
A visit to the Trevi Fountain is not complete without tossing a coin. Use your right hand to throw a coin over your left shoulder to guarantee a return trip to Rome. Tossing two coins means you’ll fall in love and tossing three coins means you will get married. It's up to you how many coins it will be!
Ready to get lost in Rome’s narrow alleyways (again)? We estimate this walk will take you less than 10 minutes, provided you don’t stop to do some (window)shopping, and that you won’t get lost! But, one thing is for certain: whether it takes you 10 or 100 minutes, the next destination will be worth it!
Admire the Spanish steps
Next up: the Spanish Steps, a monumental stairway of 135 steps. Definitely go up to the top for a great view! In front of the Spanish Steps you can find Via dei Condotti, a shopping street with some amazing luxury stores like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Jimmy Choo,… What we recommend is first going up (and down) the Spanish Steps, admire it for a bit, and then order something to drink at the (less busy) Piazza Mignanelli. This gives you the best of both worlds: close to an amazing attraction, but without feeling it is too crowded. This is also the time we recommend ordering a drink and maybe a small bite to regain some energy.
The last stop of the day, is one that many tourists skip. Getting there from the Spanish Steps only takes about 10 minutes on foot, and the route you’ll take is a beautiful one. First, you get to go up the Spanish Steps (again), and then it’s a beautiful, scenic walk through the park!
Visit Galleria Borghese
Galleria Borghese is an important art museum with some amazing paintings, sculptures and antiques. Don’t forget to admire the ceilings as well! There are 20 rooms full of art, featuring masterpieces of the Renaissance and Baroque art. All art lovers should add Galleria Borghese to their bucket list!
