When in Rome…

Destination Guides
Written By Audrey Legg
A family smiling together inside the Colosseum with ancient stone arches in the background.

Standing inside the Colosseum was absolutely surreal.

My family and I just got back from an unforgettable 20-day trip to Italy. It was honestly the best trip ever. We visited several incredible places, including Rome, Sorrento, Venice, and Tuscany, but Rome was definitely the city that felt the most packed with history and ancient Italian culture.

We spent three full days in Rome, and there is so much to see and do. If you are planning a trip to Italy and wondering what not to miss, here are my top five must-do experiences in Rome.

1. Vatican City

Two children holding hands while walking through a long, column-lined hallway inside Vatican City.

Walking through Vatican City felt like stepping back in time.

My mom’s favorite part of the entire trip was our amazing tour of Vatican City. It is home to the largest Catholic church in the world and holds an incredible collection of artifacts and artwork from centuries ago.

We toured the Vatican with LIV Tours, and our guide was incredible. We walked through the Vatican Museums and stepped inside the Sistine Chapel, which is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Seeing Michelangelo’s writing and artwork in person was unreal and is something you absolutely must experience when visiting Rome.

2. The Roman Colosseum

A view of the Colosseum framed by a stone archway, with visitors walking across a sunlit path inside the ancient structure.

Walking through the Colosseum made history feel incredibly real.

A true symbol of Rome, the Colosseum is just as impressive in real life as it is in photos. The Colosseum was once used for gladiator battles and public events between 105 BCE and 404 CE, and it is massive.

Our tour guide, Dario, made this experience unforgettable. We even went under the arena floor, which was wild to think about. Standing there and realizing that people stood in the same place thousands of years ago was honestly mind-blowing.

3. Gelato (Of Course)

A hand holding a cone of pistachio and strawberry gelato inside a gelato shop in Rome.

Ending the day with gelato was our favorite Rome tradition. 🍦

The best gelato we had in all of Italy was in Rome. You can find gelato shops everywhere, and every single one felt better than the last. Our family favorites were pistachio and stracciatella, which definitely made us feel like true Italians.

Stopping for gelato at the end of each day was the perfect way to relax and enjoy the city. Whether you grab a cone or a cup, gelato in Rome is a must.

4. Walking Food Tour

A close-up of fresh pasta in a rich tomato sauce being lifted with a fork during a meal at a restaurant in Rome.

Trying different pastas in Rome was one of the best parts of the trip. 🍝

Italy is famous for its pasta and pizza, and the best way to experience both is through a walking food tour in Rome. We visited local favorite spots and learned so much about Roman food culture along the way.

Our tour started in the Jewish Ghetto, then continued to a nearby square where we enjoyed antipasti with meats and cheeses. Next stop was Alice’s Pizza, which was honestly the best pizza I had in Italy. We also tried three different types of pasta near the Pantheon, and of course, we ended with gelato. Our guide, Francesca, made this one of the most fun and delicious experiences of our trip.

5. Exploring the City

Outdoor café tables with red chairs lining a narrow cobblestone street in Rome.

Some of the best meals came from places we discovered while wandering.

Rome has so much to offer, and sometimes the best moments happen when you are not following a plan. My family found some of our favorite restaurants and gelato spots just by wandering around the city.

If you are not sure where to go, a quick Google Maps search can lead you to some amazing hidden gems. Exploring on foot is one of the best ways to experience Rome.

Final Thoughts

Two girls smiling together in front of the Trevi Fountain in Rome.

A classic Rome moment in front of the Trevi Fountain.

We had the best time in Rome, and it was one of the highlights of our entire Italy trip. Between the history, the food, and the atmosphere, it is a city I would love to visit again someday.

If visiting places like Rome sounds amazing, you can check out more details about traveling through Italy and start dreaming up your own adventure.

We had the best time in Rome and if any of these things are of interest to you, reach out to Castaway Destinations for all your travel needs!

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Audrey Legg

Audrey has been exploring Disney destinations since childhood, but her love for travel truly shines at sea. As the daughter of Castaway Destinations’ owner, Laura Legg, she’s grown up immersed in the world of travel planning and family adventures. Audrey’s favorite way to cruise is sailing Concierge with Disney Cruise Line, where she’s experienced firsthand the personalized service, attention to detail, and extra touches that make Disney cruises unforgettable. She loves sharing her stories to help other families discover the same magic she’s found on board.

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