Navigating the Eternal City: My First Day in Rome

Many dream of visiting Rome. It’s not just the delicious, unlimited pasta or the beautiful sunsets. Perhaps the lively culture and the friendly people make Italy an exceptional experience. As a teen, I had many friends from Italy who would go home and then come back with all kinds of Italian sweets from their homeland. Over the years, it quickly became a destination that I wanted to visit. I got to Rome when I was 19 years old, as part of my second European trip, and I was incredibly excited to see the city.

Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport, Fiumicino, Rome, Italy by

I arrived at Fiumicino Airport (FCO) around 11 PM local time. I decided to fly rather than take a bus or a train. Rome’s Fiumicino Airport is a major international airport otherwise considered a hub home to gorgeous, new architecture and smooth, trouble-free operations. Established in August of 1960, this airport, conveniently located close to Rome, offers the perfect combination of contemporary styling and a hint of Italian elegance.

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is the airport’s official name. To meet travelers’ comprehensive needs, it features modern amenities, including spas, restaurants, charging stations, ATMs, and more. When I first arrived, I was met with a combination of traditional Italian art and aesthetics, which made me even more excited about my time in Italy.

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Due to its convenient location, around 35 kilometers from Rome’s historic center, travelers may quickly transfer to the city of Rome without traveling too far. More often than not, FCO is the starting point for many Roman travels. There are many ways to get from the airport to the city center. The most common way is to take the Trenitalia train from the airport directly to Rome Termini or Tiburtina Station. This is also the cheapest way. If you arrive late at night or early in the morning, take a taxi, which you can quickly get once you exit the arrivals terminal.

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When I walked out of the airport, I was greeted by many pushy cab drivers. Unfortunately, because I arrived very late, no public trains were available, so I was forced to take a taxi from the airport to my hostel. I remember looking out the window and looking around at the city. I was still shocked that I was finally in Italy. The way to the hostel consisted of many highways and main roads, many of which looked like the ones at home. The bright lights, the reflective signs, and many street lights were familiar.

Rome’s city centre by

I knew the ride went from smooth to super bumpy when we got into the heart of Rome. What does that mean exactly? We’re now on cobblestones! Tucked away in the center of Italy, Rome is a timeless example of how dynamic contemporary and ancient history can coexist to create perfection. Rome is more than just its well-known sites. It is an immersive time capsule with layers of art, culture, and delectable cuisine to be discovered everywhere. The city of Rome is one of the oldest in Europe, and many flock to see its history. It’s what makes Rome, Rome.

An iconic image of the beauty

of Rome streets by

Next, I checked into my hostel. The hostel faced many restaurants and small shops tucked away in the old town. The street was very narrow, almost like an alleyway. There were many tables outside of each restaurant. Most had locals chatting and smoking cigarettes. Hanging lights hung across the street from each side, and all I could smell was wine and delicious food cooking. Italians are usually out late, so to see many still out and about past midnight is not entirely uncommon. I walked through the insanely tall wooden doors and straight to reception.

When I checked in, it was almost midnight, and I was ready for bed. I couldn’t wait to explore what would be my first day on Italian soil. I got up very early the next morning. Not only did I want to spend the entire day sightseeing, but I wanted to make sure the day was well-spent. I walked out of the hostel into a small cobblestone alleyway. The area was a total of bakeries, restaurants, and small shops. I could smell the pastries, both savory and sweet.

The whole alley smelt delicious. I had pre-booked my ticket into the Colosseum for 10:30 AM, so I had to ensure I was there on time before visiting any other attractions. I began to make my way to the Colosseum.

The

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The Colosseum, located in the center of Rome, is a silent reminder of the magnificence of Roman history and architecture. An iconic example of Roman engineering, it still is one of the most well-preserved Roman structures and is considered one of the world’s seven wonders. What was once home to the famous Roman games in ancient times has become a UNESCO World Heritage site today.

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Following my GPS, I noticed a pattern in the streets. Many buildings were painted warmer colors, such as reds, oranges, and yellows. The warm Italian sun inspired the buildings. The roads were also relatively narrow, the cobblestones appeared very old, and some were broken. Every day, street after street, I enjoyed the unique Italian architecture as I walked through the city. At times, I caved and quickly stopped at one of the bakeries.

Italian pastries by

I walked in, and there were at least 10 types of pastries inside the glass case. Fresh canola and cupcakes filled the glass, too. On the other side were the savory options. In the straightforward case, there are many different styles of bread, often baked with cheese or other toppings for the show. I went with a fresh pastry with tomatoes and olives on top. Was it delicious? Extremely.

The Colosseum by

I continued following my GPS to the Colosseum. It was less than a kilometer away, and my excitement was building. I looked up and thought I saw something in the corner of my eye. I glanced over again, and yes, it was the Colosseum. I couldn’t believe I could finally see it after all these years. It was much bigger than I thought it would be and looked in great shape for a thousands-year-old structure.

The buildings appeared older and less colorful as I walked towards the Colosseum, though the cobblestone streets remained. You could see the many tourists lining up to visit it from yards away. I was grateful to have reserved a time and a ticket online to avoid such a long queue. As I got there, I looked around at the ancient monuments. So many things were going through my mind. People from long ago, perhaps past gladiators, stood where I stood and touched what I felt. It all seemed surreal.

I walked through one of the 80 entrances and met with a very tall archway and concrete-like walls. I pulled up my ticket on my phone and showed it to the security officer. Once I was scanned in, I began walking through. The ground level of the Colosseum is mainly a museum showcasing different artifacts found within the ruins. It is also home to a gift shop. I began looking at all the other artifacts collected in the area and read up on them. It was interesting to see how similar the Romans were to us. Many pots, pans, and other cooking utensils resembled what we use today. Hair brushes and other hygiene products are identical to modern technology.

Walking through the museum, I made my way to the staircase. It was time to go out to see where the games would regularly take place. Rome’s architectural wonder, the Colosseum, is a testament to Italian and European history. When it was finished in 80 AD, this enormous amphitheater was the center of ancient Rome’s animal fights, gladiatorial matches, public performances, and later even the circus.

The Colosseum by

Built of brick, travertine, and tuff, the Colosseum could hold up to 80,000 spectators who came to see the show. Gladiators, who were frequently slaves or prisoners, fought for their lives while the crowd would cheer on the gladiator’s bravery and skill. At times, the gladiators would fight animals, making for a more exciting yet dangerous show.

When I walked outside, many other tourists were admiring the view. Many of the archways were cracked and falling apart. We could only walk through the outside walls, and the inner part was completely closed off. I did a complete circle around the Colosseum to see the inside from all angles. It was so difficult to believe that many animals and gladiators fought, many times until their deaths, right in front of me many years ago. Gladiator helmets and armor would have been tossed around, people cheering with excitement; I could imagine it all.

Rome Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

When I walked out of the Colosseum, I was approached by a young man selling hop-on on hop off bus tickets. He offered me an all-day ticket to all of the top attractions in the city for 25 euros. I thought that would likely be one of the best ways to see the city, so I agreed and purchased the ticket. In his bright red vest, he walked me straight to the bus stop, where I waited to catch the bus to other city attractions. Once on the bus, I stepped up the small flight of stairs to the top deck. It was wide open, with many seats available. Choosing a tour bus in Rome was a practical decision. It’s easy to navigate the city’s historical treasures when you opt for a hop-on hop-off bus because you get the insight a guide would give you but on your own terms. The hassle-free transportation makes things more convenient when seeing more than one attraction a day.

Sculpture in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican –

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I got off at the next stop, which was The Vatican. I crossed the cobblestone street through the heavy traffic, and once on the opposite side of the street, I crossed the bridge known as Ponte Sant’Angelo. The bridge rests on the Tiber River and is lined with many statues that date back to ancient Rome. The bridge also sits in front of the Castel Sant’Angelo.

Angel in Ponte Sant’Angelo, Rome.

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I continued walking until I reached the Vatican, which happened to be my 30th country. I didn’t even realize I had crossed a different country as no official border existed. Located centrally within Rome, The Vatican is a self-governing city/state with immense cultural, historical, and religious significance. It serves as the Capital of the Catholic Church and is home to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.

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The magnificent architecture, adorned with works of art by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini, is a testament to centuries of artistic excellence and perfection. Pilgrims and tourists frequently visit the Holy City for its religious significance and beauty. It is one of the places that you cannot miss while visiting the city of Rome.

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I decided to spend only a little time in the Vatican as it is so small. The magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica is a striking representation of Catholicism. The building’s enormous dome, which holds Michelangelo’s famous artwork, is a true masterpiece you must see in Rome, regardless of your faith. While exiting the Vatican, I stopped at a small souvenir shop. Rosaries and other assorted souvenirs lined the shop window. I went inside, and the store was lit with bright, fluorescent lights. Souvenirs were everywhere. In every corner, even hanging from the ceiling. I used a simple rosary as a small souvenir for my collection.

As I walked out of the bright, air-conditioned store and back into the heat, I knew there were other things I wanted to do that day. My next stop was the Trevi Fountain. The bright red bus came around the corner and picked me and the many other tourists looking to get to their next attraction for the day. I rushed up to the top to feel the warm breeze and see the city from above. Two stops later, I exited the bus and walked down the street. It didn’t take long before I started to spot the crowds. Next thing you know, there she was, the Trevi Fountain.

Trevi Fountain, Rome by

In the center of Rome, the stunning Trevi Fountain is a perfect example of Baroque architecture. The fountain, created by Nicola Salvi and finished in 1762, features Oceanus riding a chariot surrounded by seahorses and tritons. Its gorgeous sculptures and tumbling waterfalls make it a popular destination for tourists. Be sure to toss that coin over your left shoulder! Legend has it that tossing a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain will ensure your return to Rome. Toss two coins in, and you may fall in love in Rome. For so many people, seeing or taking pictures was difficult. I didn’t spend too much time at the fountain, but I did toss in a few coins. I hope my coin toss does lead me back to Rome one day.

As I returned to the bus stop, it was nearly 5 PM. The Hop On, Hop Off Bus ran until 5:30. I got there only to get off a few stops later, at the closest stop to my hostel, so I could have a nice dinner nearby and then get back to get some rest. I walked around, looking for the perfect restaurant to stop at. I didn’t want to stop somewhere too touristy; I was looking for a smaller, all-Italian restaurant.

As I walked, I came across a small traditional Italian restaurant. It had a small patio out front with a modern theme, just like the inside, where you could sit at a table or a booth. The walls were painted red-orange, with fresh pies and pastries on display in the front. When I walked in, I requested to look at the menu before sitting down, and the prices were not only reasonable, but the food looked delicious. I sat down at my table for one to enjoy my meal. As popular as it is, I wanted to try pasta with meat sauce and parmesan. Needless to say, it was the best pasta I had ever eaten. The sauce was bright in color with a thick, rich taste. The pasta was clearly handmade and was cut into a Tortellini-like shape. Parmesan was sprinkled on top for the extra flavor and a pinch of salt.

After a slow dinner, I went back to my hostel to rest. I had a hectic day but a great start to my time in Italy. I had very sore legs, and I was both mentally and physically exhausted. Next day was more relaxed than the day I just had, but rest assured, the excitement was not over just yet. Italy is a traveler’s paradise that attracts visitors with a mix of delicious food, fascinating history, friendly people, and stunning scenery. You can guarantee an immersive cultural experience like nothing else when visiting Italy. Whether you visit Rome, Florence, Venice, or any other Italian city, you will be met with true excellence.

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