Rome in the Off-Season
The first time I visited Rome was the summer of my sophomore year in high school. I joined a group of Girl Scouts for a 3-week tour of western Europe, and we got all but one full day to explore Rome. All I really remember is rubbing sweaty shoulders with other tourists inside the Sistine Chapel. So when my good friend Victoria and I decided to visit Italy this past winter, I was looking forward to cooler weather and a pace we could set for ourselves.
Trevi Fountain
On the first morning, we left our hotel before dawn to walk to the Trevi Fountain. We wanted to get there before the crowds, but even at 7 am there were still a handful of tourists. I recall on my first trip coming here at midday, and again rubbing shoulders with people in the sweltering heat. So if you want to avoid that, definitely go as early as possible. The Trevi Fountain gets its name from the three roads that meet at it: tre vie or Trevi. It also dates back to ancient Roman times with the construction of aqueduct. Don’t forget to toss a coin over your shoulder into the water; it means that you’ll return to Rome someday (and I’m proof that it totally works because I did it on my first trip).
Pantheon
Next stop was the Pantheon, within walking distance from the Trevi Fountain and also virtually empty at about 7:30 am. It was also closed at that time, but I told Victoria it isn’t a must-see inside (although it is free, if you get the chance). I believe it is actually the oldest standing building in Rome, finished around 126 CE. I don’t usually like to travel to cities because I just prefer natural landscapes, but I do find it fascinating to be around such ancient human creations. Rome is definitely an ideal place for that!
Spanish Steps
I actually think the appeal of the Spanish Steps is the people-watching. Aside from that, they’re really just a bunch of steps—unless you do your research. Did you know the poet John Keats died in one of the houses overlooking the steps? Look for the plaque that commemorates it. You can actually go inside the Keats-Shelley House, which is a writer’s museum with letters and manuscripts. (Side note: it’s fascinating that Keats was only 25 years old when he died, but left such a lasting impression on earth in those short years as to be remembered still.)
Colosseum
The first time I visited, we didn’t get to go inside, so this time I enjoyed the chance to take a look at the arena floor, the quarters underneath, and the viewing platforms. Did you know there were once plans to build a chapel inside? Not sure how that would gel with the barbaric executions… Speaking of which, did you know that executions only took place during the lunchtime “lull?” The rest of the day were gladiator battles, just for fun and glory. The outside of the Colosseum is much more picturesque than inside, and my recommendation is that going inside is really only worth it if you’re interested in the history.
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
I missed this area of Rome on my first trip, so I loved the chance to stroll around here for an afternoon. There are lots of signs everywhere to tell you what you’re looking at. It’s a sprawling archeological park with a patchwork of mismatched homes, misaligned streets, and various time periods to discover. It’s an example of the many iterations of this site that was once the center of commerce in Rome. Palatine Hill has excellent views, as well as an old manor that was abandoned not too long ago.
Vatican City
I honestly have conflicting feelings about visiting Vatican City. It is a jaw-dropping display of wealth that to me is at odds with the principles of Christianity, but I tried not to let that get in the way of enjoying my visit. Instead, I focused on the masterful artworks, including tile mosaics, gilded carvings, and of course the Sistine Chapel. There is also an official Vatican City post office right in St. Peter’s Square, and I had to send a postcard from there to friends and family back home.
St. Angelo Bridge
This is a gorgeous place for sunset with the light reflecting off the Tiber. It was fun to photograph the statues, but I don’t recommend going down the steps to the river; the path down there is pretty muddy.
I know that Italy can seem like an expensive vacation destination, and it certainly can be, but if you want to visit while sticking to a budget, consider going during the off season. We scored some amazing flight and hotel deals, so lots of money left over for food! We went all out on dining, honestly. We also got to enjoy some popular places without the crowds, and although the weather definitely required a jacket, I’d say it was more pleasant than the summer heat and humidity.
A few more recommendations for restaurants and lodging:
