There are cities you visit, and then there are cities that stay with you forever. Rome is one of them.

There are 3,000 years of history there and every street seems to tell a story. Ancient temples stand beside busy cafés, centuries-old churches welcome visitors from around the world, and every street seems to tell another story.

It reminds us that the greatest adventures come from slowing down, looking closely, and appreciating the people and places that have shaped our world.

If you are into mythology, you probably know quite a bit about the city. It’s now confirmed that it’s been around even longer than that literature indicates. The city was the capital of every iteration of the Roman rule and was first called “The Eternal City” by the poet, Tibullus.

The Catholic Church and Pope gained control over Rome in the Middle Ages. We did our research about this before our most recent visit because we knew we’d be visiting The Vatican.

Rome became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy in 1871 which eventually became the Italian Republic in 1846. These days, Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world. It a set a record in 2025 for tourism.

Even with all the crowds, Rome delivers a sense of history and vibrance like no others…not to mention the amazing food. We were inspired by the cities commitment to preserving such a rich history.

Rome never ceases to amaze us. There is a lot to see and lot to think about.

The home we live in was built about 15 years ago. Walking past buildings that were built thousands of years ago in is mind-blowing. Here are some of our favorite places we recommend:

There’s the saying “When in Rome…” that means to respect and adapt to the local customs and way of life. There’s no better way to do this than by attending a cooking class and we loved learning how to make three types of pasta (fettucine, ravioli, and spaghetti) with the owner, Riccardo, and his team.

They welcomed us into their class and expertly guided us on how to make the most delicous pasta. Riccardo’s Cooking Class also has a pizza making option that we will be sure to sign up for next time we are in Rome. This is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in the city.

No trip to Rome is complete without visiting the Colosseum. Once home to gladiator battles and spectacles attended by over 50,000 people, it remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

While it was fascinating seeing one of the Current Wonders of the World, this was not our favorite stop. Keep reading to see what it was. The Colosseum is impressive, but a bit overwhelming thinking about all of the events that used to take place here. It is absolutely worth seeing though if you have never seen it before.

*Purchase a combined ticket that also includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill to experience the heart of Ancient Rome. We’ve linked the exact tour we did below.

According to Roman legend, this is where Romulus founded Rome in 753 B.C.

Today, you'll walk among the ruins of imperial palaces while enjoying incredible views overlooking the Roman Forum.

This is our favorite building in Rome. Here’s why we love it so much: It was built nearly 2,000 years ago and has the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. The perfectly centered oculus helps support it. This is truly a marvel to see.

Standard admission for the Pantheon is €7. Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month, making it an excellent day to visit if your schedule allows. Simply walk right inside, no reserved times are necessary on that day.

This iconic fountain is famous for its Baroque architecture and ancient Roman origins. Legend says tossing one coin over your left shoulder with your right hand ensures you'll return to Rome someday.

Visit early in the morning or after sunset for a more peaceful experience and beautiful photos. We went around 8:30am and it was starting to get crowded. It took a little bit of patience and we were down in the front of it.

It’s free to visit between 10:00pm-9:00am. Tickets are required to access the lower basin near the water and cost €2 between the hours of 9:00am-10:00pm daily.

Piazza Navona is one of Rome's most beautiful gathering places. It’s built on the site of an ancient stadium.

Grab a seat at an outdoor café, admire Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Located in Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most impressive churches in the world.

Don't miss Michelangelo's Pietà, and if you're feeling adventurous, climb to the top of the dome for unforgettable views across Rome. There are 551 steps to get to the top, but trust us, it’s worth every step.

*Important note: shoulders and knees must be covered in order to enter the Vatican.

History and faith come together at the Mamertine Prison, believed to be the place where the Apostle Paul, and according to tradition, the Apostle Peter, were imprisoned before their trials in Rome.

It's a powerful stop for anyone interested in biblical history and offers a unique perspective on the early Christian church.

Cross the Tiber River into Trastevere to experience one of Rome's most charming neighborhoods. Its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and local restaurants make it the perfect place to spend an evening.

Refer a friend using your referral link at the bottom of this email so they can see it too. In addition, you’ll get a copy of our “Wonders of the World” eBook if it’s your first referral.

Talk about it in the PI Community.

Rome is served by Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO), Italy's largest international airport, with direct flights from many cities around the world.

Once you arrive, getting around is surprisingly easy. The Leonardo Express train takes you from Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini Station in about 30 minutes.

From there, Rome's metro, buses, and trams connect you to most major attractions. Many of the city's famous landmarks are also within walking distance of one another, so plan on exploring much of Rome on foot.

We found some great places to stay for your next trip to Rome:

Kolbe Hotel Rome - in the heart of ancient Rome, overlooking Palatine Hill, breakfast is included

Little Queen Pantheon Residence - near the Pantheon

Boutique Relais Barozzi & Spa - Boutique stay in a restored 16th century residence within walking distance from all the main attractions

Coronari Palace - Renovated 15th century palace, in the city center, with rooftop terrace

Rome is a food lover's paradise. Be sure to try these favorites:

No visit is complete without gelato from Fassi, the oldest gelato shop in Rome.

Founded in 1880, the Fassi family believed that exceptional gelato should be something everyone could enjoy, not just the wealthy. Their commitment to making high-quality gelato accessible helped turn it into a treat for everyday Romans, and nearly 150 years later, it's still one of the city's most beloved dessert stops.

Confession…we splurged on huge waffle cones. 😋

Rome is a city made for walking, so comfortable walking shoes should be at the top of your packing list.

Bring a reusable water bottle to refill at the city's free drinking fountains, known as nasoni.

During spring and summer, lightweight clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat will help you stay comfortable.

If you plan to visit churches or Vatican City, remember to pack clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

Here are a few of our affiliate links to help you when in Rome. It’s no extra cost to you and helps us keep this email free for everyone. 😀

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob