In this guide to Rome and Vatican City, I highlight my time in the Italian capital and the nearby country of Vatican City. This was our last stop on our cruise, and so we decided to stay for 3 days to explore.
Rome covers a large area, and it’s possible to stay for weeks. I’m not sure if you’ve ever heard this said before, but it’s true. Rome is a museum that happens to be a city. You have ancient ruins next to modern buildings and hundreds of museums with incredible artifacts. Vatican City blends with all of this and sits on its own hill completely enclosed by Rome. For such a small country, there is much to see and do.
Map of Rome and Vatican City:
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A Map of Rome and Vatican City
Itinerary:
Get In:
On the first day, we left our cruise ship for good and took a train from Civitavecchia where the cruise ship was docked to Rome San Pietro station. Another hot day and the train was packed, filled with locals and tourists. The thing about Italian train service is they have options for first-class, but only occasionally have first-class seats. Kind of a scam and we didn’t make that mistake the next time. The ride from the cruise ship is only about an hour.
Hotel:
We stayed at the HiSuiteRome in central Rome. I do recommend this hotel given that the price is lower for surrounding hotels, comfortable, central, and well decorated.
Day 1:
Rome San Pietro station is on the western side of Rome close to Vatican City. It was somewhat walkable for us to our hotel which was right across the Tiber River although it was probably too hot to walk that far. By the time we showed up to our hotel we were drenched in sweat!
From our hotel, we then walked to Vatican City. Just before midday the Vatican City already had plenty of tourists, but it was surprisingly not as busy as I thought it would be. A lot has changed since I last visit. They closed much of the street in front of the Vatican City to make it more enjoyable for people to walk around. There is also a lot more security, and that shouldn’t be a surprise given the threat of terrorism.
After a little bit of confusion, while trying to enter St. Peter’s Basilica and almost losing my wallet, we were walking up to the world’s largest basilica. This church is massive and is the defining building of Vatican City. Inside is something else and could be described as the most beautiful church in the world, and I don’t even like churches.
For us, a nice walk around and taking pictures was enough, but then we heard that the pope was to visit. We thought this can’t be true, but we waited near the center of the church anyways to see any sightings of the pope. And there he was, sitting behind some pillars far from the crowd. He never greeted us tourists, but we were able to see him at least. It was interesting, but I’m not religious, so not a big deal.
From here we decided to make a pitstop at a local pizza shop back in Italy that was touristy and little shady but alright. To get to the Vatican Museum, our next destination, we traveled the walls of Vatican City on the Italian side before reaching a long line to enter. We bought tickets online before, and that’s the best way to see the Vatican Museum. It’s either waiting for hours or coming with a pre-bought ticket.
Once inside with security checks and ticket transfers, we got started on this vast museum. First of all, it was hot as there is no air conditioning inside. And so so crowded. Like ridiculously crowded. All of this makes for an arduous journey through the museum. It’s mostly uncomfortable, and that does draw away from the museum.
However, it’s undeniable that the Vatican Museum is an excellent place to discover. It took us about 3 hours to walk, and that was just moving at a walking pace. You will not find every artifact there is. We focused on items that popped out at us. Undeniably they save the best for last the Sistine Chapel. It’s impressive, and it has benches so that you can sit and admire the Michaelangelo’s famous ceiling.
Around the evening we got out to explore more of central Rome, including a stop at the Parthenon. I think for me, this has to be one of the highlights of Rome. Here you can see one of the oldest structures left standing from the Roman Empire and one of the earliest domes ever built. The hole in the center does let rain through if raining and adds light inside. Honestly, it’s a great place to hang out and all free. Makes sure to walk around the structure to see how far the city has been built up.
While you’re in Rome, you need to try authentic Italian. We tried Cantina e Cucina and just fell in love with this place. It’s cute inside although it can be hot in the dead of summer. Luckily we had a back seat, and it was nice and cool. Pizza, traditional bread, lasagna, and red wine. Could you ask for anything more while in Rome?
To end our day we stopped at the Trevi Fountain. Yeah, it’s cliche, but it’s also true that this fountain is gorgeous. It’s also recently renovated and impressive at night. To be honest, I think it’s better at night. Just watch your stuff as there are so many shady people hanging around the area. With a walk back to our hotel on a crisp night, we end our first day in Rome.
Day 2:
Bright and early on day two, we head for the Borghese Gallery located in the northeast part of Rome. What was once an estate is now a beautiful museum featuring some of the most famous works of Italian art and sculpture. Honestly, the way they display these works is awe-inspiring, and the museum is well thought out.
To enter, you must have a ticket bought online beforehand. I can’t stress this enough that you need to do this beforehand, or you’re not getting in. The museum only sells a limited amount of tickets for each slot, and you only have two hours to tour the entire museum. To us, that was more than enough time.
The gallery has three sections. One devoted to paintings. One devoted to sculpture. And the last one devoted to antiquities. Each is fascinating, but I think the one that really stood out is the sculptures. Some of these are massive and take up an entire room. There is no flash photography allowed which is a real shame, but I get their point. After you’re done, go sit down at the cafe below which has tasty food and drinks.
After the Borghese, we took a taxi over to the Roman Forum. Out of all the stops in Rome, I think Roman was looking forward to the Roman Forum the most. Now the Roman Forum is massive and sits in the middle of Rome. If you don’t know the history, it’s where Rome began and has been around for over 2,000 years.
The grounds are easy to walk, but they are big, and it will take you a couple of hours minimum to at least glance at everything. We showed up just before the afternoon and had plenty of time to see significant sights like where Julius Caesar was killed and famous buildings. I would come with a guide given that although they have signed, it would be more interesting to have a book to read more. Also, you can get the Roman Forum with the Palatine and the Colosseum as a package deal. The Colosseum is the only place where you must registrar a time in advance.
Speaking of the Colosseum, we actually missed our time to enter, and they would not let us because of it. Roman really didn’t care to visit inside, and I had already been long ago, so it was okay but just a heads up. Also, the Colosseum has long lines, and they do limit the number of people that can go in.
Spending a whole day standing our feet, we were tired after 6 hours of history and walking around. In these instances, we would just go to a cafe and spend some time to reflect on our day and get a drink. We actually went near the place that is on the western side of the Tiber River where Cleopatra stayed when she visited Rome. Roman always wanted to visit the area at least. Today there is just apartments and little cafes but still cute.
For the evening we decided to go back to the same restaurant we went to before and ate with friends we made from our cruise ship. Just as good the second time around! We then finished the night at a nearby cafe. The area we stayed, which is like central Rome can be pricey, but everything is in walking distance, so it’s worth the money, in my opinion.
Day 3:
Our last day or rather a morning in Rome, we actually spent in the ancient harbor of Rome. Ostia was once the port harbor during Roman times and today is still pretty well preserved. I did buy tickets online, but it’s not necessary!
From Porto San Paolo there is a train that takes about 30 minutes to get to Ostia. It’s convenient and most of all cheap to use. We used the stop Ostia Antica to get off, take coffee at a coffee bar that only Italy would have and arrived just before Ostia Antica opened.
We were the only ones there! This is a lesson in waking up early because it was pretty amazing to be the first ones in on that day and have nobody around us while exploring ancient ruins. And I think the fantastic thing about Ostia is that you’re allowed to get into the ruins to explore.
There were signs and a map, but Ostia did have less information that something like the Roman Forum. We were able to figure some info out, but I think it would have been better if we knew more about it with an audio guide or something like that. However, this place is also massive, and there is so much to take in.
Many houses and buildings are still intact with fantastic tiling and paintings from Roman times. This was a harbor, and you can imagine the harbor lifestyle during this time with houses, brothels, bars, and docks. We explored for roughly two hours, but we had to get back to catch our train to San Marino.
Favorite:
Some of my favorite restaurants and spots around Rome and Vatican City.
Restaurants
Cantina e Cucina
Caffè Novecento
Spots
Top of Palatine Hill
Pantheon
St. Peter’s Square
What to Wear:
In this guide to Rome, I want to share what I think a male traveler should wear while traveling to Rome. I have a complete What to Wear in Rome guide that is more extensive and covers women.
Shirts
Rome, as a capital city, is a little more fashion-forward, but average tourists will probably stick to more casual clothes. Remember if you’re coming in summer, it gets plenty hot and comfort is critical. Linen and cotton work well for this. Colorful shirts or light color shirts are ideal in the summer sun. A patterned tee works great for the day, and then at night, you can transition to a button-down if you feel like dressing up.
Note that in the winter it can be cold and sometimes you may need cold-weather gear like a scarf. Jeans are undoubtedly acceptable, and in fact, you’ll see Italian men wear jeans all year long.
Pants/Shorts
Like your shirts, you’ll be most comfortable with cotton and linen material as it can be pretty hot during the day. Perhaps at night if you feel like dressing up, bring some slacks, but it’s not necessary. The idea for your pants and shorts is that it will be the base color for your outfit and something to mix and match. I like a cute printed short or a beautiful solid color like blue or khakis.
During the winter months, you’ll probably need to bring just jeans, pants or slacks as Rome can be cold.
Shoes
Sandals, flats, or sneakers would be the ideal shoes to bring. You’ll be walking a lot, so comfort is crucial. Leather is a good look with sandals and canvas material for shoes are pretty comfortable. I wore a pair of Toms that were easy to walk in and stylish. Break them end before you head to Europe though! I would stay away from any tennis shoes as this is not a typical European look.
Accessories/Gear
You don’t need too many accessories, but perhaps a necklace, watch or bracelet would be stylish. As a traveler, you may need to carry a backpack to store your valuables. Heading to touristy destinations just be careful with expensive items, although more likely than not, you should be fine. I had an expensive camera and GoPro for all my trip and kept them secure in a Tortuga backpack.
Design
Rome sits on the boundary of northern and southern Italy which contrast in style. I would say Rome is more stylish because after all it’s a capital city and you’ll find the average Roman does care about how they look. This doesn’t mean that as a tourist you must be dressy, but it does mean you should be put together.
I encourage designs that are modern and classic for men. American design tends to be broader and not as form-fitting, but that’s not how Romans wear their clothing. The design also tends to be more flashy, metro-looking, and clean colors and lines. Obviously, go with what makes you comfortable, but if you’d like to fit in think of clothing that is more form-fitting, sleek, and metro.
Your materials should be simple, and I would choose simple designs, nothing too elaborate. Prints are perfectly okay, and I encourage them if they are paired well. Below I have an example of the ideal look.
An Ideal Look:
What I Loved:
I think what I loved most about Rome are history, architecture, and food. Cafe culture is alive and well in Rome, and it’s a lot of fun. As a tourist, it’s fun to walk the streets to whatever historical sight you’re seeing next and pop into a cafe to sip a drink or coffee.
And can we talk about history? It is just too much, and honestly, this is a paradise for people who love to study ancient history. It’s everywhere, and everywhere you look, there is something to learn. It can be overwhelming but at the same time amazing that one city has such a pedigree.
Rome is simply beautiful, and that has to do with the way it looks. It’s old, but it doesn’t look rundown. They have kept an authentic Italian style, and for many, that is the draw when coming to Rome. I mean you really feel the allure of the city by merely being in it.
What I Disliked:
The only things I disliked about Rome is the crowds and heat. During the summer months, the crowds are horrible now. What makes it worse is the heat. Summer is an ideal time to go to Rome because of the longer nights and days, but it’s becoming too much, and it’s hard to enjoy yourself thoroughly with large crowds. Perhaps coming in the offseason or winter is actually a better idea.
Ideas and Tips:
Coming by cruise is perfectly okay and sometimes preferable. Stay a little longer before or after your cruise to enjoy Rome.
Take a train to Ostia Antica and go early. It’s unique, and nobody ever talks about it or goes!
Buy your tickets online for Vatican City, the Roman Forum, and the Borghese Gallery. I can’t tell you to do this enough! Lines will be packed if you decided to show up midsummer.
Walking is key for most of the city but during mid-day take a break in a cafe or take a taxi. Taxis accept credit cards.
Thoughts:
Rome is a dream for many, and in most aspects, it lives up to that ideal in reality. Yes, it can be crowded, but away from touristy places, it does actually feel like Rome. And what’s not to love? Amazing Italian food, architecture, museums, wine, and a chance to experience Italian living.
Go in with the expectation that it’s their capital city, like a New York for Americans. It’s Italian modern. And that’s what I kind of love about Rome is that they can exist both in the past and present while carrying on Italian tradition. Locals still go about their day even though their city is an open museum.
To me, it’s a city that should be visited at least once in your life and if you hate crowds go in the offseason. It may be even more fun.
More Info on Rome and Vatican City:
If you’re looking for more info on Rome and Vatican City, I have a few guides and books to read on.
