Last year myself and my fiancé
Scott headed off on a 4-day trip to Rome. We had never been to Italy before and
it had long been on my bucket list of countries to visit! We were also there over my birthday which
made the trip extra special!
I wanted to share some photos and
helpful travel hints as well as our hotel, restaurants we visited and what we
got up to. So, let’s start with day 1…
Day 1: Arriving in Rome
We caught a direct, 3-hour flight
from Edinburgh to Ciampino airport in Rome and arrived into the city at
10.30am. We had decided before we left the UK that we would take a cab to our
hotel as we knew that there was a fixed fee of 30 euros imposed on cab
companies for airport runs into the centre of Rome. Just a word of warning
here, some cab drivers are trying to negotiate higher fares (a bit cartel
style) with tourists – but if you know your hotel is in the centre of Rome – an
area known as the Aurelian
walls please stick to your guns! We did have one taxi driver trying to
charge us €50
before a second driver agreed to take us for the fixed fee of €30.
Also, you are not expected to tip in Rome so unless your taxi driver has done
something exceptional – keep your cash.
We were staying at the Tribune
Hotel, a beautiful hotel in the historical centre of Rome. Let me start off by
saying that I am in no way sponsored by the Tribune Hotel (God I wish!!). It’s
just a hotel that I bloody loved! The hotel was so modern and beautifully
styled with mustard gold velvet seats and deep purple walls, high ceilings and
a grand staircase that sported some very elegant tubular ceiling lights. One of the best features of this hotel was a
complimentary smart phone that comes with every room. This wasn’t so appealing
to us as coming from another EU country (although not for long ☹)
as we could use our own phones for 3G free of charge. However, this would be
very useful for anyone coming from outside the EU as it comes preprogramed with
maps and restaurant recommendations etc.
We used the phone given to us to
find a restaurant for lunch. We went to a place called Harry’s which was very
nice although it was a little on the pricey side – perhaps just the area as it
was just around the corner from some very nice hotels.
After lunch we headed off to the
Spanish steps and the Trevi fountain two very popular tourist sites. Luckily
for us we had very nice weather and we could sit, people watch and enjoy the
views around us.
For dinner that night we headed to Pizzaria da baffeto – a pizzeria close
to Piazza Navona. This pizzeria
is very popular with tourists and locals alike (even a few celebrities such as
actor Jeff Goldblum). The pizzas are very cheap and very good (two things that
aren’t often associated together) but trust me they are good – thin, crispy and
traditional, just the way they should be! The only thing I would say is that it
has a very simple, convivial style where you could be sharing a table with
strangers. So, if that’s not your thing you might feel uncomfortable.
Day 2 - My Birthday!
Whist we didn’t go away
specifically for my birthday it was very nice to be on holiday and enjoy
turning 25 in a beautiful city. I chose to go to the Colosseum for my birthday
- and it did not disappoint. I was blown away by the history and grandeur of
the Colosseum and really enjoyed learning some fascinating facts. For example,
did you know that the Colosseum was once filled with water to stage a mock see
battle for spectators? Nope, me either!
For lunch we stumbled across a
café called Antico Forno Al Serpenti. It was perfect for a quick snack as there
was a little seating area and it felt very local rather than being swamped by
tourists. It was also very reasonably priced - which is a nice little bonus.
For dinner we went to Cul De Sac
- a wine bar and restaurant close to Piazza Navona. This was one of my
favourite restaurants of the trip. I had a pesto pasta and the best wine I’ve
ever drank in my entire life – but I can’t remember what the wine was called! I’m
sure all their wine is delicious…
Day 3 – Vatican City
On day three we took a cab over
to the Vatican City. Unfortunately, this was on a Wednesday in high season and
apparently this is one of the worst times you can visit as it is so busy! The
Papal audience occurs on Wednesdays, giving tourists and pilgrims a chance to
see the Pope. We didn’t know this – and experienced crowds like we have never
experienced crowds before. However, it was a good trip and is a must see if
visiting Rome. Just avoid a Wednesday (or Sunday – another chance to see the
Pope) if you can – unless you specifically want to see the Pope that is.
For lunch we visited Alice Pizza
– a little street pizza café in Rome where pizza is served by the kilo and cut
into rectangular slices. It was DELICIOUS!
Dinner was spent at Osteria Barberini – not too far from our hotel. This
restaurant specializes in truffles and OMG is it incredible. I had black ruffle
bruschetta as a starter and the ravioli with sage butter as a main – it was
heavenly. If you decide to go here, you will have to book as its very popular
with locals and tourists alike.
