I’ve done a lot of crazy things in this lifetime, but traveling to the same country twice in one year is easily in my top 3. Italy… ahhh… where do I even begin? My original plan was a solo trip, but when one of my best girlfriends decided to join me, everything changed- I’m so glad that she did. Being there with her allowed me to fully immerse myself, and experience the country in its fullness (twice, nonetheless lol).
Why return so soon? Long of the short, I got lost in Rome-not in the literal form, although my sense of direction is pretty bad-but metaphorically, in the kind of way where the city sweeps you up. Prior to the trip, I’d mapped out a number of other cities to explore, but once I landed in Rome, everything shifted. There was this instant connection to the city; a feeling like I’d come home to a place I’d never been before. The locals even welcomed me like a regular, and before I knew it, I was returning to the same restaurants, cafes, and pubs like I’d lived there my whole life.
So, instead of rushing around like a chicken with my head cut off, I allowed myself the space to soak up this experience, basking in the ambiance of what Rome had to offer (which was plenty). I did manage a whirlwind trip to Venice, and a short day trip to Naples, but places like Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast became the perfect excuse for a return flight, which I wasn’t mad about! Now, while I spent what felt like ages savoring the Eternal City, you don’t need quite as long to experience it. With a little bit of planning, you can see the best of Rome in just four days. Here’s how…
Day 1:
- Trevi Fountain
- Spanish Steps
- Pantheon
If you’re anything like me, the first day of any trip is all about leisurely sightseeing. Between jet lag and the need to get a lay of the land, I’m not interested in stressful adventures. Thankfully, these three iconic sites—Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon—require minimal effort and are the perfect starting points for your Rome experience.
Both the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps are completely free to visit—no tickets needed. You can casually stroll by or take your time to relax and soak it all in. The Pantheon, once a Roman temple and now a Catholic church, can get a bit crowded depending on the time of day. But getting a ticket, complete with an audio guide, is easy and available at the entrance. You’ll be able to see all three of these landmarks quickly and effortlessly, leaving plenty of time for spontaneous adventures and, of course, gelato. This trifecta is the perfect introduction to the beauty of Rome.
Day 2:
- Colosseum
- The Roman Forum
- Castel Sant’Angelo
Now, let’s get down to business! If you take one piece of advice from this post, let it be this: buy your Colosseum tickets EARLY!!! And I don’t mean just a few hours in early, I mean daaaays in advance. I learned the hard way on my first trip when we couldn’t get tickets after landing in Rome. Walking around the exterior was beautiful, but nothing compares to exploring the inside, which I made sure to do on my second visit by booking prior to leaving the States.
Castel Sant’Angelo also slipped under my radar my first trip, but I’m so glad I made it a priority the second time around. The views from the top of this castle are unforgettable! I highly recommend a visit at sunset for the most breathtaking experience. Promise, you don’t want to miss it.
Day 3:
- The Vatican
- Sistine Chapel
- St. Peter’s Basilica
Is it just me, or does Nicki Minaj always come to mind when you hear “Vatican”? Lol. Day 3 is dedicated to Vatican City, and you’ll want to set aside plenty of time for it all. These three iconic sites are all centrally located, and you can easily find tours online that cover them together. Just like with the Colosseum, I recommend booking your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
I wouldn’t suggest planning another major site on the same day (like doing the Vatican in the morning and the Colosseum in the evening), as the Vatican tours are lengthy and there’s so much to explore. You could easily spend hours here, getting lost in the art, history, and grandeur of it all. If you’re pressed for time, it’s obviously doable, but prepare to feel a little rushed—and you’ll definitely need Celsius!
Day 4:
- Scala Sancta
- Piazza Navona
Day 4 feels like the final stretch of a rollercoaster—you’re still catching your breath, but there’s still some adrenaline left in the tank. I first heard about Scala Sancta from a kind man sitting next to me on the plane to Rome, and I’m so glad I did! Of all the places I visited in the city, this one left the biggest impact. Scala Sancta, or the Holy Stairs, are believed to be the very steps Jesus climbed on His way to trial during the Passion. The only way to ascend the 28 steps is on your knees, and along the way, you’ll see glass-covered openings with traces of Jesus’ blood. How cool is that?!
It was an emotionally moving experience—one I’ll never forget. If you have time, this is one site you shouldn’t miss.
However you choose to structure your trip, one thing is certain: Rome will leave you wanting more. Trust me, there’s always a reason to return to the Eternal City. Whenever you visit, be sure to tag me on IG: @reginaontherunway so I can follow along on your adventures!
Until the next Runway… keep strutting through life, one adventure at a time!
