Pizza, Piazzas, and the Colosseum: My Roman Holiday

I arrived in Rome in just over two hours from Gatwick to Fiumicino for my four-night trip. From there, the Leonardo Express took me to Termini Station, and then a quick Metro ride took me to Cipro, where I was staying. The trains are really easy to navigate—I had pre-booked a return ticket on the Leonardo Express for just €14, and a single Metro journey costs only €1.50. I stayed at a lovely hotel called Mama Shelter Roma, fun and quirky with a spa. The staff were so welcoming, and my room was spacious, bright, and spotless, complete with a modern bathroom stocked with all the toiletries I could want. I arrived in the early evening, and after a quick local dinner, I sank into bed for a good night’s sleep, excited for the adventures that awaited me the next day in this beautiful city.

Day 1.

Breakfast at Mama Shelter Roma was more than I could have hoped for. A lovely spread of fresh pastries, continental meats, and a selection of loose teas alongside classic English breakfast options set the perfect tone for the day. The breakfast room itself was charming, full of the fun and quirky style that makes the hotel so memorable.

After breakfast, I met my friend and we walked the short 15–20 minutes to St. Peter’s Square. The Vatican never fails to take my breath away. Even though I had seen it before, its grandeur and history continue to amaze me. We wandered slowly, soaking it all in—the light bouncing across the columns, the statues standing sentinel, and the energy of the place. Luckily, it wasn’t overly crowded, so we could really stop and enjoy it.

From there, we wandered along the River Tevere. The arched bridges, the reflections on the water, and the peaceful rhythm of the river made it easy to lose myself in the moment. By the time lunchtime rolled around, we were ready for our 1 p.m. reservation at Il Giardino del Gatto e la Volpe, a traditional Italian trattoria in the Prati/Vatican area. I had the scaloppine al limone with cavolo nero, and it melted in my mouth—simple, fresh, and utterly delicious, the perfect fuel for more exploring.

After lunch, we went for a walk through the Prati area, which instantly felt more local and relaxed than some of the busier tourist spots. The streets were elegant and wide, lined with smart buildings, cafés, and little shops that made it perfect for a slow stroll.

We soon found ourselves in Piazza Cavour, a beautiful square surrounded by impressive architecture, with large palm trees and lovely gardens. The real showstopper, though, was the Palazzo di Giustizia (the Supreme Court), standing proudly at centre stage. It’s one of those buildings that makes you stop in your tracks—grand, imposing, and completely Roman in its scale. Even just passing through, it felt like another reminder of how Rome manages to blend everyday life with jaw-dropping history at every turn.

This is exactly what I loved about not having a strict itinerary. It gave us the freedom to wander without rushing, to follow whatever caught our eye, and to stumble across parts of Rome I might never have seen otherwise. It felt less like “ticking off sights” and more like actually being in the city.

As we explored, we saw a poster advertising an Impressionism and Beyond exhibition at the Museo dell’Ara Pacis, and on a whim we decided to go. The exhibition featured 52 masterpieces from some of the most celebrated artists in history—Degas, Renoir, Matisse, Picasso, and Van Gogh, to name just a few.

Having studied Fine Art at school, these were names I’d spent years reading about, seeing their work only in textbooks and on screens. Standing in front of those paintings in real life felt surreal—like a dream I didn’t even realise I was about to live out. It was one of those unexpected moments that made the trip feel even more special… and it was something I definitely hadn’t planned.

That evening we found ourselves back along the river once again. Seeing the Tevere lit up at night felt completely different—so calm, so atmospheric, and a little magical. The glow of the lights on the water and the silhouettes of the bridges made it one of those moments where you just want to slow down and take it all in.

From there, we made our way to the Fontana di Trevi. It’s another place I’d visited before, but it still took my breath away like it was the first time. I love how Rome does that—these world-famous, ancient masterpieces are just nestled right into the city, while people stroll past them as if it’s the most normal thing in the world. That contrast between everyday life and jaw-dropping history is something I’ll never get over.

By that point we were more than ready for dinner, and we ended up at a lovely pizzeria called Pizza in Trevi. I highly recommend it — the pizzas were absolutely incredible, exactly what you’d hope for in Rome: fresh, flavourful, and perfectly cooked.

After our well-deserved pizza (and a little rest), we headed towards Piazza Navona, where a Christmas market was in full swing. On the way, we passed the Pantheon, standing proudly in the square as if it had been there forever… because of course, it has. Walking through Rome at night felt especially festive — restaurants and shops were decorated for Christmas, but in a way that wasn’t too over-the-top. The lights and decorations felt subtle and warm, almost blending into the natural beauty of the city rather than overpowering it.

Piazza Navona was beautiful, filled with stalls, twinkling lights, and a small fair that made it feel really lively.  I was on a mission too that night: I was on the hunt for a tiramisu place I’d seen on Instagram. As a tiramisu lover, I had to try it.

Unfortunately, it was a bit of a let-down. You can’t actually go into the shop — instead you’re expected to follow them on Instagram to view the menu (which, in hindsight, explains the huge following). You then have to queue across the street, which we didn’t realise at first, and the line was already very long. The man at the door wasn’t particularly friendly or helpful, so in the end we decided to leave.

This is just my personal experience, but if you’re planning to visit, I’d say… go with caution.

Day 2

For Day 2, I decided to take things a little slower — and honestly, it was exactly what I needed. I started my morning by trying out the hotel spa at Mama Shelter Roma. It was quiet and beautifully designed, with a pool, sauna, and Turkish bath. It felt like such a treat to have that time completely to myself — no rushing, no plans, just sitting in the warmth and letting my mind slow down for a while.

Afterwards, I went for a late breakfast (one of the best things about this hotel is that breakfast is served until 11am — perfect for a relaxed start). Once I was refuelled, I met my friend and we set off for a gentle walk through the city. It was so sunny that day I actually had to take my jacket off — beautiful weather for December, and it made Rome feel even more golden and inviting.



We made our way towards the Spanish Steps, and this was probably the busiest I’d seen Rome so far. The area was packed with tourists, and since it was around lunchtime, it might not have been the best time to visit if you’re hoping for a quieter experience. Still, the atmosphere was lively and it’s hard not to get swept up in it all.

Not far from the steps, we stopped for lunch at Mignanelli Restaurant. It was a warm and welcoming traditional spot, and I had a delicious, filling plate of ravioli ricotta e spinaci in a pink sauce — comforting, rich, and exactly what I needed after a morning of walking.

Rome is full of stunning villas and historic houses, and we really wanted to experience one properly. We’d been recommended Villa Medici, and luckily it wasn’t far from where we were — easy to reach and well worth adding to the day. We paid an entrance fee for the tour, and it turned out to be a fascinating place to visit.

Villa Medici is a 16th-century Italian Mannerist villa located on the Pincian Hill, right next to Trinità dei Monti at the top of the Spanish Steps. Originally a Renaissance residence, it now functions as a heritage site, museum, and home of the French Academy in Rome — an artist residency that has supported creative work since the early 19th century.

From the outside, the villa is truly impressive — classic Roman grandeur, beautiful gardens and outdoor space, and an incredible panoramic view across the city. The inside, however, was a little underwhelming. It’s been stripped of its original furnishings, so there wasn’t as much to see as I’d hoped indoors.

But the timing couldn’t have been more perfect: the tour finished just as we stepped outside into the most stunning sunset. The sky turned warm and glowing over the rooftops of Rome, and it was honestly one of the most breathtaking views of the whole trip. If you’re a sunset lover like me, Villa Medici is an absolute must — even if you go just for the view.

We ended the day on a sweet note at Giolitti, a famous ice cream parlour with an amazing variety of flavours — the perfect way to finish a sunny Roman day.

Day 3

I decided to start my last full day in Rome with a treat — a hearty English breakfast at the hotel, preparing for what promised to be a memorable Sunday. One thing I had been eager to experience was the Pope’s midday blessing, especially since it was the Jubilee year. Walking through the Holy Doors, open only every 25 years, was also high on my list.

We arrived at St. Peter’s Square around 9:30 a.m. to try to beat the crowds, but it didn’t take long for the square to fill up. Soon, there was a sea of people from all over the world, all waiting for the same moment. At noon, Pope Leo XIV appeared at the window of his apartments and delivered a 15-minute sermon. Experiencing it first-hand was unforgettable. Speaking to one of the volunteers managing the crowd, we got a tip: return after 5 p.m. to enter the Vatican through the Holy Doors. At midday, it would have been impossible to get close.

So, we escaped the crowds and wandered along the river again. My friend had previously visited the Jewish Quarter and insisted I would love it — it wasn’t even on my list, but I trusted her recommendation. On the way, we stopped at a café, savoring the warm sun and watching the world go by. People-watching in Rome is addictive — I could spend hours wondering where everyone was from and where they were going.

The Jewish Quarter felt like stepping into another world. Its streets seemed untouched by time, with shop signs in both Italian and Hebrew, Menorahs in windows, and the bustle of everyday life intertwined with centuries of history. Old Roman ruins peeked out amidst the lively streets, giving the area an incredible, layered sense of place.

For lunch, we chose La Taverna del Ghetto, a classic Roman-Jewish restaurant known for its artichokes cooked in a variety of ways, many fried. I opted for the Tonnarelli ai Carciofi — fresh egg pasta topped with fried artichokes. I had never tasted anything like it,  it’s a dish I’ll remember forever. A short walk along Via della Reginella offered a poignant reminder of history, with cobblestones replaced by gold ones outside doorways to honor those taken in the war and never returned.

With the Holy Doors still calling, we returned to the Vatican later in the afternoon. This time, it was calm and much easier to enter. Walking through the Holy Doors into St. Peter’s Basilica was awe-inspiring — past Michelangelo’s David, into the vast interior adorned with golden decorations and statues. As if that wasn’t enough, we were treated to an unexpected bonus on our way out: a beautiful sunset and the changing of the Swiss Guards, a spectacle I hadn’t anticipated but will never forget.

The evening continued with one final Roman highlight: the Colosseum at night. Even though I had visited it before during the day with an internal tour, seeing it illuminated was breath taking. Just as you step out of the Metro, it rises before you — dramatic, ancient, and unforgettable.

To finish our last night, we headed to Trastevere, one of Rome’s most iconic neighborhoods. Its narrow cobbled streets, graffiti-covered walls, quirky bars, and lively restaurants offered a completely different vibe from the elegant streets we’d explored earlier. Dining outdoors at Ristorante la Scala Trastevere with a cocktail in hand was the perfect way to end an incredible trip.

Rome has truly captured my heart. There is so much more to see and experience — I can’t wait to return.

Tips for visiting Rome:

• Have a rough idea of what you want to see, but leave space for wandering and unexpected discoveries.
• The metro and buses are easy to use — €1.50 per journey. (as of December 2025)
• Wherever you eat, you’ll likely eat well. The people are warm and welcoming, making the city feel like home.
• Be prepared for lots of walking, but worth it, best way to see everything and don't forget to look up.
• As of 2 February 2026, Rome has introduced a €2 charge for tourists and non-residents who want to go right down to the basin/lowest level of the Fontana di Trevi (where you can stand close to the water and toss coins).
• Plan ahead to visit the Vatican and find out best times, also worth catching the changing of the Swiss guards if you can. It happens every hour on the hour throughout the day.

My top places to eat:

• Il Giardino del Gatto e la Volpe, Prati/Vatican
• Pizza in Trevi, Fontana di Trevi
• Mignanelli Restaurant, Spanish steps
• La Taverna del Ghetto, Jewish quarter
• Ristorante la Scala, Trastevere

Maria x