The Colosseum
So obviously this has to be on this list, who goes to Rome and doesn't see the Colosseum?? Probably no one. This was my first touristy stop in Rome. My friend and I dropped off our stuff at our hostel and immediately came here.
There are tons and tons of tour groups and people trying to get you to join their tour group and there was a huuuuuuge line to get in (maybe cause we went in summer it was extra crowded?). We were tired and so the first lady who came up to us who offered us a tour and skipping the huge line we agreed. I don't remember the exact price but it was reasonable for us to agree and the tour covered the Colosseum in addition to the Roman Forum.
So this may sound silly but the Colosseum was actually so much more massive than I had thought it was. I obviously knew it was big but once you're actually in it, it really is mind blowing. I thought the tour group was really helpful in terms of skipping the line but otherwise I think it was more helpful for the Roman Forum, just cause I didn't know as much about the Roman Forum so I learned a lot more from that.
The Roman Forum/Palatine Hill
This was the second part of my tour as it is right by the Colosseum! The Roman Forum is basically the ruins of some ancient government buildings which were once a central part of Roman life. Palatine Hill looks down on the Roman Forum and is also one of the most ancient parts of Rome with plenty of ruins of its own. The view from Palatine Hill is amazing! Should definitely get some pics! The ruins of both the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are are really beautiful and a great way to get a taste of all the history in Rome. I'm really glad we opened our trip to Rome with this and the Colosseum cause it really helped me grasp how amazing of a city Rome is.
The Arch of Titus
You can't see the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill without seeing the Arch of Titus! It is literally right next to them and you can see it from Palatine Hill!
It is apparently the inspiration for the Arc de Triomphe in Paris so if you liked that then you will definitely be in awe by this arch. I actually found it more picturesque than the Arc de Triomphe because of it's surroundings. It is surrounded by other ruins and trees rather than streets and cars.
The Trevi Fountain
This is probably my favorite touristy spot in Rome. I had seen so many pictures of it and always thought it looked nice but not nearly as magnificent as it was in real life. I recommend coming here both during the day and at night! Both beautiful and different experiences. It also is definitely more touristy during the day so if you want some nice quality time to relax by the fountain come at night! There's a spot to the right of the fountain in the rocks that makes a perfect sitting place! My friend and I sat there and hung out every time we went to the
fountain it became our spot :) You can people watch and just chill cause there is way less people over there since everyone is trying to get a front view pic of the fountain.
I would definitely say the best way to describe my thoughts on the Trevi Fountain is magical, as cheesy as that sounds. And I saw that not only cause of its beauty but also cause I left my favorite black sweater where I was sitting in that rock area and then realized I had left it there and speed walked back to go get it, and knowing all the pick pocketing that happens in Rome I doubted it was still there but it was!! I still have it and wear it today :) So yea therefore I am convinced the Trevi Fountain is magic. It protected my favorite pieces of clothing.
The Pantheon
The Pantheon, currently a church and former temple, is an easy tourist sight as it is free to view from the outside and inside! But because of that it is suuuuuper crowded inside and you can't really spend a lot of time in there so just be warned. The Pantheon is circular which I really liked so you are under a dome. Right outside the Pantheon is the Fontana del Pantheon (Fountain of the Pantheon) so you get another good sight as well!
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