Rome: Crowded, Chaotic, and Completely Worth It!

Rome is busy, touristy, and a little rough around the edges, but don’t let that put you off—it’s an incredible city that absolutely lives up to the hype. From ancient ruins to world-famous art and some of the best pasta you’ll ever eat, Rome has something for everyone.

Here’s what we recommend based on our time in the Eternal City.

Step into History at the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

If you’re going to Rome, the Colosseum is a must. Standing inside this massive amphitheater, it’s easy to picture the roar of 50,000 spectators cheering on the gladiators. It’s touristy, sure, but it’s worth every second. We booked a tour through Get Your Guide, and it was one of the best we’ve ever had. Our guide was funny, informative, and knew exactly how to keep us comfortable—expertly leading us into the shade while other groups melted in the sun.

The Roman Forum, just next door, is a sprawling collection of ruins that once formed the heart of Ancient Rome. It takes some imagination (or a great guide) to bring it to life, but once you realize you’re standing where Julius Caesar once walked, it hits differently. And Palatine Hill? One of the seven hills of Rome, it offers fantastic views over the Forum and the city beyond. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the layers of history beneath your feet.

If these ruins could talk, they’d probably complain about the crowds.

Vatican City: Art, Religion, and a Lot of Walking

Visiting the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica is a must, but be prepared—it’s not a casual stroll. The Vatican Museums are packed with world-class art, including works by Raphael, Michelangelo, and countless others. If you’re a fan of Caravaggio, just don’t get too distracted, or you might end up like a fellow tour member we nicknamed “Caravaggio” for always getting lost while admiring his work.

The Sistine Chapel is as breathtaking as you’d imagine. The sheer scale of Michelangelo’s ceiling fresco is hard to comprehend until you see it in person. But don’t linger too long—guards will make sure you keep moving.

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most impressive churches in the world, both in size and grandeur. Climbing to the top of the dome (if you have the energy) rewards you with spectacular views over Rome. If you want to visit without spending half your day in line, a guided tour is definitely the way to go.

When your throne is so grand, even the angels need a moment to process it.

Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps: Crowds, Coins & a Magical Night

If you think visiting the Trevi Fountain at 11 PM will help you avoid the crowds, think again. We arrived late at night, only to find it absolutely packed. So we returned at 6 AM—this time, only social media influencers were there, perfecting their shots. Tossing a coin in the fountain is a tradition, guaranteeing you’ll return to Rome. Just don’t expect a peaceful moment unless you go at dawn.

Our late-night detour did lead us to the Spanish Steps, where we stumbled upon a local busker leading a singalong with both locals and tourists. Sitting on the steps, joining in on a spontaneous music session, was one of those magical travel moments you can’t plan for.

One coin to return to Rome, two coins to magically clear out the crowd.

The Pantheon: A Quick but Essential Stop

The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved monuments from Ancient Rome, and it’s free to visit—well, it used to be. Now there’s an entry fee, but it’s still worth seeing. The enormous domed ceiling, with its central oculus letting in a perfect beam of light, is an architectural marvel. Just don’t be fooled by the two queues outside—one is for cash payments, the other for credit card payments. We wasted too much time switching lines before figuring that out!

Where to Eat in Rome

Rome is a foodie paradise, but not all restaurants are created equal. If you’re after a bowl of classic Roman pasta, we highly recommend Al Gallinaccio, just around the corner from the Trevi Fountain. Their cacio e pepe was the best we had on our entire trip—simple but absolutely perfect.

Simple, perfect, and the reason I now judge all pasta.

For a change of scenery, we headed to the San Lorenzo neighborhood, a student-friendly area with great local restaurants.

And if you’re in Trastevere, check out Hostaria del Roody for a delicious, no-fuss Italian meal in a lively setting.

When in Rome... eat until you physically can’t anymore

Where to Stay:

We stayed at Unahotels Deco, a beautifully designed hotel with an art deco theme, located close to the train station. While the immediate surroundings aren’t the most scenic, the convenience of wheeling our bags straight to the station made up for it.

Rome: Worth the Chaos

Rome can be overwhelming—hot, crowded, and chaotic—but it’s also one of the most rewarding cities to explore. The mix of ancient history, world-famous art, and vibrant street life makes it truly unforgettable.

Have you been to Rome? What were your favorite spots? Let us know in the comments

Happy Travels!