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Timeless Traveler’s – Ultimate Travel Guide to Rome, Italy

Rome

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A Day in Rome: Sketching, Twirling Spaghetti, and Dodging Vespas in the Eternal City

Dawn: Campo de’ Fiori’s Morning Hum

It’s barely 7 a.m, and I’m sprawled on a Campo de’ Fiori bench, sketching a vendor’s fig pile as he yells “Fichi freschi!” to a passing nun. She’s haggling for olives, waving her rosary for emphasis, and I’m smudging charcoal like a pre-school kid. Rome, Italy’s chaotic heart, wakes up loud — 2.8 million live here, and it’s all crumbling arches, espresso clinks, and Vespa roars.

I’m an art nerd, here to draw ruins and eat my weight in gelato, and today’s my canvas. Yesterday, I dodged a Vespa in Trastevere, nearly spilling my cappuccino, but a butcher’s grin and “Attenta, bella!” saved the day. That’s Rome — messy, warm, and worth every scribble.

This intro to the Timeless Travelers Guide series, isn’t your usual checklist. It’s my day in Rome, packed with tips to plan your own — flights, hotels, Metro hacks, and where to find supplì that’ll make you cry happy tears. Want to skip tourist traps and banter like a Roman? Come wander with me through markets, ruins, and secret corners that make this city truly feel eternal.

Morning: Colosseum Sketches and Metro Jams in Rome

By 8 a.m, I’m at the Colosseum (€16, book via Viator to dodge queues), sketching its arches as tour groups snap selfies. It’s a gladiator’s ghost town, and I’m geeking out, though my pencil nearly rolls into a crack — boots, not sandals, are key here. A guard winks as I fumble my ticket. Romans love a clumsy artist. To get here, I took the Metro (€2 single ride, Line B from Termini), elbowing through a morning crush. A day pass (€7) covers buses too — grab it at stations, card or cash. 

Rome’s Metro is basic but works. Download the ATAC app for routes, as Monti’s alleys will mess with your GPS.

I’m starving, so I hit a Testaccio bakery for a €3 supplì, all gooey rice and tomato. The baker teases my accent but ends up slipping me a freebie— score. Testaccio’s cafés, open at dawn, beat Trevi’s €10 rip-offs. If you’re planning Rome, fly from London (€80 round-trip, Ryanair, two hours) or New York ($441 USD, ITA Airways, six hours direct). Book early on Expedia. From the airport, the Leonardo Express train (€14, 30 minutes) lands you at Termini. Taxis? €40 — save it for Trastevere emergencies.

Afternoon: Trastevere’s Trattorias and Tiber Strolls in Rome

Noon finds me in Trastevere, sketching laundry-draped balconies as Vespas zip by. I’m staying at Hotel Santa Maria (€80–€150/night, I booked this one through Agoda (I always find its worth comparing it with Expedia. I just grab which ever one has the best price at the time).

Its a cozy spot with a really nice courtyard. Centro Storico’s Hotel Artemide (€100–€200) suits ruin-chasers, while Testaccio’s Hotel San Anselmo (€60–€120) feels local. Budget folks, Esquilino’s The Yellow hostel (€20–€40) buzzes with fellow backpackers.

Book early for spring. Winter deals are sweeter. Trastevere’s more my vibe — lively but not Termini’s full blown chaos.

Lunch is a €5 cacio e pepe at a Trastevere trattoria, twirled with a view of kids playing tag. A mind-blowingly gorgeous girl at the next table debates gelato flavors with her friend — pistachio wins. I’m tempted, not by my sweet tooth. I’m struggling with the intimidation caused by her clear 10 status. 

My head is filled with self doubt, I’m lucky to be a 6 or 7 at best. But I manage to pluck up the courage. Where else, when else will I get to meet another 10? I lean over and compliment her on her fine choice of pistachio. She notices my accent and we hit it off in conversation about the differences between Europe and the States. Just like that I’ve got her number and a date for 8pm tonight. Thank you Rome, thank you!

Walking here from the Colosseum took 20 minutes. Buses (€2) or Free Now rides (€10–€20) work for farther spots like EUR. Bikes (€5–€10/day) are fun in Villa Borghese — download Nextbike for rentals.

Evening: Monti Gelato and Aventine Secrets in Rome

By 5 p.m, I’m in Monti, sketching a fountain as a gelato vendor scoops more pistachio. He quips, “Bad choice, try stracciatella!” and hands me a taste on a little stick — creamy bliss. I tell him that pistachio is now my favourite flavour as it scored me the hottest date. He laughs with that hearty laugh that only Italians have. 

Monti’s bars beat the Pantheon’s €15 spritz scams. Grab a €3 aperitivo here. To stay connected, I use Airalo’s eSIM (€12, 5GB, 10 days, which is perfect for messaging my new date, using Maps and Instagram — Monti’s lanes kill GPS. Local SIMs (TIM, Termini) require ID. So I find it much easier using an eSIM. Cafés like Testaccio’s offer Wi-Fi with a €3 coffee.

I detour to the Aventine Keyhole (free), peeking at St. Peter’s dome through a secret gate. A couple whispers nearby, planning their evening, I can hardly believe how good my evening is shaping up to become. The Aventine is a gem — hit it early to avoid crowds. 

For history hacks, download the Colosseum Audio Guide app (€5) or book Ostia Antica tours (€12, €2 train, book via Viator). Rome’s safe, but watch for Colosseum pickpockets. I zipped my bag after a queue shove. Clinics charge €20–€50 — Policlinico Umberto I’s solid. EU folks, bring your EHIC. Freely insurance (€20–€40 for a €400 trip) covers mishaps.

Night: Piazza Barberini and Roman Banter in Rome

I tried to book at table at the Michelin rated Il Pagliaccio over by the Tiber. But of course, it was fully booked. Next on my list from the guide was Osteria Barberini over by the Piazza Barberini, success! Table booked and we’re ready to go. I offer to pick her up, but she insists to meet me there. I’m there 15 mins early, waiting for her like a lost puppy by the door. 

At 8p.m on the dot, her taxi arrives, while I’m fully engaged chatting to the doorman. I’ve learned to say “Prego” (you’re welcome) or “Grazie” to spark grins. He’s quickly flicking between English and Italian which was giving me a head-ache trying to keep up. 

His frustration in wanting to race ahead in our conversation, speaking his native Italian is evident, but he’s warm-hearted, between trying to maintain his doorman demeanour. He laughs and switches back to English just to let me catch up. You’ll find that with most Italians, warm-hearted, passionate and eager to communicate.

I had to cut him off mid-sentence, motioning to him that she’s here. I quickly made my way to the cab door, to open it for her. She is absolutely stunning, wearing a royal blue silky evening dress with heels that made her taller than me. I’m so happy to be in Rome!

A few more pointers for your Rome trip, to help you fit in like a Roman

Whatever you do, don’t touch the market produce — point instead. It will save you a scolding. Carnevale (February) brings sweet treats (€2 fritelle); Ferragosto (August) brings quiets streets. Dress smart in Centro Storico — no flip-flops. Tip €1 for great service; don’t block sidewalks — Or risk copping a vendor’s tsk.

Pack sturdy boots for cobbles, a scarf for chills, and a power bank — trattoria plugs are rare. EURO in small bills helps. Cards are common. Rome’s not perfect — crowds swarm, Metro’s packed. But as I sketch the Tiber’s glow, Rome feels like a friend. Ready to sketch your own day? Rome’s waiting — wild, warm, and all yours.

Make it yours. Hit the ruins for history, trattorias for spice, or fountains for love. Timeless Travelers Guide has got you — flights, hotels, eSIMs, insurance, the best places to eat and more. Ready to roam? Rome’s waiting! Click the link to our Travel Guide below.

Rome – Ultimate Travel Guide: Flights, Hotels, eSIMs & Insurance
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Some of our other introductions to the Timeless Traveler’s Guide

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