Day 1 in Rome: Exploring the Historic Center

Walking Through Time: Discovering Rome’s Ancient Sites

Batuhan Ertan
4 min readMay 7, 2023
Photo by Chris Czermak on Unsplash : Rome, The Ancient City

Rome, the eternal city, is a destination that offers an exceptional combination of ancient history and modern charm. It’s a city that can transport you back in time while also providing a vibrant present. One of the best ways to discover the city’s many charms is by taking a walking tour of its historic center.

Colosseum: From my view, photo by Author

Italian Breakfast and Colosseum

Before you begin your journey through the city, start your day with a traditional Italian breakfast at a local café. With a cappuccino in hand and a pastry in your stomach, you’ll be ready to take on the day.

Your first stop should be the Colosseum, an ancient amphitheater that is a symbol of Rome’s rich history. As you wander around the ruins, take in the grandeur of this impressive structure and imagine what life was like in ancient Rome.

Roman Forum

From there, head to the nearby Roman Forum, a sprawling complex of ruins that was once the center of political and social life in ancient Rome. From the Arch of Titus to the Temple of Vesta, there’s no shortage of fascinating sites to explore here.

Pantheon: From my view, photo by Author

Pantheon

Next, make your way to the nearby Pantheon, one of the most well-preserved ancient monuments in the world.

This temple-turned-church is a testament to the architectural prowess of the ancient Romans. With its massive dome and grand portico, the Pantheon is a must-see attraction.

Take a gelato and make the most of the view.

Piazza Navona: From my view, photo by Author

Piazza Navona

After taking in the sights and sounds of the Pantheon, head towards the nearby Piazza Navona, a beautiful square that features three impressive fountains and is surrounded by charming restaurants and cafes.

This lively spot is a favorite among tourists and locals alike, and it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Continue your journey by heading towards the nearby Campo de’ Fiori, a bustling market filled with colorful stalls selling fresh produce and flowers.

After taking in the sights and sounds of the market, head towards the historic Jewish Ghetto, one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. Stroll through the narrow streets and visit the Synagogue of Rome, a magnificent structure built in the late 19th century.

Photo by Szabolcs Toth on Unsplash

For lunch, head to Trastevere, a charming neighborhood on the west bank of the Tiber river.

Here you can find some of the best traditional Roman cuisine, such as cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and carbonara.

After lunch, take a stroll through the quaint streets of Trastevere and visit the beautiful Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome.

Photo by Shai Pal on Unsplash

As the day comes to a close, head back towards the historic center and climb the Spanish Steps, a beautiful staircase that leads to the Trinita dei Monti church. From the top, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.

Rome’s historic center is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, charming streets, and delicious food.

A walk through the city’s historic center is an experience that will transport you back in time and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

With so much to see and do, it’s easy to get lost in the magic of this incredible city.

Bonus tip: Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a refillable water bottle, as Rome can be quite hot in summer season and you’ll be doing a lot of walking.

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Batuhan Ertan

Experienced education abroad consultant. Passionate about sharing my experiences and recommendations of various places around the world