It's "A Must"
While we are visiting many beautiful sites as a class, this page is dedicated to what each person believes is "a must" to see, experience or eat while you have free time in Rome. From historical sites to a great meal, these are our top picks for the one thing that must be done during a trip to the Eternal City. Enjoy!
In my opinion, the Roman Forum at sunset from the top of the Capitoline Hill is the "must see" while in Rome. Once the sun starts to set, the tourists disappear and you're left with a beautiful view. The modern world seems to melt away, and you're left with a sight that gives you an idea of what Ancient Rome must have looked like. The serene surroundings make the long walk up to the top of the hill worth it. Even if you have ruin fatigue after spending a long time looking at all the ruins peppered across the city of Rome, seeing the Forum in the "golden hour" reinvigorates the soul. It left me awestruck even though I had already been down in the Forum by the time I saw it at sunset. Bring a camera and a friend if you want good pictures to send back home.
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Roman Forum @ Sunset - Tatiana Novak
Tired after spending hours walking through the historic landmarks such as the Colosseum and Forum? No worries! Take a seat at the lovely Angelino Ai Fori! Featuring a restaurant, bar, cafe, and gelato shop, Angelino Ai Fori has it all. With a full menu bar and five-page menu, there is surely something you will enjoy! Outdoor and indoor seating available. Would highly recommend the ravioli or any of the pasta that is freshly made every day! The wine menu caters to all with a map of Italy drawn to distinguish where your wine comes from. You can come with a big group or have a quaint dinner date for two! Angelino Ai Fori is a must go to for Italian cuisine in Rome.
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Dinner @ Angelino Ai Fori - Brittany Wildas
One thing you realize when you are visiting Rome is that it’s huge. Therefore, in addition to planned visits, you should take the time to get lost somewhere in Rome! A group of us intended to visit the Pantheon and got off at the Flaminio metro stop. Instead of arriving at the Pantheon immediately, we walked for an hour trying to find it. Along the way, we stopped at numerous shops: a gelateria, an art supplies store, a leather store, and a Christmas ornaments store. Coincidentally, all of us found something we wanted: Amanda found the red leather jacket she had been searching for; Sarah found the Rome Christmas ornament she hoped for, and Tatiana and I found leather bags that we loved. Although we got a little lost looking for the Pantheon, we found unexpected objects and charming streets, and we did eventually reach our destination! Therefore, when you are in Rome, take the time to lose yourself in the city- you never know what you will find!
Get lost! - Ana Chena Davila
Regardless of your interest in the sport, going to a professional soccer game in Rome should be in the top of anybody’s list of things to do. Rome has two teams to watch, either Roma or Lazio. Both these teams play in the same stadium, alternating every week, and they are bitter rivals. The way the Italian league is, however, there are plenty of rivalry games to go to. The atmosphere of the crowd before the game has even begun is unbelievable. To be in the middle of a crowd that is singing and chanting for their team for the entire 90 minutes is a life-changing experience. The die-hard fans of Roma or Lazio display incredible amounts of passion for their team. The sheer intensity of the game is enough for everyone in the crowd to feel the need to stand up the entire game. This level of dedication and passion cannot be witnessed anywhere else other than a Roma/Lazio game.
See a soccer game - Diego Vasquez
My mother has a tradition of going abroad for vacation and taking back a Christmas ornament as a souvenir. As this was my first trip abroad by myself I made it my mission to buy myself a Christmas ornament, as well as one to bring home to my mother. For those who like to buy similar ornaments as souvenirs, I highly recommend Sempre Natale. The store is in what I would define as a safe area and consisted of a pleasant atmosphere. There is a wide collection of ornaments with a section of the store dedicated to ornaments that either replicate Roman architecture or present a Roman theme. They are all homemade and share unique characteristics to one another. I chose a sphere ornament with a painting of the Coliseum on one side and the word Rome on the other. I view the service as incredibly helpful and amiable and I would definitely recommend!
Sempre Natale - Sarah Downey
If you walk past the Basilica of Saint John Lateran and past the ancient walls, you will find the adorable Le Foodie Cafe Bistrot. At first sight, there is an outside patio covered in string lights and with purple flowers hanging down. By the front door, there is a mouth-watering window overflowing with pastries. It was hard to choose with so many options, but ultimately I decided on two types of miniature pies and tiramisu. With the number of choices, no one will be disappointed or without a pastry. One pie was fig, while the other was pistachio. Both were delicious with a thick crust and sweet filling. However, the tiramisu was my favorite. It was unbelievably creamy with the right amount of espresso powder and amazing ladyfinger layers. Both the atmosphere and pastries are worth the walk outside the walls for a satisfying dessert or even an afternoon snack.
Le Foodie - Samantha Sicairos
Pinsa E Buoi dei… San Giovanni is a restaurant near the Basilica of Saint John Lateran with some bomb food. It was pretty amazing. I ordered the capricciosa pizza which consists of tomatoes, mozzarella, mushroom, basil, ham, and eggs. It was in an oval shape, which was the perfect size, and the crust was nice and crispy. We also ordered the house white wine and it was probably the best white wine I’ve ever had. Even if you’re not the biggest white wine fan, you should definitely try this one. The service was quick and the food was delicious. To be honest, they weren’t the nicest people out there, but we’re kind of loud so I somewhat understand their frustration. So if you’re in the mood for some quality wine and pizza and a little attitude from the waiters, this is your spot. It is a little pricey, though, but for some really high-class Italian food I think it’s worth it. I’ll let you all be the judge of its worth.
Pinsa e Boui dei... San Giovanni - Erica Martinez
A must go to in Rome is a little restaurant called Li Rioni. It is located on the corner of Via dei Santi Quattro and Via dei Querceti which is right next to the Colosseum and just ten-minute walk from the convent. Maci’s mom actually told her about it so me, Maci, Natalie, Camilo, and Emily went to try it out. We sat down and ordered the house wine, Natalie and I ordered a Peroni beer. It was really good with the pizza we all ordered. I ordered a Margherita, bufala cotta e salsiccia which I believe is buffalo mozzarella, sausage, tomato. I was sort of skeptical of buffalo mozzarella because I was worried that I would not like it but it is actually just a tastier mozzarella as said by the waiter. The food came fairly quick which is something I noticed in Italy. The pizza was like a cheese pizza with balls of sausage on it lining in a circle. It was so good and the best pizza I have had in Italy.
Li Roni - Sedonia Estacio
On my way to the Trevi Fountain, I passed by the chocolate store Venchi. It caught my attention because you could see a wall that is a chocolate fountain. The wall was so pleasing to my eye that I had to walk in. The line was big too so I had to try the gelato because that meant it was good. The cashier was very friendly and helped me out with my order. I was able to customize my own cone by adding caramel, chocolate, an assortment of nuts. I was then able to pick two flavors of gelato out of many flavors based on the size cup I bought. Everyone who helped me was kind and willing to help me out even though there was a language barrier. The atmosphere was great as well. They were playing a variety of music that allowed me to enjoy my gelato in comfort. I felt like I was in a Sees candy but in Italy.
Venci - Elizabeth Giron
The Sistine Chapel is something that I have been looking forward to seeing since I studied it in high school. I have always been amazed by the amount of effort Michelangelo put into it. Once I stepped in the chapel all I wanted to do is photograph it but there was a strict policy about taking pictures, which makes the experience all the more unique because once you are in there, you are really living in the moment. Every inch of the walls and ceiling were painted. The ceiling contained the creation story and important religious figures. There were important scenes from the bible painted all around the room. Even the curtains were painted on the wall. However, the most impressive part of the Sistine Chapel was the Last Judgement which took up a whole wall from floor to ceiling. It depicted Jesus and important religious figures like Mary at the top, there were more angels and people in the clouds. Towards the bottom of the wall was earth then touching the floor was hell.
The Sistine Chapel - Melissa Burnett
Vecchia Roma has to be one of the most lively businesses I have been lucky enough to try. The food, the atmosphere, and the service are top notch. There were two different times that we tried to get seated for dinner and lunch and we soon found out that the only way we’d be able to eat there was of we made reservations. Every table was filled and there were happy faces all around The best part about this restaurant was that their selection of food is impeccable, we nearly took 20 minutes just to decide what we wanted to eat because everything was so damn good. When it came down to deciding I made the decision to order 3 must-haves. I had the supli, bruschetta alla pomodoro, and fettuccini salmi with pesto. This is a restaurant that I highly recommend, but remember to make reservations so you will not be disappointed if you get turned away!
Vecchia Roma - Jazlyn Sakaniwa
After spending a lot of time walking and getting lost in the streets of Rome, I’ve concluded that there is one spot that is a must-go. That spot is called Piazza Campo dei Fiori… and it’s poppin! It has great restaurants and bars, so it’s a great place to go out at night and meet other people. One of the best bars in the Piazza is the Drunken Ship. Our group spent several nights there, and it was always fun to have almost the entire class in such a small bar. Many great memories and late nights have been made in Piazza Campo dei Fiori and I’m hoping I can come back one day to see all of my friends that I made during nights out during this Pilgrimage.
Piazza Campo dei Fiori - Jake Pavicich
One of my favorite things I had on this trip was a sandwich from Pane & Salame. My mom had done a lot of research before the trip on good places to go and said that this looked like one of the best. As we walked up, there were a lot of people standing outside which I took as a very good sign. We went in and asked what they recommended and ordered it without hesitation. Once our sandwich was ready, we walked over to the Trevi Fountain and sat there and ate it. I had the “X” which had prosciutto, cheese, arugula, tomato, and a special spread. This was one of my favorite memories because the food was delicious and it was a beautiful day. On a trip that was filled with a lot of rain, this was one of the few sunny moments we had on the trip. I felt as if I was doing exactly what I pictured myself doing in Italy, eating good food with a great view.
Pane & Salame - Maci Meyer
There was one day within the class schedule that was an overnight stay in the town of Assisi. There are many beautiful places and activities in Assisi that we did as a class, but something you must see in Assisi is a perfect viewpoint up by the castle. During the free time, a few classmates and I went up to the castle both at night and during the day. At this viewpoint, you’re able to look out and see all of Assisi. It was easily the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to. Going up at night was really cool, but nothing compares to looking out from there during the day. It’s definitely a must see and is an experience that you will never forget. So, when you take this class and you travel to Assisi, make sure you grab a few friends and check out the viewpoint up by the castle. You definitely won’t regret it.
Assisi lookout - Emily Lucas
One of my favorite nights here in Rome outside class time, was visiting the Drunken Ship. It’s a bar located in a really nice area called Piazza Campo dei Fiori, where young people that are also in the same page as you go, either they are studying abroad or wanting to have a good time. The bartenders are all international, so from ordering a drink to jumping in the dance floor, you feel you are part of a big community. It has a very Americanized ambiance, you hear a lot of mainstream music and also play beer pong on the back. The best part of it is that you will always feel safe with the people around you when you go with big groups, and there is drinking in between something may go wrong, but in this case, it never happens and that’s why I really recommend you visit this place.
The Drunken Ship - Camilo Duran
There are so many things to do in Rome and one activity loved by many is to eat! Forget the pasta and pizza, go eat some gelato!! I have tried numerous gelaterias while being in Rome and I have found one that is a must try. It is called Gelateria Dei Gracchi, and it is located near Vatican City in the Prati district. I had learned about this gelateria prior to our trip from a famous food critic Anthony Bourdain and decided to take his advice. There were not as many flavors as I had expected there to be here, but it seemed less was better in the sense of taste. Also, the flavors here are for the most part very rich and creamy. So if you’re more of a sorbet gelato fan, this place isn’t for you. This gelateria is also filled with locals, meaning it has to be good! I highly recommend trying Gelateria Dei Gracchi, and getting the milk chocolate flavor! Mangia e Ciao!
Gelateria Dei Gracchi - Natalie Aliotti
One of the must do’s before we all leave Rome is to go visit the Circus Maximus. On February 2nd, John, Dan, and I took a walk to go visit the historic sight. It was the first and largest chariot racing stadium/arena built in Rome. Constructed around the 6th/7th century BCE and held an estimated 250,000 spectators during its’ height, the Circus Maximus is now open as a public park. I think it was a great stop to go see because of the beautiful view and the history of the space. That being said, in addition to the area being used for chariot races, the circus held events such as public executions, gladiator fights, and wild animal hunts. Overall, I was very pleased with our adventure today, and highly encourage the rest of the class to go to the Circus Maximus and walk through the area!
Circus Maximus - Joey Carroll
A personal goal I had for this trip was to get better at understanding and speaking Italian- after studying it for six years it’s nice to have a place to practice! But, as travelers, its useful for anyone to know a few phrases to get through day to day tasks. As I have seen throughout the trip, you don’t need formal training in the language to pick up on it! Asking for prices, where something is (“dove il bagno?!”) and recognizing names of dishes we do and do not like seemed to be easily picked up. Going to Italian masses and prayer services also allowed for finding comfort in an unfamiliar language. Because many responses of the mass are standardized, it was possible to figure out certain words and phrases. Though we may not be able to say the whole “Our Father” prayer in Italian, some may recognize the opening phrase of “padre nostro, che sei nei cieli...”. So listen to the language, you never know how much you may learn!
Listen to the language - Amanda Ausonio
The Trevi Fountain is a large fountain where locals and tourists alike throw coins in behind them, just like how Lizzie McGuire did in her eponymous movie. You can throw up to three coins over your left shoulder using your right hand. If you throw one coin, you return to Rome in the future. If you throw to coins, you meet an Italian. If you throw three coins, you marry that Italian. The Trevi Fountain is beautiful during both the day and night and crowded either way. It is definitely a “must do,” especially for those who want to do their own “Lizzie McGuire Moment.”
The Trevi Fountain - Sarah Chan
BEST GELATERIA EVER. JUST WOW. Ornelli's Gelateria is the best gelato place. The texture is very smooth and creamy. I have become friends with the gelateria employee, Mariana. She is the sweetest and most kind person ever. Nothing can beat the coffee gelato they make. The place is very aesthetic as well. The wooden bar table and the star lights caught my eye and the warm welcome that Mariana gave me, made me fall in love with the place even more. I give this place a 10/10. If I ever come back to Rome, I will come back to this place and eat as much gelato as I can.
Ornelli's Gelateria - Dalia Vargas
One of the things you absolutely must do in a city as dense as Rome is learn how to wing it when plans go wrong. The last thing you want to be doing is wasting time here bemoaning a failed day. One day, a group of us we’re going to Tivoli, but a confusing experience at the train station left us in Rome with nothing to do. Instead of going home and complaining, we decided to just wing it and see a bunch of different things as we walked, metro’d, and taxied our way through the city. We ended up travelling through new neighborhoods, seeing two of the best views in Rome, and exploring an old castle used by the popes. We ended up having a blast that day in spite of our failed Tivoli trip. It’s important to learn to not hold on to plans too tightly and make the most of it when something goes wrong
Learn how to wing it - Daniel Kever
Church of Santa Maria Maddalena: A very beautiful church just a couple minute walk away from the Pantheon. When you enter right above the door are magnificent sculptures decorating a piece of the organ. Along either side of the aisle of pews stand statues of the 7 virtues of confession. Side chapels are in between the statues leading up to the nave. Within behind the altar stands the painting of Mary Magdalene kneeling before angels in the sky holding the cross on which Jesus was crucified. I really enjoyed this church due to its design and dedication to Mary Magdalene and the teaching it helps to espouse on an often controversial sacrament at times (reconciliation).
Santa Maria Maddalena - Nathaniel Schultz
My must see of the trip is climbing the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica. When approaching the massive church, you are taken aback by just how grand it really is. The closer you get to the structure, the more impressive it is. That being said, I highly recommend paying the extra 2€ to take the elevator halfway up the climb. Once you exit the elevator, you have a beautiful view of looking at Saint Peter’s, both the church’s dome and the square, from the eyes of the saints that surround the square. The climb after this scene, however, is quite strenuous. Whether you’re in shape or not, this climb will take your breath away, so do not be in a rush to get to the top. About halfway up the dome, you exit onto a platform that shows you the inside of the dome, a closer view of the beautiful details in the dome in the middle of the basilica. After you climb even more stairs, you are presented with a panoramic view like no other. You can circle around the outside of the dome for as long as you’d like to study and admire the entirety of Rome and the Vatican City.
Climb St. Peter's Dome - Mackenzie Nunes
Pastificio Guerra is a local favorite in Rome, and tourists now as well. The interesting thing about this delicious street food is, you don’t have many options to choose from, but do not let that turn you away. There is a reason there is a line out the door every day for this place. The dishes are two types of pasta per visit. One is a strozzapreti al pesto, if you’re a pesto lover you’ll definitely want to get in on this, one of the best pestos in all of Italy. Another is, spicy tomato arrabiata; you’re in Europe, and as we know there isn’t a lot of spicy food in Europe, but this packs a punch for all you spicy condesours. Do you like mushrooms then you’ll love their pasta with a decadent mushroom sauce. Last but not least, a Roman staple, in any restaurant— carbonara. I hope you loved this must have post and your taste buds are screaming at you to book a flight to Rome and stop by this place.
Pastificio Guerra - Tristen Cardosi
Most people that do bother to visit this museum miss out on many of the features that it offers. In addition to the stunning and most obvious feature of the museum, the Sistine Chapel, there are many wings with all types of art and historical artifacts from all cultures. In the lower levels, there are canoe-like boats made of bark that were used by the indigenous people of South America and across from that is the halls filled with statues of Roman emperors that were almost lost had it not been for the foresight of the popes to save it all for studying and future appreciation. The Sistine Chapel itself is often not given enough time to admire and interpret the paintings that took years of Michael Angelos life to make. There is truly many a story in the murals, telling of creation and the Old Testament figures such as Joana and Daniel. Lastly, if you are not into objects, there are programs that allow you to view manuscripts and treasures dating back to the 2nd century for purposes of study and research. f you are lucky enough to go to this museum make sure you give yourself time to enjoy all that it has to offer!