Italy has always been on our bucket list for travel, mostly because of all the rich culture and history it brings along. We just got back from our 10 day trip to Italy that we had been planning for a year after reading tons of travel guides and reviews online. I like to think we covered some good ground in 10 days, we ended up visiting Rome, Florence, Venice drove through Tuscany to go to Cinque Terre and Portovenere.
If you haven’t been to Rome before, Do read my post about Mistakes people make when visiting Rome for the first time.
It would be safe to say that Rome should be your next travel destination in 2019 and here’s all the reasons why:
The Food
Im sure this one isn’t a total shocker. Food in Italy no matter where you eat doesn’t disappoint. Whats funny is that Im not a big fan of Italian food, you don’t find that authentic Italian cuisine in this part of the world anyway.
The rich Heritage & History
City of Rome is a UNESCO heritage site for a reason. The amount of historical monuments and art you find in the city centre is more than you can find any where else in the world. The monuments date back to 2000 years that include the Roman Colosseum, The Roman Forum, Palatine Hill etc. It blows your mind when you hear about practices that happened almost 2000 years ago!
One of the seven wonders of the world
If you didn’t know the Roman Colosseum is one of the 7 wonders of the world. This might not be for you if you don’t care, but Shams and I are on a mission to cover all the 7 wonders of the world in the next few years!
Getting lost is fun
Never thought I’d say that about any place but Rome is one of the places where Shams and I would get lost intentionally. Every nook and corner of the city has so much history and architecture to share. We are both stressful travellers and like to stick to our travel plans but some days going out aimlessly was kind of fun!
Its very walkable
Don’t forget to pack a good pair of walking shoes as most likely you will be walking the entire city. We budgeted 4 days for Rome and we were done with all of Rome including Vatican City in 3 days. Try to find accommodation within the city centre though! We stayed at Roma Luxus that is a 10 minute walk from the Colosseum and most of the major attractions.
City inside a city
Okay not technically, but the Vatican City that only resides 900 people is only a 45 minute walk from City centre or a 15 minute drive. Wonder if that makes Vatican the smallest city?
The Art
Michelangelo is probably one of the most famous artists of all time. Most of his artwork can be found in Rome and the Sistine chapel. Lets say its a paradise for Art lovers.
The Weather
We visited Rome in October dressed in our Summer clothes, I hear some people whine about the rain around December time but if I were to take a prolonged Summer with some rain than -10 * I would happily do so!
Close proximity to other cities
This is a massive plus when you want to squeeze in other cities on your short Euro trip like we did. There are endless options to plan itineraries around Rome, we decided on taking an hour long train to Venice followed by Florence later. Not just within Italy, but you can travel to other cities in close proximity and make a trip out of it.
What city would you recommend to add to my 2019 travel plans?
Italy is at the top of our family’s bucket list- it will likely be our first trip overseas with our boys. I’m jus super nervous because we are all gluten-free (medically) and I don’t know how we’ll survive with all that pasta and pizza!
I love Rome! Haven’t been in years but I still remember the fabulous food and night life. Venice and Florence were also very memorable. If you haven’t been to Madrid I’d highly recommend. It’s a fabulous city and the train services are good for great day trips to Toledo and surrounding areas.
Rome is on my bucket list! We have a toddler so we are holding off on travel for now, but hopefully some day!
I love Rome. I’ve been twice, the last time was two summers ago. I never want to leave!
-Madi xo
http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com
The photo of the food is making me SO hungry! Rome is definitely a place on my bucket list, for many of the reasons you listed above! Thanks for sharing
Rome sounds amazing it is most definitely on our family’s bucket list! I will be saving your blog for tips when we do!
I looooove Rome! When I’m there I always think, “I could stay for another 2 weeks!” Great post!
I haven’t been to Rome in years, but this article makes me want to hop on a plane and go back. Just thinking of the food has me excited!
I’m going next summer and can’t wait to see some of these places!
xoxo Brandi
Such an accurate article! Rome is one of my favorite cities in the world! Now I want to go back… immediately!!
Rome is a beautiful city! I spent three days there on my honeymoon, and barely even scratched the surface of what there was to see, do and eat!
Rome has been on my travel bucket list for forever! I need to just plan it already!!
Rome is DEFINITELY on our list! We’re heading to France for our first wedding anniversary, and hopefully Rome the next year!
Wow, Rome is really majestic. It’s the most beautiful place in the world. By reading this everyone add this place as their bucket list. Really I love this place a lot Thanks lot for sharing!