Rome 2025

Sunday June 29 - Wednesday July 2

The first stop of our time in Europe was Rome, Italy. I did not travel much growing up, so the thought of traveling to Europe never seemed feasible, nor did it cross my mind as a place I wanted to visit. Having only traveled internationally once in 2007 to Vietnam, there was apprehension related to navigating around the city, and communicating in a foreign country. Those fears quickly faded, and replaced instead with a sense of awe and adventure as we stepped off the plane and started the journey to the Airbnb.

Trastevere

We stayed in the lively, and touristy Trastevere neighborhood. The cobblestone streets, and narrow passageways instilled a sense of old-world charm that was a consistent reminder that we were no longer home, but instead somewhere that had a deep culture and history baked into the streets and surrounding buildings. Speaking of home, the hills of San Francisco prepared us well for days of long walks exploring the city. All major landmarks were around a 30 - 50 minute walk from the Airbnb, great for slowly taking in the atmosphere and life around us.

Pantheon

The Pantheon in Rome is one of the city’s most iconic and well-preserved ancient monuments. Originally built in 125 AD as a temple to all Roman gods, it features a massive domed roof with a central oculus that lets natural light stream into the interior. It was the first landmark we encountered in Rome. The impressive scale and intricacy of the craftsmanship, all completed thousands of years ago, makes you marvel at what humans were able to accomplish so long ago.

Spanish Steps

Trevi Fountain

18th-century fountain in the Trevi district, designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Guiseppe Pannini in 1762. Very grand, but also extremely crowded with happy tourists collectively checking this place off their bucket list.

Osteria Da Fortunata

Our first dinner in Rome was at Osteria Da Fortunata. Handmade pasta can be seen being prepared through the glass window in the storefront. This restaurant was a great introduction to Italian food. The Cacio e Pepe had a great bite, and the gnocchi perfectly pillowy. The meal tasted fresh, with each ingredient distinctly making its presence known.

Piazza Navona

Rome is filled with Piazzas, public open spaces for people to gather.

River Tiber

Restaurants, bars, and pop up shops line the base of River Tiber, making it a pedestrian friendly walk way for both running groups and nightlife types.

Colosseum

We took a walking tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. We learned a wealth of history from our passionate local tour guide who painted a better picture of what life during active use of the Colosseum was like better than we could have researched on our own. Seeing and experiencing one of the new wonders of the world was a highlight of our time in Rome.

Forum and Palatine Hill

Walking through the ruins of what once was the center of important government buildings gave a small glimpse of what Roman life was like in the early days. It is hard to comprehend events that occurred many lifetimes ago, but there was still a sense of wonder and undercurrents of melancholy while passing through crumbled pillars, buildings, and Julius Caesar’s grave site.

Julius Caesar’s grave

Vatican Museum

The Vatican Museum had an expansive collection of historically significant art by renowned artists. A very cool experience seeing iconic pieces like the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgement in person.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Although not religious, visiting the St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican during the 2025 Jubilee felt like a special opportunity that I am grateful to have experienced. The Holy Door opens during the Jubilee, which occurs every 25 years, so it was a very special moment to be able to walk through the doors to enter the Basilica. St Peter’s Basilica might be the most grand and awe-striking building we walked through in Rome.

Trapizzino

Trapizzino is a Roman street food, an Italian pizza pocket.

Gelato

The first thing we noticed walking around Rome was the abundance of Gelaterias. There seemed to be multiple stores in every neighborhood. Many were consumed.

Miscellaneous Pictures

Walking through the streets of Rome, the impact of the history, architecture, and art was palpable, and I am grateful to have been able to experience it all.