Long Weekend Trip to Rome

Credit: https://www.audleytravel.com/us/italy/places-to-go/rome

Are you counting down to a long weekend and craving a spontaneous getaway? A bank holiday is the perfect excuse to book a last-minute trip to Rome. Living in Europe, we forget how fortunate we are to be only a short flight away from world-class cities, and yes, you can explore the Eternal City in just one weekend. 

Friday: Arriving at Yellow Square, Rome

I landed at Rome-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) on a Friday afternoon, buzzing with excitement for my second solo trip- and my first time in Italy. With pizza on my mind and my hostel already bookmarked, I opened Citymapper to figure out the easiest route into the city.

I opted for the direct train from Fiumicino to Rome Termini (€14 one- way), followed by a quick 10-minute walk to the hostel.

As soon as I arrive, I notice my first sight in the Italian capital: a street lined with Vespas!

The hostel occupies most of the block, with the reception and accommodations on one side and the Yellow Bar, along with additional rooms, across the street. This layout creates a safe and welcoming environment.

After dropping off my luggage and freshening up, I head down to the Yellow Bar for my complimentary glass of wine. The Yellow Bar (@yellowbar) is incredibly inviting, filled with travellers from all around the world, offering drinks, music, activities, and plenty of food options close to the hostel. I grab a pizza with some new friends at a restaurant around the corner. 

Saturday: Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and the Vatican 

I eased into the weekend with a slow morning and breakfast at Yellow Bar- the L’hurca is delicious and surprisingly filling. With a few new hotel friends, we wandered towards the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain for the classic Rome photo op. It was midday and busy, but still worth squeezing through the crowds to toss a coin over

Credit: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/points-of-interest/trevi-fountain/389099

Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain 

Price: Free, Trevi Fountain (€2 for a close-up view) 

• Tip: Go early to avoid large crowds- bring a euro or two for the Trevi Fountain tradition 

A short walk away sits the Parthenon, one of Rome’s most impressive ancient buildings. You can admire it from the outside or head in for a closer look. 

Pantheon

• Price: €5
• Tip: Visit between 11 am and 1 pm to see sunlight streaming through the oculus- it’s magical  

After lunch on a quiet side street (highly recommend the cacio e pepe), I made my way to the Vatican for an afternoon of art, architecture, and splendour. 

 St Peter’s Basilica and Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel) 

• Price: St Peter’s Basilica is free; Museums and the Sistine Chapel are €20-25
• Tip: Book Vatican Museum tickets online if you can. And remember- no photos in the Sistine Chapel. 

If you still have energy, head to Castel Sant’ Angelo for a sunset over the River Tiber before grabbing dinner or returning to the hostel for free pasta and conversation night.

Credit: https://www.sopranovillas.com/attractions/the-vatican-city/

Sunday: The Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum

After a fun night at Yellow Bar, I took the morning slow and grabbed brunch before walking to the Colosseum. Nothing prepares you for its sheer scale- it’s breathtaking (Gladiator music plays in the background) 

Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill  

• Price: €18
• Tip: Bring your passport; it’s required for entry. You can choose a combined ticket or visit sites individually. 

I wrapped up the day back at the hostel with pasta, karaoke, and beer pong- the perfect chaotic mix for meeting new people. With an evening flight the next day, I wasn’t too worried about getting to bed early. 

Credit: https://www.livescience.com/roman-colosseum

Monday: Farewell Walk & the Vittoriano 

Check out day arrived too soon. After leaving my bags at the hostel, I grabbed one last coffee and a cornetto at Yellow Bar before taking a final stroll through the city toward the Vittoriano with a friend. 

Vittoriano 

• Price: Free
• Tip: Head to the top for one of the best (and free!) panoramic views of Rome

A final pasta and gelato later, I collected my bag and made my way to the station, soaking in the last bit of Roman air before heading to the airport.

Credit: https://www.turismoroma.it/en/places/monument-vittorio-emanuele-ii-vittoriano

5 tips for Rome in 3 days 

Do: 

• Take advantage of all the incredible free sights
• Book Colosseum and Vatican Museums online (a guide can be worth it) 

Don’t: 

• Buy tickets from unofficial vendors 

• Rush- Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano (“Who goes slowly, goes safely and goes far”)

Ciao! and enjoy your Roman adventure!