It had been on our list for a while – a trip for just the two of us, somewhere steeped in history, sunshine and good food. Rome ticked every box. Three nights to celebrate my birthday and 20 years of being together, and somehow the city gave us even more than we expected.
We stayed in Trastevere, a neighbourhood that feels like old Rome — all cobbled lanes, laundry strung between windows, locals chatting across balconies. Our Airbnb was tucked away down a busy street, just far enough from the buzz but close enough that we could wander out each evening and find somewhere wonderful to eat.
And really, we walked. A lot. Rome is a city best explored on foot, and over three days we covered more than 95,000 steps without even trying. There’s something special about discovering places this way — no rigid timetable, just a rough idea of where we wanted to go and the freedom to stop whenever something caught our eye.
We saw the big hitters — the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and The Vatican. We stood in the shadow of the Pantheon, mouths open in awe. We threw coins into the Trevi Fountain and watched as dozens of others did the same, each hoping for something unspoken. But between those famous sights, it was the in-between moments that made the trip: morning coffee in a sleepy piazza, getting lost down a side street and finding a tiny church, stumbling on a bakery with the flakiest maritozzi we’ve ever tasted.
We made a point of avoiding tourist menus. Each night we ate somewhere off the beaten track — trattorias where the locals go, where the waiters don’t mind if your Italian is a little rusty and the pasta tastes like someone’s nonna is still out back making it by hand. One place served a simple cacio e pepe that we still talk about now.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat.
Next time we might bring our son and show him the Forum, or maybe we’ll just sit by the Tiber with a gelato and watch the world go by. Either way, I know we’ll be back.
17 Tips To Plan Your Trip To Rome In June
17 Tips To Plan Your Trip To Rome In June
Here’s everything we learned during our three-night stay — the kind of tips we’d share over a coffee with friends planning their own Roman escape. I call these our practical tips for a short break in Rome.
1. You’ll walk. A lot.
We clocked up over 95,000 steps in three days — and we loved every minute. Rome is best seen on foot, so bring comfortable shoes and pace yourself.
2. Taxis are easy and reliable.
We pre-booked an airport transfer through our Airbnb host and paid by card (it cost about 10% more than cash). Taxis have fixed prices and generally prefer cash, but most will accept card if asked.
3. Vatican City – book ahead and dress smart.
Book your tickets in advance and arrive 30 minutes early. The entrance is well organised — follow the wall until you reach the booths. They didn’t check ID, but covered shoulders are required in the Sistine Chapel (not in the general Vatican areas). And don’t forget to look down — the floors are just as stunning as the ceilings.
4. Colosseum – timing matters.
You’ll need your ID and they’re strict with entry times. Get there 30 minutes early to queue, but they’ll only let you in 15 minutes before your slot. The arena gets very busy — we wish we’d booked the attic level, which is much quieter and offers a brilliant view.
5. Rooftop bars need booking.
Plan ahead if you fancy a drink with a view. Many rooftops have dress codes (no open-toe sandals) and get fully booked in the evenings.
6. Eating out – timing is everything.
Walk-ins are fine before 1:30pm or 8pm, but at other times you’ll likely queue. If there’s somewhere you really want to eat, check their opening hours — we missed one we’d been looking forward to because it was shut on a Monday.
7. Prices vary by location.
Restaurants near major sights are more expensive, but not outrageously so. Head to traditional bars and you’ll often get complimentary snacks — some of them were incredible.
8. Trastevere is a must.
It’s lively, full of character and more budget-friendly. The bars and restaurants here felt more relaxed and authentic — and even staying in the heart of it, we didn’t have issues with noise.
9. Coffee etiquette helps.
Know your cappuccino from your macchiato — ordering confidently goes a long way.
10. Early mornings are magical.
Rome is peaceful between 6am and 9am. Sights are quietest then, though the Trevi Fountain was already buzzing by 7am when we visited in June.
11. Pack for the heat and cobbles.
Wear whatever footwear you’re comfortable in — there’s no dress code for tourists. Clothing-wise, Rome is a mix of casual and glam. Do your thing and don’t worry about blending in.
12. We felt safe.
We didn’t see pickpockets and felt safe walking across the city. Street sellers are more persistent near the Vatican but nothing aggressive. We didn’t use public transport and were happy on foot.
13. Water is easy to find.
Street vendors charge €1–2 for bottled water, but there are free fountains all over the city. The best one we found? Right outside the Colosseum — chilled and delicious.
14. Toilets were fine.
Most had seats and toilet paper — we stuck to those in sights or restaurants.
15. Cash or card? Both.
Street vendors prefer cash, but most will accept card if you ask. We used Revolut and tipped around 10%, which wasn’t expected but always appreciated.
16. Need medical help?
There are tourist hospitals that treat visitors for free. I needed one after a fall and was referred by a pharmacy — the care was brilliant.
17. One regret – not seeing Rome at night.
Staying in Trastevere was lovely, but it meant we didn’t make it back into the centre for the monuments after dark. Next time, we’d plan at least one evening for that.
17 Tips To Plan Your Trip To Rome In June
17 Tips To Plan Your Trip To Rome In June
The beauty of Rome is that it doesn’t ask much of you. You don’t need to rush or tick off every single monument. It’s a city that rewards curiosity, that invites you to slow down and take it in piece by piece.
You can read all about our Travel Guide here if you are planning a trip to Rome.
I’m Kerri-Ann or KA as my friends call me, always found with a cup of coffee in one hand and my camera in the other. I have a huge passion for photography, fitness, fashion and family travel. I started this blog in 2014. It began as my creative outlet after becoming a mummy to our little boy George Archie. I started out blogging about parenting and over the years it has evolved into a blog that covers lifestyle, fashion, family and travel. Today TheKAEdit is ultimately a life and style blog. Thank you for reading x x
