Last updated on March 27th, 2024 at 08:34 pm
Italy is the land where time stops and everyone gets a chance to live life to the fullest. Its melodic language, delicious food, and iconic architecture create a special atmosphere that helps us rediscover our true selves. Although every province of Italy is worth a visit, Rome is always the one to steal the thunder, as it never fails to surprise everyone entering its space.
As the saying goes, when in Rome, do as Romans do. Let’s discover together what are the things to do in Rome, to blend in and feel the vibe of the city with the help of travelwiseway.com guide.
Table of Contents
Things to Do in Italy
1. Landmarks
Rome is literally packed with iconic landmarks. Colosseum, Roman Forum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, the list seems to be endless. If you have a look at the map, there will be no empty places, as every square meter guards its secrets and beauty.
Our recommendation – when visiting Rome for the first time, quit trying to see everything mapping out every single spot. Just breathe in, turn off the navigation, and get lost in the cozy little backstreets, each one waiting for your attention.
2. Gastronomy
If there was a Grand Prix for culinary tourism, Italy would be an absolute winner. Pizza, pasta, lasagna, gelato, arancini, tiramisu – get ready for the feast for your eyes and your stomach, as it is simply impossible to resist the temptation to try everything. Italian cuisine is full of flavors, textures, and pleasures; food preparation and consumption is a kind of art, not just a required daily routine.
Unlike the majority of us, Italians bear no rush regarding food, therefore, grabbing a bite per colazione (breakfast) or pranzo (lunch) isn’t the best option. When traveling to Italy, make sure you dedicate a few hours a day to just eating. Have a sit at a local cafe, make an order, and just enjoy the way life goes on around you, watch the people talking and discussing the news, and see how they actually enjoy the mealtimes.
The food is typically healthy and rather simple, as it lets people feel its real taste. Try to avoid central cafes and restaurants, as those are typically ‘tourist-edition’ places, which have nothing to do with the real Italians.
3. Beverages
Beverages, like food, make an integral part of Italian culture. Coffee and wine are probably the two most popular types of drinks among Italians. According to statistics, an average adult Italian consumes 4 cups of coffee a day, and about 43 liters of wine per year.
A cup of coffee ordered in the bar will stop the time for 5 minutes, letting the person enjoy the moment. A glass of wine will be a great conversation starter, bringing friends, colleagues, or neighbors together. Check up on the 10 cool bars in Rome – old school cocktails vs modern mixes, and use a chance to feel a special atmosphere found only when in Italy.
4. Cathedrals
The religious landscape and social comportment of Italy are deeply influenced by Roman Catholic tradition. St. Peter’s Basilica, Santa Sabina, Santa Stefano Rotondo, Santa Maria in Trastevere., Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, Basilica di San Clemente, Archibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, Santa Maria sopra Minerva – the list of cathedrals and religious sites is simply endless. You will not even remember the names of all the spots you have visited.
The majority of visitors to cathedrals and churches are the elderly, and tourists, who are rather attracted by sophisticated and imposing architecture than the religious meaning of the details.
5. People
What is the main secret of Italy? While food and architecture are certainly the big players, it is the people who make it comfortable, unique, unrushed, and pleasant. Italians never fail to notice life around them – they enjoy their days and routines, foods and drinks, evenings with families, etc.
While the modern world makes everyone super efficient and multifunctional in the non-stop movement, Italians can stop and unhurriedly enjoy a cup of coffee with a piece of tiramisu, while observing people around or having a small talk with other visitors to the bar.
Their moderate pace of life in Italy will definitely make you re-estimate your daily routine as well.
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The Bottom Line
Italy will change your perception of life, thus, be ready for a surprise when booking the tickets to Rome. If you are a fan of an hour-by-hour agenda, you may get slightly disappointed, as time seems to be taking a different pace in this country. Switch off your messengers, turn off the navigation, and get lost in the quaint little backstreets, which will lead you to numerous discoveries and wonders.
