A Claustrophobe’s Guide to Rome
For the queue haters, claustrophobes, and whiners who complain about big crowds. This is for you.
Plan A: Visit the Vatican Museums.
Plan B: Visit Musei Capitolini or Museo Nazionale Romano.
Museo Nazionale Romano. Crowd level? Zero.
If you haven’t pre-booked your ticket online to the Vatican Museum before coming to Rome, getting one on the day of will not be a breeze. As one of the most famous museums in all of Rome, the Musei Vaticani welcomes over 4 million tourists a year. Unless you work under the Pope, chances of you visiting an empty and quiet Sistine Chapel would be never. So if long queues and crowded galleries are not what you’re seeking during your trip, try visiting the Musei Capitolini or the Museo Nazionale Romano.
Both museums do not have lines to purchase a ticket and are seldom filled with people, making them the perfect places to spend a hot afternoon away from the glaring summer heat and bustling crowds. The Musei Capitolini is located just around the Altare della Patria and is a great follow up after visiting the Colosseum. Enjoy its impressive collection of Roman sculpture as well as a stunning view of the Roman Forum from their balcony. The Museo Nazionale Romano has several locations scattered across the Eternal City, but my favorite one is in Palazzo Altemps by Piazza Navona. It houses a splendid collection of Roman sculpture depicting the Roman gods and contains beautifully painted outdoor corridors that will leave your aesthetic-seeking eye mesmerized.
Plan A: Visit the Fontana di Trevi during the day.
Plan B: Visit the Fontana di Trevi before 9am.
When Anita Ekberg dipped her feet in the blue waters of the Trevi Fountain in the 1960 film La Dolce Vita, the fate of tourism at the Trevi was forever sealed. Like other famed tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower and Times Square, the fontana attracts millions of tourists every year. It’s almost impossible to ever enjoy the fountain at peace when your bodies are pressed up against someone’s elbow or selfie stick, and the little square itself has become prime estate for petty thievery.
The “early bird gets the worm” could not be more applicable anywhere else than at the Trevi Fountain, especially if you’re jet-lagged enough to rise before other tourists (or even the locals) do. Wake up at sunrise before the Roman cobblestone streets come to life and head to the little square right behind Palazzo Poli to enjoy an obstructed view of Nicolo Salvi’s Baroque sculptural masterpiece. Your trip can easily be followed by a stop at the Spanish Steps, which will also consist of substantially dispersed occupancy of tourists in the early hours of the morning. Alternatively, you can visit either of these famous Roman landmarks after midnight when much of the city dwellers have gone to bed.
Plan A: Eat near Piazza di Spagna, Trevi Fountain, or Piazza Navona.
Plan B: Eat in Trastevere or Testaccio.
No restaurant in Italy has ever had the reputation of making bad food. Why, you’re in Italy, the country which boasts some of the world’s most famous and sought-after cuisine! Yet if you’re eating right in the heart of the Pantheon square or Piazza Navona, you might be eating in a tourist trap. Avoid street side restaurants that display overpriced meals written in English. The best restaurants in Rome will never have waiters begging you to sit inside because they don’t need to. Some of my favorite areas to eat a hearty Roman meal include Trastevere and Testaccio. Both located south of the Tiber River, you’ll find these locations much quieter than its neighboring areas up north as it is considered a more local area of the historical center.
Plan A: Order gelato at Giolitti.
Plan B: Order gelato at Fatamorgana or Brivido.
Giolitti is one of those must-try places in Rome for the ultimate gelato experience. While it’s highly recommended, its queue to order and pay can be a hassle. If you don’t have the patience or cannot fit it into your exploring agenda, here are some equally decadent alternatives:
Fatamorgana is a small gelato chain with several locations across Rome, including the Trastevere, Monti, Centro, and Vatican City areas. So whether you’re currently enjoying the views at Castello Sant’Angelo or exploring the Piazza di Spagna area, a Fatamorgana store will be just minutes away.
Brivido Gelateria, located in Testaccio, is a local hidden gem where cues are non-existent and flavors are curated based on the freshest, seasonal ingredients. Level up your gelato experience by asking the vendor to dip your gelato cone in molten chocolate, or inquire about their delicious vegan options.
Plan A: View sweeping views of Rome at attractions like St. Peter’s Basilica or Castel Sant’Angelo.
Plan B: Climb the following for free views of Rome: Gianicolo Hill, Lo Zodiaco, or Pincio Hill.
Spikes from the historical city center of Rome, viewed from Gianicolo Hill.
Truth to be told, the views from St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City or from its neighboring Castel Sant’angelo are absolutely, indisputably stunning. I would even recommend doing both if you have the chance. However, if time and money isn’t something you can afford during your trip, there’s no need to fret.
For free views from the south side of Rome, head down to Trastevere and begin your ascent to Gianicolo Hill. The top of this tranquil park rewards you with sweeping panoramic views, from the tips of the Colosseum to all the way left to Castel Sant’angelo and the crown of St. Peter’s.
If you’re near Piazza di Spagna, make the extra hike to Pincio Hill, which requires only a short and relatively easy trek to its terrace, which overlooks Rome from the northeast side. With Piazza del Popolo and its giant Egyptian obelisk centering at the focal point, there’s your perfect photo opportunity.
Last but not least, Lo Zodiaco. This was recommended to me by an Italian friend of mine who grew up in Rome and will require some proper walking shoes because of its longer and more strenuous hiking path. However, rest assured the views will make the trek all the worth. Once you’ve reached the Terrazza Panoramica, indulge yourself with some classic Roman dishes at the restaurant sitting on the hill. Bite into a forkful of that warm pasta carbonara as the Eternal City glistens in your sight. Mm, what a thought.
