Rome: La Dolce Vita in Every Corner — travel guide by Olivia (@doinglifewithliv)

Hi, I’m Liv!

Visiting Rome has always been high on my bucket list, and finally experiencing its incredible history, stunning architecture, and delicious food was just as magical as I imagined. Italy has a special place in my heart - it was one of the first countries I visited in Europe, and somehow, every time I return, it still feels brand new.

Rome is packed with postcard-worthy sights, but it’s the quieter corners that truly made me fall in love.

I started most mornings at the Spanish Steps—early enough to enjoy them almost alone, coffee in hand, feeling like I had the city to myself. It was my little escape before the crowds arrived.

Throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain was more than a tourist moment—it felt like sealing a dream into the city itself. (Yes, I made a wish. No, I’m not telling what it was!)

Vatican City was jaw-dropping. Standing under Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel left me speechless. There’s something deeply spiritual—even if you're not religious—about being surrounded by centuries of human creativity and devotion.

Wandering through the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill made me feel like I was walking through a living museum. The history here isn’t behind glass—it’s under your feet, on every stone wall, in the air you breathe. Rome feels ancient, but never old.

Let’s be real—half the reason I came to Italy was for the food. And I regret nothing.

One of my favorite meals was at Royal Art Café, a cozy gem with views of the Colosseum. Their pizzas? Absolute perfection. Crispy thin crust, just the right amount of char, topped with fresh, simple ingredients that make you wonder why pizza ever got complicated. Pro tip: sit on the terrace at sunset - it’s unforgettable.

Instead of staying in the busy center, I booked a charming Airbnb in the San Giovanni neighborhood.

It had everything I needed: local bakeries, a metro stop around the corner, and prices that left more room in my budget for gelato. Staying a bit outside the tourist zone gave me a slower, more local rhythm—and I loved it.

Get up early. Not only is the light dreamy for photos, but the crowds haven’t taken over yet. You’ll experience the monuments in peace - and probably meet a few cats, too.

Use the metro. Rome’s metro is fast, cheap, and surprisingly easy to navigate. Trust me, it beats sitting in Roman traffic.

Stay hydrated. Bring a refillable bottle - you can drink from the city’s ancient fountains, and the water is delicious (and free!).

Take it slow. Rome isn’t a city to rush. Linger at cafes. Wander side streets. Let the city unfold its stories one corner at a time.

Rome felt like a romance - timeless, layered, and full of heart. I came for the sights but left with memories stitched into every piazza, every espresso, every cobbled street.

See you next time, Eternal City. – Liv