Category: Italy

Milan, the capital of Lombardy and the second largest city in Italy after Rome, is renowned not only for its vibrant fashion scene but also for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and exquisite cuisine. This dynamic city perfectly blends modernity with authentic Italian charm, making it an ideal destination for enthusiasts of architecture, culture, tourism, fashion, and design.

As a global fashion hub, Milan hosts the headquarters of iconic designer brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Prada, and Valentino, among others, solidifying its reputation as a paradise for fashion lovers.

We had covered Milan during our trip to Rome, Italy, and St. Moritz, Switzerland. For travellers with an extra day to spare in Milan, I highly recommend a one-day excursion to St. Moritz – it is undoubtedly a journey worth the Euros spent. More details about my St.Moritz trip from Milan can be found here:  https://www.mypassiontotravel.com/destinations/swiss-alps-bernina-express-rail-tour-from-milan-italy-day-trip-from-milan-to-st-moritz/

Our accommodation was at the Novotel Milano Linate Aeroporto, which, while comfortable, is situated a bit farther from Milan’s main attractions. For a more convenient and immersive experience, I strongly suggest staying in the city center, ideally close to the iconic Duomo, where visitors can fully enjoy the heart of Milan.

We travelled from Rome to Milan aboard the ITALO high-speed train (was travelling at a speed of 300+ Kms/hour) , departing at 14:10 and arriving in Milan at 17:15. This superfast service provides a comfortable and efficient way to traverse the Italian landscape.

The train arrival point is Milano Centrale, the city’s primary railway station, which itself is a remarkable attraction. Renowned for its impressive architecture, Milano Centrale offers a captivating glimpse into Milan’s history, reflecting the city’s fascist past through its design and grandeur. Exploring the station is certainly one of the most intriguing experiences Milan has to offer.

Piazza del Duomo (Milan Catedral + Terraces):

Piazza del Duomo is the beating heart of Milan and home to the iconic Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), one of Northern Italy’s most renowned landmarks. This breathtaking cathedral, blending Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles, took nearly 600 years to complete. Napoleon notably played a key role in accelerating its completion during the 19th century. The Duomo stands as the largest church in Italy and holds the extraordinary distinction of having the most statues on any building worldwide.

As the third largest cathedral globally following St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and the Cathedral of Seville, the Duomo impresses with its stunning marble façades and exquisite stained glass windows. Its interior is equally captivating, featuring five grand naves and 52 columns, each symbolizing a week of the year. Visitors should note that the Duomo remains an active place of worship, so appropriate attire covering shoulders and knees is required for entry.

For a comprehensive experience, we opted for the Duomo ticket, which includes access to the rooftop lift, cathedral, archaeological area, and museum. Tickets can be booked online (https://ticket.duomomilano.it/en/categoria/biglietti/) with a preassigned date and time, allowing visitors to skip long queues. Booking early morning slots is recommended to avoid crowds, particularly during peak season when the cathedral can become quite busy. While the interior is magnificent, the cathedral’s exterior is equally spectacular.

A visit to the Duomo’s terraces is a must. Featuring 135 towers and spires and over 2,000 decorative marble statues, the rooftop offers unparalleled panoramic views of Milan’s skyline. The contrast between the historic cathedral and the city’s modern architecture is truly remarkable. Access to the terraces is available via stairs or lifts, and our ticket included lift access for added convenience.

No trip to Milan is complete without experiencing the Duomo di Milano, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and arguably the city’s chief attraction. Whether or not visitors tour the interior, Piazza del Duomo remains an essential stop.

An exceptional highlight of our visit was descending into the cathedral’s underground archaeological area, where St. Charles Borromeo is buried. Beneath the Duomo’s parvis lies an extraordinary archaeological complex that reveals the remains of worship sites dating from the Roman Empire through the Middle Ages. These ruins were uncovered during the cathedral’s construction and offer a unique window into early Christian Milanese heritage. Access to this subterranean area is through a separate entrance and is well worth exploring.

Museo Del Duomo:

Situated just beside the cathedral, the Duomo Museum offers an in-depth exploration of the Duomo’s history and construction, making it a must-visit for those interested in architectural heritage. For enthusiasts of religious art and artifacts, the museum provides a unique opportunity to closely examine many of the cathedral’s statues and details, allowing visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship in exquisite detail.

The museum also houses a significant permanent collection of 20th-century Italian art, serving as an invaluable visual archive of Italy’s social and political history, including the rise and fall of Fascism and the impact of two world wars. This rich context makes the Duomo Museum an essential complement to the cathedral experience.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (Italy’s oldest active shopping arcade):

A short walk from the Duomo brings you to the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest shopping center and a true architectural gem. This covered shopping arcade is renowned for its stunning glass roof, creating a bright and elegant atmosphere that many say is open 24/7.

Inside the Galleria, visitors will find a variety of charming cafés and restaurants, some dating back to the gallery’s inception. It is also home to some of the world’s most prestigious fashion boutiques, including flagship stores for brands like Louis Vuitton and Prada, all adhering to the gallery’s signature black and gold signage for a uniform and sophisticated appearance.

Wandering through the Galleria is free, making it an ideal complement to a visit to the Duomo. The space is incredibly photogenic, featuring magnificent arcades and a spectacular glass and iron dome. Notably, the Prada store on the ground floor, established in 1913, is the brand’s very first flagship, and a visit to Marchesi 1824 a charming café located on the second floor above Prada is well worth your time.

A charming tradition here involves the mosaic of a bull on the floor. It is said that placing your heel on the bull’s balls and spinning three times brings good luck, adding a playful element to the elegant surroundings.

Leisurely walk through the streets:

Milan is a meticulously planned and easily navigable city, making it ideal for a relaxed exploration, especially when limited to just one day. The city center is highly walkable, offering visitors the opportunity to take leisurely strolls through its vibrant streets. For those interested, there are several guided walking tours available, providing deeper insights into the city’s rich history and hidden gems.

Most of Milan’s iconic landmarks and renowned buildings are conveniently located near the city center, allowing visitors to cover a great deal on foot within a single day. Even viewing these highlights from the outside provides a rewarding experience.

Milan’s dense urban layout enhances its appeal as a walking city, where every street corner reveals quaint cafés, inviting wine bars, stunning architectural details, and outstanding dining options. This blend of culture, cuisine, and charm makes walking through Milan an exceptionally rewarding way to experience the city’s unique character.

Milan Open Tour (Hop on Hop Off):

Just outside the cathedral, we boarded the Milan open tour double-decker bus, a convenient way to explore the city’s highlights. Additional information about this tour can be found at Milan Open Tour : https://milanopentour.com/en/

The service offers two main routes:

1. Red Line (Fashion, Design & Leisure) – This comprehensive route lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, covering Milan’s top attractions. We chose this line and opted to remain on the bus for the full circuit without disembarking, enjoying the full experience in one continuous trip.
2. Blue Line (Milan Highlights) – A faster, 45-minute route that traverses key streets known for shopping, art, and culture.

It is said that the same ticket may grant access to both lines, but it is advisable to confirm this detail directly with the tour operator. This hop-on hop-off service provides an excellent, flexible way to discover Milan’s diverse charms with the convenience of guided commentary and panoramic views.

Trams in Milan:

Milan is a paradise for tram enthusiasts, boasting a vibrant and extensive tram network that continuously moves throughout the city and its outskirts. The city’s tram system is one of the largest in the world, with a network spanning over 157 kilometers and comprising 17 urban lines operated by Azienda Trasporti Milanesi (ATM). Milan’s trams offer a charming mix of historic and modern vehicles, making each ride a unique experience.

Among the most iconic are the vintage-style trams, affectionately known as “Ventotto,” which have become symbols of Milan and are still in operation today, particularly on lines 1, 5, and 10. Riding these historic trams is not only a practical way to get around but also a delightful way to soak in the city’s nostalgic atmosphere, even for those who aren’t heading to a specific destination.

At the same time, Milan is modernizing its fleet, having introduced new low-floor, air-conditioned Tramlink vehicles on several lines, which offer increased accessibility and comfort. Trams run frequently across the city, connecting central areas near landmarks such as Piazza del Duomo with neighborhoods further afield, making tram travel both convenient and scenic.

For visitors, hopping on a tram offers a slower, more immersive way to experience Milan’s architecture, neighborhoods, and local life, while appreciating the blend of tradition and innovation that defines the city’s public transport system. Whether you prefer the classic charm of vintage trams or the sleek efficiency of the newest models, Milan’s tram network is an essential part of the city’s character and a must-try experience for travellers.

Additional Tips:

• If you have only one day to explore Milan and if your intention is see maximum places within Milan, it’s wise to prioritize your time carefully. Rather than spending hours in queues at different museums or shopping at some of the most exclusive boutiques, focus on experiencing the city’s key sights and atmosphere.
• Using public transport is a practical and cost-effective way to maximize your time. A 24-hour ticket, costing just a few euros, allowed us to easily access multiple neighborhoods across Milan in a single day.
• As Milan is one of Italy’s busiest tourist destinations, booking tours and tickets well in advance is highly recommended to avoid long waits and secure your spot at popular attractions.
• For those flying in or out of Milan, Milan Linate Airport offers the most convenient option, located only about 7 km from the city center and primarily serving domestic and European routes. Transportation options between Linate and central Milan include public and airport shuttle buses. Alternatively, Malpensa Airport is Milan’s largest international airport, approximately 50 km from the city center, accessible via the fast Malpensa Express train or cost-effective shuttle buses. Bergamo Airport, also around 50 km away, is a popular choice for budget airlines like Ryanair.
• When visiting churches in Italy, including the Milan Duomo, it’s essential to dress modestly with arms and legs covered, as strict dress codes are enforced for entry.
• We used a 3-zone, one-day public transport card, which conveniently covered our journey from the hotel to the city center. Various ticket options are available to suit different needs.
• Key resources for tickets and passes include the official public transport website ATM, as well as city passes like the Milan City Pass and Milano Card. The Milan City Pass offers an all-inclusive experience with free entry to major attractions, tours, and public transportation, while the Milano Card provides access to public transport plus discounts on various services. Some important web sites:
  https://www.atm.it/en/ViaggiaConNoi/Pages/default.aspx
  https://milancitypass.com/
  https://www.milanocard.it/

• Getting around Milan is most efficient by metro. The Metro network features four lines and 113 stations, seamlessly connecting visitors to iconic destinations such as the Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, and the Brera District. This makes it an ideal mode of transport for making the most of your time in the city.
• Milan is internationally renowned as the capital of fashion and design, a reputation perfectly embodied by its famous shopping district known as the Quadrilateral of Fashion, or “Quadrilatero della Moda.” This prestigious area is defined by four main streets: Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Sant’Andrea, and Via Manzoni. Each street is lined with boutiques of the greatest Italian designers and global luxury brands, offering a truly exclusive shopping experience. Via Montenapoleone, in particular, is known as one of the most expensive streets in the world and hosts flagship stores for iconic names such as Versace and Gucci. This district is also the epicenter of Milan Fashion Week, attracting the international fashion elite. For those with a more modest budget, The Highline Outlet in the heart of Milan presents an excellent opportunity to shop designer labels at discounted prices, making Milan’s fashion accessible to a wider audience.
• Visitors staying in Milan, even for just one night, should be aware of a mandatory tourist tax, which is collected directly by accommodation providers. The amount varies depending on the type of accommodation and is charged per person per night.
• The Brera district is an excellent choice for accommodation, especially for those who want to stay within walking distance of Milan’s main attractions yet avoid the crowds around Piazza del Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This charming neighbourhood offers a more relaxed and authentic Milanese atmosphere.
• To navigate the city efficiently, downloading the official ATM Milano app is highly recommended. This app provides real-time route planning and schedules, making public transport easier to use during your visit. The app is available at ATM Milano Official App.(https://www.atm.it/en/ViaggiaConNoi/pagamenti_servizi_digitali/Pages/ATMMobile.aspx)

Different one day trip options from Milan:

Even though we had taken the St. Moritz (Switzerland trip), there are many other one-day trip options available in Milan. Few options below:

• Lake Como
• Turin
• Bergamo
• Verona
• Bologna
• Cinque Terre
• Genova & Portofino Full-Day Tour (might take around 12 hours)
• Florence and Pisa Day Trip (might take around 14 hours)

Other places worth visiting:

• The Last Supper by Da Vinci in the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Need Prior booking)
• Parco Sempione & Arco della Pace      
• Navigli district (Canals)
• La Scala Theater / Opera House
• The Sforzesco Castle and Parco Sempione
• Brera & Braidense National Library (Brera Botanical Garden)
• Pinacoteca di Brera (Art museum)       
• Basilica Sant’Ambrogio and San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore (incredible churches)
• Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology
• Bosco Verticale – the most innovative apartment buildings (residential complex)
• Fashion Quadrilateral (home to boutiques & showrooms of the world’s leading fashion houses)
• Fondazione Prada
• Monumental Cemetery of Milan
• San Siro Stadiu
• Branca Tower
• The Royal Palace of Milan
• Milan Chinatown
• Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa (Chapel of bones)

Summary:

One day in Milan offers just enough time to scratch the surface and get a true taste of the city’s vibrant energy. The majority of Milan’s major landmarks are conveniently located within the city center, allowing for easy walking access between them.

In my experience, a single day is sufficient to visit all the key attractions and absorb the bustling atmosphere of this dynamic city. I am confident that the itinerary I’ve suggested will give you a solid introduction to Milan, leaving you inspired to return for a longer stay when time permits.

I hope this guide provides helpful ideas for your visit and that you enjoy Milan as much as I did. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below. Wishing you happy travels!

We got a chance to visit Rome, few months ago.

3 days is a perfect itinerary for Rome. It will give you ample time to get a essence of this eternal city and to see some important sights. Please note that 1 day out of the 3, was dedicated solely for visiting Vatican city.

As you already know, Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world and this fame comes with a price. Sometimes you can expect to wait several hours to to get your entrance ticket to the city’s top tourist attractions.

We took an Aer Lingus flight from Dublin, Ireland to Rome, Italy.

We could see the Alps mountains from the flight and it was a spectacular view. It’s always a treat to fly across the European Alps on a clear day. It would be good to get a window seat (left preferred), while doing the booking, in case if you wish to get an aerial view of the Alps.

After landing at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, we took a taxi (normally most of the taxi here are white) to the hotel Novotel Roma Eur (approximately 30+ minutes). Remember that there is a monorail facility available to move between the terminals. It was a bit strange to notice that the tourist office were not open after 8PM.

Rome has two major international airports that you might fly into – Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Rome Ciampino (FCO). Flights from the North America usually arrive at Fiumicino, whilst flights from Europe may arrive at either. You can also find lot of Train tickets vending machines within the teminals.

Novotel Roma Eur is away from the city centre. Eveytime getting a taxi from this hotel to city center is going to be costly. 

Metro would be the best option to get into the city from this hotel. You willl have to walk around 1.7Kms to the Metro station ‘EUR Palasport’ (B Line) (EUR Palasport is a station on Line B of the Rome Metro, in the EUR district of Rome between Viale America and Piazza Umberto Elia Terracini).
You can also wait for a bus (bust stop is just opposite to the hotel) to reach the metro station. The frequency of buses are not great. From the Metro station palasport, you can get a metro to the city (6 stops to the Colosseo, the stop that takes you just next to colosseum). Always keep this distance in mind while booking this hotel. This hotel is a good choice if your don’t mind using the metro everyday to get anywhere.

If you are staying here in this hotel, don’t forget to visit the nearby EUR lake and EUROMA Mall.

The Metro comprises of three lines – A (orange), B (blue) and C (green). You have several options for buying tickets at the ticket machines. It is important to know that the same ticket is valid for all public transport (ATAC) including metro, trams, buses (with the exception of the tourist buses) and even a number of regional trains.

Some important ticket types are:

• BIT Metro Ticket: This ticket costs 1.50 € and allows you to use public transport for 100 minutes after you stamp it. You are only allowed to make one trip by metro or train.
• Roma 24H Ticket: This 7 € ticket allows you to travel for 24 hours after activation

Other Travel Card options:

One option to save a lot of time and money during your 3-day stay in Rome is to get the “Rome Tourist Card”, also called “Rome City Pass”.  You’ll bypass the queues and have priority entrances to the most famous tourist attractions of the city. The pass includes:

• Colosseum entrance ticket with audio guide + Roman Forum + Palatine Hill (1st day of my itinerary)
• St. Peter’s Basilica: entrance + audio guide (2nd day)
• Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel (optional – Day 2 of this itinerary)
• 10% discount for museums and tourist attractions such as the Castel Sant’Angelo or the Galleria Borghese

Another option will be to take ‘Omnia Card’.   This card is also called the “Rome and Vatican Pass”.

The Omnia Card includes the following:

• Priority admission to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel (scheduled for the second day of your trip)
• Skip-the-line ticket to St. Peter’s Basilica + audio guide (2nd day too)
• Visit to St. Peter’s Prison + audio guide
• Lateran Basilica and Cloisters: entrance + audioguide
• Free tickets for 2 tourist attractions from the list below:
  • Colosseum (1st day of this itinerary)
  • Palatine and Roman Forum (1st day too)
  • Castel Sant’Angelo (2nd day)
  • Borghese Gallery
  • Capitoline Museums
• Free access to public transportation during your 3 days in Rome – Perfect to get around quickly if you don’t want to do everything on foot!
• Discounts for museums and activities
• Hop-On Hop-Off bus ticket (tourist bus)
• A map of Rome

While thinking about Rome, somehow we get a feeling that its a huge city, and in many ways it is. However, it’s actually smaller in population than other European cities like London, Paris, and so on.

Day 1:

Start off your 3 days in Rome by exploring the historic city centre. This area is filled with some of the most famous sights. You’ll learn tons of history, take stunning pictures and eat some incredible food along the way.

One thing Rome is not short of is, fountains. There are around 300 monumental fountains as well as many small public drinking fountains.

When in Rome, you can’t miss the street performers.

We decided to do a walking tour and a sight seeing tour in bus on Day 1.

In the walking tour, we covered 3 main attractions:

1. Spanish Steps (PIAZZA DI SPAGNA)
2. Trevi Fountain
3. Monument to Victor Emmanuel II

a) Spanish Steps:

A frequent stop on any Rome walking tour, the Spanish Steps are a lovely way to start the day.

Admire the fountain at the square below before heading up the stairs. Climb the 135 steps to the top for a stunning view of the city.

The area surrounding the Spanish Steps is known for its luxury shopping and designer boutiques.

In 2019, a new law was put in place to crack down on “bad behavior” in Rome. If you are caught sitting on the Spanish Steps, you risk paying a €400 fine.

b) Trevi Fountain:

One of the most famous places to visit in Rome, the Trevi Fountain is indeed stunning. The problem is that everyone else seems to think so and it’s one of the most chaotic and touristy places in the city.

If you want to really experience this place, it better to go there around 6:30-7 AM or late evening, as the crowd will be very less.

Don’t forget to toss a coin into the fountain to ensure your return to the Eternal City! These go to a good cause – each night the coins are removed from the fountain and used by a charity that helps those in need of food.

Standing 26.3 metres high and 49.15 metres wide, it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world.

c) Monument to Victor Emmanuel II:

Dedicated to the first king of Italy (who is buried in the Pantheon), the Monument of Victor Emmanuel II is located between Piazza Venezia and Capitoline Hill. It’s hard to miss this monument, with its two bronze statues and white exterior perched high over Rome.

After the sighseeing,  We did the Greenline Tour (Bus trip) aswell on Day 1.

We decided to proceed with Greenline Tours. Based on my experience, the tour tickets were cheaper through the agents rather than booking online. You will encounter a large number of agents on the road (mainly near the attractions).

Greenline provides 3 Routes (Green, Orange and Blue). We covered the Green route. It is a highly recommended tour, as you get an oportunity to explore the main places in a short span of time and that too with a Guide.

Bus Stops in Green Line (Eternal City Tour, Circular):

1A TERMINAL
Piazza dei Cinquecento (corner Via Cavour)

2 Santa Maria Maggiore
Piazza dell’Esquilino, 12

3 COLOSSEUM
Via di San Gregorio

4 Circus Maximus
Via del Circo Massimo, Belvedere di Romolo e Remo

5 PIAZZA VENEZIA
Via del Teatro Marcello (in front of civic numbers 32-34)

6 VATICAN CITY
Lungotevere Tor di Nona, n. 7

7 VILLA BORGHESE
Via Ludovisi, n. 48

8 BARBERINI SQUARE
Via Barberini, n. 14

Please use the link to explore more à https://www.greenlinetours.com/en/tours/rome-bus-tours/hop-on-hop-off

Day 2:

We took the combination tickets for Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill & Mamertine Prison: Reserved Entrance from Tiqets (Non Guided Tour).

https://www.tiqets.com/en/rome-attractions-c71631/tickets-for-mamertine-prison-colosseum-roman-forum-palatine-hill-p974875

Duration: Mamertine Prison: approx. 30 minutes,

Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: approx 2.5-3 hours

Colosseum and Roman Forum might be the main highlights of your trip to Rome.

Starting point of the tour was Mamertine Prison. At the Mamertine Prison, receive your ticket with a specific timeslot for the Colosseum (about 1.5 hours later on the same day).

Please make sure to be at the Colosseum, 15 minutes before the timeslot that was given to you at the Mamertine Prison.

In our case, we got the Mamertine Prison ticket for 9:40AM and we got the Colosseum ticket only for 3:40PM. So be ready with flexible schedule, while planning for this day trip.

a) Mamertine Prison:

According to the history, the apostles Peter and Paul were also imprisoned in this prison, although there is no real evidence for this. Keep in mind that the attraction as a building itself is not much, but that it is mainly the dark history that attracts the visitors.

Expect some rush/delay in getting the tickets.

b) Explore the Roman Forum and Paletine Hill:

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill are in the same compound.

Roman Forum – This sprawling complex was once the center of political, social, and religious life in ancient Rome.

The Roman Forum is the old town where the Romans lived thousands of years ago. Some of these buildings still stand today and the rubble for the others are there too. There is so much to learn here and it shows a lot about what life was like back then.

Palentien Hill – Discover the birthplace of Rome on Palatine Hill. According to legend, this is where Romulus founded the city in 753 BC. Explore the ruins of imperial palaces, gardens, and stadiums that once housed Rome’s elite. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum from the hilltop.

c) Colosseum:

Its better to book your tickets in advance.

You can book tickets directly or through some guided tours. We did not book a guided tour and we still regret that. We would have understood a lot, if we had a guide with us.

We tried the online audio guide (Voxcity), but it was a big flop. So we always suggest to proceed with a travel guide instead of online or audio guide.

Take as many photos and videos when you are at Colosseum, afterall you are stading in one of the wonder of the world.
Since the 6th century, the Colosseum suffered damages from earthquakes, lootings, and World war II bombings. That’s why only part of it is still standing today. Thanks to its extensive history, it is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and is one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions.

This colossal amphitheater is a testament to the grandeur of ancient Rome. Undoubtedly it is a symbol of Rome that every tourist should see. Colosseum is most famous for being the home of gladiators, who would battle it out in front of audiences that could number as many as 80,000 people.

At 157 feet, the Colosseum was also the tallest amphitheatre ever built, falling only 26 feet short of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The Colosseum has a fascinating architectural design, featuring three levels of arches and a complex network of tunnels and chambers beneath the arena.

As we had enough time between Mamertine Prison and  Colosseum,  We did an additional walking tour to see:

1. Piazza del Popolo
2. The Twin churches of Rome
3. Piazza Navona
4. Pantheon

a) Piazza del Popolo:

Piazza del Popolo is a large urban square in Rome. This was the location of the northern gate of Rome, and is where, for countless years before trains, planes and cars, travelers would actually arrive into Rome.

On the south side of the Piazza are the twin churches of Santa Maria in Montesanto, and Santa Maria del Miracoli, sitting either side of Via Corso.

b) The Twin churches of Rome:

Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria di Montesanto are two churches in Rome. They are located on the Piazza del Popolo, facing the northern gate of the Aurelian Walls, at the entrance of Via del Corso on the square.

c) Piazza Navona:

This is one of the most beautiful squares in Rome. It’s very long with a central fountain called La Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (The Fountain of the Four Rivers, with four statues representing the Donau, Ganges, Nile, and Rio de la Plata). This is a great spot for people-watching and enjoying free street performances.

d) Pantheon:

We couldn’t get inside as we missed to do a pre booking. So ensure that you do a booking before reaching here. As of July 2023, entrance is no longer free and costs €5 (during weekends + holidays, as far as I know). The Pantheon is one of the best preserved buildings from ancient Rome (alomost 2000 years). Its an ancient Roman temple turned church.

Day 3:

The day 3 was dedicated for Vatican city. You can find more details in my travel blog :

1 Day in Vatican City

In case if you have more days in your plan, there are many more interesting places to explore.

A few of them are listed below:

Rome to Pompeii (historial places)

Appian Way

Catacombs of Rome

Pyramid of Caius Cestius

Baths of Caracalla

St. John in the Lateran

Borghese Gallery & Borghese Gardens

Tiber River Walk

Capitoline Hill

Galleria Doria Pamphilj

Galleria Sciarra

Terrazza Del Pincio – Sunset View

Hop on the fast train that takes only 1 hour 15 minutes from Rome to Naples 

Rome Travel Tips:

• Rome is a popular tourist destination, so it’s best to plan ahead.

• You will do so much walking during your 3 days in Rome, so wear comfortable shoes!

• Rome has a great public transportation system including buses, trams, and the metro. These can be convenient when exploring Rome in 3 days.

• As you explore the ancient wonders, take moments to appreciate the rich history and culture that surround you. Rome’s streets are filled with hidden gems and stories waiting to be discovered. Embrace the city’s vibrant energy and let yourself be transported back in time.

• To get the most out of your trip and to be sure you see all the major attractions, you will need to do a bit of forward planning and even reserve your entry time to the key attractions – otherwise you’ll waste your time standing in lines unnecessarily and even miss out on being able to visit.

• Rome is really easy to get around, with much of it very walkable.

• Some of the museums and attractions are closed on Mondays.

• Rome is relatively a Tourist safe place.

• The water in the taps is safe to drink, although many locals prefer the taste of bottled water. You can also drink the water that comes out of the taps in the fountains, so just carry a drinking water bottle with you and hydrate as you go.

• Many of the attractions in Rome are holy places, and you need to be dressed appropriately.

• Avoid the tourist traps directly outside the main tourist attractions. Instead, walk a few minutes in any direction, and you’ll come across much more affordable and authentic options.

• It is good to choose a accomodation near to the Metro line.

• And last but not the least, don’t forget to try Galeto (and/or other sweets) and Pizza.

Summary:

Rome is such a fascinating city and we are glad that we got an opportunity to visit this beautiful city.

Certainly, 3 days in Rome is not enough to see absolutely everything that the city has to offer, but it’s definitely enough to see all the highlights if you manage your time effectively.