Rome, Italy Overview

Rome is a city in which ancient history forms an integral part of daily life, and it's one of those places for which little or no introduction is needed.

• The Colosseum

• The Roman Forum

• The Pantheon

• Trevi Fountain

• The Spanish Steps

You already know the list.

Rome is also loud, layered, beautiful, and chaotic. Rick Steves describes Rome as “magnificent and brutal at the same time,” which felt especially true during my short stay. A lot is happening. And when you only have 24 hours to take it all in, Rome can feel less like a leisurely exploration of the Eternal City and more like an endurance sport.

Arriving in Rome, Italy

If you've read my other Europe travel guides, you know that I like to walk from the train station to my hotel whenever it's realistic and the weather cooperates. It's a good way to get my bearings, see part of the city immediately, and avoid figuring out a new public transportation system, which makes me incredibly anxious.

Rome quickly reminded me that “walkable” and “easy to walk” are not always the same thing. I had no idea Rome was so hilly—at least the route between Roma Termini and my hotel.

If you are planning a longer European trip, especially if you are backpacking, I cannot overstate the value of being physically prepared for stairs, hills, cobblestones, luggage, and the occasional long and hilly walk between transit and your accommodation. A few months on the StairMaster probably would not hurt.

By the time I reached the general area around my hotel, I was in my usual arrival-day state of disarray: sweaty, tired, and desperate to change my clothes.

I had contacted the hotel in advance to ask whether I could check in early or at least leave my luggage. With only about 24 hours in Rome, I wanted to begin exploring as soon as possible.

When I reached the area around the hotel, though, I could not find the entrance.

This wasn't the first—or last—time I struggled to locate the entrance to a European hotel. In the United States, we often take obvious hotel entrances, large exterior signs, and welcoming lobbies for granted. In many European cities, especially in historic buildings, hotels can be tucked behind gates, up staircases, or inside residential-looking courtyards.

Eventually, I realized I needed to walk down a small alley and enter a code into a gated doorway.

These are the moments when solo travel can feel especially lonely. You do not have someone beside you to laugh at the absurdity of the situation, help you troubleshoot, or reassure you when you are tired and close to tears. You have to pause, regroup, and figure it out. It is challenging, but also empowering. You may be alone, but you figure out pretty quickly that you are capable.

Where I Stayed in Rome: Centro Storico/Pantheon

Once I made it inside Relais Teatro Argentina, I climbed the stairs to the hotel and found another American couple waiting in the lobby. Apparently, I was not the only person hoping for an early check-in.

The man at the front desk was exceptionally kind and quickly showed me to my room. I appreciated that more than I can say after a hot, confusing arrival.

Rome was by far the most expensive overnight stay of my 93-night trip. I understand that staying in central Rome is costly, and I do not expect a large, modern American-style hotel room in the heart of a centuries-old city. But to be fully transparent, the room did not meet my expectations for the price.

It felt quite worn. Some of the furniture was stained, the air conditioning was ineffective, and the bedding didn’t feel as fresh or comfortable as I had hoped. I was relieved to be staying only one night.

I am not trying to dissuade anyone from choosing Relais Teatro Argentina. The location was undeniably convenient, and the staff member who helped me was lovely. But after spending more than halfway through a long solo trip in hotels, I had come to understand how much my room mattered.

As an introvert, my hotel room was my sanctuary. It was where I rested, reset, showered, recharged, and had a few quiet moments to myself after navigating a new city all day. When you don't feel entirely comfortable in your room, it affects the experience more than you might expect.

If I return to Rome, I would likely choose a different hotel, and probably a different neighborhood.