In the first part of this 6-day Rome itinerary, I shared which cultural and historical landmarks you can visit for free, curious facts about them, and where to eat. In the second part, I wrote about the bohemian Trastevere district, the Vatican, and more delicious food and wine. On day three, we took a relaxed walk through the streets of Rome and visited three major landmarks.

Piazza del Campidoglio – Roman Elegance and a Touch of Suburra

Just steps from our apartment was Piazza del Campidoglio – a square designed by Michelangelo himself, situated on one of Rome’s seven hills. Here you’ll find the Senatorial Palace and the Capitoline Museums: Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo. If you’ve watched the series Suburra, many scenes were filmed right here.

In the center stands the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius – a replica, with the original kept in the museum. We saved this location for another day because the stairs up and down are no small task.

You’ll also find the famous statue of the She-Wolf that nursed Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome.

Visiting the Pantheon Without Waiting in Line

The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved buildings from Ancient Rome and today serves as a church. Built around 126 AD during Emperor Hadrian’s reign, it stuns with its massive dome and 9-meter-wide oculus that naturally lights the interior. Naturally, rain and snow fall through it, so the floor includes a drainage system. Originally dedicated to all Roman gods, it was later converted into a Christian church.

Fun fact: The Pantheon’s dome remains the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world – an architectural feat that has remained unmatched for over 1800 years.
Source: MacDonald, William L. The Pantheon: Design, Meaning, and Progeny. Harvard University Press, 2002.

I recommend booking tickets online about an hour before your visit. This way, you can skip the long line and get your tickets via email in time. A tip: entrance is free on Sundays, but the lines are massive. If you don’t mind waiting, feel free to queue up.

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Едно от най-натоварените с туристи места в Рим е Пантеонът, но пък ако си за първи път в Рим си заслужава да го видиш. Знаеш ли, че в купола му има девет метров отвор, през който вали дъжд, а на пода има специални дренажни системи. Там е гробницата на Рафаело, както и на първия крал на обединена Италия Виктор Емануел II. #пантеон #рим #romepantheon #rome #pantheon

♬ Sacred Choir Templar – Rick Oli

Lunch at Antica Salumeria: A Charcuterie Board and Fine Wine

Located on the same square as the Pantheon, Antica Salumeria looks like a deli from the outside, but inside you’ll find just four small tables. If there’s space, don’t miss the chance to sit down and order a charcuterie board with cheeses and cured meats, paired with a bottle of wine. Be sure to ask for real glasses instead of plastic ones – wine deserves better. On your way out, you can buy wine, vacuum-packed prosciutto, pecorino, or whatever else catches your eye.

https://www.tiktok.com/@placescases/video/7504563628339711254

The Spanish Steps – A Tourist Hotspot Overflowing with People

We continued slowly and leisurely toward the Spanish Steps, stopping along the way to browse boutiques and vintage stores, and doing a bit of shopping. Suddenly, we found ourselves at the steps.

The Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti) are among the most iconic landmarks in Rome, built in the 18th century to link the Trinità dei Monti church with Piazza di Spagna below. With 135 steps, often decorated with flowers in spring, they are a popular meeting and resting spot.

Fun fact: The Spanish Steps were funded by a French diplomat but named “Spanish” because of the nearby Spanish Embassy to the Holy See.
Source: Roma Capitale – Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali

The place was absolutely packed. It was impossible to take a photo without strangers photobombing – a total battle for posing space!

Nearby stands the Column of the Immaculate Conception (Colonna dell’Immacolata), erected in 1857 to honor the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary.

Fun fact: Every year on December 8, the Pope lays flowers at the statue, and a firefighter is lifted by crane to place a wreath in her hand – a tradition followed since 1953.
Source: Vatican News – “Feast of the Immaculate Conception: Papal tradition in Piazza di Spagna,” 2021

Piazza del Popolo and a Well-Deserved Break With a View

We continued on to Piazza del Popolo and sat down at the first cafe with a good view of the square, Angolo degli Artisti, to enjoy a classic Italian Aperol Spritz. Despite its low rating, we were happy with our drinks and the service. They even brought us complimentary snacks – nuts, olives, and chips.

Piazza del Popolo is one of the most impressive squares in Rome, redesigned in its current neoclassical style in the 19th century by architect Valadier. Located at the northern end of the historic center, it is flanked by notable landmarks like the twin churches Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto, and Porta del Popolo – the traditional northern gateway to the city. Today, the square hosts concerts, cultural events, and public gatherings, with its vast open space making it a favorite for strolls and relaxation. When we visited, a tennis court had been set up for promotional exhibition matches ahead of Rome’s hosting of the ATP Masters tennis tournament.

Fun fact: At the center of Piazza del Popolo stands a 24-meter-high Egyptian obelisk, brought from Heliopolis to Rome by Emperor Augustus in 10 BCE. It is the oldest and one of the tallest obelisks in the city.
Source: Claridge, Amanda. Rome: An Oxford Archaeological Guide, Oxford University Press, 2010.

We were quite tired by then and headed straight back to the apartment, planning to have dinner somewhere nearby.

Dinner at Il Conte Brillo Pantheon and an Unexpected Karaoke Night

It was Sunday, and most restaurants were closed. We wandered without a plan, looking for somewhere to eat. Il Conte Brillo was open, so we went in. Despite its poor online ratings, the food was actually very tasty, and the service was decent. I recommend the veal and beef dishes.

Later, while walking home, we passed a nearby bar called Escopazzo and saw they were hosting a Ladies’ Night with free shots and karaoke. We went in and basically brought the party to life. As others saw the fun inside, more people came in. By the end, everyone was singing Ariana Grande and Sara Perche Ti Amo by Ricchi e Poveri. No free shots were given, though. The bar itself is quite shabby, and I wouldn’t recommend it – but we had an absolute blast.

Stay tuned for my suggested itinerary for Day 4 of this 6-day Rome adventure.

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