Welcome back fellow Tattooed Travelers! Get ready for another exciting adventure with us—this time, we’re headed to the heart of ancient civilization: Rome, Italy! Known as the “Eternal City,” Rome is packed with incredible history, world-renowned art, and, of course, mouth-watering Italian cuisine. With over 2,700 years of history, Rome is a treasure trove of culture, from the iconic Colosseum to the Vatican’s artistic masterpieces. We're here for just three days, and we have a jam-packed schedule lined up to make the most of every moment!

In this post, we’ll share all the must-visit spots, the tours we took, our thoughts on each experience, and some food recommendations to give you a taste of Italy. We’ll break it down day by day, so you can follow along with us on this Roman journey!

Navona Street Hotel

We started our first day bright and early, leaving behind the chilly weather in Germany for the sunny, warm embrace of Rome. The contrast was such a treat—it felt like we were stepping right into summer! To make our arrival seamless, I had pre-arranged a taxi with our hotel, and as soon as we landed, we were whisked away, heading straight toward the heart of Rome.

Now, if you’ve ever been to Rome (or heard stories), you know that navigating through the city’s traffic can be an adventure of its own. Our taxi ride felt like a scene out of a movie, with cars and scooters zipping around, seemingly coming from all directions! It’s chaotic, but there’s an oddly charming rhythm to it, like an orchestrated dance of honks, turns, and near misses.

The drive into central Rome offered us our first glimpses of the city's classic architecture and vibrant street life. We passed ancient ruins, bustling piazzas, and people enjoying an espresso at small cafés—immediate reminders that we’d arrived somewhere completely unique. As we neared the city center, the streets narrowed, and suddenly, every turn revealed a hidden gem or a glimpse of a historical site. It made the journey feel like part of the adventure, heightening our anticipation for the days ahead.

Within an hour of navigating Rome's lively streets, we arrived at our accommodation: the Navona Street Hotel. From the moment we stepped in, the staff's warmth and professionalism stood out. They greeted us with genuine smiles and were eager to assist with any inquiries, making us feel right at home. Their local knowledge was invaluable, offering insights into nearby attractions and dining spots.

Situated between Piazza Navona and Castel Sant'Angelo, the hotel's location was ideal for exploring Rome's historic center. Many iconic landmarks were just a short stroll away, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the city's rich history and culture effortlessly.

Our room was a sanctuary amidst the city's hustle and bustle. Despite being centrally located, it was remarkably quiet, ensuring restful nights. The highlight? A private hot tub right in the room—a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration. The room's modern design, combined with thoughtful amenities, provided both comfort and a touch of luxury.

After we settled into our cozy room, we made our way down to the hotel’s bistro for our first taste of Roman cuisine. The Navona Street Hotel is more than just a place to stay—it also offers a full dining experience with breakfast, lunch, and dinner served right on-site. Hungry from our journey, we dove into a delicious meal, starting with some Italian classics.

The Navona Street Hotel & Bistro

Our first dish was a Caprese Crostini, and it was as fresh as we’d hoped. The tomatoes were ripe and juicy, and the mozzarella was soft and creamy, balanced perfectly with a touch of basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Each bite captured the essence of Italian simplicity—fresh ingredients treated with care.

I ordered pesto stracciatella pasta, which was a new experience for me. The pasta was perfectly al dente, coated in a rich, herby pesto that paired beautifully with the creamy stracciatella cheese. The flavor was vibrant yet comforting, with the pesto bringing a sharpness that kept me going back for more. William ordered carbonara, a Roman staple. It was creamy, rich, and peppery, with pancetta adding a smoky, salty note that brought the dish together.

Finally, it was time for dessert, and we couldn’t resist trying two options: the tiramisu and a cheesecake. William said the cheesecake was smooth, creamy, and subtly sweet with a lovely, crumbly crust—a delightful Italian twist on the dessert. The tiramisu, however, was a bit of a mixed experience. The coffee-soaked ladyfingers were spot-on, but the mascarpone layer left something to be desired. The texture of the mascarpone was unexpectedly grainy, which took away from the typically smooth, creamy finish I was hoping for.  Despite the enjoyable taste, the graininess was somewhat off-putting. Overall, we would rate the bistro a 7/10; the staff was friendly, but there were slight delays in service, and the tiramisu fell short of expectations.

Golf Cart Tour of City Center

After a satisfying late lunch, we strolled over to our meeting point on Via Monterone, just a quick 15-minute walk from the hotel. Awaiting us was our friendly guide and our electric golf cart—a fun and relaxed way to explore the city as dusk set in. With excitement and anticipation, we hopped on, ready for an unforgettable night in Rome.

The Pantheon

Our first stop was the Pantheon, the best-preserved ancient Roman building in the world, standing strong for over 1,900 years! Our guide enthusiastically shared that this marvel was initially built as a temple to all the gods. As we admired the massive columns and the impressive dome above, it was amazing to think of all the history this building had witnessed. Although we only stopped briefly, the Pantheon’s grandeur left a lasting impression.