How History And Aperol Made Crowded Rome’s Heat Bearable

So, I decided to spice up my travel itinerary with a last-minute trip to Rome. It wasn't initially on my list, but I spotted a travel deal that made my wallet scream “book it!” Plus, I thought, “Why not? I love history! And Aperol spritz!” So off I went to the land of pasta and the Colosseum.

Let’s start with the flight. Apparently, the universe thought a dramatic entrance was necessary, featuring a delayed easyJet flight complete with turbulence that could rival a rollercoaster. After enduring what felt like a flight through the depths of hell, we were greeted by our pre-booked Welcome Pickups driver. This is my first experience with this worldwide service, and I am dedicating a whole blog to it.

After checking in at Grand Hotel Tiberio, the hotel staff kindly escorted us to our room. After a short, fitful sleep and a breakfast that featured the world's most questionable watermelon-orange juice, we hit the town. The hotel's location is outside the city center, which I usually prefer. A 15-minute walk to a subway station and a 10-minute subway ride brings us to our first stop: the infamous Museo e Cripta dei Cappuccini. If you’re into dark tourism—think skeletons and a side of art with your bones—this spot’s a must-see. Our day started well; I could manage the subway system like a pro, and our first museum visit was worth it.

However, my first mistake comes here: the Trevi Fountain. Why did I think this would be a peaceful experience? As we approached, the human tide grew denser, and I could hear the chaos from blocks away. Besides the crowds, who knew that throwing coins in a fountain could require a lifeguard? They were actual lifeguards blowing whistles to keep the horde of tourists in check—apparently, they needed reminding that it’s just a fountain, not a waterpark. I was appalled by the behavior I witnessed, simple rules like queuing, not going in the water, and moving away when required seem foreign requests for some. And ruin it for all.

Next up was our big sightseeing day aboard one of those hop-on, hop-off buses. We booked Big Bus Tours and were very happy with their service. I always like this bus tourist trap for a first day, just to start feeling the city and seeing the sights without a hassle.  Lunch at the Hard Rock Café was delightful—nothing like mediocre nachos served with stellar service!

Feeling daring, we decided to stay in the hotel for dinner that night, believing we were taking the safe route. Spoiler alert: the food at La Terrazze di Tiberio was the worst Italian food of my life. But hey, it’s not like we had to go far or stay up late! 

Day 2 kicked off with a reasonably decent breakfast, as I needed all the strength I could get at this point. We hopped back on the subway, passed the Spanish Steps (which, spoiler alert, are just steps), and made our way to the Pantheon. Finally! No queues, no tourists—just awe-inspiring architecture. The place has an energy that you can almost touch, and unlike the stupid fountain, it delivered on all fronts (can I get an amen?).

Then came an overpriced pizza, followed by the classic tourist move: giving in to the waiters who try to seduce you to eat near a very touristy square. To my horror, they actually only charged me six euros for my fizzy cocktail. What a steal! 

Vatican City was our next stop—an experience I’ve dubbed a 'sweat Olympics.' Once in, we tried to enjoy art while battling the sweltering heat and a parade of tourists. We skipped Saint Peter’s Square (because who wants to stand in line for hours?), but another queue awaited at the Vatican Museums. We arrived right before our time slot, and they turned us away. So, we did what anyone would do: sipped on overpriced Coca-Cola while watching the clock. That’s right, friends—art and statues were back on my mind! Sadly, it felt more like a sweaty conga line than an art appreciation tour. The Sistine Chapel proved to be a major disappointment. No pictures? Really, Michelangelo?! I left feeling disappointed—and a bit sunburned.

Later, back at the hotel, we discovered a hidden gem, "Bistro Balduina", a charming Italian restaurant just down the street, which had a limited menu and did everything right. Loved it! Totally worth it!

Day 3 was reserved for the Colosseum. More queues, more heat, and uninspired gladiator vibes. Yes, it’s impressive, but I was melting like a popsicle in the middle of July. The Forum Romanum? Skipped it in favor of a famous tiramisu at Two Sizes that, praise the travel deities, did NOT disappoint.

As the sun set on my Roman escapade, I serendipitously stumbled upon a Trinity College pub. Mixing up my travel memories here (remember Ireland?)

Later that day, dinner at Incantum was the highlight of the trip; it felt like stepping onto the set of the Harry Potter movies. Amazing food, incredible service, and a magical atmosphere—definitely worth the trek out of the city center! It took us a 30-minute Uber ride, which cost more than the dinner, but we're glad we did it.

Finally, I wrapped up my Roman holiday with an early morning flight back. I had a grand total of ten fellow passengers, which felt more like a private jet experience.

So, what’s the final verdict? Rome was… nice, but honestly, I can think of several destinations with the same historical charm minus the chaotic crowds and tourist traps. Next time, I’ll stick to destinations that are a bit more off the beaten path—unless, of course, Aperol spritzes or a decent travel deal are involved. Cheers to that