Travel Tip Tuesday: When in Rome

Happy Tuesday friends and welcome to This Darling Adventure. Today we have the opportunity to talk about one of my favorite cities in the world: ROME! Now, you may have heard the phrase “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” and today we are going to talk about how to do just that. So buckle up and let’s get this Travel Tip Tuesday started.

I know what you may be thinking… We have indeed talked about Rome in Ancient Ruins a couple weeks back. That is an excellent observation. You get a gold star! Today, though, I want to share with you one of the absolute best ways to actually see the city.

As you may have heard or experienced yourself, Rome is a popular destination for tourists all over the world to come to explore its ancient ruins, eat the best food on the planet, and, of course, shop (or if you are like me, “window shop”) at some of the finest fashion establishments. There is nothing wrong with experiencing the excitement of Rome during the day. In fact, I encourage it. But I purpose to you that one of the best ways to see the city is at night, when the traffic settles down, the tourists are back at their hotels, and the city itself comes to life.

When I studied abroad in Rome a few years back, each evening my friends and I would wander around the city until the wee hours of the night. It was the best. So much so that when my husband and I returned to Rome last year, we continued that tradition. There is nothing quite like throwing coins into the Trevi Fountain at eleven o’clock at night when there is no one else around but a family out for an evening stroll. Or sitting on the Spanish Steps in silence as you hear the occasional horn of a scooter whizzing by or laughter from a group of kids down the street. Or walking between the massive columns of the empty Vatican admiring the reflection of lights on the paving stones, well-worn from all its visitors during the day.

Now, before you throw out all the wisdom of your youth…. Yes, of course! You should always be aware of your surroundings no matter where you are in the world. If you are not as familiar with a new city, do not wander around so much that you will get lost. And yes, I wholeheartedly support the “buddy system” when exploring new places. But that being said, beware of missing the beauty of a new place for fear of the unknown. Remember, it is often in the unknown parts of life that we learn the most and have the most wonderful adventures.

Nights in Rome are when most city-dwellers go out to enjoy a delicious (LONG) supper at local, family-owned eateries. It is when people are off of work and can simply enjoy time with their children. It is when the city truly comes to life in unique and special ways that you would miss otherwise. So on your next trip to Italy, get out and go wander. Set out and let the city speak to you in the serenity of the night. Reach out and behold the beauty of Rome in light of the unknown.

Thoughts? Questions? Concerns? Let me know in the comments below! 🙂