Christina Jane's picks from her first solo trip to a major European city: sunrise at the Trevi Fountain, a Vespa tour, the Colosseum, rooftop aperitivo and the best pasta she's ever had. Made for first-time solo travellers. Tap your card on every bus, tram and metro (inspectors check often and fines start at €100), keep your bag zipped and in front of you, and skip Uber, which only offers pricey black cars in Rome.
Go as early as 5am for photos without the crowds (she did a sunrise photoshoot here), and toss a coin over your left shoulder to make sure you come back. Free. (via beingchristinajane blog)
Picked by Christina JaneRecommend a guided small-group tour to skip the long queue and actually understand the history. Covered the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine, with arena-floor access. Lots of walking in the heat in summer, but worth it. (via beingchristinajane blog)
Picked by Christina JaneHighlight of her trip, highly recommended for solo travellers. A 3–4 hour Vespa tour (the 'Scooterroma Shuffle') mixing street art, city sights and sweet bites. Guide picked her up from her accommodation, planned the route around what she wanted to see and finished with gelato. From €180.
Picked by Christina JaneAlleyway restaurant a minute from the Trevi Fountain, with outdoor tables for people-watching. The fettuccine bolognese (€16) is the best pasta ever, and the servers were open for a chat well beyond the food. (via beingchristinajane blog)
Picked by Christina JaneStylish, colourful design hotel 10–15 minutes from Roma Termini. Booked a day room through Dayuse after an early flight, and the staff kindly let me stay until 3pm. Would happily stay again. (via beingchristinajane blog)
Picked by Christina Jane135 steps up to Trinità dei Monti, with a lively piazza below full of street performers and high-end boutiques. Christina preferred the piazza itself to the climb. Free. (via beingchristinajane blog)
Picked by Christina JaneOne of Rome's most beautiful squares, with fountains, outdoor cafés, artists and street performers. Great for people-watching over lunch. It's livelier in the evening. Campo de' Fiori market is a short walk away. Free. (via beingchristinajane blog)
Picked by Christina JaneRooftop bar at the First Arte Hotel with views over Rome, known for fish-based Italian food. No reservations, but at 6:30pm in early June almost only one there for an aperitivo. Elevated ambiance. Bellini €20. (via beingchristinajane)
Picked by Christina JaneOver 100 flavours of tiramisu with toppings like Nutella, fruit and candy. Loved the peanut butter and Nutella cup (€10). Seating is very limited, so plan to walk with it. (via beingchristinajane blog)
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