It’s the Milliarium Aureum (Golden Milestone)—a signpost (originally a column monument) located in the Roman Forum that marked the official starting point for all roads leading into the capital of the Roman Empire. It was believed that all distances in the empire were measured from this point, which became a powerful symbol of Rome’s central importance in the ancient world. It’s a very small sign and not usually on the list of places to see, but given its historical significance, I had to stop for a few minutes and pay tribute
Cucina Romana with no Bolla Re. I owe a lot of my Italian food education to a mix of traveling through Italy and, more importantly, the passionate explanations of my Italian friends. It was through them that I began to understand that “Italian food” is not just one thing—it’s deeply regional, with each part of the country offering its own culinary identity
Take Rome, for instance. Cucina Romana (Roman cuisine) is all about simple ingredients with bold flavors. Think Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, and ultra-thin Roman-style pizza slices. The meat dishes often include more traditional cuts, like oxtail (Coda alla Vaccinara) or tripe (Trippa alla Romana). And then there’s Maritozzi—a sweet bun stuffed with whipped cream—messy, indulgent, and absolutely worth it. When in Rome, it really does make sense to eat like the Romans do.
When I asked my Italian friends for restaurant recommendations, they simply said: “Avoid anything that sounds famous,” i.e., a place called Mamma Mia, Gelato, or a restaurant blasting Bella Ciao or Bolero. And so I walked into a nondescript Osteria on the street—Osteria da Fortunata, I think it was called—and noticed a 73-year-old nonna making and teaching people how to make fresh pasta by hand. I sat with her, made some pasta, and had the best Italian food of my life
Roman food, Maritozzi, Osteria Pasta, Caccio Peppe
Italy-franco pantheons. The Roman Pantheon was originally an ancient temple dedicated to the gods. Over time, it was repurposed as a Christian church and later transformed into a mausoleum to house the tombs of Italian royalty and notable clergy. Inside, you’ll find the tombs of Victor Emmanuel II and Queen Margherita. (Fun fact: the Margherita pizza is said to have been created in her honor, its red, white, and green ingredients symbolizing the Italian flag!)
Centuries later and across the Alps, the French Pantheon in Paris was inspired by this very Roman structure. Initially intended to be a church, it was secularized under Napoleon to become a national mausoleum. Today, it honors France’s greatest minds—Voltaire, Rousseau, Marie Curie, Victor Hugo, and more. Getting a place in the French Pantheon is considered the highest civilian honor in France. The Pantheon in Paris is larger, more ornate, and layered with frescoes and grandeur
The Roman Pantheon, while smaller, than the one in Paris, holds a special kind of reverence. With its worn stone, rustic patina- it is the OG
The Pantheon, Rome
Living in the ruins of the Roman empire. Walking through Rome, you’ll encounter remnants of the Roman Empire scattered across the city—not confined to museums but integrated into the everyday landscape. Walking on the footpaths you will come across the Palatine Hill with the remains of a vast imperial palace complex, the Pyramid of Cestius, the only pyramid in Italy, a unique tomb built in Egyptian style during the 1st century BC and many other such old gems
I stayed at The Inn at the Roman Forum, located near the Colosseum. This boutique hotel lets you sleep amidst the ruins—where gaps between ancient walls have been transformed into charming rooms and suites. You can even dine in an authentic ancient Roman crypt! If you're searching for where to stay in Rome and see the ancient ruins, it doesn't get closer than this
Royalty with BnB at Palazzo Rusapoli. After spending countless hours scouring the internet across platforms like Reddit, Tripadvisor, Booking.com, and Small Luxury Hotels, I finally uncovered the best boutique BnB in Rome—and it was pure luck, like stirring a pot and watching something magical appear
What emerged was truly a hidden gem: a stunning 16th-century mansion once owned by one of Italy’s 16 noble families, the Rusapoli family. Recently converted into a charming BnB offering a perfect location near Piazza Navona and Via del Corso. The mansion's preserved rooms span half a floor and feature private terraces, where guests can enjoy great vies of the city. Inside, the rooms are decorated with ornate furniture and long, flowing draperies and the likes- royal treatment
Peeping Tom at Aventine & Mouth of Truth. Walk up Aventine Hill and you’ll discover one of Rome's hidden gems—the Gates of Malta. As you approach the gate, you'll notice a small keyhole. Peer through this keyhole, and you’ll be greeted with a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica, located at the end of a picturesque, tree-lined avenue. The view is remarkably symmetrical, and beautiful.
Another iconic sight in this area is the Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità). Legend has it that if you place your hand inside its mouth, it will detect if you're lying. No wonder the Mouth of Truth often looks as though it’s been shocked!
Made in Italy at Via Del Corso. Via Del Corso is one of the most popular shopping streets in Rome, where luxury designers like Armani, Prada, Ferragamo, Gucci, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana (D&G), Bvlgari, Fendi, and Miu Miu are proudly showcased. For those seeking high street fashion, you’ll also find brands like Benetton, Calzedonia, Sisley, and Tod’s. As you walk along this fashionable avenue, it's impossible not to be amazed by the supreme quality, craftsmanship, and creativity on display. While shopping along Via Del Corso can be quite damaging to the purse, it’s undoubtedly a feast for the eyes
One can’t help but wonder: how did Italy become synonymous with style and luxury?
The answer lies in part in the country’s Renaissance heritage, where powerful families like the Medicis championed not only art but also craftsmanship, leading to iconic traditions such as Florentine leather and Milanese silk
Fast forward to the post-WWII economic boom, and design schools in Italy flourished, giving rise to legendary designers like Giorgio Armani, Gianni Versace, Miuccia Prada, and Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. These designers played a key role in making Italian style a global symbol of quality, elegance, and effortless glamour we know the country as today
Solo girl trip and Italian men. One evening, I was sitting at a bar enjoying a cocktail and admiring the beauty of the Colosseum at night, when one of the very Italian bartenders approached me and asked, “Are you from India?” Surprised, I replied, “Yes, how could you tell? Was it my hair color?” (At the time, my hair was deep brown, almost semi-orange, quite different from the usual black tones of Asian hair), or was it my accent?
The bartender, with a wide smile and an animated hand gesture, responded, “No bella, it was your beauty.”
I couldn’t help but smile. It seemed that a natural charm is something they teach in Italian culture from a young age, I thought, and decided to continue this likely entertaining conversation. As we chatted, the man asked if I had a boyfriend or husband, and upon hearing my answer in the negative, he confidently asked for my Instagram or phone number—an offer I politely declined. His response was as friendly and authentic as possible: “No problaaam! Enjoy bella.” It is not just charm that’s Italian men know—there’s also an admirable respect for boundaries.
My keychain that reminds me of that banter in Rome
Man made marble of Bernini. Covering 200 acres of lush parkland, Villa Borghese is one of the most beautiful spots in Rome. Whether you’re wandering along the lake or enjoying the stunning piazzas, Villa Borghese provides a peaceful retreat within the city. You can easily spend 1-2 hours here, soaking in the natural beauty of the surroundings
If you have extra time, don’t miss a visit to the Galleria Borghese, a must-see for art lovers. The gallery houses a collection of grand art and sculptures, most notably by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. His baroque masterpieces in marble are on full display, with two of his most iconic works—"The Ecstasy of St. Teresa" and "Apollo and Daphne".
Villa Borghese, and my Villa Borghese Fridge Magnet
Wander in the wonder of the world, Colloseum
The sheer scale of the Colosseum is truly breathtaking, especially as you draw closer. Its towering arches and distinct tiers speak volumes about Roman ambition and architectural genius. As I stood before it, that feeling was intensified—I had watched Gladiator the night before, and my imagination ran wild. I found myself staring at the gates beneath the arena floor, picturing wild animals lurking in the shadows, gladiators pacing nervously in their cages, and the deafening roar of thousands of spectators echoing overhead
If you prefer to skip the dramatics (or the vivid mental imagery of ancient violence), I highly recommend an audio tour or one of the podcast on Rome. They’ll provide a rich narrative about the Colosseum's history, its architectural marvels, and its significance not just as a stage for entertainment, but as a tool of power and politics in ancient Rome
Colosseum up-close, and a-far
Neptune winning millions at the Trevi Fountain. The Trevi Fountain, built atop the original water duct that once brought water into ancient Rome, is a very famous landmark in the city. Visitors toss one to three coins into the water with the belief that it will bring good luck and ensure their return to Rome.
The act of making a wish has made the Trevi Fountain a constant magnet for hopeful travelers, with over 1 million euros collected annually!—each coin being donated to charity
On my visit, I threw only one coin, hoping that it would guide me back to Rome—for there is still so much to explore, including The Vatican, the charming Trastevere neighborhood, and many other hidden gems throughout the city
Concluding reflection: Throw only one coin in the Trevi fountain for you must return to Rome
