Rome: pistachio, drinking fountains and the time I got robbed
2 trips2023 and 2026Summer
Rome left me wanting more pistachio, wishing for drinking fountains in every country I visit, people who understood me despite language barriers and a lesson about letting my guard down that I won't forget. Italy was country 13 of my challenge of 30 countries before turning 30.
The Trevi Fountain, an obligatory stop.
A pickpocket as soon as I arrived at Termini
The first time I went to Rome, in August 2023, as soon as I arrived at Roma Termini I saw them chasing a pickpocket. It was a sign of what I already told in my article about safe countries: on my second trip, in June and July 2026, they robbed me too, my wallet with the passport and money inside. The city is beautiful, but you have to walk with your guard up.
Trip facts
Duration2 trips
Trip dateAugust 2023 and June/July 2026
Approx. temperature~30-38 °C
What I loved mostThe pistachio
Summer, heat and the fountains that save the day
Both of my trips to Rome were in summer, so the heat is something to take into account when planning. What I appreciated most were the ice-cold water fountains all over the city: they're drinking water, so you can fill your bottle and drink straight from them. Romans call them nasoni.
That's why you absolutely have to bring a water bottle when you go to Rome. There are fountains in other parts of Italy too.
The Colosseum, one of the stops on the itinerary.
Rome zone by zone
I built the route by zones so I wouldn't waste time going back and forth. This is what I visited:
Vatican. St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums take up a good part of a day.
Trevi Fountain. Tradition says to throw a coin over your back into the fountain to return to Rome.
Pantheon. A Roman temple with an enormous dome, right in the historic center.
The Pantheon, on an especially hot summer day.
Colosseum. The city's most famous amphitheater; it's best to book your ticket in advance, especially in summer.
Trastevere. A neighborhood of cobblestone streets and lots of restaurants, perfect to end the day.
The food and the language
The food in Rome is spectacular. Pistachio became my favorite flavor of the whole trip, especially in the gelaterias I tried on the way between one stop and another.
The people, besides, are very kind, and since Italian is quite similar to Spanish, several times I managed to understand what they told me even when they spoke to me directly in Italian. That made the city feel closer than I expected.
Between the similar language and the kind people, Rome never felt as far away as other destinations.
How to look after your things in Rome
The most touristy places and crowded transport are where pickpockets usually operate. What helps: keep your passport and wallet close to your body, in a bag that closes, and avoid leaving your phone in plain sight on tables. I learned it by experience: Rome is one of those cities where you end up letting your guard down without realizing it.
My tips for Rome
01
Bring a water bottle. The drinking fountains save you money and heat.
02
Try the pistachio. My favorite flavor of the whole trip.
03
Organize your day by zones. Vatican, Trevi, Pantheon, Colosseum and Trastevere are better enjoyed without back and forth.
04
Look after your things from Termini. Guard up from the first minute.
What I take away from Rome
Rome has that strange mix of a beautiful city and a city where you have to stay alert, both at once. Even with the robbery, it's still one of the destinations I recommend most, with your guard up from day one.
Travel map
Preparing your trip to Rome?
The map I built goes zone by zone: Vatican, Trevi, Pantheon, Colosseum and Trastevere, with the pistachio gelaterias I tried along the way. Take it with you and save yourself the back and forth.
It's a beautiful city where it pays to stay alert: I saw a pickpocket being chased at Roma Termini and on another trip they stole my wallet with my passport. With your guard up, it's still a destination I recommend.
Can you drink from Rome's fountains?
Yes, they're drinking fountains with ice-cold water. Bring a water bottle and fill it during the day; there are also fountains in other parts of Italy.
How many days do I need in Rome?
Between my two trips I explored Rome by zones: Vatican, Trevi, Pantheon, Colosseum and Trastevere. Allow about 4 or 5 days if you want to see it calmly.
What was my favorite flavor in Rome?
Pistachio, no doubt. I tried it in the gelaterias I kept finding between one stop and another.
Do you need to speak Italian?
Since Italian is quite similar to Spanish, several times I understood what they told me. The people are very kind.
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