Weekend in Rome: Rain, Ruins & Random Bars

Breakfast was included in my hostel price – two rock‑hard rolls that nearly broke my teeth and a tiny blob of jam. Classic hostel cuisine – I loved it.

With rain hammering it down, I headed to the Vatican. I climbed the dome of Basilica San Pietro and the view over Piazza San Pietro was stunning, even in the rain. The sheer scale of the piazza is mind-boggling.

Still raining, I walked back along the Tiber River, through cobbled streets to the stunning open space that is Piazza Navona – with its grand buildings surrounding the open space and fountains. I grabbed an ice cream and carried on my journey – wandering past the Pantheon and onto the infamous Trevi Fountain. The sights just real off the tongue and I found it hard to believe how some of these ancient structures still stood in the heart of the city, surrounded by modern architecture. Rome is ridiculously beautiful even when soaked.

I then had a choice: Colosseum or FA Cup Final. Naturally, I chose football.

I found Druid’s Den, an Irish bar which had happy hour, so I spent a couple of hours watching Arsenal list the trophy, chatting to a couple of Scottish lads before heading back to my hostel.  

And that’s when I met Brad.

Brad was an Aussie who liked to drink. So, we grabbed a couple of bottles and ate free pizza at the hostel. It was quite clear that the pizza was having a competition with the breakfast bread rolls – who could break the most teeth. But being free, we both inhaled several slices.  

We met a multinational crowd at the hostel – all also with teeth missing and headed out to the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and then an Irish pub. Very Cultural.

It turned out that Italians know how to party.

Brad and I rolled in at 5am.