Our last day in Rome and we spent most of it in the Vatican City. We got breakfast near our AirBNB in Trastevere, then went to: A.) the Vatican Museum, B.) delicious lunch at Pizzarium, C.) dessert at Gelateria, and D.) an awe-inspiring stroll through St. Peter’s Basilica.

Classic Italian breakfast: cappuccino and cornetto

A.) Vatican Museums

A nice walk along the river in Vatican City (an entirely separate city-state from Italy) gives way to the main hub of St. Peter’s Square. From there we went around the corner to wait in line for the museum. People will bombard you with souvenirs and tour offers to cut the line. Stay strong in your resolve if you have the time and want to stay money. It’ll only take half as long as they claim (perhaps an hour or so) and if you have your student ID it’s only 8 euros. Remember that the museum is closed on Sundays (here’s what we did on a Sunday in Rome).

Always look up at the ceiling, the frescoes tell amusing stories (at least my versions are).

B.) Lunch at Pizzarium

Featured on Anthony Bourdain, Pizzarium (now Bonci) has some of the best pizza I have ever eaten. It’s known for it’s untraditional, yet delicious combinations. And it had some cool looking beer! Definitely worth the walk from the Vatican to get a little break.

C.) Gelateria Millenium

Typical gelateria with many flavors in between Pizzarium and the Vatican, this place was perfect for an afternoon gelato before heading back to explore some more! And the Yelp reviews are quite good!

D.) St. Peter’s Basilica

What an awe-inspiring church. The vaulted ceilings and the different domes that stream celestial light down in incredible ways. You feel so small and so reverent in a space like this. It uses similar technology to the Pantheon dome, but in a far more elaborate manner. One of the top churches I have ever visited!