Rome, Planning Day Two — The Morning I Step Onto the Arena Floor

Morning — Where Ancient Rome Opens Its Arms

10:45 AM — Colosseum Full Experience (Arena Level)

I will leave my hotel around 9:45 AM to give myself a little time to stroll, take photos, and perhaps grab a quick coffee along the 1.2 miles through the historic district to the Colosseum. I am looking forward to stepping onto the arena floor like I'm walking into a story I’ve been waiting my entire life to read. The light, the arches, the quiet echo of history under my feet — it’s going to be pure magic.

After exploring the upper levels, I will drift into the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, following my feet as they guide me toward overlooks, temples, and stories carved into stone.

Midday — A Simple, Soul-Soothing Lunch

Lunch at Taverna dei Quaranta

Steps from the Colosseum, easygoing, pasta-forward, and reliably delicious. It’s the kind of place where I can exhale, savor something warm, and let my morning settle in.

Early Afternoon — A Quick Detour to the Capitoline Hill (Exterior Only)

Here’s the lovely part: seeing the exterior of the Capitoline is absolutely a convenient and beautiful stroll before the rest of my afternoon.

I will walk up the ramp designed by Michelangelo himself and step into the square — Piazza del Campidoglio — one of the most perfect architectural spaces in all of Rome.

Why This Works Perfectly:

• It’s on a natural path from the Forum area toward Piazza Venezia.

• You get that elevated, iconic view over the ruins without committing to a museum interior.

• The piazza feels calm, refined, and uplifting — an ideal midpoint before wandering deeper into the city.

Here, I will take a moment on the terrace behind the museums to enjoy a panoramic view of the Forum. It’s breathtaking.

Afternoon — Sunshine, Movement, and Beautiful Streets

From Piazza del Campidoglio, I will continue my meander:

1. Piazza Venezia — grand, energetic

2. Trajan’s Column — a 2nd-century stone scroll

3. I will go toward the Trevi Fountain

   • Perhaps toss a coin, or don’t — either way, the moment will feel lovely.

4. I will pop into boutiques, tiny leather shops, gelaterias, paper stores, and perfume houses as I go.

This entire stretch will be vibrant, busy in the best way, and ideal for a solo traveler who loves to walk with purpose and curiosity.

Evening — A Soft Glow Over the Heart of the City

I will begin my golden-hour stroll toward the:

• Pantheon

• Piazza Navona

• Campo de’ Fiori

This entire route is safe, lively, and endlessly charming. The colors deepen, the fountains sparkle, and the air will feel warm and familiar by my second night in Rome.

Dinner — Two Heavenly Options

I am leaning towards one of two perfect pescatarian-forward choices:

• Pierluigi

Elegant, candlelit, romantic in a timeless way.

• Assunta Madre

Seafood-forward, bright, fresh, and beautifully plated.

I will choose whatever place my spirit leans toward — or whichever I stumble near when my evening unfolds.

Honey Note

There’s a quiet confidence blooming in me with every day I plan, every path I map, and every thoughtful detail I add. That’s the beauty of solo travel — it brings forward a version of myself that’s brave, intuitive, and ready for moments I didn’t even know I was craving. And one day, my sweet granddaughter will hear about how her Honey stood on the arena floor and wandered Rome with joy in her heart, and she’ll think I’m the coolest person in the world.

For so many years, I waited for the “right” person to join me on adventures like these. But somewhere along the way — after giving myself permission to stop needing validation from anyone — I realized this is my life to live out loud. And in putting myself first, I finally discovered that the perfect partner for this season of my life has been within me all along.

Con dolcezza e stupore,

Honey

P.s. Rome rewards the wanderer. If I follow this plan, perfect. If I drift, even better. The city always knows how to guide you home.