My first full day in Rome was a mix of calm museum halls, overwhelming tourist crowds, and a slightly sketchy detour that reminded me why everyone warns you about Termini Station.
A Morning at the National Gallery of Modern Art
Breakfast was nothing fancy—just bread, a protein bar, and water from a nearby shop. Enough fuel to head straight for the National Gallery of Modern Art. Unlike Japanese museums, the layout here felt more relaxed: no strict route, no pressure to follow arrows.
The highlight was Gustav Klimt’s The Three Ages of Woman. Haunting and magnetic, it made me pause longer than expected. Giuseppe De Nittis’ realist works also surprised me—far more beautiful than I usually expect from realism.
From Piazza del Popolo to the Spanish Steps
Walking through Piazza del Popolo into the Spanish Steps, I was hit by the sheer density of people. Honestly, it felt less like sightseeing and more like people-watching. Most were European tourists, with just a sprinkling of Asian visitors. Around the square, luxury brands lined the streets, reminding you that Rome is as much about shopping as it is about history.
The Trevi Fountain: All About the Atmosphere
At the Trevi Fountain, fences kept everyone at a distance. Still, the sparkle of water plus the buzz of hundreds of tourists gave the place undeniable energy. Street-side gelato shops and fashion boutiques ensured no one left without spending money.
Vittorio Emanuele II Monument
Compared to other sights, the giant white marble monument was surprisingly quiet. Its sheer scale was jaw-dropping. My brain couldn’t help comparing it to modern Japanese architecture: “No one builds something this grand anymore—unless it’s a shopping mall.”
A Quick Glimpse of the Colosseum… and a Transit Fail
By late afternoon, exhaustion kicked in. I only managed a short look at the Colosseum before hopping on a tram, which I immediately took the wrong way. The detour dumped me into Termini’s northeast side—a part of town I don’t recommend walking after dark.
Safety at Termini: Take It Seriously
On my way back, the atmosphere turned unsettling: street workers, shady groups, and plenty of people who clearly weren’t tourists. If you’re new to Rome, avoid this area at night. It’s not worth the risk.
Ending on a Simpler Note
Dinner was from a small deli near my lodging—cheap, light, and good enough. After a long day, I realized the highlight wasn’t the famous monuments, but the green calm of Villa Borghese Park.
If you visit, don’t just rush between landmarks. Sit, sip coffee, and let Rome breathe around you.
Takeaway: Rome’s first day gave me a mix of serenity, chaos, and unease—exactly the kind of contrasts that make travel memorable.
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