WanderLyn: When Life Gives You Canceled Flights, Get Your 10K Steps in .... Rome

Ladies, if you're ever stranded at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport (hello flight cancellations 😬), don’t panic—pivot! This unexpected detour turned into one of my most delightful walking adventures, and yes, I definitely hit my 10,000 steps. Here's how you can turn travel lemons into limoncello.

Step 1: Land at the Hilton

First thing’s first: make sure the airline sets you up at a hotel near the airport. The Hilton Rome Airport Hotel is a solid choice—clean, comfy, and just a short indoor stroll (yes, even with roller bags) from the terminal. Drop your bags, freshen up, and lace up those walking shoes.

Step 2: Bus Into the City Like a Local

Skip the pricey taxi (about $60 each way!) and instead hop on a Viator roundtrip shuttle to Mercato Centrale for just $16. This bustling food hall is a feast for the senses—cheeses, fresh pasta, pizza, wine, pastries... you name it. It’s the perfect launchpad for your Roman roaming.

🛍 Quick tip: Grab a focaccia sandwich and a sparkling water to-go—you’ll need fuel for the steps ahead!

Step 3: Meander to the Spanish Steps

From Mercato Centrale, take a leisurely walk to the Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna). But first, make a detour through Via dei Condotti—Rome’s elegant shopping street. Even if Gucci isn’t in your budget today, window shopping is calorie-free and très chic.

💡 WanderLyn Tip: Start at the top of the Spanish Steps (take Via Gregoriana) for panoramic views and a dramatic descent past flower-lined balustrades. The steps have recently been cleaned and sparkle in the sun like a Roman jewel.

Need a quick pick-me-up? Pop into Antico Caffè Greco on Via dei Condotti, one of the oldest cafés in Rome (opened in 1760!). A cappuccino here is like sipping history.

Step 4: Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain

From the base of the Spanish Steps, follow Via del Corso, then sneak down Via delle Muratte to reach the Trevi Fountain. It will suddenly appear before you, as if by magic. It’s busy, it’s breathtaking, and yes—you must toss a coin over your left shoulder for a return trip to Rome.

📸 Photo tip: Take a selfie from the left side near the balustrade where it’s less crowded, or ask a fellow wandering woman to snap a shot of you mid-coin toss!

Step 5: Sweet Stop at Giolitti’s

Ready for a treat? Head to Giolitti, a gelateria institution since 1900. Sure, there’s a line, but if you go inside for table service, you’ll skip the chaos and sit in style.

🍨 Try this: The affogato al caffè (vanilla gelato “drowned” in espresso)… with a little something extra, if you’re feeling spicy.

Step 6: The Pantheon & Piazza Navona Finale

Gelato in hand, stroll over to the Pantheon. Take a moment to marvel at the dome (yes, it’s open to the sky!) before continuing to Piazza Navona.

This stunning square is home to Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, street artists, charming gift shops, and al fresco dining that dreams are made of.

🍷 Dinner Suggestion: End your adventure with a relaxed meal at Ristorante Tre Scalini. Sit on the piazza, sip a glass of wine, and toast to spontaneous adventures.

Total steps? 10,237 (give or take a gelato run).

Total joy? Off the charts.

So next time travel throws you a curveball, remember—you’re a woman who walks Rome in style. Bellissima!

— Lyn, WanderLynTravel

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