Rome, the eternal city, is probably my favorite city in the world. I was lucky enough to call it home for 6 months, and if I could I would go back in a heart beat. Alas, I (still) don't speak Italian and my roots are here in the States. However, I think of Rome every chance I get. Traveling to Rome or interested in going? Here's my recommendation of top 11 things to do in Rome, Italy

1. Take a Tour of the Vatican Museums & the Necropolis

St. Peter's Square and the Vatican are beautiful! You could definitely spend the whole day here. Between seeing St. Peter's Basilica's interior, climbing to the top of the Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Necropolis tour, there are hours worth of fun here! Plus, the Pope lives here, and you can see him on Wednesdays (if you know where to get tickets *wink wink*)!

One of my favorite tours I took while abroad was the Vatican Necropolis tour. Under the basilica, there is an entire necropolis (city of the dead) that is hundreds if not thousands of years old. You can literally walk down small streets and see architecture that's some of the oldest in the world. Plus, what are believed to be St. Peter's bones below the Basilica and you get a glimpse of them on the tour! Some find this creepy, I find this totally cool.

The Vatican Museums are incredible! It's Christian art museums located in the boundaries of Vatican City. Pieces by Leonardo de Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, and more. I highly recommend doing a tour of the museums (download Rick Steve's free audio tours, my favorite by far). When you learn the history and meaning behind certain pieces of art you are able to fully comprehend how extraordinary they are.

2. Enjoy Gelato on the Spanish Steps

There's no real organization to the list, because the Colosseum and Vatican are on opposite sides of the city. Back towards the Colosseum are the Spanish Steps! Beautifully constructed, and surrounded by flowers in the spring time, the Spanish Steps are a great spot to stop and relax a little bit.

Gelaterias surround every tourist destination in Rome. Pick one (with gelato that looks the most natural color-wise, that's the GOOD gelato, not the vibrantly colored gelato), order a cone with two scoops, and pop a squat on the steps and people watch. Climb to the top to get a great view of the city if you're feeling energetic (or are a total-over achiever).

3. Explore Castel Sant'Angelo

Any Dan Brown fans? Angels and Demons fans? This is the place to go. San Angelo, right across the river from the Vatican (you can actually see a completely clear shot of the Vatican from the roof) is San Angelo.

It's essentially a papal fortress, where there are even cells in which a number of historical figures were incarcerated. There is also a secret underground path directly from the Vatican to Sant'Angelo from centuries ago, in case the Pope needed to escape. It's worth a trip to see the panoramic views of Rome and some splendidly decorated rooms within. P.S. Dan Brown/Angels and Demons fans: This is where the Cardinals were held captive and where the canister was kept!

4. Enjoy the Street Entertainment by the Pantheon

My favorite spot in Rome is not the Vatican, not even the Colosseum, but the Pantheon. I can't quite explain it. I love the architecture, it sticks out like a sore thumb in the square it's located in. It has some of the best gelato and food near it (not right in the square, those are tourist traps. Walk a few blocks from it and you really hit the heart of Rome).

What I love is the street entertainment. Musicians tend to populate this spot and there's nothing I love more than enjoying a delicious snack and a beautiful view with some entertaining music. Plus, some of my favorite clothing shops are around there (as well as my favorite cannoli shop!).

5. Enjoy the Campo de'Fiori Market

Campo de'Fiori is one of the cutest squares in Rome and is extremely authentic. Capo de'Fiori hosts a market where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, clothing, dishes, limoncello, and so much more! The market at Campo de’ Fiori bustles with vendors every morning except Sunday and is one of the city’s most popular. It's a great way to truly imerse yourself in Roman culture and was my favorite place to find gifts for family and friends (that weren't obnoxious souvenirs from tourist shops, like my favorite fruit bowl!).

If you stop by Campo de'Fiori, make sure to stop in to Forno Camp de'Fiori. This is, in my opinion, the most drool-worthy delicious pizza in Rome! I was pretty simple and stuck with margarita pizza, but oh my god it was life changing. The oils, garlic, cheese, and vegetables they use in this little crowded pizza shop are out of this world and the shop is so authentically Italian it warms my heart

6. Throw a Coin into the Trevi Fountain

Cliche, but absolutely necessary. The Trevi Fountain may have been my least favorite tourist destination in Rome. Doesn't mean it wasn't beautiful and I didn't enjoy it! It's because it was the most crowded of the destination spots. It's a very small area and everyone want to get a photo. Unless you choose to wake up at the crack of dawn, there's no chance you're going to get a photo of the entire fountain with no one else in it.

Legend says that if you throw a coin into the Trevi – with your back to the fountain, throwing the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder – that will ensure a return to Rome. This is why you have to throw a coin into the fountain! Of course you're going to want to return to Rome.

7. Eat in Trastevere

I'm extremely biased towards the neighborhood Trastevere because this is where I lived. Trastevere is what you imagine an Italian neighborhood to be like, it's a fairytale. Delis with fresh meats hanging, alleyways with vines and flowers growing across them, churches that are centuries old, and some of the most authentic Italian food you'll ever taste. Colorful Trastevere is essentially a funky, bohemian area that clings to its centuries-old, working-class roots.

Trastevere has some of the best food in Rome. Interestingly enough, this is because it is where the working-class lived centuries ago. The upper class lived on the other side of the Tiber River, while the working class lived in Trastevere and other neighborhoods. The working class included the cooks for the upper class. Well, centuries go by, family traditions are passed down, and some of the cooks open their own businesses. Viola, Trastevere food scene springs up and blows our minds. Make sure to stop by Fatamorgana for the very best gelato in all of Rome (I swear by it) or Donkey Punch for a delicious panini!

8. Buy Art in Piazza Navona

The Piazza Navona, a square in Rome designed by Bernini himself, if bustling with Roman life. Specifically, Roman artists! On the weekend, venture down to the Piazza Navona to see buy some authentic Roman art. Artists bring their pieces and easels out to enjoy the sunshine in the piazza (and sell to tourists let's be honest).

What I love about this is that there is art that fits any budget! I, a poor college student studying abroad, was able to get a beautiful poster-size painting for $40 and it's my favorite piece of art I have (proudly framed and hung above my TV). There's art for every taste, but is mostly landscaping. Browse through different styles and observe the artists create their masterpieces right in front of you. Ah, la vita romana!

9. Visit the Capuchin Crypt

Want to see something I guarantee you've never seen before, be shocked, and maybe slightly disturbed? Look no further than the Capuchin Crypt . Capuchin Crypt, also known as "the bones church" is at once both shocking and fascinating. This crypt is best known for its wondrous ossuary, a collection of thousands of human bones that have been used in the elaborate decoration of the walls and ceilings.

A series of small chapels beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini contain the bones and mummified remains of an estimated 4,000 individuals. The human bones are elaborately stacked against the walls, organized into enchanting Baroque patterns. The rooms are given such evocative names as the Crypt of Skulls, the Crypt of Pelvises and the Crypt of the Leg Bones and Thigh Bones. The Capuchin order believes the ossuaries are far from being horrifying, that these remains of former friars are a silent reminder of our mortality and the passage of life on Earth. Creeped out yet? Because I sure as hell was. Visit the crypt and the museum that accompanies it to learn more about why an order of friars would build this.

10. Visit Ancient Ruins (Colosseum & Roman Forum)

One great thing about Rome is most of the sites are free. While the Colosseum and the Roman Forum are not, one ticket gets you into both! The Colosseum is the ultimate "symbol" of Rome. It is massive, beautiful, and on every single tourist t-shirt you could find. Make sure to stay away from street vendors that approach you and watch your valuables! This is prime location for pit-pocketing.

Want some great photos? Here's a hint: get up high! If you exit the metro and turn to look at the Colosseum, go to the left. There are some steps that climb up a hill, where you can sit on a wall and take a stunning (and by far my favorite) photo like the one above! Nobody in your shot and the beautiful Colosseum looming behind you.

11. Drink Proseco and Watch the Sunset at Gianicolo

On to a lighter note, I have discovered the best way to end your day in Rome. In Trastevere, there is a hill called Gianicolo. Make your way up just before sunset and bring a panini/pizza with you and some Proseco. Giancolo has one of the best panorama views of Rome. Find a bench, pour yourself a glass, and enjoy the breathtaking sunset as you nibble on your DIY dinner. And yes, it has to be Proseco, it's the Roman way! It's the best way to end your day in Rome. Friends, drinks, food, and Roma, what could be better?