Italy, Rome
The city of Rome has many names. Most well known as the city of love. Rome is hot, intense and some times a little bit chaotic.
Where to stay in Rome?
In my opinion if you are a first time visitor stay near Fontana di Trevi. Everything you want to see is around it, it is not sketchy, and it is not that noisy at night compared to the noise of being around the Colosseum. For second time visitors I suggest Trastevere: A picturesque neighborhood, lovely and charming, with restaurants, shops, and beautiful ivy growing everywhere. The sooner the stay is booked the the cheaper the cost is.
Airbnb option:
Hotel options near Fontana di Trevi:
I Tre Moschettieri D' Artagnan
Fourheads Private Suites
Hotel San Silvestro
Il Monastero Collection
Right between Trastevere and The colosseum, making the location perfect to walk everywhere, and amazing to avoid crowds.
How to navigate the Rome?
Subway/Metro: I don't think this is a benefit since the most important part of Rome is seeing all the monuments, cafes, restaurants and going underground will not allow you to discover and explore from A to B. But if you are running out of time, sometimes, depending on the route it is convenient. Some other times you will notice the destination doesn't have subway/metro stops close by and biking or riding a scooter is faster.
Scooters and Bikes work with an app: Lime, Bird, etc. It is very nice to scoot by the Coloseum, the only disadvantage is the bumpy cobblestone on the streets.
Walk: On my first day in Rome I walked 10.2 miles. While you walk there is so much to see that you even forget you are walking long distances until you stop to go to sleep and notice how sore your feet are.... It is worth it, though!
Uber/Taxi: In Italy when you use the app to call an Uber, a taxi will show up. The difference is that the fare is already set on the app, and that will never change. Whereas the taxi that you stop on the streets will depend on time to determine the fare.
How to go from the airport to the city?
Train! There is a train from the airport to Rome that cost about 14 Euros, and it takes only 30 min. it is convenient and easy, you don't even need tickets in advance. As soon as you get out of the airport you follow the signs tor the train, tap your credit card and hop in. A few minutes later an officer will ask you for the last four digits of your credit card to make sure you paid. The train leaves you right in the center of Rome. I was staying a few blocks away from Fontana Di Trevi, and I could walk from the train station to my stay in 10/15 min.
Water: There is this myth that in Italy they don't serve tap water with your meal and that you have to purchase a bottle. This is absolutely incorrect. They alway give you tap water. Also, in Rome every few blocks there are water fountains to drink clean, potable water from.
Things to do in Rome:
In Rome you can do the typical itinerary, and hit the Vatican and the Colosseum, but to be honest you don't have to if the idea of slowly walking in a huge crowd and be in line to enter every room just gives you a headache. There are so many things but visiting beautiful palazzos that are not crowded, and eating I think are some of the best experiences, way better than lining up for hours to enter in a crowded museum.
Palazzo Corsini
Beautiful rooms. Not crowded. Very pleasant.
Villa Borghese Gardens
I think that spring/late spring, and just beggining of summer would be teh ideal moment to visit this spot that is mainly outdoors. Lushy gardens, a pond to enjoy on a boat, a little escape from the crowd outside.
Cooking class:
I decided to take a cooking class in Rome because it was the most affordable option out of all of the places that I was visiting.
You can make your own pasta from scratch, pick your sauce, learn how to make tiramisu, and this all comes with a glass of wine and a shot of limoncello.
Campo de Fiori:
This is a market that works from 8 a.m to noon. You can find flowers, fresh produce, cheese, wine, cute cafes and pastries. If you visit early enough -8/8:30 a.m it is not crowded, no tourists at all, very authentic experience.
Piazza Navona
This is the main plaza that serves as backyard of the Pantheon. Many lovely cafes around. This place it is very crowded early in the morning and until late since people start lining up to enter the Pantheon.
The Pantheon:
Tickets for the Pantheon also get booked far in advance. People start ling up at 8 a.m to enter first thing in the morning. If you wish to visit this spot make sure to book your tickets months ahead.
Fontana Di Trevi:
A classic! It is not as hard as it seems to take a picture of yourself with the Fontana di Trevi if that's what you aim for. Even when its crowded. The angle of it allows you to get a decent snap if you are patient enough to wait for your turn.
Colosseum and Roman Forum:
To get tickets to visit the Colosseum you need to think ahead and do it in advance, they get booked very quickly. If you have tickets for the Roman Forum, the Colosseum can be seen from the Roman Forum, but you can't enter it, unless you have specific tickets for it. When tickets for the Roman Forum are purchased access is within 30 days of the date of the purchase, which is very nice because it gives you freedom to play with you itinerary.
Trastevere
Located near Vatican City, this is a very picturesque and charming neighborhood.
Stroll down Via della Lungaretta and try any restaurant on your way. I think that the best part of Trastevere is crossing the bridge over the river Tiber and have a spectacular view of the horizon.
Trastevere River Market:
During some nights of July there is a whole Market going on in Trastevere by the river: boutiques, bars, food, live music. Open from late afternoon until late at night, the most crowded moment is around 8/9 and 10 p.m
Where to eat in Rome?
Ristorantes, sweet treats, and bars!
Limone Sorbetto
This is a chain of little stores that sell all sorts of sweet treats and some popular Limone sorbetto, which is a lemon cut at half, emptied and refilled with either lemon gelato, or sorbet.
Ristorante Arco Di San Calisto
Wonderful restaurant in Trastevere, they use fresh produce to cook, the food is excellent. The ambiance is super nice, the service is good and fast.
La Piccola Cuccagna
Located in Piazza Navona, it doesn't say much from the outside but don't judge a restaurant by its appearance, their traditional food will captivate your palate.
Cantina e Cucina:
Located in Piazza Navona as well this awesome restaurant offers one the best local food.
Regoli Pasticceria
The word Pasticceria in Italian means patisserie/bakery, here is where you get your pastrie sin the morning for breakfast, or at any time of the day.
Antico Caffe del Moro
Ristorante located in Trastevere, the best part are the appetizers and aperitivos, that's what I would go for at this place.
Two bars with amazing views:
Jim’s Bar Rooftop Hotel Singer:
Because of its height this doesn't have the panoramic view of the entire city, but it is lovely to eat and admire the architecture, roofs, and see the tip of ancient buildings all around you. Going during the day is essential to appreciate all the details of the structures.
The Court Rome
Signature cocktails and THIS view of the colosseum (Picture below). Going to this rooftop bar is a real treat. There are plenty of affordable bars right next to the colosseum with different views of it, but if you want the entire building in your background to be seen like this, this is your place. Along with an extensive list of signature cocktails they give coplimentary treats: chips, olives, macarons.
Hope this travel guide to Rome helps you. Enjoy Rome, and let the city captivate you and guide your curiosity!
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