Curator’s statement
Rome is a city where the weight of history and the joy of the present collide in the most beautiful way. It’s a place where you can admire a 2,000-year-old monument in the morning and spend the afternoon lost in the vibrant energy of a hidden neighborhood trattoria. To me, Rome is special because it teaches you to slow down and appreciate the “Dolce Vita,” whether through a perfect espresso or a sunset walk across the Tiber. It isn’t just a destination. It’s an enduring feeling of wonder that stays with you long after you’ve left.
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Things to do in Rome
Early morning walk through the historic center: Beat the crowds by wandering through Piazza Navona and past the Pantheon at sunrise. The city’s Baroque fountains and cobblestone streets feel like a private movie set before the rest of the world wakes up.
Explore the Trastevere neighborhood: Cross the river to explore this medieval maze of ivy-clad buildings and local artisan shops. It is the perfect place to get lost before settling into a family-run trattoria like Da Enzo al 29 for authentic Roman pasta.
Private after-hours Colosseum visit: Experience the Colosseum without the daytime heat or noise through a specialized evening tour. Seeing the arena floor under the moonlight offers a hauntingly beautiful perspective on ancient history.
Picnic in the Villa Borghese Gardens: Escape the urban bustle in Rome’s most elegant public park, which houses the world-class Galleria Borghese. Rent a rowboat on the lake or simply enjoy a quiet moment under the umbrella pines.
The Aventine Keyhole & Orange Garden: Head to the Aventine Hill to peek through the famous Knights of Malta keyhole for a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Dome. Afterward, relax in the nearby Giardino degli Aranci for one of the best panoramic sunsets in the city.
Vatican Museum early entry: Secure a VIP early-access ticket to enter the Vatican Museums before the general public. This allows you to stand in the Sistine Chapel in near-silence, appreciating Michelangelo’s masterpiece as it was intended.
Bike the Appian Way (Via Appia Antica): Spend a Sunday cycling along one of the world’s oldest roads, lined with ancient catacombs and crumbling Roman tombs. It’s a refreshing way to see the Roman countryside while staying within the city limits.
Professional pasta-making class: Go beyond just eating and learn the art of the perfect cacio e pepe or carbonara from a local chef. These hands-on workshops often include a visit to a local market to source seasonal ingredients.
Places to eat & drink in Rome
Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina: Part deli, part restaurant, this legendary spot is widely considered to serve the best carbonara in the city. It’s an essential stop for high-quality Italian ingredients and a quintessential Roman atmosphere.
Da Enzo al 29: A beloved, no-frills trattoria in Trastevere known for its authentic Roman classics like cacio e pepe and fried carciofi alla giudia. Be prepared to wait, as this tiny spot is a favorite for locals and travelers alike.
The Court: Located at Palazzo Manfredi, this sophisticated cocktail bar offers a front-row seat to the Colosseum. It is the ultimate destination for a high-end “La Dolce Vita” aperitivo experience as the sun sets.
Armando al Pantheon: Family-run since 1961, this historic restaurant sits just steps from the Pantheon and manages to remain authentic despite its famous location. The quinto quarto (offal) dishes and traditional pastas are prepared with meticulous care.
Drink Kong: A neon-lit, futuristic cocktail bar that has consistently ranked among the world’s best. It’s the perfect place for those looking to escape the ancient world for a night of avant-garde mixology and “Instinct” cocktails.
Aroma: For a true splurge, this Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant offers an unparalleled fine-dining experience directly overlooking the Colosseum. The tasting menu by Chef Giuseppe Di Iorio is a masterclass in modern Mediterranean cuisine.
Pierluigi: Rome’s most glamorous seafood institution, featuring a massive outdoor terrace in a quiet piazza. It’s the go-to spot for fresh catches, a massive wine list, and high-profile people-watching.
Freni e Frizioni: A former mechanic’s shop turned high-energy cocktail bar located right by the river in Trastevere. It is famous for its vibrant street-side atmosphere and one of the best “buffet-style” aperitivos in the city.
Need to know
Master the aperitivo: Most bars in Rome offer aperitivo between 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. When you buy a drink, you’ll often get access to a buffet or a plate of snacks, making it the perfect way to transition from sightseeing to dinner.
Dress code for churches: To enter St. Peter’s Basilica or the Pantheon, you must have your shoulders and knees covered. It is a good idea to carry a light scarf in your bag during the summer to quickly drape over yourself before entering sacred sites.
Validate your transit tickets: If you take the bus or tram, buying a ticket isn’t enough—you must validate it in the small machines on board. Failure to do so can result in a steep on-the-spot fine, even if you have a physical ticket in hand.
Drink from the “Nasoni”: Don’t keep buying plastic water bottles. Rome has over 2,000 curved-spout fountains called nasoni, providing free, cold, high-quality drinking water. It’s an ancient Roman luxury that is still perfectly functional today.
The “Coperto” charge: When dining out, don’t be surprised by a small charge (usually €2–€4) on your bill labeled “coperto.” This is a standard cover charge for bread and table service, so there is no need to tip excessively on top of it.
Book major sites weeks ahead: For 2026, demand remains at an all-time high. You should secure tickets for the Vatican Museums and the Borghese Gallery at least 3–4 weeks before your arrival to avoid being shut out.
Morning coffee etiquette: If you drink your coffee standing at the bar, it usually costs about €1.50. If you sit at a table in a popular piazza, the price can triple or quadruple due to the “service” and the view.
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