Rome: The Eternal City Without Eternal Waits

• A cooking class is a must! A cooking class is such a fun way to learn something new, create delicious food, and also experience so much culture in a matter of a couple hours. There are options to make pizza, pasta, and even tiramisu. Some even pair with wine! It’s definitely a versatile activity—great for a romantic evening or just a creative activity with the kids.

• See the Colosseum! An after-hours guided tour of the Colosseum, including the underground, is hands down the ultimate way to see this iconic landmark! Visiting at night means fewer crowds, better temperatures, and a more intimate experience. Stepping into the underground where the gladiators once awaited their moment of glory is unforgettable, and doing it at night only enhances the experience.

• Skip-the-line ticket to the Vatican. At the time of writing this, 2025, it is the year of the Jubilee, so the Vatican is especially crowded. The Vatican is one of those places you can do without a guide because there’s so much information readily available. I recommend buying your skip-the-line tickets in advance and don’t plan anything that day in a hurry.

• Walking is truly one of the best “activities” you can do in Rome. The city is so walk-able and there’s so much you miss if you’re not paying attention. My favorite is the walk from Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, to the Piazza Navona. If this sounds like too much walking for you, hire a golf cart tour! It’s hard for regular cars to navigate these narrow streets plus all the tourists (it gets crowded). The golf cart is a great way to see it all and give your feet a break!

• Shopping! Between your monument visits, check out all the stores along the way. There are so many genuine leather bags, beautiful shoe stores, wine and olive oil stores, and more along the way. I recommend the five-story Rinascente shopping plaza with high-end boutiques like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc. When you are done shopping, head to the rooftop Terrazza e bar Rinascente for a bottle of wine or your choice of spritz while looking out over Rome. They have some light bites on the menu too if you work up an appetite while shopping.

Food

• Osteria il Botticelli Roma is in the neighborhood of Trastevere, one of the best neighborhoods for your authentic Rome food experience. Great pasta dishes and outside seating for that perfect evening out!

• La Pergola: A Michelin-starred restaurant inside the Rome Cavalieri- A Waldorf Astoria Hotel. The rooftop view alone is worth five stars, but the dining experience is unmatched. The service is wonderful and each dish is curated to perfection.

• Nannarella: They have all your Italian staples at a moderate price. There is seating on the sidewalk, so you get that true Roman feel as the people walk by your table. A great option to swing by for lunch or a quick dinner on your way to your next destination.

• Ristorante Caffe Martini & Rossi: This is a must if you are visiting the Colosseum at night. It has an upscale feel and the patio seating outside yields the most perfect view of the Colosseum. The food was exceptional and the wine selection did not disappoint either.

Cocktails

• Wisdomless Club is a fun speak easy that has perfectly crafted cocktails and a moody, sophisticated atmosphere. This is a great place to visit after dinner to have a nice cocktail before turning in for the night.

• Head over to The Court for beautiful views of the Colosseum lit up at night! You absolutely have to make a reservation in advance, and the highlight here is the view of the Colosseum, not the drinks. I recommend you order the wine as the cocktails were mediocre at best but the views were worth the hefty price tag for drinks.

• Ai Tre Tartufi: A restaurant/bar in the Piazza Navona. After a day of walking from Spanish steps to the Pantheon. Head over to the Piazza Navona for a nice espresso martini or aperol spritz for a little pick-me up while you people watch from your shaded seat outside. They also have a full menu so there’s something for everyone’s preference.