Curator’s statement
Rome holds a special place in my heart. There’s something magical about walking along cobblestone streets while ancient civilization unfolds around you—from the historic Jewish Quarter to Trastevere’s bohemian charm and the elegant Spanish Steps. These iconic landmarks are just the beginning. What truly makes Rome extraordinary are the nuances and hidden gems that transform it into an explorer’s dream. Beyond the Colosseum and Vatican, there are secret courtyards tucked behind unmarked doors, family-run trattorias serving recipes passed down through generations, and quiet piazzas where locals gather for their morning espresso. Every corner reveals layers of history—Renaissance palaces built atop medieval foundations, which themselves rest on ancient Roman ruins. Rome rewards those who wander with curiosity. It’s a city that demands you slow down, get lost intentionally, and discover your own treasures. Whether it’s stumbling upon a Caravaggio in an unassuming church, finding the perfect cacio e pepe in a neighborhood osteria, or watching the golden light bathe the Tiber at sunset, Rome offers endless moments of discovery. This is why I return again and again, and why I love sharing its secrets with my clients—there’s always something new to uncover in the Eternal City.
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Things to do in Rome
Trastevere, Rome's sweet bohemian neighborhood
Embrace the Roman pace: Walk at a leisurely tempo through the city. When you get tired, duck into an il bar (coffee shop) and sip an espresso standing up like a true Italian. Don’t forget to leave €1 in the cup for caffè sospeso—the beautiful Roman tradition of buying a coffee for someone who cannot afford one, paying kindness forward.
Piazza Navona Underground: Stadio di Domiziano—This UNESCO World Heritage Site reveals the ancient stadium buried beneath the iconic piazza. It’s a perfect example of how Romans built layer upon layer throughout history, creating the city we see today.
Galleria Colonna: Stroll through this stunning baroque palazzo, one of Rome’s most opulent private art collections, filled with masterpieces and gilded splendor.
Villa Borghese: Walk or bike through Rome’s most beloved park, then make your way to Passeggiata del Pincio for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city spread at your feet.
Borghetto Flaminio Market: If you’re in Rome on a weekend, visit this sprawling flea market packed with magical vintage finds, antiques, and local treasures.
National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia: Discover the fascinating pre-Roman civilization that shaped much of central Italy. The collection is extraordinary and often overlooked by tourists.
Jewish Quarter and Portico of Octavia: Wander this historic neighborhood and visit the Great Synagogue of Rome. The area is filled with fabulous cafés and restaurants serving Roman-Jewish cuisine like carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style artichokes). Don’t miss the hidden courtyard of Palazzo Mattei, a serene gem tucked away from most tourists.
Trastevere: Cross the Tiber via the Ponte Garibaldi bridge and lose yourself in Trastevere’s quaint, winding streets. This bohemian neighborhood is perfect for aimless wandering, aperitivo, and soaking in the Roman atmosphere.
Appian Way & Catacombs: Take an electric bike tour outside the ancient city walls along the Via Appia Antica, one of Rome’s oldest roads. Explore the haunting catacombs and cycle past umbrella pines, ancient ruins, and countryside that looks much like it did 2,000 years ago.
Places to eat & drink in Rome
Roman Farmer's Market, where food dreams begin!
Centro Storico (Historic center, Pantheon area)
Ristorante Trattoria Antonio al Pantheon: Usually has a line, so I like to skip breakfast and arrive right when they open at noon. The cacio e pepe and tiramisu are absolute musts.
Ristorante Pancrazio dal 1922: Classic Roman cuisine served in a refined 18th-century salon with an ancient vaulted cellar. The atmosphere alone is worth the visit.
Mariuccia: To die for pizza. Make a reservation beforehand—this place fills up quickly.
Clorofilla Cucina & Distillati: A beautiful restaurant with spectacular cocktails and exceptional carbonara. Don’t skip dessert here. Have your concierge make a reservation. It’s best for dinner.
Baccano: High-ceilinged brasserie and cocktail bar with a more contemporary menu. The tableside tiramisu is delightful. Make reservations. I love this spot for a late dinner as they’re open until midnight.
Il Bar della Musa: Cocktail and oyster bar with vaulted frescoed ceilings. A perfect pre-dinner stop or nightcap on your way home. Open until midnight.
Gnocco Osteria Alla Scrofa: Light, amazing gnocchi. If it’s artichoke (carciofo) season, order it Roman-style—one of life’s most affirming culinary moments. Don’t miss this.
Rosina Cucina di Casa: In the mood for risotto? This is your spot. Since risotto isn’t traditionally Roman, you won’t find it on classic Roman menus elsewhere. Open from noon to 11 pm.
Wisdome Club: Opens at 6 pm. Have a bespoke cocktail and get a tattoo in this old-fashioned, wood-paneled, sophisticated saloon. Truly one-of-a-kind.
Babette: Beautiful courtyard (make sure you request it) and very pleasant, accommodating staff. It’s also woman-owned, which I love supporting. Open from 9:30 am to 11:30 pm.
Spagna, Piazza de Spagna area
Ginger: My hot spot for breakfast: smoothies, bowls, and Selezioni Prosciutto e Salumi (my husband’s favorite). I really only recommend this for breakfast, though it’s open all day (9:30 am–11:30 pm).
Cielo Rooftop: My go-to for lunch. Delicious scallops and spectacular views of Rome. Alternatively, visit at sunset for an aperitivo with a view.
Hotel de Russie: Have your concierge make a reservation for their fantastic Sunday brunch. Or stop in for expensive-but-worth-it cocktails, or try an affogato (gelato with a shot of espresso, topped with whiskey or bourbon). This will set you back €60–70, but basking in the beautiful garden makes it well worth the splurge.
Trastevere
Da Etta: Great wine list and charming atmosphere make this a gem. Open from 8 am to midnight, so you can visit any time of day.
Vanda: Here’s where you can enjoy the final of your three essential Roman pastas: the beloved amatriciana. Charming setting with an extensive wine list.
Ditta Trinchetti: Delightful small trattoria known for their Spaghetti Burro e Alici del Cantabrico (butter and Cantabrian anchovies). Only open for dinner, so make a reservation ahead of time.
Supplì: Rome’s perfect street food snack
When you’re exploring Rome’s cobblestone streets and find yourself craving a small bite between meals, skip the mediocre tourist pizza and seek out the city’s beloved street food treasure: supplì. These golden-fried rice balls—crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside—are filled with ragù and mozzarella that stretch into delicious “telephone wires” when you bite in (hence their nickname, supplì al telefono).
Portable, satisfying, and quintessentially Roman, supplì are the ideal fuel for a day of sightseeing. Here are some of the best spots to find them, conveniently located near major attractions:
Supplì Rome: Trastevere Perfect for an afternoon snack while wandering this charming neighborhood’s narrow streets.
Supplizio: Near Piazza Navona A quick detour from the piazza’s Baroque splendor for some of Rome’s finest supplì, with creative variations alongside the classic.
La Prezzemolina: Near the Colosseum Grab one before or after visiting the ancient amphitheater—a much better option than the overpriced cafés nearby.
I Supplì dei Coronari: Centro Storico Tucked into the historic center, ideal for refueling during a day of monument-hopping.
Pro tip: Eat them while they’re hot for the full molten-cheese experience.
Need to know
What to pack
Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable: You’ll walk miles on cobblestones and ancient streets.
Wool socks: Best for keeping feet warm in the cooler months.
Canvas tote bag: For all the treasures and spontaneous market finds.
Light jacket and scarf: Rome’s weather can be unpredictable. Layers are your friend.
Compact umbrella: If rain is in the forecast, you’ll be glad you brought one
Smart planning
Pro Tip: Use Google Maps’ saved lists: Mark every spot you want to visit and save them under “Travel Plans.” Those little green flags will be your best navigation aid as you wander.
Bring a portable battery pack: If you’re out all day, your phone will thank you.
Book dinner reservations in advance: Have your hotel concierge reserve tables for dinner, especially anywhere with a view. One day ahead is usually sufficient.
Tickets and tours
Always book skip-the-line tickets for the Sistine Chapel and other major sites. The time you save is worth every cent.
Book tours through trusted sources: Reach out for a vetted list of excellent tour operators (having done many, I can steer you toward the best.)
Getting around
Rome has an easy-to-use metro and bus system. Simply tap your phone’s wallet at the turnstile or on the bus—no need to fumble with tickets. If you find yourself exhausted and far from your hotel, open Google Maps, select “public transportation” in directions, and let Rome’s transit take you home.
Embrace the meander: Shy away from obviously touristy spots. Trust that as you wander, you’ll stumble upon everything worth seeing. Rome rewards the curious wanderer.
Do your homework: If you have time before departure (or on the plane), pick up Mary Beard’s SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome. You don’t want to stroll past “just another ruin” only to later discover you were standing on the exact spot where Julius Caesar was assassinated. Context transforms rubble into history.
Learn a few Italian phrases: Romans are genuinely polite and appreciate it when visitors make an effort, even imperfectly:
Grazie – Thank you
Buongiorno – Good morning/Hello (daytime)
Buonasera – Good evening
Arrivederci – Goodbye
Salve / Ciao – Hello (informal)
Quanto costa? – How much does it cost?
Dov'è il bagno? – Where is the bathroom?
Piacere – Nice to meet you
Don’t worry about perfect pronunciation. Italians find it endearing when you try, and they’re wonderfully helpful and encouraging. Stumble through with a smile—it’s part of the charm.
Travel Advisor
Christina Helm
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