8 Best Things To Feel The True Taste Of Rome
Do it like the Romans and you don’t have to live 100 years.
Oh, how sweet life is while sipping an Aperol spritz, watching the sunshine, and waiting for the nigh buzz to start…
Rome is one of the few cities in the world where modern and ancient meet, go for a drink and leave you mesmerized on the front step of your home.
Rome is the place where you can find anything and everything without even looking. I am not even joking. Beauty strikes you from every corner and there is nothing more amazing than knowing that in this city you can be free, happy, and independent.
I spent the past two years in Rome flipping every stone and exploring every street and here are my best tips for first-time visitors who don’t want to miss anything but yet want to feel Italian.
- Don’t skip breakfast
Never skip breakfast, especially not in Rome. Depending on your location try to find a local bakery/coffee shop and have espresso and cornetto while standing on the bar. Breakfast is meant to be fast and fuel you with energy until lunch so doesn’t spend too much time looking and googling for places.
2. Start at the Colosseum
Rome is not only the Colosseum and this is one of the most touristic things you can ever do but why do you even bother to go to Rome without snapping that picture in front of this magnificent giant. You can opt to go inside for a tour but please buy tickets beforehand or pay the more expensive skip the line tickets or don’t bother at all.
2. Skip Via del Corso
Via del Corso is the main street that connects Piazza Venezia and Piazza del Popolo but it is overcrowded, dark, you risk of being robbed and there isn’t much to be seen. Instead, when you arrive at Piazza Venezia, enter the monument and climb on the highest point (there is an elevator for this, worth the wait and the price). The view from the top of Piazza Venezia is breathtaking and from there you can see Via del Corso, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, Colosseum, and much more. For all Instagram models, this picture is a must.
3. Get lost
Yes, I am serious. The true beauty of Rome is in its tiny streets and little known stores and restaurants. Once you are at Piazza Venezia turn left towards Largo di Torre Argentina (the place where historians believe Caesar was killed) and once you arrive at this huge place stay in calm for a few minutes and admire the view, hey you don’t see the place where one of the most famous Roman’s died every day. Once done with the break take one of the streets opposite the ruins and wander around. Eventually, these streets will take you to the Pantheon so have this in mind as your final destination for this step but don’t be afraid to explore, take pictures, and admire the scenery.
4. Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and lunchtime
After wandering the streets you will eventually arrive at the Pantheon. Leave your GPS at home and feel free to ask people on the street for directions. Pantheon entrance is free, you have an amazing piazza in front of it and the famous Roman street fountains. Don’t be afraid to drink this water, it is safe, tasty, and refreshing. From Pantheon ask for directions towards Piazza Navona. The area around Piazza Navona is known for bars and restaurants and small shops. Exit Piazza Navona and indulge in the sweet delight of looking for a place for lunch around this area. Be careful, there are lots of tourist scams so do your homework and search for authentic restaurants that are within your budget. Lunchtime rush hour in Italy is between 1–3 pm so it is a good idea to make a reservation beforehand.
5. Vatican
After lunch, it is time to visit the Vatican. Once you cross the River Tibet you will be welcomed in the warm hug of Piazza San Pietro. Seriously, the piazza is made in such a way that it symbolizes open welcoming arms. Depending on the time of the year and the day and if you wish to visit the museums you need to plan accordingly. Vatican museums are huge and guided tour prices range between 50–100eur so plan your budget, make a reservation before or find out when is the free museum day.
6. Afternoon Aperol and Nightlife
Once done with the Vatican you will be tired so my best treat is Aperol break (you can also order Hugo or Campari Spritz or even a glass of wine, we don’t judge). After your afternoon break, it is time to plan your night. You have seen enough in one day, it is time to go home, take a small break, and go out for dinner, aperitivo, or party.
- If you want to see a bit of Rome nightlife then I recommend going for aperitivo (there is plenty of food for a full meal) and then continue for drinks in Trastevere, Testaccio, Pigneto, Monti.
- If you don’t want to party or go for drinks then choose a rooftop restaurant with a nice selection of vines and pasta and enjoy your slow night. Don’t forget to try Roman artichoke as an appetizer , Cacio e Pepe pasta as second, and Tiramisu for dessert. Prosecco and grappa are compulsory drinks.
7. Villa Borghese and Fontana di Trevi
Day 2 of your Roman experience should start at Piazza di Popolo. After the compulsory breakfast, you can see Villa Borghese (check for tickets in advance). This museum is a must even for people who don’t like art and don’t enjoy museum strolls. The art displayed there is out of this world and the museum is rather small so no more than 2h in here.
The park is mesmerizing as well, with musicians playing on harps, and you can even take a small boat ride on the lake. Worth every single penny and amazing idea if you are ready to tie the knot ;)
After an enjoyable morning at the park, take a stroll from Piazza di Popolo to Piazza di Spagna. Climb the stairs to Trinita Dei Monti, grab a coffee at Caffee del Greco, eat Tiramisu at Pompi, enjoy a nice lunch ar Hotel Della Russe, grab an Aperol, drink tea at Babingtons, or even do some shopping as all luxury stores are located in this area. You have an extensive selection of luxurious hotels and most famous bars and restaurants are situated here so if you want to go that extra mile then this is the place for that. Once done with the extravaganza at Piazza di Spagna head to Fontan di Trevi.
It is a must to throw a coin and make a wish. Whenever in doubt I come here and just look at the grandiose fountain, think for a few minutes, throw a coin and go home in peace. Fontana di Trevi is often overcrowded so you want a good look. There is one small hotel with a rooftop bar called Relais Hotel e Roof Top which offers the BEST view of Fontana di Trevi. If you are ready to pay 10eur for a glass of prosecco and enjoy an amazing view then this is the place for you.
8. Don’t count the carbs
Italy is all about the food so don’t count the carbs or skip meals. Go and try pasta, pizza, gelato, Parmiganno, mozzarella, supli, tiramisu, wine, cocktails… The beauty is in the flavors and the more the merrier.
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We take separate ways from here but this is not the end. My guide is small and takes into consideration only the most famous parts or Rome but there is so much more to be seen and done.
Here are some extra tips:
- Sunset at Giradino delli Aranci
- Keyhole at Knights of Malta Piazza
- Castel Sant’Angelo
- Tivoli
- Designer outlet Castel Romano
- Piazza Republica
- Via Nazionale
- Drinks with view of the Colloseum
- Castel Gandolfo
- Tiber Island
- Up Sunset Bar — Rinascente
- Basilica San Paolo
- Rose Gardens
- Circo Masimo
- San Giovani neighborhood
- Campidoglio
- Campo de’ Fiori
…and much more.
Have you visited Rome? Do you have your tips or hidden gems to share with us? Feel free to share your experience in the comments below.
