🇮🇹Roma | All My Favorite Places + Experiences

🇮🇹Roma | All My Favorite Places + Experiences

Ah, Rome! The eternal city, a shimmering gem that forever enchants my heart as my first true home away from home. In the vibrant spring of 2019, I danced through the streets of Rome during my Erasmus adventure, marking a pivotal chapter in my life. It was my inaugural leap beyond the familiar borders of my home state, and in those sun-kissed days, I discovered the essence of travel that ultimately wove my path to Thatch✨ This guide is a treasure trove of the places and experiences that shaped that enchanting time, forever altering the lens through which I see the world. It’s all about forging connections with the land, the people, and the rich culture that makes travel truly authentic. As you journey through this guide, you’ll also pick up useful Italian phrases to sprinkle into your travels! Embrace the charming Duolingo Bird and learn a few expressions before you go. For a deeper dive into the local lingo, I recommend Word Reference—it’s perfect for uncovering those regional gems and situational nuances. Happy travels!
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Cibo (Food)🍝

💡Pro Tip: Try to avoid all the restaurants that are fairly close to the historical sites as the food is less likely to taste as good, and you will usually be charged tourist prices. There is a lot or great food in Rome, chose the path of least resistance for the best food and experience!

Pasta Imperiale
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This lovely gem of a spot has €5 pasta that you can ask for porta via (takeaway) to have a sit in front of Piazza Navona (about a 5 min walk away) and people watch. Or simply have on the go as you get lost through the gorgeous winding alleyways of the city.
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Da Edy
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This quaint little spot is locally owned, giving you that slow Italian dining experience that is the beating heart of Rome. I recommend to book this spot one night on your trip! After dinner, indulge in the beauty of Rome at night with an evening stroll! La Piazza da Spagna is very close by-- usually madness during the day, the evening it is just as beautiful, arguably more so after the sunsets.
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Osteria da Fortunata
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This is a great spot to try the traditional Roman dish Carbonara. This simple, but rich speciality is commonly made throughout Rome and holds a particularly profound history. I encourage you to ask your cameriere (waiter) at the restaurant about its' interesting history!
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Fratelli de Luca - Salad&Juice BAR (Prati)
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This is a great option for all my carb sensitive friends that might need some extra fiber in their day while they are "roaming" through the city!
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Benso 215
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Located just around the corner from the Colosseo, this is a great spot for a quick meal or a lounge in the sun for a coffee or un aperitivo!
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La Biga Ristoracaffé Wine Food
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Grab a quick coffee or adult beverage at this cafe for one of the most iconic views of the city! This is a great idea after you have had a tour or a walk through of the Colosseo (Colosseum) or Foro Romano (Roman Forum) as you will likely need a bit of a pick me up at that point in the day!
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Escosazio
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If you need a little break from all the carbs and cheese, this little cafe is the perfect spot for a smoothie or fresh made salad!
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Caffè Delle Commari
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This unassuming little spot has a killer €10 pizza, birra, e caffè deal! This was such a go-to as a young student in the city, located just outside of the Vatican walls.
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Ristorante Sant'Elena
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This is a lovely hidden spot that I frequented during my time in Rome. They have a rotating menu of seasonal specialities that always made the dining experience fresh and exciting every time I dined here. You can book ahead of time under "prenota" on the website below!
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Caffè e gelato (coffee & gelato)☕️🍨

💡Pro Tip: If you order anything besides an espresso past noon, the barista will know you're a tourist! 

Cafe Faggiani
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This was one of my favorites to frequent in my neighborhood of Prati! You can often times find Romans enjoying card games, reading the paper, or simply chatting over a glass of wine in the afternoon :)
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Il Gianfornaio
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This is the caffè that I went to every morning on my way to school! It is a local chain in Rome that has everything from colazione, pranzo, e vino (breakfast, lunch, & wine). At just €3.50, you can get un cappuccino e un cornetto alla crema (croissant with sweet cream) for your morning jaunt through the neighborhood of Prati!
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Castroni
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This was my favorite local shop and caffè in my neighborhood when I was living in Rome. There is such a wide array of treats, pastas, dried fruits, anything you can think of! This is a great spot to pick up some travel goodies that are flight friendly. Plus, you can order a cappuccino or an espresso before you shop!
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Sciascia Caffè 1919
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This is a must if you are in the Prati neighborhood! This caffè has become an iconic staple of since 1919, surviving the March on Rome in 1922, the rise of fascism in Italy, the birth of the Republic in 1946, and contemporary economic and political change in Rome. Over a century of connecting with tourists and locals through the ritual of creating and drinking really amazing coffee, Sciascia Caffé is certainly a stop I recommend while in Rome!
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Giolitti
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This lovely gelateria and caffè is perfectly located just short walk away from the Pantheon and the Fontana di Trevi! I recommend grabbing 2 scoops of your favorite flavors (i miei preferiti sono pistacchio e nocciola// my favorites are pistachio & hazelnut) and head towards the Pantheon first. You cannot take the gelato in, but the walk is just enough time to fill your belly with sweets before you enter.
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Neve di Latte
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This gelateria is just located outside of Piazza Cavour, which houses La Procura Generale della Cassazione (The General Prosecutor's Office of the Supreme Court). I recommend to grab your gelato and sit under the palm trees to admire the beautiful architecture of the La Cassazione :)
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Gli aperitivi (Pre-dinner drinks)🍷

Harry's Bar
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If you are a film lover, Harry's Bar is a must for you! Harry's Bar gained international fame when director Federico Fellini used the bar for a scene in his blockbuster hit La Dolce Vita (1960). Frequented by celebs, this is a high end, cash only bar that is worth the treat!
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Beer Time
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This local little pub is the perfect stop for all my beer lovers on holiday in the city! This was also a place that I visited often in Prati that makes you feel like a local enjoying a drink in the city-- I even have a t-shirt from this place! The taps are always rotating so be sure to ask the bartender about the local brews on tap.
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Oppio Caffè
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This is an iconic spot in the city to grab un aperitivo! Nothing better than a Spritz and a snack before your evening venture or afternoon pick me up after touring the Colosseo :)
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I miei posti preferiti a Roma (My favorite places in Rome)💌

💡Pro Tip: Avoid the people that sell flowers in the major piazzas in the city. They will try to give you a flower and then ask you to pay when you take it--best to gently avoid that situation entirely.

Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini
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A quick hike beyond the Vatican City, Piazza Guiseppe Garibaldi holds one of the most stunning views of Rome! There are usually snack and drink carts at the top to relax after the inclined walk.
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Pifebo Vintage Shop
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If you are near to the Colosseo, definitely pop into this vintage store! One of my absolute favorites in all of the city; such a great spot to grab a unique gift for yourself. You might even find some rare vintage Italian treasures :)
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Giardinetto del Monte Oppio
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This is one of my personal favorite views of the Colosseo! Off to the right, you have the Foro Romano (Roman Forum) and the Domus Aurea (Golden House) off to your left, and the Colosseo up close and personal. There is also a lovely caffè and ristorante if you fancy a glass of wine or an espresso!
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Parco della Mole Adriana
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Located within the walls of Castel Sant'Angelo, this peaceful little park is the perfect spot for a quiet picnic on a sunny day! Pop into Pam Local or Carrefour Market on your way towards Fiume Tevere (Tiber River) to grab some bites, or grab a porta via (takeaway) from a local caffè to enjoy this lovely park!
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La Saletta karaoke
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If you are feeling cheeky, this is quite the karaoke bar! Always a good night out, fantastic for people watching and getting a taste of the locals music taste.
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Kimi Te Jewels
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This is a lovely local jeweler that I bought a very special gift at before I left the city. I would highly recommend buying from places like quaint shops like this one while you're in the city--best to avoid all the tourist traps around the major historical sites and look out for local shops like Kimi Te Jewels!
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Piazza Navona
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Take note of the size of this Piazza, does this allude to anything you might recognize? This Piazza was once used was the Stadio di Domiziano, Stadium of Domitian, built by the Emperor himself in 85 AD. This stunning Piazza also holds the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fountain of Four Rivers, depicting art that represents the Nile for Africa, the Danube for Europe, the Ganges for Asia, and the Río de la Plata for the Americas. This beautifully carved obelisk represents the reach of the Rome Empire in the height of it's rule-- see if you can figure out which corner represents which river!
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Piazza del Popolo
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This is my favorite Piazza in all of Rome. It holds the original gates into the city opposite of the three roads that lead to Piazza di Spagna, Colosseo, e Vaticano. This is a very historical spot in the city in addition to the lovely people watching. There is often live music at sunset, along with a gentleman who lifts these insanely huge bubbles into the evening sky!
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Terrazza del Pincio
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Overlooking Piazza Del Popolo, this is a lovely view of the city looking towards the Vaticano. These steps will also lead you into one of the many entrances into the Giardini di Villa Borghese
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Campo de' Fiori
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Open Monday-Saturday 7:00-14:00, this local open air market offers all the fresh cheese, meat cuts, fruits, nuts, etc. you could ever want to make the most stunning charcuterie board of your dreams. I recommend chatting with some of the vendors to maybe get the chance to try out some of the food and get their insights on the food culture in Rome. Campo de' Fiori (Field of Flowers) also holds a very interesting history. As one of the only historic Piazzas without a church, this used to be known as the execution square during the Medieval Era. An interesting background on it's very modern day, light hearted name and atmosphere!
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Buco della serratura dell’Ordine di Malta
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The Aventine Keyhole is one of the only places in the world where you can see three countries at once! Through this keyhole you can see Italy, The Vatican City, and Malta. The Knights of Malta are a religious military order whose property enjoys extraterritorial status. The property has been in the Knights of Malta's hands since the 1400s. Look for an aged green door that will more than likely have a large queue in front of it, you are in the right spot! You might have to wait a while to gaze upon this sight, but I promise it is worth the wait!
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Frascati
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For an easy €8 and a quick train ride outside of Rome, you can indulge in the quaint town of Frascati! Located 20 kilometres (12 miles) south-east of Rome, on the Alban Hills close to the ancient city of Tusculum, Frascati is the perfect day trip outside of the bustling Metropolitan City. There are lovely winery experiences and rich history that lay in the Alban Hills!
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💡 Pro Tip: Below you will find the experience that I did through Airbnb that is to this day, one of the best travel experiences that I got to share with my parents & siblings when they came to visit during my study abroad

💡Pro Tip: Be sure to check the weather when planning your experiences to maximize your time outside when the weather is lovely and museum tours when it's rainy or too cold! Even though Rome is stunning no matter the weather, this will make all the difference in your experience!

La storia della città (History of the city)📖

💡Pro Tip: When visiting the higher traffic areas of Rome, I suggest going early in the morning, or later in the evening when night falls. Rome at night is really enchanting! Definitely have an evening jaunt through the Vatican City at night✨ 

Galleria Borghese
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Located in Giardini di Villa Borghese in Rome, Galleria Borghese is my favorite museum in the city. Off the beaten path of the regular touristic spots, this museum offers a more quiet space to indulge in Italian art. This museum also holds many Bernini statues and Caravaggio paintings, two of my favorite artists of the Baroque period.
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Vatican Necropolis
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This is one of the best gems in all of Rome, hidden just below one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, St. Peters Basilica. Such an incredible experience, this Necropolis (city of the dead) was discovered during WWII and kept secret from Mussolini. The excavators avoided using power tools to keep their secret under wraps, resulting in incredible preservation of the site. It is also rumored that the bones of Saint Peter himself lay hidden in the Necropolis! You do not want to miss out on this amazing historical experience. In order to book, visit the link below with plenty of time prior to your departure for your trip.
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💡 Pro Tip: For smaller, guided tour that is off the beaten path of the usual Vatican tour, I recommend the tour below! The view from the top of the Dome is one of the most stunning and iconic of the whole city. This tour will dive into the intricate details of the mosaics, alter, and the artwork in the Basilica before ascending the Dome to one of the most special views in the whole of the Eternal City!

Vatican Museums
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Always refer to the official website to buy the right ticket for entry into the Museums, I have attached the link below! There are many options for ticket packages available for Vatican, but I will link some below that could be suitable for small and larger parties. Even though the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica hosts 5 million tourist per year, this is truly such an incredible sight to be held. Embedded with rich and layered history, stunning architecture, and jaw dropping frescos and paintings, this is an experience that you must have in Rome!
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💡Pro Tip: The last Sunday of every month, there is free entry for those who qualify! Check out the website for more information above. 

💡Pro Tip: I do HIGHLY recommend booking a skip the line or a guided tour through the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Basilica, etc. because of the layered, rich history that is embedded into every single corner of the Vatican City. You do not want to miss out on the chance to uncover the centuries of historical and cultural change that comprises the Vatican City as one of the most visited tourist sites in all of the world! 

Gardens of Vatican City
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This is one of the most serene places in all of the city. With vast gardens that lay just beyond the Basilica, I would recommend that you either start and end your day with a jaunt through the gardens. Maybe even have a picnic in the gardens over looking the Vatican city.
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💡Pro Tip: I highly recommend the Vatican Gardens, such a hidden gem in the city! Below you will find a tour package that includes the Garden and the Basilica at an incredible rate. 

Colosseo
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A Wonder of the World, the Colosseo is a must see in Rome! Depending on the time of year, you will want to beat the crowds as much as you can by going early to the site. You will definitely want to get tickets in advance and often times tickets will come with entrance to the Foro Romano, be sure to plan our day with enough time to see all that ancient Rome has to offer!
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💡Pro Tip: The Colosseo is definitely a site you will want to visit in Rome. This is one experience that you want to book in advance as it is a high traffic site in the city. Below you will find two very unique tours that will make your visit unforgettable! 

Baths of Caracalla
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Built during 212-216 A.D., Terme di Caracalla (Baths of Caracalla) is one of the most presevered bathhouse in all of Rome. They were built as an area to socialize, relax, a place for recreation, and a therapeutic center of wellness, much like our modern day spa!
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Via Appia Antica
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The Via Appia Antica, built in 312 BCE, is one of the oldest surviving roads in the world! Once stretching 600 km (about 373 miles) from Rome towards the south-east of Italy, the Roman Empire used for strategic military and economic movement back in ancient times. In contemporary times, only about 16 km (10 miles) remains on the once great road. This is a road truly riddled with history that I recommend as a must see while on your Roman holiday!
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💡Pro Tip: For my more adventurous travelers, take a bike tour down the Via Appia Antica, the oldest and most important roads in all of Roman Empire!

Domus Aurea
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If you really want to unlock the history of Rome, the Domus Aurea is a great, off the beaten path experience to start with! Located just next to the Colosseo, the Domus Aurea was built by Emperor Nero after the Great Fire of 64 AD. Nero set out to build a vast architectural wonder in the heart of ancient Rome over 300 acres. Buried under new buildings after his death in 68 AD, you will want to be sure to wear a jacket during this tour as the temperature year round sits 10 Celsius (50 F) with 100% humidity!
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This is just a fraction of all the experiences I have to share about this city that I hold so dear. Thinking about booking a trip to Rome soon? Book a consult with me today ⤵️

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Exploring new cities one meal at a time🥖😋 My passion for people, culture, history, and food has brought me to Thatch to share my experiences with you ✨ The best way to get to know a city is to eat your way through it! My curated travel guides help you travel on a budget and hone in on the experiences that await you. ✈️ What I am a great fit for: New & mature travelers, solo travelers, families, and travelers looking for an authentic travel experience that include history, food, wine, & unique sites away from the touristic hot spots. 🚫 What I am not a good fit for: Travelers looking for high end or all inclusive travel experiences. Additionally, I have personal experience in attaining higher education abroad while simultaneously making time to travel and enjoy my host country. I am here to help you maximize your educational experience while spending the weekends exploring the your new home and the surrounding cultures and countries. I am available to hire for consultations that include general travel aspirations, and to aid the student visa process and talk through the scholarships and loan opportunities that are available to you based on your individual needs. You can get in touch with me via email cortneyvanwilpe64@gmail.com to make your travel dreams come true today💌
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