A perfect afternoon in Rome
Whilst I'm a big breakfast fan, this guide doesn't include any particular places, as it depends on where in the city you are staying. My local bar serves delicious 'danesi' and 'faggottini' pastries, so they're my go to. After a lovely pastry paired with a cappuccino, you are ready for the day!
Make your way to the centre, to Piazza di Spagna to be exact, and take it all in. This vast square is a chaotic sea of people, but the Spanish Steps are not to be missed. At the top of the steps you can see Trinità dei Monti church (we'll be up here after lunch), and behind you is via condotti, a street boasting flashy designer shops.
At 1pm the doors to our first food stop open up. Get there for 12:45 if you are starving, as this place is never without a queue at lunchtime (although it moves quickly). Pastificio Guerra is a small takeaway pasta spot that has two options per day - one meat option - one veggie option - for only €4.50! The options of the day are not announced, it's a surprise for when it's your turn to order.
Once you have your pasta, head outside, turn right and continue past Versace. You'll arrive to a set of stairs up to the right (Rampa di San Sebastianello). Take them and you're up above Piazza di Spagna once again, head to the left and you'll see a quieter area where you can eat with a dreamy view!
Once you've finished, you can go for a look into Trinità dei Monti. Take in the view from the entrance of the church and then head down the Spanish Steps. Once down, you can continue straight down via condotti, or any of the streets parallel to it. At the end of these streets, you'll find yourself on via del corso, Rome's main shopping street. Wander down here towards the Vittoriano (at the very end of the street).
Time for a coffee! Head towards Piazza della Rotonda (Pantheon) and feast your eyes upon the Pantheon! Book in advance if you want to visit the inside, which is well worth the visit. Just off the square, you'll see a sign for Tazza d'Oro - which is where you can get an espresso, or whatever coffee you wish. In the summer months, this place is great for a granita with cream, which you can enjoy with a view!
Next on the list is a stop off at the church 'Sant'Ignazio di Loyola'. This church is a gem just around the corner from the Pantheon. This church is particular as its dome is painted to appear as a dome, when in fact it is flat. You'll also find a mirror to allow you to see the intricate ceiling fresco. Just beautiful!
Next stop is a favourite of mine - Piazza di Pietra. A temple tucked away in an unassuming square. There are a few bars to sit and enjoy this view with a caffé or a spritz (Salotto 42), or you may want to go inside (it isn't always open, but it's free entry).
While you're in the area, why not have one of the best gelato that Rome has to offer? You are just a five minute walk away from Giolitti - a historic gelateria tucked away. Patience is needed here, as there is usually quite the queue, but the wait is worth the gelato.
Alternatively, you could head towards the Trastevere neighbourhood, which is where you can enjoy Rome's vibrant restaurant and bar scene.
My personal favourite is to head towards Campidoglio (panoramic viewpoint from Piazzale Caffarelli, and then making my way to the Monti neighbourhood to end the day with a drink in Piazza Madonna dei Monti or Piazza degli Zingari.
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