Rome is full of surprises, and there is no shortage of things to do! Here is a guide for some great places to eat, drink, tour and stay while in the Eternal City.
This comprehensive guide includes:
-Roman culture basics
-Great places to eat!
-Parks around the city
-Where to get aperitivo
-Coffee shops + breakfast places
-Historic places to eat and drink
-Coffee bars + cafes
-Recommedations of places to stay
-Farmers' markets
+ BONUS content!
Don't feel pressured to see the whole city in one day, it's important to savor the little moments and take your time exploring the city.
Have more questions or want an more personalized itinerary? book a consultation call with me today!
Best seen at night, (after 9pm) or in the early morning (at sunrise). Pickpocketing is very common at the Trevi so keep your phones out of your back pocket.
Tip: you're not allowed to sit down on the steps at any time! All of the major fashion stores (and streets) are near the Spanish Steps. Via del Corso being the main one.
A must see, but beware of the crowds! And only buy tickets from the official booth or on the official website. There are guys outside trying to sell unofficial "skip the line tickets" don't buy it.
You can buy admission for both The Colosseum and the Forum which can be used within 24 hours, so you can visit one in the evening and one the next morning, that way you can beat the crowds and the heat. Remember that the Colosseum is made of brick and there is no shade, so it's like being in a clay oven at noon or mid afternoon.
Amazing to see morning, afternoon and night, and it's so center to the historic center. It costs around 5 euros to enter, and there is usually a long cue, it's up to you to go inside, it's beautiful but may not be worth the 30 minute plus que. The piazza and foutain outside is also very picturesque.
Piazza Venezia is the piazza that this monument is located. It's about a 10 minute walk from the Colosseum. You can go inside the gates, but it's relly more impressive from the outside. So take a few pictures, but beware or traffic because it's one of the most hectic roundabouts in Rome.
One of my favorite places in Rome. It's the perfect Piazza to visit in the evening after dinner, when the sun goes does. There are great restaurants and bars on the side streets like L'Emporio della Pace, Libera Soon and Enoteca il Piccolo which are detailed below.
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But before you start get to Rome I recommend you...
-purchase international data plan with your phone company, the wifi in Rome is very spotty and you will want your maps and translator app handy
-bring comfortbable but trendy shoes - adidas, reeboks, diadora
-save on google maps the location of your hotel, and keep a written copy handy just in case you have to give it to a taxi driver or need help with direction and your phone dies
-bring a portable phone charger
-exchange USD cash into euros at your bank in the USA before your trip, cash is king in Italy
Roman Basics
Learning simple Italian phrases like ciao (hello), buongiorno (good morning), and buona serata (have a good evening), go a long way!
Don't wear flip flops or loose fitting sandals, your feet will thank you. Plus, a nice pair of sneakers will class up any outfit by Roman standards.
Many stores do close on Sundays (sometimes Mondays after a major holiday) so plan your grocery shopping accordingly.
It's custom to say goodbye and thank you to shop owners and bar owners after leaving an establishment, even if you don't buy something
Great places to eat
You can pretty much grab a meal anywhere in Rome, even the train station. There is casual food like pizza al taglio (by the slice), panini (sandwiches), or supplí (fried mozzerella balls) Here are some of my favorite quick bites in my old neighborhood of Monteverde and Trastevere.
The Santi Brothers' sandwich shop is an AUR student staple lunch spot! You can build your own sandwich from assorted meats and cheeses like prosciutto, mortadella, soppressata, and pecorino, mozzarella di buffala and/or ricotta, just to name a few.
Pizza al taglio is a staple snack or lunch in Rome. Pizza by the slice is cut into squares rather than triangles and priced by weight. I highly recommend grabbing a slice or two (or a few pieces of supplí) before a night out with friends!
Alice is a chain but ingredients are always fresh and delicious. There is bound the be an Alice near you if you are in need of something to eat!
Another great pizza by the slice joint in the heart of Trastevere. They are fast and no nonsense, so order quick as someone behind you might order the slice you had your eye on.
Trappizini (plural of Trapizzino) are small pizza pockets. Pizza bread stuffed with fillings like chicken, meatballs, or eggplant! They usually have a long line for takeout but it is the perfect street food and cheap dinner when you don't feel like spending much!
When you are missing a hearty bagel, or a breakfast sandwich with an iced coffee, Mammò is the place to go! They offer a variety of lunch options including bagels from Beehive Bagels (the same place as the hostel listed above!)
One of the most underrated gelato shops in Rome, and only 5 minute walk from campus. They offer seasonal flavors as well as Roman classics like hazelnut and pistachio!
When you are invited to someone's house it is common to bring a box, or platter of assorted pastries like these! This location is a 15 minute walk from campus and offers coffee, and gelato in the warmer months!
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Parks Around the City
Rome is home to a ton of lovely parks filled with ancient fountains, ponds, running trails and peaceful places to study, or escape the crowds.
One of the most beautiful parks in Rome! Its streets make it the perfect place for a leisurely bike ride and the there are small stands in the middle of the park which sell coffee, wine and juice.
During the summer this is a great place to cook down and find refuge under the large shady trees!
Completely across the city from Villa Borghese, Villa Pamphili is a great place to read, jog or people right down the street from the university. There are multiple entrances and exists and there is a small restaurant in the park!
Located right across the street from AUR, this small park is a great place to take a stroll in between classes or enjoy lunch on one of the park benches!
This overlook is one of the best places to see the entire city of Rome at night!
Gianicolo (Janniculum in English) is a great route to take when walking to the Prati neighborhood!
On the surface, Circo Massimo (Circus Maximus in English) does not look like much but it is an ancient entertainment venue still in use today! Back in Roman times, it was the venue of chariot races, today there are often concert venues built to host modern artists!
From Circo Massimo you are only a few minutes walking from The Colosseum!
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BONUS - Places for Aperitiv0
Aperitivo (pre-meal drink or snack) is how Italians spend the hours between lunch and dinner. It's not exactly happy hour, as it could start as early as 3pm and last until 7pm, Often a spritz, a glass of wine, beer paired with small bites to eat. These are my favorite places to enjoy an aperitivo!
Common aperitivo drinks and food items are...
DRINKS
Prosecco (sparkling wine from Northern Italy)
Vino bianco (white wine)
Vino rosso (red wine)
Spritz with Aperol or Campari (this is the brightly colored red/orange drink you often see in photos)
Hugo Sprtiz (Elderflower liquor with mint and sparkling wine)
Birra (beer) - popular brands include Peroni, Birra Moretti, Ichnusa and Menabrea
FOOD
Taralli (crackers)
Bruschetta (in the summer!)
Crostini with vegetables (in the fall and winter!)
One of my favorite spots in Monteverde and has great offerings for any time of day. Breakfast is simple and often packed with locals but you can stand at the bar and drink a cappucino with a pastry before class.
They offer a lunch menu with a ton of vegetarian options and a deal at less than 15 euros for a meal, water and an espresso.
For aperitivo (Italian version of happy hour) they offer spritz, wine and beer as well as other cocktails with a full plate of tasty Roman snacks such as focaccia, supplí and bruschetta.
Off the beaten path of the crowded Trastevere street. Da Nina is great spot for a simple breakfast or apertivo. Sitting outside under the lights during the warmer months is peak!
When you are in need of a no nonsense dive bar and aperitivo joint this is a great place to stop. The menu is small but a spritz, a glass of wine or a beer will not cost you more than 6 euro.
Great place for aperitivo next to Piazza Navona! Instead of Aperol order Select Spritz which is a more artisanal liquor than the mass-produced Aperol.
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Coffee, Juice and Breakfast Places
Coffee is taken very seriously in Italy. While in Rome I recommend doing like the Romans do and forgoing the American staple coffee drink: iced latte, and opting for an espresso, macchiato, or if need be, an americano. Here are my favorite coffee drinks.
Caffè lungo - literally a longer espresso, so you can enjoy it for a few more minutes
Cappuccino - you can order it whenever you want, don't let the internet tell you otherwise
Doppio espresso - double espresso
Caffè Americano - the most similar to a drip coffee
Italian bars are not fully equipped with the various milk alternatives, but they often have soy milk (latte di soia)
One of my favorite places to go and read a book or catch up with a friend. They serve coffee, fresh juice, smoothies, and aperitivi. They are open most days out of the year because Rome is notoriously sunny even in the winter months!
Also next to Piazza Navona! This cafe is relatively new but they serve coffee, tea and aperitivi. The atmosphere inside is very calm and relaxing while outside you can sit and people watch.
A hidden gem with a old school vibe inside! They have a larger selection or pastries and breakfast snacks than a normal bar, but it is a great place to stop for a mid-day coffee and have a slice of cake.
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During your time in Rome you will probably see locals outside drinking coffee or taking a pause for a juice. Healthy centrifughe (blended smoothy or green juice) or spermute (fresh fruit juice) is a great way to combat the mid semester fatigue! These places are also a great spots to sit and chat with friends, or bring a book and relax without the hustle bustle of the traditional bar.
This staple Roman institution is in the heart of Trastevere and is frequented by locals (young and old), students, and travelers. With some of the best prices in the city, people hang out on the patio or in the streets in front of the bar. On the weekends there is often live music!
Right in between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, this caffè serves high quality coffee drinks in one of the most underrated piazza's in the city center!
A great destination place! I recommend taking a long walk through the center passing the Pantheon, stopping for a gelato at Giolitti and then heading over to the Trevi Fountain! The prices are great for the portion sizes! Remember to order seasonal flavors!
While there are a ton of museums in Rome, The National Gallery of Modern Art is a great place to explore the other sides of the art world in Rome. The stairs outside the museum are a great photo backdrop and the museum is walking distance from Villa Borghese.
Also known as the Cat Sanctuary. While there are no shortage of neighborhood cats, it is always fun to walk by and see the cats sunbathing on the Roman ruins.
Local, seasonal food is the only way to eat in Rome, it is one of the pillars of the Italian lifestyle. Farmers' markets and local food services can be a great alternative to large grocery stores and a unique way to explore the city.
One of the best and albiet larger farmer's markets in the city! Campagna Amica is a market near Circo Massimo with vendors from the Lazio region. There are a variety of vendors selling seasonal produce, bread, baked goods, fish cheese and there are food stands on the back patio offering hot plates and cold beer!
This is a great place to stock up on fresh fruit, vegetables and what learn what makes seasonal food all the more delicious.
This mircobakery in the Ostiense neighborhood has everything you need in terms of artisan coffee, amazing food, delicious pastries made in house, and natural wines and craft beer to pair with brunch or lunch. This establishment does not take reservations and mind you, it has become very popular!
Somewhat famous bakery in Rome, still baking fantastic bread, pastries and pizza al taglio! They have a system and there is often a queue but if you are in the Prati neighborhood it is worth the visit!
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Places to Stay Around the City
Whether friends, family or you need a place to stay while in Rome, these are places that I recommend based on their location and services!
This hostel is the run by the friendliest couple, and at a prime location near Termini Train Station! This is main train station that connects Rome to the airport, as well as every other metropolitan city in Rome. The owners also started their own bagel company and you can order delicious, artisan, handmade bagels for breakfast during your stay!
This hotel is out of the main city center but only a 20 minute walk to the center! Located in the residential area of Monteverde it is close to some of the best small shops, eateries, coffee shops and will truly lend a more local experience.
This is a perfect place for parents, and friends to stay while visiting as it is very close to the university.
There is breakfast upon request!
This is my favorite pizza place in Rome. While it is a 20 minute walk from campus and tucked away in the suburbs of Monteverde Nuovo, it is well worth the trip. Delivery services are commonly used in Rome and food apps like Glovo can be used to have it delivered!
This is the perfect place to take parents when they are in town. Typical Sicilian food and wine and only a four minute walk from the university!
You must get the pistachio pesto pasta or the pasta alla Norma!
Il Mulino serves Roman classics with a twist. It's a family owned restaurant with a small area for seating, but they will treat you like you are guests in their home.
Located in the Prati neighborhood, this is usually a locals only place. Open even on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day it's a great ristorante with a simple Roman menu featuring all the classics. They also have a great affordable wine list!
Supposedly serves one of the best pasta carbonara in the city! While I recommend taking a taxi, it is worth it! The service, the wine list and the food was all fantastic.
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Grocery Stores (just in case you are curious)
Conad - one of the largest supermarkets and has a lot of store branded items that are affordable for students on a budget
Pam - smaller store with a smaller selection
Carrefour - another large supermarket chain (they also have carrefour express)
doc*Supermercati
Elite
Fruit and vegetables are avaliable in the supermaket but going to more specialized stores can be more fun!
A small but great fresh food market with ready-made meals and a fully stocked dry pantry.
They offer large salads, wraps and ready-made meals which are great for nights when you don't feel like cooking!
Great local frutteria in Trastevere! While this shop was not the closest to my apartment, I loved stopping in for a ball of fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh figs (when in season) and any other staple vegetables I needed.
Even if you are staying at a hotel, it's nice to have some snacks in the room. This is a great place to get those.
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Check out more specific guides for WINE and BEER here!
Still have more questions, or concerns? Schedule a consultation call with me! I will work with you one-on-one to better understand how I can help make Rome feel like home!
Ciao ragazzi! I'm Tana, your Italian natural wine and craft beer expert.
I moved to Rome, Italy for grad school and never looked back. I have a master's in sustainable food policy and have a decade of experience working hospitatliy, food and beverage. I am on a mission to visit every wine region in Italy and I frequently visit wineries, breweries and farms all over the country - now I want to share them with you all!
Over the last decade I have lived and worked in Rome, Porto and Barcelona and I love finding small artisan wine bars, pubs and restaurants that support local and sustainable food systems.
I made these guides to help conscious travelers seek out lesser known establishments where they can experience natural wine, artisan beer and delicious, responsibly sourced food.
