Roman Raves
Colosseum
I am hardly a travel expert, but I’m always happy to share advice from my own experiences. People always ask me about trips to Italy. People also ask “do you have family there?’. Unfortunately no, all the families came to the US but when I’m in Italy, it feels like a familiar place.
This recent trip to Rome, it felt extra special. It was just great be there after too long an absence. The highlight of the trip was the first few hours in the early morning, after landing. Our hotel room was not ready so we were able to wander and enjoy some of our favorite places; ancient ruins, spectacular piazzas, trendy window shopping and impromptu snacks; all before the crowds awoke. Truly magical… and chiming church bells always add to the mood.
I’ve often traveled in the off season, which is a great time to feel the energy of Rome without a ton of tourists. This March, I will say, it was much more crowded than in years past. Travelers and school groups probably making up for lost time and rescheduled trips. This year’s trip was equal parts re-visiting familiar sites and discovering unexplored neighborhoods. There is definitely a way to find quieter spots.
For a first timer in Rome, I recommend a half-day guided walking tour of the Centro Storico to really get some perspective. You will have to hit the big ones: Colosseum, Forum, Vatican Museums,St Peter’s, Castel San Angelo, Capitoline Museums, Piazza Navona, Trevi fountain, Spanish Steps, Campo de Fiori, Via Condotti. Staying near these sites is also great for walking.
Second or third timer: Galleria Borghese, Doria Pamphili Gallery, market and food tour, Trastevere, Baths of Caracalla, St. Louis of Francesi ( church with the Caravaggios) , Piazza del Popolo, catacombs, underground tour of St. Peters, The Capucin Crypt, Bocca della Verita
Non-Catholic Cemetery
Frequent visitor: Protestant ( Non-Catholic) Cemetery, Wander the Aventine Hill, Baths of Diocletion , Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli ( this church houses Michalengelo’s Moses ) , take a day trip to Tivoli in summer, cooking class, shopping, Etruscan museum at Villa Guilia , Museum of Modern Art, Palace Venezia, Sunday Flea Market (Borghetto Faminio Market)
Of course, take a look at city guides before your trip and plan. Some things on my frequent visitor list might be a priority for you. On my first trip, my priority was having an original tartufo at Tre Scalini. It was delicious! Plus, setting a personal list of “must sees” will be helpful pending on how much time you are spending in Rome. I still have a personal list of “must-sees” and “must-see agains”. Also a list of “must-eat agains” !
Villa Giulia
My biggest Rome advice would be :
Make a list and plan but be open to wander, take in the sights, smells, and tastes of the neighborhoods. There are many!
Brush up on basic history. There are so many layers of civilization to explore.
Follow social media accounts ( food and restaurant bloggers, tour operators, museums) before leaving to see current events restaurants and sites are posting.
Be sure to chat up the locals. Mostly all speak English and are happy to share their experiences, restaurant and other recommendations. Connecting with people is a finer point of travel for me.
Wander into every church, some of the best art is there.
Pause and check out the fountains, statues, obelisks and plaques.
Eat locally. Don’t leave without savoring a dish of carbonara or cacio e pepe, and Jewish style fried artichokes ( Carciofi all Guidia).
Enjoy the rooftops! For a great perspective, and usually great Negronis!
Spritz at Il Palazetto
Food Raves:
Giolitti for gelato
Il Fornaio for pizza and biscotti
La Fiorentina 1942 for pizzza and pastry
Roof tops Raves
Tours with Awesome Local Guides
Katie Parla Tours and City Guides
First Trip January 1993
Visit our favorite mortadella for a photo op at al Forno
Three restaurant highlits from this trip include some of the best things I have ever eaten. true Roman fare at Quelle di Coronari near Piazza Navona or Piatto Romano in Testaccio, and everything at Roscioli.