In my opinion, Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The history, the architecture, food, people, all of these things and more make it my favorite city. My most recent and fondest memory of Rome is from December of 2013 when I got engaged, to the love of my life (but that’s not what we are discussing today). My first memory of Rome was when I was 15 years old. My parents sent me off to Italy with my cousins to visit family. At 15 we were hesitant to go because we thought its just so much more fun to stay back home in San Francisco with our friends… boy did Italy prove us wrong. This is where our obsession started. And our pride for coming from an Italian family! The first thing I remember from that trip was family picking us up from the airport and taking us to our home for the week, a flat in the center of Rome, just the girls, no parents. What were they thinking? But on the way, one of the first things I saw was the Colosseum. What struck me most, aside from its presence was the history that was standing in the middle of the city, as people are driving home from work, going out to dinner or whatever it may be. It left me with wanting to see so much more and did we! So 20 something years later (I’m aging myself now) I returned to the beautiful city with my boyfriend, little did I know he’d have a new title as fiancé before we left! We saw Rome in a weekend. You might think it’s not possible, but yes my friends, it is. Here are some of my favorite photos from the weekend.  Scroll a little further down to see a few of our suggestions for food.

TIP: Request a room facing the Pantheon.  There are many restaurants in the piazza as well. We didn’t eat at any of them but we did sit outside and enjoyed a drink while people watching and soaked in everything going on around us.

Tip: Worth the walk! We started at the center of Trastevere and made our way up to  Gianicolo Hill. The view stretches over ancient ruins, monuments and baroque domes.

TIP: Take a walk over to Piazza Navona at night. Its buzzing with people, the marketplace is open and there are plenty of restaurants to sit outside of and do more people watching.

TIP: Take a walk over this bridge as the sun is setting. A bridge is a bridge, right? Not exactly. The reflections off the water and make it breathtaking.

The Colosseum. You’ve seen it once, that’s enough. Not for me. Every trip to Rome deserves a walk to the Colosseum.  Maybe it has something to do with the memories of my first trip to Rome. I just can’t seem to get enough of it.

Don’t forget to throw a coin in the Fontana di Trevi. I did with each visit and I keep going back!

TIP: Pay the 7€ and take the elevator to the top of the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument. The views of Rome are breathtaking. From the Colosseum to the Vatican you see it all.

TIP: Buy your ticket to visit the Sistine Chapel a few days in advance during peak times. Avoid standing in extremely long lines and walk right in.

Albergo Del Senato
Piazza della Rotonda, 73, 00186
+39 06 678 4343

This hotel is in the center of Rome with beautiful views from the rooms of the piazza and the Pantheon. When I say ‘view of the Pantheon’ I mean right outside of the room as in you could throw something and hit it … even with my bad aim. I am not suggesting anyone try that.  It’s also conveniently located so you are just a short walk from most of the other sites. The staff was very welcoming and helpful. There is a beautiful rooftop which is always open so you can bring a drink up and enjoy the view which not only includes the Pantheon but on a clear night you can even see the Vatican off into the distance. In the summer they open up the rooftop bar which sounds perfect! We will definitely go back.

Restaurants

Osteria da Fortunata
Via del Pellegrino, 11 (Campo de fiori), 00186

Homemade Italian pastas made right in front of you. Try the cacio e pepe a traditional Roman dish. Amazing!

Mercato Hostaria
Piazza Campo Dè Fiori, 52, 00186

I have to recommend this restaurant not only because it is owned by a friend but just as important because it has delicious Calabrese dishes. It’s located at Campo di Fiori so sit outside on a warm night and soak in the culture, people and everything else happening around you.

Da Francescos
Piazza del Fico, 29, 00186
+39 06 686 4009

Cozy little restaurant off the touristy area with delicious pastas and pizzas.

Gelaterias

Grom Gelato
Piazza Navona 1, 00186

Popular gelato spot but I had the granita al limone. Refreshing and delicious.

La Gelateria Frigidarium
Via del Governo Vecchio, 112, 00186

Little gelato spot we found while wandering through Rome. I’d go back just for the After Eight gelato! Yummm!

Thanks for stopping by. Arrivederci a presto!