Rome Travel Guide

Rome was one of the most romantic cities I’ve ever been to. The architecture was captivating, the tiny restaurants lined with string lights along the narrow streets were beautiful, the endless couples walking hand and hand with large cones of gelato made me smile and the homemade pasta and creamy tiramisu was to die for!

When did I go? I went in early-December. The weather was gorgeous! Each day was about 50-60 degrees. I was nervous I would be cold walking at night and a winter jacket was perfect. I kept warm even when I was digging into a large cup of gelato. It rained one night and every other day was bright and beautiful.

Where did you stay? My boyfriend and I stayed in an Airbnb. We adore Airbnb because you can get so much more room for your money. We stayed in a very traditional Italian apartment and our host was amazing! Feel free to email me and I would be happy to share the exact listing. We stayed in Trastevere which was absolutely perfect. The area was filled with amazing restaurants which was ideal for us, foodies!

How did you get around? We walked everywhere! All of the main attractions were, at most, a 30 minute walk from each other. I typically walk everywhere on vacations, but Rome was definitely the easiest to navigate. It is not too big of a city. We stayed for one week, but visited some attractions two or three times. I believe you could visit all major attractions in 3-4 days. I personally loved having a week because I did not feel rushed and was able to wander through the Roman streets without having to check off an attraction.

The Food:

Find a list of all restaurants below. I have written my top 1-2 items to order at each. My favorite restaurant is marked with a star. If you only have the chance to try one of these places, make it Roscioli Caffe’.

Giselda Forno - Best cappuccino in Rome & Great Lunch - You can make a plate with their fresh cooked food for 9 euros. Lemon meatballs, roasted potatoes & chicory

*Roscioli Caffe’ - Any of the pizzas & panettone

Ginger Sapori e Salute - Ornella Juice (Celery, fennel, carrots, ginger) I asked to add spinach to mine.

Boccione (Pasticceria) - Almond sponge cake filled with marmalade

Maccheroni - Truffle pasta & truffle burrata

Osteria da fortunata - Carbonara & lemon meatballs

Tonnarello - Pasta Amatriciana & Roman Artichoke

Panificio Bonci - Prosciutto Pumpkin Pizza & Suppli

Zum Tiramisu - The best tiramisu I’ve ever had. Pistachio Tiramisu & Chocolate Hazelnut Tiramisu

9 Hotel Cesari Rooftop Bar - This is a great place to stop for a drink and pick at some Italian bar snacks

Nonna Vincenza - Cannoli & chocolate hazelnut petite pastry

Forno Campo De Fiori - Fior di latte and prosciutto sandwich

Dar Poeta - Cacio e pepe pizza

Gelato (Ranked in order from best to still delicious)

Giolitti - Nutella flavor is a MUST
Fiocco Di Neve
Old Bridge
Gelateria dei Gracchi
Fatamorgana

Areas & Attractions:

Trevi Fountain - This fountain is one of Rome’s most iconic attractions. This is the largest and most beautiful fountain in Rome. It is said that if you throw a coin into the water, you will return to Rome.

Spanish Steps - To be honest, I knew of the Spanish Steps from The Lizzie McGuire Movie. The steps overlook a famous square called Piazza di Spagna. Visit during sunset for a gorgeous view. Sadly, you cannot sit on the steps. I heard whistles every single time someone would try and take a seat.

Piazza Navona - One of my favorite squares. The architecture was breathtaking. There was a small Christmas Market during the time I was there.

Piazza Venezia - I highly recommend walking up to the top and visiting the church that lies above. There is a great view. There is another area that is blocked off for a better view. I didn’t believe it was necessary to see that area. I saved my 7 euros for an additional cappuccino.

Campo De’ Fiori - A large market with all different vendors ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables to fresh pressed juices, cheeses, salami, pesto spreads, leather bags and wallets. This is a great place to grab some fresh ingredients for a home cooked meal.

Colosseum - A massive theater built between 70-80 AD. Spectators would watch gladiators fight, watch plays and be entertained in a variety of other ways.

Roman Forum - These ancient ruins were once government and religious buildings.

Palatine Hill - During ancient times, this was an area where emperors and aristocrats lived.

Pantheon - It was once a Roman Temple for all Gods and transformed into a Catholic Church.

Vatican City - The smallest country in the world where the Pope lives. This area is filled with unbelievable architecture and history. I recommend visiting St. Peter's Basilica.

Castel Sant'Angelo - It was intended to be a mausoleum for an Emperor and his family. After some time, it became a military building. During a plague, the pope at the time had a vision that Archangel Michael appeared at this monument signaling that the plague would end. You can go inside the large building which is now a museum, but I just walked along the bridge leading up to the building and took photos.

Three of my favorite free churches: