This was the message I received from a follower of my blog, while having dinner in the Eternal City, soon after I had arrived there.
‘Well, yes! Again and again’ I replied. There is always something new to discover. And like I always keep saying, depending on your travel companions, you see the same place differently each time.
So, there I was in Rome again, the capital of Italy and a truly inspiring city, where I was going to spend three days. I was sure that I would find new places and new things to do.
And guess what?
I did, once again enjoy the eternal city’s monuments, streets but above all the spirit and energy of locals adding to Fontana di Trevi, Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Navona- the ingredient of an amazing time.
Walking around Rome means learning about history, art and indulging in one of the world’s most popular cuisines.
Shall we begin our virtual walk from Piazza di Spagna, the famous ‘Spanish Steps’, which lead to the imposing Trinita dei Monti church? The views from here are fantastic and you must pay attention to the wonderful houses on the left and on the right side of the Steps.
Moreover, Piazza di Spagna leads to Via Condotti, one of the most fashionable streets in Rome, and there you can enjoy an espresso at ‘Caffe Greco’, famous for its guests throughout the last century – a very long list.
Pantheon is the best-preserved monument of Roman antiquity commissioned by emperor Augustus. Grab an ice cream from the famous Venchi and continue walking towards Piazza Navona, the most characteristic baroque square and the most ‘theatrical’ one. Behind Piazza Navona there are many cute streets, with colourful details and nice places to eat something. My personal stand out is Via della Fossa. There, you will find ‘Bagueterria del Fico’, an amazing place for sandwiches and right next to it, there is ‘Il Pizzicaroli’, one of the best places to enjoy Italian bites. It is also worth mentioning the restaurant ‘Cantina e Cucina’, where- besides the tasty food- you will be uplifted by the amazing swing music and the vintage decor.
Walking from Piazza Navona to the Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world, I passed by the Castle Sant’Angelo, which used to be the tallest building in Rome. The Vatican City, now, is an experience by itself. Pay a visit to the Church and to the museums, so that you get to see the Michelangelo’s masterpiece. Later on, try to find ‘Old Bridge’, a small place with excellent ice cream.
Colosseum is Rome’s most famous classical ruin and its worth getting in and visiting the underfloor passageways of the arena, where gladiators and animals used to frequent it.
Roman Forum feels like stepping back into the heart of the city. The ancient Roman life was centered there and the remains still impress.
Fontana di Trevi is a 17th century masterpiece. It is the most imposing and famous fountain of the city and once you visit, you will understand why. During my last getaway in Rome, I went there by night. It was the first time that I saw it with its night lights (see? Every time something new!) and I fell in love with it again. Don’t forget to throw a coin in the fountain. The tradition says that you will return in Rome. Judging by me, the tradition is totally right! Really close to Fontana di Trevi, there is ‘Salotto42’, a bar where you can enjoy an amazing cocktail and witness Roma by night.
Something that I always do in Rome, is ‘lose myself’ in the tangled lanes of neighbourhoods like Trastevere and Monti. Trastevere is a charming medieval area, a formerly working class. Stroll around the labyrinthine district and head to its heart, Piazza di Santa Maria. Later on, if you’re feeling hungry, all the streets lead to the amazing and traditional place ‘La Prosciutteria’.
Monti is the area where I would live in Rome, if I ever moved there. Its bohemian edge makes this place a quiet treasure. There is also a vintage market there, ‘Mercato Monti’, where you can find little treasures.
If you want a relaxed walk, go to Villa Borghese, a landscape garden and the third largest public park in the city. It also hosts numerous museums and attractions.
(More) tasty tips →
- An ideal place for an espresso-the Italian way- is Sant'Eustachio, a small café serving the best coffee in town.
- If you want to enjoy your coffee in an amazing garden, visit Hotel de Russie, in Via de Bambuino.
- For the best tiramisu in town visit ‘Assagi’, in the area of the Pontifical Gregorian University.
- For a nice romantic dinner don’t miss the restaurant ‘Girarrosto Fiorentino’, featuring typical Tuscan cuisine, the place is usually full of locals and connoisseurs who attest to its quality and tradition.
See you in Rome then!
*Images taken by Maria Petropoulou
