ROME: ON THE PATH OF THE DOLCE VITA
Roman holidays are always a good idea! Think about it: Italian food, ice creams, beautiful architecture, ruins, plenty cultural activities, shopping,... And these are only few reasons to go spend some time in Rome. Who has never dreamt to be Audrey Hepburn riding a Vespa across this magnificent city?
Last week, I went to Rome for a couple of days. I have already gone a few times before. And everytime it got me! I adore this city. Why? Because it is magnificent, filled with history and also because I have childhood memories there.
I would love for you that you build your own ones. So I decided to compile all the amazing places to visit and few spots to eat, shop and stay. Let's live the dolce vita! Shall we? Here are the hot spots to go when in Rome!
HOT SPOTS
See:
The Colosseum, the Palatino & the Forum:
The famously known monuments from the Ancient Rome. A total must see. Obviously, you will have to wake up early if you want to avoid the crowd, but it will totally be worth it. Yes you will be totally a tourist but sometimes it is good to follow the flow.
Trastevere:
This is my favorite neighborhood of Rome. It is made of small streets with green areas and fountains. So typical of Rome! And really romantic. I recommend you to get lost in the streets where you will witness some Roman life scenes.
Piazza Navona:
One of the iconic places of Rome. It is surrounded by restaurants, but the church and the fountains steal the show. Designed by Le Bernin, the fountains are true masterpieces. So beautiful that you will probably stand a moment in front of one of them clearing your head.
Palazzo Farnese & Campo di Fiori:
The Palazzo Farnese is the French embassy in Rome. It faces the Campo di Fiori, which is a place famous for its market. There, you'll see Roman and tourist buy flowers - which gave there name to the Piazza - and foods. There are also many restaurants surrounding it. The perfect lunch spot.
Villa Borghese Gardens:
One of the most famous parks of Rome. This is where Roman go to hang with there family and rest - even do a little nap. There, you will have nice views over the city and also feel that you are far from it.
Piazza del Popolo & Piazza di Spagna:
The two places located nearby the Villa Borghese Gardens. True masterpieces and must see of Rome. They are also surrounded by luxury stores - shopping alert!
Trevi Fountain & Pantheon:
Probably the most well-know masterpieces - with the Colosseum obviously. Their area is packed with tourist so I recommend you go in the early morning, or even by night. It is breathtaking, when seeing them, to imagine how those monuments where created and built. Impressive.
Vittoriano:
Located over Piazza Venezia, it is a massive mountain of white marble. It incorporates few museums. But the true deals is to climb the entire steps and admire the view over Rome. A good way to do sport and visit a city at the same time - just kidding!
Castel Sant'Angelo, Piazza San Pietro & Vatican:
The Roman trinity. It usually takes a day to visit the three of them. They are symbols but overall masterpieces. Visiting Rome without at least sightseeing them, is like visiting Paris without seeing the Eiffel tower. Inconceivable!
Stay:
The Tribune Hotel:
This four-star hotel located nearby the Villa Borghese Gardens is perfect for a weekend. The location is amazing, a bit unusual and without being packed by tourists. The service is perfect. And the Art Deco inspired interior design is exquisite!
Via Campania, 45, 00187 Rome, Italy
Eat:
Grazie & Graziella:
Nightlife in the Trastevere is everything. Everyone is having diner and drinks in terrace. My favorite restaurant to do so is Grazie & Graziella. There, you can enjoy some really nice Italian food - the margherita and the pastas are to die for! And the wines... You will definitely end up a bit buzzed!
Blue Ice Gelateria:
In Rome, there are plenty gelateria. P-L-E-N-T-Y! But whenever I go to this magnificent weekend, I go to this one. It is located in between the Piazza Navona and the Campo di Fiori. There are so many delicious tastes. My favorite one is Straciatella, typical Italian one !
147, Via Dei Baullari, 141, 00186 Rome, Italy
Shop:
Antica Libreria Cascianelli:
This is my best discovery so far. I was looking for a present, when I entered in this marvelous shop full of antics. The best part? The really affordable price. You can find books in Italian, French, Latin, statues, furniture,... A real Ali Baba cave!
Largo Febo, 15, 00186 Rome, Italy
Carlo Cecchini:
Roman craftsman are well-known for the way they work the leather. To find adorable sandals and bags, I recommend you go to the Trastevere. My fav shop is this one, where I found amazing little flat sandals at an affordable price. Go have look fashionistas!
Via della Lungaretta, 65, 00153 Rome, Italy
#DETAILSMATTER
No heels please!: Heels have one enemy: the cobblestones! And Rome streets are filled with those. So if you want to wear heels by night - we all want to show off some legs and shoes in summertime-, go for large ones. By day, choose confortable flats if you want to walk all day long.
Prepare for the heat: Rome in summer is hot. Very hot! So I would recommend you to come prepared. I went in June and it was already 40°C! So get yourself some suncream and a mineral water spray. And stay hydrated - the perfect excuse to taste the Italian mineral waters.
Cash: This is the technical tips of this post. In Rome, if not in Italy, you should definitely have cash on you. Why? First, you will not encounter ATM and banks that often. Secondly, because credit cards are not accepted in every shops and restaurants. So be prepared to enjoy it the most!
(Photo credit: 4am Journal)