Firstly, where is Rome?

It may seem silly, but some may not know exactly where Rome is located within Italy.

Perhaps the most popular reason to visit Rome, Italy is the food. What are the most popular food options?

For Pizza

A trip to Rome isn’t complete without pizza, right? That’s where ‘Bonci Pizzarium’ comes in. The takeaway of Rome’s ‘Emperor of Pizza’ Gabrielle Bonci. Expect mouth-watering squares of the best pizza that Rome has to offer, and better yet, it won’t break the bank as a slice typically costs €5.

For Pasta

If Pasta is more your thing, then make sure you check out ‘Trattoria da Enzo’ (In the Trastavere neighborhood). It’s a small restaurant that doesn’t have much space and doesn’t look the prettiest, but it has some of the best Pasta around. Only the best quality oils and cheeses are butchered meats are used in the cooking.

Other foods to try in Rome:

  • Allesso di Bollito (Simmered Beef)
  • Artichokes
  • Carbonara (One of my favorite dishes.)
  • Gelato
  • Porchetta

top reasons to visit Rome

History – It’s everywhere; what to see?

Rome wasn’t built in a day. That means there must be a lot of history, right? Correct.

The Spanish Steps of Rome, completed in 1726, leave visitors in awe even to this day. Once you climb the 135 steps, you’ll be greeted with one of the best views of the city (You’ll be able to see hundreds of Roman rooftops and watch the world go by in the Palazzi below).

The Colosseum is one of the most recognized monuments in the world, and one of the best-preserved from ancient Roman times. Originally built to hold combat games for gladiators and animals, the Colosseum now gives its millions of yearly visitors insights into the beautiful city’s history.

Other places to check out:

  • Circus Maximus (Roman sporting area)
  • Roman Forum (Ancient Roman ruins)
  • St Peter’s Basilica (The mother of all Churches)
  • Trevi Fountain (Make a wish)!

Markets – what are the best markets in Rome?

Markets in Rome have everything you could wish for. Street food, second-hand designer goods. Most are open all year and have long hours but always check before you visit.

Borghetto Flaminio is located just north of Piazza del Popolo. There’s everything from baubles to second-hand designer goods and antiques. The market is on Sundays from 10 am-7 pm. Be sure to visit if you’ve got some spare time or just fancy a smooch around something different.

For the foodies… check out Mercato di Testaccio in the Testaccio neighborhood, this place has some of the best street food in Rome but also offers other stalls offering clothes, books, and fresh fruits. It’s typically open Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 7:30 pm.

Rome Italy markets

Other markets to visit:

  • Nuovo Mercato Esquilino – (Fresh fruit, International foods, and fish)
  • BioMercato alla Citta dell Altra Economia – (Local farmers market)
  • Porta Portese – (Cheap clothes and souvenirs)
  • Mercato dell’Unita – (Street food and fresh produce)

Museums – which to visit?

Rome has an abundance of museums that showcase a wide variety of Art, Sculptures, and other works by Italian artists and others from afar.

Palazzo Doria Pamphili has the largest privately-owned collection of art in all of Rome. Here’s your opportunity to see work from artists such as Raphael and Domenichino. The museum is hidden away on the busy Via del Corso shopping street.

Other notable Museums:

  • The Vatican (Art/Sculptures)
  • Capitoline Museums (Roman, Greek & Egyptian sculptures)
  • Crypta Balbi (Archaeology Museum).

Parks and Gardens- what are the most famous gardens and parks in Rome?

Rome has some beautiful parks and gardens. Lakes, café’s and rowing boats are just a few things that you might find in Rome’s parks. Most of the gardens are named after the villas and families that originally occupied them.

Whether you fancy a stroll, want some fun on a bike with a friend or just want to get away from the hustle and bustle, here are some of the top spots to visit:

  • Villa Borghese (hire a bike or rowing boat)
  • Villa Ada (450 acres, one of the most loved by locals)
  • Villa Sciarra (One of the smaller parks, keep an eye out for hidden statues)
  • Villa Torlonia (Amazing architecture)
  • Villa Celimontana (Home to the Italian Geographical Society)

Ancient Architecture in Rome

With hundreds of years of history, Rome has some pretty impressive buildings and monuments.

The Colosseum is one of the most recognized monuments in the world, and one of the best-preserved from ancient Roman times. Originally built to hold combat games for gladiators and animals, the Colosseum now gives its millions of yearly visitors insights into the beautiful city’s history.

ancient architecture Rome Italy

Other notable locations:

  • Pantheon (the temple for Roman Gods)
  • Amphitheatre in Nimes
  • Diocletian’s Palace.

Neighborhoods

Depending on what you want out of your visit to Rome may influence where you should stay. If you want something cheap, then go for a hostel or a hotel near the Termini Station area. Luxury accommodation can be found in the likes of Hotel Hassler or Villa Spalletti Trivelli.

Here’s a quick guide showing the best neighborhoods for your needs:

  • Nightlife – Trastavere
  • Romance – Aventine Hill
  • Food & Restaurants – Testaccio
  • First time – Historic Centre
  • Sightseeing – Ancient Rome

Shopping – Where to shop in Rome?

Whether you’re after some expensive designer gear, souvenirs, gifts for people at home, or a new t-shirt. Rome has it all… in abundance. There are shops everywhere, selling everything you could possibly need.

Here are some of the best spots for some retail therapy:

  • Via Cola Di Rienzo (best for Highstreet brands)
  • Trastavere area – (great for gifts, shoes, and antiques)
  • Shops by the Spanish Steps – (best for designer brands and more expensive goods)
  • Via Del Corso – (great for souvenirs and gifts)

Gelato – where to find the best Gelato in Rome?

best food in Rome - gelato

Available year-round, Rome’s gelato is like nothing you’ve ever tasted before. Unlike Ice Cream, gelato is made fresh on a daily basis with natural ingredients. Perfect if you’re looking for an afternoon snack in-between museum visits.

Here are some of the top spots to satisfy your sweet tooth:

  • Frigidarium
  • Venchi
  • Otaleg
  • Come II Latte
  • Neve di Latte
  • La Gourmandise
  • Gunther Gelato Italiano
  • Fata Morgana

Vatican

‘When in Rome’ – The Vatican museums are made up of several museums, including the Sistine Chapel (famously decorated by Michaelangelo). These museums are located in the Vatican city and showcase art and sculptures of past Popes.

There are over 70,000 pieces of art held here, of which around 20,000 are on display. Make sure you get here early to avoid the queues as this is the 4th most visited art museum in the world!

Whether you’re a foodie, architecture geek, or just love exploring new cities. Rome will leave you with memories you will never forget.