First, I have to say: Magdi and I already have some history with going on holidays together. So, as in the past, it was another weekday that involved one or the other drink when we decided to book a trip to Rome. However, it was also our first holiday of the year, kicking off another twelve months of discovering new places. And what’s better than doing this with your best friend?
Friday evening, we flew to Italy’s capital and started our holidays with a first round of apertivio and pizza at our hotel – Mama Shelter Roma. As our accommodation was quite close to the Vatican, the following morning, we first stopped there on our way to the city center. Around noon, we then sat down at Piazza Navona for some Spritz in the sun before continuing to walk around the city. Later that day, we headed to Trastevere for drinks followed by dinner at Tonnarello, where I probably had the best pasta ever. It was not even 9 pm when we headed back to the hotel, but after sipping on seven Spritz, eating pasta, and walking across the city all day long, we were more than ready for bed.
It was no surprise that the next morning we both felt a bit hungover. But after breakfast, we were ready for another day of exploring Rome and visiting some of it’s other main sights. In the afternoon, we then got some pizza and ice cream, strolled across the area of Monti (Via Urbana) and then took the metro back to our hotel. Because after another long day, we couldn’t wait to get some sleep again.
On our last day in Rome, we finally visited St. Peter’s Basilica and climbed the 551 steps to the top of the cupula. Later on, we went to the market at Campo de’ Fiori, and spent some time strolling around the neighborhood there. In the afternoon and on the hunt for some coffee and sweet treats, we stopped at Sant’ Eustachio Il Caffè and got the best cannoli there. We still had some time left before our flight was leaving and thus decided to head to Piazzale Socrate from where you have a great view of the eternal city. And before it then really was time to go to the airport, we had another two glasses of Aperol Spritz and got some pizza at Bonci – the perfect ending to a beautiful and sunny trip to bella Roma.
Also heading to Italy’s capital soon? Find some recommendation on where to eat, drink, and what to do as well as some impressions of my trip below.
Eat here
Tonnarello: a popular place for pasta in Trastevere with patio seating
Panifico Bonci: traditional Roman bakery selling pizza by the slice
Pompi: pasticceria well-known for their tiramisu
Giolitti: one of Rome’s oldest places to buy gelato
Il Trapizzino: Roman street food place servingTrapizzino, the iconic Italian pizza pocket
Trattoria Da Enzo al 29: traditional eatery serving Roman classics such as their well-known Cacio e Pepe
Piccolo Buco: wood-fired pizzas & pasta with a focus on protected origin ingredients
Drink here
Sant’ Eustachio Il Caffé: cappuccinos from home-roast beans and delicious cannoli
Bar San Calisto: down-to-earth 1960s bar in Trastevere serving cheap Italian beers and Spritz
Blackmarket Hall: restaurant and 1950s-style mixology bar in Monti with unique cocktails
Oro Bistrot: chic (and thus pricey!) rooftop bistro at the NH Collection Rome Fori Imperiali hotel
Crash Roma: wine bar & bistro with live music in the heart of the Trieste neighborhood
Things to do
Go see the classics such as Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Piazza di Spagna, Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza del Popolo, and Fontana di Trevi
Climb the 551 steps to the top of the cupola of St. Peter’s Basicila in the Vatican or visit the Sixtine Chapel right next door
Enjoy the spectacular and free views over Rome from Piazzale Socrate or Giardino degli Aranci – especially for sunset
Visit the market at Piazza Campo de’Fiori from Monday to Saturday morning, well-known for its flowers, fruits, and veggies
Take a walk at the Villa Borghese Gardens and rent a rowing boat on the lake there
schöngeschrieben 