Travel Guide: Rome

After spending 4 days in Florence, Matt and I set out for Roma via high speed train! We both spent quite a bit of time in Rome, but we wanted to revisit the eternal city together for at least a few days before heading to the Amalfi coast.

FYI: one thing that shocked us was all the “ear popping” on the train due to the air pressure in the tunnels! Traveling by train through Italy is super fast and economical, but if it’s your first time keep this in mind.

Here are a few snaps from our trip to ROMA:

|Shopping on the famous Via Condotti & a little bday treat c/o Gucci|

|Pizzarium Pizza near Vatican City|

|Inside the Pantheon|

Things To See:

The Trevi Fountain (currently under construction but still “che bella”! Throw a coin in from your RIGHT hand over your LEFT shoulder, to ensure your return to Rome!)
The Pantheon (pictured above)-go on a rainy day if you can! The dome in the ceiling is open to the elements and when it rains, water trickles inside and on to the floor– it’s magic!
Piazza Navona-with it’s ornate fountain, local street artists and yummy restaurants, it’s my favorite spot to relax and people watch! It’s also great for nightlife. If you’re craving some creature comforts, there’s a Pittsburgh Steelers “sports bar” nearby called La Boticella!
Skip the Spanish Steps during the day and instead visit them at night after dinner, with gelato in hand! They take on a romantic and intimate vibe at late evening.
The Colosseum & Ancient Ruins
Vatican City–plan to spend an entire day here between St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum. You CANNOT miss Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel!

Where To Eat:

Pizzarium near Vatican City is amazing! We saw Pizzarium on an episode of Anthony Bourdain and knew we had to find it! Gabriele Bonci, the chef and owner, has been called “the Michelangelo of pizza” for using innovative flavors (think rose petals) & his use of SCISSORS (yes, you read that correctly) to cut and serve slices of pizza!
Swing by Caffe Greco before window shopping on Via Condotti, the most fashionable street in all of Rome–housing shops like Gucci, Prada & Ferragamo to name a few.
Have a glass of champs and a light lunch in a secret garden like setting, Le Jardin De Russie.
Want to eat like a TRUE Roman? You MUST dine at Al Duello. Our BEST meal in all of Rome! Tip: Italians, especially Romans, arrive at dinner super late. If you find yourself in a restaurant before 8 or 9 PM, you may be dining alone. Do as the Romans do and reserve a table later in the evening for an authentic experience.
Trastevere–some of the best food in the city & the area where most Roman’s actually live! I am sad we actually didn’t have time to check out this corner of Roma, maybe next time!