Rome can be overwhelming because of its size and busy pace. More than just about any city, I say that where your hotel is located will make all the difference about whether you will enjoy this fantastic City. I recommend a hotel located in the historic center and the landmarks of Piazza Navona, Campo de Fiori and the Pantheon or in Trastevere. These are my favorite attractions when I come to the city and I cannot leave without a visit to these sights. I have some Hotel recommendations in the Rome section but there are others worthy of investigating in this area.
The standards that must be seen are the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica Vatican Museums and the above mentioned sights. Dig deeper and you will be happy to find some worthwhile and extremely interesting sights away from the tourist crowds. I have other attractions included in the Rome section of this website.
Things to See
Basilica di San Clemente
Very Cool multiple layers going all the way back to the 1st century AD, 11th century, 12th century and 15 Century. Not on everyone’s hit list and absolutely worth a visit..
Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna
The steps are spectacular in May and June when all of the flowers are in bloom. Best to get here early like most popular tourist locations.
The Campidoglio
Beautiful Staircase and Square redesigned by Michelangelo. This is about a 3 minute walk from the Roman and Imperial Forums. It is a very beautiful and harmonious space. Do not miss this if you are in the area.
Colosseum
Of course, you have to go here especially since they recently restored the tunnels that were underground where the gladiators and wild animals used to be staged.
Trevi Fountain
Yeah, it’s corny but what the hell… Throw those 3 coins in over your shoulder. Rumor has it that it guarantees a return trip to Rome. Hey, it worked for us!
Piazza Navona
Great place to sit at a cafe and watch time pass by. My favorite Piazza in Rome with beautiful fountains, especially the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi. A great spot to people watch. Restaurants are pricey here. Stick to a coffee or drink and spend as much time as you want. In Italy they do not rush you and you may have to ask for a check.
Campo di Fiore
Flower and vegetable market. Best to visit in the morning when the locals are doing their shopping. Marvel at the beautiful small artichokes, zucchini flowers, beans, spices, etc.
Pantheon
If you only do one thing in Rome go to the Pantheon. Jaw dropping! The place is from 27 AD and is extremely well preserved. I do not go to Rome without stopping here for at least one visit.
NOTE: You can combine Piazza Navona, Campo di Fiore, Trevi Fountain and Pantheon in an early walking tour.
Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere
Wonderful place in Trastevere to sit down and have a drink. Trastevere has a very an authentic feel to it and offers up some excellent restaurant choices.
St. Peter's Basilica
The largest church in the world. You will be in awe with this place no matter what your religion. Combine the visit here with the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums. The interior is huge and there is sculpture and paintings all over the place. The detail is astonishing, especially considering the expansive space.
Vatican Museums
Check out the Stanze di Raffaelo - unbelievable frescoes. BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE!!! I cannot stress that enough. The lines are huge if you do not purchase them in advance. Here is the link: https://tickets.museivaticani.va/home
Sistine Chapel
You really cannot go here without making a visit to the Sistine Chapel. Michelangel’s masterful ceiling is something that must be seen at least once in a lifetime. The frescoes that you see were restored starting in 1980. Take a look at the panels above to show a a panel before and after. To think this was done by Michelangelo at the age of 33 while lying on his back is amazing. What is amazing is that Michelangelo considered himself a sculptor and not a painter when he began this project.
Castel Sant'Angelo
Began in AD 138 and was the Pope's residence in the 14th century. Close to The Vatican.
Capuchin Crypt
If you have a desire for the macabre then this is the place for you. Dead monks standing up and laying down in all poses as well as skeletons made into works of Art. I am a little twisted, so I went there…. multiple times.
Museo Borghese
Excellent Gallery and sculpture Museum in a beautiful park setting.
Hotels
Hotel Santa Maria
Basic hotel in Trastevere with a beautiful courtyard that used to be a cloister in a great location. The Courtyard is a wonderful place for a drink. Peaceful for the center of Rome. Very popular with Americans.
Hotel Due Torri
Excellent location in the historic center near the Pantheon, Piazza Navonna, Trevi Fountain and Campo d Fiore. Spend extra to get a larger room. Very helpful staff.
Inn at Spanish Steps and the View at Spanish Steps
If you have the cash and want to spend it then this is a great location. Some of the Rooms and Suites with a full on view of the Spanish Steps are spectacular especially in the Spring when the steps are full of flowers.
Restaurants:
Ristorante Piperno
A little more upscale in the Jewish Ghetto. Good food and highly recommended. Try the Carciofi alla Giudia. If you have never tried Coda alla Vaccinara then try it here (Braised Oxtails) they are delicious. Other tasty items on the menu are Fiori di Zucca Ripieni e Fritti (Fried Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms Stuffed with Mozzarella and Anchovies). (Frequented by locals. Reservations recommended).
Nino Ristorante
Near Spanish Steps. Always reliable good food and a less touristy than most. We have been here several times and have never been disappointed. Unique in Rome in that it is a Florentine restaurant. If you are going to Florence then you may want to consider other choices listed here. Near the Spanish Steps.
Ristorante La Campana
Near the center and Pantheon. Good food and relaxed atmosphere. Some dishesto try are Fettucine with Fresh Porcini Mushrooms when in season, Carpaccio and Fried Zucchini Blossoms. Been around since 1500s
Costanza Hosteria
Very authentic and excellent restaurant. The website is not available in English on the web but your hotel Concierge or clerk will be able to make a reservation for you. In the vicinity of Campo Dei Fiori. Things we have tried and like – Bresaola, Risotto with Mushrooms (Funghi), Stuffed Olives, fried zucchini flowers (a must try), Crepes with Truffles and Porcini mushroom and Lamb Abbacio but they specialize in fish.
Ristorante Evangelista
This place is famous for their Carciofi al Mattone which means under a brick. They are divine. Crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. You have never had artichokes like these.
Trattoria Al Moro
Close to the Trevi fountain and a good place to stop when you are in that area. We have haad Spaghetti Carbonara, Ossobuco and Porcini ai Fieri (cooked over a fire). They have an extensive menu with many choices.
La Scaletta degli Artisti
Small reasonable priced Trattoria very convenient when in the Piazza Navonna Area.
Piccolo Arancia Ristorante
Another Restaurant very close to the Trevi Fountain. This is an excellent choice for Roman classic dishes like Amatriciana Sauce with Pasta, Spaghetti Carbonara, Fried Baccala Filets (salt cured Cod), Fried Zucchini Blossoms and artichokes. Also make excellent Ossobuco and Eggplant Parmigiana.
Ai Fienaroli Cucina e Pinsa Wine Bar
About an 8 minute walk from the Borghese Gardens and Museum which is an attraction that I highly recommend. They have a wide selection of items on the menu and is an excellent choice if you want a break from traditional Roman Cuisine.
Il Convivio Troiani
Between the Tiber and Piazza Navonna is this excellent Michelin Starred Restaurant. If you want to spend the money for something more elegant then this is a good choice.
Wine Stores
Enoteca Buccone
Located on Via di Ripetta near Piazza del Popolo.
Excellent selection of wines of all prices. Looking for that special Barolo or Brunello? This is your place.
Enoteca Trimani
Located on via Goito, 20.
Another fine wine store with excellent choices with expert staff members. Too long of a walk back to the historical center – about 30 minutes by foot from Piazza Navonna. I would take a cab to lug all of your goodies back.
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