Roma

To experience the soul of Rome, aim to stay in the heart of the historical centre ("centro storico"). Lively areas such as Piazza Navona, Trastevere, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain are ideal for getting a feel for the city, and the "centro storico" is also super convenient for getting to all the main attractions. Rione Monti is another charming neighbourhood worth considering that's also well-situated. A tip about areas to avoid for your hotel: skip anything around Termini station, especially at night. It's generally fine during the day, but not the most pleasant area to wander around after dark.
 

When getting around Rome, always make sure to use official white taxis with a taxi sign and meter. From the airports (Fiumicino and Ciampino), there are fixed fares to the city centre, just confirm the rate before starting the ride. For convenience around the city, apps like itTaxi and Free Now are reliable for booking official taxis. Avoid using Uber in Rome, as it's not a regular taxi service, as it operates as a high-end chauffeur service (NCC) and is typically much more expensive than standard taxis.

Rome is a proper open-air museum, where ancient wonders and buzzing piazzas are just around the corner. Here are some must-see spots:

• Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano: One of Rome's main basilicas and the official church for the Bishop of Rome.
• Basilica di San Pietro (St. Peter's Basilica): A massive basilica in Vatican City, well-known for its stunning architecture and religious importance.
• Basilica di San Clemente: A fascinating old church built over a Roman house and a 4th-century church, showing you centuries of history.
• Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill): Designed by Michelangelo, this square gives you cracking views all over the Roman Forum. It's particularly romantic at night.
• Campo de' Fiori: A lively square with a bustling market in the daytime that turns into a proper social spot at night.
• Castel Sant'Angelo: A round fortress with a rich history, once a tomb, then where the Pope lived, and now a museum.
• Colosseo (Colosseum): The famous old amphitheatre of Rome, a powerful reminder of the city's imperial past.
• Foro Romano (Roman Forum): Have a wander around the ruins of the ancient city's political, religious, and shopping centre.
• Ghetto: One of the oldest Jewish areas in Europe, now a charming neighbourhood with its own special feel, especially atmospheric at night.
• Isola Tiberina (Tiber Island): The only island in the River Tiber, offering lovely views and a peaceful break, particularly nice at night.
• Mercati di Traiano (Trajan's Market): Thought to be the world's first shopping centre, these well-kept ruins show you what ancient Roman shops were like.
• Pantheon: A remarkably preserved ancient Roman temple, now a church, famous for its amazing dome with a hole in the top that's really something at night.
• Piazza del Popolo: A grand oval square that used to be a main gateway into Rome.
• Piazza di Spagna: Famous for the Spanish Steps, going up to the Trinità dei Monti church.
• Piazza Navona: A beautiful baroque square with Bernini's Fountain of Four Rivers, particularly enchanting at night.
• Piazza Trilussa: A lively square in Trastevere, known for its buzzing atmosphere, especially at night.
• Piazza Venezia: A central spot in Rome, with the impressive Victor Emmanuel II Monument.
• Trastevere: A charming and bohemian neighbourhood with narrow cobbled streets and a lively nightlife, particularly magical at night.
• Via del Corso: A main road lined with shops and grand buildings, connecting Piazza Venezia and Piazza del Popolo.
• Rione Monti: Rome's first district, a charming area with buildings covered in ivy, quirky shops, and a great night scene.
• Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain): Chuck a penny in this iconic baroque fountain and take in its beauty, which is really stunning at night.
• Piazza di Pietra: A picturesque square with the impressive remains of Hadrian's Temple, beautifully lit up at night.

Now, let's talk about food, because you absolutely have to eat well in Rome! A great rule of thumb is to walk a little bit away from the really famous monuments and main squares when you're choosing a restaurant. The places right there often have higher prices but just okay food. Instead, keep an eye out for the more unassuming, "homely" looking restaurants. Those are usually where you'll find the real, mouthwatering Roman cuisine.  

Must-Try Dishes:

• Cacio e Pepe: A deceptively simple yet utterly delicious pasta dish made with just Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and pasta water.
• Carbonara: A Roman staple featuring eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, cured pork (guanciale), and black pepper.
• Amatriciana: A hearty pasta sauce made with guanciale, tomatoes, and Pecorino Romano cheese.
• Coda alla Vaccinara (Beef Tail): A rich and flavourful slow-cooked stew, a classic of Roman cucina povera (peasant cooking).
• Puntarelle: A crisp and slightly bitter type of chicory, often served as a salad with a tangy anchovy and garlic dressing, a true Roman delicacy.
• Pizza con la Mortadella: Simple yet satisfying pizza topped with thinly sliced mortadella sausage.
• Ice Cream Zabaione Flavour: A rich and creamy custard-based ice cream with the flavour of zabaione, a proper Italian dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, and sweet wine.
• Maritozzo con la Panna: A soft, sweet bun split and filled with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a Roman breakfast or snack favourite.
• Grattachecca: A refreshing shaved ice treat, perfect for a hot Roman day, often flavoured with fruit syrups.
• Granita di Caffè: A semi-frozen coffee treat, ideal for a caffeine kick with a cool twist.

Where to Eat:

For Coffee:

• Bar Sant'Eustacchio il Caffè: Reputed to serve the best espresso in Rome.
• Caffè Greco: A historical café offering a classic espresso and cappuccino experience.
• Tazza D'Oro Coffee Shop: Famous for its granita di caffè con panna (iced coffee with whipped cream).

For Pizza:

• Pizzeria da Baffetto: Serves delicious Roman (thin) pizza.
• Pizzeria Ai Marmi: Another popular spot for Roman (thin) pizza.
• Ivo a Trastevere: A well-known trattoria serving Roman (thin) pizza.

For a Proper Meal:

• Osteria della Fortunata: Offers several locations and delicious handmade pasta.
• Taverna Luciferio: Known for its white truffle tagliolini, fonduta, lardo di arnad.
• Cul de Sac: A traditional enoteca that locals love, and I reckon it's the first wine bar in Rome.
• Enoteca Corsi: A traditional enoteca offering a great atmosphere and grub.
• La Carbonara: A classic choice to try traditional Roman dishes like carbonara and carciofo alla giudia (fried artichokes).
• Da Tonino: A traditional no-frills trattoria serving proper Roman fare.
• Da Augusto: Another traditional no-frills trattoria known for its Roman specialities.
• Taverna Trilussa: Try their ravioli mimosa, said to be a bit pricey but very good.
• Matricianella: Serves traditional Roman cuisine.
• Sora Margherita: Another spot for traditional Roman dishes.
• Roscioli: A real classic, but make sure you book.
• Piperno: Offers Roman/Jewish cuisine and is located in the Jewish Ghetto.
• Il Marchese - Osteria Mercato: Famous for its amazing carbonara.
• Pancrazio dal 1922: Serves Roman classics in amazing settings (make sure you make a reservation).
• Hostaria da Pietro: A reliable spot for traditional Roman food.

For a Quick Meal:

• Forno Campo de' Fiori: A bakery where you can try pizza con la mortadella.
• Pizza Rustica Ai Gracchi: Offers pizza a taglio (pizza by the slice).
• Dar Filettaro a Santa Barbara: Famous for its Roman "fish and chips": filletto di baccalà e puntarelle (fried cod fillet and puntarelle).
• Antico Forno Urbani: A bakery where you can try bakery-style pizza con la mortadella and pizza rossa (red), and supplì (fried rice balls).
• Antico Forno Roscioli: Another excellent bakery option.

For Tiramisu:

• Pompi: Widely considered to serve some of the best tiramisu in Rome.

For Grattachecca:

• Grattachecca Sora Mirella: A well-regarded spot to try grattachecca.

For Ice Cream:

• Il Gelato di San Crispino: Known for its high-quality and interesting ice cream flavours.
• Fiocco di Neve: Another great place to indulge in ice cream, including the zabaione flavour.
• Giolitti: A long-standing gelateria with a wide array of ice cream options, including zabaione flavour affogato (with coffee).
• Gelateria dei Gracchi: Known for its delicious ice cream.