From Athens its a short trip—not even a two-hour flight—and it has that Mediterranean familiarity that makes us feel at ease, even if its our first time—una fatsa una ratsa. It`s also wonderful how you`re surrounded by beautiful ancient monuments wherever you go, making you feel as though you`re living inside a vibrant museum.
Since it`s been a short while since our last three days there and everything is still fresh in my mind, I`d like to suggest ten great ideas to fill your days and hours with both substance and variety.
- First, book a guide and tour to see the monuments we discussed. but avoid the typical experience of rushing around in a group, following thirty other people from place to place. On Viator, you`ll find private guided tours for groups of 2 to 8 people, using electric club cars that pick you up from your hotel, take you everywhere, and provide in-depth explanations along the way. This way, you get to experience the entire city as you would never see it under any other circumstances. It is also less tiring, and if the weather isn`t favourable. you won`t get wet or cold. We enjoyed it so much that I plan to look for similar experiences wherever I travel, and of course, I will book them. For instance, in Florence, where we`re going for Easter.
- Be sure to visit the famous Salumeria Roscioli. With a two-century history and a truly unique atmosphere, it offers excellent charcuterie and cheeses, accompanied by its own freshly baked bread and some hot dishes—be sure to try their cacio e pepe, which is among the best in Rome. You can pair your meal with wine by the bottle or glass from a long and very interesting list. On your way out, make sure to stop by the bakery of the same name across the street to pick up some delicacies from their incredible selection—you`ll remember me for it!
-Experience the unique Art of Play. Sixteen installations invite both adults and children to immerse themselves in and explore the world of play. During a walking tour of approximately an hour and a half, you will be captivated by the elaborate setups, and we encourage you to engage with them, have a great time, and capture impressive photos for your social media. At the end of your visit, you can relax at Hello Kitty for coffee and shop for souvenirs.
- Book a gastronomic dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant Pipero. While I`m not a big fan of foams, molecular concoctions, and unusual ingredients, I truly enjoyed our experience at Pipero, which combines fine dining with comfort and traditional recipes. We opted for the six-course menu, and among the dishes, we had the best carbonara of our lives (it`s one of their most famous dishes), a pasta with marrow, pepper and verdello lemons that makes me drool every time I think of it, and the best Suzette crepes ever! I highly recommend it and am enthusiastic about the entire dining experience.
- Take a stroll down Via Condotti. Rome`s most famous and expensive street, where you will find all the iconic fashion houses of Italy and the world. Even if you`re not in the mood for shopping or don`t have a budget for it, it`s worth walking down to browse the latest trends and observe the customers of the super luxury boutiques, who often look like live advertisements of their products. While you`re at it, make a stop at Antico Caffe Greco at number 86, one of the most famous and oldest cafes in the city (operating since 1760), for a quick coffee and perhaps a piece of delicious torta della nonna. Finish your walk at the Spanish Steps at the end of the street to admire the square and take photos of the famous Barcaccia fountain.
- Take a cooking class and learn to make one of your favourite Italian dishes as authentically as possible. I`ve been taking cooking classes for years since I lived in London. Whenever I come across something interesting, I never miss a chance, and as a result, I`ve enriched my repertoire with several delicious dishes. In Rome, the cooking classes at Roscioli Rimessa , part of the restaurant I mentioned earlier, are one of the best options. They take place every day at noon, cost 140 euros per person, and teach you to prepare a menu of four Italian dishes, including the famous cacio e pepe and amatriciana. Afterward, you can enjoy the meal you`ve cooked alongside your classmates, accompanied by five expertly paired wines.
Visit the Galleria Doria Pamphilj. The unimaginably beautiful palazzo of the same name on Via del Corso houses a unique private art collection. Both the interior and the gardens are truly breathtaking. transporting you momentarily to a parallel, fantastic universe.
- If you enjoyed the gallery (which I`m sure you`ll love), take a trip to Villa Doria Pamphilj, Rome`s largest public park located in the Trastevere area. There, you can explore the beautiful gardens, complete with ponds, streams, unique flowers and plants, and ornate marble benches. The two attractions often confuse visitors due to their names—both belonging to the same family—leading many to think of them as one. However, they are different and well worth a visit. For the record, an Italian villa refers to a building with a large garden.
- Visit the Santa Maria dela Scala pharmacy, the oldest in Europe, which makes visitors feel as though they are travelling back in time. You first pass through the modern pharmacy on the ground floor and then go up to the first floor, where you are greeted by a monk who guides you through the space, preserved exactly as it was in the past. He teaches you about the properties of various herbs, ointments, and oils that were used to cure the ancient Romans, as well as the tools they employed. The experience is fantastic; just be aware that there are many stairs to climb up and down, so this may not be suitable for everyone.
- Make sure to include a visit to Testaccio Market in your itinerary—a covered market with about 100 shops divided into two sections. One sections features everything imaginable in food products, akin to the Italian version of London`s Borough Market. If you enjoy cooking or are looking for a gift for a gourmet friend, you`ll feel like you`ve entered paradise. The other section offers clothing, accessories, and homeware. Don`t miss the famous Mordi e Vai (located near the exit to Via B. Franklin). Its owner, a former butcher, crafts sandwiches that are a substantial meal, reproducing classic recipes that have gone viral on social media. Be sure to try the meatballs and tomato sauce inside his freshly baked bread, you`ll thank me forever!
P.S. I didn`t mention the Vatican, which is obviously worth visiting, as it`s one of Rome`s most famous attractions.
P.S.2 We stayed at the Palazzo Roma Hotel during our recent visit to Rome.
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