Be it your first visit or your 30th, there’s something about Rome that captivates in a way few cities elsewhere can. From its spectacular history to arguably the best food and drink in the world, the Eternal City is the place to come if you want to feel like the leading lady in your very own movie. Home to some absolutely cannot miss, must-see sites including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Pantheon, you’ll most likely have a hit-list prepared before your plane even touches the tarmac. But be sure to save some time to explore the city's quieter corners and wander around the unticketed landmarks, where the magic really lies.
Perhaps your first port of call, the Vatican Museum (which includes the Sistine Chapel) should be booked in advance, especially if you’re not a fan of queuing. The city’s most popular spot, prepare to spend at least half a day here before heading over to the Trevi Fountain to toss a coin over your shoulder. Add in a quick stop at the nearby Il Gelato di San Crispino for (you guessed it) some of the best gelato of your life before you leave. One of the coolest areas of Rome, evenings should be spent in Trastevere. A walk of around 15-20 minutes along the river, this former working class district is now one of the city’s most vivacious neighbourhoods complete with trattorias full to bursting point. Start your night at Taverna Trilussa which serves up sublime pasta direct from the pan before exploring the smorgasbord of nightlife on offer. It’s a great place to end a perfect day in this magical city.
Where To Stay
While Rome may be an ancient city, its luxury hotel scene is anything but, spanning an eclectic mix of design, glamour and Italian inspiration. The crème de la crème, Hotel de la Ville claims one of the city’s most prestigious addresses, sitting directly atop the famous Spanish steps. Designed by Tommaso Ziffer and Olga Polizzi — the team behind Rocco Forte’s other fabulous Roman property Hotel de Russie — this stylish space is far from the stuffy spaces that often accompany such luxury accomodation. Instead you’ll find a modern aesthetic complete with rich fabrics and sumptuous antiques that marry with the hotel’s obvious warmth.
Complete with an Irene Forte Skincare spa, numerous indoor and open-air lounges, a vast enclosed courtyard perfect for dinner and perhaps the most stylish rooftop bar in Rome, there are plenty of places to while away an afternoon here. As for the rooms — all of which sit behind impressive red-embossed leather effect doors — they range from superior doubles to huge panoramic suites perfect for the whole family. It’s worth noting that most views look out over Via Sistina or the hotel’s internal courtyard, so if it’s sweeping vistas of the Roman rooftops you’re after, book wisely.
As to be expected from dishes crafted by celebrated Roman-born, Tuscan-trained chef Fulvio Pierangelini, culinary options are a delightful combination of rich and fresh ingredients. Take breakfast in the charming courtyard at Mosaico, while lunch and dinner can be enjoyed up on the roof at Cielo. Kick things off with a starter of tomato, avocado and burrata, followed by tonnarelli cacio e pepe with red prawn tartare, sea bass with cream of potato and indulgently creamy tiramisu. Book Now
Where to eat
Taking its name from Il Marchese del Grillo, a film which symbolises the spirit of Rome, this authentic Roman restaurant focuses on three things: stylish décor, expertly- crafted drinks and traditional dishes that come bursting with flavour. A proud member of the Michelin Guide, its all-day format allows for lunch, dinner or a late-night drink (as well as aperitivo hour, obviously), with the likes of bluefin tuna, octopus on zucchini cream and pork belly with orange zest potatoes and green apple gracing the menu. Alternatively, you can’t go wrong with its homemade pasta. Buon appetitio. Book Now
