Rome
View from our hotel
20 minute walk to the Colosseum
Accommodations: Hotel- Albergo Del Senato Piazza Della Rotonda 73, Rome, RM, 00186
Highlights: Very central, can walk to almost all the sites, moderately priced
Downfalls: Room’s are small and included breakfast was mediocre
DETAILS
They say, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, but the question is can you see Rome in a day? We’ll we had a day and a half and we were able to see a bunch of sites. These are not the ideal circumstances if you like to take in the history, but we got it done.
SITES
The Colosseum
Roman Forum
The Pantheon
Circus Maximus
The Spanish Steps
Trevi Fountain
Sistene Chapel
The vatican
St. Peter’s
Trestevere (Favorite spot to walk around in daytime or evening to find restaurants and get drinks. It is the oldest neighborhood in Rome. It reminded of the lower east side of Manhattan)
If you would like some of the most amazing views you can walk from Trestevere up the Janiculum hill that overlooks the entire city.
Synagogue and Jewish Museum - right along the tiber
Some restaurants recommended in the Trestevere area are Antica Pesa, Dar poeta, Spirito Divino, La Scala, Fontanone in Piazza Trilussa and San Calisto (for really good pizza)
Yogo Fruit (yogurt) that you can mix all different toppings in.
Oranges Café ( for fresh squeezed O.J.)
RESTAURANTS
Our first day in Rome was a half day so we went to see the Spanish steps and do some shopping. We walked on Via dei Condotti until we were hungry. We love to find spots and not have every meal planned. We wondered around a little bit and came acrosss Trattoria Montecarlo. It was empty, but it looked a lot less touristy then the other spots. We loved their pizza and pasta and would definitely recommend it if you’re nearby. Pictures Below.
*Also, if you climb up the Spanish Steps and walk along the path behind them you will find great views of the piazza and the Pincio Gardens which is an amazing area to explore.
Ravioli
Mushroom Pizza
Dinner at IL FALCHETTO
Adress: Via Dei Montecatini, 12 -Roma (Via Del Corso)
I highly recommend this restaurant!! It is also walking distance from the Trevi fountain which is amazing at night. We loved the classic spaghetti with pepper and Parmesan- it was out of this world. The pistachio tiramisu is also a must order.
Lunch at Hosteria “Dar Buttero”
We found this quiet spot in Trestevere. It caught our eye because there were many other Italians in the restaurant and it had a back garden. I would recommend this place for sure!
Dinner at Hosteria Del Moro
Also known as Tony’s (in Trestevere) - If you studied abroad between 2008-2012 you will definitely remember this place. I went out of my way to find it because I remember thinking they had the best Americanized/Italian food (Chicken Parmesan and Penne Alla Vodka). This was a disappointment, to say the least. I’m not sure if the chef has changed or just my taste buds, but it was sub-par compared to all the other restaurants we went to in Rome.
Gelato at Don Nino
I’m in for almost any Gelato in Italy and this place was excellent! I definitely had too much to drink before I got there, but I’m pretty certain it’s worth the stop!! It is especially worth it if you are visiting the pantheon because it’s right around the corner. Another great one near the Pantheon is Gelateria della Palma.
MORE Restaurants
Gusto (make reservations for downstairs)
Restaurant 34 (near the Spanish Steps on Via Maria de Fiori)
Insalatta Rica (any kind of salad you want- there are a few locations)
Shaki Wine Bar (next to Restaurant 34 –really good salads)
Due Ladroni in Piazza Nicosia
La Carabonara and Heartbreak in Campo de Fiori
SUSHI: ATM sushi and Ukiyo (Japanese Restaurant by the Spanish Steps on Via di Propaganda)
Tre Scalini (in Piazza Navona )
Ombre Rosse –a good café
Massi Café – another great café for lunch