Local Guide

Whether it’s your first Roman adventure or a long-awaited return, the city always works its magic in its own way. Here are a few of our favourite spots to explore, eat, and live la dolce vita.

Neighbourhood

Highlights

Neighbourhood Highlights

Centro Storico

The historic heart of Rome, home to the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and charming cobblestone streets filled with cafés, gelaterie, and shopping for every budget.

Trastevere

A lively, bohemian quarter across the Tiber River, known for its ivy-covered buildings, local trattorias, and vibrant evening atmosphere.

Prati

An elegant residential area near the Vatican, ideal for peaceful walks and classic Roman dining.

Monti

Trendy yet authentic, Monti blends artisan shops, stylish wine bars, and vintage boutiques, all steps away from the Colosseum.

What to See in Rome

  • The Colosseum

    An icon of Rome and one of the Seven Wonders of the World — step inside to imagine the grandeur of ancient gladiator games.

  • The Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

    Walk through the heart of ancient Rome, where emperors once ruled. The view from Palatine Hill at sunset is unforgettable.

  • The Pantheon

    A perfectly preserved temple from ancient Rome, nearly 2,000 years old. Its vast dome and open oculus are truly awe-inspiring.

  • Piazza Navona

    A lively Baroque square lined with fountains, cafés, and street artists — ideal for a late-afternoon stroll or aperitivo.

  • Trevi Fountain

    Toss a coin to ensure your return to Rome and admire Bernini’s breathtaking sculpture — especially magical at night.

  • The Vatican & St Peter’s Basilica

    A treasure trove of art and history — from Michelangelo’s Pietà to the panoramic view from the top of the dome.

  • Vatican Museum

    The Vatican Museums house one of the world’s largest art collections. This space, a testament to the Catholic Church’s artistic patronage over the centuries, is made up of 10 museums filled with paintings, sculptures, frescoes, and other artistic elements.

  • Villa Borghese Gardens

    Rome’s green oasis — perfect for a walk, a picnic, or a visit to the world-famous Galleria Borghese museum.

  • galleria borghese

    Nestled within the lush greenery of Villa Borghese Gardens, the Galleria Borghese is one of Rome’s most treasured art museums and a must-visit for anyone passionate about art, history, or Italian culture.

Where to Eat and Drink
in Rome

Please note that the last two weeks of August are typically a holiday period for many restaurants. As a result, several venues we would normally recommend may be closed. Nonetheless, below you’ll find a list of places that we’ve confirmed will be open.

  • For a cocktail or a glass of wine with a view, these are our favourite spots.

    • Hotel de Russie – timeless and elegant, with a beautiful garden bar.

    • Hotel de la Ville – rooftop terrace overlooking the city, ideal at sunset.

    • Terrazza Locarno – intimate atmosphere and classic cocktails near Piazza del Popolo.

    • Salotto 42 – stylish bar facing the Temple of Hadrian, perfect for a pre-dinner drink.

    • Pacifico – chic Peruvian fusion spot, also great for cocktails and light bites.

    • Montecarlo – simple, central, and perfect for traditional Roman dishes and pizza.

    • Matricianella – cosy and beloved by locals for its timeless Roman pasta.

    • Da Felice (Testaccio) – legendary for its cacio e pepe, mixed at the table.

    • Roscioli – perfect for lunch or dinner, renowned for its carbonara and pizza al taglio.

    • Pierluigi – for fresh seafood, though on the pricier side.

    • Osteria La Quercia - quality raw materials, fresh ingredients guaranteed by small breeders and farmers, organic farms, and boats on the Lazio coast.

    • Roma Sparita (trastevere) - in the heart of Trastevere, the heart of Rome, Roma Sparita restaurant overlooks the splendid Piazza di Santa Cecilia, far from the traffic and chaos.

    • Hosteria Grappolo D’oro - is a small fortress of taste, interpreting Roman cuisine between tradition and modernity.

    • Antica Pesa - the history of Roman cuisine through their reinterpretation of comforting recipes.

    • Pizzeria Emma - is a restaurant and pizzeria. But it's also a delicatessen, and a general store and wine shop with a strong focus on organic products.

  • For those of you who choose to stay in Bracciano the night before the wedding, you can find some of our favourite spots below:

    Chalet del Lago

    Percorsi al Vecchio Ponte

    Ristorantino del Castello