Travel Guide: What to do + Where to Eat During Your Next Trip to Rome
Roma! I think in my lifetime I’ve been about 6 -7 times. Fun fact: my first trip abroad was Rome in 2000 to sing for the Pope for the new millennium. That trip to Italy can be summed up by: lots of churches and cathedrals (we performed in over 7 during that trip), visiting all the historical moments, taking funny pictures with the leaning tower of Pisa, all the pasta, and silly bus rides with my school choir (I was 12).
As an adult, whenever I travel through Europe I like to make a stop in Rome. Partially cuz that’s usually where layovers happen when you’re traveling from the U.S. (why not take a few days!) and also because it feels comfortable for me. About 3 years ago when I went to Croatia I decide to do Rome by myself and spent an entire day walking to see all the architectural wonders: Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Colosseum, outside of the Vatican, and Pantheon. Sure I needed a huge bowl of pasta and large glass of wine at the end of the day, but it’s very do-able. The historical city is actually only 5 square miles and it’s SO easy to navigate by foot. Andy and I did the same 2 years ago on his inaugural Europe trip. Long story short, if you’ve been to Rome a few times as a grown-up you’ve probably hit the basics. Now what?
Everyday Pursuit in Rome, Italy | Rome Guide for Millennials Who Want to Eat, Drink, and Play
Guide to Rome, Italy - where to eat, drink, and play
You’re in the right place! Andy and I are headed back for a quick stop before our 14 days European cruise and I put the ask out to the EDPfam on IG for recs on what to-do and where to eat because one thing I haven’t explored enough is the FOOD. I’m also so looking forward to spending some time by the Tiber river with a spritz and walking through our favorite part of town, Trestevere. Keep scrolling for over 75 food and activity recs for your next visit with links to their TripAdvisor.
But first, if you’re planning a Europe vacay: start here and don’t forget to checkout this post with 4 Rome Airbnbs I recommend.
And whatever you do, I cannot recommend this Pasta Making Class enough. We’re actually doing it for the second time in September. I promise you won’t regret it!
What to do in Rome: Pasta Making Class
Rome Airbnb Experience: Pasta Making Class
Activities + Must-sees:
Visit Monti Neighborhood (top 10 things to do)
Go to the Top of Vittorio Monument - the views!
Tour the Domus Aurea ruins - book here.
Shop at La Rinascente
Watch the Sunrise @ Spanish Steps
Bar in Rome, Italy
Ashley Torres + Andy Fisher in Rome, Italy
Where to eat in Rome, Italy
View from Airbnb in Rome, Italy
Eats + Drinks by Location:
Taverna Trilussa - great for dinner (comes highly recommended from the EDPfam)
Da Enzo - make sure to get a reservation
Suppli - hole in the wall but oh, so good
Dar Poeta - always on the must-eats lists but I honestly wasn’t that impressed last time we went
Antica Pesa - dinner
La Scala - get the truffle pasta
Centro
Osteria Barberini - truffle heaven. get a resi!
La Buca di Ripetta - best carbonara
Il Vinaietto - inconspicuous wine bar
Va.do al Pigneto - delicious seafood
Eitch Borromini - secret rooftop on top of a hotel
Retrobottega - amazing decor and food. make a resi!
Blackmarket - great jazz bar
Il Chianti - near Trevi Fountain
Il Gabriello - near Spanish Steps
Trattoria Al Moro - super old school
Pianostrada - owned by mom and 3 daughters, make a reservation
Sant’Eustachio Il Caffe - perfect for coffee
Ciampini - margherita pizza + gelato
Mama Eat - TON of GLUTEN FREE options
Regola
Pierluigi - Celeb go-to!
Parione
Frigidarium - best gelato
The Library - super romantic drinks and dinner spot
Pasta Making Experience in Rome, Italy
Ponte
Sallustiano
Come Il Latte - yummy gelato
Testaccio
Trapizzino - for snacks and drinks
Prenestino Labicano / East Rome
Trattoria Pigneto .- hole in the wall with great house wine
Monteverde
Litro - great for pre-dinner drinks