don’t miss Ash’s Rome Travel Guide with a list of 75+ best restos organized by area

Here’s the thing: I fall in love very easily. I romanticize the shit out of things to an unhealthy degree, but I can’t help it, I’m a hopeless romantic. As a surprise to noone, Paris has had a white knuckle grip on my heart for as long as I can remember. It’s a city that has taught me a lot of lessons and holds some of my nearest and dearest memories. Never in my wildest dreams did I think a city could top my love affair with Paris and then Rome happened. 

The Eternal City has it all: jaw dropping architecture, mouth watering Italian food, gorgeous people and enough adventure to fill your trip to the brim with things to do. Originally, Rome was never on the itinerary but I was lucky enough to go twice this spring, which was ample time for me to begin my infatuation. 24 hours in Rome is more than enough time to fall in love, if you ask me.

STAY

• Hotel Artemide I stayed over in Rome on my second trip. I was with my brother which meant I needed a hotel that offered a room with two beds and a gym. I’m a sucker for hotel breakfast, so that was also on the top of my criteria. After ample research, I landed on Hotel Artemide. The reviews rave about this property for the staff, the location and the incredible breakfast buffet. I can wholeheartedly echo these reviews. From the moment I booked until the moment we checked out, the staff was so lovely and welcoming. With this hotel as our homebase, we were able to see all the major attractions within a 2-3 mile radius. I could write an entire blog post about the breakfast buffet that includes every type of pastry under the sun, a yogurt bar, a hot bar, a meat and cheese bar and a plethora of fresh fruit juice. When you walk into breakfast, they take your coffee order (you can even order iced coffee!) and have it on your table in 2 minutes flat. Will 100% stay there again and highly recommend it if you're looking for a mid-budget hotel with all the fixings.

• W Rome Ash and fam stayed at the W hotel which was a vibe all around. The hotel has a rooftop pool, a swanky hotel lobby and the prices on the menu will remind you very quickly of what it means to be back in a metropolitan city. The terrace was stunning and made for the perfect pre-dinner drink location. Breakfast isn’t included in the stay, but you’re going to get high value for the breakfast buffet if you have the stomach for it. As one of the more pricier hotels in the area, this hotel is perfect for a splurge or when you can cash in some of those well earned credit card points. 

• Honorable mention: The Hoxton The Hoxton hotel brand really just gets it. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to stop by and confirm that they also do it right in Rome, but it’s worth looking into as they always deliver. In addition to Rome, they have locations in Amsterdam, Paris, Chicago, Downtown LA, Portland, Williamsburg and three locations in London. After trying out Paris, DTLA and London, I’m a big fan. They offer two different room prices, one with breakfast and one without. Another great mid-budget option that won’t disappoint. 

• Ash has also stayed at a handful of AIRBNBS in the past - it looks like most are not taking bookings ATM but I’ll link the post just in case they open up again.

TO DO

• Walk Walk Walk: I’m not much of a guided tour person, so I prefer to map out my own walking route and learn some facts along the way. Everything is situated in such a way that it makes for an epic walk around the city. If you’re looking to clock 10+ miles, this is the walk for you. Wear some comfortable clothing and shoes and go!

  • The Trevi Fountain I went to the Trevi Fountain the day after Easter, and let me tell you, I have *never* felt that overwhelmed by a crowd of people. My second go around, I went much earlier in the day (around 9am vs. 12pm) and there was a significant difference in the amount of tourists. While I don’t think the crowds are going to be as big as they were on a holiday weekend, my advice to you would be to go early in the morning and enjoy it to yourself and a few other early risers. 

  • The Pantheon The square surrounding the Pantheon adds a dimension of grandiosity to this monument that makes you feel pretty small. I suggest you take your coffee and a pastry to sit and take it all in. Entry is free M-F and if you’re willing to wait in line, I’ve heard it’s worth it. 

  • Piazza Venezia It is damn near impossible to miss this piazza, especially if you’re roaming around the city. There’s a shaded area with benches and multiple pathways to walk your way through to the Colosseum, so take your time and enjoy the view.

  • Foro Romano or The Roman Forum This area blew my mind and was one of my favorite stops. Some of the excavated temples, squares and original government buildings date back 2,000 years. I found myself imagining what life was like back then and truly, isn’t that what all this is about? Exploring new places and being made to think way outside of yourself? Too existential? Don’t care - take a seat on one of the overlooks and mull over the meaning of life for a bit.

  • The Colosseum I have to say - I stumbled upon the Colosseum and as soon as I laid eyes on it, I couldn’t look away. This structure is wildly impressive. I’ve seen it by car, walking around below it and overlooking it with a view - every time is just *wow.* If you’re looking to go inside, I suggest booking a ticket in advance. There are people who can get you in on a whim but it’s double the price and includes other places on the tour that you may not want to go to. My brother and I put on an informative Youtube video and walked around it to give us some perspective and I thought that was a pretty nice touch. Not to be missed: there are restaurants in the area that overlook the Colosseum, one of which is called La Biga. Mareeks and I sat for a glass of white with some melon and prosciutto and, phewww, does this sort of thing make you feel some type of way. Bonus points if it’s a sunny day and you score a spot outside. (Disclaimer: The reviews are not great, but you’re here for the view, are you not?)

  • The Spanish Steps The last stop on this walking tour brings you to the base of the Spanish Steps. What better way to cap off an entire day of walking than a staircase with 174 steps to the top? You earn that gelato, my friend. The staircase was built in the 18th century and is one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions. Walk up them for good measure and go on your merry way in search of gelato. 

• A bike ride to Vatican City:  While traveling abroad, I typically turn off my service and operate on wifi. On travel days or when exploring a new city, I’ll turn on my cellular data and live a little. When in Rome, I did just that which meant city bikes were an option… my goodness, they were so fun. I have no idea how many laws were broken on the way to the Vatican, but it was so worth it. All you have to do is scan a QR code on the bike within the appropriate app and you’re on your way. The bikes help you pedal, so after only a few pushes you feel like you’re on top of the world biking through Rome (although this could’ve been due to my romanticization of the city). A super affordable way to see the city and highly recommended on a sunny Roman day. 

• THE EDP recommended pasta making class: I cannot stress this enough - Ashley knows what she’s doing. A 4.9 star pasta making class that will give you new core memories and something to talk about for years to come. You make three pastas, you drink a ton of delicious wine and you make lifelong friends (cannot confirm the lifelong part of that statement, but still, everyone feels like family). Read more about this amazing Airbnb experience here and do yourself a favor and book in advance right after you book your tickets to Rome. 

TO EAT

The food in Rome did not disappoint. My first time there, I had three gelatos in one day. It was something truly special. Everywhere we went for food really delivered, but I have a feeling it’s very hard to go wrong. 

• Antica Taverna - Order the lasagna and the pizza diavola. Save a little bit of the bomb bread they bring to the table to soak up whatever is left of the lasagna (even though there won’t be much). 

• Ristorante La Scala in Trastevere** - Order the cacio e pepe with squash blossoms and the ragu. If they have the red Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Pasetti, it’s a great one for those who favor pinot noir. 

  ** Trastevere is a popular nightlife area of Rome. It’s super lively during the day and at night and it reminds me a lot of the Marais in Paris. Every single spot looks amazing and the outdoor eating adds such a lovely feel to the overall vibe - people out drinking and being merry. Ugh, why doesn’t terrace life exist in America?

• Honorable mention: Tonnarello - We were recommended to go here by the W hotel but they didn’t have any outdoor seating for us in time. While we were eating, the line got super long so while I can’t give my experienced recommendation, something tells me they’re doing something right. 

• Gelateria del Teatro - A recommendation from a *true* Italian family, so you know it passes the test. The day we went, they were filming a movie on the surrounding streets so it took us a good 20 minutes extra to get there… still worth it. 

• The Gelatist - I’m just learning now that this is a chain, but it was right next to the hotel and had a rating of 4.6. Can confirm, it was worth it. There were so many flavors and every one that we tasted was bomb.com. 

• Don’t miss Ash’s Rome Travel Guide with a list of 75+ best restos by area!

GETTING AROUND

• TRAIN The trains in Italy were super easy to navigate. We bought all of our tickets on www.omio.com. The train to Rome from Arezzo was extremely inexpensive, between 9-12€. Protip: Make sure you’re getting on the right train before making yourself comfortable. We learned the hard way that the express train (1 hr) and the slow train (3+ hrs) to Rome can come within minutes of each other.

• UBER Taxis, Uber and Freenow are all available here. A taxi to and from the airport will range from 50-65€ depending on when and how you book. 

• BIKES & SCOOTERS It’s been a minute since I’ve been back in the city lifestyle so I was surprised to see how many bikes and scooters were available all over the city. We never paid more than 7-9€ for a bike ride and went everywhere. 

24 hours in Rome will never be enough, but it’s a fantastic first date that will leave you wanting more (those are the best kind of first dates anyways, no?). I think a walking tour, a midday stop for an aperitivo, gelato and a cooking class are the perfect way to get to know the Eternal city on a level that will let you know how quickly you need to return. One thing is for sure - you will be returning. xx - Marissa

P.S: Don’t miss Ash’s Rome Travel Guide with a list of best restos by area