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ROME is truly the eternal city. It doesn’t seem fair that one city could offer thousands of years worth of art, architecture, history, religion and of course incredible food. That’s why Rome is a very popular destination and the city is always crowded, so bring your walking shoes and your patience. One of my favorite things to do is walk to a landmark in the early morning hours taking in the city life before all of the madness begins.

For fashionistas, don’t miss great shops like Delfina Delettrez, Dal Co, Feltrinelli, Fleur, Gente, My Cup of Tea, Molayen, Pineider, White Gallery and high-end window shopping along via Balbuino, via Bocca di Leone, via Condotti and via Serpenti in Monti.

MUSEUMS + MONUMENTS:
Sightseeing tips: To hydrate use one of the many water fountains around Rome, the water is from a natural spring, it’s free and better than bottled. Consider the Roma Pass to save time and money.

Pantheon
Piazza della Rotunda

This church is an astounding architectural marvel. Read my feature here.

Colosseum
Piazza del Colosseo

Sports arena where gladiators use to battle. Admission includes the Forum and Palatine Hill.

Galleria Borghese
Piazza Scipione Borghese

Must-see museum with an incredible collection of Italian art and sculpture.

MAXXI Museum
Via Guido Reni

Warhols and Richters in a contemporary building designed by Zaha Hadid. Perfect for a rainy day.

Piazza Navona

Baroque sculpture and fountain. Read my feature here.

Santa Maria del Popolo
Piazza de Popolo 12

A true hidden gem and a treasure trove of works by Carravaggio, Raphael and Bernini.

The Vatican
Citta del Vaticano

The definite must-see for the religious art collections, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, the gardens and the intriguing Scavi tour. Read my feature here.

Trevi Fountain
Piazza de Trevi

Hold a coin in your right hand, throw it over your left shoulder and make a wish like everyone else.

Villa Farnesina
Via Lungara 230

Once the home of Julius Caesar, it’s now home to must-see art, frescoes and views of the Tiber.

RESTAURANTS:
Be sure to make dinner reservations before you leave. Remember gratuity is always included on your bill, so you don’t have to leave an extra tip unless service was exceptional.

La Pergola
via Cadlolo 101
Rome Cavalieri

Michelin-star overlooking Rome, you can’t get much better than this modern Italian masterpiece.

Agata e Romeo
via Carlo Alberto 45
www.agataeromeo.it

Creative rustic Italian.

Al Moro
Vicolo delle Bollette 13
www.ristorantealmororoma.com

For a traditional Roman experience, grab a table during lunch and eat with the locals.

Caffè Sant’Eustachio
Piazza Sant’Eustachio 82
www.santeustachioilcaffe.it

Near the Pantheon, this caffè serves the best coffee in Rome.

Dal Bolognese
Piazza del Popolo 1-2
www.ristorantebolognesearoma.com

More about the scene than the food and always crowded at night.

Da Remo
Piazza Santa Maria Liberatrice 44

In Testaccio, beyond delicious thin crust Roman pizza. Dinner only.

Eataly
Piazzale XII Ottobre 1492
www.eataly.com

Food mecca worth a rainy day visit for its vast selection. Try a panino at ‘Ino.

Fatamorgana
Piazza degli Zingari 5
www.gelateriafatamorgana.it

In Monti, some of the best all-natural gelato in Rome.

F.I.S.H.
via dei Serpenti 16
www.f-i-s-h.it

When you need a break from pasta, reserve here for tasty seafood.

Glass Hostaria
Vicolo del Cinque 58
www.glass-hostaria.it

Even if you’re a connoisseur, Cristina Bowerman’s food will leave you breathless.

Gusto
Piazza Augusto Imperatore 9
www.gusto.it

Several restaurants in one, I prefer the first floor trattoria for salads, pasta and pizzas.

Il Brillo Parlante
via della Fontanella 12
www.ilbrilloparlante.com

Local favorite and popular wine bar and pizzeria near Piazza de Popolo.

Maccheroni
Piazza della Coppelle 44
www.ristorantemaccheroni.com

Friendly trattoria serving delicious Roman classics.

Margutta
via Margutta 118
www.ilmargutta.it

Delicious vegetarian restaurant. Popular with locals.

Matricianella
via del Leone 4
www.matricianella.it

Family-run trattoria serving traditional Roman classics. Major wine list.

Monti
via San Vito 15A

Off-the-beaten track trattoria, worth it for the delicious egg-yolk ravioli.

Oliver Glowig
via Ulisse Aldrovandi 15
Aldrovandi Villa Borghese
www.aldrovandi.com

Perfect for a special celebration. Distinctive Michelin-star cuisine.

Pizzarium
via della Meloria 43

The best Pizza Bianca in Rome made by pizza maestro Gabriele Bonci.

Quinzi  e Gabrieli
Via delle Coppelle 5
www.quinziegabrieli.it

Wonderful seafood in the heart of Rome.

Salotto 42
Piazza di Pietra
www.salotto42.it

Considered one the world’s best wine bars.

Salumeria Roscioli
Via dei Giubbonari 21
www.salumeriaroscioli.com

Food shop. Wine shop. Incredible bistro. Read my Alessandro Pepe interview here.

HOTELS:
I always advise booking early for the best deals and suggest staying near the city center for ease of walking around.

Hotel Aleph
Via di San Basilio 15
www.aleph-roma.boscolohotels.com

This chic Adam Tihany designed hotel provides all the comforts of home.

Babuino 181
Via del Babuino 181
www.romeluxurysuites.com

Modern and spacious suites for the stylish traveler who prefers a fuss-free stay.

Casa Manni
Via di Pietra 70
www.casamanni.com

This luxe apartment-style hotel offers 5-star amenities in an exclusive setting.

Crossing Condotti
Via Maria de Fiori 28
www.crossingcondotti.com

This five-room, family-run boutique hotel is comfortable with attentive service.

First Luxury Art Hotel
Via del Vantaggio 14
www.thefirsthotel.com

A hip new edition to the Eternal City with the award-winning All’Oro restaurant.

Hotel du Russie
Via del Babuino 9
www.hotelderussie.it

This ultra-chic + modern hotel offers a posh setting, stellar service and the popular Jardin de Russie restaurant and Stravinsky Bar.

J K Place
Via Monte d’Oro 30
www.jkroma.com

J K properties always offer quality service and exceptional style.

Portrait Suites
Via Bocca di Leone
www.portraitsuites.com

Above the Ferragamo store, this townhouse hotel offers luxe suites and amenities.

Photos: Zavvi Rodaine