Rome Trip: Itinerary and Food Recommendations

After our Rome trip we got a lot of positive feedback from parents and fellow teachers. We inspired them to visit Rome so instead of sending them emails with recommendations I created this blog post. I have been exploring Rome since 2002 as tour leader for Slovak tourists and I still cannot say I have seen it all in there, but here are some general tips.

Before going I would recommend watching the film La Grande Bellezza (The Great Beauty) by Paolo Sorrentino. Or some of the classics like: Dolce Vita, Roman Holiday, Ben-Hur or Quo Vadis. If you are interested in ancient Rome, there is a great series on HBO called Rome or documentaries by Mary Beard on YouTube.

Itinerary (Days May Be Switched)

Day A:

• Morning: Visit St. Peter’s Basilica between 8-9 AM to avoid long lines. You can also climb the dome for a great view.
• Quick Lunch Options:
  • Panini at Due Cento Gradi Map
  • Sfiziarte Map
  • Pasta to-go at Pastasciutta Map
  • Gelato at Gelateria del Monte Map
• Afternoon: Visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (buy tickets online in advance, if the official website does not have any left you can try Tiqets or GetYourGuide). Afterward, walk along Via della Conciliazione to Castel Sant’Angelo and the Angel Bridge for photos. Buses are available nearby.

Day B:

• Morning: Visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum (buy tickets in advance). Head to Capitoline Hill (Campidoglio) for views of the Forum, then explore Piazza Venezia and the Victor Emmanuel II Monument.
• Lunch in the Jewish Ghetto:
  • Try Jewish-Roman specialties like carciofi alla giudia (fried artichokes) or carciofi alla romana (boiled artichokes). Recommended restaurants:
    • Nonna Betta Map
    • Sora Margherita Map
• Afternoon: Visit Tiber Island. Optionally, cross to Trastevere for dinner at Ivo Map.
• Evening: Stroll through Campo de’ Fiori, Via dei Giubbonari, and Piazza Navona. Try tiramisu from Two Sizes Map.

Day C:

• Morning: Start at Piazza del Popolo and visit the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo for Caravaggio’s paintings. Climb to the Pincio lookout, then head to the Spanish Steps and try tiramisu at Bar Pompi.
• Lunch Options:
  • Maccheroni Map
  • Da Mario Map
  • Try typical Roman pasta dishes like Amatriciana, Carbonara, Cacio e pepe, Gricia, or the meat dish Saltimbocca.
• Afternoon: Visit the Trevi Fountain (toss a coin in), then head to San Crispino for gelato Map. Visit the Church of San Ignazio (beautiful 3D ceiling), then the Pantheon (buy tickets in advance). Next, visit the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva to see Michelangelo’s sculpture of Christ.
• Afternoon: Enjoy gelato at Giolitti Map. Spend time exploring the center, finding hidden gems and known landmarks.Additional Tips

• Shopping: Via del Corso or Via di Cola di Rienzo for shopping, and Via Margutta for a pleasant walk.
• Nightlife: Head to Trastevere (Zatiberie) for bars and restaurants. Try Bar San Calisto for Sgroppino Map.
• Sunday Morning Market: Visit Porta Portese.
• Beach: Beaches near Rome are not ideal; public beaches are not so clean, private ones are usually expensive.

Fun Facts and Hidden Gems

• Favorite Viewpoint: Fontana dell’Acqua Paola Map. Nearby, visit the small temple by Bramante Map.
• Optical Illusions: Check out these optical illusions in Rome Link.