Lost in Rome

Buongiorno from Rome, the Eternal City - where the gelato is great, and the history is greater. If you love history like I do, Rome offers an opportunity to take a walk through architectural wonders that have been around for hundreds, even thousands, of years. Of course, in addition to the history lesson, you'll find impressive art masterpieces at the Vatican and a foodie paradise everywhere you go. Rome is a very walkable city, with an efficient public transportation system. Keep reading for the ultimate guide to Rome!

WHAT TO DO

Colosseum and Roman Forum – No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Colosseum. Still the largest standing amphitheater in the world, construction began here in 72 A.D. under the emperor Vespasian. There are exhibits inside that show how the Colosseum was used in ancient times, and the gigantic scale is breathtaking. Different tickets will allow access to different parts of the Colosseum, from the arena floor where you will see continuing restorations to the underground areas where gladiators awaited their turn in the arena. Many ticket options include access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill - just across the street. Book the skip-the-line option if you are able to cruise past the massive lines.

Vatican City – Although full access isn't granted to the public, you will have your entire day full with sights at the Vatican Museum, St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the gardens. You will need a guided tour to take in all the sights. The Museums are bursting at the seams with masterpieces, from paintings and drawings to sculptures and more. Learn the history of the Catholic Church as you gaze up at ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and the Last Judgement, both by Michelangelo. Once you make your way over to St. Peter's Basilica, you can head down into the basement where popes are entombed or make the trek up St. Peter's dome for a birds-eye view of the Vatican.

Pantheon (Piazza della Rotonda) – Make a quick (and free!) stop at the Pantheon, one of the best preserved Roman temples, built in the second century. The dome features a large hole, the Eye of the Pantheon or the Oculus, that is open to the elements. I had a chance to visit the Pantheon when rain was coming in through the opening, creating a spectacular sight.

Trevi Fountain (Piazza di Trevi) – Walk over to the Trevi Fountain after your stop at the Pantheon to toss in a coin. One of the most famous fountains in the world, legend has it that a coin tossed here means you will return to Rome some day. Crowds can get crazy so head over early in the morning for prime viewing or later at night to see it all lit up.

Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) – Make the trek up the famous Spanish Steps, connecting the Piazza di Spagna at the bottom and the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. Get a bowl of pasta to go at nearby Pastificio Guerra (Via della Croce 8) for only €4 and grab a seat to people watch. Looking to do some shopping in Rome? Lucky for you the Spanish Steps is located right at the end of Via Condotti, Rome's premier shopping street. Find everything from Hermès to Louis Vuitton and Prada, and don't forget to take advantage of the VAT refund for tax-free shopping!

Campo de' Fiori (Piazza Campo de' Fiori) – Open in the mornings from Monday to Saturday, this open air market (mercato all' aperto) is the place to go for fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, meats, and so forth. The stalls are bursting with the freshest produce, attracting both locals and tourists alike. My favorites are the flower stalls, exploding with color.

Trastevere (Piazza di Santa Maria) – After stopping by Campo de' Fiori, cross the Tiber River via stone footbridge to get to the Trastevere neighborhood. Take in the glittering mosaics at the Basilica di Santa Maria and the history at Basilica di Santa Cecilia. Be sure to stay for dinner and drinks because this neighborhood really comes alive at night. With streets filled with restaurants, bars, boutiques, and nightlife, you will feel as though you have found a hidden corner of Rome. Trastevere is very walkable and is easily accessed by public transportation as well.

WHAT TO EAT

Giolitti (Via degli Uffici del Vicario 40) – First things first. Gelato. I will recommend Giolitti with one large caveat - it will ruin gelato for you because no other gelato will ever measure up to it. If you are okay with setting the gelato bar unrealistically high, head on over to Giolitti for a scoop (or three) of the world's best gelato. Located near the Pantheon, Giolitti is reportedly Rome's oldest gelato shop, having been founded in 1890. You will pay up front for whatever size you'd like, then head over to the large cases to choose your flavors. My personal favorite is the rice flavor (trust me), but the pistachio and chocolate flavors are also close contenders. Plan on stopping by more than once to try out multiple flavors!

Il Gelato di San Crispino (Via della Panatteria 42) – If you would like to try other options, San Crispino also produces excellent gelato. Their signature is a honey vanilla flavor with subtle nuanced, but deep, flavors. It pairs excellently with their other options, especially the ginger cinnamon. San Crispino is located nearby the Trevi Fountain and is ideal for a quick pick-me-up in a long day of sightseeing.

La Casa del Tazza d'Oro (Via degli Orfani 84) – Just as Giolitti sets the bar for gelato, Tazza d'Oro sets the bar for espresso. Located close by the Pantheon, local favorites include the granita di caffe con panna (an icy espresso masterpiece) and their simple espresso for an inexpensive €0.90! Even my coffee-adverse husband enjoyed their creamy espresso, mixed with simple brown sugar. In the traditional Italian fashion, drinks are served by impeccably dressed baristas and enjoyed standing at the bar. If a cappuccino is more your style, you may also enjoy Sant' Eustachio Il Caffe, also located near the Pantheon. Their cappuccinos are exceptional, and their roasted beans are great to take home.

Supplizio (Via dei Banchi Vecchi 143) – Amidst the fantastic pasta and pizza options Rome has to offer, Supplizio offers a great change of pace. Suppli are deep fried rice balls with cheese - what's not to love? Favorites include the classico, amatriciana, and the cacio e pepe flavors. The servings are large at great prices so grab one of each flavor if you can. The dining room is small and cozy so plan for takeaway during busy times.

Da Francesco (Piazza del Fico 29) – Pasta and pizza are both must try items in Rome, and Da Francesco serves up excellent options for both. The pastas are all excellent, and the noodles are cooked to perfect, chewy, al-dente perfection. The pizzas are cooked in their wood-fire oven and are all excellent, especially their famous truffle pizza. Grab a seat outside to people-watch and enjoy the ambiance.

Forno Campo de' Fiori (Piazza Campo de' Fiori 22) – The next stop on your Roma pizza tour should be Forno Campo de' Fiori - an unassuming little pizzeria located right at the Campo de' Fiori open market. Crispy yet chewy pizzas are fired up in large slabs and then sold by weight. Fold up the thin slices like a sandwich and dig in for doughy, salty, saucy perfection. The line here moves quickly so do your research beforehand and know what you'd like to order so you don't hold up the line. Looking for a pizza spot in Trastevere? Forno La Renella (Via del Moro 15) is close by the Basilica di Santa Maria, and they serve up crispy pizzas loaded up with toppings via a similar system.