Rome
Rome is the capital city of Italy. It was the center of the Roman Empire that ruled the European Continent for several ages. Home to the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City— headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Here is our guide to Rome, Italy.
STAY
HASSLER ROMA Sitting adjacent to the Spanish Steps, this grand hotel offers 3 restaurants, 3 bars, and a spa. Piazza della Trinità dei Monti, 6; hotelhasslerroma.com.
PORTRAIT ROMA Portrait Roma is the Ferragamo family’s first foray into hotels in Rome. The intimate fourteen-room property is discreetly located just next to the Salvatore Ferragamo boutique on Via Condotti. The rooms have blond hardwood floors, heavy tapestries, and a proper walk-in closet and dressing area. The roof terrace’s views stretch as far as the Villa Medici and the Vatican City. Via Bocca di Leone, 23; lungarnocollection.com/portrait-roma/
VILLA AGRIPPINA A unique urban resort in the center of Rome near Vatican City and Trastevere district. Via del Gianicolo, 3; melia.com.
J.K. PLACE ROMA In the heart of Rome, within walking distance from the Spanish Steps and Via Condotti. Via di Monte d'Oro, 3; jkroma.com
BAGLIONI HOTEL REGINA Set in a historic building in Via Veneto, a stone’s throw from Piazza di Spagna, renovated in an Art Dec style. Via Vittorio Veneto, 72; baglionihotels.com
ANANTARA PALAZZO NAIADI ROME A 19th-century marble palace right on the majestic Piazza della Repubblica. P.za della Repubblica, 47; anantara.com
HOTEL DE RUSSIE Hotel de Russie on Via del Babuino near the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Pololo is located in the center of the city, amidst a maze of cobblestoned streets. Originally created in the early 19th century by architect Giuseppe Valadier, and marked by a blush façade and pale blue shutters, the hotel is set in a 19th-century palazzo. The Picasso Suite is a tribute to the artist who stayed there for a few months in 1917, and features a dining room, Italian marble bath, and private terrace overlooking the garden. The spa includes Turkish baths, and the courtyard garden Le Jardin de Russie is magical. Via del Babuino, 9; roccofortehotels.com
ELIZABETH UNIQUE The Elizabeth Unique Hotel is one of the few boutique luxury hotels within a stone’s throw of the Spanish Steps. The rooms and common areas feature contemporary art—walls covered in collages and paintings and hallways adorned with wire sculptures— all curated by Fabrizio Russo of the Russo Art Gallery. The Bar Bacharach & Bistrot and accompanying outdoor patio are lovely. However, the real selling point is the private sauna in the rooms. Via delle Colonnette, 35; ehrome.com
HOTEL EDEN Part of the Dorchester Collection, this famously historic hotel, which first opened in 1889, is situated between the Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese. Paris-based designers Bruno Moinard and Claire Betaille of 4BI & Associates oversaw the recent renovation. Another acclaimed Parisian design duo, Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku of Jouin Manku, designed the four-suite spa and stylish Italian restaurant located on the top floor, with an adjacent garden bar and panoramic views. The spa features Sonya Dakar treatments, plus a blow-dry bar and mani/pedi salon. Il Giardino serves up Italian-style tapas. Via Ludovisi, 49; dorchestercollection.com
FENDI PRIVATE SUITES The lobby features Campana Brothers sofas, vintage Fritz Hansen chairs, Gio Ponti mirrors, Lindsey Adelman light fixtures, and of course Fendi Casa furniture. It is also situated above the recently redesigned Fendi flagship store in the Tridente neighborhood. Via della Fontanella di Borghese, 48; fendiprivatesuites.com
PALAZZO DAMA Architect Antonio Girardi renovated Palazzo Dama, and the former palazzo has been converted into a charming B&B near the Piazza del Polopo. It features original Art Nouveau doors, mirrored walls, lithographs from the likes of Miró and Warhol, plus chandeliers bought at auction from New York’s Plaza Hotel. L’Autre Dame restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don’t miss the marble swimming pool surrounded by lemon and olive trees. Lungotevere Arnaldo da Brescia, 2; palazzodama.com
G-ROUGH Tucked away in a 16th-century palazzo just off Piazza Navona, this ten-room townhouse is a hidden gem featuring tiled floors, frescoes, fixtures by Gio Ponti and Guglielmo Ulrich furnishings, as well as art from the owner’s private collection. Piazza di Pasquino, 69 / 70; g-rough.com
VILLA LAETITIA On the banks near Piazza del Popolo, Anna Fendi’s Villa Laetitia has twenty guest rooms, filled with a mix of vintage pieces from Fendi’s personal collection of 19th- and 20th-century furniture, lighting, and artwork. Pieces include Mies van der Rohe sofa, paintings by Enrico Castellani, and sketches on the walls by Dior and Saint Laurent. Lungotevere delle Armi, 22/23; villalaetitia.com
HOTEL DE RICCI Lorenzo Lisi (proprietor of the popular restaurant Pierluigi) hired the stylist and illustrator duo behind concept store Chez Dédé, to design the hotel interiors. Aperativo is served nightly in the guests (and members only) Charade bar. Via della Barchetta, 14; hoteldericci.com
RESIDENZA NAPOLEONE III Napoleon himself lived in these suites at the Palazzo Ruspoli in 1830. Walk up an antique bust-lined stairway to the apartment entrance and pick from two guestroom options, the larger Napoleon Suite or the Garden Suite. Each features a lavender-scented roof garden, panoramic views of the city, and filled with antiques including floor-to-ceiling original XVI tapestries and hand-stenciled walls. Via della Fontanella di Borghese, 56; residenzanapoleone.com
LA SCELTA DI GOETHE The former pied-a-terre of Goethe, occupying the top floors of a townhouse. The two suites are decorated in Florentine fabrics and the bathrooms is stocked with Santa Maria Novella products. Via del Corso, 107; lasceltadigoethe.com
VILLA SPALLETTI TRIVELLI The aristocratic Spalletti family has owned this classic villa for over a hundred years, and converted it into a boutique hotel. The villa has fourteen luxurious rooms and suites, a wellness dedicated health center, quiet private gardens, and a library with armchairs, throws, and a fireplace. Via Piacenza, 4; villaspalletti.it
HOTEL LOCARNO
Close to Piazza del Popolo, the Hotel Locarno has a famous bar and charming courtyard. Via della Penna, 22; hotellocarno.com
ROME CAVALIERI A Waldorf Astoria resort with a 15-acre park looking over the Vatican. La Pergola, the Michelin-starred restaurant from Chef Heinz Beck, is on site. The property also includes a large pool, and the lobby features famous artworks by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, tapestries from the Leyniers workshop, and costumes from Rudolf Nureyev. Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101; waldorfastoria3.hilton.com
ONE FINE STAY Rent a design apartment via onefinestay to truly live la dolce vita. Examples include this three-bedroom home on Via del Corso, with marble floors, an open floor plan, and panoramic views over the city, or this one on Via Adelaide Ristori with terraces and views of Villa Borghese, or on Via della Scala or ths one in Monti. onefinestay.com/rome
MAMA SHELTER From the Paris-based boutique hotel chain comes the Rome location with a pizzeria, rooftop bar, and a restaurant in a winter garden, as well as a gym and an ancient Roman-style indoor pool. Via Luigi Rizzo, 20; mamashelter.com/roma
DINE
TRATTORIA AL MORO A local trattoria near the Trevi Fountain. Fresh ingredients are collected from local markets each morning, and the menu includes classic, seasonal fare. Order the spaghetti al Moro. Vicolo delle Bollette, 13; ristorantealmororoma.it
ROSCIOLI Owned by brothers, this gourmet grocery store, wine bar, and restaurant serves fresh burrata, salumi, and house-made pastas, and gnocchi, available on Thursdays. Via dei Giubbonari, 21; salumeriaroscioli.com
PIERLUIGI A popular seafood restaurant with an excellent crudo, fresh oysters, and delicous insalata di gamberi alla Catalana made with jumbo shrimp, warm potatoes, tomatoes, and arugula. Proprietor Lorenzo Lisi also owns Hotel De’ Ricci. Piazza de' Ricci, 144; pierluigi.it
PORTO FLUVIALE A restaurant favored by young Romans with a popular pizza and a cicchetti menu. Via del Porto Fluviale, 22; portofluviale.com
CAFFÉ PROPAGANDA Located near the Colosseum serving Roman classics with modern twists. Via Claudia, 15; caffepropaganda.it
PANE VINO E SAN DANIELE
In the city’s Jewish quarter, serving excellent Italian prosciutto. Via Altabella, 3; pane-vino-e-san-daniele-bologna
NINO
Open since 1935, this enduring, dark-paneled restaurant serves Tuscan dishes like zuppa di fagioli and steak tartar plus wines & oils from the owner's estate. Via Borgognona, 11; ristorantenino.it
IL DRAPPO
A tiny, charming place with fresh fish. Vicolo del Malpasso, 9
ACHILLI ENOTECA AL PARLAMENTO
A winery with a selection of some of the best Italian wines. Via dei Prefetti, 15; achilli.restaurant
SALOTTO 42
One of Rome's oldest marketplaces. P.za di Pietra, 42; salotto42.it
PIPERO ROMA After years at Hotel Rex, chef Alessandro Pipero’s Michelin-starred restaurant has moved to this space on Corso Vittorio. Pipero himself has designed the chic contemporary interiors, and the menu is focused on seafood. 250 Corso Vittorio Emanuele II; piperoroma.it
MADRE A stylish eatery in the Roma Luxus Hotel. The lush outdoor terrace area is covered in vines and the menu standards include flatbread and ceviche. 1A Largo Angelicum; madreroma.com
ZUMA The sleek restaurant inside the Palazzo Fendi was designed by Noriyoshi Muramatsu. Like other locations, it has a robata grill and sushi bar. 48 Via della Fontanella di Borghese; zumarestaurant.com
IL MARGUTTA Italy’s first vegetarian restaurant, which also doubles as art gallery. The whitewashed walls host rotating exhibitions from emerging artists, and there is a pianist or jazz band in the evening. 118 Via Margutta; ilmargutta.bio
CACIO E PEPE An unassuming, locals only restaurant in Prati serving an excellent signature cacio e pepe. Via Giuseppe Avezzana, 11; trattoriacacioepepeprati.com
DAL BOLOGNESE Across from Piazza del Popolo, serving traditional Emilian food, especially delicous pastas. Piazza del Popolo, 1; roma.dalbolognese.it
DA ENZO AL 29 Tucked away on a cobblestone street in Trastevere by the river. Order the fried artichokes and cacio e pepe. Via dei Vascellari, 29; daenzoal29.com
HOSTARIA OF ISIDORO AL COLOSSEO Blocks from the Coliseum, tucked inside a former 17th-century convent with exposed brick and Italian classics— fresh meat, seafood, produce, and handmade pasta. Via di S. Giovanni in Laterano, 59/A; hostariaisidoro.com
FIASCHETTERIA BELTRAMME A family-owned restaurant near the Spanish steps serving handmade seafood pasta, and fresh artichokes. Via della Croce, 39
DA FELICE A TESTACCIO A casual spot with an excellent cacio e pepe pasta. Via Mastro Giorgio, 29; feliceatestaccio.com
‘GUSTO A market and restaurant in an industrial space founded by Owners Alessandra Marino and her husband Alessandro Tudini as a place to have a drink, a meal, a quick pizza, or pick up some kitchen essentials. Piazza di Sant'Apollinare, 41; gusto.it
DAR POETA An institution for pizza— order the classic margherita or spicy Lingua de Foco. Vicolo del Bologna, 45; darpoeta.com
EMMA PIZZERIA Owned by a young couple, serving thin-crust pizza with toppings sourced from the Salumeria Roscioli deli counter, and a crust from fourth-generation baker Pierluigi Roscioli. Via del Monte della Farina, 28; emmapizzeria.com
AD HOC A romantic restaurant with homemade pasta and a large wine cellar. Via di Ripetta, 43; ristoranteadhoc.com
IL SORPASSO Open breakfast through dinner, serving coffee and patries and seasonal dishes. Via Properzio, 31/33; sorpasso.info
TRATTORIA DA CESARE Off the beaten track In Monteverde, a local spot for pasta— carbonara, porcini fettuccine, cacio e pepe— and fried appetizers like calamari, anchovies, squash and blossoms. Via del Casaletto, 45; trattoriadacesare.it
OSTERIA BARBERINI Order the tagliolini with white truffles and thank us later. Via della Purificazione, 21
HOSTARIA COSTANZA The restaurant is built into what used to be the Pompeo Theater, meaning you can enjoy your Roman meal in an ancient cave. Piazza del Paradiso, 65; hostariacostanza.it
LA TAVERNA DEI FORI IMPERIALI A local gem with checkered tablecloths and a special burrata ravioli. Via della Madonna dei Monti, 9; latavernadeiforiimperiali.com
ANTICA PESA A romantic restaurant with a terrace serving Roman classics like cacio e pepe, tripe, and carpaccio. Come for aperetivo at sunset. Via Garibaldi, 18; anticapesa.it
PIPERNO Piperno has been around since the 1860’s. Order the classic Carciofi alla Giudia and the Palle di Nonno for dessert. Via Monte dè Cenci, 9; ristorantepiperno.it
LA MATRICIANELLA A cozy, family-owned locals only spot serving house-made pasta with truffles, gnocchi, and fried artichokes. Don’t miss the caceo e pepe. Via del Leone, matricianella.it/
DUE LADRONI A Roman restaurant on the banks of the Tiber with a seafood heavy menu. Order the linguine with lobster or spaghetti with clams. Piazza Nicosia, 24; dueladroni.com
LA ROSETTA Second generation chef and owner Massimo Riccioli serves family recipes of authentic, classic seafood dishes, including the Gran Misto Antipasti, a mix of lightly marinated, raw, and gently cooked fish and shellfish from the Tyrrhenian Sea. Via della Rosetta, 8; larosetta.com
GINGER SAPORI E SALUTE Located in Roma Centro with a healthy, international menu apart from pizzas and pastas. Via Borgognona, 43-46; gingersaporiesalute.com
RISTORANTE AROMA A short walk from the Colosseum, perched on the penthouse of the Palazzo Manfredi hotel serving pasta with a view. Via Antonio Serra, 11; aromaosteria.it
TRATTORIA SETTIMIO AL PELLEGRINO Owned by a husband and wife who change the menu daily based on seasonal offerings. Via del Pellegrino, 117; settimioalpellegrinoroma.it
RETROBOTTEGA A casual restaurant with a menu that changes daily. Via della Stelletta, 4; retro-bottega.com
COROMANDEL An eclectic brunch cafe famous for baked goods and pancakes. Via di Monte Giordano, 60/61; coromandel.it
LA MATRICIANA An old school restaurant run by the Crisciotti family who serve an excellent signature bucatini all'amatriciana and the Roman classic: puntarelle-inner stalks of Catalonian chicory, sliced super thin and tossed with anchovies and lemon juice. Via del Viminale, 44; lamatriciana.it
LA VERANDA Set in a 15th century former papal residence in the Palazzo della Rovere with a courtyard and Pinturicchio frescoed dining room. Borgo Santo Spirito, 7;
OSTERIA DEGLI AMICI Long-time friends Claudio and Alessandro opened this traditional Roman tavern in Testaccio. Try their pici and gricia coi carciofi pasta. Via Nicola Zabaglia, 25; osteriadegliamiciroma.it
LA CASETTA A MONTI Occupying the first floor of an old ivy-colored house, making it one of the most beautiful cafes in the city. Order a cappuccino and pastry and enjoy la dolce vita. Via della Madonna dei Monti, 62
LA PASTICCERIA REGOLI Open for more than a century, this bakery in Esquilino serves fresh Sicilian pastries like maritozzo. Via dello Statuto, 60; pasticceriaregoli.com
TRAPIZZINO Named after its namesake Roman sandwich called a trapazzini— order the chicken cacciatore. trapizzino.it
BEPPE E I SUOI FORMAGGI Named after owner Beppe Giovale, who comes from a long line of Piedmont cheesemakers. Shop for cheese and wine, or truffle salt and organic honey. Via di S. Maria del Pianto, 9A/11; beppeeisuoiformaggi.it
AI MARMI A ttraditional Roman-style pizza spot in Trastevere. Viale di Trastevere, 53-59
SANT'EUSTACHIO IL CAFFE Steps away from the Pantheon, Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè is a classic cafe where locals and tourists line up for a quick espresso. Piazza di S. Eustachio, 82
LA CASA DEL CREMOLATO The place for cremolato (a fruit-ice-sugar delicacy topped with whipped cream). Founded nearly 50 years ago by Umberto De Angelis and his brother Ennio, and run today by Umberto's son Mario. Via di Priscilla, 18; lacasadelcremolato.com
MERCATO CENTRALE Much like the original Mercato Centrale in Florence, this one at Stazione Termini is spread over two floors, and includes a restaurant and wine shop, café, and food stalls from local foodie standbys like Beppe e i suoi Formaggi cheese and street-food favorite Trapizzino. Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell'Ariento; mercatocentrale.it
MORDI E VAI Roman street food by Sergio Esposito, a former butcher, who serves sandwiches made with freshly baked bread. Nuovo Mercato Comunale di Testaccio, Via Beniamino Franklin, 12/E; mordievai.it
DOLCE MANIERA Known as the “secret bakery” of Rome, this basement level Italian pastry shop serves delicous croissants, arancinis, pizzas, cakes, cannolis, and more. Via Barletta, 27; dolcemaniera.eu
MERCATO TRIONFALE A large indoor food market with fresh seafood, meat, produce, pizza, and specialty cheese, bread, and wine. Via Andrea Doria; mercatidiroma.com
DUECENTROGRADI Near the Vatican if you need a panini and coffee break. Piazza del Risorgimento, 3; duecentogradi.it
AI TRE SCALINI An century-old wine bar with aperetivo. Via Panisperna, 251; aitrescalini.org
LA CIAMBELLA Blocks from the Pantheon, Chef Francesca Ciucci serves locally sourced, farm to table food. Save room for the lemon meringue pie. Via dell'Arco della Ciambella, 20; la-ciambella.it
GUSTANDO E DEGUSTANDO A hole-in-the-wall trattoria. Via Marcantonio Boldetti, 3; gustandoedegustando.it
RISTORANTE OTTAVIO House specialties and catch of the day are served at this slightly out of the way restaurant. Via di S. Croce in Gerusalemme, 9; ottavio.it
ANTICO ARCO A sleek, stylish restaurant near the Porta San Pancrazio. Try the spaghetti with pecorino and zucchini flowers. Piazzale Aurelio, 7; anticoarco.it
ANTICO GRECCO Keats & Byron drank coffee at the marble tables of this celebrated, richly-ornate 18th-century cafe. Via dei Condotti, 86, 00187; anticocaffegreco.eu
DRINK
JERRY THOMAS SPEAKEASY A speakeasy cocktail bar named after the famous bartender (who authored the original mixology book in the 1800’s). Make sure you find out the secret password or have a membership card. Vicolo Cellini, 30; thejerrythomasproject.it
HARRY’S BAR Harry’s made an appearance in Fellini’s La Dolce Vita. Order a drink and snacks to enjoy al fresco. Via Vittorio Veneto, 150; harrysbar.it
STRAVINSKIJ BAR Order the signature Stravinskj Spritz and enjoy on the shady terrace of the Hotel De Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel. Via del Babuino, 9; roccofortehotels.com
BAR DEL FICO Near Piazza Navona, Bar del Fico is a local spot and a great choice for aperetivo. Via della Pace, 34; bardelfico.com
LITRO A wine bar in Monteverde served with cheeses and cured meats. Via Fratelli Bonnet, 5
SALATTO 42 A bar with a view of Tempio di Adriano, order a spritz and snacks. P.za di Pietra, 4; salotto42.it
HASSLER BAR The bar in the Hassler Hotel serves signature cocktails from the top of the Spanish Steps. Piazza della Trinità dei Monti, 6; hotelhasslerroma.com
CAFFE PERU Caffé Perú is a tiny hidden gem. Order a spritz and panini and watch the world go by. Via di Monserrato, 46
IL GOCCETTO Hundreds of wines line the walls of this bar in the Centro Storico. Il Goccetto means ‘a little drop’ and is the place for aperitivo— vino, cheese, and rustic Italian bread. Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 14
BAR CAMPONESCHI Come for aperitivi at Bar Camponeschi and enjoy ssister Camponeschi restaurant’s snacks with your drink like oysters and cold cuts. Piazza Farnese, 50/50a; ristorantecamponeschi.it
HOTEL LOCARNO BAR The bar at Hotel Locarno is packed with Rome’s most fashionable. Via della Penna, 22; hotellocarno.com
PANELLA A bakery by day, and bar by night, Panella, serves espresso and pastries in the morning and aperitivi in the evening. Via Merulana, 54; panellaroma.com
GIULIO PASSAMI L’OLIO Stop by after sightseeing at the Vatican. The wine list is over a thousand titles long and the cacio e pepe comes with shaved truffles. Via di Monte Giordano, 28; giuliopassamilolio.it
CHARADE Charade at Hotel De’ Ricci is exclusively for hotel guests and members only, but if you’re lucky to enter past the velvet curtain, you’ll enter a Roman version of New York City’s Bemelmans Bar with Ferolla’s custom wallpaper in place of Bemelmans’s famous murals. Via della Barchetta, 14; hoteldericci.com/it/charade-bar/
LA BOTTEGA DEL CAFFE In the piazza della Madonna dei Monti stands a tiny bar with no name, filled with locals. Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, 5
BAR DEL FICO A bistro and bar with cocktails, snacks, and lively music. Via della Pace, 34; bardelfico.com
GELATO
GIOLITTI Founded over a century ago, and still owned by the same family, perched between the Pantheon and the Italian Parliament. Stick with the classics— chocolate or pistachio. Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40; giolitti.it
BAR GELATERIA ALBERTO PICA A Centro Storico spot for Alberto Pica's gelato version of rice pudding. Via della Seggiola, 12
COME IL LATTE Come il Latte's walls are lined with old-fashioned milk bottles, the floors are black-and-white tiled, and their flavors are handwritten on a chalkboard menu. Ingredient are sourced from around the world— vanilla from Madagascar, pistachio from Sicily, and cinnamon from Ceylon. Via Silvio Spaventa, 24/26; comeillatte.it
IL GELATO DI SAN CRISPINO The perfect place to enjoy gelato after visiting the Trevi Fountain. Considered by many to be the best in the city! Via della Panetteria, 42; ilgelatodisancrispino.com
CIAMPINI Ciampino dates back to1941, and the old-school café serves fresh gelato loaded with fresh fruits. A specialty is candied chestnut. Piazza di S. Lorenzo in Lucina, 29; ciampini.com
FIOR DI LUNA Fior di Luna serves seasonal flavors like persimmon. Via della Lungaretta, 96; fiordiluna.com
FATAMORGANA Meaning mirage, Fatamorgana is luckily real. The natural ice creams are thick, creamy, and fluffy. Try the basil, walnuts & honey and Syrian pistachio. gelateriafatamorgana.com
GELATERIA DEI GRACCHI Unique flavor combinations include green apple and mint, ricotta and pear, and eggnog, rum, and marsala as well as classics like chocolate, espresso, and pistachio. gelateriadeigracchi.it
ART | CULTURE | ACTIVITIES
GALLERIA BORGHESE An intimate art museum in a 17th-century villa and situated in the lush, magnificent Villa Borghese gardens, one of Rome’s largest public parks. It houses Bernini’s marble sculptures and Caravaggio’s paintings, along with so many other Italian masterpieces. Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5; galleriaborghese.beniculturali.it
VILLA BORGHESE Often compared to New York City's Central Park, this lush expanse stretches on for more than 225 acres, from Piazza del Poppolo to the top of Via Veneto. Visit Galleria Borghese to pore over the Baroque art. Piazzale Napoleone I; galleriaborghese.beniculturali.it
TEATRO DELL’OPERA DI ROMA Rome’s Opera House originally opened in 1880 as the 2,212 seat Costanzi Theatre, it has undergone several changes of name as well modifications and improvements since then. Piazza Beniamino Gigli; operaroma.it
CENTRALE MONTEMARTINI Classical Greek and Roman sculptures from the Capitoline Museums’ vast collection are displayed in what used to be a power plant built in 1912. Via Ostiense, 106; centralemontemartini.org
GALLERIA D'ARTE MODERNA You can see works from modern and contemporary artists from the 19th and 20th centuries, like Cézanne, Morandi, and Van Gogh. Enjoy a drink on the museum’s beautiful terrace after your visit. Viale delle Belle Arti, 131; Lagallerianazionale.com
TREVI FOUNTAIN A recent refurbishment underwritten by Fendi has restored the fountain to its former glory. Turn your back to the fountain and throw a coin over your shoulder to ensure your return to Rome. Piazza di Trevi
PALAZZO DELLA CIVILTÀ ITALIANA A stunning building that now serves as Fendi’s global headquarters. The travertine marble–clad building was originally commissioned by Benito Mussolini in 1935. Quadrato della Concordia, 3
THE SISTINE CHAPEL Michelangelo’s ceiling is resplendent and worth every minute of the line. m.museivaticani.va
THE FLOWER MARKET
On Tuesday and Friday mornings, it’s a wonderful pleasure to get lost amidst all the small stalls full of fresh flowers. Piazza di Campo de' Fiori
GIARDINI VATICANI
The Vatican’s secret garden. During spring you can admire the wisteria falls and orange blossoms in the garden of La Galleria del Cembalo. Via Paolo VI, 29; museivaticani.va
MAXXI The National Museum of 21st Century Arts is one of Zaha Hadid’s most famous creations. The striking structure—noted for its curved concrete exterior, suspended black staircases, ample natural light, and fluid geometric display space—took nearly 10 years to complete. In addition to Italy’s first devoted architecture museum, the campus houses a contemporary art museum, rotating exhibits, and a movie theater. The permanent collection galleries house works by Kara Walker, Ed Ruscha, and Anish Kapoor. 4/A Via Guido Reni; fondazionemaxxi.it
COLOSSEUM There are few places in the world more awe-inspiring than Rome’s historic Colosseum, which began construction in A.D. 72 and remains the largest amphitheater ever built. Now, the landmark is sparkling once again, thanks to a renovation by Tod’s CEO Diego Della Valle. Pair a visit with a sunset meal at Aroma, a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the 17th-century Palazzo Manfredi—which has breathtaking views over the Colosseum from the east. Piazza del Colosseo, 1; parcocolosseo.it
MUSEO NAZIONALE ROMANO The city’s best kept secret for world class ancient art and architecture. The two branches flanking the Termini Station — the Palazzo Massimo and the Baths of Diocletian — complement each other perfectly. The Massimo’s collection of classical bronzes, mosaics and wall paintings reveal the breadth and finesse of Roman artistry, while the baths complex, once the empire’s largest, surrounds you with soaring masonry ruins, whispering fountains, and an immense cloister attributed to Michelangelo. Piazza di Sant'Apollinare, 46; museonazionaleromano.beniculturali.it
THE MAUSOLEUM OF SANTA COSTANZA Folded into a green hillside that rises above the busy artery of Via Nomentana, the circular templelike tomb of the daughter of Rome’s first Christian emperor preserves a mosaic cycle of astonishing exuberance and delicacy. Save a few minutes before the noon closing time for the seventh-century church of Sant’Agnese Fuori le Mura in the same complex. The teenage martyr venerated here presides over the apse in an austere, Byzantine-style mosaic of elongated figures set against a gold background. Via Nomentana, 349; santagnese.net
TEATRO DELL'OPERA DI ROMA During the past, the opera house has partnered with Valentino and Dior on gowns and with South African painter William Kentridge on sets, and there are more collaborations in the works. The opera house itself was designed by architect Achille Sfondrini in 1874, who took inspiration from Baroque-era elements and 15th-century Italian buildings. He is best known for giving the building a horseshoe shape, or a “resonance chamber,” which made for fantastic acoustics still unmatched in Italy. The dazzling chandelier, made of 27,000 crystal drops, was added during a renovation in 1926. 1 Piazza Beniamlno Glgli; operaroma.it/en
ASSOCIAZIONE DIMORE STORICHE ITALIANE An organization that works to preserve historic homes so visitors can see some of the country’s most remarkable buildings and historic artwork in an intimate way. Colonna Palace, for example, is one of the oldest palaces in Rome, originally built as a family fortress in the 14th century. The Galleria Colonna, a long hallway added in the 1600s, features works from Pinturicchio, Cosmè Tura, Carracci, Tintoretto, Bronzino, and many more. The association works with 4,500 private homes, 15 of which are in Rome. Through the website you can find limited public hours or arrange a private viewing. Via Cavour, 256; dimorestoricheitaliane.it
FENDI Its headquarters in Palazzo della Civilta Italiana, nicknamed the “Square Colosseum,” hosts regular exhibits. The Fascist-era building was built to be an exhibition hall for the 1942 world fair that never happened, and is marked with symmetrical arches and Carrara marble statues. Architect Marco Costanzi, who also designed Fendi’s Milan headquarters, led the renovation. The ground floor features rotating exhibitions that often relate to the Fendi brand as well as nightly movies. Quadrato della Concordia 3; fendi.com/us
ORTO BOTANICO Situated next to the Palazzo Riario-Corsini, Orto Botanico is a nearly secret botanical garden. Spend an afternoon exploring the Japanese garden and rose garden, gelato in hand. Largo Cristina di Svezia, 23 A - 24; web.uniroma1.it/ortobotanico
PIAZZA NAVONA Created in the 17th century on the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, Pope Innocent X turned the space into a spectacle, striving to leave a visual legacy for his family. You'll find the some of the most breathtaking and ornate architecture in Rome, including Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers.
SANTA MARIA IN TRASTEVERE Featuring mosaics and an ancient basilica plan with an original structure dating as far back as the third century, and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere; santamariaintrastevere.it/
AUDITORIUM PARCO DELLA MUSICA The Renzo Piano-designed performing arts venue is actually a cluster of three concert halls, including an open-air amphitheater, built on a lush park near the Olympic village erected for the 1960 games. Via Pietro de Coubertin, 30; auditorium.com
MUSEI CAPITOLINI One of the world's oldest public museums, it boasts an impressive collection of Roman art, comprised of two buildings built on either side of the Piazza del Campidoglio. Piazza del Campidoglio, 1; museicapitolini.org
BASILICA SAN CLEMENTE Named after Pope St. Clement, the basilica is a private home turned Christian church in the second century, which morphed into a Mithras temple in the third century, and its current incarnation as a Medieval temple. Marvel at the twelfth-century mosaics inside. Via Labicana, 95; basilicasanclemente.com
SAN PIETRO IN VINCOLI Famous for hosting Michelangelo’s Moses, San Pietro in Vincoli is one of ancient Rome's most prestigious churches and basilicas. Built in the 5th century, it also houses other famed artifacts, including the statues of Leah and Rachel. History states it was constructed to hold Saint Peter captive (hence the name) during his time in Rome and Jerusalem. Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli, 4/a; diocesidiroma.it
PALAZZO BARBERINI A light-filled, 17th-century baroque palace museum, which also houses the Galleria Corsini. Via della Lungara, 10; barberinicorsini.org
MUSEI VATICANI ROME A religious pilgrimage and architecture/art-history mecca. The museum is a must stop, as is the Sistine Chapel, St. Peters Basilica, and the Vatican gardens.
KEATS-SHELLEY HOUSE A townhouse turned museum at the foot of the Spanish Steps, which includes the room where poet John Keats lived until his untimely death at 25, which has been kept virtually unchanged save for the furniture that had to be burned to prevent the spread of tuberculosis. Piazza di Spagna, 26; ksh.roma.it
CHIESA DI SANT’IGNAZIO DI LOYOLA Built in the 1650’s, this Baroque church’s elaborate trompe l’oeil frescos took painter Andrea Pozzo years to complete—most labor intensive of all being the faux dome, which looks incredibly real from the right angle, and the beautifully restored vaulted ceilings. Via del Caravita, 8a; santignazio.gesuiti.it
PALAZZO DORIA PAMPHILJ Works by Caravaggio, Raffael, and Titian are just a few notables in the private collection of the Doria Pamphilj family, which still owns and resides in the 16th-century palazzo on via del Corso. The open-to-the-public museum portion of the sprawling building is spread out within four wings on the ground floor. It includes galleries, a chapel, extravagantly furnished royal apartments, and a stunning courtyard. Via del Corso, 305; doriapamphilj.it/roma
FATTORIA DI FIORANO A family owned winery in Rome with tours of the vineyeard and farm, which also produces olives, cheeses, fruit, and herbs. Stay for a meal at the farm to table restaurant on site. Via di Fioranello, 34; ortodialberico.it
PANTHEON Still in use as a church, the Panini-painted interiors, breathtaking oculus, and the tomb of famed Renaissance painter Raphael are as amazing as is the preserved two-thousand-year-old domed structure. Piazza della Rotonda
AUGUSTINIAN BASILICA OF SANTI QUATTRO CORONATI One of Rome’s hidden jewels. Visit during vespers at 6pm. Via dei SS. Quattro, 20; monacheagostinianesantiquattrocoronati.it
INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE PRESEPIO A folk art museum n the basement of the tiny church of SS. Quirico e Giulitta, at the edge of Monti. Via Tor de' Conti, 31; museopresepioroma.it
THE JANICULUM Rome’s second-highest and leafiest hill, has a pedestrian path past huge sycamore trees, fountains, monuments, statues and stately palaces leading up to the Fontanone “Big Fountain” the immense early-17th-century water feature that Paolo Sorrentino used in the opening shots of his film “La Grande Bellezza.” Via Garibaldi, Salita di Sant'Onofrio; sovraintendenzaroma.it
SHOP
CHEZ DÉDÉ Founded by husband and wife duo, Daria Reina and Andrea Ferolla, Chez Dédé offers one-of-a-kind accessories in a unique boutique including John Derian decoupage, Linda Rodin’s line, and illustrator Ferolla’s charming drawings. There is an even Assouline boutique dedicated to the couple titled Italian Chic. 35 Via di Monserrato; chezdede.com
FABIO SALINI A Roman jewel box filled with modern treasures. Via di Monserrato, 18; fabiosalini.it
SOLEDAD TWOMBLY Across the street from Salini’s shop on Via di Monserrato is Soledad Twombly, an Argentinan designer. Filled with colorful clothing, fanciful furniture, and objets d'art sourced from her travels. 150 Via di Monserrato; soledadtwombly.com
DELFINA DELETTREZ The Delfina Delettrez boutique off of Piazza Navona looks like the inside of an intricate jewelry box (the space housed a pharmacy in its past life). Via di Monserrato, 24 a; delfinadelettrez.com
BERNARD DELETTREZ Bernard Delettrez is Delfina’s father and has his own boutique filled with surreal jewelry featuring sculls, bones, insects, and reptiles in a gallery like space. Via Bocca di Leone, 33; bernarddelettrez.com
GENTE An Italian department store on Via Babuino filled with luxury labels. genteroma.com
IOSSELLIANI Iosselliani’s elaborately beaded costume and fine jewelry is made in Rome. Via del Leone, 21; iosselliani.com
SBU SBU (Strategic Business Unit) is a hip line of menswear— denim, utility jackets, and Japanese selvedge. Via di S. Pantaleo, 68-69; sbu.it
MONDELLIANI An eyeware shop with a frame style for everyone— from trendy to classic to vintage. Via dei Prefetti, 1; mondelliani.com
VALENTINO FLAGSHIP Designed by David Chipperfield, the brand’s flagship boutique serves as a beautifully marbled backdrop for the seasonal collections. Piazza di Spagna, 38; boutiques.valentino.com/it
PALAZZO FENDI Fendi restored a historic palazzo to serve as the brand’s six-story headquarters, while still letting the building’s magnificent architecture shine. In addition to the two floors of retail space—complete with contemporary art from the family’s private collection—there’s a Zuma sushi outpost, an apartment reserved exclusively for VIP’s, and a branded seven-room hotel. Palazzo Fendi, Largo Carlo Goldoni, 420; fendi.com
SOCIETY LIMONTA Occupying an old upholsterer’s studio, Society is the brick-and-mortar outpost of the centuries-old Italian textile house, Limonta. Piazza di Pasquino, 4; societylimonta.com
SADDLERS UNION When Saddlers first launched in 1950's, it was an instant hit with its sleek drawstring bucket bags and totes, and counted Jacqueline Onassis as a fan. In 2009, the brand was revamped by Micaela Calabresi Marconi. Its present-day incarnation offers color-blocked suede pochettes, studded clutches, and leather bracelets. Via Paolo Frisi, 50; saddlersunion.com
SOPHIE HABSBURG No stroll down Via di Monserrato is complete without a stop at Sophie Habsburg’s showroom. Via degli Orsini, 35; sophiehabsburg.com
ANTICA MANIFATTURA CAPPELLI The local designer, whio created some over-the-top hats for Valentino, has an atelier bursting with wonderful whimsical headpieces. Via degli Scipioni, 46; patriziafabrihats.com
VIO'S COOKING Violante Guerrieri Gonzaga offers cooking classes in her home, Palazzo Taverna, and downstairs off the courtyard is a little shop filled with beautiful plates, cups, and glasses featuring designs with flora or fauna. Palazzo Taverna, Rome, Via di Monte Giordano, 36; vioscooking.com
ATELIER BOMBA A trip to Rome is not complete without perusing Atelier Bomba on Via dell’Oca. Knits, shirts, jackets, and canvas dresses are all hallmarks of this Italian atelier. Via dell'Oca, 39; atelierbomba.com
LUCIA ODESCALCHI
A favorite Roman jewelry designer. Vicolo del Piombo, 17; luciaodescalchi.com
PORTA PORTESE
The Roman Flea Market is the perfect place to spend a morning or afternoon searching for treasures. Piazza di Porta Portese
CARTOLERIA PANTHEON
A place for beautiful paper in Italy— notebooks, agendas, photo albums, and personalization of most of its wares. Via della Maddalena n. 41; cartoleriapantheon.it
CAMPOMARZIO70
Find endless Fornasetti as well as perfume and candles. shop.campomarzio70.it
RED VALENTINO Italian fashion house Valentino tapped India Mahdavi to redesign the flagship boutique for its contemporary women’s brand, located along the historic shopping street of Via del Babuino. 61 Via del Babuino; redvalentino.com
SACRIPANTE ART GALLERY Located in the hip Monti neighborhood, this discreet art gallery and bar is housed within a stone-walled former convent. The brainchild of architect Giorgia Cerulli, fashion designer Carlotta Cerulli, and event planner Alessandro Cattedra. 59 Via Panisperna; sacripantegallery.com
MIA HOME DESIGN GALLERY Mia was founded by three women who felt the home was an expression of memory and personality. The shop near Piazza del Popolo is stocked with emerging and established Italian designers. 224 Via di Ripetta; galleriamia.it
GIUSTINI/STAGETTI Giustini/Stagetti showcases influential Italian designers from 1930 to 1970, as well as contemporary works. Roberto Giustini’s background is in contemporary art and design, and he’s worked with Enzo Cucchi and Sottsass, among others. Stefano Stagetti came to the gallery from a career in 20th century Italian design, working with brands like Fontana Arte. Together, they showcase pieces from Konstantin Grcic, Campana Brothers, Iosselliani Design, and more. 49 Via dell’Arancio; giustinistagetti.com
CONTEMPORARY CLUSTER Contemporary Cluster is a modern art gallery that hosts exhibitions, conducts research, and is open to experimentation. Artists work together in a co-working space, visitors stop by the cocktail bar before browsing, anyone can attend workshops and talks, and art ranges from sculpture to cinematography. 7 Via dei Barbieri; contemporarycluster.com
SOLO DUE For edgy shoes, tops and accessories. Via del Pellegrino, 48; solodueitalia.it
RETROPOSE Retropose sells oversize bags in eye-popping colors. Via del Pellegrino, 60; retropose.com
BANCHIVECCHI PELLAMI A venerable family-run shop offering classic Italian-made belts and wallets. Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 40; web.tiscali.it/bvpellami
Text: Veronica H. Speck Photo: Slim Aarons, © Getty Images.