Colosseum & Roman Forum

• Book ahead for skip-the-line entry or a guided tour.

• Consider the combo ticket with Palatine Hill.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel - It's the YEAR of JUBILEE, so once in 25 year opportunity to visit.

• Go early or late to avoid worst crowds.

• St. Peter’s Basilica is free but the dome climb costs extra.

Pantheon

• Free entry (small fee for audio guide).

• Incredible ancient engineering.

Piazza Navona

• Stunning Baroque fountains, lively at night.

Trevi Fountain

• Go early morning or very late to avoid the crowd.

• Don’t forget the coin toss over your shoulder!

Spanish Steps

• Famous photo spot; great shopping area nearby.

Trastevere

• Charming old neighborhood, cobbled streets, best for nightlife and casual dining.

Rome is not Naples, but has its own thin, crisp style (“pizza romana”).

Some classic spots:

• Pizzeria La Montecarlo (near Piazza Navona) – fun, old-school, touristy but locals go too.

• Pizzeria Remo (Testaccio) – classic Roman pizza, locals’ favorite, old-school feel.

• Ai Marmi (Trastevere, often called “I Marmi” or “The Morgue” for its marble tables) – lively, traditional.

• Panattoni / Ai Baffetto (very old, touristy but iconic).

• Pompi (multiple locations, the “classic” famous brand)

• Two Sizes (near Piazza Navona, excellent single-serve cups in two sizes)

• ZUM (Piazza del Teatro di Pompeo, more creative flavors)

• Bar Pompi (original in Re di Roma area—most famous)

• Tiramisu Trastevere – newish but excellent specialty shop.

• Carbonara – Try Roscioli, Da Enzo al 29, Flavio al Velavevodetto.

• Cacio e Pepe – Felice a Testaccio (famous for table-side mixing).

• Supplì – Supplizio or I Supplì in Trastevere.

• Gelato – Fatamorgana, Otaleg, Gelateria del Teatro.

QC Terme Roma (Fiumicino area)

• Gorgeous “ancient Roman-inspired” spa resort about 30–40 mins from central Rome.

• Outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, relaxation areas.

• Very popular day-trip for locals.

• Great if you want the Roman-bath aesthetic in a modern wellness setting.

Terme dei Papi (Viterbo)

• About 1.5 hours north of Rome.

• Huge outdoor thermal pool fed by hot springs used since Roman times.

• Natural spa mud treatments.

• Excellent day-trip if you want a truly authentic thermal experience.

Terme di Stigliano (about 1 hour from Rome)

• Historic thermal spa resort with sulfur springs and Roman heritage.

• More low-key than QC Terme but authentic.

Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel – Cavalieri Grand Spa Club

• One of Rome’s most famous hotel spas.

• Indoor pool, outdoor pool with a view, Roman-inspired mosaic decor, full treatment menu.

• Very luxurious.

Hotel de Russie – De Russie Spa

• Iconic hotel near Piazza del Popolo.

• Very chic, modern spa with sauna, Turkish bath, saltwater hydropool.

• Excellent massages and facial treatments.

Bvlgari Hotel Roma – Bvlgari Spa (new & ultra-luxury)

• Super high-end, beautifully designed.

• Indoor pool with dramatic Roman mosaics.

• Cutting-edge treatments and wellness rituals.

Anantara Palazzo Naiadi – Fusion Spa

• Grand 19th-century hotel on Piazza della Repubblica.

• Steam baths, whirlpool, sauna, a modern wellness approach in a classic setting.

Six Senses Rome Spa

• Very new (opened 2023).

• Located in a historic palazzo.

• Combines ancient Roman bathing traditions (caldarium, tepidarium, frigidarium) with modern wellness.

• Beautiful design and sustainability focus.

Luxury & Designer Shopping

Via Condotti

• Flagship stores: Gucci, Prada, Bulgari, Valentino, Dior, Chanel.

• Starts at the Spanish Steps.

Via Borgognona

• Parallel to Condotti, a little quieter, same luxury vibe.

• Brands like Fendi, Jimmy Choo, Dolce & Gabbana.

Piazza di Spagna area

• Whole zone is designer central.

• Also good for high-end multi-brand boutiques.

Via del Babuino

• Elegant street with both luxury brands and refined art galleries.

• Great for jewelry and antiques.

High-Street & Popular Brands

Via del Corso

• Long shopping street connecting Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo.

• Brands: Zara, H&M, Mango, Nike, Sephora.

• Often very busy, very central.

Via Cola di Rienzo (Prati neighborhood)

• More local feel than Corso.

• Good mid-range brands, Italian chains.

• Coin Excelsior department store.

Galleria Alberto Sordi

• Elegant 1920s shopping arcade off Via del Corso.

• Mostly chain stores but a beautiful setting.

Artisan & Independent Shops

Monti neighborhood

• Cool, boho, hipster-ish vibe.

• Small Italian designers, handmade leather goods, vintage.

• Best explored on foot—Via del Boschetto and Via Urbana are good starting points.

Campo de’ Fiori & Via Giulia area

• Boutique artisans, antiques shops.

Trastevere

• Trendy, less formal.

• Leather bags, jewelry, crafts in small independent shops.

Local Souvenir Ideas (non-tacky!)

• Handmade leather goods (bags, belts, shoes).

• Designer stationery (Cartoleria Pantheon is a beautiful old shop).

• Food (pasta, olive oil, limoncello, balsamic vinegar).

• Murano glass jewelry.

• Italian linen or silk scarves.

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💡 Quick Tips

✔ Shops usually close for lunch (esp. outside tourist center): ~1–4 pm.

✔ Sunday many smaller shops close (but Via del Corso area stays open).

✔ Sales are twice a year (January–February & July–August).

✔ Credit cards widely accepted, but small artisan shops may prefer cash

✔ Wear comfy shoes (cobblestones!).

✔ Book big-ticket sights in advance.

✔ Embrace aperitivo culture (drinks + small bites).

✔ Stay in Centro Storico, Trastevere, Monti, or Prati for ease of access.