Museums

 

Colosseum/Roman Forum (one ticket for both, buy it at the Forum as the line is always shorter and get a guide for the Forum, otherwise it's just a bunch of old rocks without context)

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Villa Borghese - famous art collection of the aristocratic Borghese family, arguably (by me, I will argue) the most beautiful statues in the world by Bernini. Must reserve in advance

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Vatican museum/Sistine Chapel/Saint Peter's Basilica (Reserve in advance to avoid the long line. I’d recommend having a guide)

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Capitoline museum - Ancient roman relics, including the famous giant foot and hands you see in postcards

 

 

Piazzas/Outdoor Sites

 

Castel Sant’Angelo - Originally the Mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian, transformed into a fortress and a castle. More beautiful on the outside than inside, but you can visit it.

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Fontana di Trevi - No explanation needed

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Largo Argentina - Where Julius Caesar was killed. Now a cat sanctuary.

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Piazza Navona - The former arena of ancient Roman times. It holds three beautiful fountains designed by Bernini, including my favorite, the Four Rivers.

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Piazza di Spagna - with the famous Spanish steps)

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Piazza del Popolo - a breathtaking open square

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Piazza Venezia - Holds the impressive “wedding cake” building, a monument to Vittorio Emanuele II

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Piazza Cavour - With the Italian Supreme Court building lovingly called the “Palazzaccio,” or “ugly palace” by Romans (it’s actually quite beautiful, they’re just picky)

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Recommended Restaurants

 

Roman Specialties

 

Alfredo alla Scrofa - Very touristy, but the original and only fettuccine alfredo (it’s completely unknown everywhere else in Italy) - Via della Scrofa 104a

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Del Frate - A wine shop with a small restaurant serving delicious Roman traditions - Via degli Scipioni 118/122 (Near the Vatican)

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EVO Hosteria Trastevere - Authentic Italian food in the charming Trastevere neighborhood - Via Garibaldi 60 

 

Giulio Passami L’Olio - Cute, convivial restaurant with friendly service and classic dishes - Via di Monte Giordano 28 (Near il Ponte Sant’Angelo)

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Il Sorpasso - Nice restaurant for lunch, dinner or just an aperitivo. I recommend reserving in advance for dinner - Via Properzio 31/33 (Near the Vatican)

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Latteria Trastevere - Wine bar with good food in the charming Trastevere neighborhood - Vicolo della Scala 1

 

Sciuè Sciuè Cucina - Cute restaurant with very nice service and delicious seasonal homemade pasta dishes - Via Urbana 56-57 (Near the Colosseum in the beautiful Monti neighborhood)

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Sora Margherita - Traditional Roman Jewish dishes, including carciofi alla giudaia (Jewish fried artichokes) in the adorable Jewish Ghetto - Piazza delle Cinque Scole 30

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Sandwiches

 

200 Gradi - Great, cheap sandwich shop open late! - Piazza del Risorgimento 3 (Near the Vatican)

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La Vita è un Mozzico - Recommended sandwich shop - Via Angelo Brunetti 4 (Near Piazza del Popolo)

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Cafes

 

Zer0ttoNove Café - Good coffee and homemade pastries (ignore the overrated and overpriced tourist trap Sant'Eustachio Caffè across the piazza) - Piazza di Sant-Eustachio 50 (Near the Pantheon)

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Vitti - Cute cafe with good coffee and pastries - Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina 33 (Near Piazza del Popolo)

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Gelato

Disclaimer: Authentic gelato is kept under the counter, usually with metal lids. Never buy from the shops with mountains of brightly-colored stuff. If you do, don’t tell me about it.

 

Gelateria La Romana - Piazza Sant’Andrea della Valle 1 (Near Largo Argentina, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona)