Girls Guide to Rome, Italy

If you know me, you know Paris, France is my favorite place in the world. I’d go as far as to say Paris is my “Roman Empire” and the following statement is a hard thing for me to finally admit. If you had asked me in the past, “Where is the one place that I should travel to?” Paris would come flying out of my mouth immediately, thoughtless. However, my new answer, where you must see before you die, where I hope to bring my future family to, where I pray my parents will get to see someday, and where you should put on the top of your bucket list is Rome, Italy.

Rome, Italy has gone straight to my first recommended destination after the second time being here and truly experiencing it. I went last year for just the day from Florence but it was raining and I did not do any tours and simply roamed. At the time, I was just checking it off my list of places to see. But this time, this time was so different. After a 5 day trip to Rome, I see the hype of the Roman Empire, and I truly believe that it is indeed the most remarkable European city for an American to visit.

As I looked around Rome, I noticed there are so many opportunities for you to see the city even as an elderly person. I saw many elderly people riding in golf carts to see the sites and was gently reminded that it’s never too late to see the world. Whether you’re exploring through walking tours or in a golf cart you can visit the incredible churches, see historic sites, and feel the history of such an amazing place.

Favorite tourist things to do:

I’m sure if you’re interested in Rome, you’ve already heard of these popular tourist attractions but here’s my list of favorites with some fun facts and special memories.

Trevi Fountain

Toss a coin & make a wish. 🪙This spot is one of the most crowded tourist destinations so I would highly recommend coming early in the morning or if you’re crazy like me, visiting late at night. I came at 2 am and we had such an amazing time hanging out by the fountain and taking pictures, dancing with no care in the world and tossing in one too many Euros! This monumental tourist attraction takes in approximately $1.5 million U.S. dollars a year. This money is donated to Rome’s Catholic charity to help the city’s poor and needy by founding soup kitchens, homeless shelters and more. Not only will you have a great night out here, it will go to a great cause too!!

St. Peter's Basilica

One of the holiest sites of Christianity and Catholic Tradition. The basilica is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and official home of the Pope. It is filled with many masterpieces of Renaissance and Baroque art. It’s the place where I officially understood men’s obsession with the Roman Empire. It’s full of force, incredibly iconic art and architecture, and you can practically feel the influence of the past standing here. Fun Fact: When coming here you can actually check off another country on your list! Vatican City is technically considered it’s very own country in Europe. When standing in the center of this small city the size of Central Park you can understand why it’s acceptable to call it it’s very own country.

Spanish Steps

This area to me felt like the richest, chicest part of Rome, and mirrored Paris, France in such a spectacular way. The Spanish Steps are like a prize to the Romans and thus come with rules when visiting like no food or drink can come with you onto the sancturary steps. We had just gotten fresh gelatos but we’re simply turned away from stepping on the world renowned steps and although I could have been upset about this I was actually pleastly suprised that it was so special to them that they protected it from being spilt on. I then was itnerested and googled that there are actually many landmarks in Rome, including the Trevi Fountain, where eating and drinking are also forbidden. I guess it’s partially why a city from 753 BC is still well preserved.

Piazza del Campidoglio

This gorgeous plaza was designed by Michelangelo and was the first stop on our night walking tour. I was fascinated to learn that Michelangelo died before the piazza was finished. The plaza is located in modern Rome, and stands on Capitoline Hill.

Roman Forum

Touring the ancient city of Rome is a must. This is the most ancient ruins of Rome dating back to the 8th century BC. My personal favorite thing to see was Trajan Market which is believed to be the first shopping mall in history. Trajan Market- live music by the ruins

Colosseum

Roman amphitheater once used for gladiatorial games. Do a tour here! It’s amazing to see the inside and amazing to imagine what they used to do for fun in the 70th century. Fun Fact: It was built during the reign of the Flavian emperors as a gift to the Roman people.

Castel Santangelo

This castle is often skipped over by tourists but it is perfectly placed on the Tiber River and a stunning site to see. The popes once used the building as a fortress and castle, and it is now a museum. Come to Tiber River for this view of the castle and to take in the beautiful river scenery which reminds me a lot of the Seine river in Paris, France.

WHere to stay:

I will not recommend where we stayed because it wasn’t chic but I have found that the best place to stay in Italy from my friends nowadays is getting an Airbnb. As a hotel girly, I know this is an uncommon recommendation from me but Italy is such a hot spot that any nice hotel is going to be very expensive and the amount of money you’ll be spending at any basic hotel will be around the same as splitting an Airbnb with your family or group of friends. If you’re traveling with 3 or more people I’d recommend finding an Airbnb in Rome over a hotel. If budget isn’t an issue and you’re OK with hotels around 1K a night, take a look at my favorite hotels below that I’d stay in if I had all the money in the world! xx

Hotel Hassler Roma - I’m notorious for walking in and pretending I own the place. I love going into 5 star hotels in cute outfits and a nonchalant smile and acting like I indeed am I guest, when I’m not. I’ve stayed in enough 5 star places in the past that when I’m alone I know how to act like I am actually a guest. I walked into Hotel Hassler and made a wish that I will someday stay at this fabulous property located right outside of the top of the Spanish Steps. This area to me felt like the richest, chicest part of Rome, and mirrored Paris, France in such a spectacular way.

Hotel de Russie - This hotel was also by the Spanish Steps, proving my point that this is the chicest part of Rome! It’s hard to believe this garden fairytale property is located right in the heart of one of most popular cities in the world. Conde Nast Traveler agrees that Hotel de Russie is “Everything a beautiful hotel should be, and filled with the most glamorous guests imaginable.” Someday I’ll stay here, and hope if you’re reading this, you can too.

Hotel de la Ville - Another property by the Spanish Steps and directly next to Hotel Hassler Roma. This 5 star hotel is part of the same hotel group as Hotel de Russie, called Rocco Forte.

Where to dine:

The food in Italy is so good that you would think that you can go anywhere and be delighted. Unfortunately, there are some tourist traps that are quite literally awful. I have gone to some really bad places but so many more amazing places that I have to recommend. I have become such a foodie and know now that where you dine during your trips is not only a forefront thought but can make or break an experience.

Mimi e Coco- I came here when I came to Rome for the day a year ago and loved it so much that I had to come back. There’s nothing I love more than a place I like enough to revisit and I hope you decide to visit here too! A perfect place for a glass of wine and appetizers or pasta dinner.

Suppli- Italian snacks of Suppli are often recommended when you’re visiting Italy. We were starving on a busy day of exploring and stopped at a restaurant called “suppli” specializing in of course suppli we tried a few and they were amazing. My personal favorite was the cacio e pepe. Cheap and filing this makes for the perfect quick stop on a day of explorations.

Piccolo Aracino- This small restaurant enticed me by the busy crowds and the romantic feels. I came here alone and enjoyed an amazing eggplant parmigiana. They gave me complimentary dessert and it was a perfect and yummy solo date spot.

Aroma Restaurant- I think going to one Michelin star restaurant on a trip is a necessity. Whether you’re going in just for a drink at the bar or a full dining experience you will not be dissapointed at Aroma. The view alone will have you feeling breathless and you’ll take a mental picture of the Collusseum from your seat that will last forever.

Where to Go oUT:

One thing about me is when I’m visiting a place that I fall in love with I quickly find myself needing to see it all. Needing to stay out late and meeting anyone and everyone to learn even just an inch more about this incredible place and what the people that live here think, how they feel about the place, and hear if it’s possible to be unfazed by it all, as a local. With that said, I go out specifically to meet locals and that seems to be found in the servers and bartenders while abroad. I stayed out late meeting locals and I fully was immersed in my Eat, Pray, Love era. When in Rome!

The View Trevi- My favorite place, AKA the place where we met our Italian boyfriends. If you’re a single girly reading this go here and be prepared to be swept away by a lovely young man appropriately named Paolo. Yes, Paolo like in Lizzie Mcguire.. I am not joking. Aside from the hot servers there’s also and incredible view of the Trevi Fountain from the patio at this restaurant bar serving lite bites, fantastic cosmos, and Italian wine.

Trastevere- This vibey neighborhhood is where study abroad students typically live and will feel less touristy then other parts of Rome. I was recommended this spot by friends who have studied abroad and think it’s a great place to meet other Americans. We came here a few times and it has awesome restaurants in the neighborhood as well as endless opportunities for photos in the stunning streets.

There are also clubs and a nightlife scene in Rome if you’re looking for that but unfortunately I have no recommendations on that one. I personally think it’s better and safer to go to restaurants and bars when traveling to a city like Rome.

I’m so excited for you to explore the wonderful city of Rome! From the second you arrive you’ll be filled with excitement in a ccity where you can feel the rich history through the beautiful churches and breathtaking architecture, fountains and plazas.

Please always reach out if you have any questions at all and I am happy to answer!

xoxo,

Jules