Rome
Day 1
Day 2
9:00AM
Vatican City
Early morning start is recommended and if you sign up for a tour you can skip the line/gain early entrance. You can find Vatican tours on Viator or getyourguide.com also offers great tours. Tour the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Walk around the gardens.
11:45AM
Lunch
Try Pizzeria San Marco or 200 Gradi for quick lunch (sandwiches are delish)
1:15PM
Borghese Gallery/Gardens
Visit museum if you're an art lover and up for another museum, otherwise just walk through gardens
1:45PM
Via Veneto, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps
Walk and shop along famous Via Veneto towards Trevi Fountain (bring coins to make a wish!) and then keep walking to Spanish Steps
2:45PM
Shop
Browse the high end shops at base of Spanish steps and walk through the small streets with cute boutiques
4:15PM
Gelato
Take a gelato break at Della Palma (150 flavors) or Giolitti…or Venchi (a popular chain) is always delish!
5:45PM
Hotel to rest/refresh
7:30PM
Hotel Forum Rooftop
Pre dinner drinks or try the garden at Hotel De Russie (so pretty but expensive)
8:30PM
Osteria Da Fortunata
Head to Trastevere neighborhood for dinner. Da Enzo is also super popular. Taverna Trilussa is another great option here.
11:00PM
Bars and clubs
Stay in Trastevere neighborhood after dinner, fun scene at night
9:00AM
Colosseum Tour
Similar to Vatican, you can book an early skip the line tour and walk on the gladiator stage/tour the underground tunnels
12:30PM
Lunch
Emma Pizzeria in Camp de' Fiori is amazing OR have lunch in the Jewish Ghetto (go to Ba’Ghetto and try the fried artichokes when in season!!)
2:00PM
Campo de' Fiori
Walk around the neighborhood, see the market if open, lots of small shops
3:00PM
Jewish Ghetto
Walk around this quaint neighborhood and learn a little about the history (or do this in reverse order if you went here for lunch). Note that places here close early on Fridays and closed Saturdays if Kosher.
4:30PM
Free time
Wander through streets back towards your hotel and rest until dinner
8:00PM
Dinner
Try Roscioli in Campo de' Fiori or Felice Testaccio for the original cacio y pepe
Cafes
Vatican
PIazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain
Campo De Fiori
Navona Square and Pantheon
Trastevere
Jewish Ghetto
Monti
Testaccio
Via Veneto
Gelato Shops
Cafes
Sant’Eustachio Il Caffe
V
Next to the Pantheon, pretty famous spot, they sell their coffee beans
$ - $$
Website
Pandali
V
GF
Excellent option for anyone with gluten allergies. Good for breakfast or a light snack.
$
Website
Sciascia Caffe
V
Near Vatican City, coffee, granita, chocolates and pastries, pretty authentic spot
$ - $$
Website
Tazza D’oro
V
Near Trevi Fountain, classic coffee shop, serve iced granita with whipped cream layers
$ - $$
Directions
Vatican
Trattoria Antico Falcone
V
GF
In a 500 year old building, fine dining, a little off beaten path
$$
Directions
Il Matriciano
V
GF
Old classic restaurant. Has a street side terrace which is nice on warm evenings.
$$
Reserve Now
La Soffitta Renovatio
V
VE
GF
DF
Family run restaurant with lots of pasta options. Very good option if you are gluten free but still want to enjoy classic Roman food.
$$
Menu
PIazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain
Hi-res
V
GF
Rooftop restaurant of the Valadier hotel, great for fish. Has a modern feel. Good for large groups.
$$ - $$$
Reserve Now
Lola
V
GF
Gorgeous Italian near Central Station. Pasta and pizza so good. They make drinks too.
$$ - $$$
Menu
Campo De Fiori
Bar Amore
V
Near the Accent Study Center. Good spot for coffee, pastries and sandwiches.
Emma Pizzeria
V
VE
Really delicious pizza, have pasta and other food too but pizza is amazing!!
Rating: 10/10
Rating: 10/10
$ - $$
Menu
Forno Campo de Fiori
Really affordable pizza by the slice and great custom sandwiches.
Rating: 10/10
Rating: 10/10
$ - $$
Menu
Navona Square and Pantheon
Alfredo Alla Scrofa
V
GF
Make a reservation in advance, invented fettucini alfredo but if you don't get it the pasta is still amazing. A bit on the expensive side.
$$ - $$$
Reserve Now
Armando al Pantheon
V
VE
GF
Small family run place, pretty well known after featured on CNN. MUST book 30 days in advance TO THE DAY!
$$ - $$$
Reserve Now
Mimi e Coco
V
VE
GF
Something for everyone on the menu. Has a cozy atmosphere but a bustling vibe. Get the meatballs and any of the pastas! Has a Trastvere location too!
$
Menu
Trastevere
Da Enzo
V
Super popular with abroad students, get the fried artichokes. Burrata amazing. The line starts getting long around 6:15PM so get there at 6...and you can drink wine while you wait!
$$
Menu
Mama Eats
V
GF
DF
Great option if you are gluten or lactose free! Their entire menu is allergen friendly so you won't miss out on pizza, pasta, arancini and more!
$$
Menu
Osteria Da Fortunata
V
Everything is delicious! Get the gnocchi!! Very popular with abroad students.
$$
Menu
Pasta e Vino
V
VE
Has a very warm and homey atmosphere. Try the pastas or grilled meats 10/10!!
$$ - $$$
Menu
Jewish Ghetto
Ba’Ghetto
V
VE
GF
DF
Must get artichokes!! Insane! This will be one of the best things you eat abroad.
$ - $$
Reserve Now
Bottega Tredici
V
VE
GF
Good quality and service. Not kosher so open on Friday night/Saturday
$$
Menu
Boccione
V
The oldest pastry shop in the Ghetto and also good for pizza to go
Monti
Testaccio
Via Veneto
Pizzeria San Marco
V
VE
Great pizza, salads and pasta…there is also a location closer to the Vatican. Great for lunch.
$ - $$
Menu
Gelato Shops
Gelateria Della Palma
V
Near Pantheon - 150 flavors of gelato, and candy too. Open till midnight
$
Menu
Cremilla Gelato
We can't give it a 10/10 but just because we haven’t tried all the flavors yet!! The baccio, bicotto, and cioccolato al latte are personal faves!
Rating: 9/10
$ - $$
Website
Venchi
V
There are several locations, this is a chain but never disappoints, they have chocolates too. Depending on location open late (12/1AM)
$
Website
Terraza Les Etoiles
Great rooftop option close to the Vatican. You can just come for a drink and snacks or stay for the delicious looking dinner!
Hi-Res
Rooftop restaurant of the Valadier hotel, great for fish. Has a modern feel. Good for large groups.
Relais Fontana Di Trevi Rooftop
Has cocktails and music and the best view of the Trevi Fountain!
Hotel Forum Rooftop
Great views of the whole forum! Drinks are pricey but worth it. Some have gone and felt the crowd was a little too old.
Sights
Activities
Sights
Colosseum
Must have id with you! Really cool architecture, original stadium where thousands of Romans were kept entertained with cruel fights between gladiators and wild beasts
Roman Forum
Right near colosseum, beautiful view of area
Pantheon
The biggest brick dome ever built. there might be a line to get in. Please remember to bring a copy of your ID with you just in case they ask, but don't necessarily check for tickets so don't buy in advance
Piazza Navona
The most "romantic" square in Rome. lots of street performers and vendors
Trevi Fountain
Largest Baroque fountain in the city. Make sure you have coins with you to make a wish - super crowded so watch for pickpockets
Spanish Steps
Famous steps, don’t sit on them! Great shopping at bottom of steps (fancy/high end but also cute boutiques in small streets surrounding)
Galleria Borghese
Famous museum featuring many works of art and the surrounding gardens are beautiful and fun to walk through on a nice day
Vatican Museums
St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens. Can't miss when in Rome, start early because gets insanely crowded. Book a tour guide if possible.
Roman Catacombs
Go if you have time and into this sort of thing - very cool. Ancient underground burial places in and around Rome
Activities
AS Roma game
So much fun if you are a sports enthusiast! Can take train to get there.
Cooking class
Lots of fun ones to choose from. Great activity if the weather is not good. We like these options recommended by our ambassadors!
Day Trip To Pompei
Great option if you have extra time and want to get out of the bustling city! Enjoy a food and wine tour of Pompei and nearby Vesuvius!
E-Bike Tour Ancient Appian Way
Get to know Rome on an E-bike exploring the Ancient Appian Way, Catacombs and Aqueducts.
Evening walking tour
Cool to see the city at night, and frees up your day if you have other things you want to do
Food Tours
Enjoy a walking and eating tour of the Testaccio market or the Jewish quarter (do not miss the famous artichokes!) with an expert who knows all the best spots!
Free Walking Tour
Take in all the sights and history for free (plus tip!). A great way to see this incredible city.
Golf Cart Tour Food Tour
This is such a FUN way to get around Rome with the added bonus of food and wine along the way!!
Traditional Pasta & Cocktail Making Class
Such a fun activity to do with friends! Learn to make 3 different types of spritzes!
Wine & Food Tasting
Highly recommend! Enjoy 7 courses with wine tastings for a very memorable experience. Costs €75 per person but is worth it.
Via del Corso
All big stores like Zara, H&M etc
La Rinascente
High end department store similar to Bloomingdale's/Sak’s
Base of Spanish Steps
All high end designer shopping, like Gucci, Fendi, YSL, Dior etc, plus lots of cute boutiques in the small side streets in the area
Campo De' Fiori
Small shops plus a famous flower fruit and vegetable market
Monti neighborhood
Hipster area, trendy stores, near Colosseum
Budget
Average
Splurge
Budget
Yellow Square Rome
Popular hostel, near Termini Station, around $100 per person/per night
Ostello Bello Roma Colosseo
Near Colosseum, around $75 per night
The RomeHello
Close to Termini Station, around $125 per person/per night
Generator Rome
Closest to Termini Station, approximately $100 per person/per night
Average
Hotel Mozart
Approximately $150 per person/per night
Albergo del Senato
Near Pantheon, around $130 per person/per night hotel
Teatro Place
In center of city near Piazza Navona, around $150 per person/per night
Splurge
hT6 Boutique hotel
Ghetto neighborhood, super cool boutique hotel but pricey una hotels - trastevere neighborhood, around $300 per person per night hotel
Hotel Artemide Rome
Centrally located, approximately $300 per person/per night
Westin Excelsior
On via veneto, around $350 per person/per night
Aleph Rome, Curio Collection
Off via veneto, around $275 per person/per night
Una Hotels
Trastevere neighborhood, around $300 per person per night hotel
Bars & Clubs
Bars
Clubs
Bars & Clubs
Bars
Drunken Ship
Cool bar popular with abroad kids, it's an American bar in Camp de' Fiori
La Zanzara
Great for Aperitivo! Only 10 euro for a drink and you get a bunch of yummy food with it!
Relais Fontana Di Trevi Hotel
A rooftop bar next to the Trevi Fountain. A little on the expensive side but worth it for the view!
Sloppy Sam's
Also popular, located in the piazza in Camp de' Fiori
Clubs
The Sanctuary Eco Retreat
Good to go late at night but you can also go for dinner and stay until it turns more clubby. Great if you like house/techno music and has a super cool vibe. Feels like you are in a tropical location!
Porto Ercole
Pompei
Santa Marinella
Porto Ercole
Travel
It is about a 1.5 drive from the city. It is fairly easy to hire a car. Can also go by bus which is around 3 hours and includes a transfer.
Why Visit?
This is a little port that many Rome locals visit on the weekends. Super cute and great to spend the day. Usually any recommendation from a local is a good one!
This is also a good option for an overnight getaway with lots of small hotels along the port.
This is also a good option for an overnight getaway with lots of small hotels along the port.
Lunch
Botania Waterfront - Good for a quick bite.
Grano - Great option for take-away pizza.
Sandwich Club - Obviously for the panini lover
Caffe Piazzetta - On the beach with great food.
Grano - Great option for take-away pizza.
Sandwich Club - Obviously for the panini lover
Caffe Piazzetta - On the beach with great food.
Dinner
L'Isola Felice - Get a break from Italian with this steakhouse.
Ristorante Il Gambero Rosso - Great for the seafood and pasta lover.
Alicina Sul Porto - Another good option for seafood with Italian combo.
Bar del Porto - Great spot on the water. Has a little bit of everything.
La Grotta del Pescatore - Delicious seafood option.
Ristorante Il Gambero Rosso - Great for the seafood and pasta lover.
Alicina Sul Porto - Another good option for seafood with Italian combo.
Bar del Porto - Great spot on the water. Has a little bit of everything.
La Grotta del Pescatore - Delicious seafood option.
Shopping
Subdued - Cute casual stuff.
Vilebrequin - Outlet for famous bathing suits!
Vilebrequin - Outlet for famous bathing suits!
Pompei
Travel
It is an easy 1 hr 47 min train from Rome!
Why visit?
It’s known for its ancient city, Pompeii, which was buried by the 79 A.D. eruption of Mount Vesuvius. This is a major historical sight and worth the visit.
Guided Tour
Get the most out of your trip with a guided tour and a history lesson!
Food & Wine Tour From Rome
This is a great way to visit Pompei since it includes all the essentials! A ride, delicious food and history!
Santa Marinella
Rome With Family!
Below please find a small selection of some of our favorite hotels, activities and restaurants that may be great to enjoy when family visits.
To get our full recommendation list and enjoy hotel amenities and personalized service, with no financial commitment, please contact our partner, Betsy Polatsch with Smart Flyer!
Virtuoso amenities often include:
*Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
*Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
*$100 USD Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay
*Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
*Complimentary Wi-Fi
Please mention GTGabroad to reap the most rewards!
To get our full recommendation list and enjoy hotel amenities and personalized service, with no financial commitment, please contact our partner, Betsy Polatsch with Smart Flyer!
Virtuoso amenities often include:
*Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
*Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
*$100 USD Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay
*Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
*Complimentary Wi-Fi
Please mention GTGabroad to reap the most rewards!
Lodging
Palazzo Ripetta
A very clean, modern and elegant option. Situated between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps. A great choice!
The Rome Edition
Part of the Marriott hotel group. A five-start, luxury boutique option near iconic Via Veneto
Hotel de la Ville
Part of the Rocco Forte hotel collection. A classic, yet modern hotel with a great spa. They also offer family suites.
Babuino 181 Luxury Suites
A great four-star option in the heart of Rome. Considered a true hidden gem!
Activity Ideas
What Betsy Recommends!
Some fun, interactive and memorable activities that are great to do with families!
*Golf Cart Tour
*Shopping near the Spanish Steps
*Private Pizza Making Class
*Guided Visit to the Vatican and Colosseum
*Day trip to Pompeii
For extensive descriptions and to book please contact Betsy at SmartFlyer.
*Golf Cart Tour
*Shopping near the Spanish Steps
*Private Pizza Making Class
*Guided Visit to the Vatican and Colosseum
*Day trip to Pompeii
For extensive descriptions and to book please contact Betsy at SmartFlyer.
Dining Musts
*Roscioli - In the heart of Rome this is more than just a restaurant.
*Emma Pizzeria - Not just pizza. You will love all of their authentic Roman cuisine.
*Al Moro - Authentic Roman menu with a large wine list.
*Ristorante 34 - A veteran, family-run trattoria you do not want to miss.
*Taverna Trilussa - More of a rustic feel known for their delicious pastas.
*Ba'Ghetto - In the Jewish ghetto. Go for the unforgettable artichoke!
Contact SmartFlyer for all of GTGabroad approved dining in Rome!
*Emma Pizzeria - Not just pizza. You will love all of their authentic Roman cuisine.
*Al Moro - Authentic Roman menu with a large wine list.
*Ristorante 34 - A veteran, family-run trattoria you do not want to miss.
*Taverna Trilussa - More of a rustic feel known for their delicious pastas.
*Ba'Ghetto - In the Jewish ghetto. Go for the unforgettable artichoke!
Contact SmartFlyer for all of GTGabroad approved dining in Rome!
