Boasting natural, historical, cultural and gastronomical attractions, the multi-faceted eternal city educates it guests in the quintessence of “Capre Diem”.
The sophistication of the Roman empire is resurrected through the city’s countless ancient treasures; the pungent aroma of La Dolce Vita flows through every serpentine alley of the Centro Storico; this explains the only wish that really ever comes true when you throw a coin into the Fontana di Trevi: that you will return to Rome.
Day One
As the bus drops me on Via Tomaccelli, I am looking forward to wandering through the center’s monuments and trattorias. Just one street away stands my hotel, J.K. Place Roma, which won me over thanks to its fantastic design and five-star services. In my room I open the window and I feel the city’s seven hills calling; in particular, Palatine Hill and its glorious mosaic of sites, such as the Circus Maximus ancient stadium, crisscrossed by bustling streets filled with humming cars and vespas. I head towards the Pantheon and then on to Piazza di Firenze for a taste of fresh buffalo mozzarella delicacies at Obika. As the sun sets, I take my first stroll at Piazza Navona and admire the harmonious coexistence of old and new, before heading to Navona Notte restaurant for authentic pizza and calzone.
Day Two
Classical Rome beckons; I visit the Flavian Ampitheater, the renowned Colosseum and the Roman Agora. I then go to the museum complex of Piazza del Campidoglio and the hip Monti district, home to bohemian boutiques and a great vintage market (mercatomonti). A quick stop for coffee and dessert at the quaint La Casetta (Via Madonna Dei Monti 62) and I head south to Te4staccio and the organic produce market on Piazza Orazio Giustiniani, where I indulge in divine Italian cheeses. Located nearby, one of the two MACRO locations, the Museum of Modern Art houses artworks by young Italian artists. On my way back I buy truffles and pork loin from Volpetti delicatessen before catching Bus 170 to Citta del Gusto for a delightful dinner and a bottle of Chianti at Il Winebar. For my night cap, I decide to go to Ostience and Casa de Jazz.
Day Three
I have booked my tickets for the Vatican Museums in advance, so I admire the imposing St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel avoiding the queue. I pass the Castel Sant’ Angelo overlooking the river Tiber on my way to Piazza S. Cosimato and Gianicolo Hill, where I intend to admire the picturesque views of Trastevere all afternoon, wandering through its cobbled streets and ivy-flanked courtyards. After a delicious dinner of seafood and gorgonzola semifreddo at Le Mani in Pasta, I head to Bar San Calisto for a glass of Peroni.
Day Four
This is a “day of surprises”. The first is the replica of London’s famous Shakespearean theater, The Globe. Nestled in the gardens of Villa Borghese, visitors can enjoy in summer a performance of The Bard’s greatest plays al fresco. The second surprise is Casa del Cinema located nearby, which hosts daily screenings of films from the Venice Film Festival, while the third is the midday buffet with a variety of Italian flavors at Open Colonna restaurant. The shopping treasures at Via Condotti and Via del Corso and the delicious Italian produce at Esquilino market are amazing. The exhibits to come at Sala 1 modern art gallery are another surprise, as well as the tortellini with eggs yolk at Trattoria Monti and my cocktail at Zest, from the 7th floor of the Radisson Blue es. Hotel.
Day Five
I leave my luggage in the hotel’s storage space, and visit the new Ara Pacis Museum building, designed by Richard Meier. After the last minute shopping on Via della Croce and Via del Babuino, I head to Osteria della Frezza for a final Frigidarium. My last stops are at the Spanish Steps and the Fontana di Trevi, where I wish for – what else – a speedy return to Rome.
About the Author
Stephen Denos is a digital nomad and an amateur photographer who likes traveling while at the same time running his online business. Wandering in the European cities with a camera on standby is his passion. He likes editing his videos with pinnacle studio.