Traveling to Italy? Plan your trip with Rome as you base. This city is rich in history. So many spots to experience and take in all the magnificent architecture.
We decided to make a family trip here since my boyfriend’s family has never traveled to Italy. We are savvy travelers using our Delta miles and points to book our vacation which made the trip very affordable.
Stay: The Inn at the Spanish Steps
Our hotel has the best location! We were in the center of all the shops and restaurants. We had a Louis Vuitton and Gucci right across from our hotel.
Arriving and checking in, we were greeted with a glass of Prosecco on top of their patio overlooking Rome. We booked 3 separate rooms so that everyone had their own to enjoy and have some privacy. My boyfriend’s parents had a room and his brother and sister had another room. Their rooms were two-story and had a full kitchen.
Our room was one-story but with an amazing rainfall shower. On our floor we had breakfast made every morning with unlimited cups of coffee, juice, milk anything you could think of served by our butler. Yes our own butler! For me, this was the best part of our hotel stay each morning.
We had the whole floor to ourselves since no one else was staying in the other rooms. It felt like breakfast was privately served just for us. The most delicious pastries, cheeses, hams, anything you can think of, all freshly made that morning.
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RESTAURANTS
Pompi
This is the perfect spot for sweetS. It’s a short walking distance from the Spanish Steps which were right next to our hotel. They have the best Tiramisu. You won’t be disappointed. They also have many other Italian desserts but my favorite was the tiramisu.
Felicee a Testaccio
We didn’t get the opportunity to dine here since it was all booked. So I highly recommend making a reservation far in advance. An Italian family I used to babysit for recommended this spot they have been multiple times and said it was one of their favorites. I wanted to mention this resto since it was highly recommended.
Lo Scopettaro
This is another restaurant that was suggested to us. We didn’t have reservations but popped in to check out the menu, the atmosphere, etc. The food looked amazing! Another missed opportunity because you need to book reservations with advanced notice. We’ll be back!
Renato and Lusia
This restaurant has that very authentic Italian appeal. The dishes are traditional and old school. Another great suggestion from the family I used to nanny for. They are from Italy so they knew all the great places to eat.
Activities
Colosseum
This is a very touristy spot. But it’s a MUST DO at least once. It’s truly an impressive sight and will always be a photograph in your memories. Such a cool experience if you have never been before. They are open from 9 am -7:15 pm every day.
Ice Roma
Hands down one of the most amazing club/bar experiences. We heard there was a bar made of ice so we had to check it out. If you are not a big drinker that’s okay you can just go for the artistic ice sculptures.
Our drinks were in ice cups, so savvy. Because it was hot outside, we weren’t wearing coats, luckily they have loaners. It’s very chilly inside this spot.
Villa Borghese Garden
One of the three biggest public parks in Italy. This spot was perfect for a nice walk around the beautiful garden, museum, attractions and many buildings. Such a perfect place to grab a coffee and walk around. It’s even a great spot to sit down and have a picnic lunch.
Trevi Fountain
A very touristy spot but another MUST DO if you haven’t yet. The Fountain Trevi is majestic and quintessential Italy. I highly recommend going early in the morning since not a lot of people are there yet.
During the day and evening it’s very crowded. The perfect spot for an Instagram photo. Don’t miss the opportunity to throw a coin in this beautiful fountain and make a wish.
Vatican City / sixteenth chapel
Rich in history and another tourist attraction spot that is a MUST DO. You might get lucky and even see the Pope while you’re there. The Sixteenth Chapel is located in Vatican City and to see it in person is awe-inspiring and unforgettable.
Spanish steps
This is often where the locals meet up. Luckily our hotel was just to the right of the Steps which we got to enjoy every time we came and went. It’s a great spot for photo taking. If you’re looking for a workout, there are 138 steps you can run up and down.
NEIGHBORHOODS TO EXPLORE
Campo Marzio
We stayed in this cute area which has a lot of options around us to explore. There are so many great spots to eat, shop and sightsee. If you can, make a day trip to visit here.
Testaccio
This area is known for its distinctive offal-based cuisine, which is a humble food that has been elevated to new heights. Definitely a place for foodies. The locals also call this neighborhood “the heart of Rome” which has many attractions from lively outdoor markets to nightclubs and wine bars.
Final ThoughtS
There are many cities to visit in Italy. It would take 2 – 3 months to get through them all. Luckily we started with Rome and my travel cup is full. There’s a lot to experience, explore and enjoy here. From delicious foods to historical attractions, grand architecture and great shopping. You won’t be disappointed booking a trip to Rome, Italy.