A perfect weekend in Rome by @browsingrome
I love Rome, but it isn’t a place I feel comfortable writing about. Why? I have only been twice – which means I need to go back for a perfect weekend in the Italian capital (hint to Mr. O). Diana and I bonded over our love for ballet flats – and we both know where to buy them. Love Rome? You will love this! Ciao, Mrs. O
I am grateful that Mrs O has invited me to guest post for her blog and I couldn’t be more excited to be writing on “A Perfect Weekend in Rome”. There is just too much to see in Rome in a weekend and taking this into account, I have written this specifically for Mrs O, keeping in mind what she loves. Hopefully this post will give her a taste of what she can expect on her next visit and encourage her to expedite her travel plans to The Eternal City.
Impressive Colosseum!
Friday night
An evening stroll along Via dei Fori Imperiali never fails to impress visitors and residents alike. Starting from the impressive Colosseum and making your way towards Piazza Venezia, you could only feel like you are walking through an open-air museum and what a museum it is with views of the Roman Forum as well as Trajan’s Forum.
Walking through an open-air museum
Before dinner, drop in at Enoteca Provincia Romana for an aperitivo. Situated in front of the Trajan Columns, enjoy a glass of Spritz or Prosecco while admiring the stunning view which is only with a glimpse of the incredible things to expect this weekend.
While it will be tempting to stay put and appreciate the wonderful settings, you wouldn’t want to miss a taste of one of the best carbonara in town at Roscioli (reservations recommended). A pleasant 15-minute walk from Enoteca Provincia Romana, it will help you work up an appetite by the time you get there. With an extensive menu, it’s a challenge to narrow it down to a few dishes and some dishes to try include the burrata, caponata and obviously, the carbonara.
The carbonara at Roscioli is one of the best in Rome
There is always room for dessert and this is where you will be spoiled for choice! You could get a dessert at Roscioli or a gelato at Vice Gelateria, which is only a few minutes away on foot. Either way, you couldn’t go wrong and before calling it a night, walk to Piazza Navona, one of my favorite places in Rome that never fails to mesmerize visitors. This would be the perfect way to end you first evening in Rome.
Got to have a gelato!
Saturday
Get ready for a full day that is all about fun, food and all things fabulous! It will be an early start and although getting out of bed maybe a challenge, the thought of a real cappuccino or espresso may do the trick. While the food tour you’ll join that morning will take you to one of the most popular coffee places in town after lunch, get your morning fix at Tazza d’Oro. It is near the Pantheon and you can then decide which place you like best.
The smell of coffee here will awaken you and your senses
The food tour starts at Campo dei Fiori and if a cappuccino or espresso wasn’t sufficiently satisfying, make a quick run to Antico Forno Roscioli for a cornetto. To clear up any confusion, this is the bakery while the dinner last night was at the restaurant. However, just be warned that there will be plenty of tastings on your food tour from the classic pizza bianca to salami and eventually to making your own pizza for lunch. Don’t believe me? This post by our friend Kathryn who was on the tour last month gives you the full details!
One of the many tastings on the food tour!
To work off all the food, there’s no better way to do so than a few hours of shopping! Since Mrs O is already an expert on shopping in Rome but other areas worth exploring include Via Cola di Rienzo(Prati), Via Appia (San Giovanni) and Monti for artisanal items.
The Monti neighborhood is where you will also find some fabulous places to eat! After an afternoon of shopping, take a breather at Al Vino al Vino and enjoy an aperitivo here. Also, don’t forget to order their caponata which is considered one of the best in town! Dinner this evening is at the nearby L’Asino d’Oro, a simple yet charming restaurant that offers creative local cuisine (reservations recommended).
Chocolate fountains at Come il Latte
While you may be filled after the meal, it just isn’t complete without dessert or gelato! Though there is a good gelateria in Monti, it would be worth the effort to drop by Come il Latte (Address: Via Silvio Spaventa 24-26) where they have salted caramel gelato and faucets with dark and white chocolate flowing out!
Sunday
The modern décor in Eataly
With the long day yesterday, it’s time to take it easier today. While it is far from an authentic Italian experience, Eataly is a different experience. You could easily hang out here for the whole day and surely won’t go hungry as there are over 15 places to eat within this four-storey structure. Stepping inside, its modern structure and décor could deceive you to thinking that you have been transported to any city but Rome. That said, it offers a huge variety of Italian products and a place to pick up a few gifts or two if you haven’t already done so.
Told you that you won’t go hungry here!
However, if you prefer an early start on Sunday, you could first visit the Borghese Gallery which boasts an impressive art collection. Tickets are very affordable at €9 but you’ll need to book in advance. In addition, you can opt to take a two-hour guided tour in English that starts at 9.10am at an extra cost of €5 or alternatively, get an audio guide for the same price. Both options are highly recommended as you’d want to have some historical information on the pieces you are admiring and you will walk away from here astounded. It is an incredible place! (Note: Keep in mind is that you will be required to leave all your belongings including bags, cameras etc in the cloak room)
The amazing art collection in the Borghese Gallery
While this jam-packed weekend covered a bit of history, art, shopping as well as lots of great food and wine, it barely scratches the surface of things to do in Rome. This is just a peek at what the city has to offer and hopefully entices you to be back again for more.
Diana
Diana and I recently met in Girona, Spain
Diana at BrowsingRome.com enjoys sharing what she discovers while browsing Rome and Italy in general. She is a regular on Twitter @browsingrome and also offers a glimpse of life in Rome at http://www.facebook.com/browsingrome
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Oh I love this (no surprises there). Havent been to Rome for years. My problem is the hotels – the stars don’t match the expectations and usually too expensive. Where do you normally stay, Mrs. O?
Absolutely spot on – it is a problem. Last time I went I stayed at the Westin Excelsior on Via Venetto. It was beautiful, and more expensive than we would normally go for. We died when they tried to charge us €42 for breakfast.. each!
Dear Mrs. O,
And if your not a fan, you have a lot of lovely other choices (they’ve been around cooking for more than a century, so you can figure the picture…)
I’ve been following your blog with interest, since I am trying hard to learn how to share my trips with people like you, who definitely loves it!
Sticking to Rome – and for your next trip – allow me to challenge you to pay a visit to Trattoria Checchino in Monte Testaccio. The BEST oxtail in the world
Aceite um abraço desde a Cidade Invicta
Hi Miguel, thank you so much. I am hoping to get to Rome in 2013 so I will definitely check back with you
Obrigada!!
Diana captured the very best of Rome. There are so many great food-related activities in Rome, tours or not!
Kenny (@RomeFoodTours) recently posted..Italian Food Recipes for Halloween
Kenny, she really made me want to go back! Really
I was in a terrible mood and lost my appetite but when I looked at the pictures my stomach started making hungry noise sounds. I have never been to Rome but I love Italian food. It is my favorite. I hope to visit someday.
Haha, good to see that besides the sightseeing you could not miss the great Italian food either
Italy with no food is not Italy
Wow….no wonder Rome is so beloved. It’s such an incredible city and you really did a great job capturing it’s many sides in a short weekend.
John recently posted..Strolling the Malecon in La Paz, Mexico
Browsing Rome aka Diana is a fab writer and knows the city very well! I can’t wait to go back!
As much as I love the food in all of Italy, I will always appreciate Rome for it’s Carbonara…next time I know where to make my reservations…
stay adventurous, Craig
Craig Zabransky recently posted..Fall Foliage – Glimmerglass State Park in New York’s Catskills
Hi Craig, if you want carbonara for more than one meal, let me know. There are other places that are worth a visit.
Diana recently posted..A Day in the Lazio Countryside
I know what you mean. And no matter how people try, it’s never like they do in Rome!
Oh my goodness, the food pictures are incredible. I might need to grab myself a snack now. I’m also going to need to book a ticket to Rome.
Hope to see you really soon!
Diana recently posted..A Day in the Lazio Countryside
You are joking, but I am really looking forward to going back to Rome
SO SO excited to return to ROMA! it is one amazing city and this post is one i could follow & be very happy with a short visit. thank you for sharing.
lola recently posted..Lola & Leah’s Eurotour 2012
Lola, that’s just a taste of what Rome has to offer
See you soon in Rome!
Diana recently posted..A Day in the Lazio Countryside
Pleasure, you lucky girls will be there shortly!! I hope you can meet up with Diana
I can’t wait for Diana to personally show me some of her favorite spots in Rome. I can’t think of anyone better to introduce me to all the best places to eat.
Leah Travels recently posted..Revealed: The Italian Itinerary
Hi Leah, you’re too kind and can’t wait to bring you to a few of these places and more. Get ready as you’ll be doing some serious eating – you can’t help it, it’s Italy!
Diana recently posted..A Day in the Lazio Countryside
I know. I am super jealous!!
OK, that picture of the carbonara was a low blow
I love Rome and can’t wait to go for my fourth time – every time discovering a new corner!
Raul (@ilivetotravel) recently posted..International Atlanta – A Food Story
Hi Raul, there are plenty of corners to discover in Rome and that’s the beauty of this city. In addition, the familiar corners never fail to awe residents and visitors alike. Hope you’ll be back soon!
Diana recently posted..A Day in the Lazio Countryside
That’s the wonderful thing about Rome, we can go back over and over again and there will be somewhere (new or old) to discover. Love it!
oooh my god, that picture of the carbonara. i can’t.
the lazy travelers recently posted..no travel required
LOL it’s a simple dish but when done right, it’s fabulous!
Diana recently posted..A Day in the Lazio Countryside
I am sorry
Any tour with gelato in it gets the thumbs up from me.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Hiking loops in the Porcupine Mountains State Wilderness Area
There is a gelato stop on the tour but there are also plenty of gelaterie in town that you will be spoiled for choice.
I can imagine
A glaring void in my travel career is Rome. How I haven’t been still boggles my mind. One day…
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..A Day Trip From Napa To Sonoma County
Then you will have to start planning that trip soon. See you in Rome
So many places, so little time! I know the feeling!
My favorite city! I’ve also only been twice and that definitely calls for another visit or two. For sure a weekend.. I’ve tossed in enough coins in the Trevi to secure that. Next time, food tour for sure!
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..Ranakpur in Photos: The Most Beautiful Temple in India
Totally agree! With lots of gelato, right??
With all the coins tossed into the Trevi fountain, you are bound to be back! You will love the food tour which covers the market, tastings of cheese and salami, making your own pizza and of course gelato! Tempted?
We had a fabulous four days in Rome for our honeymoon. This post makes me ache to go back. Amazing memories!
Holiday Addict recently posted..Do Dublin. The Guinness Really Does Taste Better!
That sounds so romantic! Thank you for your kind words
go back!
Rome is a great pick for a honeymoon. Hope you’ll be back again soon!
Loved the post, and it really makes me wanna go back, since i´ve only been there once, and my husband has never been. Great for a romantic getaway! And the carbonara picture… hummm
I know
looks delicious! Let me know if you make it to Rome and how you like these places! I am hoping to head there in 2013!
Lucia, hope you will be back soon! Rome is all about rome-ance
Diana recently posted..Discovering New Places & Food in Rome
Great post! Rome is definitely one of my favourite cities, have been a few times, and I’m always in awe of the incredible ruins (I could spend the whole day in the Forum)
g x
Graham GlobalGrasshopper recently posted..10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Greece
Thanks Graham! The ruins to this day never fail to impress me and a beautiful reminder that I live in an incredibly fascinating city. If you get the chance, you should also visit Borghese Gallery – the sculptures are remarkable.
I want to go back now!!
Great post and thank you so much to the link to my post. I certainly had a fantastic time there and I’m longing to go back again as soon as I can!
Kathryn recently posted..Pairing Italian Wine and Food
Kathryn, let me know when your plans are finalized! We still have so many places to check out, especially Come il Latte.
Oh you need to tell me when!
Our pleasure
I love it too!
Great a guest post.
Farleigh Smith recently posted..Monaco Yacht Show – glamour personified
Thank you, Farleigh!!
Thanks Farleigh. I also had a lot of fun writing this post
Now I am intrigued
I loved exploring it at night, especially around di Trevi and Pantheon. The former for a date, the latter for… dancing in front of. Don’t ask.
Rome has long been one of my beloved places and this post mentions a lot that would make me happy on another visit – cappuccinos, gelato, and pasta. Plus Eataly goes on the list!! Nice guide, ladies!
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo of the Week: John Hancock Center in Chicago
Thanks, Pola
I really really want to go back 
Hi Pola, it was challenging to narrow down the choices and wanted to cover what I believe Mrs O and her readers would love. Hope you’ll visit soon!
We can always do another one! The beauty of cities like Rome is that we can have 50 or more completely different weekends!
Very true, Ana! And I know I will be back in Rome sooner or later (it’s been 3 years, so sooner would be my preferred option). After all, tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain hasn’t failed me yet…
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Ticket Giveaway: On Location Tours [Ends 10/31/2012]
I hope so! I love little superstitious things like that
It’s not only Rome that’s beautiful but the region it’s in, Lazio, also has many hidden gems.
Diana recently posted..A Day in the Lazio Countryside
Who’s been to Rome? What were your favourite sights?
Now I’m hungry! I still haven’t been to Rome so this has inspired me to move it up the list of ‘wanna goes’!
Suzanne (Travelbunny) recently posted..First Class Postcard App
Oh Suzanne, that is amazing, thank you! The aim is to inspire, but to be useful. I really want to go back to Rome too – that carbonara picture!!
Suzanne, you have to come over soon. If I am not convincing enough, then you should speak with Kathryn
Diana recently posted..Discovering New Places & Food in Rome
I loved this post. Made me really want to go back. Thank you, Diana for this!
Mrs O, I wrote this post precisely to tempt you
See you in 2013!!
Diana recently posted..Discovering New Places & Food in Rome
You have a very public confirmation!