The Eternal City of Rome is one of the most historically fascinating cities in the world and is home to some of the best food in Italy (so essentially some of the best food in the world). Every year millions of visitors flock to Rome to walk among ruins and to experience a culture that has survived the fall of an empire. We have traveled to Rome more than a dozen times, and have experienced the city by foot, Vespa, bus, and of course, metro. Our Rome guide will provide a brief insight into our favorite restaurants, hotels, and sites in Rome.

Rome guide!

-Where To Eat in Rome-

Da Enzo – We can confidently say that we never truly experienced pasta until we had the past at Da Enzo. We have made an earnest effort to find the best pasta in every town we visit in Italy, and Da Enzo happens to be the best pasta we have ever had – anywhere in the world. Da Enzo is a traditional, Italian, hole-in-the-wall that serves pasta for €5-7 a plate. Can you imagine having one of the best meals of your life and spending less than €20? To eat at Da Enzo, you’ll need a reservation. They take reservations by phone, but if you don’t speak Italian, this might be a challenge. You can also resort to asking your hotel concierge or you can simply arrive an hour before they open and queue up. Without a reservation, the wait will be 2-3 hours. Be sure to try to carciofi (artichokes), cacio e pepe, and of course the Roman classic, carbonara.

Life – Life is vastly different than Da Enzo in that they offer a much more modern twist on Italian food. You’ll still find traditional plates, pasta, etc. but you’ll also find a much more diverse menu than a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Life is one of our favorite restaurants in Rome.

Mercato Testaccio – Not only will you be able to taste (and purchase) local food at the market, you’ll be able to buy flowers, wine, fruit, etc. There is an incredible cultural experience to be had at Mercato Testaccio as travelers have an opportunity to interact with locals in their own environment. Central markets are one of the best places to experience the culture and food of a destination. Markets also provide travelers the opportunity to eat what the locals eat and not what the touristy brasserie serve on city squares

-Where To Stay in Rome-

Considering the size of Rome, it is important to determine which area of town you’d like to stay. Trastevere is the most charming area in Rome and is home to our favorite restaurant, Da Enzo, but perhaps you’d like to stay closer to the Spanish Steps or closer to the Trevi Fountain? Perhaps you’d even like to stay closer to Vatican City so you can beat the crowd in the morning at St. Peter’s Basilica? First, determine what area of town you’d like to stay in, and then choose from one of the hotels below. Or, you can, of course, book an Airbnb like we usually do.

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If you choose to stay in a hotel, here are the best hotels in Rome:

• Portrait Roma
• Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria
• Rome Marriott
• The St. Regis Rome
• Airbnb

-What To Do in Rome-

Rome offers a juxtaposition of modern and ancient in a way that is absolutely breathtaking. There is probably not a more historical city in the world, and as such, not likely a city with more to see from a historical perspective. From museums to cathedrals, tombs to castles, Rome has everything a traveler and historian could want to see. Some of our favorite sites to see in Rome and favorite things to do in Rome include:

• Rent a Vespa and explore the city like a local
• Colosseum
• Trevi Fountain
• Pantheon
• Vatican
• Sistine Chapel
• St. Peter’s Basilica
• Vatican Museums
• Roman Forum
• Piazza Venezia
• Arch of Constantine
• Piazza Navona
• Spanish Steps
• Villa Borghese Gardens
• Altare Della Patria
• Circus Maximus
• Aventine Keyhole
• Giardini degli Aranci

-Best bars in Rome-

• Professor Jerry Thomas – Professor Jerry Thomas is a speakeasy and one of the coolest bars we have ever been to. Good luck figuring out how to get in! It will require some research and work, but it will be worth it.
• Trinity College

-Helpful Italian Phrases-

Ciao – Hello

Buon giorno – Hello

Come stai? – How are you? (Informal)

Come sta? – How are you? (Formal)

Bene – Good

Ciao – Goodbye (see, this is easy)

Vorrei ____ – I would like ____

Posso avere _____? – May I have _____?

Grazie – Thank you

Prego – You’re welcome

Parli inglese? – Do you speak English?

Dove ______? – Where is _____?

-Transportation in Rome-

• Uber
• Taxis
• Metro/subway
• Rent a scooter/Vespa
• Walk – Rome is one of the best cities in the world to walk around