The complete local’s guide for visiting Rome: what to see, where to eat, and where to shop!
Rome local Nir Blatman gives us his on top 5 picks for the best restaurants, shopping districts, museums, galleries, tourist attractions, ice cream and recommended places to stroll and stay.
Restaurants
1. Assunta Madre The best fish and seafood restaurant in Rome, located on the riverbank close to the famous Campo di Fiori, offers a range of delicacies from the sea with great sharing dishes including the chef’s famous Lobster Pasta. Via Giulia 14, +39.06.68806972, price range high.
2. La Carbornara Located in beautiful Monty neighborhood close to the coliseum. Offers typical Roman dishes combined with a chosen of aperitifs special for that restaurant, best to start off with the signature prosciutto and mozzarella and see where the night takes you. Via Panisperna, 214, +39.064825176, price range Low.
3. Felice a Testaccio Located close to the Roman pyramid, it offers hands down the best pasta in Rome with a variety of changing main dishes. There are a variety of bars near the restaurant if you want to continue on into the night after your past feast! Via Mastro Giorgio 29, +39.06.57.46800, price range medium.
4. Pizzarium Located next to the Vatican, no list is complete without an Italian pizza place and here is the best and most special one in Rome, famous for its unique toppings. Via della Meloria 43. Price range low.
5. I Butteri Located a bit north of the city outside the touristic spots you can found the holy grail of a Roman grill place, don’t miss out of the Fiorentina, 1KG, minimum steak, come hungry. Piazza Regina Margherita 28, +39 06 8548130. Price range medium.
Shopping Districts:
The view from Piazza Venezia, near the great shopping district - Via del Corso
1. Via del Corso, starting from Piazza Del Popolo and ending in Piazza Venezia, you can find all the major shops while stopping in great Italian café Places, note the place is very touristy.
2. Castel Romano, The famous Outlet of Rome with all the major fashion brands with discounts of between 30% and 50%. It is located a bit outside the city with shuttle busses going out from Termini (Via Marsala) - the central bus station - 3 times a day. Tickets cost between 8 (Kids) and 13 (adults) euros per person. Departures at: 10.00 am - 12.30 pm - 3.00 pm Return at: 11.15 am - 1.45 pm - 5.15 pm - 8.05 pm.
3. Viale Angelico and via Salaria, is located on the other side of the bank from the central historic center and goes all the way to the Vatican. It’s where all the Italian do their shopping, with a variety of boutiques to browse through. Via Salaria is located in the north of the city and also has many shops to choose from.
4. Circolo degli Artisti, via Casilina Vecchia 42. Check out special vintage and accessories markets at noon in this location at night you can find a vibrant night life action to enjoy.
5. Eataly, Piazzale XII Ottobre 1492, Food shopping with amazing selection of eating options you can take home. Check out opening days as it is not open every day. Highly recommended for all the foodies out there.
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Museums and Galleries:
Overlooking the Vatican and the dome of St Peter’s Cathedral. Photo by Nir Blatman
1. Vatican museum. You can buy tickets there and online, also you can get in using a Roma pass sold in the tourist centers around the city. All students be advised you can get a major discount, so bring your international or European student card. Main attraction is the Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo. Viale Vaticano, Line A in metro, stop - Ottaviano-San Pietro.
2. Galleria Borghese. A great gallery located on the famous park baring the same name. Main attraction is the famous wall painting made by Raphael, with many sculptures in the first floor. Piazzale del Museo Borghese 5.
3. MAXXI National Museum of XXI Century Arts. This museum is great place to visit for all you architecture lovers. Located north of Piazza del Popolo, you can get there by taxi or the number 3 tram. Via Guido Reni 4A. Open Tue-Wed-Fri-Sun 11am-7pm, Thur and Sat 11am-10pm. Adults €11, concessions €8, under-14s free
4. Macro, Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome. Has two locations, via Nizza 138 and Piazza O. Giustiniani. Opening hours and prices can be found on their website.
5. Galleria Lorcan O’Neill. Located in Trastevere, is a more modern Gallery that can be found in Rome. Via degli Orti d’Alibert 1E. Open Monday to Friday 12pm - 8pm; Saturday 2pm - 8pm
Tourist attractions:
1. Colosseum, Go inside or don’t go inside - it’s your choice, however this location should not be missed. Piazza del Colosseom, Price 12 euros including access to the Forum and Capitol hill.
The Colosseum during Christmas time, photo by Nir Blatman.
2. Piazza di Spagna. The famous Spanish steps, sit at the famous steps and enjoy the city for what it is: beautiful.
3. Fontana di Trevi. The most famous fountain in Rome, drop a coin to the water and according to legend this will not be your last visit to Rome.
4. Pantheon. An amazing building, with incredible architectural design for its huge dome, the Pantheon has been continually in use since it was built between A.D 118 and 125. Piazza della Rotonda 12, free of charge.
5. Piazza Navona. Best square in Rome, sit down to eat around the square with many fine choices of restaurants, find the Christmas market and see the famous Bernini sculpture on the top of the Fountain.
Other recommendations:
1. Ice Cream - Venchi Cioccogelateria. Best ice cream in town. Located next to the Spanish steps on Via della Croce 26. You must try the Hazelnut flavor!
View from the Spanish steps, with the amazing ice cream place Venchi Cioccogelateria located on the right. Photo by Nir Blatman
2. Designers and second-hand stores are located in Monti neighborhood. This is a must for for vintage lovers and those that are hunting for unique items. Try to come in the afternoon and sit at one of the many bars that offer a traditional aperitivo, which is a glass of great Italian wine with many typical appetizers. At night, look for a bar on via Panasipera 101, which has live music shows. Find the latest updates on Unplugged in Monti.
3. Trastevere neighborhood is a great place to take a walk and explore urban Rome, go to the church Santa Cecilia in Piazza Santa Cecilia and walk around the neighborhood.
Osteria in Trastevere Neighborhood in Rome. Photo by Nir Blatman
4. Frasca-Cesari Sandwich shop, Via della Dataria 93. Rome best kept secret: eat the Panini of your dreams accompanied with tea or even Grappa.
5. Check out local football games at Stadio Olimpico home of S.S Lazio and A.S Roma. The hardcore fans of Lazio will sit on the north stand, while Roma’s fans will be found in the south stand and behind each goal, where the tickets are the cheapest. A good place to find tickets without waiting in a queue is the Bonnie and Clyde ticket office. Note: bring an ID with you. Viale Regina Margherita 180. +39 06 8555872.
Here’s a handy map to help you find all the recommended spots in Rome!
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