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On our latest visit to Rome, we only had 36 hours to soak up as much as possible before catching the 5pm train to Naples. Our main priorities included trying some new places to eat and drink, as well as returning to one of our favorites. In addition to exploring the city by foot and visiting its famous landmarks, such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and ancient ruins, as seeing these is always an unforgettable experience!
Where to Stay:
There are so many great options in Rome, all of the major hotel groups are there plus a great selection of Airbnbs, some of the hotels I recommend are below. All of them apart from Soho House are within walking distance to all the main sites which make for a much better experience of Rome. Strolling the streets in Rome, stopping for an espresso or a gelato is one of my faovrite things to do.
Staircase at the Intercontinental
5 Star Hotels:
The Intercontinental (recently undergone a huge rennovation)
Soho House (this is a little further out so you would need to get more cabs etc)
Where to Eat:
Lunch
On this occasion, we visited Caffè Doria, a charming yet chic cafe tucked away in a lemon tree filled courtyard, offering a peaceful and beautiful retreat from the bustling city life. The menu features a variety of light bites, including classic Itlaian dishes, light crudos, salads and pastas. Naturally, our first order was an Aperol spritz - it would have been impolite not to indulge, when in Rome and all of that!
For another delightful and more upmarket lunch option, consider Le Jardin de Russie, a highly recommended spot for a long lunch, situated in the Rocco Forte Hotel de Russie. Immerse yourself in the beautiful gardens while enjoying a dining experience that calls for dressing up. Due to its popularity, making a reservation is essential to secure a table.
Dinner and Drinks
We stayed at the Intercontinental, which has recently undergone a significant renovation, and we were truly impressed. The entire staff was very welcoming, and they offer a fantastic rooftop where you can enjoy a drink before going out for dinner. Some other great rooftops can be found at Hotel de La Ville and Six Senses Notos Rooftop with 360 degree views of the city.
During our previous visit to Rome, we enjoyed such an outstanding meal at Pierluigi that we felt compelled to return. I made sure to secure a dinner reservation at this popular spot well in advance as it is always jam packed. Known for its consistent quality and service, Pierluigi is situated in a charming courtyard setting, appealing to both locals and tourists alike. We started with a selection of fresh local crudos and enjoyed some fresh fish and a pasta for mains. The lobster paccheri is an absolute must.
Rome's appeal lies in its pedestrian-friendly nature. We took full advantage of this by walking extensively to explore as much as we could. Knowing we had a 5pm train to Naples, we woke up early, had breakfast at the hotel, and embarked on a stroll to visit some attractions before the crowds arrived. For a more serene experience, it's advisable to visit Rome during quieter periods, but a key suggestion is always to start your day early to steer clear of the masses and avoid the crowds especially if you want to get some photos.
What to wear:
I packed a mixture of light dresses and separates paired with comfortable sandals or runners for day time activites, you will easily do over 20,000 steps a day so it is best to make sure you can enjoy it. For sunset drinks and dinner I usually bring outfits that I feel embody the chic Italian city lifestyle such as tailored shorts or pants, a little black dress and heels. If you plan to go for la passeggiata (an after dinner stroll) a block heel is best with the cobbled streets or a cute flat. There is also amazing shopping if you have time to venture into the stores.
Although this visit was short we made sure to make the most of it and squeezed a lot in, Rome is a magical city with so much history it’s a city you can return to time and time again.
Ciao,
Keva xx
All the images in this post belong to Keva Doyle and were captured using an iPhone 14.
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