The biggest mistake tourists make in Rome
And the best insider tips
Because I lived in Rome, people always ask me for insider tips, and I want to immediately mention the biggest mistake you can make in Rome. Because the city is beautiful, a living museum, but as it goes with beautiful places: it is a magnet for hordes of tourists. And even if you are one of them, you always want to feel like you have something unique. Before I warn you about the biggest mistake, I will first give you my tips.
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Sniffing around in Rome: these tips you really want to know
(Colosseum hack, comfy shoes and deodorant tip included)
Definitely go to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine. Tips for when you want to go to the Colosseum in Rome: take the side entrance of the Palatine, then you skip the line. Book a ticket for the Palatine, Forum, and Colosseum and a time slot for the Colosseum. Bring your ID, they will ask for it at the entrance.
There are many water points where you can fill up water, so bring a bottle that you can refill – you will need it. Go nice and early; there are fewer people and it’s not so hot yet. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and roll on some extra deodorant :-) because it’s warm in Rome – at least if you go in the summer.
I would also really recommend putting on sunscreen and a cap against the sun, and a fan to cool yourself down is not a luxury.
Visiting the Sistine Chapel has never worked out for me (six hours in line), but with a guide, you seem to get in faster.
The best ice cream in Rome (including a pope-approved address)
Spoiler: this is even worth your calories
When you say Italy, the word ‘ice cream’ comes along in the same breath. In Rome, you can't count the good ice cream shops, but I can point out two top ones.
Giolitti appears in every Rome guide and is absolutely worth that mention. A bonus is that you can immediately visit the Pantheon, as it is just around the corner.
But there is another ice cream shop that might even be better, and that is Il Gelatone on Via dei Serpenti. One of the previous popes (I can't remember who) regularly came there for ice cream. I find that such a cute idea.
On the polished counter are all the won prizes and framed certificates. And I must say: I often find eating ice cream not worth the sin (I prefer to save my calories for an Aperol Spritz or a plate of pasta), but for Il Gelatone, I make an exception.
Anyway, Via dei Serpenti is a lovely little street to walk through. Here you feel a bit in the Rome of the Romans and not in the Rome of slouching tourists. In a side street of Via dei Serpenti, you will find a small square with a few terraces. Be sure to have a drink there and enjoy the spectacle unfolding before you in the square.
In the past, you had that feeling at Campo dei Fiori, but that has now become too regulated and touristy for me.
The best restaurants in Rome according to a local
From stars to spaghetti alla carbonara
Eating? You do that in Monti (we indeed named our dog after this neighborhood) at Trattoria Monti, at Ai Tre Scalini, or in the Giardino degli Aranci.
In Trastevere, we always reserve at Checco er Carettiere, a classic restaurant that serves many typical Roman dishes. Many celebrities come to Checco, and the most special evening there was when Muhammad Ali, Gabriel García Márquez, Sergio Leone, and Robert de Niro were all at the same table.
Want something less formal? Then go to Pizzeria dei Mercanti in Trastevere.
Another favorite is ristorante Del Borgo at Piazza dei Popoli, one of the most beautiful squares in Rome.
Rome tips for the most beautiful rooftops in the city
Because an aperitivo with a view is always a good idea
Our little hotel – also a recommendation, because ideal location + perfect view + reasonable price – has a great rooftop bar. Hotel Forum, remember that and thank me later.
If you like more luxury and a slightly more polished whole (Hotel Forum is a bit old junk), then go to The Rome Edition Hotel and order an ice-cold drink on the roof.
Shopping in Rome: where you really want to be (and what you better skip)
Beach towels from St. Barths and beachwear that steals your heart
Shopping? Please in Via Cola di Rienzo in the Prati district, behind the Vatican.
You will find the amazing concept store Gente, MaxMara, St. Barths for the cutest bikinis and beach bags (we bought beautiful bath towels there that travel with us throughout the vacation), a large Sephora, Brandy Melville, Tommy Hilfiger, and various other shops that I had to pass by with a heavy heart this time.
Of course, you also go to Via Condotti where all the big luxury brands are located – even if it’s just to peek.
We also always go to Davide Cenci during every visit to Rome; a huge store for men and women with shoes, clothing, beautiful bags. Think: Tod’s, MaxMara, Missoni, St. Barths, Ralph Lauren, and many brands I didn't know either. If you go in July, you will find quite a few discounted items.
And oh yes: go to Piazza dell’Orologio (where we took an Italian course and that school looks exactly like you want an Italian school to look) and have coffee with Fabio and his sister Emmanuela at Bar Amore.
Next to them is Delfina, a shop with the most beautiful beachwear that you only find in Rome, Capri, or St. Barths.
My haul: a bikini, a swimsuit, and a beach dress. They are also always generous with the sales in July.
The most beautiful parks in Rome to relax
Blanket, prosecco, settimo cielo
For peace and greenery, perhaps the most beautiful park is Villa Doria Pamphili. It is located behind the Vatican and is easy to reach. Roll out a blanket, pop that Prosecco, and you are already settimo cielo or: in seventh heaven.
Villa Borghese is a more famous park where Romans themselves come a little less quickly, but it is beautiful. And if you are there, be sure to visit the museum to admire the sculptures of Bernini, among others.
The biggest mistake tourists make in Rome (and what you better do)
Say ciao to the Trevi Fountain, hello Gianicolo
Everyone wants to see the Trevi Fountain and throw a coin in it. I understand, because the fountain is a sensation.
It was made in 1762 and the ritual of the coins is beautiful. If you throw a coin in the fountain, you will return to Rome. With two coins, you will fall in love with a Roman, and with three coins, you will even marry that person.
The fountain is emptied every day and that money goes to a Catholic organization.
But I didn't see any coins in the fountain, so I wonder if it's still allowed. What I did see were thousands of people.
It took away all the pleasure of the view for me. There were so many people wanting to take a picture of themselves by the fountain that I couldn't see its beauty anymore.
I would skip this experience, just look at a picture of the Trevi Fountain in a book, and go to the Gianicolo fountain. Then you immediately have the best view of the city.
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