Plan a trip with us! Just fill out the form below so we can get to know you and your trip a little bit better. Once we receive your request form, we will be in touch to schedule a call to get to know you and learn about your goals and vision for your trip. Planning fee starts at $500.
If eating our way through the Eternal City and checking into some of the capital’s hottest new hotels are prerequisites to crafting a reliable Rome city guide, then you’ve found a source you can count on – because cacio e pepe is practically coursing through our veins after this latest scouting trip.
There are northern Italians, Southern Italians, and then, there are Romans. The Roman approach to life is distinct (and it involves a lot of artichokes, in our experience). A dive into the phrase “all roads lead to Rome,” serves as a reminder that centuries ago, the Roman Empire – once the most powerful in the world – was the center of the world. And as modern as Rome has now evolved to become, the heartbeat of this city is still guided by its storied past.
…whether it’s securing behind-the-scenes access to see world-famous sights from secret vantage points you didn’t even know existed to scoring a table at a hundred-year-old trattoria, we’ve got you covered.
On its surface, Italy’s capital city could be misconstrued as a city to see a few major sites before moving on to the coast or Tuscan countryside. Touring the Colosseum? Check. Walking through the Roman Forum? Check. Day trip to Vatican City? Check. But this is the kind of place that begs to be dug into deeper; whether it’s securing behind-the-scenes access to see world-famous sights from secret vantage points you didn’t even know existed to scoring a table at a hundred-year-old trattoria, we’ve got you covered. Spending only a few days in Rome simply to cross off the essentials would be a mistake – there’s so much more to uncover with an extended or (if your wish at the Trevi Fountain came true), a return visit.
Where to Stay in Rome
Six Senses Rome
After six years of planning and development, Six Senses Romeopened its doors in March 2023 to palpable excitement amongst the hospitality community and discerning travelers alike. The property represents the brand’s first foray into a city market; it seamlessly blends Six Senses’ signature barefoot luxury style with nods to the origins of Roman civilization. Its location directly next door to Chiesa San Marcello al Corso – a church whose facade Six Senses has committed to restoring as a part of its sustainability fund – and just a few minutes walk from the Trevi Fountain finds you in the heart of the city. In mere minutes upon returning to the hotel after sightseeing or shopping on Via del Corso, you can be submerged in the Six Senses Spa’s subterranean Roman baths which are complete with a cold plunge pool for the ultimate reset.
InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace
Freshly opened in May 2023, InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace is perfectly positioned on Via Veneto in a historical building housing the former American Consulate. From the moment you see the façade modeled in a neo-Renaissance style by renowned Italian architect Carlo Cusiri Vici (dating back to 1900), guests are reminded that they aren’t checking into a standard hotel; this latest outpost from IHG Hotels has been meticulously crafted to pay homage to its Roman roots. We happen to love the top suite boasting an expansive private terrace overlooking the charming neighborhood. The property’s collaboration with Scarpetta has attracted a local clientele who have been craving a New York-meets-Rome vibe. Or, find yourself upstairs at Charlie’s Bar where you can sip on an impeccably-made cocktail overlooking the entire city.
What to do in Rome
In the spirit of creativity, we’re recapping a handful of some of the most creative and customizable options your advisor can help you with.
Depending on your travel style and how much you prefer to have your days scheduled versus remaining spontaneous, work with your SmartFlyer travel advisor to design your ideal itinerary. For some, this may mean morning touring, lunch reservations, afternoons spent with a private guide, aperitivo in a bustline piazza, and dinner at a local trattoria. For others, your days will be more independent, perhaps beginning with a morning stroll in the Borghese Gardens followed by a walk through the Trastevere neighborhood. But no matter how you like to spend your days, we’re here to help you unlock the sides of Rome you may not even know exist. In the spirit of creativity, we’re recapping a handful of some of the most creative and customizable options your advisor can help you with.
Fiat 500 Tour: An icon of the Italian automotive industry, the Fiat 500 dates back to the 1930s. Hop in a colorful vintage Fiat 500 and discover Rome from a unique perspective: you’ll pass by incredible monuments and iconic landmarks such as the massive thermal baths of Emperor Caracalla, the Circus Maximus, the Mouth of Truth, and the Cestia Pyramid. Stop for breathtaking views and unforgettable panoramas like the one you can enjoy from the historical Fontana dell’Acqua Paola on Janiculum Hill.
The Exclusive Passageway: First-time visitors to Rome often check off a visit to The Vatican, but few secure access to areas closed to the public. In this exclusive tour, partner with your local ambassador for a colorful dive into living history. Leave behind long lines and admire St. Peter’s breathtaking marvels: the Cniccoline Chapel and the Bramante Staircase. In complete privacy, you’ll have the chance to see the 15th-century frescoes of Beato Angelico in the Niccoline Chapel. And for the ultimate showstopper, climb Bramante’s famous spiral staircase. Before departing, your private guide will show you Michelangelo’s masterpiece on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and you’ll take in The Last Judgement in awe.
A Balcony on History: If you’ve been to the Roman Forum in the middle of the day (let alone during peak season) you know what it’s like to navigate through endless tour groups – you know, the ones with the leader with the flag and a bus load of people wearing headsets? Well, this isn’t that. Work with your SmartFlyer travel advisor to secure access to The Roman Forum from a vantage point we guarantee you didn’t know existed. Prepare to be delighted as you enter a 1600s baroque church that will serve as your path toward a stone balcony suspended over The Roman Forum. Here, you’ll be able to take in two thousand years of history in a single glance. End your experience in the heart of Rome, or, opt for a further customization of your privately guided experience by combining this with “A House of Wonders,” described below.
A House of Wonders: For the traveler who’s been to Rome many times and is confident they’ve done it all, we have just the experience to show you otherwise. With the help of our ground partners, we can secure your access to a private home in a neighborhood that could be described as the Bel-Air of Rome. Beneath a veil of bougainvillea, you’ll find yourself greeted by a family of ancient Roman aristocrats. After enjoying a strongly brewed espresso and homemade torta caprese that will have you reaching for seconds, prepare to be delighted by what awaits beneath their well-kept library. Here, they’ll share with you the Roman ruins dating back to the 1st century B.C. which were discovered in the 1980s when they were digging up the land for their garage. When they uncovered invaluable ruins, archeologists came in to help preserve the space, now reserved as a private museum.
The best patisseries and gelaterias in Rome
An article on Eater recently caught our eyes which declared, “The Hottest Late-Night Party in Rome is at the Bakery.” After consulting with an Italian friend, it was confirmed: the post-club craving in Rome isn’t kebabs, it’s freshly baked brioche buns bursting with cream. And while breakfast is most certainly included when booking with your SmartFlyer travel advisor, that doesn’t mean we’re above a first (or second, depending on if you are departing the discoteca), the more, the merrier.
La Pasticceria Regoli: Open since 1916, you can rest assured that this pastry shop knows a thing or two about maintaining tradition. They are especially known for their famous maritozzo: a sweet, fluffy brioche stuffed with whipped cream. Enjoy it at the bar with a cappuccino and you’ll be having your own kind of EAT PRAY LOVE transcendental moment.
Dolce Maniera: Located near the Vatican, descend a small set of stairs into this nondescript basement bakery to uncover gorgeously filled, deep-fried doughnuts. These bomba are offered in a variety of boozy, cream-filled flavors.
While each category in our Rome City Guide saw fierce competition, the gelato section holds a special place in our hearts. Many are familiar with the “gelato a day” rule when in Italy, and we can assure you, we uphold it. So, between that commitment to our daily intake and chatting with Romans, we’ve rounded up some top contenders for your gelato quest.
Ciampini: Open since 1943, the Ciampini family has had several generations to perfect the art of Italian classics, including gelato. You can count on your scoops being 100% artisanal without any added chemical preservatives.
Giolitti: Stepping into this ancient ice cream parlor dating back to 1900 with its team outfitted in bowties, you truly feel like you’ve entered a bygone era. Giolitti has far too many flavors to make just one trip enough, but you can pile on three to a cone – to be topped off with whipped cream if you answer “si” to their “con panna?” question – and then come back again the next day to try more flavors.
Gelateria dei Gracchi: When we consulted with our Roman friends for their favorite gelato, Gracchi was the first on the list.
Gelateria Romana: Located in Prati, La Romana dates back to 1947. This spot offers traditional flavors made using exclusively selected products. Sorbets are an especially big hit here with these non-dairy options composed of nearly fifty-percent fruit.
Gelateria del Teatro: Since opening their original workshop in 2006, this couple duo who are behind this brand have since opened three gelato shops dotted around Rome. Alongside more traditional flavors like stracciatella, del Teatro offers herbal infusions; one not to miss is their sage and raspberry which involves cooking an infusion into sugar and milk.
Fatamorgana Gelato: Those seeking vegan and gluten-free options will love this gelato, which has expanded from its Roman roots to both Studio City and Beverly Hills. As always with true Italian gelato, there are no artificial colors, preservatives, emulsifiers, or any other icky additives.
The best bars in Rome
The art of the aperitivo is one we take seriously. In Rome, that means heading to a bar – preferably located in a piazza – around five o’clock to order your Aperol spritz, negroni, or house wine.
Salotto 42: Located in lively Piazza di Pietra facing the temple of Hadrian, this spot draws a local crowd. It makes for a perfect aperitivo or after-dinner drink with its suburb cocktails.
Antica Latteria: Situated in the historical center of San Gimignano close to one of the city’s most splendid piazzas, Antica Latteria you will find friendly service and a wide range of traditional Tuscan products with the finest wines in a friendly, lively atmosphere.
Il Goccetto: In true Roman fashion, opt to stand outside on Via dei Banchi Vecchi where groups of locals will be splayed out with their Italian wines in hand. While it draws quite a local crowd, American travelers are sure to relish how European it feels to spill into the streets surrounding this buzzy spot.
NOTOS: A rarity in Rome, this oversized rooftop terrace located atop Six Senses Rome offers a secret garden escape unlike any other in the city. Get cozy amongst the overflowing greenery as you look over the entire city with one of their signature cocktails in hand.
Freni & Frizioni: Ranked amongst the 50 Best Bars in 2022, this Roman cocktail bar means business. Located in Trastevere, this is your spot for punk vibes and serious drinks.
The Court: If you’re looking for Colosseum views while sipping on an Aperol Spritz, we’ve got just the spot. The Court is the hotel bar of Palazzo Manfredi, as well as another recipient of a spot on the 50 Best Bars in 2022 list.
Bar San Calisto: Located in Trastevere, Sundays here are especially lively. Whether you come in the early afternoon or stay until evening, you’ll find all spectrums of clientele here enjoying this divey vibe and superb people-watching.
The best restaurants in Rome
Possibly the most difficult part of compiling a Rome City Guide is narrowing down where to eat. While we did our part by eating pasta two times a day while on the ground, we were sure to consult and cross-reference multiple recommendations from locals, including our very own Cydney Lembersky, a SmartFlyer travel advisor based in Rome. Below, we’re running through some of our most beloved Roman spots for vibes ranging from classic trattoria to more modern, depending on what you’re in the mood for.
CLASSIC ROMAN TRATTORIAS
Dillà: Nestled into a sidestreet just a few minutes walk from the chaos of the Spanish Steps, Dillà is a welcome reprieve from the madness. Ask for a table outside to take in the ample people-watching as you enjoy the bag of assorted bread (including pizza dough!) brought right to your seat. The food here is done simply and done well, right down to their fresh strawberries with hand-whipped cream for dessert.
Due Ladroni: Located in the cultural heart of Rome, this classic institution stole our hearts. Each dish brought to our overflowing table was more delicious than the next, with the carciofi alla giudia (lightly fried artichokes) and carpaccio di gamberi rossi (red prawn carpaccio) being standouts.
Hostaria Da Pietro: A spot that’s developed a see-and-be-seen reputation amongst Italians while remaining traditional enough to feel like you’re dining in someone’s living room, this institution nearby the Spanish Steps isn’t to be missed. Order the cacio e pepe and thank us later.
Osteria da Fortunata: With a line down the block, you might be worried this is a bit of a tourist trap, but we can confirm the homemade pasta at Osteria da Fortunata are worth the hype. Service is extraordinarily friendly and if dining inside, you can catch a glimpse of the team rolling the pasta in live time! Order the carbonara, and don’t skip tiramisu for dessert.
Otello alla Concordia: Ideal for those seeking rustic interiors complemented by a vine-covered courtyard, this Roman institution has been open since 1948. Alongside its traditional pasta dishes, you can find comfort foods like zucchini blossoms stuffed with anchovies.
Taverna Trilussa: If you’re looking for a proper trattoria, look no further. This is your place for ravioli made from scratch which are served directly in the pans they were cooked in for an extra flair. The gnocchi smothered in buffalo mozzarella is another beloved dish.
ROMAN RESTAURANTS WITH A MODERN FLAIR
Rosciloli Salumeria Con Cucina: Likely to be on every list of top eats in Rome (only solidified by the fact that they are opening a New York outpost), snagging a seat at Roscioli is an art form. For meat lovers, few places are better than this deli-meets-restaurant. And we sound like a broken record, but seriously, don’t miss the tiramisu here either.
Ginger: Perfect for a casual lunch, this brightly-lit and chic restaurant offers farm-to-table gourmet food, much of which is grown at their own farm, Le Misciare. The light, bright interiors act as the ideal backdrop for lighter fare, including salads.
Retrobottega: Don’t expect typical Roman dishes at this no-holds-barred tasting menu kitchen where local products are sourced by the chefs foraging in the fields outside Rome each morning. This is ideal for those who want dishes that push the culinary envelope, completed by wines paired from its robust cellar.
Osteria Fernanda: For foodies seeking a gastronomic experience, prepare to be delighted by artful, contemporary Italian cuisine. Choose between a four or ten-course tasting menu to be enjoyed in the personal library of its architect who created a minimalist-chic aesthetic where bookshelves are lined with wine in place of books.
PIZZA, PIZZA
Emma: Ask Romans where their favorite pizza is from, and you’ll get a dozen different answers, but Emma will certainly be in the mix. Be sure to order a pizza with their special fresh cheese, sourced from Terra Roma.
Forno Campo dei Fiori: While this legendary spot could have easily fit in our “bakeries” section, we’re highlighting it here as a not-to-be-missed pizza spot. Don’t miss their pizza rossa, a flatbread simply brushed with tomato sauce, or for something more flowery (literally), opt for the fior di zucca which has zucchini flowers, anchovies, and mozzarella.
Trapizzino Trastevere: Recommended by one of our dear hotelier friends, she advised that this is the spot she and her kids hit up before watching a weekend football game. Here, you can try the trapizzino, a triangular slice of thick, fluffy flatbread stuffed with Roman dishes like chicken cacciatore. Another fan favorite is the vegetarian eggplant parmesan.
Pizzeria Da Bafetto: Recommended by a born and raised Roman, Bafetto is your spot for pizza and a side of getting to know your fellow diners. Here, you’ll likely be seated at a table with customers outside of your party, inviting you to discuss your favorites! There are two locations, the original near the Pantheon and a newer second location near Campo de’ Fiori.
Ready to experience Rome for yourself? Contact a SmartFlyer travel advisor to get started with your itinerary planning.
