Ciao! I just spent the most beautiful week in Roma attending a series of parties, sightseeing, and eating a LOT of pasta. One week isn't enough to become an expert on one of the world's greatest cities, but I did learn a few things.
Rome is a remarkable place with some of the best people I've met in all my travels. With not a building in sight that appears to have been made in the last 100 years and several that seem well over a thousand years old, the city is a historic marvel. Every street, every building, practically everything you see is uniquely Roman. And Romans-- elegant, cultured, stylish and kind-- only add to the city's appeal. If you have had the opportunity to go, you are blessed. And if you get the opportunity to go, GO. In my humble opinion, these are some things you should do when you get there:
1. Visit the Colloseum, the Vatican and the Trevi fountain. Even if you aren't a history nerd like I am, you will be amazed. A private tour through the Colloseum and Vatican is a must, as it will get you past the long (read: loooooong) lines. And without a guide, you'll walk right by something remarkable without even knowing it. There are several tours offered through the Vatican. The one I chose took us under the Bastille, through the remains of the mausoleums that existed before the current building went up. Thousands of years old, the buildings and streets-- still in tact-- hold the remains of more than a thousand people, including Paul. At the end of the tour, the priest who guided us took us to see the apostle's remains, and yes, I literally saw his bones. And I bawled. BAWLED. As far as the Trevi Fountain goes, the thing you must know is that it is enormous. A few blocks from my hotel in a quaint part of the city, I took a midnight walk the fountain to to throw in a coin and make a wish. Even at 2 a.m., it was totally crowded, so maybe try going at 4 a.m. You'll be jetlagged so you might as well.
2. Have lunch or dinner (or both) at Dal Bolognese. Sitting at the edge of a beautiful square, it's the most perfect location with ideal people watching opportunities, so sit outside. The restaurant itself is beautiful, and the food is delicious. And yes, it's the hottest restaurant in Rome and packed with celebrities. Other great eateries include Zuma in the Palazzo Fendi and Imago, the Michelin-starred restaurant inside the Hassler Hotel.
3. Speaking of the Hassler, stay there. The classic five-star hotel at the top of the Spanish Steps has the absolute best location of any hotel in the city (The Fendi is also ideally situated if you love shopping). The Hassler was a favorite of my favorite, Audrey Hepburn, and I imagine it still looks exactly the same as it did when she stayed there. I won't recommend doing as I did and crawling out onto the side of the building at 4 a.m. for a photo, but hey, YOLO. Other great hotels in home: The Fendi (very expensive, very exclusive boutique hotel with only seven rooms, designed by Karl himself) and the Hotel de Russie (very popular with uber-wealthy Russians).
4. The best place to watch the sunset is from the top of the Castel Sant Angelo. And the best place to watch it rise? From a random Roman street while walking around looking for the cutest cafe to grab breakfast. Before 10 a.m., the city is empty of tourists, so it's the ideal time to walk around. And again, jetlag, so you'll be awake anyway.
5. Bring your fashion A-game. Italy is the most stylish country on Earth-- it's what Paris used to be, and you can overdress for everything if you want. Wear a foulard around your neck or hair. Wear a long dress instead of a short one to dinner. Wear jewelry. Don't wear yoga pants. Ever.
