Our team at Republic Rome has put their heads together and created a comprehensive guide to ensure you experience the very best of Rome during your trip. As a thank you for booking an experience with us please enjoy this guide we have collected.
And as a further thank you, please enjoy 20% off everything on our website. Should you wish to choose another one of our 5-star experiences, all you need to do is simply use the code GUIDE20 at checkout!
If you need any help or advice regarding your stay in Rome, from luggage storage to restaurant reservations, please don’t hesitate to contact us for any inquiries.
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Places to Eat and Drink
We are all foodies here; you can find us most days in one of our favourite food hangouts. We have broken this up into sections, so if you are looking for something more specific like Gelato, or vegan and gluten-free options, just scroll down. Here are some great spots for lunch and dinner:
- Pizzeria Da Baffetto– One of our go-to pizza places. Here you will experience true roman-style pizzas cooked in a real clay oven with a thin base and a selection of amazing toppings. But don’t come here for the service – prepare to get squeezed on a table with another family, have the pizzas come flying at you and probably get shouted at by the waiters – but this is all part of the authentic experience.
- Maccheroni – Located in the winding streets of the Centro Storico, just minutes away from the epic Pantheon, which you will visit on our walking tour. This is a traditional, rustic restaurant serving Roman cuisine and regional specialties. They make fresh pasta and Tiramisu every single day!
- Retrobottega – This place could well be on the way to getting a Michelin star. This innovative, modern space is run by two friends who provide the highest quality fresh Italian ingredients – they even go as far as to forage their ingredients from nearby forests! We recommend their tasting menu accompanied with a glass of wine (or two.) NOTE: Although served in a casual setting, this is high-end food, so be prepared to spend a little more here.
- Ristorante Nino – Via Borgognona 11. Almost 100 years old, if the walls of this restaurant could speak they would tell tales of the many stars and members of the Roman aristocracy that have dined here since the Dolce Vita. Tuscan food at its best and a great wine list to choose from.
- Settimio all’Arancio – Via dell’Arancio. Close your eyes and choose anything from their menu and I can assure you that you will not be disappointed. Fish here is fresh and delicious, and if you like it raw then this is not to be missed. Meat options are often served on a raclette so you can choose exactly how it is cooked.
- Coromandel – Without a doubt the best brunch in Rome. This cozy little spot serves everything from eggs benedict to maple syrup pancakes and fresh, hand-made pastries, all served on dainty china. The coffee and freshly squeezed juices are also delicious.
- Seu Pizza Illuminati – Run by Daniele Seu, Rome’s most creative pizza chef, this pizzeria is not to be missed. Although located in a grim apartment building in a rather unattractive area of Trastevere, It was recently voted the 6th best pizza in the whole of Italy!
- Emma – Emma, owned by Pier Luigi Roscioli serves an excellent pizza. Located close to Campo De Fiori.
Street Food & Quick Bites
Sometimes with all that sightseeing, it can be hard to squeeze in a good meal. But don’t worry, Rome has an incredible selection of street food. If street food is your thing and you want to combine it with some great cultural history, check out our food tour!
- Alice Pizza – Alice pizza does some of the best pizza taglio (sliced pizza to go) throughout Italy. You can find one of their cute little shops on almost every corner in Rome. Flavours and toppings vary daily. We enjoy their Broccoli and sausage or speck and provola!
- Trapizzino – The most loved Roman street food. These iconic little pizza pockets are Bursting with flavour and have become famous worldwide. Choose from a variety of delicious fillings.
- Pasta Chef Monti – Pasta chef is a perfect quick lunch spot. They will whip you up a delicious Roman pasta dish for under 10 Euros in under 10 minutes. Be sure to check out the daily specials board. Pasta is made fresh in store daily. They also pride themselves on being plastic free.
- Retrobottega Pasta Lab – We mentioned Retrobottega before. They also have a great small pasta store right next door. Order amazing dishes by the gram and watch chefs make the pasta before your very eyes just minutes before eating it.
- Suppli Roma – Suppli is the ultimate Roman snack, a fried rice ball filled with a variety of flavours. The classic mozerella and tomato sauce filling is our number one.
Vegan Options
You will be certain to find vegetarian options in every restaurant here, but there are also plenty of great spots for vegans:
- Wani Bakery – A cute little Pasticceria where you will find the biggest selection of authentic Italian pastries.
- Ops! – A great vegan buffet located close to Termini station. Grab a plate, choose from a selection of cold and warm dishes and then pay by weight!
- Flower Burger – Just round the corner from the Vatican, all ingredients here are fresh and organic. Take a great snap of the most brightly coloured plant-based burgers you’ve ever seen!
- Rifugio Romano – This place has a great double menu, offering a selection of traditional Roman dishes and their plant-based versions. They have everything here, from vegan carbonara and lasagne to tiramisu! Very close to Termini station
- Fattamorgana – Some of the best vegan gelato in town. There are many of these dotted around the city offering a huge variety of flavors.
Gluten-Free eats
You would be forgiven for thinking that it’s impossible to visit Italy without eating wheat. Rome, however, has an extensive selection of incredible gluten-free restaurants! Here’s a few to choose from:
- Mama Eat – with friendly staff and delicious standard and gluten-free options, this could be the best gluten-free restaurant in Rome. But it’s also very popular, so book ahead if you’re planning to visit on the weekend
- Mama Frites – Mama Eat’s street food brother. Try everything from Pizzas and hamburgers to fried fish and chicken
- Voglia di Pizza – Located near Campo di Fiori, this place offers a fantastic selection of delicious gluten-free pizzas
Gelato and Sweet treats
- Giolitti – The most famous gelato in the city. Take a step back in time and enter this Gelataria is as old as unified Italy. Located down one of the many backstreets just minutes from Piazza Navona.
- La Romana – A delicious local favourite with some incredible flavours.
- Pompi Tiramisu – Pompi has been serving the best Tiramisu since 1960! there are many shops in the centre but the original can still be found near San Giovanni. We personally recommend the Strawberry flavour.
- Frididarium – Located close to Piazza Navona and just next door to our Pizza recommendation Da Baffetto, this tiny little Gelateria serves top quality gelato for a great price.
- Fiordiluna – This beautiful gelateria serves quality flavors with a smile. Try the FRED flavor its the best!
Amazing Experiences
Of course, we don’t need to tell you to visit the Colosseum or the Vatican. But around every corner and down each one of Rome’s winding alleyways lies anther secret waiting to be explored. Here’s a list of some of our personal favourites:
- The Jewish Ghetto – Hidden in the heart of the city lies the Jewish quarter, home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. A true hidden Jem teeming with history and tradition. If you’re interested, check out our Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere Tour.
- The Barberini Crypts – These creepy crypts are believed to house the remains of 3700 friars of the Cappuchin order. A hauntingly beautiful experience.
- Basilica di San Clemente – Rome truly is a city built upon a city, and exploring the underground chambers of St Clements Basilica is the best way to experience this. Discover 3 buildings beneath the 12th Century church, dating all the way back to the 1st Century AD.
- Monti Neighbourhood – Get lost in the beautiful cobbled streets of Monti, located just five minutes from the Colosseum. A beautiful little district with some great bars, restaurants and quirky independent shops. If you fancy having a drink here check out our friend Easys bar crawl on Airbnb.
Views & Instagram spots
- Terazzo Borromini – Situated in the heart of Piazza Navona, this is one of our favourite rooftop bars and drinking spots.
- Via Monte Tarpeo (Foro) – Check out this spot for the best views of the Roman Forum.
- Hotel Raphael – Also located close to piazza Navona this is a beautiful hotel with a stunning rooftop terrace.
- Gianicalo Hill – By far the number one panoramic view of Rome. Take a trip up here for some incredible photos of the Eternal City skyline.
- The Garden of Oranges – The orange garden is one of the most beautiful spots in Rome, located on the Aventine Hill. Take a wander down the street and you might find a keyhole – take a look through it for the most magical view the city has to offer.
Head to the Beach or a local lake
Rome is surprisingly close to some great beaches. If you’re in need of some respite from the summer sun, head out of the city for a dip in the Mediterranean or a local lake, check out these spots below:
- Ostia Beach – The closest beach to Rome. It can get busy here and the beaches are not always free to visit, but it’s convenient and there are some great seafood Restaurants.
- Castel Gandolfo & Lago Albano – Journey slightly south of Rome to the Pope’s summer residency. Have a swim or rent a boat at this stunning lake.
- Anzio Beach – Clear blue waters and golden sand await. Just over an hour away from the city by train, this is a favourite getaway for Romans.
- Santa Marinella – Much less crowded than Ostia, and still only 45 minutes from Rome by train. A beautiful spot with a medieval castle on the beach!
- Lago Bracciano – enjoy the natural beauty of this volcanic lake, just half an hour drive to the north of Rome. Surrounded by olive trees and quaint villages, the lake is always kept clean because it is a drinking water reservoir for the city.
Swimming Pools in the Summer
- Roma Cavalieri, Via Cadlolo 101. This is a 5-star hotel with a gorgeous outdoor pool and luxurious indoor spa. Great service too.
- Aldrovandi City suites. Via Aldrovandi 11. Close to Villa Borghese. The pool is lovely and shaded by luscious green trees.
- Grand Hotel Gianicolo, Viale delle Mura Gianicolensi 107. Our personal favourite. A little paradise in central Rome!
- Aleph Rome Hotel, Via San Basilio (Via Veneto). Small but beautiful rooftop pool. The Hotel has an indoor spa too.
- Crown Plaza Saint Peter’s, Via Aurelia Antica. Olympic sized pool. There is also an indoor spa pool.
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Via F. Turati 171 (Termini station). Rooftop pool near the central train station.
Fitness in Rome
Rome isn’t all about carbs and wine. It’s a fantastic place to keep fit, with plenty of great outdoor spots. Check out our Adventure Running Tour for a great introduction to some fantastic spots in Rome.
- Via Appia Antica – The first major Roman road, the Appian Way, is a great spot for a run, bike or horse ride. You will pass ancient Roman tombs, catacombs and much more.
- Outdoor gyms – there are some great outdoor workout spots for calisthenics in Rome. For the best visit Parco della Caffarella or Villa Doria Pamphili. These are also fantastic parks for runs, walks or bike rides.
- Lungotevere – there are designated bike paths and footpaths along the banks of the Tiber. View the city from a different perspective and enjoy some great street art.
Work/Study spots
If you’re a student, here for business or on a working holiday, here are some fantastic spots to get your head down for a few hours:
- Bibliotech Angelica – One of the most beautiful libraries in Rome, nested just by Piazza Navona. Be warned, It is easy to get distracted here by your stunning surroundings.
- Café Barnum – Located close to Campo di Fiori, Barnum is a cosy bar with good Wi-Fi. They serve some fantastic brunches and the staff are friendly and English-speaking
- Anticafé – Pay per hour instead of for food and drinks. Pay a fixed hourly rate and help yourself to snacks and refreshments. A popular spot for students and professionals alike
Useful Italian Phrases and words
- What time is it? – Che Ora Sono?
- Where is the Metro? – Dov’e la metro
- Can I have – Posso avere
- How much is it? – Quanto costa
- Water – Aqua
- Toilet – Bagno
- Ticket – Bigglieti
Republic Rome is a member of the Republic Tour Group, including Roman Adventure and Passive Income