Rome: 3 Ways To Experience Roma, La Citta Eterna

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The first time I went to Rome, I was a young student spending a semester in London. The year was 2008. I had a small amount of savings with which I hoped to see a little bit of the world. The Lizzie McGuire Movie had come out a mere 5 years earlier and ever since then I’d wanted to walk the streets of Rome. So I booked a very cheap youth hostel (more on that another time) and a very cheap flight and made my way to la citta eterna! Well, I’ve made my return, 14 years later. This trip was a very different vibe, but it reaffirmed one thing. Rome is an amazing city that is well worth a visit. There are so many ways to experience Rome too, and here are 3 of my favourites.

Put Your Walking Shoes On

We definitely got our steps in during our trip to Rome! You inherently end up walking a lot. There are so many side streets and little corners to discover. Plus, so much of the touristy bits of Rome are actually all pretty close to each other. My first time in Rome, all those years ago, I got a map from my hostel, circled all the places I wanted to visit and just walked. I saw so much more of the city that way and it was so lovely! This time around, Carrie and I got up pretty early and went walking through the central part of the city. I’d definitely make sure you bring comfortable shoes though. The cobblestones can be tricky and I tripped up a few times!

If you’re not able to walk longer distances, there is public transportation aplenty so you could definitely take the bus or the metro, or even a taxi if it’s easier! Our hotel was a little further out than where I’d stayed previously, so we took a taxi to one location and then walked the rest of the way from there. It wasn’t overly expensive for taxis either, but I’m a New Yorker so walking tends to be my instinct!

Book A Vespa Tour

One of my absolute favourite parts of this trip was the Vespa tour we were taken on. I was living my best Lizzie McGuire life as we zoomed through Rome! Now, here’s why I think it’s a great way to see the city: You can tick off a lot of landmarks in one swoop, and do it in style! Zooming by the Colloseum was incredible, and we were also able to go a little further afield! I was definitely a little nervous at first, but my guide was so lovely and really made sure I was comfortable. Plus he was so knowledgable about the history of Rome, pointing things out has we went! I can now tick ‘riding on a vespa’ off of my big life experiences list!

The tour was organized by Scooteroma and they have so many tours to choose from! Whether it’s classic Rome, foodie Rome or zooming around the Roman countryside, the world is your proverbial oyster! I would absolutely book them again; though it may be a more expensive option the overall experience was worth it to me. They also offer alternate modes of transportation so that they can be a little more inclusive (look for the Ape Calessino tour or ask when you inquire about booking).

Eat Like A Local

Let’s be honest, a trip to Rome is about the food as much as it is about the world famous landmarks! I’m a firm believer in finding great food wherever I travel to, preferably somewhere local. I’m not a chain restaurant kind of gal really, and I was not disappointed in Rome! There are some areas that are more touristy but that didn’t really have much of an effect! Pizza and pasta were generally the order of the day. When in Rome as they say!

We had dinner at some lovely spots, including Trattoria da Danilo, Taverna Trilussa, and Osteria da Fortunata. All of them were delicious and pretty reasonably priced, which is a bonus, and the portions were spot on. We all cleaned our plates but were stuffed afterwards! We didn’t even have room for dessert! We also had some great pizza from Casa Manco in the Mercato di Testaccio (though they have multiple locations) which definitely felt local. There were lots of little old ladies doing their shopping which is always the sign you’ve found a true local gem! All in all we ate a lot of great food, and we also found time for gelato to enjoy in the sunshine!

The last little food tip? Italian pastries. Carrie and I went on a little adventure to find some maritozzi, a roman breakfast pastry that filled with cream. We wandered over to Faro Bakery to pick some up (I also picked up a bigne to try and it was divine). So basically, prepare to eat your way through Rome… you wont regret it!

A few other places that were recommended to me that I’m keeping bookmarked for my next trip? Mimì e Cocò, Cantina e Cucina, Forno Campo de’ Fiori Roma, Antico Forno Roscioli, Fatamorgana Trastevere, Regoli Pasticceria, and Verde Pistacchio

I loved Rome the first time I visited, but I love it even more now! What a beautiful city filled with history and character! It’s the kind of place you could definitely make a return trip to, and if I do, I’m also going to make sure I finally get to Villa d’Este as well. Italy is a stunning country (I’ve still not forgotten our trip to Alghero) and one I’d definitely go back to! Here’s to a few days filled with some gorgeous sunshine and an all around good time! I’m having pasta withdrawal already!