Laura-Jane Adventures

Over the last year Rome has become one of my favourite places in the world. I have visited 5 times, and each time there is both something new and old to explore.

The reason I have visited 5 times in the space of one year is because my boyfriend is from Rome. Last summer during an internship a friend introduced us both and for someone who did not know either of us very well at the time – she did a good job of playing cupid.

Thanks to having a local tour guide and my own love for travelling, I have explored Rome and each time I re-visit I feel less like a tourist and fall more in love with the idea of living there one day.

I want to share a few of my favourite places & things to do that anyone visiting Rome should enjoy. Italian or tourist, these are places you will adore.

Where to find the best café

If you are looking for some fuel and want to start your day off with caffeine then you can practically go to any little bar and you will find good Italian coffee. Although, if you are looking for something special head to Caffe Sant’Eustachio. They are located on the square called Piazza di Sant’Eustachio and do their own blend of coffee, which is just bellissimo. You can also purchase some of their coffee beans, as well as a little Moka Pot with their logo so you can feel very Italian where making your coffee at home.

Where to have a picnic in the sun

If you would like to escape the busy cobblestone streets and enjoy time with friends, your self, or your person – then Villa Borghese is the perfect spot for a picnic or even your own aperitivo. Grab some classic Italian food like a Piadina (an Italian flatbread filled with varies fillings), or some bottles of ready-made spritz, and enjoy the sunshine.

The best view of Roma

Looking to find the best view of the entire city of Rome? Then Riserva Naturale di Monte Mario will leave you speechless. It is a little out of the way for the typical tourist and perhaps somewhere you can only go if you drive or have friends living in the area but it is well worth it. You can see all of Rome from here and could easily make it your picnic spot if you wanted to spend more time there.

Where to try some delicious carbonara

* Although I am vegetarian I can wholeheartedly say this is a good recommendation, as I had a real Italian do the research for me.

If you want good traditional Roman carbonara – not like the Carbonara you’d find in most ‘Italian’ restaurants in Great Britain – then head to Osteria de Fortunata. Here you can watch the pasta being made right in front of you and also try other Italian pastas such as Cacio e Pepe or Amatriciana. Their Tiramisu is also delicious.

Need a pick me up?

If you are a fan of Tiramisu which means “pick me up” or “cheer me up” then one place my boyfriend took me to whilst I was there in April was Pompi. They do so many different flavours of Tiramisu. We tried their classic and their banoffee one, which was amazing. Also in the same area as Pompi (Trastevere) is the very popular Trapizzino. So if you want to do dinner and dessert, you can tick both of these off in one night.

The Court & The Colosseum

You cannot not visit Rome without seeing the Colosseum! So why not also enjoy one of the best bars in the world whilst having a view of one of Rome’s many impressive landmarks. The Court is definitely a little more on the expensive side, but the service and the aperitivo was perfect. It is such a romantic spot but also great for friends or even a solo visit.

My favourite gelato spot

If you come to Italy of course you are expected to enjoy some gelato. My favourite place I enjoy visiting is La Romana. I do also love Venchi but for me La Romana wins. It was the first place I went for ice cream in Rome and the flavours are incredible.

These are just a few of my favourite places and things to do in Roma. It has become my second home over the past year and I love getting to know the city more without feeling like a tourist.

Grazie Francesco for showing me this incredible place.

Lots of love,

Laura Jane