Laura-Jane Adventures

Italia brings out the free spirit in me and the deep desire for pasta, an aperitivo, and to be called bella.

Roma used to be, and in some ways still is, a second home for me. I can envision myself living there, taking myself for gelato (just because), and running in the city with Amor Run Club.

This September, I enjoyed three days there with my parents. For my Dad, it was his first time visiting what is knowingly called The Eternal City. I showed him some of my favourite spots, including La Romana, Trappizzino, and The Court.

Each visit to Rome, I see a different side of the city, as well as get to indulge in the sights that I love. It is a city that is steeped in history, and it maintains its traditions but is slowly starting to evolve and incorporate more modern and innovative sides.

I have no doubt that I will be back and hopefully even get to call Rome home properly for a little while. Until then, I will keep coming to you with more recommendations to do – ‘when in Rome’.

Amor Tours

Riding on a Vespa is an inherently Italian experience, and also a great way to see the city! So if you want a tour of Rome, it just makes sense to book an authentic, tailor-made tour – on a Vespa – with the Sambati brothers! Federico, a founder of Amor Tours and Amor Run Club, kindly showed me around the many cobbled streets of Rome on the back of a Vespa. It was an experience I will not forget any time soon! He offered me a different perspective on a city that I have come to know quite well, was an amazing tour guide, and his passion for what he does and the city he calls home, was contagious.

Amor Tours has also recently started Amor Cooking, so if taking a cooking class whilst there is something that interests you, then get yourself booked in! I am sure it would be an incredible experience.

Pasta or Pizza, or Both!

Rome was the first stop on a three stop Italy tour for us and I wanted to make sure we had the experience of trying Roman style pizza and Neapolitan style pizza. For Roman style pizza I booked us a reservation at L’Elementare. The focus of L’Elementare is on good quality thin crust Roman pizza and making sure customers feel good! There are classic options but also ‘iconic’ ones. You will not be disappointed and maybe even question if you are a die hard Neapolitan pizza lover or a Roman pizza lover…?

For pasta, and something a little fancy, head to La Matriciana. Born from the love of a woman cooking the traditional Lazio dish of ‘amatriciana’. La Matriciana named due to a mispronounciation, is a typical Roman cookery where you can try delicious plates of pasta as well as antipasti, secondi and something sweet if you have room (there is always room btw). I had the cacio é pepe, and it was molto buono.

Fountains of Roma & something a bit more punk

I am obsessed with an Aperol spritz, and consumed many on this trip. However, I am also partial to other drinks and will not turn down a good cocktail, normally something bitter but still fruity. I have two recommendations for you!

The first is The Court. I have been here three times now and chatted about this in a previous Roma blog post. Regardless, I would go back again and again. This time around, their cocktail menu told the story of Rome’s fountains. The menu was created so that each cocktail told a story and/or captured the essence of a famous landmark. Be sure to book ahead for The Court if you want to enjoy a cocktail and its stunning view of The Colosseum.

The second is Freni e Frizioni. This cocktail bar proves punk is not dead! Its menu is spicy, risky and fun. The staff were incredible and made it feel like a place where everyone is welcome. I definitely fancy coming back here on a night out with friends. It is located in Trastevere and is perfect for groups!

On this trip, we also booked a guided tour of the Vatican, which I’d highly recommend if you want the sheer size of the Vatican museum and St Peter’s to feel more understandable and digestible. Because you could spend endless hours there, taking in the beauty of everything.

I could write about Rome and everything you can do there for days. However, start with these recommendations, and if you need more, you know where I am.

Lots of love,

Laura-Jane x