10 Rome Recommendations You’ll Actually Use 🇮🇹

I’ve been seeing so many Italian holiday Instagram stories lately, and it’s giving me major FOMO. After spending time in Rome over the last two years, I figured I’d share a few recommendations I always give friends before they head to the Eternal City.

Here are 10 Rome tips you’ll actually use.

1. Book a golf cart tour on your first day.

I realize golf cart is giving potentially cringey vibes but I promise it is helpful! You’ll orient yourself to the city in 2–3 hours instead of wandering around wondering which direction the Colosseum is. Save your feet for the rest of your trip, girlie.

Bonus tip: BYOP (Bring Your Own Prosecco) if your tour allows it and enjoy a few bevs while cruising around Rome. It’s honestly one of my favorite memories.

2. Skip restaurants with photos on the menu.

If you see giant laminated menus, hosts aggressively trying to wave you inside, and huge pictures of pasta on the cover…keep walking.

I’m not saying the food will be bad (it’s Rome…it’s hard to eat poorly), but you’ll almost always find cozier restaurants with better food, better prices, and way more charm just one or two streets away.

3. Use Airbnb Experiences.

If you’ve read any of my previous blogs, you already know I’m an Airbnb Experiences stan.

The reviews are reliable, the pricing is usually reasonable, and communicating with hosts is super easy.

I’ve booked:

• a cooking class

• a catacombs tour

• my golf cart tour

…all through Airbnb Experiences, and I’d recommend every single one.

4. Start sightseeing EARLY.

Rome belongs to the early girlies—especially during the summer.

The Trevi Fountain at 7:00 AM feels like an entirely different city than it does at noon.

And if you’re worried about getting tired…

Normalize the afternoon recharge.

I usually head back to the hotel from about 3–5 PM to shower, cool off, and reset before heading back out for dinner. I’ve never once regretted it, and I definitely don’t feel guilty about it.

Vacation is supposed to be enjoyable, not exhausting.

5. Bring a cute reusable water bottle.

Rome has hundreds of free public drinking fountains (called nasoni), so you’ll rarely need to buy bottled water.

The water is cold, clean, refreshing, and—best of all—free.

It’s one of my favorite little things about the city.

6. Don’t overbook every meal.

This one is hard for me because I’m a reservation girl through and through.

But…

Leave one or two dinners completely open.

One of my favorite evenings in Rome was wandering around Via Margutta until we found the cutest little restaurant completely by accident.

Some of the best meals happen when you stop following the itinerary.

Leave room for spontaneity.

7. Wear better shoes than you think you need.

Listen…

I’ve sacrificed comfort for a cute outfit more times than I’d like to admit.

But Rome is not the place.

Throw on your New Balances, comfy white sneakers, or your favorite walking shoes and save the cute heels for dinner.

Those cobblestone streets don’t play.

Future-you (and your feet) will thank you.

8. Visit one major attraction per day.

I know it’s tempting to squeeze in:

• Vatican City

• Colosseum

• Roman Forum

• Pantheon

• Piazza Navona

• Trastevere

…all before dinner.

Please don’t.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it definitely shouldn’t be experienced in one.

Slow down.

Sit for an espresso.

People-watch.

Wander a side street.

Everything you don’t see today will still be there tomorrow.

9. Stay in Trastevere (or at least spend one evening there).

If you’re deciding where to stay, I’d absolutely look at Trastevere.

And even if you don’t stay there, make sure you spend at least one evening exploring the neighborhood.

After sunset, the entire vibe changes.

It feels less touristy and more like the Rome locals actually experience.

10. Make reservations ahead of time.

Especially for:

• Dinner (except your spontaneous dinner!)

• Vatican Museums

• The Colosseum

• Borghese Gallery

Nothing kills vacation excitement faster than showing up to a sold-out attraction you’ve been dreaming about.

Book ahead.

You’ll thank yourself later.

Bonus: My Rome Favorites

☕ Coffee: Barnum

🍝 Pasta: Dilla (the lasagna is a 10/10)

🍨 Gelato: Gelateria del Monte

🌅 Sunset Spot: Spanish Steps (grab a to go spritz & chill here for a bit)

📍 Favorite Street: Via Margutta

🍷 Wine Bar: 33 Giri

🛍️ Shopping: Via dei Serpenti (especially Pifebo and the vintage shops)

📸 Photo Spot: Parco della Mole Adriana or Via del Cardello

If I went back tomorrow… I’d spend an hour wandering around Chiesa del Gesù. It’s one of the most stunning churches I’ve ever stepped into.

Final Thoughts

If you’re heading to Rome this summer…

First, I’m jealous.

Second, soak it all in.

Rome has this magical way of making you slow down. Around every corner there’s another beautiful church, hidden piazza, cute wine bar, or street musician that makes you stop for a second and express some serious gratitude.

Have the best time, eat all the pasta, order the extra gelato, and if you end up using any of these recommendations, I’d love to hear about it!

TYWIL! <3