1. Via dei Condotti
Fashion first as always! For every enthusiast of the biggest brands, Via dei Condotti, perpendicular to the iconic Spanish Steps, is a dream come true. Dior, Gucci, Valentino, Hermes, La Perla, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, Furla, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Celine and Dolce & Gabbana are among numerous brands that have their venues on Via dei Condotti.
During the chic stroll it is advised to visit Caffe Greco, established in 1970. It is probably the most popular cafe in Rome. Stendhal, Goethe, Byron and even the man himself, Casanova, were sipping exquisite Italian espresso right here. Today, this place is a heaven for writers, politicians and other distinguished Rome personalities.
2. Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is a landscape park and it is worth seeing to catch one’s breath after the crowds of Spanish Steps. It is located on the hill and it overlooks Piazza del Popolo and amaze visitors with a view of breathtaking skyline of the Eternal City. Gardens surrounding Villa Borghese are a part of the palace complex, once developed for Borghese family. Today the venue also encompasses museum of family collections including works of Titian, Raphael and Caravaggio.
3. Piazza della Pace 4
If you fail to reserve a table in Caffe Greco, we may recommend a fabulous caffe at Piazza della Pace 4. Situated just outside Piazza Navona it gathers artists living near Stadium of Domitian but steers clear of tourists. The interior of Caffe della Pace boasts Art Nouveau decor. Transavanguardia or neo-expressionism if you will, emerged just here.
4. Pantheon
Stunning, intimidating, monumental, perfect. Definitions of the greatest and superbly preserved monument of the ancient Rome can be devised ceaselessly. Pantheon survived almost two millennials only because the building was converted into a Roman Catholic church in VIIth century. It protected the structure from the destruction of pagan monuments. Today Pantheon is strictly bordered by city’s architecture while Piazza della Rotonda is stretched out in front of the temple - it houses numerous cafes and traditional Italian ice cream parlors.
5. Il Gelato di San Crispino
It is impossible to leave Rome and not try exquisite Italian ice-cream. Food is a national treasure for the Italian with no exception of ice-cream. An original and modern Il Gelato di San Crispino mixing traditional recipe with contemporary flavor approach is a place we can recommend for an ice-cream feast. Whiskey or basil flavored treats are here to try.
6. Campo dei Fiori
A flower and herb market during the day and the most fashionable entertainment center at night. The Giordano Bruno statue standing in the middle of the square commemorates the execution carried out on him in 1600. He was sentenced for supporting the Copernican heliocentrism. It is at Campo dei Fiori that there are numerous exquisite restaurants and trendy pubs where you can sit for an evening aperitivo. From here you can start an evening walk through Ponte Sisto straight to ...
7. Trastevere
You have only one night in Rome? Visit Trastevere! It is an iconic medieval district of Rome located on the west bank of the Tiber defined by the unusual atmosphere of the narrow streets, infested with eateries with the finest Italian cuisine and exquisite Italian wine. Interestingly enough, this place is not so popularized by tourists, which also makes it a favorite place for night escapades for native Romans.
8. Bocca della verita
… the mouth of truth. In the Middle Ages this ancient medallion, that probably served as a drain cover, was attributed with a magical power. According to legend, Bocca closes his mouth and cuts off hand of those who put his hand in it, telling lies. Do you dare to try?
9. Aventine
Aventine is one of the seven hills on which ancient Rome was built. On a daily basis this is separator of a quiet residential area and bustling tourist enclave consisting of Forum Romanum and Circo Massimo. On the hill there are several monasteries and lovely terrace gardens overlooking Vatican.
The uniqueness of this place, however, is based on ... the keyhole. There is this closed garden named Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Trees Garden) right nearby Piazza Cavalieri di Malta. Looking through keyhole in the gate leading to the garden, we can see the dome of The Papal Basilica of St. Peter surrounded by a tunnel of greenery. The view is special - especially on a starry night.
10. Trevi Fountain
To top out the trip, shall we recommend Trevi Fountain, once used by Fendi for brand’s fashion show. During the day this place is really packed with tourists who throw coins into the water to ensure their nigh return to the city. In order to fully enjoy the breathtaking presence of this baroque monument it is worth postponing a visit until late night. However, we do not recommend performing Anita Ekberg’s scene from La dolce vita - plunging in the fountain is strictly forbidden.
