Rome: Places to Watch the World Go By

We stayed in a hotel three blocks from the Pantheon and enjoyed grabbing a gelato in the evening and hanging out in the piazza - lots of people-watching, especially with the entertaining mime and the amazing view.

Any main piazza should do, the bill will be higher but you can stay as long as you like. My favorite is Piazza Navona, then the Pantheon, and areas around the historic center. Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere is good also.

For coffee, go at least once to Caffe Sant'Eustacchio, near the Pantheon.

If you can, try to find a hotel with a rooftop terrace (breakfast is often served there). Free views but no seats at the Pincio. There's an inexpensive cafe on the roof of the Vittorio Emmanuele monument (elevator ride is a little pricey but worth it). The Gianicolo also has beautiful views.

Some nice restaurants on via del Governo Vecchio (I like Cul de Sac) and the world seems to walk by this formerly quiet backstreet.

Laurel lives in Rome and has great restaurant recommendations.

Coffee at Tazza d'Oro.

Another vote for Café San Eustachio! I know people go here or Tazza d'Oro......never tasted Tazza, cuz I can't ever pass up San Eustachio :)

Just want to say I love your topic. Thanks for asking, and I am using these ideas people are giving, too.

There is a little outdoor cafe in Parco del Colle Oppio- across from the Colosseum - that we especially like. It's next to a playground so there were often Roman families there enjoying coffee, Italian sodas or adult beverages while the kids played. Here's someone's mention of this one:

http://www.europealacarte.co.uk/blog/2011/02/17/best-rome-cafes-collio-oppi/

Excavation/restoration work on Domus Aurea is very nearby. I don't think this cafe has food beyond snacks but we've cooled our heels here a half dozen times or so. The rest of the park is pretty rundown - although has some interesting ruins - but this corner is nice.

Antico Cafe della Pace, on Piazza del Fico, a block or two from Piazza Navona towards the river.

Thanks for all the ideas! We want to spend some time hanging out, enjoying the vibe of Rome. And being from Seattle and Portland we will absolutely need to taste LOTS of espresso!