This was my fifth time in Rome and the first time going back since 2019. Rome is a city I can never say no to! I was there Oct. 2nd-11th. October is probably my favorite time of year to be in Rome - as the locals call it Ottobrata Romana. I lucked out with the weather as it only rained once and it was overnight. The rest of the trip was mild, warm, and sunny.
I don't like to plan out all of my days as my favorite thing to do is just wander the streets, admire the buildings and monuments, and pop in different shops and cafes/restaurants. The only things I had planned were a guided trip to the Sabine Hills with a cooking class and a museum day for Domenica al Museo. I prefer to stay in the Trastevere area whenever I go to Rome.
Favorite Eats:
- Il Tarallo (carbonara was great and the owners were very kind - in Trastevere)
- Osteria dei Cappellari (Roman-style artichoke and gricia - went right when they opened for dinner and was able to snag a table)
- Food Factory (inexpensive, nice portions, and friendly staff - in Trastevere)
- Le Levain (favorite bakery in Trastevere - quiche is a good breakfast option)
- Homebaked (American-style breakfast spot in Monteverde - took the #44 bus up from Trastevere)
- Pizzeria La Boccaccia (pizza al taglio in Trastevere - they had a seasonal pumpkin and pecorino slice that was amazing)
- Trapizzino (multiple locations - I enjoyed the chicken cacciatore flavor)
- Supplì Roma (delicious classic suppli for 2 euro- in Trastevere)
- Hostaria del Roody (great amatriciana and friendly service - in Trastevere)
- Da Nina a Trastevere (enjoyed the eggplant parmesan)
- That's Amore (amazing pesto fettuccine and most tables were locals at lunch)
- Biscottificio Artigiano Innocenti (cookies from here are a must and the smell is intoxicating - in Trastevere)
- Gelato from Fatamorgana, I Dolci Di Checco Er Carettiere, and Gelateria La Romana were standouts
Favorite Shops/Purchases
- Les Vignerons (I always buy a couple of bottles from this wine shop in Trastevere - the owner gives great recommendations)
- Oleoteca Sapord'olio (I take the #63 bus here to buy EVOO and bought 2 bottles of new harvest olive oil)
- Ceramiche Nicola Fasano (hunted down a shop that sells splatterware ceramics in Rome - bought 2 plates)
- Podere Vecciano (this shop in Monti sells Tuscan olive oil, olive wood products, and more - I chose a small olive wood bowl)
- Mercatino (this is a used items/antique shop in Monteverde - controlled myself and only bought 2 tiny jars/vases)
- Booktique (postcards/prints - multiple locations around the city)
- Manufactus (beautiful marbled paper notebook - multiple locations around the city)
- Original watercolor print from a vendor that was selling at a pop-up art show in Piazza Trilussa
Favorite Activities/Sights
- Walking around the Colosseum/Forum area during golden hour
- Mosaics class in Monti (my Sabine Hills/Cooking class got cancelled, so I booked this on Airbnb experiences instead)
- Domenica al Museo (Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Palazzo Altemps, and Largo di Torre Argentina - all free entry this day)
- Enjoying the view from Piazza Gianicolo
- Strolling through Villa Borghese
- Wandering down the different streets just taking it all in
Overall, I very much enjoyed my time in Rome and will always be grateful for every opportunity to be in this beautiful city. And, I love that all the walking balances out all the eating (at least that's what I tell myself)!