Fun Fact: My favorite singer is an Italian artist named Ermal Meta. His song Le Luci di Roma was my most-listened-to track last year—thank you, Spotify Wrapped!
Learning the song by heart sparked a deep yearning for Rome that kept pulling me back. While it wasn’t my first time in Italy—I’ve visited the country several times—I felt an irresistible urge to rediscover the Eternal City, chaos and all.
Our trip wasn’t without its hiccups: a disappointing Airbnb, a pizza that didn’t live up to expectations, and the unfortunate timing of many major landmarks being under restoration for the city's Jubilee celebration in 2025. However, none of that could overshadow three unforgettable days.
DAY 1
We started the day with a classic Italian breakfast: cornetto e cappuccio—better known as a cappuccino and croissant. For me, though, it was cappuccino paired with crema di caffè, my favorite indulgence whenever I’m in Italy.
Rome truly lives up to its reputation as an open-air museum. As we strolled through the city, we were greeted by magnificent architecture and layers of history at every turn. We visited several iconic piazzas, including Piazza Navona, Piazza Sant’Eustachio, Piazza della Rotonda (home to the Pantheon), and Piazza della Pietra, snapping photos and picking up souvenirs along the way.
One of the highlights I’d eagerly anticipated was the Trevi Fountain. Sadly, it was dry and under repair, but we still managed to capture a few memorable photos. Next, we took an Uber to the Campitelli district to marvel at Piazza Venezia, featuring the towering Altare della Patria, also known as the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument.
Lunch was a delightful experience at Trattoria Sora Lella, a cozy restaurant dating back to the 1940s. I savored their supplì (rice balls with tomato sauce) and Gnocchi di Patate del Viterbese all’Amatriciana.
With full bellies and happy hearts, we spent the afternoon exploring the Vatican, from the grandeur of Saint Peter’s Basilica and Piazza to the treasures of the Vatican Museums. For dinner, we opted for pizza al trancio at a nearby spot. While it wasn’t my favorite meal in Rome, it was exactly what we needed to cap off such a busy and enriching day.
DAY 2:
For our second day in Rome, we decided to take it slower. We started with the same breakfast routine and headed to the Campo Marzio neighborhood, admiring the luxury shops along the way to Piazza di Spagna, home to the Spanish Steps and La Fontana della Barcaccia.
For lunch, we ate at Pizzium—a spot I first tried in Milan back in 2018 and have loved ever since. Of course, we had pizza (I highly recommend the carbonara), followed by a cappuccino and tiramisu.
The rest of the day was a mix of shopping and indulgence. We explored La Rinascente and treated ourselves to gelato at Venchi. I also took the chance to buy some leather goods—bags and wallets—impressed by their high quality and stylish designs at such fair prices.
Dinner was at Tonnarello, a famous restaurant in Trastevere known for its cacio e pepe. I had been eagerly anticipating this meal, and it did not disappoint. Everything my family ordered was incredible, and the place truly lives up to the hype. To end the evening, we strolled through the neighborhood, soaking in the lively music, vibrant ambiance, and undeniable Italian charm.
DAY 3:
We couldn’t leave Rome without visiting the Colosseum. It was a must-see for me, especially since my tour guide skipped it during my first visit to Rome at 15. It’s been on my bucket list ever since! Although we didn’t go inside, we walked around the area, taking in the grandeur of the Colosseum and nearby landmarks like the Arch of Constantine. Luckily, the weather cooperated while we snapped some photos.
For our final lunch in Rome, we dined at La Villetta dal 1940, where I had the biggest—and most delicious—carbonara of my life. As a pop culture enthusiast, I was thrilled to see the restaurant walls lined with photos of the owner posing with Italy’s most renowned celebrities. Sadly, I didn’t spot any pictures of my favorite, Ermal Meta, but the experience was still unforgettable.
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