The Insider’s Guide to Three Perfect Days in Rome

The simple pizza by the slice at Forno Campo de’ Fiori—a bustling bakery in a crowded central piazza—is a thing of beauty. The staff can slice small pieces for you so you can try more than one topping; don’t miss pizza rossa (flatbread brushed with tomato sauce), pizza bianca (flatbread seasoned with salt and olive oil), and fior di zucca (zucchini flower, anchovy, and mozzarella). Note that the service isn’t particularly happy, helpful, or welcoming, but who has time for pleasantries when you’re slammed all day?

A peaceful walk away from the crowds that takes you past Circo Massimo, the Rose Garden, and the Liberty-style villas of the Aventino. Be sure to stop at Santa Sabina, a 5th-century basilica that remains one of the most perfectly preserved early Christian churches in existence.

The menu at Piatto Romano may not be fancy, but it nails all the classics, serving gnocchi on Thursdays—when it’s traditionally eaten in Rome—and fish dishes on Fridays. The seafood is excellent, from the salt cod cooked with dried fruits and onions—a must—to the frittura mix of fried prawns and calamari, when it’s on the menu. But the star is the more meaty, milk-fed pajata: fat pasta tubes in an intestine-based sauce. There’s also an impressive range of side dishes made with seasonal vegetables. Desserts are simple but good: market-fresh strawberries sprinkled with sugar or slices of still-warm ricotta cake.

From the off, it’s clear that Enotica L’antidoto is very cool. The warmly-lit interior is lined with brick arches and exposed cement walls, all covered by the original beam roof. It’s exactly the kind of place you go for a bottle or two of organic natural wines with friends, alongside a creative menu of small plates. This is a local crowd who live in and around Trastevere; fashion types discussing their day over dinner; a couple in yoga outfits catching up over a bottle of organic red from Puglia, mats tucked away in the corner. The team run monthly chef residencies, so there’s always someone new coming up with a creative new menu. Dishes are made to pair with the wines: there are figs wrapped in delicate slices of lard and savory tarts with olives fennel and green beans. On our visit it was the very un-Italian fried egg sandwich that had everyone talking, pressed as it was between two slices of toasted sourdough with rocket and anchovies. Even if you’re not ordering food, there’s a bag of complimentary bread and cultured, salted butter to go with your wine.

An archaeological site within Trajan’s Forum transformed into a space for contemporary art, where 2nd-century structures engage in a constant, site-specific dialogue with the present.

Even if not a huge art buff, take the five minutes to wander to the Contarelli chapel inside this small catholic church which is just a short stroll from the Pantheon. It’s home to three Caravaggio paintings which showoff the maestro’s command of chiaroscuro which can all be seen for free and away from the crowds that mob his works inside the museums.

An oasis for natural wines from small producers—this is very local and legit even, in the midst of Trastevere’s growing “Disneyfication.”

This neighborhood bakery is a delight to linger in (plus, they have fantastic bread), and plan a day trip out of the city. The walk here is also a joyous way to start the morning: You can easily get to this neighborhood on foot from the center of town by walking across Villa Borghese.

A volcanic lake with remarkably clear water, perfect for a morning swim before exploring the surrounding towns—specifically Trevignano for a stroll (possibly a swim) along the shore and Bracciano to visit the Castello Orsini-Odescalchi.

Worth the detour to Campagnano Romano, this family-run spot features an ever-evolving menu sourced almost entirely from their on-site farm; if available, the tacos alla picchiapò are a must.

Head back to Rome for a true hidden gem that only recently opened for private tours—this residence is an untouched masterpiece of Italian Art Deco. I love the green living room, with drapery by Fides Testi, engraved mirrors by Pietro Chiesa, and corals by Martinuzzi.

It can be easy for modern osterias to follow a distinct design pattern that feels too modern and out of place in a historic city like Rome. Trecca is just a few years old but manages to feel exactly like a young Roman restaurant should: spacious and inviting. There’s a brown-tiled checkered floor, pendant lighting and marble-topped tables–with an ancient Roman terracotta sink thrown in, for good measure. The short, well-thought-out menu is full of supremely delicious creations. If off-cuts make you queasy, you needn’t worry: the pastas keep mostly to tradition (carbonara, amatriciana), but the taglioni pasta with chicken livers and butter is the standout. But, quite frankly, Trecca isn’t where you go to play it safe. They do those off-cuts far too well. If you’re going to try them, do it here–there’s a section on the menu for ‘refined palates’ (aka the brave ones). Or don’t bother with the menu, ask the waiter for his daily recommendations instead. You won’t be disappointed.

To wind down your trip, grab a seat at this bar, which is usually filled with locals. Ask your server for their opinion on the natural wines, or go for a low-key aperitivo.