Idealist City Guide: ROME

Ah, Rome. This ancient Italian city is a mecca for lovers of art, architecture, history, and fashion. As the capital, Rome is a popular destination for tourists from around the world. Crowds form daily to gaze upon the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and other ancient monuments rife with history and wonder. Come soak up the atmosphere in the Eternal City.

To Market We Go!

There is no shortage of delightful markets and shops for seekers of art, antiques, furniture, unique finds, and brilliant deals in Rome.

Ponte Milvio Market

For fun travel shopping, drop in on the Ponte Milvio flea market on the second Sunday of the month. This 20-year old staple spans the area from the right side of the Milvio bridge along the Tiber River down to the Duca D’Aosta bridge. Enjoy amazing antique finds, artwork, and shabby chic furnishings.

Porta Portese Flea Market

The Porta Portese is another of Rome’s iconic flea markets, and its largest. Visit on a Sunday morning, the earlier the better. Your shopping selections are virtually limitless. Head on down to Piazza di Porta Portese for a delightful morning of shopping.

Magazzini Associati

Looking for distinctive Italian interior style? Head for Magazzini Associati at Passeggiata di Ripetta 13 to locate contemporary homeware and furniture with an original spin. Architects and interior designers have put this shop on the map for its unusual and creative wares.

Le Artigiane

Located on Via di Torre Argentina 72, in the centre of the city near the Pantheon, this arts and crafts store is also a must on any style hunter’s itinerary. Artisans display their handmade wares, from clothing to furniture, paintings, and household décor.

Alain Rome

Find beautiful furniture at Via del Pellegrino 171 in Alain. This shop is the perfect destination if vintage interior décor is your passion. Martin Alain Georges restores unique items from the 1920’s through the 1980’s. Drop in and shop to your heart’s content. We particularly love this store for its sense of style.

Where to stay

Mix modern and ancient with a weekend at The Inn at the Roman Forum. Enjoy stunning views, a relaxing environment, and the feel of ancient Rome during your stay. Start your day with breakfast on the terrace overlooking this amazing city. Book today at Via degli Ibernesi 30.

If you want luxury, convenience, and a great location for shopping, check out Hotel Exedra. Embrace fashion, class, and star treatment at this Boscolo hotel at Piazza della Repubblica 47. Restaurants, bars, and boutiques surround these luxurious accommodations, and the Repubblica Metro Station and Roma Train Station are conveniently nearby.

A unique way to see the City

An amazing way to see the city is by travelling with a guided (self-driven) tour in vintage Fiat 500s. We did this in the height of summer and loved it! You can select from sight-seeing trips to pick up all the major Roman ruins, or go further afield for gastronomic tours, or even head to the coast

Museums and Galleries

If you want different, don’t miss Dorothy Circus Gallery. Enjoy pop surrealism and an intriguing art book store. Visit Via dei Pettinari 76 during your stay in Rome.

The Galleria Borghese at Piazzale Scipione Borghese 5 displays exquisite works of art that must be seen up close. It boasts an unrivaled collection of paintings, sculpture, and architecture, and with only 360 visitors allowed at a time, it’s an intimate viewing experience.

Culinary Delights

Rome has numerous offerings of delicious food, from fine dining to tasty eats at local pubs. Osteria Bonelli at Viale dell’Acquedotto Alessandrino 172/174 is a rare find for unforgettable cuisine. Locals love it!

Need your caffeine fix? Drop in on Caffe Tazza d’Oro, Via degli Orfani 84. Want to ditch the touristy food destinations? Check out Enoteca Corsi for lunch at via del Gesu 87/88 and relax with good food and a pleasant atmosphere.

When in Rome

The sights and destinations in Rome are plentiful, and time to enjoy them all likely isn’t to be found in one trip. But start with these three for a wonderful short getaway.

A stop at the Trevi Fountain is essential when visiting Rome. Plan to spend about an hour. The Roman Forum is also a great destination with no entry fee. You can while away one or two hours at this ancient monument and escape the heat of the city in summer and the noise in winter. St. Peter’s Basilica is another free option you don’t want to miss out on your Roman holiday.

Getting to Rome

Non-stop flights to Rome from London are just under two and a half hours, and start from around £33 to £90. Connecting flights are almost double the travel time and cost a bit more, hovering around £150, but may be more convenient depending on your origin or itinerary. BA, Alitalia, EasyJet, Ryanair, Vueling, Norwegian Air International, Swiss, and Lufthansa routinely fly this route.

Enjoy trains and have time to spare? London to Rome train fares start around £45 and offer breathtaking scenery without the stress of airport security. Choose from cheap and (relatively) quick options to leisurely, more luxurious fares.

Let us know if you have more ideas for your next jaunt to Rome for shopping, food, fun, drink, and more. And bring back some delightful finds!