The Rome Guide.
A city where history intertwines with everyday life. Grand old buildings, ruins, and centuries of beauty are simply part of the backdrop here, making even the most ordinary moments feel special.
My first trip to Rome was in high school with my Latin class, where I checked off all the touristy hot spots. Over the years, though, I’ve been lucky to have many close friends live in Rome, which completely changed the way I experience the city.
I’ve gotten to know a version of Rome that feels slower, more local, and infinitely more charming. Long lunches, sunset aperitivos, neighborhood trattorias where dinner somehow lasts four hours, hidden gardens, tiny wine bars with live music, and the kinds of places you’d never find if you were relying on TikTok or generic “Top 20 Rome” lists.
This is the Rome guide I wish someone had handed me years ago, for people who want to experience the city beyond the obvious. Of course, there are some classics worth seeing (you are in Rome, after all!!!), but I think Rome is best when you leave a little room for wandering and plan your day around one really good meal.
Every restaurant, bakery, hotel, museum, bar, boutique, and hidden gem below is pinned to a private Rome Google Map, available exclusively to paid subscribers at the bottom of this issue.
As always, feel free to reach out to (carolinehariri@gmail.com) for a customized itinerary tailored to your trip.
Food
East of the Tiber River:
Flavio al Velavevodetto (the kind of place you’ll accidentally stay for three hours)
Rocco Ristorante (feels wonderfully local in this easy yet exquisite Roman restaurant)
Ristorante la Campana (small and unassuming but outstanding Roman food that you can tell is made with pure, fresh ingredients)
Salumeria Volpetti (my ideal Rome lunch is to take it get a custom made sandwich and eat in the Giardino degli Aranci park, the perfect setting redolent of sweet oranges)
Al Pompiere Roma (fresh, high-quality ingredients that make for excellent dishes)
