What’s not to fall in love with about Rome? It’s a city full of lively people, incredible food and so much history. After exploring the Almafi coast (see my Positano City Guide & Capri City Guide), we spent 5 days immersing ourselves in Roman culture. We visited in mid-October and I can’t recommend this time of year enough. Tourist season has died down and the weather is much cooler than in the summer months. Not to mention, you’ll find a lot more “off-season” accommodation prices.

Our primary goal for our time in Rome was to eat. And eat we did. I’m actually salivating while writing this post because the food we ate was that amazing. I was also pleasantly surprised by how colorful Rome’s streets were. Each building posed as a beautiful, paint-chipped color palette and I couldn’t snap enough pictures.

I loved everything about Rome – its people, culture, colors & FOOD. Of all the European cities we’ve been to, it’s the first I would return to for a second time.

Where to Stay

For us, location was everything. Unlike many other European cities, Rome’s public transportation is a little more limited. We stayed at Sonnino Suites in the Trastevere neighborhood and LOVED it. The location was surprisingly central and we were able to walk everywhere. We also loved how local and non-touristy the neighborhood felt. Not to mention the quaintest, most colorful streets, restaurants and shops at our fingertips.

What to do

Indulge in wine & charcuterie

This is a Rome must! Hop into any local proscuitteria and order a charcuterie board & bottle of wine. Our favorite place was Cantina Dei Papi in Trastevere. Details listed below!

Trevi Fountain

I know this is a no-brainer. But I’m mentioning it because I’d suggest seeing it for the first time at night. Pure magic.

Vatican Museum

Again, another no-brainer Rome site. But it does take a little strategy to enjoy your time here. Buy your tickets ahead of time, skip the guided tour and download Rick Steve’s free audio guide. It’ll be the most enjoyable, tourist-saturated Vatican experience you can have.

Trastevere Neighborhood

Just across the river, this neighborhood is filled with colorful, paint-chipped buildings and so much personality. Get lost wandering through the streets, indulging on a scoop of gelato and pulling your camera out around every corner.

Campo Dei Fiori Square

This is an open-air market filled with Italian spices, cheese, cured meats, flowers, ceramics & fresh produce. It’s a fun place to browse on a sunny day.

Where to eat & drink

Rome is a magical place and we weren’t ready to leave its charm. It’s everything you’d imagine and more.

Ciao bella!

xx,
Ariel

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Words truly cannot describe the magic of Positano.

It feels like stepping into an Italian fairy tale. I could’ve spent WAY more time there.

But the time we did get to spend there was so wonderful. If you haven’t been to Positano, put it at the top of your travel bucket list.

Where to stay

For our time in Positano, we stayed at the Hotel Royal Positano and LOVED it. My primary criteria for our Positano housing was the view. I wanted to be able to look outside my window and see the beautiful, cliff-side buildings. And let me tell you, Hotel Royal Positano did not disappoint. They have a beautiful outdoor terrace that overlooks the entire city where we ended each evening with drinks from the bar. And they offered us the most amazing continental breakfast. Like it was actually out of this world.

Where to eat

Covo Dei Saraceni

Via Regina Giovanna, 5, 84017 Positano SA, Italy

Go here for lemon gelato. It’s served frozen INSIDE THE LEMON SHELL. Not to mention, you’ll enjoy your gelato with beach front views and the best people watching.

Da Vincenzo

Viale Pasitea, 172, 84017 Positano SA, Italy

Just go here. This was one of the best meals we had in all of Italy. Make a reservation if you can. But if you don’t, they will give you a glass of complimentary prosecco while you wait.

What to see & do

Viale Pasitea

This is the main street that winds down the cliffsides of Positano. It’s full of beautiful shops and colorful cafes. Walking down this street will give you all the Positano vibes.

Fornillo Beach

Viale Pasitea will lead you right down to Positano’s main beach. But I’d suggest taking the quick, beautiful path the Fornillo Beach for a less crowded, less touristy beach experience. Rent a chair & just enjoy the blue waters and cliffside surroundings.

Drink Limoncello

The Almafi Coast is a mecca for fresh lemons in Italy and drinking limoncello is a Positano must. It was delicious everywhere we had it.

Next stop, the island of Capri!

xx,
Ariel

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