Flaminio

Right on the corner across from a big, beautiful square, Piazza del Popolo, Dal Bolognese serves traditional Emilian food. This is a great place to get some fancy pasta; the dining room is elegant yet comfortable, with red leather chairs and couches punctuating the brightly lit space. Plus, if you’re looking to sit outdoors, their heated patio is spacious and boasts a view of the nearby square.

Another unexpectedly contemporary structure for such an ancient city, Rome’s ambitious 21st-century art museum was designed by Zaha Hadid (she’s the woman behind the Guangzhou Opera House in China among many other impressive projects), with the curvy, hyper-modern space taking an entire decade to construct. The permanent collection galleries house works by Kara Walker, Ed Ruscha, Anish Kapoor, and so many more; meanwhile, the exhibit calendar is just as impressive. Plan your visit in conjunction with the Auditorium Parco Della Musica—they’re both located in the Flamino area and make for a nice change of pace from ancient architecture.