Monti

La Casetta a Monti occupies the first floor of a gorgeous old ivy-colored house, making it possibly one of the most beautiful cafes in the city.

The aristocratic Spalletti family has owned this classic villa for over a hundred years, and in 2004 converted the building into a boutique hotel. The family opted to keep most of their original antique furniture, giving the hotel a cozy, personal feel, as if you were staying at the (admittedly very stylish) home of an old friend. The villa has fourteen luxurious rooms and suites, a wellness dedicated health center, quiet private gardens, and a "help-yourself" rooftop bar. Our favorite space is the library, complete with armchairs, throws, and a fireplace. Staying here feels like a proper retreat from the hustle of the city, yet all the attractions are on your doorstep.

This little bar is so inherent to this piazza, it doesn’t have a name (or website or phone number).

All the elements of an idyllic Roman restaurant–low-lit, exposed brick rooms, red checked tablecloths, mostly local diners–are wrapped into one space at this gem. The dishes are authentic and hearty, with the chef's daily specials being the way to go (although the burrata ravioli is a mainstay–and a must). The best part? It's remained seemingly untouched by the touristy crowds.

Inarguably one of the world’s most impressive archeological wonders and the site of so many of Imperial Rome’s goings on, the Colosseum (one word: Gladiators!), Roman Forum (the apex of ancient Roman life, teaming with incredibly well-preserved structures from as far back as the sixth century BC), and Palantine Hill (the most frequented of Rome’s seven hills, plus killer views of the city and former chariot racing venue, Circus Maximus) trinity is essential. The Colosseum is breathtaking year-round, while the neighboring forum and Palentine Hill are especially stunning in spring and summer when the native wildflowers are in full bloom. You can certainly walk around on your own, though we recommend hiring a knowledgeable tour guide to lend some historical context and to help navigate, as you can easily take a wrong turn and miss out on some of the really good stuff.

Just a short walk from Colosseum, Aroma is perched on the penthouse of the hotel, Palazzo Manfredi. The draw here is really the terrace view of the attraction from a distance, removed from swarms of tourists—the 40-seat space is both grand and intimate, serving up beautifully plated, elevated classics. There’s plenty of pasta, of course, but also a separate gluten-free menu, for those who want it.

Just blocks from the Coliseum, Hostaria Isidoro is tucked inside a former 17th-century convent: Exposed brick, coffered ceilings, and dark woods all contribute to the restaurant’s charm. Excellent food (think Italian classics—ultra-fresh meat, seafood, and produce, handmade pasta) and a friendly staff make this an ideal spot for a romantic dinner.

Named after Pope St. Clement, the basilica is a layer cake of Roman history and architecture—a private home turned Christian church in the second century, which morphed into a Mithras temple in the third century, and its current incarnation as a Medieval temple after that. While it may not look like much on the outside, inside it’s done in breathtaking twelfth-century mosaics with multiple chapels and fascinating little nooks making up a sort of architectural treasure hunt.

Famous for hosting Michelangelo’s statue of Moses.