Ali's Faves in Rome — Alexandra Hedin | Family Friendly Recipes & Cocktails

I was lucky enough to live in Rome when I studied abroad in college. It was easily my favorite place and still is in the top ten. It’s such an amazing city filled with history, culture, and AMAZING food. If it’s an option, I can’t recommend visiting the Eternal City enough.

We took the kids last summer and spent a few days in Rome. It’s never enough. But we did enough to hit the best parts, see the hidden gems, and make sure they had a real understanding that this is a city that is older than Jesus. (really good perspective for Catholic kids)

These are our favorite highlights that we all agreed we would not miss if (when) we go back!

EATS

Do a food tour with Katie Parla. Do not miss this. We had the best experience, ate a few things we might not have tried, and found the best of other things we had already tried. The bar was set high.

Antico Forno Roscioli - the perfect slice of pizza

Popi Popi - A favorite from when I lived up the street, it’s still perfect.

La Campana - Unbeatable and not filled with tourists

Giggetto Al Portico d’Ottavia - The best fried artichoke in Rome, but only when they are in season!

Cafffe Camerino - Their tiny pastries are made in house, go for the pistachio ones

Gelateria della Palma - Lots of people will claim they know the best gelato place in town, but unless it’s this one, then they are wrong.

Campo di Fiori - The best farmer’s market you’ve ever seen in your life. Buy the dried spices (above) and make the sauce of your dreams when you get home.

SIGHTS

This feels like a major “duh” because the sights are as historic as anything in the world. But there are a few sneaky places I definitely recommend.

Bocca della Verita - The mouth of truth. It was a storm drain from the Roman era, but priests revived it in the Middle Ages and would “bite” the hand of a liar. Very Middle Ages. Test your luck.

Basilica di Santa Maria del Popolo - A church you would otherwise not stop in, but it holds a Caravaggio painting that is extraordinary. Church art is a great way to see amazing art without the museum stop.

Piazza Navona - This is my favorite. I adore Bernini and love the contrast of his fountains and the church behind. There are also epic roof top bars nearby that give an amazing view of the city.

Santa Maria sopra Minerva - A church next to the Pantheon. Since you are obviously there already, pop in and look up. The ceiling is what the Sistine Chapel looked like before Michelangelo painted. Also, the cutest elephant lives outside the church. (Also, “sopra” means “over” because this church was built OVER a temple to Minerva, the Roman goddess)