As they say, ‘All roads lead to Rome’ and chances are most travelers have been to Rome at least once. After all, it is one of the most visited cities in the world. 

However, surveys show repeat visitors want to see something new and move beyond the usual itineraries of jam-packed major attractions according to Virtuoso, a luxury travel network. Rome is ready to please.

(See my insider tips to discover the best of Istanbul here.)

The Eternal City has much to offer those who want to discover the quiet corners of this vibrant Italian capital and experience the beauty and buzz in lesser-known neighborhoods. 

The best way to do this is to follow the footsteps of knowledgeable and enthusiastic Romans.  “I love Rome so want to show all of the people the places I love in Rome”, says tour guide Isabella Calidonna.

 “I want to show not only the best of Rome but also the hidden gems that are just around the corner from the famous Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.” 

Calidonna, an art historian, founded ArcheoRunning tours specializing in walking tours including one that leads to places where Michelangelo worked and lived.  

Seeing Rome differently is not just about where you go, but when you go. Also an experienced athletics coach Calidonna leads running tours past famous monuments when the streets are just waking up for the day, “Trust me that early morning is another atmosphere in Rome.” 

More travel timing advice suggests planning your visit to Rome in the off-seasons during spring and fall. 

Roman Cuisine

Food lovers will find that Rome is a fantasy come true. Skip the long lines at popular gelato and pizza places in tourist packed areas and head down a cobbled stone street to find tiny shops and corner restaurants where Romans eat and drink. 

Lauren Caramico moved from Brooklyn to Rome to discover more about her Italian heritage and to follow her passion for sharing all things authentically Italian. Her company Daverro Rome customizes itineraries. “Plus, the places I take my guests I know the people who work there so it’s not just a meal it’s a very welcoming local experience,” says Caramico. 

I joined Daverro’s whirlwind evening food tour with Caramico as our guide during my visit in April. 

Meeting in a little square near the Campo de’ Fiori outdoor produce market filled with the fresh artichokes and squash blossoms of the season, we walked along narrow streets to a little place called Filetti di Baccala to join locals for carafes of white wine and baskets of crispy fried fish.

Then it was on to Antico Forno Roscioli, a wonderful bakery known for its pizzas where we enjoyed a square slice folded over into a ‘wallet’ while standing in the street shooing pigeons and dodging motorbikes.

Crossing a bridge over the Tiber river, to the lively Trastevere neighborhood, our next stop was the casually hip Vineria di Roma Trapizzino for incredible biodynamic wines from small Italian wineries and sandwiches in pouch shaped bread with a choice of fillings including eggplant parmigiana, chicken cacciatora or for the more daring beef tongue or tripe. 

Getting our steps in we crossed back over the river to the Regola district to find a gelato shop scooping a spectrum of flavors including pink peppercorn and pine.

The evening continued at Freni e Frizioni, a self-described ‘street cocktail bar’ filled with skilled mixologists, high-energy music and young Romans out on the town.

Travel memories like these are really the best souvenirs. 

Room with a View of the Villa Borghese

Where you stay in Rome can enhance your visit as well.  

Within walking distance of the city’s best-known cultural landmarks, the Sofitel Rome is situated on a quiet street adjacent to the tranquil gardens of the Villa Borghese.

The boutique hotel is a former 19^th century Roman palazzo and the 78 guest rooms are beautifully appointed with modern décor, a nature inspired color palate and glistening marble bathrooms.

The real show stopper in each room is the ceiling. Don’t forget to look up and see the Baroque-inspired paintings depicting the illusion of blue skies and fluffy clouds.  

Whether you make the Sofitel your home in Rome or not make sure to visit Settimo, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and terrace with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the city below.

A popular place with discerning locals the menu specializes in Roman Cuisine, featuring regional favorites such as braised artichokes, risotto and caccio pepe pasta. 

Another reason to stay at a hotel where the staff knows the many secrets of Rome is advice on finding unique experiences such as a men’s fashion tour.

Menswear consultant Giorgio Giangiulio guides guests to discover the key elements of a classic Italian wardrobe while sharing practical tips to achieve a nonchalant stylish look. We followed Giangiulio, handsomely attired in a double-breasted linen suit, for a jacket fitting at Tommy & Giulio Caraceni a prominent tailor shop with over a hundred years of dressing the best in Rome. A custom made suit here takes up to 60 hours of expert work to create a perfect fit. 

Andrea Caraceni says, “After the first suit it would be very hard to wear a ready made suit. It’s not only in the look. You can feel the difference.” 

So while throngs of fashion fans wait to get into Gucci, the real Italian finds are in the small specialty shops. Walking along the Via del Boschetto, a small back street, I discovered the joyful fabrics of designer Tina Sondergaard and bought this one with a Picasso theme. Alora!

To provide guests with the best under-the-radar shopping and tour tips, the staff of the Sofitel Rome has even curated a “Rome for Repeat Visitors Guide.”  

Arrivederci Roma

For a final day before trip’s end, make an exception to your off the beaten tracks itinerary for the time honored toss of a coin into the iconic Trevi Fountain. You’ll battle a crowd of tourists as they do the same, but who wants to take a chance of not returning to the remarkable city of Rome?

Check out my Rome travel story in VIE Magazine and enjoy the gorgeous layout and photography!