Ancient Rome, Monti & Celio

 

Of course it’s worth finding your way to the area around the Coliseum, Imperial and Roman Forum to say you’ve “been there, done that”. It’s part of even the quickest visit to the Eternal City. But the surrounding neighborhoods—the Monti and Celio—are also worth a slow stroll. Monti, dubbed the first suburb of Rome is home to artsy boutiques and locals. It enjoys unparalleled views of the ancient ruins, but feels a bit removed from all the tourists. The same can be said of Celio, which has a more slow and genteel vibe.

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Pantheon, Campo de'Fiori, Piazza Navona & the Jewish Ghetto

 

This area of central Rome, with its winding cobbled streets, excellent bakeries, eateries, and rich history is one that deserved to be savored, especially at night when the stone of the ancient monuments glow from the setting sun and lamps that dramatically light each one. Condensed into a small area, and just over the river from Trastevere, this area is filled with iconic city masterpieces, and breathtaking beauty. Just mind the tourists and selfie sticks.

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Tridente, the via Veneto, & the Spanish Steps

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You may wish to say you’ve been to the Spanish Steps. Do that, go there, take the necessary photo lounging on the step (if the local government will allow it ), then move on. Beautiful, yes. But at the end of the day, they’re just stairs that lead to the Spanish Embassy. Instead, check out the Lord Byron museum next door, wander the outrageously expensive shops … and channel your inner Marcello Mastriani or Anita Ekberg at the Trevi Fountain. There are a few historic gems in this neighborhood, which are worth visiting. 

 

Stazione Termini & the Esquiline

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Avoid Termini Station, the main train station and bus depot in the city for anything other than transport. It’s one of the least charming areas and is teaming with lost tourists and their too-big luggage. There are some architectural and art historical spots in this neighborhood and should be explored at leisure: Santa Maria Maggiore, San Giovanni in Laterano and the Scala Santa are all worth a slow visit where you can fully take in their splendor and historical significance.

 

Villa Borghese & Parioli 

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Leafy, wide, tree-lined streets keep the well-heeled residents of wealthy Parioli shaded from the hot, Roman sun. This more upscale neighborhood, just north of Villa Borghese and its surrounding parkland, is for the tourist who wants a more subdued and quiet experience on their visit to the Eternal City. However it is a must-stop area for any visitor who is keen to see artist Giovanni Bernini’s most splendid sculptures still housed in situ inside the Galleria Borghese at the Villa Borghese, which sits squarely in the vast parklands. The park itself is the third largest public park in the city and allows for paddle-boating, picnicking, leisurely strolling and feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city just minutes away. Step inside the villa itself, built in the 17th century for Cardinal Scipione Borghese, a powerful art patron and prince of the Church, to see some of the best examples of Baroque art and architecture.

 

Trastevere 

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Literally translates as “across the Tiber”, Trastevere is a warren of winding, cobbled alleys, picturesque piazzas, and delicious trattorias. This neighborhood has become quite a touristy area in recent years, which has diluted some of the charm, but it does remain one of the most postcard-perfect snapshots of the Rome of one’s imagination. Located just across the river from Campo de’Fiori and south of Vatican City, Trastevere exudes charm and deserves to be savored with a leisurely stroll, day or night, soaking it all in. Find a spot to sit in Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere in late evening when the locals are out for their passeggiata and enjoy some excellent people-watching.

 

Testaccio & Southern Rome 

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Testaccio was once the dump to the ancient city, and artifacts from that time can still be seen in the area. An old slaughterhouse has been rehabbed as a contemporary art museum and architecture school. Now the site of a major market, the neighborhood is an exciting area that exudes traces of its working-class roots and gives a nod to the changing tide through contemporary expression.