There’s obviously so much to see and do in this glorious city, but these are some of my favorites on repeat. The Palazzo Doria Pamphili is a 16th century palace which houses a museum with their vast private collection–over 500 pieces by artists like Titian, Bernini, Raphael, and Caravaggio. Besides their beautiful collection, I am always so inspired by the interiors–the way the art is hung (there are so many works that they hang them in multiple rows, completely covering all of the walls up to the ceiling), and the rich red interiors throughout. On the other side of the Tiber River, I love the Villa Farnesina, a Renaissance period villa, with its epic Raphael fresco. It’s a good launching point to explore the Trastevere neighborhood.

Pierluigimay be my favorite spot in Rome, but I’m sure it’s the most universally beloved restaurant in the city. And how not–it’s on the most magical square, Piazza de’Ricci, where everyone gathers—be they local or from out of town. Just up the street is Caffe Peru, another gathering spot for locals, who stop in for a quick morning caffe, or a cheese toast for a quick lunch, or a post-work Negroni or spritz. For a sit-down cocktail, continue up the road to Piazza Farnese, and tuck into a perfect martini at Camponeschi. For old-school I love Nino for an elegant lunch. Even though it’s in the thick of the touristy area, right near the Spanish Steps, the staff are super kind and make great suggestions from their Tuscan meets Roman menu. La Campana is the oldest restaurant in the city–literally 500 years old–and while it certainly isn’t a secret spot, it definitely attracts the locals, who come for the polpette, the veal breast with potatoes (but don’t worry there are so many vegetarian options on the menu!), and some of the best desserts I’ve ever had. La Matriciana is a bit of a walk from the center, but it’s my favorite amatriciana in the city–along with everything else on the menu!

Chez Dédé should be your first stop–not only is it the most inspiring edit of new and vintage objets, books, and clothing–whoever is behind the counter of this incredibly chic shop will be able to tell you the best addresses in the city. Near the Pantheon are two of my favorite spots to pick up treasures for myself and friends. Gammarelli is the store where popes have been getting their clothes made for over 200 years, and while it feels a little funny going into a church clothing store just to look at socks, rest assured, the staff is used to it! Antica Cartotecnica is an old family-owned store that sells typewriters, pens, and inkwells, but I go for their new-but-vintage notebooks that have been in their stock for decades. 

The Locarno is a historic property (meticulously and carefully renovated) that has attracted the art/literary/cinema crowd for decades–with regulars like Fellini, Kerouac, and Basquiat–plus it has a lovely garden terrace which is a lovely place to unwind at the end of a long day with one of their incredible cocktails.