A Perfect Day in Rome; What to see and Where to Eat

I recently was asked to take over the Conde Nast Traveler Instagram stories account and share some of my favorite places in Rome. Unfortunately these stories only stay on the account for 24 hours so I thought I would put the entire day here on the blog in case anyone missed it.
As the famous quote by Silvio Negro wisely advises "Roma, non basta una vita - Rome, a lifetime is not enough,” but let's see how much of Rome we can see in a day. I promise lots of coffee, some must see sights and a Caravaggio or two.

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I am lucky to live right next door to the Colosseum. Not a day goes by that it doesn't make me stop and look.

Panella
via Merulana 54

A short walk from the Colosseum is Panella, a bakery and cafe. I come here for a decadent morning cappuccino that comes with a generous dollop of freshly made zabaglione.

Our next stop is a stroll through the Jewish Ghetto. 

Pasticceria Boccione

Via del Portico D'Ottavia, 1

The service here can be a little grumpy and the line long, but the ricotta tarts with either swirls of sour cherry or chunks of dark chocolate are worth it. 

Beppe e i Suoi Formaggi
via di S. Maria del Pianto, 9A/11

Both a cheese shop and a restaurant, I come here to shop for dinner parties, gifts to bring back to the US and for truffly dinners.

Roscioli Caffè

Piazza Benedetto Cairoti, 16

This is a tiny sliver of a space, but the service here is super friendly and the coffee top notch. 

In the morning and early afternoon Campo di Fiori is filled with market stalls selling fruit, vegetables and bad souvenirs.

Forno Campo di Fiori

Campo di Fiori 22

Pizza al Taglio is the perfect snack or an early (or late) lunch and this busy bakery on a far corner of the Campo di Fiori is where I go when I want a slice of pizza bianca or a pizza mortadella sandwich. 

Now we cross over the busy via Corso Emmanuele and make a quick stop at the large and theatrical Piazza Navona. There are three fountains here, this one is the Fontana del Moro and the sculpture in the middle is by Bernini. 

One of my favorite artists is Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio and here in Rome some of his masterpieces are super easy to visit (for free) on a regular basis.

Chiesa di Sant’Agostino
Piazza Sant’Agostino

San Luigi dei Francesi: Cantarelli Chapel
via Santa Giovanna d’Arco 5

I love to take visitors to the Pantheon this way, distracting them by talking about coffee shops and then they look up and see this. 

The Spanish Steps have just reopened after an almost year long renovation funded by Bulgari. 

The other big recent renovation (funded by Fendi) is the Trevi Fountain. I actually go out of my way and brave the crowds to see it. 

Baccano

via delle Muratte 23

There are a lot of terrible restaurants in this part of town. Baccano is a sure bet for cocktails (they have a great bar) pasta, salads and one of Rome's best hamburgers. 

Back to Monti for one more cup of coffee and a walk along the via Fori Imperiali where you can see Forums of Augustus and Trajan and the Imperial Forum.