-TRASTEVERE AREA: Trastevere is the local and happening spot we discovered in Rome! It’s full of local restaurants and bars and it is also super close to all the main spots. You can ride the tram for free and if you take #8 line it takes you everywhere in 5 minutes from Trastevere. You can also take Bus #23 from Trastevere to get to the Vatican. We would highly recommend staying in Trastevere when you visit Rome!

-HOTEL RIPA ROMA: Hotel Ripa Roma was the perfect place to stay in Rome! It is in Trastevere and is a quick walk to a bunch of their local restaurants and bars. You can also jump on the free #8 tram that will take you to the Colosseum, Pantheon and other famous landmarks in just 5 minutes! The hotel was not only in the perfect location but was very clean, had big rooms and free breakfast.  

-TONNARELLO: This delicious Italian Restaurant is in the heart of Trastevere. They are known for their amazing Italian pastas and pizza as well as their Italian wines. They also have a fun, lively atmosphere with an excellent outdoor patio. Try to make a reservation if you can because they fill up quickly however if you do have to wait it is definitely worth it!

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-CAJO E GAJO: This was our favorite restaurant in Trastevere! They have a fun atmosphere and a cute little patio! We got the caprese salad and the tortellini! It was amazing! Also if you have to wait they give you a glass of champagne! Pretty cool! 

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-GRAZIA E GRAZIELLA: Grazia is also in Trastevere and is a local hot spot. The line is always super long but moves quickly! They have wonderful Italian dishes and of course excellent wine! 

-OSTERIA DA FORTUNATA: This is a cute, very authentic Italian Restaurant near the Pantheon. They make their fresh pasta in the window which is neat to watch!

We discovered the first night that Happy Hour is a big deal in Italy! All the happy hour spots have wine for about 3-4 euros and then they give you little snacks like bruschetta! 

-LONG ISLAND NIGHT CAFE: This is a cute little spot in Trastevere that has a great happy hour! You have to get the aperal spritz! They also have a nice patio you can sit on and people watch!

-VINALLEGRO WINE BAR: Vinallegro is another great happy hour spot in Trastevere serving excellent wine and apps!

-47 CIRCUS ROOF GARDEN: We stumbled across this roof top bar and are so glad we ended up grabbing a drink here! It’s on the rooftop of a hotel and has a beautiful view of the city as well as wonderful drinks. It’s near the Patheon and Colosseum. This was the perfect spot for an afternoon cocktail. 

-PIMMS GOOD: Pimms Good is an upbeat local pub in Trastevere with live music and signature cocktails. We actually went here both nights we were in Rome because it was so much fun! 

-ROME FREE WALKING TOUR: We did this tour the first afternoon we arrived and it was a great 2 hour tour of the city where you get to see all the main spots like the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Colosseum. It was a great way to see the city and was free! 

-VATICAN TOUR WITH THE ROMAN GUY: This was hands down our favorite tour we did while we were in Rome! We booked the 7:30am “Vatican Highlights Tour with St Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel” so we could be in before the crowd and it was awesome! The tour guide was amazing as well! The earlier time was a little more expensive but totally worth it because you didn’t have to wait in line and there was barely anyone inside at that time. 

-COLOSSEUM TOUR: We didn’t book this tour in time but totally wish we did! It books up quickly so make sure you buy a ticket and to skip the line if you want to go into the Colosseum. If you don’t have a ticket, the line is insane!