Classic glamour - City Guide Rome

Old school al fresco

The Pirola family has run Taverna Trilussa since 1910. It is now in the hands of the third generation of Pirolas, brothers Massimo and Maurizio. The classic Roman recipes remain the same, with the emphasis on ­asta and meat, served in the dining room with air-dried hams hanging from the ceiling, truffles in baskets and cheese with Barolo red wine that will immediately get your mouth watering. Spacious and attractive al fresco dining all year round.

Taverna Trilussa

Working hipsters

In recent years, the old working-class district Pigneto in northern Rome has become a hipster haunt with numerous new bars and restaurants. In what was once the national state railway employee canteen, the concept loft Cohouse serves locally sourced food prepared by various renowned Roman chefs who rotate monthly. There’s a food market on Sundays, lounges hosting various events, exhibitions, live sets and club night on Saturday evenings. To gain entrance, you need to buy a 10 euro membership card that will also give you access to the garden and outdoor swimming pool from May to October, where barbecued and other delicious food is available.

The little drop

A typical small Italian enoteca or wine bar right in the heart of centro storico, Rome’s historic center, is Il Goccetto, where you can stop by on the way home from work for an aperitif or a glass of wine. Sit or stand, have a chat and nibble on some meat or cheese if you wish. You can also choose from a wide range of bottles of wine to take home with you.

Il Goccetto

Vintage dreams

Not so much a hotel in the traditional sense, but more like three suites themed on a mix of vintage 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and contemporary styles, plus a roof terrace. The address? It’s on Via Frattina, right in the heart of the shopping district around the Spanish Steps. A mini-spa is also available on the nearby Via Borgognona. Italian breakfast served in your room. If you want to spoil yourself in a fantastic location, this is the place.

Via Frattina

Park life

The Villa Doria Pamphili is located in largest landscaped public park in Rome. The 184-hectare park surrounds the beautiful castle­like villa and is perfect for spur-of-the-moment picnics or a jog. You aren’t allowed to swim in the small lake, but you can always cool down in the pool at the nearby Grand Hotel Gianicolo.

Park life

Sweet harmony

Modern Romans happily live alongside their ancient monuments and squares. Piazza Garibaldi on Gianicolo hill, with its romantic sunset views, has always been popular, while an evening stroll to the floodlit Trevi Fountain is the perfect post-dinner antidote. Grab an ice cream as you walk in “Rome’s living room”, the Piazza Navona.

Masterful hospitality

The founder of Hotel Raphaël, Spartaco Vannoni, was a dedicated collector of art and antiques including ceramics by Picasso and paintings by Miró and De Chirico. Something of a celebrity hangout, this is the perfect spot for a luxurious romantic weekend in the bougainvillea bedecked building. Even if you’re not a guest, you’re welcome to eat and drink on the Bramante roof terrace.

Hotel Raphaël

Roman bath

Rome may not be on the coast, but the sea is only a 35-minute train ride away at Ostia. The Ferrovia Roma-Lido service runs every 15 minutes, and the station is next to the Piramide metro station. Get off at Cristoforo ­Colombo and walk 150 meters to the well-tended Gambrinus, a favorite of Audrey Hepburn’s, which is a stabilimento – or private beach – with an excellent seafood restaurant and the Mediterranean at your feet.

Ostia

Charming design

The Monti District effectively starts near the Colosseum and the tiny, narrow streets are home to small designer stores and galleries. In the small Madonna dei Monti square you can eat al fresco next to a local – or maybe a well-known face. Good shopping and numerous small restaurants.

Rooftop relaxation

When your tired feet scream “no more shopping” after parading along Via del Corso and Via del Tritone, head to Hotel Bernini Bristol’s roof terrace, sit yourself down and sip a delicious cocktail as you cast your eyes over the eternal city. Open daily from 12:30pm to midnight.

Hotel Bernini Bristol’s roof terrace