How to Experience Rome’s Culture and Style on Your City Break

There’s something about Rome that makes you want to throw on your nicest outfit, order an Aperol Spritz and pretend you’re the leading lady in your very own Italian romcom. Preferably one where you spend your afternoons wandering through pretty cobbled streets, eating ridiculous amounts of pasta and somehow looking effortlessly chic throughout. A girl can dream, right?

But that’s the thing about Rome. It really is every bit as romantic, chaotic and beautiful as you’d imagine. One minute you’re standing in front of a building that’s been around for thousands of years, the next you’re sipping an espresso outside a tiny café, watching impeccably dressed Italians go about their day as though they’re all secretly starring in a fashion campaign.

And while there’s certainly no shortage of famous sights to tick off your list, I think the real magic of Rome is in everything that happens in between. The unexpected little discoveries, the long lunches that turn into even longer afternoons and the feeling that, for a few days at least, you’ve completely forgotten what day of the week it is.

So, if you’re planning a Roman escape and fancy experiencing a little more than the usual tourist hotspots, here’s how to make the most of the city’s culture, food and fabulous sense of style.

A Little Art, A Little History and a Lot of Looking Up

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not necessarily someone who wants to spend an entire holiday reading museum plaques. But Rome has a rather clever way of making even the most casual history enthusiast feel completely fascinated.

For starters, there’s the Colosseum, which is somehow even more impressive in person than it looks in photographs. And then there’s the Roman Forum, where you can wander amongst ancient ruins and try to get your head around the fact that people were going about their daily lives here thousands of years ago. It’s quite something.

Of course, the Vatican Museums are another absolute must if you’re keen to soak up some of the city’s artistic heritage. Home to an extraordinary collection of paintings, sculptures and historic treasures, they’re also where you’ll find the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. Even if you’re not particularly into art, it’s difficult not to be blown away by the sheer scale of it all.

If you fancy something a little quieter, the Borghese Gallery is another beautiful option, with incredible sculptures and paintings housed inside a gorgeous villa. Just make sure you book ahead, as entry is timed and tickets can be snapped up quickly.

And the best part? You don’t actually need to have a perfectly planned itinerary to appreciate Rome’s history. Sometimes the most memorable moments happen when you stumble across a beautiful church, a hidden courtyard or an unexpectedly spectacular fountain while trying to find somewhere for lunch.

Which, let’s face it, is a very good reason to get a little lost.

Forget the Itinerary for an Afternoon

I’m all for a bit of organisation when travelling, particularly when there are certain sights you really don’t want to miss. But I also think there’s something rather lovely about leaving a few hours completely unplanned.

And Rome is the perfect place for it.

In fact, a Rome holiday offers endless opportunities to wander through winding streets, discover little independent shops and stumble upon picturesque squares that practically demand you stop for a coffee.

Piazza Navona is a particularly lovely spot for a bit of people watching, with its beautiful fountains, street artists and bustling cafes. Campo de’ Fiori is another favourite, especially earlier in the day when the market is in full swing.

There’s something so enjoyable about browsing stalls overflowing with colourful fruit, fresh flowers and all sorts of delicious Italian treats. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a wonderful way of soaking up local atmosphere and seeing a slightly different side of the city.

And if you really want to embrace the Italian way of life, try popping into a neighbourhood cafe for a quick espresso at the counter. It’s what the locals do and although I can’t promise you’ll suddenly become fluent in Italian or develop an impossibly chic wardrobe, you’ll certainly feel a little more at home.

Don’t rush everywhere. Sit outside, order something lovely and watch the world go by. Sometimes that’s the best bit of a city break!

Channel Your Inner Italian Fashionista

Can we talk about how stylish Italians are for a moment?

Because honestly, it’s almost unfair.

You can be wearing what you thought was a perfectly lovely holiday outfit, only to walk past someone who looks like they’ve stepped straight out of the pages of Vogue while simply popping out to buy bread.

Rome has that wonderful, effortlessly put-together sense of style that makes even the most ordinary everyday moments feel a little glamorous.

If designer fashion is your thing, the streets around Via Condotti and the Spanish Steps are well worth exploring. Think beautiful shop windows, luxury labels and plenty of opportunities to mentally spend an imaginary lottery win.

Personally, I think there’s just as much fun to be had exploring the smaller boutiques and vintage shops tucked away in areas like Monti and Via del Governo Vecchio. You’ll find independent designers, unusual accessories and lovely little shops where you can pick up something that feels a bit more special than your usual holiday souvenir.

Even if you’re not planning on shopping, it’s worth having a wander purely for the inspiration.

One thing I would say, though, is to be realistic about footwear. Those beautiful Roman cobblestones might look dreamy in photographs, but they’re not necessarily best friends with a pair of heels.

Comfortable trainers or sandals are absolutely the way forward. You can save the glamorous shoes for aperitivo hour!

Come for the Culture, Stay for the Pasta

I don’t think it’s particularly controversial to suggest that one of the very best things about visiting Italy is the food.

In fact, I’d go as far as to say that planning your day around where you’re going to eat next is a perfectly acceptable approach to sightseeing.

And Rome certainly doesn’t disappoint.

You’ll find plenty of traditional Roman dishes to get excited about, from creamy cacio e pepe and rich carbonara to amatriciana and deliciously crispy fried artichokes.

My favourite kind of Italian dining experience is finding a cosy little trattoria tucked down a side street, ordering a glass of wine and settling in for a long, leisurely meal without feeling the need to be anywhere else.

There’s something rather wonderful about the way Italians approach food. It’s not just about grabbing something quickly before moving on to the next activity. It’s about sitting down, enjoying yourself, chatting and making an occasion of it.

And then, of course, there’s gelato.

Because you absolutely cannot visit Rome without having at least one gelato a day. I’m fairly sure it’s an unwritten rule.

Look for smaller artisan gelaterias where the flavours are made with quality ingredients, rather than being distracted by enormous, brightly coloured mountains of ice cream in the window.

And if you happen to find a particularly good dark chocolate flavour, well, it would be rude not to go back for seconds.

Embrace a Little Dolce Vita

I think what makes Rome such a special city break destination is that you don’t necessarily have to be doing something spectacular every minute to have a spectacular time.

Yes, the famous landmarks are incredible, the art is extraordinary and the shopping is rather tempting. But it’s often the smaller moments that stay with you afterwards.

That first coffee of the morning, enjoyed outside while the city slowly wakes up. Finding a gorgeous little street you hadn’t planned to visit. Ordering another glass of wine because the evening is too lovely to end just yet.

Rome has a way of reminding you that sometimes the nicest thing you can do on holiday is simply enjoy being there.

So pack your comfiest shoes, leave a little room in your suitcase for a few Italian purchases and prepare to eat more pasta than you thought humanly possible.

After all, when in Rome…

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