A lot of people who are planning a short trip to Rome ask if it is possible to visit the Colosseum and Vatican in one day. I am a big advocate for spending more time in Rome so you can discover the city, but I understand that time constraints (and a shortage of vacation days) […]
Author Archives: Natalie
I am going to go ahead and just say it: most of the coffee in Italy is bad. Some of it is terrible. However, there is some hope that things are changing so I keep a running list of where to find the best coffee in Rome. Despite what you may have heard, Italian coffee […]
Update January 2021: 2020 had other plans for many of us, including Starbucks. The first Starbucks in Rome is now planned for 2021 and the location seems to be Piazza San Silvestro – which is essentially between the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. It is happening. The first Rome Starbucks is set to open in […]
Rome has two airports: Fiumicino and Ciampino. Fiumicino, also sometimes known as Leonardo Da Vinci Airport, is the main international airport and is much busier compared to smaller Ciampino Airport. Ciampino Airport in Rome is not a glamorous flying experience (it is usually used only by low-cost carriers) but its compact size can have its […]
It is impossible to talk about food in Italy without talking about pasta. There is dried pasta, and fresh pasta, in hundred of shapes with a range of toppings. So where, exactly do you find the best pasta in Rome? That depends on what pasta dish you want to eat. There are four classic Roman […]
One of the best art shows that I have seen in Rome in recent memory is the Impressionisti Segreti exhibit that is now on show at the recently restored Palazzo Bonaparte. The “secret impressionists” show features more than 50 works by artists including Renoir, Monet, Gaugin, and Cézanne. There are also some fantastic pieces by […]
Every year, Italy celebrates 12 official public holidays. These days of rest and celebration range from national days to religious holidays which are widely observed by a majority of the public. During public holidays in Italy, institutions like schools and post offices will be closed. Most private businesses also close on these official national holidays […]
Florence is a city that is absolutely renowned for its leather tradition. If you are searching for a Made in Italy handbag or leather jacket to take home, Firenze is the place to get it. However, this fame for leather means that you will find shops peddling counterfeit or imported goods in every corner of […]