Photo Diary: Rome, Italy

To Rome, with Love

Over the weekend I had the chance to visit Rome again after almost two years. Rome, Italy will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the city that opened my eyes to the beauty of travel. To me, Rome is where is all began. When I first arrived in Rome, I was excited to experience Europe and dive into a new culture. It was the first time I was away from home and out of the country by myself. Rome gave me the opportunity to grow and understand myself in a deeper sense.

Walking the streets of my old neighborhood and walking by the ancient monuments all over the city gave me such nostalgia. My experience in Rome taught me so much and truly helped shaped me into the person I am today.

Rome is an incredible city and although it may seem overwhelming, seeing the highlights of the city can be done in one day! From Florence it’s a quick hour and a half train ride. I left Florence around 6am and had the entire day to go back to some old places to reminisce as well as experience Rome in a new way. Some of my favorite spots are the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Trastevere neighborhood.

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My Favorite Cafés in Rome, Italy

Other than pasta, pizza, and gelato, before coming to Rome I was really looking forward to the coffee. I am a huge coffee gal. I’m happy to say I have not been disappointed with the coffee here, it is incredible. I’ve really enjoyed trying out different cafés in the area, each one is so unique inside. Aside from just coffee, the cafés also offer yummy pastries, snacks, and even small meals. Here are five of my favorite cafés in Rome:

Caffè Settimiano 

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This café is definitely one of my top favorites. It is located in the Trastevere neighborhood. I love stopping here for a typical Italian breakfast (croissant + cappuccino) in the mornings. Also, the staff here is always super sweet and welcoming.

Caffè Lungara 

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Caffè Lungara is also located in Trastevere. I come here often for a small lunch. They have the best fruit salad I have ever tasted, it is always so fresh and beautifully displayed…as you can see from this picture.

Bar del Cappuccino 

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This cappuccino bar is towards the city center of Rome. I originally went because I read that the man who works here specializes in cappuccino designs! His favorite designs to make for customers are hearts and apples.

Esco Sazio 

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Esco Sazio is a small organic juice and fruit café. I’ve never ordered coffee here because I always want an acai bowl. These acai bowls are refreshing and filling. I also appreciate how beautiful the fruit display looks in the bowl.

Don Nino 

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Don Nino is located in several parts of Italy, I first discovered it in Florence. There are three scattered around the city center of Rome. Their cappuccino and croissant are some of absolute favorites! Also, the interior design of their café is adorable.

Rome Bucket List

Ah, Rome…the eternal city. I have been lucky enough to live in this historic city for the past month. With this amount of time, it gave me the opportunity to see and do a lot of things throughout the city. Here are some of my favorites:

  1. The Trevi Foundation IMG_0626.jpg
  2. The Spanish Steps 
  3. The Pantheon 
  4. Walk across to the other side of the Tiber River to the Trastevere neighborhood
  5. Climb to the top of Gianicolo Hill IMG_2440.JPG.jpeg
  6. The Sistine Chapel
  7. The Roman Forum IMG_0628.JPG
  8. Piazza Navona 
  9. Piazza Venezia
  10. The Colosseum FullSizeRender.jpg-1.jpeg