Attention travelers! The Eternal City beckons, and your epic journey begins from the vibrant heart of Rome – The Yellow Square! If you have a mere 48 hours to soak in the wonders of this historic metropolis, fret not, for we have crafted the ultimate tour route that will weave you through ancient marvels and modern treasures – all on foot! Lace up your walking shoes and brace yourselves for an unforgettable adventure that will leave you enchanted by Rome’s timeless allure!

Day 1: Delving into Ancient Rome

Morning
The Yellow Square: Start your quest right at The Yellow Square – a lively and art-filled hostel that emanates the city’s spirit. Fuel up with a scrumptious breakfast and meet fellow travelers ready to explore Rome’s wonders alongside you.
Colosseum: Venture forth to the awe-inspiring Colosseum, an imposing ancient amphitheater that has stood the test of time. Feel the echoes of history as you stand amidst the once roaring crowds and gladiatorial contests.
Roman Forum: Wander through the remnants of the Roman Forum, where the echoes of ancient life still linger. Immerse yourself in the stories of emperors and citizens alike as you stroll past ruins of temples and basilicas.

Lunch
Trattoria Luzzi: Take a break for a delightful Italian lunch at Trattoria Luzzi. Savor their classic pasta dishes and indulge in the local flavors – a true Roman experience!

Afternoon
Pantheon: Head to the Pantheon, a marvel of ancient architecture with a breathtaking dome and a history that spans centuries. Be awestruck by its sheer grandeur and celestial oculus.
Trevi Fountain: Toss a coin and make a wish at the Trevi Fountain, a majestic Baroque masterpiece. Channel your inner dreamer and believe in the magic of this ancient tradition.
Piazza Navona: Conclude your afternoon at Piazza Navona, a bustling square that comes alive with street performers and artists. Bask in the atmosphere as you admire Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers.

Dinner
Osteria da Fortunata: Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Osteria da Fortunata, known for its mouthwatering Roman-style pizza. Savor the flavors and relish the ambiance of this authentic trattoria.

 

Day 2: Embracing Modern Marvels

Morning
Vatican City: Kickstart your day by crossing into Vatican City and exploring St. Peter’s Square and Basilica. Absorb the spiritual ambiance and marvel at the iconic artworks within.

Lunch
Pizzarium: Refuel with a quick yet satisfying lunch at Pizzarium, a renowned pizzeria offering a mouthwatering variety of gourmet pizza slices.

Afternoon
Castel Sant’Angelo: Walk along the scenic Tiber River to Castel Sant’Angelo, a former fortress with a storied past. Climb to the top for panoramic vistas of Rome’s skyline.
Ponte Sant’Angelo: Cross the elegant Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge adorned with angelic statues. Enjoy the serene views of the Tiber River as you make your way to the next stop.
Piazza di Spagna & Spanish Steps: Ascend the iconic Spanish Steps, arriving at Piazza di Spagna. Take a moment to relax and soak in the atmosphere of this lively square.

Dinner
Da Bucatino: Conclude your Roman odyssey with a sumptuous dinner at Da Bucatino, known for its delectable Roman cuisine. Delight in the flavors and celebrate the memories you’ve made during your 48-hour escapade.

As your Roman adventure draws to a close, you’ll carry with you cherished memories of ancient marvels, the charm of modern delights, and the camaraderie of fellow travelers. Relish the allure of Rome, and remember – the spirit of exploration is forever alive in The Yellow Square. Happy trails, adventurers!

Calling all travelers with a taste for adventure! Welcome to Rome, where the streets are as rich with history as they are with tantalizing flavors. As you embark on your culinary journey through the Eternal City, we present three must-try Roman foods that are not only easy to find but also guaranteed to leave you craving for more. Get ready to savor the essence of Rome with every delectable bite!

Cacio e Pepe – Cheesy Pasta Bliss at Your Fingertips!
Travelers, it’s time to fall in love with Cacio e Pepe, a Roman pasta dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Seek out any traditional trattoria, and you’ll find this Roman classic waiting to delight your taste buds. Tender spaghetti, coated in a luscious sauce made from Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly ground black pepper, creates a symphony of flavors in your mouth. Don’t miss the chance to experience this culinary masterpiece – Cacio e Pepe is both satisfying and easy to find in Rome’s charming eateries. Your taste buds will thank you for embarking on this cheesy pepperlicious adventure!

Supplì – A Savory Surprise in Every Bite!
Wander through the bustling streets of Rome, and you’ll encounter the delightful aroma of Supplì, an irresistible street food sensation that demands your attention. These delectable fried rice balls are a treat for your senses, with a hidden surprise of molten mozzarella cheese tucked inside. Embrace the spirit of culinary exploration as you stroll through the city, as Supplì is readily available from many street vendors and pizzerias. Whether you’re on the move or taking a moment to relax in a quaint piazza, these crispy delights will become your go-to snack in no time!

Roman style pizza – A slice of heaven that awaits you at every turn!
Easily spotted in pizzerias across Rome, this thin-crusted delight offers a diverse array of toppings to suitevery taste. Take your pick from classic margheritas to inventive combinations like potato and rosemary – a true reflection of Rome’s culinary ingenuity. Indulge in a mouthwatering slice al taglio, and savor the crispy perfection of Roman-style pizza wherever your explorations lead you.

So, fellow adventurers, let your taste buds guide you through the captivating streets of modern-day Rome. Cacio e Pepe, Supplì, and Roman-style pizza are your culinary companions on this unforgettable journey. Embrace the flavors, immerse yourself in the culture, and create lasting memories with each delicious bite.

Buon viaggio e buon appetito!

In Rome sitting next to a tree at a park in the Trastevere neighbourhood; its charming, narrow streets took me and my camera from one beautiful exterior to another.

As I wandered, I started reflecting on my first time traveling solo and first time in Italy: I have daydreamed more than I dreamed in my sleep.

This is for the ones who I’ve met the last weeks, who will fellow footsteps in this journey and for the Yellow family.

While boarding the plane to Italy I felt an excitement rise in me. I was about to realize a dream, to make adventures for a lifetime!

As soon as I landed at the Naples airport I realized: I’ll have to fend for myself in this jungle. No, I was not afraid, I took advantage of every moment. The question that teased me the most, before the departure, was: Am I really going to be alone? Strangely, this first solo trip also has the first trip during which I met a lot of people: travellers of all ages, all styles, all origins. Some of the travellers have become friends and it was not the kind of friendship you forget but the kind of friendship you carry with you. I have rarely been alone, even when I was desperate to sit quietly and read a book. ”I really did my best” the introvert me would say. The extrovert me was happy to say that I’ve dined with the sweetest people and left the table with a stomach ache from laughing. The adventures that I made are actually not going to be spoiled. Some memories are so precious that you should keep them a secret also are some of them a little explicit and so my family will not have to see this. Also sometimes it’s hard to describe what it feels like jumping in the Mediterranean sea at 01:00 with people you just met the same day. While walking on volcanic black sand looking at the city of Naples and the moon that are giving their light to the salt water. To end the evening with dancing the salsa till the lights die out. But I am going to give you the feeling what it was like traveling solo in Italy.

When arriving to Rome I got a feeling that I accomplished something. What it was I still don’t know. Maybe it was a sign that a new chapter in my life had begun. Or was it a reassurance that I was safe. When arriving in my room at 19:00 I took a quick nap, because I had promised I would photograph the Glitter Kiss at the Yellow Bar just across the street. So when it was 21:30 and after a quick nap and a shower I was preparing to go the party, for me that is just putting some perfume on, I walked in the bar. I saw a beautiful yellow neon sign that said: “They call us dreamers, but we are the ones who never sleep”. And that motto became the sentiment of the night. People think it’s cool if you’re the party photographer of the night, but the beautiful aspect of being a photographer is that you have a different view than the crowd. What I saw was a global village where people were in a kind on euphoria that was unmatched. This was just my first night at the Yellow. And from that moment on the Yellow became my home and the rest is history.

Für Clara and Serena

Rome. This touristic city is so well depicted in history books and documentaries. It is a city that people unfortunately often tend to reduce to the Colosseum or the Pantheon. It is a city that I’ve unconsciously never been excited about because I didn’t want to seem or feel mainstream.

Still, as soon as I got off the train taking me from Fiumicino to Termini the first day I ever stepped foot here, everything had already changed. 

The magic was already operating.

From my first day to the end of my time in Rome, I have spent indescribable, unforgettable days. Some days were all chill and relax. I would have a walk alongside the Tiber and eat some of the best tiramisu next to one of the famous places in Rome. Most days were as exciting as it gets. I would spend Sunday mornings in the mountains of clothes at the market of Porta Portese and discovering the breathtaking views at the Pincio or Giardini del Aranci. 

At the end of each day, a hard choice was to be made between getting some well-deserved rest or going to the Yellowbar across the street to have some more fun. I can still picture the neon lights of the bar, forming letters, words, and a sentence:

“They call us dreamers, but we are the ones who never sleep”. 

I will never forget the face of the many people that have once pushed the kitchen door of the Yellow. The people that would cook pasta as if their life depended on it. The ones who would try all the pans before finding the only one that works with the induction hob. The ones making their morning caffè with the little purple moka that someone left in the kitchen when they moved on and away to live other adventures. 

For a while, I had my very own family at the hostel. 

From the French guy looking for a job in Rome to the Spanish girl learning Italian at La Sapienza University, without forgetting the Greek teenager I shared an ice cream with and the American boy that took me on a rooftop. Each and every one of them was special, each had an incredible personality and took part in the loud laughs that still echo in my head. 

I will miss Monica’s confident voice, Julio’s music and many arts, Pablo’s ever-changing dyed hair, Stella’s ice creams at the Gello, and Veronica and Eduardo’s diffusing and radiant happiness. 

And overall, I know I will miss the summer heat of the Roman sun on my skin more than I’ll ever like to admit. The freshwater harvested of fountains unexpectedly placed at the corner of the streets. The taste of all the creamy pistacchio croissants I have eaten. The feeling of the fine warm sand of Ostia on my feet.

I have created so many memories in Rome. Some will come back home with me and others will stay sheltered within the delicate architecture of the Roman buildings. 

A hand on my suitcase, the other one holding my passport, the feeling is almost indescribable. While getting lost in the Fiumicino labyrinth -as if Rome didn’t want me to go, I can hear some people ordering a freshly-pressed orange juice. Voices fade away, the further I walk into the plane corridor. When we finally take off, the last souvenir that Rome is willing to give me is the direct view of Ostia. And what a wonderful memory… 

Rome is where my heart is. Rome is the city in which I bloomed. Rome is my home.

If one thing is true, it is that Rome is a city of the past. Much honestly, the first time you step foot in the city, you might wonder if you have just been brought back to the past. There are statues everywhere and detailed sculptures all around you that carry the thought: “Wow, I’m in a huge museum!”.

And that couldn’t be less true. Rome is an open-air museum indeed (link to one of the previous articles).

Rome is art, antique, history, archaeology, a city that never let its record go to waste. That is also why the Eternal City is one of the top travel destinations and has been for years.

But enough about the history and the beauty of the finely detailed flowers engraved below the roofs. Today is about one thing that we love doing when traveling to a foreign country: shopping!

Markets in Rome: Our top 5

Well yes – shopping is very much a part of tourist life, isn’t it? We love bringing back souvenirs in all kinds of “Rome”-printed sweatshirts, hip accessories, paintings of the city, and more. Anything to remind us back home that we once lived the most unforgettable moments in town.

Today is your lucky day. We have compiled a list of the top 5 markets in Rome. There is everything for you to enjoy thorough shopping days in the city from food snacks to vintage fashion!

1) Mercato di Porta Portese

The Porta Portese Market is the place to be on a Sunday morning. One could describe it as a vast, open-air vintage shop. Countless stalls lay on several streets and offer piles upon piles of vintage and second-hand clothes.

The market is located close to the Trastevere area, and it offers a relaxed, trendy vibe. People press to find the best bargains, and the flea market – open only on Sundays – offers records, books, clothes, and houseware beyond your wildest dreams. Our friendly recommendation is such: like Harry Potter’s Room of Requirement, do not expect anything from the Porta Portese Market. That’s the best way to find hidden gems.

2) Mercato di Testaccio

The Mercato di Testaccio is located in the surroundings of the Piramide and Testaccio areas. Upon entering the market, we instantly recognize the vibe of the old-school grandma market. It is filled with the finest Italian products: meat, fish, cheese meet artisanal clothes, beauty products, and accessories.

At the Mercato di Testaccio, you can sit at some of the best food stalls in the city. Food Box, for instance, offers panini filled with vegetarian and meat options. A panino with melanzane alla Parmigiana (aubergines with parmesan cheese) will surely linger in your mind. CasaManco is another excellent choice, with pizza alla pala declined in both regular and creative recipes.

3) Mercato di Campo de’ Fiori

The market of Campo de’ Fiori is open almost every day, and it is surrounded by some great cafés, restaurants, and bars. The fantastic thing about this market is that the produce is fresh and local. We strongly recommend getting freshly pressed juice from one of the food stalls there.

Why not start a Roman day with breakfast at one of the cafés, and enjoy a great moment with coffee and cornetto in hand? On a sunny day, the market looks lively, filled with fresh scents and noises from the surrounding customers. On a rainy day, Campo de’ Fiori becomes melancholic, romantic, beautiful.

4) Mercato Monti

The Mercato Monti is one of the trendiest markets in Rome. It is open on weekends only, and it offers handcrafted accessories and more vintage items than you have ever seen. From 10 am to 8 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, you can find handmade jewelry, fashion, accessories in vintage and artisanal declensions.

5) Mercato dell’Esquilino

The Mercato dell’Esquilino borders the Termini station, and it focuses on ethnic, international foods. If you are missing specific spices to create a tremendous Asian, African, or Arab dish, that is where you need to go.

The market personifies the hustle and bustle of multicultural Rome. There, noises and smell combine in the vast industrial building, open almost every day of the week.

In conclusion…

There you have it, a condensed list of the hippest and delicious markets in Rome. If you’ve never thought of shopping in Rome because the plan revolved around pizza-Colosseum-Vatican, think again. On a relaxed, stroll, you might just find your new favorites.

Rare are those who disagree on the fact that Rome hosts some of the most beautiful museums. From the almost alive statues of Gallery Borghese to the Egyptian room of the Vatican museums, the artworks will undeniably blow your mind away. 

However, we have to admit that the city itself is housing a particular aesthetic that you can only reach by walking in the streets of Rome, with your eyes wide open. Rome definitely is a museum by essence, unveiling new gems each and every day. 

Whether it is street art or simply places that showcase the most unusual beauty, we have gathered for you some of the wonders you might come across in the streets of the Eternal city. 

1. Church San Paolo Dentro le Mura 

Literally “St Paul within the walls”, this gothic church sits in the middle of Via Nationale. Walk by this amazing building and let yourself be amazed by the alternating pure white and saturated brick red. Its special appearance gives this church all the singularity that we love when wandering in the streets of Rome. 

2. Via della Conciliazione 

Considered as one of the main arteries of the city, this street is a must if you are looking for street art around the Vatican. The artworks are everywhere, defending all types of opinions, through all kinds of styles. Paintings, stickers, or sentences – we guarantee this is one of the best spots to enjoy a different type of art in a city full of ancient statues and paintings. 

3. Via Dei Pastini 

For lunch or dinner, day or night, you can enjoy the beauty of this street. Not so far from the Fontana di Trevi and the Pantheon, you can walk through this street and come across the many displays of fresh pasta, artichokes, and other Italian specialties at the entrance of the restaurants. Do not miss an occasion to eat in one of these, under the sparkling lights of the terraces!  

4. Quatro Fontane 

At the intersection of Via Delle Quatro Fontane and Via del Quirinale, you will find four built-in fountains. Nothing special so far, as Rome offers a plethora of amazing fountains. However, we advise you to take a closer look at these fountains, since each one is different from the others. Two of these fountains are the embodiment of two rivers, the River Tiber and the River Aniene while the two other fountains are the Goddesses Diana and Juno, representing chastity and strength. The details of each one of the Quatro Fontane will make your eyes sparkle!

5. Clet Abraham’s Unusual Traffic Signs

Walking in the streets of Rome, you will probably notice that some traffic signs are somewhat… diverted. Well, Clet Abraham is the creator of the funny stickmen stealing the show from the stop signs. Small arrows spiking hearts, tiny policemen, Andy-Warhol type bananas… Witness the ingenuity of his art by looking up to these traffic signs! 

6. Quartiere Coppedè 

Enter a real fairytale in Quartiere Coppedè, a housing complex built following the Modern Style movement. There, you will have the chance to walk around the Fontana delle Rane – the Frog fountain, to discover the many details of Villini delle Fatte and to walk under the arch of The Palazzi degli Ambasciatori. This neighborhood is a staple of the city of Rome, for its peculiar architecture and all the secrets it seems to be hiding.

Here they are – six of our favorite spots to experience Rome under a completely different aesthetic. But overall, we advise you to tie your shoelaces and to get lost in the Roman labyrinth. This way, you will uncover your own wonders: street art, little sculptures of the Virgin Mary on the corner of random buildings, and outstanding architecture! Get off the beaten paths, and always remember that even famous spots change daily. All that matters is the angle from which you see them…