Exploring the Eternal City Part II
Continuing my travel journal about the last 2 days in Rome. Check out Part 1 here.
Day Three: Vatican City, a classic Margherita, and strolling with the locals.
There's something enchanting about Rome at sunrise, so I laced up my running shoes and set off for a quick jog before our visit to the Vatican Museums at 7:45 am. Those thirty minutes were pure magic – just imagine having Rome all to yourself in the early morning light.
To make the most of our Vatican experience, we wisely booked a tour guide to skip the massive lines. It turned out to be a great decision, although the downside was that even at that early hour, the place was bustling with visitors. Nonetheless, the Vatican Museum left me awestruck once again; its collection is nothing short of incredible, and I found myself enjoying it even more than during my first visit.
After nearly three hours of exploration, we made our way to Emma Pizzeria for a classic Margherita pizza. The simplicity and freshness of the ingredients were absolutely mouthwatering – a delightful taste of authentic Italian cuisine.The restaurant open a few years ago by a young couple and members of Roscioli family; toppings are sourced from Salumeria Roscioli–yes, the same place we went for launch a day before and it’s one of my top. Bonus: it’s open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
After a quick stop at our Airbnb to freshen up, we headed to the Pantheon. The line was a bit long, but the wait was worth it. DJ had a few archaeological spots on his list, so we spent the evening meandering through the city, sipping on plenty of water to beat the heat. Eventually, we found ourselves at Giardino degli Aranci, a hidden gem with a breathtaking viewpoint of the city, away from the tourist crowds.
Day Four: Exploring Trastevere and discovering artsy local boutiques.
No day in Rome can start without our daily dose of espresso – a ritual we kept up at one of the charming bars near our place. Eager to dive into the city's vibrant atmosphere, we set off and crossed Ponte Palatino, arriving in the bohemian district of Trastevere. This area exudes a unique charm, with its wine bars, quaint boutiques, and art-filled streets.
On Via di Monserrato, I came across some fantastic boutiques that I can't recommend enough: Lou Lou Roma, Maison Halaby, and Chez Dédé store. Each of these places is a treasure trove of carefully curated items, and you're sure to find something special to take back home. Personally, I was captivated by the eclectic and funky lamps at Il Paralume – they had me daydreaming about what it would be like to have a chic apartment in Rome.
And that was it, before our next stop to Tuscany.
