Rome was at the centre of the Roman Empire that ruled the European Continent for several centuries. Because of which, Rome has stunning architecture, amazing food and lifestyle way ahead of it’s time. Romans, known for their lavish lifestyle, fashion culture and rich roman empire have left their impressions in many aspects of our current lives. Apart from leaving their mark with their art, literature, law, technology; when you cross a bridge, or see your favourite sport in a stadium, even the language we speak – all originate from the Romans.
Today, Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world as a touristic hotspot. But what are the places the locals visit to shop and eat? If you’d like to know, keep reading as I take you through the streets of Rome through the eye’s of a local.
Places To Shop
The birth of Italian fashion only took place in the early 1950’s with the global launch of “Made in Italy”. In 1951, the nobleman Giovanni Battista Giorgini organised in his Florentine villa, Villa Torrigiani, a fashion show which showcased only Italian creations. Designers Emilio Pucci, Fabiani and Missoni were the most successful in that era, promoting their Italian roots.
Via Del Corso
Via Del Corso is the main street of the city and also been redefined by Romans as Rome’s shopping street. It is a straight street that goes in the North-South direction through most of the city, crammed not only with shops, souvenirs, pedlars, restaurants and cafes but also with churches, monuments, banks, organisations and political institutions. Via del Corso is a one and a half kilometre long street that links the major Historical landmarks Piazza del Popolo with Piazza Venezia.
Talking about only one street is not enough to what this area has to offer. Via del Corso branches into an indefinite amount of alleys and tiny streets, all of them as interesting and full of treasures as the ocean floor. Some streets are filled with beautiful local boutiques and some streets like Via dei Condotti is where you can find most luxury brand boutiques – appealing, elegant and utterly georges. The Italian originated, Gucci, Prada and Fendi have their flagship store on this street as well. So, whether you are a local or tourist, to be involved in the buzz of the city – this is where you need to be.
SuperOdra
Malloni
Situated in the 1st Rione of Rome, Monti, SuperOdra is an avant-garde dive into the historic and cultural heart of the city where tunnels and caves meet in the underground SuperOdra is a multi-brand designer store with labels that originate from Italy and all across Northern Europe. In the store you will find clothing with unconventional shapes and volumes that hint at the times past yet are cutting edge style. If fashion is your language of self-expression then this store is for you.
Since the 1960’s, Malloni stands out for its prominent personality through generations of artisans, artists and eclectic personalities. It houses clothing and footwear that make avant-garde and research the main objective. A voice that tells modernity with an alternative language, as always outside the pack. A continuous metamorphosis, which translates to the most ethereal spirit of poetry into matter, transforming visionary ideas and suggestions into reality.
Le Tartarughe
Since 1985, Le Tartarughe’s creations preserve the artisanal values that have made Rome famous throughout the world. Susanna Liso, head fashion designer of the brand Le Tartarughe, adds suggestive elements of playful experimentation to her haute couture and ready-to-wear lines, which are much loved by Rome’s aristocracy and young intelligentsia.
Michel Abbigliamento Donna
Michel is a multi-brand store that manages to continuously innovate thanks to continuous research and attention to new trends on the national and international scene. They have some really unique brands under their umbrella have even more unique pieces. The goal of their boutique is to be at the service of every woman engaged in work or who wants to dress up a classy casual, to satisfy her most sought-after requests for every ceremony and special occasion. Furthermore, their internal tailoring represents a fundamental element and due to the professionalism and care of our seamstresses, the dresses are modelled on the body of each woman, making them unique.
Punto Pelle
Punto Pelle is a 4th generation family business of the best handcrafted leather and fur jacket store in Rome. They are known for creating timeless pieces from the finest leather. What’s unique about this brand is that the coats are completely tailor made and you can have an exclusive one made completely according to your choice. Their coats are not mass produced and partially made my machine and partially by hand by the best artisans in the field and swear by using only the best quality raw materials. They are available to help you choose the right fit, size, style according to your body type and sense of fashion. I have added a picture of a reversible, intricately made jacket that really caught my eye. also known as the Bottega Jacket. It has beautiful craftsmanship and a keen eye for detail.
Places to Eat
Otivm Roof Bar
Terrazza Monti
Voodoo
This is the rooftop bar at Otivm Hotel with a great view and atmosphere. With Rome having mostly good weather filled with sunny days and pleasant nights, I really recommend going here as they have rich variety of wines and cocktails to choose from. The best time to go is at sunset.
This place has a great vibe–very comfortable and not uptight but rather informal. A great place to just chat with friends and have some delicious drinks. They have good background music and a fresh, modern design that reflects the style of the entire structure and some really captivating views of the beautiful city.
Another super chic rooftop bar situated at The Glam Hotel with gorgeous views and even better cocktails. If you love Rome and its architecture, this is a place to go. Where else are you going to get to enjoy a gourmet meal and gawk at this beautiful city at the same time? The Terrazza Monti also has a hot tub where you can take a dip if you like. You can see on the horizon the Colosseum and the Dome.
If you love to party while eating great food, Voodoo is a must visit. If there is a place in Rome that has an electrifying vibe that will make you want to get up from your seat and dance, it is this! This is a bar like no other and will make you feel totally out of the world. They have marvellous shows, body painters, yum pizza and sushi. Personally, this was an unforgettable experience for me.
Aroma
Aroma – Decadent food with the most incredible view. This is a one Michelin star restaurant that I was most enchanted by. It prides over it’s local home-sourced ingredients and their ability to create a beautiful culinary experience with international flair. Chef Di Iorio’s culinary offerings are intimately linked to the local terroir and ingredients sourced in the surrounding region. The menu offers the chef’s unique take on the tastes and traditions of classic Italian cuisine, while the cellar selections by our sommelier Alessandro Crognale has a very international flair, with a particular focus on champagne, and over 600 different labels.
When in Rome
The more touristic sightseeing spots that are mostly known to all are visiting the Vatican city, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Sistine Chapel and the list of ancient monuments goes on, and they really are marvels that should be visited. I found some other unique things to also do in Rome that are lesser known.
See Rome by the night on a bike tour that takes your through the city and offers food and wine tasting. Rome is beautiful during the day but enchanting by night.
Galleria Borghese is a haven for art history lovers. This is museum that is in itself beautifully constructed with even prettier gardens. It houses sculptures, paintings and antiquities and something about this place just made me drawn to it. And with the right weather, it was pleasure to have a picnic in the grounds.
Another place that gets missed by tourists but really deserves credit is the botanical garden of Rome – “Orto botanico di Roma”. It is lush and beautiful with perfectly landscaped trees and canals and gives such a sense of calm in the chaos of the city life.
Belvedere del Gianicolo is a spot where you can see all of Rome and is stunning. The Passeggiata del Gianicolo, from which you can enjoy one of the most evocative views of the historic centre of Rome, consists of two large avenues lined with plane trees, bordering the Villa Aurelia, which meet in Piazzale Garibaldi.
Rome is a city with the most number of tourists for a reason. Rich in culture, architecture and good food along with good weather is a rare find. I would recommend going there between March-September but would keep in mind catholic holidays. I could spend days there but alas, no such luxury, and so 4-5 days is the minimum to enjoy it just enough. So, what are you waiting for? Are you ready to emark on a Roman holiday?
Written by Parishi Shah Jogani
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