Rome insider tips: your guide to the perfect city break 🍨🇮🇹🍝

1. Galleria Colonna at Palazzo Colonna

The Palazzo Colonna is one of the oldest and largest private palaces in Rome. The highlight, however, is the Galleria Colonna, a stunning Roman Baroque gallery dating back to the 17th century. Here, you'll discover the Colonna family's impressive art collection, featuring countless remarkable works. For me, though, the true showstopper was the rooms themselves – marble columns and frescoes everywhere – an absolute Baroque dream!

The Galleria Colonna is open to visitors only on Saturdays, usually from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. For a sneak peek of its beauty and more information, check out the Insta video below.

📍 Galleria Colonna

2. Trip to Tivoli

Tivoli may not be in Rome itself, but it’s part of the Metropolitan City of Rome – and for me, a day trip there was an absolute highlight! Tivoli is best known for its two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este. Unfortunately, I only had time to visit Villa d’Este, but it turned out to be the standout experience of my last visit to Rome.

Villa d’Este is a 16th-century palace with a breathtaking Renaissance garden featuring impressive fountains, statues, and lush plants. However, it was the palace’s interior that left the greatest impression on me. Almost every room boasts an incredible ceiling fresco, and some of them truly left me speechless!

📍 Tivoli

3. Porta Portese Flea Market

Every Sunday, the Porta Portese flea market takes over the Trastevere district – one of Rome’s most beautiful and popular areas. The market is centred around Porta Portese, particularly along Via Portuense and the surrounding streets.

It kicks off early, around 6 a.m., and runs until about 2 p.m. You’ll find all sorts of treasures here, from vintage clothing and antique furniture to quirky knick-knacks and typical Italian gems. It’s the perfect spot for a bit of treasure hunting!

📍 Flohmarkt

4. The Coppedè District

This might not be the most hidden gem, but the Coppedè District is often overlooked in favour of iconic sights like the Colosseum and St. Peter’s Basilica. This unique neighbourhood is an Art Nouveau treasure with striking Art Deco elements. Designed by architect Gino Coppedè and built between 1915 and 1926, it offers a feast for the eyes at every turn.

You enter through stunning archways and are immediately greeted with one impressive sight after another. My personal favourites include the Palazzo del Ragno, the Fairy Villa, and the whimsical Frog Fountain (Fontana delle Rane).

📍 Palazzo del Ragno

5. Gelato at Fatamorgana

During a city tour, a local Roman woman recommended the Fatamorgana gelato shop to us. With several locations across Rome, it offers a fantastic variety of delicious, creamy flavours. What’s more, all the gelato is gluten-free, and there are plenty of vegan options as well!

📍 Fatamorgana Locations in Rom