While Rome needs little introduction, and you will undoubtedly have a busy itinerary before you even arrive, there are countless things to do that go missing every time. You know all the landmarks, and you can’t wait to dive into the world-famous food and fashion. But we’ve rounded up some things to do that you absolutely cannot afford to miss.
Visit Campo de’ Fiori
While Campo de’ Fiori is a great place for sightseeing, it is much more than that. It is also a bustling market, replete with gorgeous architecture, endless pizzerias, gelaterias, and cafes. Vendors sell fresh fruits and vegetables, and there are countless bars.
The atmosphere is electrifying day or night, and a great place to both shop, relax, and people-watch. Whether you’re looking to dive head-first into the finest wares available, pick up some new fashions, taste deliciously fresh food, enjoy a night out, or just take in the architecture, this is a place worth your trip.
Channel your inner fashionista at Porta Portese
If you or anyone else in your traveling party is a fashionista, Porta Portese is a fun must-see location. It is only open on Sunday mornings, but opens early at six AM and doesn’t close until two PM. There are actually a diverse set of goods including books and antiques, but fashion is the real draw.
The market here is actually a flea-market setup, making it quite unique, with many handmade and independent goods on sale, separate from the high-end fashion industry. Don’t think that doesn’t mean there isn’t quality here, though, as this market is known the world over. You should also be aware that because this area is frequented by tourists, haggling is okay and expected of suave shoppers—many places have vastly inflated the cost of their goods.
Take a cooking class in Rome!
You know you can’t wait to sample the delicious food in Rome, but what about actually taking a cooking class? Yes, the highlight of your trip may well be taking a class at Via dei Fienaroli, where you can not only have an enjoyable experience but take home new knowledge and recipes.
The classes last a full five hours starting at 10 AM and include the meal at that time. They are available every day except Sunday and host up to 12 guests. Because of this, you’ll want to make reservations in advance.
You can learn a good amount of things in that time, including an appetizer, pasta, second course, and finally a dessert. Visitors love how patient and accommodating the master chef is, able to provide for all diets and skill sets. What could be more fun?
Become a gladiator (sort of!) at Gruppo Storico Romano Gladiator School
A particularly fun experience for kids, Gruppo Storico Romano Gladiator School provides a two-hour lesson in the basics of fighting like a gladiator! These perfectly safe lessons and mock-battles don’t use real weapons and are a great way to have some energetic fun. Perhaps best done after the cooking class, to burn off some of that food!