By Rahel, Lead B2B Marketing & Office at Princess Goes Hollywood
Some cities you visit. Rome you experience.
For my girls' weekend in Rome, I deliberately decided against a strict sightseeing plan. Instead, we wanted to do what Roman women do so well: let ourselves drift through the city, soak up the atmosphere, enjoy long aperitivos, and discover the most beautiful spots on foot. Because that is where true Dolce Vita lies.
Here I share everything that made this weekend unforgettable – my favourite moments, real insider tips, and of course the looks from our Dolce Vita collection that accompanied me/us.
Rome is best discovered on foot
Of course, the great classics are part of any visit to Rome: the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican with St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. They are classics for a good reason – and I wouldn't want to miss them.
My tip: Definitely book tickets in advance via the official websites – especially during peak season, waiting times can be enormous. Those who reserve in time save valuable holiday time.
But my favourite Roman moments always began when we left the well-known squares behind and simply started walking. Sometimes through the winding alleys of Monti, sometimes across small piazze in Trastevere, or along hidden courtyards that suddenly appeared behind old wooden doors.
My conclusion: Plan less, discover more – that's the only Rome strategy that really works.
Breakfast bliss in Monti
One of my favourite morning rituals was a stop at a small traditional bakery in the Monti district. Freshly filled cornetti with pistachio cream or Nutella, accompanied by a strong espresso – that's all it takes for a perfect start to a Roman day.
Monti is one of Rome's liveliest districts: small independent boutiques, vintage shops, trattorias where the owner herself cooks. It's the district that makes you feel like a real part of the city – not just a visitor.
My tip: Enjoy breakfast as a takeaway and then let yourself drift through the streets. The most beautiful photo spots are discovered precisely when you're not looking for anything at all.
Dolce Vita to wear – my looks for Rome
For my girls' weekend, I opted for styles from our Dolce Vita collection – and they felt in the city exactly as they should: like sun on the skin, like Mediterranean flair, like relaxed elegance.
Light materials, summery colours and uncomplicated silhouettes that work from the first cappuccino in the morning to aperitivo at sunset. That's exactly what you need in a city that you prefer to explore on your feet from morning to night.
My personal must-have for Rome: a silk scarf – as a headband in the alleys of Trastevere, as a neckscarf during aperitivo, as a bag detail at dinner. The small accessory that completes any look. More about this in our silk scarf styling guide.
Aperitivo o'clock: my favourite drink – Limoncello Spritz
When you think of Rome, you think of good food. I also think of aperitivo. My clear favourite of the entire weekend: Limoncello Spritz. Fresh, light, lemony – summer in a glass.
And because I love to enjoy it at home too, here's my recipe:
Ingredients for 1 glass:
6 cl Limoncello · 9 cl Prosecco · 3 cl sparkling mineral water · Ice cubes · Lemon slice · fresh mint
Preparation:
Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes. Add Limoncello and Prosecco, top up with mineral water and stir gently. Garnish with a lemon slice and some mint. Saluti!
All other classic Italian aperitivo drinks – from Negroni to Campari Spritz – can be found in our Aperitivo Drinks Guide.
My insider tip for truffle lovers: Taverna Lucifero
I absolutely want to share this tip with you – I was there twice during my stay. I probably wouldn't have said no to a third time either.
Taverna Lucifero is a place where everything truly revolves around truffles. Tagliolini with fresh truffle, beef carpaccio with truffle, beef fillet with truffle – and as a grand finale, a tiramisu that lives up to its name. What particularly impressed me was the excellent value for money. Authentic, uncomplicated, and full of flavour. Exactly these kinds of places make a trip to Rome unforgettable.
Trastevere in the evening – my most beautiful moment in the city
When the heat of the day subsides and Romans emerge from their homes, Trastevere is one of the city's liveliest neighbourhoods. We sat down somewhere, ordered a wine or a Limoncello Spritz – and just watched. Small bars, open doors, a babble of voices, fairy lights strung across the alleys.
This isn't a program. This is Dolce Far Niente. And it's the best Rome has to offer.
My conclusion: Rome is not a city to check off a list
Rome is a city for strolling, discovering, enjoying, and lingering. Amidst historical landmarks, hidden alleys, long aperitivos, and Italian zest for life, I found exactly what excites me about our Dolce Vita collection: lightness, style, and the art of savouring the moment.
Or as the Italian women would say: La dolce vita.
More inspiration for your Italian summer can soon be found in our Must-See-Italy Guide and in our Must-Eat Recipes from Italy.
