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.
The best way to discover Rome is on foot
Of course, the great classics are part of every 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 early through the official websites – especially in high season, waiting times can be enormous. Those who reserve in good time save valuable holiday time.
My favourite Rome moment, however, always began when we left the well-known squares behind and simply started walking. Sometimes through the winding alleys of Monti, sometimes across small piazzas in Trastevere, or along hidden courtyards that suddenly appear behind old wooden doors.
My conclusion: less planning, more discovering – 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 cooks herself. It's the neighbourhood that makes you feel like a real part of the city – not just a visitor.
My tip: Enjoy breakfast as a takeaway and then drift through the streets. You discover the most beautiful photo spots precisely when you're not actually looking for anything.
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 your skin, like a 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 love to explore on your feet from morning till night.
My personal must-have for Rome: a silk scarf – as a headband in the alleys of Trastevere, as a neck scarf during aperitivo, as a bag detail at dinner. The small accessory that completes any look. More on 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 prefer 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. Cin cin!
All other classic Italian aperitivo drinks – from Negroni to Campari Spritz – will soon be available 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 a third time either.
Taverna Lucifero is a place where everything 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: the excellent value for money. Authentic, uncomplicated and full of flavour. It's places like these that 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 babel 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. Between historical landmarks, hidden alleys, long aperitivos and Italian zest for life, I found exactly what I love about our Dolce Vita collection: lightness, style and the art of enjoying the moment.
Or as the Italian women would say: La dolce vita.
You'll find more inspiration for your Italian summer soon in our Must-See-Italy Guide and in our Must-Eat recipes from Italy.
