Blogger's Best Gelaterias in Rome

If you’re spending the summer in Rome, you’ll quickly find yourself searching for ways to cool off in the heat and in desperate need of refreshment. There’s no better way to tackle those needs and celebrate the Rome’s thriving culinary scene than with an ice cold creamy gelato. Gelato is one of Rome’s most iconic gourmet staples and is not to be missed, especially after a long hot day on the tourist trail. Forget waiting until after dinner, have dessert first and make a beeline for some of the best haunts in town during the day. There’s no better way to cool off than with a scoop (or three) of homemade ice cream – trust us. We asked some of the best food, travel and city bloggers where to order the best gelato in Rome. Take it from the professionals and read on...

Best Gelato in Rome

Именно здесь Грегори Пек угощал мороженым Одри Хепберн в фильме "Римские каникулы"🍦 _____________ Побывать в Италии и не попробовать gelato- непростительно) Giolitti — самое старое кафе-мороженое в Риме. Это историческое заведение было внесено в список Forbes, как одно из самых вкусных морожениц мира. Здесь можно попробовать мороженое со вкусом сицилийской кассаты, шампанского, марсалы и риса Настоящим удовольствием будет выстоять очередь в кафе возле Пантеона и насладится рожком мороженого у фонтана напротив исторического здания. И после встать в очередь опять 💛

A post shared by Dance teacher (@likaqn) on Aug 10, 2018 at 1:54am PDT

Best Gelato near the Pantheon

We spoke with Alida, the food blogger behind MyLittleItalianKitchen, who suggested Gelateria Giolitti. Located on Via Uffici del Vicario, this family-run business has been in the business of gelato for over a hundred years and has a prime spot on the tourist trail. She said, ‘“The Gelateria Giolitti is barely a stones throw from the Pantheon and the Trevi fountain and is a family run business which has been producing ice cream since 1890. The salon of Gelateria Giolitti has an attractive decor styled in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco style and which is very elegant with the 1930’s furnishings.” As for what they serve? They’ve had a few years to figure out their flavour range and it’s an endless list of both traditional Italian favourites and international influences. Alida continued, “Their tremendous selection of ice cream flavours range from figs, dried fruit, champagne, rice, zabaione, sicilian cassata, nutella and cookies and many others which will leave you craving for more. Their ice cream is simply fantastic! Just the place to go for a creamy and first class ice cream indulgence in stylish surroundings.”

Best gelato near St Peter’s Basilica

Gelarmony - Via Marcantonio Colonna, 34 With four locations and an avid fan base, Gelarmony is a local favourite and travel blogger Valeria of Rome, New York, London, World insists it's one of the best scoops in Rome. For those poring over their guidebooks and figuring out the day’s route, make time to stop off at their branch situated just fifteen minutes from St Peter’s Basilica for a cold treat. Valeria said, “Their gelato comes in sixty different and delicious flavors, all made of natural ingredients imported from Sicily. You can’t go wrong by picking the more common flavors like chocolate or pistachio, but you should also try their specialties such as cassata and my personal favorites: tiramisù and amaretto. Gelarmony also offers tasty soya-based options. Enjoy!” Let her know what you think on Twitter @RomeNYLondWorld

Unique gelato in Rome

Gelateria del Teatro – Via dei Coronari, 65 (Navona Square) & Lungotevere dei Vallati, 25 (Campo dei Fiori Square /Lungotevere area) For those bored of the standard chocolate and vanilla, head to one of Gelateria del Teatro’s two branches for a more experimental bite. It’s one of local Rome blogger Antonio of Romeing’s favourite spots to cool off on a hot summer’s day with a scoop of some of the best gelato in Rome. Antonio said, “Gelateria del Teatro is so confident about their quality that in each of their two charming locations you can even watch them make their gelato. Flavours include lavender with white peach and pumpkin with chocolate and there is a variety of cone sizes to choose from, including the giant, five-scoop cone monster. We recommend the specialty: rosemary and lemon, a refreshing, cleansing, light yet satisfying flavor.” Let Antonio know which flavours you’ve tried at @Romeing

Best traditional gelato in Rome

Venchi – Via degli Orfani, 87 Why dispute the classics? A gelateria named Venchi takes the prize for the best traditional gelato in the city according to food blogger Beverley of Beverley Glock, sticking to all natural ingredients and classic Italian flavours that will really hit the spot. As with the earlier Gelateria Gillotti, it’s also situated nearby the Pantheon in case you have room for more than one sweet treat on your travels. She said, “I’ve never had a poor ice cream in Rome so why would it start here? Venchi make their ice cream with natural ingredients; fresh milk, cream, eggs, fresh fruit and their own chocolate. Only fruit and nuts are used to colour and flavour their ice cream, so there’s no artificial colouring. “Venchi pride themselves on the variety of traditional Italian flavours they offer and situated in an idyllic location right next to The Pantheon, you can tick the ‘culture’ box as you sit down to enjoy the best ice cream in Rome. Do you agree? Let her know on @BeverleyGlock

Best gelato in Trastevere

La Fonte della Salute – Via Cardinal Marmaggi, 2-4-6 A day spent wandering the colourful neighbourhood of Trastevere never goes unwasted, as there’s always something new to discover in one of Rome’s most charming areas. Slip past the old men drinking espresso and the trattoria to grab a table at La Fonte della Salute, which serves an unforgettable gelato that caters to people from all walks of life. Blogger Tiziano of Rome Local Friend said, “La Fonte della Salute, which may be translated to “fountain of health” is definitely the best ice cream maker of Trastevere. The shop has been open since 1981. Then after a change in management, it came back stronger than before. Now they sell organic, vegan and gluten free ice cream. This is definitely what one would call the ‘Gelateria of the 21st century’. I love to pop in for a tasty ice cream whenever I am around. They still offer a very wide variety of flavours, from cream to fruit, so I invite you to come too during your strolls in the neighborhood. They also provide some free tables outside.” What’s your favourite flavour? Start a conversation with @RomeLocalFriend
Megan Hills
Rome Travel Expert

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Museums in Rome

The museums in Rome are second to none and known around the world for their cultural and historic offerings, from paintings, sculptures, ancient ceramics and more. Rome is a city that benefits from a wide range of these museums and every visitor should make the most of the smorgasbord of what’s on offer. From the iconic Vatican Museums to the MAXXI, Castel Sant Angelo and the Borghese Gallery, each museum has its own subject matter and specialty waiting to be discovered. Vatican museums The Vatican Museums are considered some of the best museums in the world in terms of their priceless artifacts and historic pieces of art, sculpture, and tapestries. Its contents are an estimated €15 billion and covering over 9 miles, the Vatican Museums are definitely packed with plenty to see. The Raphael Room, the Papal Entrance, the portraits of the Popes and the Sala Rotonda are some of the best things to see – and don’t miss the iconic Sistine Chapel, an exhibit in itself! Address: Viale Vaticano, 00165 Roma Metro: Ottaviano-S.Pietro-Musei Vaticano (Metro A line) Visit Duration: 4 hours Museum of Rome The Museum of Rome is a fine example of Baroque architecture and within champions some of Rome’s best art from the medieval ages to the twentieth century. It’s a fascinating museum in Rome to discover the forgotten art and artists, see frescoes, ceramics, and paintings you wouldn’t usually see. The Palazzo Braschi in which its housed is an important historic building in itself, built for Pope Pius VI’s nephew Luigi Braschi Onesti. Address: Piazza San Pantaleo, 10, 00186 Roma Tram: Arenula/Cairoli (Tram 8) Visit Duration: 2 hours Borghese Gallery If you like your art, the Borghese Gallery is considered one of the finest museums in Rome for classical antiquities and paintings, as well as sculptures. You’ll find famous pieces on exhibit from Caravaggio’s David with the Head of Goliath, as well as Young Sick Bacchus, and sculptures by the iconic Bernini dating back to the 1620s – including the iconic Apollo and Daphne. There are over two thousand years of works to admire, not to mention set in the stunning Villa Borghese Park offering you a picturesque setting once you’re finished. Address: Piazzale del Museo, Borghese, 5 - 00197 Rome Bus: Pinciana- Museo Borghese Visit Duration: 3 hours Capitoline Museums The Capitoline Museums are the oldest national museums in the world, founded originally by Pope Sixtus IV in the 15th century. He donated a collection of bronze statues, making it the first museum open to the public and people of Rome. The museum is set within three historic buildings with a beautiful piazza in the middle. The museum is dedicated to art from Ancient Rome and features the She-Wolf, Hall of Tapestries and historic sculptures, artifacts, and mosaics. Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, 1 - 00186 Rome Metro: Colosseo (Metro line B) Visit Duration: 2 hours Ara Pacis Museum Commissioned by the Roman Senate in 13 BC to honour the return of Augustus, this magnificent sculpture-come-structure depicts the Augustan victory in intricate engravings. Made purely of marble, it’s a spectacular example of the fine classic Roman skill and sculpture. It’s considered one of the most important pieces of ancient sculpture in Rome and is not one to be missed. Address: Lungotevere in Augusta, 00186 Roma Metro: Spagna (Metro line A) Visit Duration: 2 hours Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica: Palazzo Barberini One of Rome’s best museums and art galleries is the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica at Palazzo Barberini. Home to a fantastic collection of 16th-century tapestries, as well as works by Raphael and Caravaggio, visitors can admire the private collection within the former home of Pope Urban VIII. The palazzo itself is a testament to the Roman architecture of the time, complete with marble pillar and an orange garden. Address: Via Delle Quattro Fontane, 13, 00186 Roma Metro: Barberini (Metro line A) Visit Duration: 2 hours National Museum of Castel St. Angelo Sat proudly on the northern bank of the River Tiber, Castel Sant’Angelo is Rome’s ancient fortress and mausoleum with a fascinating museum dedicated to exploring its past, from the role it played guarding the city, to being a papal refuge. Castel Sant’Angelo is over 2,000 years old – so that’s over 2,000 years of history to uncover within the museum. See the papal apartments, the statue of the angel and learn about the secret passageway into the Vatican… Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50 - 00186 Rome Metro: Lepanto (Metro line A) Ottaviano (Metro line A) Visit Duration: 2 hours MAXXI Museum The MAXXI museum and art gallery in Rome is one of the finest museums in the world for the art of the 21st century. A real contemporary art gallery and museum, it was designed as a ‘multidisciplinary space’ by Zaha Hadid in 2010 and has been deemed to be the architect’s finest design to date. For those who like contemporary art and architecture, this museum is a must. See the permanent exhibitions and new works, commissions, and ones-to-watch. Address: Via Guido Reni, 4a, 00196 Roma Tram: Flaminia-Reni Visit Duration: 3 hours
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A Roman run-up to Christmas

When we think of Christmas evening activities carol singing, mulled wine and German Markets spring to mind. However, you wouldn’t usually associate any of those with Italian culture. So what do the Romans do for a winter’s evening in the run-up to Christmas? Rome is a magical place during the festive period; the strong Catholic beliefs as well as a westernised celebration of the season means the city is engulfed in the lights of church candles, smells of roasting chestnuts and the chatter of bustling shoppers. The Eternal City offers some unique experiences come the colder months, and especially at Christmas time, that are nothing short of bucket-list-worthy. So if you’ve already done your shopping and fancy something a little different, follow our evening itinerary for an insider’s alternative to celebrating in the capital. 1. Admire the views from Pincio Stand at the Pincio in Villa Borghese, the viewpoint at the top of the main steps into the city’s central park, and take in the views of the city at nightfall. As the sun goes down, you can watch the terracotta rooftops of the capital fade away under a warm glow of Christmas lights. To your left you can look all the way up the main shopping street Via del Corso, to the grand Piazza Venezia where the impressive Vittorio Emmanuele II monument stands, and to the west you can see Piazza del Popolo and the Egyptian obelisk of Ramesses. You can even see the great dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica away in the distance. 2. Ice Skating at Castel Sant’angelo Take a walk across the ancient engraved bridges over the river Tiber and hire some skates under Castel Sant’angelo for a spot of atmospheric ice skating. The large round castle was built by the Emperor Hadrian initially as a mausoleum for him and his family but in later years it was used as a fortress and even a prison and today it stands as a museum. Lit up at night, the castle is a spectacular sight – and if you’re lucky, you can catch a show or a figure skating performance on the ice as well. 3. Christmas in Saint Peter’s Stroll along the Lungotevere, the northern bank of the river, under the arch of trees and up to Piazza San Pietro (Saint Peter’s Square) to see the tall, illuminated Christmas tree outside the church. Pope John Paul II brought over the northern European tradition from his native homeland when he was pontificated in 1982. If you’re in Rome on Christmas Eve, you can even catch the unveiling of the nativity scene in the square, too. As well as being a picture-perfect opportunity, it gives you another reason to visit the iconic monument in all its glory. 4. Be a local in Trastevere Explore your way through the cobbled streets of Trastevere (which literally translated means across the Tiber) for a warming glass of wine and a slice of oven baked pizza. The area has numerous star-rated options so you won’t be left disappointed – and you’re guaranteed to be served with a smile! If you need to walk off your dinner, brave the winding Via Garibaldi to get to Gianicolo (Janiculum Hill) for breathtaking views across the city. On your way up, look through the gate on the right of the church for a Renaissance masterpiece, The Tempietto, designed by Bramante. 5. Celestial chanting at Sant’Anselmo all’Aventino For something a little different, walk up the Aventine hill to hear some celestial Gregorian chants at the 7.15pm Sunday service at Sant’Anselmo church. This church serves as a monastery and college and is seat to the Abbot Primate of the Order of Saint Benedict (Black Monks). It’s not your usual yuletide carol singing, but a must-do to finish off your trip in spiritual style.
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Rome Neighbourhoods: A Comprehensive Guide

Explore your way around the city with our comprehensive guide to the best of Rome neighbourhoods! The best way to plan your visit to the beautiful Eternal City is to divide your time across the various Rome neighbourhoods, or rione. Each has something unique to offer as this guide, brought to you by the team at the Rome Pass, sets out. Ancient Rome – Celio and Campitelli This is where it all began, the ancient heart of Rome and the Roman Empire. Perhaps the most impressive of the city’s landmarks is here: the Colosseum. Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, it dominates the piazza del Colosseo. Commissioned in AD 72 by Emperor Vespasian and completed in AD 80 by his successor, Titus, it’s the largest amphitheatre ever built, holding between 50,000 and 75,000 spectators in its heyday. It’s now the most visited tourist site in Italy, so booking tickets in advance (online or by phone) is recommended. The standard admission ticket to the Colosseum also includes entry to the neighbouring Palatine and Roman Forum. In Roman mythology, the Palatine is the birthplace of Romulus and Remus, founders of Rome. It is now an open-air museum offering a fabulous panorama of the archaeological remains below. In the adjacent Roman Forum – marketplace, business district, civic centre and seat of power of Ancient Rome – you can see the supposed burial place of Romulus, the remains of temples and law courts, and fragments of pottery, mosaics and sculptures. A guided or audio tour will help you get the best out of the site. Had your fill of history? Take a stroll to the leafy residential area of Aventine Hill just beyond the Circus Maximus and take in the fantastic panoramic city views. Centro storico The Centro storico (historic centre) comprises a number of different rione and contains some of the most iconic of Rome’s sights. The piazza Navona is at its heart, a lively square with street artists, buskers and plenty of cafés. Built over Emperor Domitian’s stadium in the 15th century, it features some of the city’s most beautiful Baroque art and architecture, such as the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone and three splendid fountains. You can also take a fascinating underground tour of the remains of the original stadium. Just to the east is the Pantheon. Originally built around 25BC as a temple to all of the Roman gods, it was given to Pope Boniface IV in 609. The Pantheon has functioned as a Christian church to St Mary and the Martyrs ever since, with mass held every week. This continued usage has helped keep the ancient building in an excellent state of repair. Further east again is the Trevi Fountain, the largest Baroque fountain in the city. A dense and impressive mass of sculpture and carving, the fountain is over 26 metres high and ejects 80,000 cubic metres of water every day. Legend has it that a visitor who throws a coin into the fountain is guaranteed to return to the Eternal City. A stroll northwards through the narrow lanes will take you to the Scalina Spagna, or Spanish Steps. Built in the 1720s, the 138 steps are a mixture of curves and straight flights, vistas and terraces overlooked by the Trinità dei Monti church. The steps were a popular gathering place for artists and poets in the 18th century, and there are still artists plying their trade at the top, ready to paint visitors’ portraits. At the foot of the steps is the house where John Keats lived and died, now a museum dedicated to the English Romantic poets. This area around the Via dei Condotti is also where you’ll find some of Rome’s most upmarket boutiques, restaurants and hotels. Vatican City & Prati Technically, Vatican City is a sovereign state, but for sightseeing purposes it is just another of the Rome neighbourhoods. Official residence of the Pope for centuries, it is also home to eleven museums and, of course, Michelangelo’s beautifully painted Sistine Chapel. There are no paintings in St Peter’s Basilica, the largest Roman Catholic church in Italy, but plenty of statues and some breathtaking architecture. Michelangelo’s sculpture, Pietà, is at the head of the right nave and the only work he ever signed. If you have a head for heights, you can climb the 551 steps to the top of the dome and be rewarded with fabulous rooftop views. Catholic or not, mass in St Peter’s Basilica is an experience not to be missed. It is celebrated Monday to Saturday in the various chapels of the Basilica. And if you’re lucky enough to be in Rome at the same time as the Pope himself, you can even book tickets (free) for a Papal Mass either in the Basilica or St Peter’s Square. Don’t stay indoors the whole time though: take a tour of the Vatican Gardens. A wonderful place for quiet meditation since 1279, the gardens now cover a large proportion of the site and contain grottoes, fountains, monuments and the heliport. Advance booking only, the tour lasts two hours. If visiting the Vatican is the main purpose of your trip to Rome, you’d be wise to stay in Prati, just to the east. Affordable hotels, good shopping and plenty of decent places to eat all within walking distance of Vatican City, and there are two metro stops with good links to the Vatican as well. La bellezza❤️ #rome #italy #25aprile #trastevere A post shared by @ines_l88 on Apr 25, 2017 at 4:02am PDT Trastevere A medieval working-class district, Trastevere has gradually been gentrified since the 1970s and is now very popular with visitors. Wander the cobblestoned streets, relax in the University’s botanic gardens and watch the world go by from the steps of the fountain in the piazza di Santa Maria. As you’d expect from one of the more up-and-coming Rome neighbourhoods, there are some excellent restaurants and bars and a really buzzing nightlife. It’s also a good place for funky boutiques, plus there is a huge flea market on Sundays at Porta Portese selling everything from antiques and books to clothes.
Megan Hills

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