How to Celebrate New Year’s in Rome

New Year’s is a cause for celebration across the globe and most people like to enjoy themselves with copious amounts of food, drink and merriment. In Rome, it’s no different. For Capodanno and the Festa di San Silvestro on the 31st December, Romans celebrate a culmination of the past year, their achievements and milestones and they look forward to what the New Year may bring. Traditionally families and friends get together for a big feast of lentils and cotechino, a large spiced sausage, all washed down with spumante and Prosecco. Nowadays, as well as this longstanding tradition, people flock to the streets of Rome where musicians play, people dance and traditional processions take place for everyone to enjoy. At the stroke of midnight firework displays will fill the sky to mark the height of the celebrations. Piazza del Popolo holds the biggest party, where tourists and locals gather to hear the sounds of Italian rock bands and to celebrate in style. The Roman Forum up to the Coliseum hosts a free concert where many go to take in the breath-taking views of the famous landmarks lit up in the Christmas lights, not to mention to enjoy a slap up meal at one of the area’s local restaurants beforehand. St Peter’s Square and Villa Borghese are also go-to destinations for the best local traditions and alternative concerts, staged over the evening of the 31st December. If you really want to make your experience all the more memorable, make sure you’ve had enough rest before you set out to celebrate the Festa di San Silvestro, as Romans are notorious for staying up well into the early hours of New Year’s Day!

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The Best Perspectives in Rome

You expect to see historic ruins and ancient artefacts when you’re in Rome; it’s a given. But there’s so much more to see in terms of its urban landscape. Rome’s flowing river, the Tiber, adds a romantic edge to the dusty cobbled streets and vertiginous viewpoints allow you to climb to the best summits in the city and look over the old Empire. With so many to choose from, we’ve handpicked some of what we think are must-see things to do in Rome for picture-perfect moments. Steal a snapshot of some of Rome’s best panoramas and take home something to remember. St Peter’s Basilica & its Dome St Peter’s Basilica is one of Rome’s most popular landmarks and religious hot-spots. With thousands flocking to the central church every day to step within the marble masterpiece, you know it must be good. Don’t get us wrong, the inside is wonderful, but for something a bit different, we prefer what's on the outside. One of our favourite things to do in St Peter’s Basilica is to climb the dome. For an unparalleled view over Rome, the dome stands at 136.6m – and is the tallest dome in the world. You can climb the 551 steps from the bottom, or take a lift half way, and walk around the dome for a stunning 360 ̊ panorama of the Eternal City. Look across Bernini’s square, over the walls of the Vatican and down to the River Tiber. Appreciate Rome’s terracotta themed skyline and count the domes of the city and take in the sweeping views. It doesn’t get better than this; don’t forget the camera. Villa Borghese Just across the river from St Peter’s Basilica and Castel Sant’Angelo is Piazza del Popolo, at the foot of Villa Borghese, Rome’s most central park. This green pocket of calm provides a nice contrast to the warm tones of the terraced city where visitors and locals alike seek to retreat for a quiet moment. Dotted with English classical buildings, fountains, ponds and meadow like grounds it’s the perfect place for a picnic and to experience the side of Rome that only the locals know about. Find a wooden bench, or take a stroll around the 148 acres (or however many you can manage!) for a clean and green experience of Rome; great to escape from the hustle and bustle of the ancient, vibrant, city. What’s more, if you’re after another view, the Pincio, at the top of the steps leading up from Piazza del Popolo, offers another perspective over Rome, this time from the south of the river. Rome Bus Tour As an alternative experience, Rome Bus Tour – run by Roma Cristiana – offers a great way of exploring the city from all angles – and from the comfort of your seat. As you’re driven through the streets of central Rome, past the old ruins and landmarks of the Eternal City, sit back and enjoy a running commentary of the view. Learn about the hero gladiators that fought in the Coliseum and find out about the famous artists and architects of the city as you pass in front of their monumental masterpieces. Over the river, across from the ancient Forum, Circus Maximus, up to the Vatican City and everything in between, look down the narrow cobbled streets to discover your own Rome. What’s more, you can even hop-on, and hop-off at your leisure should you wish to go exploring.... For the complete sightseeing experience, we can make your life easy with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card (including a Roma Pass)– you can get a free hop-on, hop-off ticket for the Rome Bus tour included, as well as skip the line privileges to St Peter’s Basilica. What’s more, you can take advantage of our free guidebook and map that comes with it so you won’t get lost on your way!
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Double Canonization set to make History

It’s no secret that Pope John Paul II is to be canonized in St Peter’s Square this spring, on April 27th in fact, the day in which Catholics celebrate the Divine Mercy and the second Sunday of Easter. Now, however, we can witness not one but two canonizations, as both Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII will be declared saints together – a ground- breaking ceremony and the first dual canonization in history. As Rome is usually a place of pilgrimage, with thousands flocking to Saint Peter’s Basilica every year, all year round, numbers of visitors to the capital are expected to soar as the event will draw in the masses from around the globe. For these two powerful symbols of the Roman Catholic Church to be canonized in a society where saints are a thing of the past, thought of as legends and heroes, it is the turning of a new leaf to celebrate Popes that have influenced people of today's world and have revolutionized today’s church as it stands. The ceremony, held in St Peter’s Square, the centre of the Catholic Church, is to celebrate the achievements of Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII and sanctify them as modern day magnates. Previously, the (unwritten) rules of becoming a saint were you had to have produced two miracles, yet, a(nother) slight break in tradition means that Pope John XXIII only has one official miracle to his name; Pope John II has two. It’s believed that around 3 million people are to descend on the capital over the weekend of the 26th-27th April to witness this historic event, drawing not only pilgrims and faithful followers, but also 19 heads of state and 24 prime ministers. If you are in the capital over this weekend, please check ATAC for travel updates and plan your journeys in advance. Be aware that the capital will be much busier than usual. The OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card is made up of the Roma Pass which acts as your three day travelcard.
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Our Tasty Guide to the Best Pizzerias in Rome

Forget the pasta for a second, here's some of the best pizzerias in Rome! While Rome may be renowned for being the birthplace of carbonara, it's worth trying one of Italy's greatest imports - pizza. From classic margaritas to adventurous gourmet toppings, grab a slice at some of the most popular pizzerias in Rome below. Cacio pepe pizza? Yes, please 😛 We are no longer casual about pizza, we don't just go out of our way for Sforno, a great spot near #Rome's Cinecittà, but we pretty much deprive ourselves of all pizza for days until we get here. It is that good. I go nuts just for the dough- @dariusaryadigs loves a basic margherita. And this? Well, it is a simple antipasto- best had with a cold Duchesse de Bourgogne, on the advice of @tastegeorgia. Click the geotag to find it exactly where it is and how to get there #🍕 A post shared by Erica Firpo (@ericafirpo) on Jan 31, 2017 at 2:07am PST Sforno For a Neapolitan-style pizza, head to Sforno where creativity abounds and both locals and tourist crave their offerings. As one of Rome's most popular pizzerias, it's best to book in advance but it's all worth it. Their Cacio e Pepe pizza is world famous, bringing the classic pasta staple to pizza bases with a healthy dusting of peppery Pecorino cheese. It's also worth venturing into their appetiser selection for some fritti, their fried zucchini flowers are finger licking good. Couple bombass pizzas at what some people have called the best pizza in Rome. With cat themed pictures everywhere no less. A post shared by Joey (@jte3) on Aug 19, 2017 at 3:31pm PDT La Gatta Mangiona This restaurant translates to 'the greedy cat' in English and we totally understand why. You'll have finished one of their delicious pizzas before you know it and taste the quality with every bite. This restaurant prioritises seasonal ingredients, premium dough and goes to town with their flavour combinations (plus there's a long list of craft beers if that's more your speed). Twelve years ago I walked past this pizzeria in Testaccio and thought, well hello ( like Leslie Philips) but had no intention of staying in Rome. But then I did stay, and this became a Sunday night ritual, (the endless ritual around food is something I love about the way Italians eat) . We start with fried things, courgette flowers and fat peices of salt cod battered and fried or rice croquettes filled with mozzarella that stretches like a great looping string...then for me Napoli with extra anchovies. To finish a nameless amaro that you are not sure whether to drink or use to strip paint ( it is delicious). @rachelaliceroddy going red for a takeover. A post shared by Guardian Cook (@guardian_cook) on Jul 9, 2017 at 10:29am PDT Pizzeria da Remo If you like your pizzas thin-crusted and packed with flavour, Pizzeria da Remo is the place to be. Everybody else in Rome is clued into it as well so get there early for dinner, otherwise risk missing out on their simple yet mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas. Located out in the trendy Testaccio neighbourhood, it's always bustling with energy and every table is laden with their signature margherita pizza. Snacking-on-the-go, done right in Rome 🍕 A post shared by V A N E S S A (@vslawson) on Jul 11, 2017 at 2:04am PDT Pizzarium Bonci If you're not up for a massive meal, Pizzarium serves up thick gourmet pizzas by the slice. Run by Gabriele Bonci, a renowned Roman pizza maker, its little storefront may be humble but the food is nothing if not fancy. Using seasonal ingredients and a complex dough-making process, you'll find creative combinations like mascarpone and anchovies, steak and blue cheese as well as the classics. La pizza romana es muy parecida a nuestra pizza a la piedra. Usan palote para estirar la masa y la cocinan a menos temperatura que Napoles logrando una masa más crocante y seca. Ésta tenía crudo y Gorgonzolla, un queso azul típico de Italia. Obviamente combinada con una birra, y claro, Peroni. Se viene mucho Roma para el programa. Se viene @hashtagviajeros. ¡Seguilos! A post shared by El Guerrillero (@guerrilleroculinario) on Aug 17, 2017 at 4:35pm PDT Ai Marmi There's no bells and whistles here - Ai Marmi's all about the pie and nothing else. Named after its long marble tables, it's great value for money with fantastic pizza for a fraction of the price. Their suppli and fried zucchini flowers are popular favourites as well (in fact, the latter are occasionally used as toppings) and nobody leaves with an empty stomach. Located out in Trastevere, it's also open late if you're looking for something to fill the midnight hours. Everyone surely knows about #pizza, but let me introduce you its glorious roman relative: the one and only "Pinsa", a lighter ad crunchy version of the famous one, with an enriched quality topping 🍅🇮🇹 // Tutti sicuramente conosceranno la pizza, ma chi di voi riconosce questa prelibatezza? È la "Pinsa", sua cugina romana, dalla base fragrante e saporita! #BonAppetit #ItalianFood #FoodPorn #pinza #pinzandbeer #InstaFood #FoodBlogger #TheGoodLife #InstaDaily #PhotooftheDay #Italy #Rome #lapratolina #rome #eatingout A post shared by The Singingwine (@the_singingwine) on May 31, 2017 at 12:34pm PDT La Pratolina If you're out near the Vatican City, La Pratolina is a great place to stop off for a meal. It's closer to traditional Roman pizza and comes in an oblong shape, all with a thin yet slightly raised crust crust. Prosciutto's the name of the game here, with pizza dough made from a mixture of flours for a rich unique taste. Плюс одно место обязательное к посещению в Риме! Пиццерия EMMA. Оочень тонененькая и хрустящая😋 обязательно заказывать Маргариту и буратту! #foodinrome #foodporn #foodpornroma #pizzaroma #pizzagains A post shared by EVA STREPETOVA (@evaeeva) on Jul 17, 2017 at 5:44am PDT Emma Located in the heart of Rome, Emma is undoubtedly one of the fancier options on the list and an ideal date night option. While it's less pizzeria and more of a proper sit-down restaurant, there's no debating the quality of these pizzas - especially as it's associated with the Roscioli Group who have some of the bakeries and delis across the capital. Think top of the line mozzarella, olive oil and dough baked with generations of experience.
Megan Hills

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