Best spots to visit for a dream day trip in Rome

Morning, cappuccino with a view at Piazza Navona
Begin your day by immersing yourself in Rome’s daily rhythm. Head to Piazza Navona for breakfast, where you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped onto a movie set. Framed by Bernini’s masterful Fountain of the Four Rivers, this piazza captures the essence of Rome’s charm. Sip a frothy cappuccino at Caffè Domiziano and indulge in a flaky cornetto. Here, Emily Cooper herself sat in a scene from Emily in Paris, proving that the classics have a timeless pull. Wander the piazza, take in the street artists, and feel the timeless enchantment that inspired centuries of Roman artistry.
 
Piazza Navona

Late morning, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain
No Roman day trip is complete without a visit to The Pantheon. Once a temple for all Roman gods, this architectural wonder has withstood the test of time. Gaze up at the oculus, which pours in natural light, casting a divine glow over the interiors.
From the Pantheon, it’s a short stroll to the Trevi Fountain. Immortalized in Roman Holiday and La Dolce Vita, it’s a quintessential stop. Tradition dictates that a coin tossed over your shoulder into the fountain promises your return to Rome. Join in, feel the breeze from the fountain's cascading waters, and take a few moments to revel in the pure cinematic magic.
 
Pantheon

Lunch in Trastevere
Cross the Tiber and escape the bustling crowds for a leisurely lunch in Trastevere. With its ivy-laden facades, this charming neighborhood feels almost like a village hidden within the city. For lunch, try Da Enzo al 29, a local favorite known for its authentic Roman fare. Order the cacio e pepe—a creamy, peppery pasta dish that’s practically a love letter to Roman cuisine.
Afterward, wander the cobbled streets. You’ll spot locals hanging out in tiny piazzas and artists painting street scenes. Trastevere is where you’ll find that “dolce far niente” spirit, the art of sweetly doing nothing, that Italians are known for.
 
Da Enzo al 29

Afternoon, the Spanish Steps and Via Condotti Shopping
From Trastevere, make your way to the Spanish Steps, a 135-step masterpiece that leads up to the Trinità dei Monti church. Whether you’re a fan of Audrey Hepburn’s classic scooter scene in Roman Holiday or a modern traveler seeking the iconic Roman backdrop, the Spanish Steps never disappoint. At the foot of the steps, Via Condotti is a luxury shopping paradise. Here, high fashion is given the Roman treatment. You’ll find the likes of Gucci, Prada, Bulgari, and Dolce & Gabbana—perfect for a window-shopping stroll or picking up a few treasures to remember your trip by. This street has been the playground of fashion icons for decades and feels like a stroll through the pages of Vogue Italia.
 
Via Condotti

Aperitivo at Hotel de Russie
As evening approaches, follow the Romans’ lead and indulge in an aperitivo. Head to Hotel de Russie’s Stravinskij Bar, a favored spot for those who love a dose of old-world glamour. Tucked away just off Piazza del Popolo, this lush garden oasis feels like a secret escape from the bustling city. Order a Negroni, Italy’s beloved pre-dinner cocktail, and settle in among the citrus trees. You might even catch a glimpse of a celebrity or two, as the hotel has been known to attract a well-heeled crowd.
 
Hotel de Russie

Dinner with a view at Aroma
For a grand finale to your Roman adventure, make reservations at Aroma, a Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant that boasts one of the most extraordinary views in the city. Overlooking the Colosseum, Aroma offers a front-row seat to Rome’s ancient wonder, illuminated beautifully as the city shifts into evening. Savor a multi-course tasting menu that features innovative takes on Roman cuisine, with dishes like smoked risotto with caviar or roasted lamb loin. As you dine with the Colosseum before you, you’ll feel the weight of Rome’s history and its vibrant present—a city that masterfully balances the two.
 
Aroma, Colosseum

Wander the Illuminated Forum
If you have just a little more energy, take one last stroll through Rome by night. Head toward the Roman Forum, where the ruins of ancient Rome are bathed in soft, golden light. Wandering through these ancient streets at night offers a different kind of wonder, a timelessness that feels almost otherworldly. Here, you can reflect on the grandeur of Rome, understanding how it’s been the inspiration behind so many stories, movies, and dreams.
 
Roman Forum

Leaving Rome with a piece of La Dolce Vita
As your day trip comes to a close, you’ll have seen Rome through the lens of legends and icons. It’s a city that leaves an indelible mark, where ancient ruins and modern luxuries coexist with effortless grace. Like in Emily in Paris or Roman Holiday, you’ve experienced Rome’s unforgettable charm, leaving with memories of a city that knows exactly how to seduce you into coming back.
 
Trevi Fountain