The Foodies Guide to Rome
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I’m going to do some mind reading. If I asked you where is the one city you’d like to travel to for food, what would your answer be? I’m going to guess Rome! Everyone loves Italian food and Rome is iconic for its food scene. I’ve spent a lot of time in Rome, especially when I lived in Northern Italy, and the culinary experiences there are just unmatched anywhere else in the world.
Taking food tours and cooking classes in Rome is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the city’s rich culinary traditions. Food tours offer the chance to explore local markets, sample fresh produce, and taste authentic Roman dishes. Guided tours will take you through charming neighborhoods where you can discover hidden gems and learn about the history behind the food. If you’re looking to really hone your culinary skills, take a cooking class in Rome where you can learn to make iconic Italian dishes like pizza, pasta, and tiramisu. These classes are often hosted by local chefs who share tips and techniques passed down through generations. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these experiences offer a delicious way to connect with the local culture and bring a taste of Rome back home.
Here are a few of my favorite tour companies and specific experiences that I recommend:
Devour Tours In Rome
Devour Tours is a leading food tour company dedicated to providing immersive and authentic culinary experiences in some of the world’s most vibrant food destinations. Founded with a passion for connecting travelers to local cultures through food, Devour Tours offers expertly guided adventures that showcase regional flavors, hidden gems, and time-honored traditions. Whether it’s a pasta-making class in Rome, a tapas tour in Barcelona, or a market exploration in Paris, each experience is designed to highlight the stories behind the food and the people who make it. With a focus on high-quality ingredients, family-run establishments, and exceptional storytelling, Devour Tours creates unforgettable moments for food lovers eager to taste their way through a city like a true local.
Learn to make pasta in Rome
We generally spend a month each year in Italy and one of my favorite things to do it invite a chef into our villa to make dinner for us and to teach us some new culinary skills. And I love making pasta (although I never do it at home). You can experience the joy of Italian cooking with the Rome Pasta-Making Class: Cook, Dine & Drink Wine with a Local Chef by Devour Tours. In this intimate and hands-on experience, you’ll learn to craft fresh pasta from scratch under the guidance of a passionate Roman chef, mastering traditional techniques to create perfect fettuccine or ravioli. As you cook, sip on local wines and immerse yourself in Italy’s rich culinary culture. Once your pasta is ready, sit down to enjoy your homemade meal in a warm, convivial setting, paired with delicious Italian wine. This class is more than just a cooking lesson—it’s an unforgettable journey into Rome’s food traditions, perfect for anyone looking to savor authentic flavors and local hospitality.
The Tour Guy Tours in Rome
The Tour Guy is a top-rated travel company specializing in expertly curated tours across Europe, offering unique and immersive experiences that bring history, culture, and cuisine to life. I’ve also taken their tours in Spain. Known for their engaging storytelling and skip-the-line access to major attractions, they also excel in food tours, providing travelers with a delicious way to explore iconic cities. From traditional Roman pasta-making classes to Florence food and wine tours and Parisian pastry tastings, The Tour Guy’s culinary experiences showcase the best local flavors and hidden gems. With expert guides leading the way, these tours offer a perfect mix of history, culture, and mouthwatering cuisine, making them an unforgettable adventure for food lovers.
Learn to make Tiramisu in Rome
Join the Tasty Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class in Rome for a hands-on culinary experience that brings the flavors of Italy to life. Led by expert chefs, this interactive class teaches you the secrets of making fresh, homemade pasta from scratch, shaping it into traditional Italian favorites like fettuccine or ravioli. You’ll also learn to prepare a classic tiramisu, layering espresso-soaked ladyfingers with creamy mascarpone for the perfect sweet finish. Set in a welcoming and authentic Roman kitchen, this class is perfect for food lovers of all skill levels, offering a fun and delicious way to immerse yourself in Italy’s rich culinary traditions.
Get Your Guide Tours in Rome
GetYourGuide is a leading online travel platform that connects travelers with unforgettable experiences around the world, offering a wide range of tours, activities, and excursions tailored to every interest. Among their most popular offerings are food tours, which allow visitors to explore the culinary heart of destinations through immersive tastings, cooking classes, and market visits. Whether it’s indulging in authentic Italian pasta-making in Rome, savoring street food in Bangkok, or enjoying a wine and tapas tour in Barcelona, GetYourGuide provides expertly curated experiences led by local guides. With seamless booking and highly rated options, their food tours are perfect for travelers looking to taste their way through a city while discovering its culture and traditions.
Rome Food Tour With Barolo Wine
Since you’re in Italy, you’ll certainly want to pair some of those amazing foods with Italian wine. Indulge in the ultimate gastronomic experience with a Rome Food Tour featuring Unlimited Food and Barolo Wine, a must for food lovers eager to explore the city’s rich culinary heritage. Stroll through Rome’s charming streets with an expert guide, stopping at authentic eateries to savor an array of traditional dishes, from artisanal cheeses and freshly made pasta to mouthwatering cured meats and decadent desserts. Complement your feast with unlimited pours of Italy’s prestigious Barolo wine, known as the “King of Wines,” ensuring an indulgent and immersive tasting experience. Perfect for those who want to eat like a local, this tour combines history, culture, and endless flavors in one unforgettable evening.
Piazza Navona
I just have to mention this experience because this is my favorite piazza in all of Rome, Piazza Navona. You can experience the ultimate Italian cooking adventure with the 3-in-1 Cooking Class near Piazza Navona, where you’ll learn to make three iconic dishes from scratch: Fettuccine, Ravioli, and Tiramisu. Under the guidance of expert chefs, you’ll discover the art of crafting fresh pasta dough, mastering the techniques of stuffing delicate ravioli, and creating a perfect tiramisu layered with rich coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream. This hands-on class offers a fun, immersive experience in the heart of Rome, providing you with the skills and recipes to recreate these beloved Italian dishes at home. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned cook, it’s an unforgettable culinary journey through Italy’s most delicious flavors.
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Where to stay in Rome for every budget
I’ll start my saying that I have a favorite hotel in Rome, the Rose Garden Palace. When we lived in Milan, my husband often traveled to Rome to work at the Embassy, and naturally, the kids and I tagged along. I first chose this hotel because we were going to be in Rome for four weeks in the summer and with young kids, I wanted access to a pool, albeit a small pool inside the hotel’s gym. But I fell in love with this hotel and it’s where we stay when we are in Rome. The Rose Garden Palace is a charming four-star boutique hotel near the iconic Via Veneto in Rome with the perfect blend of classic elegance and modern comfort. I love having breakfast in the tranquil courtyard, and having access to a wellness center with a gym and sauna. With its exceptional service and prime location, the Rose Garden Palace Hotel is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a refined yet cozy stay in the heart of Rome.
Luxury Hotels in Rome ($600+ per night)
Nestled between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, Hotel de Russie is one of Rome’s most exclusive properties. With lush private gardens, a world-class spa, and elegant rooms blending modern comfort with classic Italian style, this five-star hotel offers an unparalleled luxury experience in the heart of the city.
A sophisticated boutique hotel near Via Condotti, J.K. Place Roma exudes style with its chic, contemporary design and impeccable service. Guests can enjoy spacious, beautifully appointed rooms, an intimate atmosphere, and an on-site restaurant serving gourmet Italian cuisine.
Housed in a historic palazzo, The St. Regis Rome delivers opulence with stunning interiors, personalized butler service, and an exceptional dining experience. Located near Piazza della Repubblica, this hotel is perfect for those seeking an indulgent stay with easy access to Rome’s iconic landmarks.
Moderate Hotels in Rome ($200 – $600 per night)
A four-star gem on Via Nazionale, Hotel Artemide offers modern amenities with a touch of classic Roman charm. Guests rave about its welcoming staff, complimentary minibar, and rooftop restaurant with breathtaking views of the city.
For travelers looking to stay near the historic center, Palazzo Navona Hotel is an excellent choice. Just steps from Piazza Navona, this stylish boutique hotel features contemporary rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a warm, inviting ambiance.
A charming hotel located near the Roman Forum, Nerva Boutique Hotel combines comfort and character. With cozy, stylish rooms and a personalized approach to hospitality, it’s ideal for travelers who want a central location with a touch of elegance.
Budget Hotels in Rome (up to $200 per night)
A beloved budget-friendly option, The Beehive is a boutique hostel near Termini Station offering a mix of private and shared rooms. With a relaxed, eco-friendly vibe and a communal kitchen, it’s a great choice for travelers seeking affordability without sacrificing style.
Located in the charming Trastevere neighborhood, Hotel Santa Maria is a peaceful retreat with a courtyard full of orange trees. This cozy hotel offers excellent service, complimentary breakfast, and a perfect location for exploring Rome’s lively streets.
For a stylish yet budget-conscious stay, Generator Rome provides trendy accommodations with a social atmosphere. Situated near Termini Station, it offers modern dorms and private rooms, a hip lounge area, and convenient access to public transportation.
If you need help deciding what area of Rome to stay in, leave a comment below and I’ll help you figure it out.
When to get the best airfares to Rome
To get the cheapest airfares, including business class, the best time to book is during the shoulder seasons—late fall (October to early December) and early spring (February to March). During these months, you’ll find lower ticket prices as they fall outside the busy summer travel season and major holidays. Additionally, flights are often more affordable when booked in advance, with mid-week departures (Tuesday and Wednesday) also offering lower prices compared to weekend travel.
Getting around Rome
Getting around Rome is relatively easy, thanks to its efficient public transportation system, which includes buses, trams, and the metro. The metro is the fastest way to travel between major attractions, with two main lines (A and B) connecting key areas like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and Termini Station. Buses and trams are great for reaching neighborhoods that the metro doesn’t cover, though they can be crowded, especially during peak hours. For a more scenic experience, walking is often the best way to explore Rome’s charming streets, as many of the city’s most iconic landmarks are within walking distance of each other. Taxis are also available, but they tend to be more expensive, and rideshare services like Uber are limited in the city. Alternatively, renting a bike or scooter can be a fun and efficient way to navigate the city at your own pace.
Insider tip: If it’s your first time in a city, I’m a big fan of Hop-on hop-off buses so you can get the lay of the land.