Fast Facts

Here is some helpful information to help guide you through each city. Check out the blog posts for Rome, Florence, and Venice to read more about what I did!

Rome

Read my Rome post to see exactly what I did

Where to stay:

• The Yellow Hostel – This hostel was the best hostel I have ever stayed in! The staff were SUPER helpful, and it was a one-stop shop for everything you need.
  • Mamma Angela – This was right outside my hostel. Their pasta was so good!

Where to eat:

• Trattoria Da Enzo – This little hole in the wall restaurant that only takes reservations at 7:30PM. Even if you do not get a reservation, I definitely suggest waiting!
• Osteria da Fortunata – Anything you eat here will be delicious. I watched a woman making pasta in the window and it’s honestly the most adorable thing ever.
• Maccheroni – Honestly all the food looked AMAZING
• Dar Poeta – Such good pizza. Also try their Nutella calzone for dessert!
• Taverna Trilussa – Ask to eat outside. Their patio is so cute!
• Roscioli – This place is a little pricey but the food is pretty good.
• Cacio e Pepe  – such a cute outside seating area. I suggest trying some of their Cacio e Pepe (after all, they named the restaurant after it)
• Magnolia – My friend recommended this place. I sat outside and enjoyed some delicious Pollo Alla Romana
• Bonci -Their pizza was SO GOOD. They come in shareable slices, so I suggest buying multiple styles and splitting them with friends.

Gelato:

• Frigidarium
• Gelateria La Romana
• Tip: Wherever you end up getting gelato, I suggest trying all the different flavors (if a flavor is piled high, don’t try it, its probably not good)

What to see:

• Colosseum & the Roman Forum – when you buy a ticket you get access to both
• St. Peter’s Basilica – I definitely suggest walking to the top, the view is one of the best in the Vatican
• Giardino Aranci (Orange Garden) – Such an AMAZING view. Great place to eat your lunch
• Trastevere – This neighborhood is SO CUTE
• Campo de’ Fiori – The market here is a lot of fun to walk around
• Terrazza del Pincio – Perfect place to watch the sunset
• Piazza Navona – This is a great place for dinner and drinks at night. Plus you can see the gorgeous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers)

Tips/Tricks:

• Rome has a tram and buses that run throughout the entire city. While I enjoyed walking around Rome, if you are in a rush, the tram/busses are super helpful and make getting around a lot easier.
  • I did not pay for these. A friend told me that no one does (but keep an eye out for the ATAC officials, if they catch you, it is a $50 fine)

Late night:

• G Bar –  This is a great bar to start your night off at
• The Drunken Ship – This bar is full of college students and a ton of Americans (if that is what you’re looking for)
• Shari Vari  – This place has great food, good music, and multiple levels (it is also VERY crowded)

 

Florence

Read my Florence post to see exactly what I did

Where to stay:

• Santa Monaca Hostel – Great location, but no A/C (might be a deal-breaker during those hot summer months)

What to see:

• Piazza del Duomo (climb to top)
• Statue of David by Michelangelo at Florence Accademia Gallery
• Museum in Piazza del Duomo (museum, dome, bell tower for €15)
• Piazzale Michelangelo (best sunset ever) – I suggest bringing a bottle of wine to enjoy with your view
• San Lorenzo Market – great place to walk around. They have a ton of food options and leather shops/stands

Where to eat:

• Osteria Santo Spirito – Cheap option for food.  Their Truffle Gnocchi is to die for
• Gusta Pizza – This is a must. It’s the best pizza ever (seriously, it is life changing).
• Gustapanino – “The Best Paninis in Florence”
• All’Antico Vinaio – So good! It honestly does not even matter what you get, everything is so delicious. It’s a little hectic but definitely worth the wait.
• Pino’s – Such good (and cheap) paninis (seriously, only €3.50). If you go here you must try some of the spicy sauce!
• Il Latini – Pricey but good
• La Giostra Restaurant – Pricey but good
• Acqua Al 2 –  They have one of these in D.C. Worth a try.

Gelato:

• Gelateria Edoardo – By the Duomo
• Gelateria La Carraia – This is right off the Ponte Alla Carraia bridge and was my favorite gelato in all of Italy!

General Food tips:

• Buratta Mozerella is a MUST
• Order the house wine with your meals (its sometimes cheaper than water!)

Leather:

• The leather market is so much fun, part of the experience is trying to bargain with people. Just have fun with it! I ended up buying a brown leather purse that I bargained for €20 (originally prices at €45).
• Massimo Leather –  A friend recommended Massimo to me, he loves Americans, and was super fun to talk to

Night Life:

• Red Garter–  You all know I love music. This place has karaoke and is SO FUN.
• Eby’s – A friend recommended this bar to me. It’s a small bar that has a man who looks just like Einstein (seriously, when you see him, you’ll know what I  mean). He will ask you a few questions make a custom shot just for you!

 

Venice

Read my Venice post to see exactly what I did

Where to stay:

• We_Crociferi hostel – LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. I will definitely stay here again.
• Generator Venice hostel – Great hostel, great staff, but a little farther out.

How to get around:

• Walking – Everything is so close. Plus getting lost while walking around is part of the fun!
• Water Taxi – you technically need a ticket to ride the water taxis. I paid for a student pass for the week, but many of the locals and other tourist did not use a pass.

Where to eat:

• Gelatoteca Suso – You know I love gelato, so yummy!
• Caffe Florian – Such delicious desserts
• Dal Moro’s  – Super yummy pasta, served in Chinese takeout containers.
• Rossopomodoro – SUCH good pizza
• Vino Vero – If you are with a group of friends, this is a great place!

What to see:

• Murano – known for their Murano glass
• Burano – known for their colorful houses
• Rialto Bridge – Super cute, with shops along the bridge.
• L’isola di Pinocchio – if you are not freaked out by puppets
• Libreria Acqua Alta – Never will you ever find a more adorable bookshop.
• St. Mark’s Square – Download Rick Steves’ FREE St. Mark’s Square audio tour
• St. Mark’s Basilica – Download Rick Steves’ FREE St. Mark’s Basilica audio tour
• Grand Canal – Download Rick Steves’ FREE  Grand Canal audio tour 
• Frari Church – Download Rick Steves’ FREE Frari Church audio tour