A day with ALTA VITA in Los Angeles
Growing up in Rome has left me spoiled when it comes to what makes a city beautiful. I’ve traveled widely, yet nothing compares to the aesthetic perfection of the Eternal City. I visit my family about once a month and never tire of wandering its streets and living the dolce vita.
If this is your first visit, do not miss Rome’s inexhaustible cultural heritage: ancient ruins, world-class museums, churches, the Vatican, and palaces that span the Renaissance and Baroque eras. Allow at least several days—and be prepared for many hours of walking and queuing—to begin to appreciate the city’s singular historical richness.
Once you have seen Rome as a tourist, return to live like a Roman; it is a very different experience. Your day will likely begin with traffic unless you choose a scooter, the preferred mode of transport for many locals. Cycling is growing in popularity, though long distances can be challenging.
Mid-morning is for extended coffee breaks: sitting in a piazza, chatting with friends and observing life. I favour Ciampini in Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina—a spot near the church where I was married—but the city offers an endless selection of charming piazze and cafés. After coffee, stroll and shop around Piazza di Spagna, where the streets host Roman ateliers and international maisons—Fendi, Valentino, Bulgari—alongside smaller, singular local brands of clothing, shoes and design. Don’t miss the market in Campo de’ Fiori, and seek out less touristy neighbourhood markets, especially during artichoke season.
For a leisurely late lunch, try Hosteria del Mercato, Maccheroni, or other editorial favourites, then devote the afternoon to an exhibition or to exploring a different quarter—Prati, Parioli, Monti, the Ghetto—each with its own personality, heritage and rhythm.
As evening approaches, enjoy aperitivo along the Tiber or from one of Rome’s seven hills—the Gianicolo or the Aventine offer unforgettable sunsets and a panoramic view of the cupolone, St. Peter’s dome. Nights often end in Trastevere: savour a perfectly executed carbonara, follow it with gelato, and take a long postprandial walk around Santa Maria in Trastevere.
This is a day of la dolce vita: history and design, slow coffee and spontaneous discovery, all stitched together by the city’s incomparable atmosphere.
