Diana in London
We’ve been spending a lot of time in Venice recently at the Bauers Hotels, and decided to hop on a train to Rome. A member of the Drake London team who hails from Rome, Diana, has given us an insight into her favourite hangouts when she’s at home:
“Hidden boutiques” in Via della Vittoria
Via della Vittoria is an alternative to the busy shopping streets with famous fashion brands. It has small boutiques with beautiful and stylish clothes, jewelry and antiques. It is very near to Piazza di Spagna, so you can browse there after walking around Via dei Condotti and Via del Corso, the main shopping streets. Similar to this street are the ones parallel to it, like Via della Croce, via delle Carrozze and Via di Ripetta.
Via Margutta
It used to be the “in” place for artists and poets. “Roman Holiday”, the famous film with Audrey Hepburn was filmed in this street. Nowadays it is filled with characteristic art galleries that periodically have exhibitions, where you can buy paintings and antiques. In the evening it becomes a romantic and charming place to go and eat in one of the lovely restaurants.
Stravinskij Bar
Located in Via del Babuino, between Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo, it is the perfect place to go and have a stunning meal or cocktail in the evening. This bar is part of the Hotel De Russie, a beautiful hotel. It is without a doubt one of the most fashionable meeting places in Rome. The Hotel owns a beautiful private garden which gives the place a fantastic atmosphere. The food is wonderful and in the evening you will have the best Italian barman preparing you delicious cocktails. Definitely worth going to.
La Dolce Roma Patisserie
It specializes in desserts from Austria and America. It has the best Sacher Cake in Rome and has mouth watering muffins. It is amazingly good and great value at the same time. It is located in the “Jewish Ghetto”, which is an area of the city often overlooked, yet definitely worth exploring.
Babington’s English Tea Room:
Situated in one of the most beautiful and famous squares in Rome, Piazza di Spagna, this English Tea Room has a charming atmosphere. Part of its charm comes from the way the rooms are decorated and from its long history. It is a very warm and picturesque place and the food is beautifully presented. Piazza di Spagna is right next to the famous fashionable shopping streets. It is a great place to go and relax after walking around the busy center of Rome, sipping tea and tasting some delicious cakes. The staff are very attentive to the customers’ needs, which makes the service excellent.
Parco degli Aranci
It is a small park in the “Aventino” area of Rome. It is a quiet area where there are lovely Villas. The park has orange trees and if you go there in spring, the aroma of the blossom will fill the air. It’s a beautiful scene. The Aventino is one of the seven hills of Rome, so from the park you can see a spectacular view. From this height you can see San Pietro, the Tiber and the rest of the center of Rome.
Campo de’ Fiori
It is a beautiful square in the centre of Rome. In the morning, Campo de’ Fiori is filled with market stalls selling all kinds of fresh food and there is also a stunning flower market. Everyone who lives in the area goes there to do their shopping. It is a typical roman scenario. There are a lot of nice bars where you can sit outside. The best one is “Obikà”, which is a mozzarella bar. Their food is very good and fresh.
Gelateria Fatamorgana
Situated in one of the most charming areas of Rome, Rione Monti, this small ice cream shop has a whole selection of innovative tastes. One of my favorites is “Apple and Cinnamon” and “Blueberry cheesecake”! Other than the gastronomic experience, what makes this place special is its location: Piazza degli zingari. It is a romantic square with beautiful plants coming down from the ancient and characteristic Palazzi. If the feeling strikes you, the gelateria is minutes away from Piazza Venezia.
