N is for Piazza Navona

This is my favourite Piazza in Rome. The best time to go is in the early evening when the sun is starting to set and all the people are coming out for an evening stroll or drink. Piazza Navona comes alive with tourists, locals and artists. 

Also the 'Museum di Roma' is worth having a look at, in the south of the Piazza. 

M is for Monti

One of my favourite districts along with Trastevere.  I think the reason that I like it so much is because it has a French feel to it. In the centre if the district there is a lovely square with a fountain in the middle. Behind the fountain is a really cute cafe / restaurant, where there is seating under a canopy of leaves. If you go during the afternoon (and not during Aperitivo time) you can get a drink with a couple of light shacks such as small pieces of croissants filled with parma ham as well as the usual  nuts and crisps (wine starts at €4). 

See 'A Perfect Sunday' to read more about it. 

L is for Landmarks

The amazing thing about Rome is that around every corner there is a landmark; which has contributed to the city's checkered history. This is one if the reasons I love the city! The most famous ones are: the Spanish Steps, The Pantheon, St Paul's Cathedral, The Colosseum, The Castel, Il Victoriano, The Roman Forum and The Trevi Foutain. 

This is a picture from when I went to St Peters. On one side there was a large grey cloud and on the other side it was blue sky's! 

K - King of the Castle

 Although it is one if the main landmarks in Rome it is often overlooked as Rome has so many other amazing sites to see. It is called 'Castello San'Angelo' which literally translates as 'Saint Angel Castle'. Rumour has it  that an angel landed on the roof of the castle and ended a plague in Rome so the Castle was named after it. During the Castle's long and coloured history it was also used as a safe place for the Pope so to this day there is a passage from the Vatican to the Castle. 

J is for Jewish Ghetto

I like this area as it is so diverse compared to other parts of Rome. It is a single street which is full of Jewish restaurants, shops, cafés etc. There is a fabulous bakery tucked away to the left as you walk towards the river! You'll know when you find it as there is an mini piazza with a long que into the shop. When you enter there is breads on one side and then sweet things on the other. I highly recommend it !

 

I is for Isola Tiberina

Interesting fact: it's the world's smallest inhabited island. 

This cute little island is located on the river between the two sides of Rome. On the Island is a couple of shops, church (Chiesa di San Bartolomeo) and hospital (Ospedale Fatebenefratelli - literally translates as 'you do well brothers'). But in the summer lots of bars and restaurants open up down by the water. After a hot day in the city it's a great breezy spot for an Aperitivo. The water creates a lovely atmosphere mixed with some good company and you are set for the evening! 

H is for Hill

Rome is known for it's seven hills which surround the centre of the city. Originally each hill was a separate settlement before the city of Rome was formed. Although, Gianicolo Hill is not included as one of the seven (as it was outside the boundaries of the Ancient Rome), it is still seen as one of Rome's Hills. 

It is one of my favourite spots in Rome and gives amazing views over the whole of Rome. You can see all the main sights of Rome but from a different prospective. I love sitting up there and looking out at all the layers of history intertwined together to make up the "Eternal City". 

G is for Gelato

Although 'gelato' translates as ice cream; you just can't translate it, as Italian gelato is on another level to all other ice cream. The best ice cream shop is in none other than Monte. It's called Fatamorgana and located very near to the Cavour metro stop. Although there are lots of great ice cream shops around Rome, I think that this one is the best as the flavours are incredible and every time that I go there (which is a lot) there is another new flavour that I just have to try. Some of the flavours that I've had so far are: lemon, honey and ginger or cardamom pod with almonds or chocolate and lypsung tea or coffee, chocolate and hazelnut  or pistachio with hazelnut and of course there are all the usual flavours. 

A little tip: you can also ask to test a flavour by saying "posso provare" - so if you can't decide you can test them out :) 

www.gelateriafatamorgana.com

F is for Food Markets

In the centre if the city there is only one food market to go to - Campo dei Fiori. For food enthusiasts (like me), I love to wander around markets looking at all the fresh produce and soaking up the atmosphere. This market is mostly fresh fruit and vegetables although there are some stalls selling herbs and spices or cheeses too. It is one of the oldest markets so I always feel very 'Roman' going to it, imagining all the people in the past who have done the same as me. It's located in Piazza di Campo dei Fiori and open everyday except Sunday.