Michael’s Guide to Rome
The designer shares his favorite things to see, eat and do in the Eternal City.
Explore
Campo de Fiori
I love the piazza’s outdoor market filled with beautiful stands selling fresh vegetables, fruits and amazing flowers in the spring and summer. And the surrounding neighborhood is filled with charm.
See
Ara Pacis Museum
Designed by Richard Meier, this museum is an amazing blend of modern design and ancient beauty.
The Spanish Steps
They might be a little cliché, but they’re cliché for a reason. You have to go, especially if it’s your first time in Rome.
Trevi Fountain
Water, in any city, helps transport you somewhere else, and Rome has plenty of it. The Trevi Fountain has to be at the top of your list.
Via Veneto
A walk along Via Veneto will immerse you in la dolce vita, and all of the cafès along the street offer incredible people-watching.
Villa Borghese Gardens
When you’re in Rome, you want to find those places with great views and natural beauty, and Villa Borghese gardens fits the bill.
Shop
Chez Dede
An incredible, one-of-a-kind, boutique-meets-gallery-meets-atelier. From silk scarves to home décor, you never know what you’ll find, and the owners are incredible.
Calzoleria Petrocchi
You can’t be in Italy without getting an amazing pair of leather shoes or a leather belt, and Calzoleria Petrocchi is the best.
Omero e Cecilia
Rome is an amazing place to vintage shop and this is one of my favorites. It’s like a fabulous cave and there are always great treasures to unearth.
Eau d’Italie Soaps
This shop is always a fun experience—the soaps smell amazing, and they make for great gifts.
Eat & Drink
Dal Bolognese
I love to sit outside at Dal Bolognese, it’s a classic right on the Piazza del Popolo, which is like Rome’s backyard.
Dar Poeta
The pizza here is an experience of its own, blending Roman and Neapolitan techniques.
Hassler Hotel
A drink with a view is a Rome must-do, and I love the rooftop bar at the Hassler Hotel. It has a fantastic view of the whole city.
Nino
Tuscan food in a fabulous room and the waiters are the greatest—it’s another classic!
Roscioli Salumeria
A fantastic store and restaurant combo, so you can shop and eat—what could be better? And of course they have all the classic Roman dishes.
Stay
The Bvlgari Hotel
This hotel is one of those places that manages to feel both epic and old-world but modern at the same time.
Visit us in Rome
Via Condotti 36
Centro Commerciale Euroma 2, Via dell’Oceano Pacifico 83, Unit 225–228
Centro Commerciale Porta Di Roma, Via Alberto Lionello 201, Suite 30