What to do – and where to eat! – in the Italian capital

Ah, Rome – my first and most beloved hometown. It’s where I was born, and though we left for California’s sunshine when I was a kid, we always made trips back to visit family, a tradition Jade and I carry on today. I love to take her sightseeing and visit my favorite old neighborhoods, but most of all, of course, we love to eat. These days, whenever we go to visit my mom, I have some favorite restaurants I just have to visit, but I always try to make time to try new places, as well. While we were there researching Giada’s Italy over the summer, these are the restaurants we fell in love with:

Rome was made for walking – great news, since you’ll want to work off some of those calories between meals! Standing in the middle of the Colosseum, you’ll come face-to-face with the fact that people have been walking these same city streets for thousands of years. Rome’s history is truly awe-inspiring, and nowhere is it more evident that in these incredible ruins. Don’t miss the view from above!

To really burn some calories, climb the 135 stairs of the Spanish Steps up to the Trinita dei Monti church. The 18th-century landmark is the widest staircase in Europe, and a popular meeting place for visitors from around the world. From the top, you’ll have an amazing view of the Piazza di Spagna and its fountain below.
Just behind the Spanish Steps is the Villa Borghese, the largest public park in the city, where you can enjoy a picnic among the beautiful gardens that once belonged to the Borghese family. It’s a welcome breath of fresh air, whether you stroll, sit, or rent a bike to tour the whole park.  

Before you leave town, stop at the Trevi Fountain to throw a coin in and make a wish to come back again soon! The grandest, most impressive fountain in Rome took more than 100 years to complete. Turn around and throw the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder, or your wish won’t come true!