Insider’s Guide to Rome

What makes Rome such a special place to live?
Describing Rome isn’t easy – it’s a place with a thousand peculiarities. This city is like an open-air film set. Even those of us who are lucky enough to live here discover new, hidden spots all the time. And the climate allows us to enjoy our amazing outdoor spaces pretty much all year round.

Each neighbourhood has a charming history all its own. Every corner has a memory. If you’re visiting Rome, I’d recommend just wandering, getting lost. That way, you’ll discover la grande bellezza, the great beauty, in the narrow alleyways, artisan businesses, tiny museums and local restaurants – you’ll find a version of Rome that’s all yours.

Who is moving into the city?
Rome attracts people from all over the world. It is constantly evolving, especially in recent years. The interest from America is always strong, as well as from Asia and northern Europe. And lots of important international designers and architects, including Patricia Urquiola and Philippe Starck, are working on projects in the city, which is a sign of how popular we’re becoming.

Which are the best areas to live?
The centro storico, the historic centre, used to be the only place to live, but lots of areas outside it are gaining traction now. Parioli in the north, Trieste and Nomentano in the northeast, and Prati in the west are popular, thanks to the wonderful parks nearby – Villa Doria Pamphili, Villa Ada, Villa Torlonia and Villa Borghese – where you can play sports or immerse yourself in nature.

Lots of our clients are choosing to buy new-builds, many of which fit perfectly into the urban landscape. High-spec apartments in areas such as Garbatella, EUR and Aurelia are attracting people away from the city centre.

Which are the best places to eat?
For classic Roman dishes, I’d suggest the carbonara from Roscioli, near Campo de’ Fiori. Other excellent restaurants include Pierluigi, for fish and seafood in the historic heart of Rome; Armando, behind the Pantheon, for cucina della tradizione romana with a view; and the delicious Felice a Testaccio for reliable excellence.

And the best bars?
Terrazza Borromini has an amazing terrace looking out over Piazza Navona; Zuma, in the Palazzo Fendi, has Japanese nibbles and exceptional views; and Cielo at the Hotel de la Ville does wonderful aperitivi. For wine bars in the centro storico, try Baccano, by the Trevi Fountain, or Il Goccetto, by the River Tiber: both do excellent small plates. Lots of hotels have rooftop terraces where you can catch spectacular sunsets. And in summer the river comes to life, with clubs and concerts on its banks.

Which are the best places for culture?
The city is full of culture, and while classics such as the Vatican Museums (home of the spectacular Sistine Chapel) and the Capitoline Museums, with their art and archaeology, are always worth a visit, make time for hidden beauties. Etru, the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia, tells stories of pre-Roman civilisation, while Maxxi and the Galleria Nazionale are great for modern and contemporary art and architecture. Don’t miss private museums such as Palazzo Cipolla, which puts on fascinating small shows.

What is your favourite thing about Rome?
Living in a city where you breathe in the legends of the past on every corner; where you never stop discovering; where you want to explore every day, and get to know its beauty and mysteries better. Rome is never boring. 

Portfolio recommends…
Forno Campo de’ Fiori serves the best pizza in the city, by the slice: choose from pizza rossa (with tomato sauce), pizza bianca (salt and olive oil) or fiori di zucca (courgette flowers, anchovy and mozzarella). Sacripante is an art gallery and clothing store in a convent in the cool Monti district, with a cocktail bar kitted out to look like an old-school apothecary. Apericena – a selection of delicious snacks with your aperitivo – is served here from 6pm. And Via del Governo Vecchio is a wonderfully eclectic shopping street: don’t miss Nicotra di San Giacomo for its woven silk and gold jewellery, and Omero e Cecilia for rare vintage pieces you’ll never find elsewhere.

SABINA LANZILOTTO, SAVILLS ROME
sabina.lanzilotto@savills.it
+39 06 68 30 94 55

Pictures from top: Sabina Lanzilotto and the Colosseum by night (Getty); a view of the River Tiber (Getty); Ruggeri on Campo de’ Fiori (Alamy); the ceiling of Santa Maria in Trastevere (Alamy); and the Roman Forum (Alamy)