The perfect Dolce Vita Experience in Rome: 10 things to do

A journey through contemporary Rome and the yesteryear myths to indulge in life's small pleasures.

We've selected and compiled 10 tips for the perfect Dolce Vita Experience. Follow them to enjoy both the luxurious and the everyday sides of Rome, reclaim your time, and have fun at a leisurely pace, embracing passion and joy.

Discover the best places for shopping, the most lovely streets for peaceful strolls away from the traffic, the habits to steal from the locals, and the hidden gems to uncover.

When Vogue's legendary editor Bettina Ballard arrived in post-war Rome, dressed in the latest Parisian fashion, she famously confessed to feeling "terribly démodé" next to the Roman women strolling the streets.

Italian fashion began to take shape during those years of rebirth and vibrancy. The aesthetic of what we now know as Made in Italy was crafted by a group of visionary designers, couturiers, and artisans, many of whom were based in Rome.

Their ateliers became must-visit destinations for the stars of the day: Fernanda Gattinoni's design captivated Ingrid Bergman and Lana Turner; Sophia Loren adored the opulent creations by Emilio Schubert; Esther Williams loved to wear dresses by Roberto Capucci.

Even today, the timeless style of this European fashion capital is always a delight.

Look around and find inspiration: Rome will never cease to amaze with its bold yet refined creativity. 

Those looking for a comprehensive fashion experience should head to the Designer Outlet Castel Romano. With 157 stores and 10 restaurants, you can easily spend an entire day shopping for your favourite brands at such a good price. Even Carrie Bradshaw would appreciate it.

The Guest Service team can help you plan your special day. Services include Tax Refunds for customers residing outside the European Community, personal shopping assistance, convenient Hands-free shopping options, and even stroller and wheelchair rentals for those who need them.

You can reach the outlet by car or shuttle in about 30 minutes from Rome.

Between 1958 and 1963, Via Veneto was Rome's social hub and the heart of the capital's high society. Film stars, aristocratic heirs, intellectuals, and artists all gathered in the hotels and cafés between Porta Pinciana, Via Ludovisi and Via Boncompagni.

The street used to be an open-air stage where anyone could quickly become famous just by catching the attention of photographers, who, during this era, became known as paparazzi.

Once the quintessential street of la dolce vita, Via Veneto has undergone a dramatic transformation. The street, immortalized by Federico Fellini's cult film set in Rome, has evolved, shedding its past excesses to become a more quiet destination.

The extravagance of the past are long gone, and strolling along Via Veneto is now a much calmer experience. No more people dressed as ancient Romans, youngsters riding horses into bars, or staged brawls for the cameras. Yet, it remains an iconic place steeped in myth.

Whether you're on your way to the historic centre or Villa Borghese, take a detour through Via Veneto. While the big stars may have moved on, the street's allure is still irresistible.

Just a stone's throw from Rome's most famous and bustling areas, Via Margutta manages to retain a quiet, old-world charm reminiscent of a quaint village.

With its art galleries and antique shops, ivy-clad façades, hidden gardens behind grand doorways, and the iconic number 51, made famous by  William Wyler's Roman Holiday, the place exudes a romantic and bohemian atmosphere.

Following the success of the film starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn, which was partially shot on Via Margutta, this street has become one of the top destinations for experiencing the Roman Dolce Vita.

Often compared to Montparnasse, it is brimming with studios and artisan workshops. Over the years, it has hosted and attracted some of the greatest names in art, from Rubens to Picasso. Known for centuries as the street of artists, it continues to uphold this reputation.

In keeping with its artistic heritage, Via Margutta is turned into an open-air gallery each year during the 100 Pittori event, an initiative that brings together numerous Italian and international artists to showcase and interpret a specific theme with their works.

The Dolce Vita experience continues at a café table in the city centre. Sit down, watch the world go by, enjoy your aperitif, and sink into conversation without glancing at your watch. Time will be the true luxury of your holiday.

During the Dolce Vita years, cafés in the historic centre, especially those between Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna, were true institutions—essential spots frequented at all hours by a diverse clientele: intellectuals and politicians, tourists and film stars, directors and office workers.

Some of the most popular haunts from back then are still going strong. Drop by to taste a bit of Rome’s past. Then, for a more contemporary and informal vibe, head over to the Ponte Milvio or Pigneto areas and mingle with the crowd of young Romans.

Picture yourself gazing at Rome's skyline bathed in the moonlight. Is there a sweeter experience than an evening on a Roman terrace? Yes: a dinner on a Roman terrace.

The city's dining and drinking spots, both classic and gourmet, as well as casual and quirky, offer a range of experiences.

Terraces for sunset aperitifs, full dinners, or late-night drinks are scattered throughout the city, but most are concentrated in the more central neighbourhoods.

Often, the best views are from the top floors of grand hotels and historic buildings, with rooftop spaces where you can escape the traffic and crowds and focus on what truly matters: one of the most extraordinary panoramas in the world.

The nasoni (literally 'big nose'), those cast-iron fountains found on every corner of the city, are an essential feature of Rome's urban landscape.

Especially in summer, they are highly sought after for a refreshing drink of water, which is always fresh because it flows continuously. Their distinctive shape, resembling a pronounced nose, makes them not just practical but also a unique element of Rome's streets.

Drinking from the nasoni in Rome is an iconic experience we've included in our Dolce Vita itinerary.

Three of the approximately 2,500 functioning fountains are particularly special: the three-spout nasoni, a rare sight. Catch them at Piazza del Pantheon, Via della Cordonata, and Via di San Teodoro.

Nature, culture, and archaeology come together at the Parco degli Acquedotti, a magical spot for a day out beneath the ancient arches of the Anio Novus.

Whether you choose to stroll, run, or have a picnic, everything feels special in this vast green space on the outskirts of Rome, where six of the aqueducts that once supplied the city during the imperial era still stand tall.

If you're looking for a romantic spot for a countryside snack, this location offers a unique historical setting. Just be sure to minimise your impact on the landscape and leave no trace behind.

If you're visiting in the summer, you can enhance your Dolce Vita experience with a touch of cinema. In July, an open-air film arena is set up within the Parco degli Acquedotti, offering a range of free screenings under the stars.

Near St. Peter's Basilica lies a scenic, generally quiet path where people walk surrounded by the jasmine fragrance and admire a unique view of the iconic dome.

Known as Passeggiata del Gelsomino, this path is at its best in summer, when the numerous plants along the way bloom.

The route is located at the back of the Basilica. To reach it, enter the San Pietro station and make your way to platform 1. The old Vatican Railway, now partially disused, once connected the Papal State with Italy. 

Today, the former tracks have been transformed into a pedestrian walkway that offers an extraordinary and unusual perspective on one of the world's most famous landmarks.