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Visiting Rome
Known as the Eternal City for its millennia-long history, but also for the indelible mark it leaves on visitors, Rome carries the weight of history well, and pairs it with passion for la dolce vita (the sweet life).
Icelandair offers regular flights to Rome from North America and Iceland - for history and culture in abundance, plus first-class food, fashion and famous fountains and frescoes. Whatever your reason for visiting, roaming in Rome is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Before you explore the piazzas and palaces of the Italian capital, how about exploring a tiny but cool Nordic capital? When you book flights to Rome with Icelandair you can add a stopover in Iceland at no additional airfare.
Things to do in Rome
Modern Rome has loads of appeal, but it’s the reminders of the city’s ancient past that set this place apart. Rome is an open-air museum showcasing almost 3000 years of Western civilization, iconic from the perfect dome topping the Pantheon to the crumbling might of the Colosseum, by way of the Roman Forum ruins.
As well as bringing history lessons to life, Roman landmarks bring religion and art to the fore, especially in the wonders of the Vatican such as St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. All across town, cobblestone alleys link pretty piazzas and local marketplaces, while gardens and treasure-filled galleries invite more exploration.
Eating out in Rome
This is a city that knows how to eat well, the capital of a country whose cuisine has been exported to the world (and with good reason).
For a true taste of Rome, put these flavor-filled favorites on your wishlist: pasta in the form of cacio e pepe (cheese and black pepper) or carbonara, pizza al taglio (by the slice), fried artichoke, cream-filled breakfast pastries known as maritozzi, porchetta (slow-roasted pork), and supplí (rice croquettes). Maybe get a little daring with tripe and offal. Whatever you do, leave room for gelato!
When in Rome, do as the Romans do: relax over an aperitivo around 7pm (a drink and some light snacks) before going to dinner around 8 or 9pm. Look out for traditional, good-value eateries (commonly known as trattoria or osteria); great neighborhoods for these include Testaccio, Monti and Trastevere.
Shopping in Rome
People-watching the stylish locals is a highlight. Following their lead may take you to the prime street for luxury labels: Via Condotti, which begins at the Spanish Steps and is home to many fashion heavy hitters from Italy and abroad: Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani and so on. Via del Corso is nearby and is the main shopping strip for high-street labels. Head into cool neighborhoods like Monti for unique, independent finds.
If you like your shopping under one roof, La Rinascente, close to the Trevi Fountain, is a luxury department store with seven floors of designer treats, plus excellent food options – there’s even a rooftop bar. While you’re here, check out the ancient aqueduct in the building’s basement.
For sublime souvenirs, Eataly is a temple to food and has a huge market space dedicated to local products: cheese, pasta, hams, wine, oils and much more.
