Start your day at the Campo de' Fiori Market, a bustling outdoor market where you can find local produce, meats, and cheeses. Take in the sights and smells of the market as you browse the stalls, and be sure to try the porchetta sandwich and supplì, a popular Roman street food.
After the market, head to the nearby Trastevere neighborhood for lunch. This area is known for its charming streets and excellent food. Be sure to try the cacio e pepe pasta and the carciofi alla giudia, a fried artichoke dish that is a Roman specialty.
After lunch, walk over to Gelato Fatamorgana for some of the best gelato in Rome. This family-owned shop offers over 60 flavors, including unique options like white chocolate with basil and ricotta with fig and honey.
Start your second day in Rome at the Testaccio Market, a local market that offers a wide variety of food and drink options. Be sure to try the carbonara pasta, which originated in this neighborhood, and the delicious pizza al taglio, a Roman-style pizza served by the slice.
After the market, head to the Jewish Ghetto neighborhood for lunch. This area is known for its Jewish-Roman cuisine, including dishes like fried artichokes, carciofi alla giudia, and the famous pasta dish, spaghetti alla carbonara.
For dinner, head to Roscioli, one of the best restaurants in the city. This family-owned restaurant features traditional Roman dishes made with high-quality ingredients. Be sure to try the carbonara and their famous cacio e pepe tartufo, a truffle pasta that is out of this world.
Most of the places on this itinerary are within walking distance of each other, but you might want to take a taxi or public transportation to get to the Testaccio Market. In general, taxis in Rome are relatively affordable, but make sure to confirm the price with the driver before getting in. Public transportation options include buses and the metro.
If you have more time in Rome, consider taking a cooking class to learn how to make some of the classic Roman dishes yourself. If you have less time, you could skip Gelato Fatamorgana or the Testaccio Market, but be sure not to miss the Campo de' Fiori Market and the Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto neighborhoods, which offer some of the best food in the city.
Rome has two airports: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO), also known as Fiumicino Airport, and Ciampino Airport (CIA). FCO is located about 30 km southwest of the city center, while CIA is located about 15 km southeast of the city center. Both airports are well-connected to the city by public transportation and taxis.