Rome always leaves me stunned and my heart full of inspiration. This was my fourth trip to the cultural haven of Italy and I left feeling just as deeply wowed as the first time.

This eternal city is a feast of history and celebration of human faith. Every visitor will leave feeling full of Rome’s decadent brilliance and a better understanding of humanity’s journey. With a fascinating landmark at every corner, deciding which things to do in Rome can be an overwhelming decision, especially during peak tourist seasons. When you only have 48 hours in Rome it’s even more of an art, but it’s definitely doable. Here is how to experience the best of Rome in one weekend.

Check In: The Portrait Roma

Owned by the Salvatore Ferragamo family, it’s not surprising that this luxury 5-star hotel is one of the most stylish in the world. Nestled in the Via Dei Condotti and steps away from the Spanish Steps, the location of Portrait Roma doesn’t get better. The best part of this 5-star experience is definitely the terrace where you can find the best view of Rome’s skyline. The sunsets: out of this world gorgeous and portrait perfect.

Go for an early morning run or walk

One of the best ways to orient yourself in a new city is to combine fitness and exploration. Taking a run through charming streets Rome or along the Tiber River at sunrise is a magical experience — a normally chaotic city is free of tourists and the only sounds are that of church choir rehearsals echoing off ancient cobblestones. Plus, you’ll want to make extra room for that glorious PPAG diet — pizza, pasta and gelato.

Cappuccino & Planning

Grab a map and head to a local “bar” for an authentic Italian Cappuccino (my lifeblood) and local Roman pastry. Spend this time pinpointing the locations in this guide so you have an exciting idea what’s to come.

Make a Wish at Trevi Fountain Without the Crowd

Don’t worry, breakfast is coming. My biggest tip for visiting Rome is going to the big landmarks as early in the day as possible. Photo opps and truly enjoying these dreamy sites become difficult as the city is flooded with tourists in the afternoon. Visit the Trevi Fountain without fighting for a view of it.

WISH TIP: Don’t forget to throw a coin over your left shoulder and into the fountain! Legand says making a wish guarantees your return to Rome.

 Food Tour and Pizza Making with Walks of Italy

I had the delicious pleasure of taking part in a food tour and pizza making class with Walks of Italy! I’ve done many food tours around the world, but this one was candidly my favourite thus far — which is probably attributed to my insatiable appetite for pizza and overall Italophile status. There is nothing as tasty as neapolitan-style pizza. I could eat 12 honestly.

This incredible culinary experience started with olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting in the famous Campo di Fiori — a farmers market dream for those who love Italian food. My amazing tour guide Andrea demystified olive oil and explained why every region in Italy has a different tasting olive oils (this totally inspired an olive oil guide I have in the works). I have to also note how beyond amazing the bread was we sampled olive oil with. I consider the bread a highlight of the morning. Still dreaming 🙂

We then moved on and sampled cheese at a local formaggeria — from delectable mozzerella and aged parmesan to divinely rich burrata, we had the full scope of Italian cheese glory. This was followed by a salami and proscuitto sampling in one of Rome’s oldest meat shops Antica Norcineria Viola. THEN came the pizza making!

(Yes, I still had space.)

Learning to make neapolitan-style pizza is the arguably the best cooking skill ever. I can’t divulge the secrets, so be sure to include Walks of Italy on your next Europe trip — #TakeWalks.

Espresso Refuel and Relax

Digest your pizza food baby and reflect on that amazing culinary experience while refueling with an espresso. Rome is saturated with incredible cafes on nearly ever corner. Sit outside, soak up the Italian sun and observe the Roman way of life.

Explore St. Peters Basilica

Take a stroll to one of the most treasured architectural marvels of the world: St. Peters Basilica. I could get lost in here for hours. It’s one of those places that make the wanderlust and imagination flow. If you want to visit the Vatican and Museums, this is also an easy extension to your St. Peters visit. But fair warning: be prepared to spend at least one hour in line, especially during summer. Your best chance of seeing enjoying the Vatican and Sistine Chapel is during autumn and winter seasons.

Get Lost in Castel Sant’Angelo

I’m a huge fan of exploring castles. With a little help from my imagination (and pretending I’m a princess), the experience always transports me to another time. Castel Sant’Angelo was an intregal part of the Holy Roman Empire and getting lost in this ancient gem is a strangely enchanting experience.

Take a Stroll Around Piazza Navona

Another prime opportunity to people watch is in the famous and gorgeous Piazza Navona, a must-visit for every Rome visitor. You may notice the piazza is in the shape of a stadium — it used to be one during the 1st century AD.

Have Dinner at Ginger Restaurant

When traveling and indulging in your most delicious culinary fantasies, I find it important to aim for balance so you don’t feel guilty. Ginger, located steps from Portrait Hotel, is an incredibly fresh and organic Italian kitchen. From hearty salads and lush panini to fresh juices to keep you on track, Ginger is Rome’s extra delicious version of clean eating.

But don’t get too full! You must space for…

Indulge in a Late-Night Gelato

Like I said, it’s all about #balance.

My three favourite gelaterias in Rome:

• Gelateria Del Teatro –  Via dei Coronari, 65
• Carapina – Via dei Chiavari, 37
• Gelateria Dei Gracchi – Via dei Gracchi, 272