Fun Emily in Paris Rome Itinerary – From a Local!

Want to experience Rome like Emily in Emily in Paris? This itinerary lets you explore the Eternal City’s most iconic spots, from Vespa rides to Trevi Fountain coin tosses, all while hitting the show’s filming locations. With insider tips from a local, you’ll relive the magic of the Netflix series while uncovering Rome’s hidden gems. Time to channel your inner Emily and discover Rome in style!

If you’re an Emily in Paris fan and planning a trip to Rome, you’re in for a treat! Whether it’s reliving Emily’s whirlwind Vespa rides with Marcello or taking in the same stunning views from Janiculum Hill, this itinerary has it all. From iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain to hidden gems like Piazza Mattei, where Mindy’s unforgettable performance went viral, this guide offers the perfect blend of cinematic magic and real-life Roman charm. Join me as I show you the best of Rome in 3 days, inspired by the Netflix hit, but with a local’s insider touch!

Day 1: Classic Rome with a Glam Twist

Start with Breakfast at Via Veneto

Begin your first day in Rome on the chic Via Veneto. The street where movie stars and luxury merge. 

Emily, invited by Marcello, lands in Rome and stays at Hotel Via Veneto. 

In the ‘60s, Via Veneto was absolutely iconic thanks to La Dolce Vita (Fellini). This was in fact one of the Italian filming places that have been recognized in the world. Also thanks to spots like Hotel Veneto and Harry’s Bar. 

Since you’re here, start the day by grabbing a cappuccino and croissant. Or, even better, a delicious Maritozzo Romano! 

While tipping in Italy is not very common, there are chances where it’s polite to do so.
Make sure you check the bill to see if tipping (“servizio”) is already included!

Colosseum and Roman Forum

The iconic Colosseum and the Roman Forum are must-sees. Marvel at these ancient wonders that embody the grandeur of Roman history. 

In Emily in Paris season 4, our Emily has just stepped into Hotel Veneto, when Marcello drags her away for a fun Vespa Tour.
We’ll do that soon, I promise. 

Meanwhile, make sure you allocate 1 to 3 hours of this Rome itinerary to visit both the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Closest Metro: Colosseo (Line B)

Lunch time is approaching, so if you’re like me and Aldo, who love the Italian regional dishes, stop at Coming Out.
It’s super close to the Colosseum and you will be able to enjoy a traditional Roman meal.

Aldo suggests ordering Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, while I personally loved their Carbonara.
Your choice!

Stroll Down Via del Lavatore to Trevi Fountain

After lunch, take a scenic walk down Via del Lavatore to the Trevi Fountain.
Marchello surprises Emily by turning the corner and… ta-dah! That’s the most iconic fountain for you!

Toss a coin in for luck—just like Emily!
This stunning spot is a perfect photo op.

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is where one of the most iconic scenes in Italian movies was filmed.
Marcello (Mastroianni) and Anita Ekberg took a midnight dip in the fountain for La Dolce Vita.

Make sure you do not do the same: you’ll be fined!

Also note that Trevi Fountain is always super crowded.
While a lot of people say that early in the morning is better, I personally think that unless you visit at 6 am, you’ll still have company.

Me and Aldo got used to taking it philosophically.
Yes, there are a lot of people. Also yes, it’s part of the deal, so we don’t let this ruin our day!

Closest Metro: Barberini (Line A)

Enjoy Dinner in the Jewish Ghetto at Gigetto al Portico d’Ottavia

The cozy ambiance of this well-loved restaurant will be a great way to wind down after a full day. 

Emily has lunch at Hosteria da Gigetto, on Via del Portico d’Ottavia in Rome, a restaurant owned by one of Marcello’s oldest friends.

While they serve a ton of traditional dishes, me and Aldo keep on ordering the same thing. Over and over again.
Carciofi alla Giudia.
It’s the authentic, traditional way of serving deep fried artichokes in Rome, and you can’t miss that!

Day 2: Instagrammable Rome

Start at Hotel Eden (9:00 AM)

Grab a rooftop breakfast at Hotel Eden.
Their ultra-Instagrammable location with panoramic views of Rome has been featured quite often in Emily in Paris season 4!

Closest Metro: Spagna (Line A)

Explore Villa Borghese

After breakfast, head to the lush Villa Borghese park.
Lily Collins (Emily) and Eugenio Franceschini (Marcello) have been filming here in early 2024 and wow. So many Italian fans waited for them every day to ask for a photo or an autograph!

Wander the gardens or rent a bike or Vespa for a fun tour.
If you’re feeling artsy, visit the Galleria Borghese (make sure you book in advance).

Villa Borghese is full of gorgeous fountains, ponds and sculptures.
Hence why it’s the perfect place for some pictures!

Closest Metro: Flaminio (Line A)

Have lunch Near the Spanish Steps

Stop for a bite in one of the cafés near Piazza di Spagna.
There’s nothing quite like enjoying pasta with a view of this iconic staircase!

Also, if you are familiar with Italian VIPs, let me just tell you that I’ve met a lot of them having lunch near Piazza di Spagna.
They just seem to love this place, a bit like it happens with Gran Cafè Gambrinus in Naples!

Visit Fontana dell’Acqua Paola & Janiculum Hill

If Fontana di Trevi was super crowded, this lesser known one is usually more quiet. Yet equally magical!

You might recognize it because it was shown during the Emily in Paris moped scene.

Fontana dell’Acqua Paola is located on Via Garibaldi in Rome and dates back to 1612.
It’s super close to Janiculum Hill.

One of the iconic scenes in Emily in Paris season 4 features an ancient cannon.
Well, that is the Janiculum Hill Cannon!
It fires daily at 12 noon. Yet I’ve always found it less enjoyable and super crowded when I visited to actually see the cannon fire. 

Hence why I try to go in the afternoon or after lunch: that’s when I usually am almost on my own up there!

 Janiculum Hill also offers incredible views of the city, making it a perfect spot to relax.

Closest Bus: 870 from the Vatican area.

Dine at Trastevere

End your day with dinner in the charming Trastevere district.
Da Enzo al 29 is a popular choice for authentic Roman dishes.

Day 3: Hidden Rome and the Coast

Start the day at Piazza Mattei and see the Turtle Fountain

Begin your day at the whimsical Piazza Mattei, a hidden gem in the Jewish Ghetto.

You might recognize this Italian piazza from the scene in season 4 when Mindy sings a new song.
The musical scene also features Emily, of course!

Behind Mindy you can also see the famous Fontana delle Tartarughe, dating back to 1581,
The tortoises have been stolen countless times.
They were added in 1658, probably by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. 

Have lunch in Ostia Antica

In Emily in Paris, Marcello is from Solitano.
Yet this town doesn’t exist in Italy: the Solitano scenes were filmed in Ostia Antica.

You can hop on a metro, Line B, in Rome, to Piramide.
Once there, get on a regional train to Ostia Antica and enjoy an early lunch, just like Emily at Caffè di Ugo.

Afternoon Vespa Tour

Once you get back to Rome, treat yourself to a classic Vespa tour to explore more off-the-beaten-path corners, like the Aventine Keyhole and Testaccio.
Just like Emily and Marcello: it’s so much fun!

Click here to check out availability and rates.

Pick-up Spot: Various locations across Rome

Dine at a Charming Trattoria

For your final dinner, indulge in some Roman classics at Da Felice a Testaccio.
Their cacio e pepe is legendary: Aldo is absolutely in love, you can say it’s his favorite cacio e pepe ever!

Practical Tips from a local

• Be sure to book tickets in advance for major attractions like the Colosseum and Galleria Borghese.
• Wear comfy shoes; there’s plenty of walking, but the Vespa tour will give you a fun break.
• I’ve left enough time for leisurely lunches and dinners, but be sure to check each location’s opening hours when booking!

In a Nutshell

Whether you’re a die-hard Emily in Paris fan or just looking for a fun and fabulous way to experience Rome, this itinerary brings the best of both worlds together. You’ll relive the show’s iconic moments while exploring the city’s timeless beauty like a true local. 

So, pack your bags, hop on that Vespa, and get ready for a Roman adventure that’s filled with glamor, history, and a little bit of magic—just like Emily would want. 

Rome is calling, and trust me, you won’t want to miss a moment of it!

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