A perfect italian weekend in Rome

A perfect weekend in Italy without the limitations of time, budget, or distance. Every week we ask interesting and inspirational Italians, and Italians at heart, to take us along for a perfect, local weekend.

This week, we asked ourselves: what would our perfect Italian weekend actually look like?
To answer that question, the Plinius founders will be sharing their perfect Italian weekends—starting with Shari Wijnhoud, who will take us along on her perfect weekend in Rome.

Saturday

Of course, the day starts with a little caffè in a cozy bar—because where else would you begin an Italian morning? There are charming bars on almost every corner of the city, but one place that holds a special spot in my heart is Forno e Conti.

When I first moved to Rome, this was the spot I stumbled upon on my very first day, and it quickly became my go-to. I ended up coming back almost every day. It’s not one of those super classy Italian spots, but it has more of a Scandinavian vibe. The people there were always so friendly, and it started to feel like a little family to me. They have a cute terrace outside where you can soak up the morning sun, and their pastries and sandwiches are just so good!

Forno Conti & co

I also love Regoli, which is just around the corner. They’re famous for having the best Maritozzi in town—a must-try when visiting Rome!

Regoli

Weekends are made for slowing down, and there’s no better way to do that than by strolling through a park. My favorite spot? Villa Borghese. It’s the perfect escape, as yes Rome is quit hectic. So here you can soak up some beautiful nature and culture.

For lunch, I’d simply grab a slice of pizza to go and enjoy it right there in the park—nothing fancy, just pure Roman simplicity.

Afterward, I’d head to my favorite museum: the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea. I could easily spend hours wandering through its halls, getting lost in the incredible collection of modern and contemporary art. Sometimes I bring a book with me and, once I’ve soaked up enough art, I’ll unwind with a glass of red wine at the museum café. An afternoon well spend!

Galleria nazionale d'arte moderna e contemporanea

To catch the golden hour, there’s no better place than being on a rooftop with an aperol spritz while the sun sets over the city. One of my favorites is Eitch Borromini—it always gives me the feeling of stepping into one of my favorite films, La Grande Bellezza. Sure, the Aperol might be a bit overpriced, but when you take in the breathtaking panorama of Rome’s rooftops and domes, it’s absolutely worth it.

Sunset drinks at the roofterrace of Eitch Borromini

In the evening, I’d love to indulge in a classic Roman dinner—Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, or Amatriciana. I have a few favorite spots where I go for these traditional dishes:

Ristorante Abruzzi

Fiaschetteria Marini

Al Pompiere

Each of these places offers an authentic Roman dining experience that never disappoints.

Ristorante Abruzzi

Another favorite of mine, with a slightly more modern twist, is Rocco Ristorante. It blends traditional Roman flavors with a contemporary touch.

Sunday

On Sundays, there’s nothing I love more than waking up early and heading to one of Rome’s flea markets. The most famous and biggest one is definitely Porta Portese, where you can find just about anything. But my favorite has to be the chic Flaminio Market in the northern part of Rome. I love going there because it feels like a treasure hunt, with elegant Roman ladies selling their old Pradas and Guccis. It can get a bit pricey, but it’s such a treat to see these stylish women passing on their beautiful clothes.

Rome Flaminio market

After my market visit, I love to stroll through the city, popping into some shops (like Chez Dédé—always worth a look) and treating myself to an ice cream at Giolitti—the absolute best!

Giolitti icecream and shopping at Chez Dede

For Sunday brunch or an aperitivo, I really like La Zanzara, on the other side of the tiber in the chique Prati neighborhood. It’s got a buzzing atmosphere, and their Negronis and other cocktails are top-notch. It’s one of those places where you see Italian families gathering for lunch, and the vibe is just perfect.

La Zanzara

Then, I head back to my home away from home: CasaCau. It’s a cozy, stylish space that feels like a mix between a boutique hotel and a private apartment. Located right in the heart of Rome, every apartment there is full of character, with unique vintage finds. It’s the kind of place where you immediately feel like you belong and it gives you the feeling that you actually live in Rome for the weekend.

Casa Cau

After freshening up, it’s off to the opera—a quintessential Roman experience that never gets old. But before the show, I make a stop at La Barrique, a charming little wine bar that opens early—perfect for grabbing a bite and enjoying a good glass of wine to set the mood for the evening.

Can we please extend the weekend to Monday? I never quite get enough of weekends in Rome!