Rome isn’t just a city, it’s a time machine. One minute you’re sipping espresso in a sunny piazza, the next you’re standing where emperors once ruled. From ancient ruins like the Colosseum to the buzzing streets full of Vespas and gelato spots, Rome mixes history and modern vibes like no other place.
Wander through cobbled alleys, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, grab some carbonara, and feel the magic. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, Rome always has something new to show you.
This week, KHAMSA explores Rome with Wafa Al Falahi (@pearsorbet on Instagram) a multidisciplinary artist and designer with a background in Interior Design from the American University of Sharjah. Her work blends culture, history, and science to create intimate, story-driven environments using materials like clay, bioplastics, hair, and other natural elements. She began her design journey with the Athath Fellowship, crafting a chair for UAE potters, and later developed a henna-infused bioplastic in the Tanween 2023 program, inspired by her grandmother’s traditions. As the founder of Sorbe Studios—a playful design collective focused on immersive interiors, furniture, and ceramics—Wafa continues to push creative boundaries. Her work has been featured in Villa 88, Identity AE, and Architectural Digest’s “New Arab Voices.”
These are some of my recommended locations I visited in Rome with Italia camp as a part of an artist exchange Program.
Top must-visit food spots?
“We usually started the day with spontaneous espresso shots and light pastries near the main
locations we planned to visit.”
Pizzeria La Montecarlo – Lunch
For lunch, we mostly trusted our guides to take us to the most authentic restaurants, including Pizzeria La Montecarlo. The House of Peroni, overlooking the MAXXI Museum, is a must-visit after spending long hours browsing through the museum’s extensive art collection. It offers a great view of Zaha Hadid’s architecture set against the urban landscape.
The House of Peroni – Lunch
Ginger – Corte Laica – Dinner
My favourite dinner spot was Ginger – Corte Laica. It has a beautiful atmosphere at night and is always buzzing with people in the evenings.
Must-visit cultural spots?
The Trevi Fountain
Rome is full of history and culture, and walking around the streets, you can spot several monuments during your daily strolls. My must-visit cultural spots include the Trevi Fountain. Even though it’s crowded with tourists, if you visit in the morning and take a moment to overlook the fountain, you can see the light reflecting off the sculptures in a truly beautiful way.
MAXXI Museum
My favourite museum visit was the MAXXI Museum, designed by Zaha Hadid—one of Italy’s first contemporary art museums.
Chiostro del Bramante
My second favourite was Chiostro del Bramante, a hidden gem designed by Bramante, one of the greatest architects of the Renaissance. It featured some of the most interesting exhibitions during my visit, and the café had a quiet, modern atmosphere that made for a peaceful break.
Best places for sundowners/roof-top places?
The Colosseum
My favourite rooftop spot I’ve visited would definitely be the Colosseum. It was buzzing with people, as expected, but once you reach the top floor, you get a breath-taking view of history unfolding before you. Hearing the tour guide narrate the different battles that took place and the history of the site was incredibly insightful, adding depth to the entire experience.
Best places for shopping?
Maison Margiela
I didn’t shop as much as I enjoyed wandering through the city and exploring its monuments. However, I always loved browsing museum gift shops. While strolling down Via del Babuino, I was drawn into the Maison Margiela store. It was fascinating to see how, among these retail spaces, you could often catch a glimpse of a working gallery or workshop.
Best boutique hotels to stay in?
Donna Laura Palace – “Sponsored by Italia Camp, we were booked to stay at Donna Laura Palace, which is a great option if you’re looking to explore the city rather than just relax. The location was very convenient, as it was close to most of the places we were visiting.”
Underrated Places?
We visited a closed marble factory, and it was one of the best places I’ve ever been to. I had the chance to see and experience the entire building process, guided by the architect who worked on developing the project. It was fascinating to witness how the space serves as both a place of restoration and creation.
Biblioteca Vallicelliana
We also visited Biblioteca Vallicelliana, designed by Borromini in Baroque style. It houses rare religious and philosophical manuscripts, and we had the pleasure of exploring them during our visit.
What should you avoid?
“I would definitely avoid touching any items or goods sold by street vendors, as they often pressure
you into making a purchase. It’s also best to steer clear of cafes and restaurants located on main
walkways, as they may not offer the best quality and tend to charge inflated prices, especially since
these spots are popular with tourists.”
Must-pack items?
“My day-to-day must-have items were always packed in my Bottega Veneta Hop bag, which was the
perfect size to hold everything I needed for the trip while staying convenient. It included my
reading book, a sketchbook, my Lamy pen (which has been my favourite ever since university—so it
has a special place in my heart), coloured pencils, and Baum hand cream (it’s always a must). I also
made sure to carry some cash just in case I stumbled upon a flea market.”
A memorable experience ?
One of my most unforgettable experiences was a performative dinner with Emily Jacir and Michael Rakowitz at La Citta dell’Utopia, titled That Thou Canst Not Stir a Flower Without Troubling a Star. It was a collaborative project that continues the dialogue between their artistic research. The entire experience was thought-provoking and deeply immersive.
Any tips and tricks to tackle the city?
“My best tip would be to hire an independent tour guide. Our guide offered incredibly useful insights
about the city and really made the trip more enjoyable with his wit and humour. It added a whole new
layer to the experience!
Also, make sure to visit all the museums as soon as they open in the morning. This way, you can
avoid long waiting lines, explore the space at your own pace, and enjoy a quieter atmosphere before
it gets crowded.”
