24 hours in Rome this summer

Rome unfolds with elegance, where layers of history and everyday life exist in effortless balance. From sunlit piazzas and hidden courtyards to grand churches and late-night aperitivos, the city invites a slower rhythm shaped by beauty, conversation and discovery.

Set on Piazza del Parlamento in the historic Campo Marzio district, Corinthia Rome brings contemporary luxury to one of the city’s grand neoclassical palazzi. Preserved frescoes, monumental detailing, elegant rooms and suites, a spa set within the former vaults of a prestigious Bank of Italy branch and dining by Carlo Cracco create a refined base from which to experience Rome this summer.

8am - Breakfast at Viride by Carlo Cracco

Begin the morning at Viride by Carlo Cracco, where breakfast unfolds in a setting of quiet elegance inspired by Rome’s hidden gardens and fertile hills. Soft lighting, green accents and refined detailing create an atmosphere that feels both contemporary and distinctly Roman, setting a calm tone for the day ahead.

Fresh cornetti served with artisanal jams, seasonal fruit and expertly prepared coffee arrive alongside elevated Italian breakfast classics, balancing simplicity with the thoughtful precision that defines Carlo Cracco’s culinary approach.

9am - A journey of discovery

Step out into the city for a leisurely exploration shaped by art, architecture and quiet discovery. Begin in Piazza Navona, where open space and historic detail create a natural starting point. The rhythmic trickle of fountains, passing conversation and warm Roman stone give the square an atmosphere that feels both cinematic and deeply lived in.

11am - Exploring the Ornate 

Continue to the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi to see The Calling of Saint Matthew by Caravaggio. Set within a dimly lit chapel, the work draws you in with its dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, revealing why Rome is as much about inner light as grand façades. A short journey brings you to the Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, home to Bernini’s Ecstasy of Saint Teresa. Explore the ornate main altar with its golden sunburst, The Dream of Joseph sculpture, and side chapels filled with marble angels, cherubs and paintings. The space feels intimate yet layered, a small sanctuary that quietly distils Roman Baroque theatre.

Maintain the unhurried pace of exploration and take a stroll along Via Margutta, known for its artistic heritage and serene atmosphere. The narrow lane, clusters of greenery and shuttered studios give this enclave a village‑like feel within the city’s heart.  

1pm - A Roman lunch

Lunch is best enjoyed at a nearby trattoria such as Trattoria al Moro, Osteria Vitti or Osteria Due Ladroni, offering classic Roman dishes in a relaxed, welcoming setting. A signature dish such as cacio e pepe, a simple Roman pasta coated in Pecorino Romano and freshly cracked black pepper, lets the flavours of Roman comfort cooking mark the middle of the day. 

2:30pm - Exploring Rome's hidden jewels

Continue the afternoon in the atmospheric Coppedè District, one of Rome’s most distinctive hidden neighbourhoods. At its heart, Piazza Mincio and the Fountain of the Frogs set a whimsical tone, while nearby buildings reveal ornate facades, mythological details, and intricate ironwork that reward slow wandering and close attention.  

4pm - Time in the Corinthia Spa

Leave the frenetic pace of modern life behind after returning to Corinthia Rome. Unwind at the spa, which offers personalised treatments and a quiet counterpoint to Rome’s energy with soft lighting and warm stone textures. Steam rooms deliver enveloping warmth, while the sauna offers a grounding heat after a day in the city.

Hydrotherapy showers alternate temperature and pressure for a full sensory reset. At the centre, a softly lit indoor pool creates a quiet space to simply unwind, the water reflecting the vaulted ceiling overhead and the sense that you are both in the city and apart from it.

6pm - Aperitivo in the Piazzetta courtyard 

The early evening unfolds in the hotel’s Piazzetta courtyard, where an aperitivo feels distinctly Roman. Light fades slowly and conversation settles into an easy rhythm, a moment to pause before the evening deepens.

A glass of crisp white wine or a clean spritz, paired with small plates of local cheese, cured meats and olives, lets the day’s discoveries sink in.

8pm - Dinner at Viride by Carlo Cracco 

Return to Viride by Carlo Cracco for a refined tasting menu that reinterprets Italian cuisine with precision. Courses unfold with seasonal, produce-led plates alongside modern signatures like marinated egg yolk carbonara - a richer take on a Roman classic.

Each dish is carefully composed, balancing simplicity with technique, in an atmosphere that remains understated and refined. The result is an elegant, expressive dining experience rooted in tradition but shaped through a contemporary perspective.

10pm - Cocktails at Ocra Bar

At Ocra, the cocktail menu is seasonal and focused on precision. Expect refined takes on classics like Negroni variations, Espresso Martinis, Italian spritz twists, alongside signature gin or vodka‑based drinks with subtle herbal and seasonal infusions. 

The bar’s low lighting, soft seating and gold interiors create a setting that feels both intimate and cosmopolitan. Here, the evening extends the day’s quiet discovery rather than overriding it, letting Rome’s energy surface in waves.

Midnight - Return to the comfort of your suite

Return to the comfort of your suite at Corinthia Rome, where the energy of the city continues beyond your window, but the interior feels composed and still. Among the most elegant hotel suites in Rome, each space offers a sense of calm above the city, a quiet place from which to gather your thoughts before the next day begins. The palazzo’s high ceilings, discreet Roman materials and understated luxury create a cocoon that feels both historic and quietly contemporary.  

The next morning - One final discovery 

The following morning begins slowly with coffee and breakfast at Viride by Carlo Cracco before one final exploration through the artisan heart of Campo Marzio. Beyond the grand façades and historic landmarks, this neighbourhood reveals a quieter side of Rome, shaped by craftsmanship, creativity and ateliers that continue centuries-old traditions.

At Goli Bespoke Shoes, artisans create beautifully crafted footwear through a process rooted in conversation, precision and hand-finished detail, while nearby Essenzialmente Laura transforms scent into storytelling through fragrances inspired by the hidden corners and atmosphere of Rome itself.

Elsewhere in the district, traditional engravers, marble workshops and independent boutiques invite slower wandering and thoughtful discovery, offering a final glimpse into the craftsmanship and character that continue to define the Eternal City today.