Roman designer Carlotta De Luca created her footwear brand to encourage women to put their best foot forward – with shoes designed to push the boundaries of the wearer.
Starting her journey as an architect before becoming a designer, Carlotta’s studies took her from Rome to New York and London. Her shoes are made by High Italian Manufacturing (HIM), who also manufacture for brands including Chloé and Jil Sander, and are crafted from the finest Italian leather in modern silhouettes.
Follow Carlotta’s footsteps below for the perfect weekend in Rome, as a local who lives and breathes the historic city.
Rome is beautiful at every time of the year, but I would avoid July and August as it is very (very!) hot.
Your favourite hotel to check-in at is…
Hôtel Locarno, for a charming classic boutique hotel, or the Bulgari Hotel for an extra luxurious stay.
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Our first pitstop should be…
Roscioli for the best Pizza al Taglio in Rome. The restaurant is also in the city’s prettiest neighbourhood, Regola.
For an early morning workout head to…
Villa Borghese, Rome’s ‘Central Park’ where you can find plenty of steps, bars and true Romans that meet their trainers bright and early.
Where should we go for breakfast?
Caffè Ciampini, it has a table on the square for some good people watching and, importantly, it makes a very good cappuccino.
Where can we find the best coffee?
Caffè Sant’ Eustachio, right behind the Pantheon.
How about for a long, lazy lunch?
Da Pierluigi has the best seafood.
Your favourite restaurant in town?
Trattoria al Moro, it’s classic chic.
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And for dinner with friends?
Osteria Der Belli in Trastevere, it’s vibrant and has a younger crowd.
The best place for people watching…
Caffè Camponeschi, this is a spot for low key aperitivo with a real Roman crowd.
The culture spot to rave about…
In Rome it is impossible to choose just one. Staying away from the classic landmarks I would choose the La Galleria Nazionale for it’s great modern art in Villa Borghese park.
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One place only locals know about…
Vino e Olio in via dei Banchi Nuovi for a good glass of red wine.
A book to read before we go (or while there)…
History: A Novel by Elsa Morante, set in Rome between 1941 and 1947.
For a change of pace try…
Fregenae, a pretty seaside town. We always go here for a spaghetti alle vongole. You can also find the best sunsets in this area.
Where can I go shopping?
Via Monserrato is my favourite street – every shop is worth a visit.
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Souvenir to take home?
Ground coffee from Caffè Sant’Eustachio.
In one word, Rome is…
Emotion.
A must-try spot for date night?
La Segreta in Via Margutta.
The best place to treat yourself is…
The spa at the Bulgari Hotel.
Your favourite neighbourhoods to stroll in…
Monti, Via del Boschetto, Via Urbana and Via Panisperna are my absolute favourites.
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Great day trips include…
Tivoli to visit Villa D’Este and to have lunch at La Sibilla, or Ninfa to visit the lovely Giardini di Ninfa.
How should we spend the final day of our trip?
Rent a bicycle and cycle along the Tiber river from the centre and pass the isolated Tiberina, then towards the Gasometro. Stop for lunch at Al Biondo Tevere or Tiberino on Isola Tiberina.
What’s your Rome secret?
Go to Piazza Trilussa around 7PM. Grab a beer or a drink and sit on the steps of the square to listen to the best street artists perform – and be ready to dance!
What to pack?
A sun hat as the sun really hits from spring to autumn, a notepad to write down all the secret spots you find during your walks, a pair of Maria Luca Augusta ballet flats as they are well known in the city. Sneakers to cycle around and train in the park, a swimsuit so you can always head to the beach, and Maria Luca heels for nights out.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?