Espresso Yourself: 3 things you can do on a 24 hour layover in Rome. Part 1

Ciao, fellow travelers! Imagine this: You’re a flight attendant, and you’ve landed a long layover in Rome. Your senior crew members want to slam-click—no sightseeing for them. But you? You’ve got less than a day to conquer the city, and you’re itching to explore, and no one to go with. Fear not, because we’re about to curate a day that’ll make even Julius Caesar raise an eyebrow. Here are 3 things you can do within a 10-minute walk from your hotel. 

Morning Glory: Espresso

After a short nap. Grab an espresso that is strong enough to make your GPS recalibrate. The hotel can sometimes offer you a complimentary one. If not, You’re in Rome, baby! Head over to Cafe Greco. It's historic and legendary. One of the oldest and most famous cafes here. It's a bit pricey though but hey, it’s not every day you get to sip your latte where Lord Byron once pondered poetic verses.

The waitstaff? They’re like caffeinated ninjas. Blink, and your cappuccino appears. Blink again, and your bill arrives. But don’t complain; they’ve been perfecting this art since 1760. They want you in and out 'cause low-class tourists flock here for selfies. They pose with their €7 espressos. 

You're probably asking, why did you suggest it? Antico Caffè Greco has been around since 1760. That’s older than most countries. The rent? Well, it’s not your average landlord knocking on their door. It’s Time itself, demanding its due. So, when you pay for that espresso, you’re also covering the lease on a wormhole to the past.

When you step into Antico Caffè Greco, you’re not just paying for a cappuccino; you’re paying for a time-travel experience. The walls have absorbed the musings of poets, the gossip of artists, and the sighs of philosophers. Lord Byron himself probably left a tip here. So, consider that extra euro as your ticket to sip alongside literary legends. That's why Antico Caffè Greco became a literary relic, a caffeinated shrine.

Spanish Steps - Stairways to more stairs. 

This is not a workout. It's a historical climb! There are 135 steps, which were designed for giants. Movies were filmed here as well as fashion shows. Bring your oversized sunglasses, your selfie stick, and channel your inner supermodel. Strike a pose and defy gravity and logic. Just be careful 'cause the stairs are slippery!

The Spanish Steps aren’t just stairs; they’re a canvas for creativity, a stage for silliness, and a place where gelato dreams come true.

“Savoring Generations: A Visit to Hostaria Romana”

For dinner, consider Hostaria Romana. From February to April, this beloved family-owned restaurant comes alive with vibrant artichoke flavors. Our Italian flight attendant, Steven, highly recommended it. Locals flock here, so booking a reservation is wise.

Behind the scenes, dedicated servers meticulously clean and slice 250 artichokes daily. It’s a labor of love—the early morning hustle, the rhythmic knife strokes—all contributing to the magic.

Hostaria Romana wears its heritage proudly, standing as a culinary beacon for over 40 years. Don’t miss the fried artichoke—a crispy revelation—or the Roman artichokes—soft, spineless, and utterly divine.

Buon appetito! 🍽️🇮🇹