After using the HappyCow App to navigate our way through Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, Italy, and Poland we thought we’d share a tiny taste (pardon the pun) of our experiences to help others that may find themselves overseas looking for the perfect vegan day in Rome…
Rome is an incredible city with more history than almost anywhere in the world. It’s a beautiful place with awe-inspiring sights around every corner. Luckily for us herbivores, it’s also home to some amazing vegan restaurants, bakeries, and stores. With some proper planning and sound advice from experienced travelers like us you can have the perfect vegan day in Rome. Not only will you satisfy your taste buds, but you will also quench your thirst for the most alluring tourist attractions.
Getting around Rome by bus and subway is simple, and thanks to Google maps and international data plans, it’s now easier than ever.
To start your day, head south of the city center to Wani Vegan Bakery. There you will find a display case filled with mouth-watering vegan treats like croissants, doughnuts, cakes, and cookies. You can sit back and enjoy your breakfast in their cozy shop and take advantage of the free wi-fi while sipping coffee.
Wani Bakery
After breakfast you can go just two stops on the metro to 100% Bio. While walking from the train station to the restaurant, don’t miss the Pyramid of Cestius. At the cafe you will be greeted by friendly staff who will help you decide which traditional Italian calzones to get. It’s best to arrive just as the selections of the day are brought out from the kitchen (around 10:00am) because they may sell out fast! Take the calzones with you and head back to the city center.
100% Bio calzones and sandwiches
The metro will drop you off right in front of the Colosseum where you can work off your morning sweets while walking around the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Altar of the Fatherland—all spectacular and free to view from the outside. From there it is a 15 minute walk to the Trevi Fountain, which is a perfect place to sit on the steps, marvel at the masterpiece, and enjoy your lunch.
If you’re not ready for a nap by this point, once you are finished eating your calzones and taking selfies in front of the fountain you can take a bus to Vatican City and hang out in the square in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. From there it’s not a far walk to the beautiful bridges that cross the River Tiber where you will have a perfect view of the St. Angelo Castle.
By now you will be very close to Ecru, a raw vegan restaurant near the river with a great ambiance and an eclectic menu filled with all the unique dishes you’d expect from a raw restaurant.
Burger from Ecru
After dinner, your perfect vegan day in Italy would not be complete without some gelato. Hop back on the metro or bus and make your way to Olive Dolci, and all-vegan gelateria that makes their frozen treats with a base of olive oil. The flavors pack a punch that will spread your grin from ear to ear! We recommend hazelnut and peanut butter, but don’t stop there because with a large cup you get four flavors!
Olive Dolci
If you are in Rome for a few more days, don’t miss out on our other top recommendations, Veggy Days for quick Italian cuisine, Flower Burger for burgers and potatoes, and Vegan Food Store Stall 83 in the Testaccio Market for an authentic deli experience including paninis and gourmet cheese.
Ravioli from Veggy Days
Did we miss anything? Do you have something else to add to our perfect vegan day in Rome? Let us know, we’d love to hear from you!
About the Authors: Darlene is a five-time nationally qualified bikini competitor, vegan nutrition consultant, and author of The Affordable Vegan Diet. Fat is a professional photographer and video producer who competes in functional fitness competitions. Together they started Powr Cupl—a website documenting their adventures around the world while pregnant, and a lifestyle brand aimed at inspiring couples to grow stronger together. Follow their journey at www.powrcupl.com! Instagram: instagram.com/
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