Postcard from Rome

Decked out in Armani, Lotto, and even their own creations, Italian players like Fabio Fognini, Francesco Passaro, Sara Errani, and Lucia Bronzetti add a distinct sense of fashion to the tour. Grab your Prada bag and Gucci sunglasses and set out for the seven hills with our guide to Rome during the ATP 1000 and WTA 1000 Italian Open—or any time of year.

The Italian Open is the fifth of nine Masters 1000 events on the calendar. Only the Grand Slams carry more prestige and points. It is a chance to visit grand architecture, dine on fine food, and see the world's stars build momentum for Roland-Garros before seeking a papal blessing.

Where to play

Our top picks for racquet clubs in Rome are Circolo Parioli and Circolo Aniene.

Circolo Parioli: A prestigious club situated in the elegant residential Parioli neighbourhood, nestled amongst tree-lined streets and the lush gardens of Villa Borghese. After hitting on one of the 20+ courts or taking a dip in the pool, visit the traditional Ambasciata D’Abruzzo for Roman cuisine.
Circolo Aniene: Initially founded as a rowing club in 1892, Circolo Canottieri Aniene sits in the tranquil green surrounds of the Aniene River. The club boasts six tournament-standard red-clay courts and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Member Tip: For an authentic local aperitivo, head to Duke’s in the Parioli district. It is a favourite for lunch or dinner, often featuring music on Friday nights. Happy hour typically runs from 18:00 to 20:00.

Italian Open

The Italian Open is one of the most sought-after tickets on the road to Paris. In 2026, the tournament is scheduled to take place at the Foro Italico from 5 May to 17 May.

The venue, built between 1932 and 1938, offers 15 clay courts. The main arena is the Stadio Centrale, a 10,500-seat stadium that opened in 2010. However, the most atmospheric court is arguably the Stadio Nicola Pietrangeli. Renamed in 2006 after an Italian legend, this 3,720-capacity "sink" court is surrounded by 18 monumental marble statues depicting Olympic athletes.

In recent years, the tournament has seen incredible drama, from the dominance of Iga Świątek to the local heroics of Fabio Fognini, who remains the most successful Italian man of the Open Era.

Must see

In the capital of Catholicism, the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica beckon both the fervent and the agnostic. We recommend a private tour guide to skip the legendary queues.

Beyond the icons like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, art lovers must visit the Galleria Borghese, which houses masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael. For a simpler pleasure, wander the streets around the Pantheon, the most preserved monument of Ancient Rome, and watch the world go by from a nearby cafe.

Shop

Rome is one of the premier shopping destinations in the world. To make it manageable, we suggest splitting your excursions by district:

Centro Storico: Walk from Piazza del Popolo to the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona. Key streets include Via Condotti (luxury), Via del Corso, Via del Governo Vecchio (vintage), and Via dei Coronari (antiques).
Monti/Colosseum Area: Focus on Via del Boschetto for unique boutiques.
Prati/Vatican Area: Shop like a local on Via Cola di Rienzo, which features a mix of major brands and small independent boutiques.

Eat, drink and be merry

Drinking coffee is an art form in Italy. Do it like a local: order an espresso at the bar and drink it standing. Sant’Eustachio il Caffè is a classic stop in the city centre.

For Drinks:

St. Regis Lumen: An elegant spot for cocktails and music, particularly on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
Emerald: A cocktail bar in the Prati area for those seeking a lounge atmosphere.
Salotto 42: Located in the beautiful Piazza di Pietra, perfect for a cocktail surrounded by ancient temple ruins.
Hotel de Russie: The Stravinskij Bar is famous for its aperitivo—try an Aperol Spritz in the secret garden.

For Dining:

Seafood: San Lorenzo and Pierluigi.
Trattorie: Il Moro, Felice a Testaccio, Tullio, and Taverna Trilussa.
Pizza: Emma for a refined Roman thin-crust experience.
Michelin-Starred: La Pergola, Glass Hostaria, and Il Pagliaccio.
Gelato: Giolitti and Neve di Latte.

Sleep

Our top recommendation is the Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte hotel located between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo. Its unassuming exterior hides a magnificent "Secret Garden" designed by Giuseppe Valadier.

The Experience: Enjoy breakfast at Le Jardin de Russie in the courtyard oasis.
The View: The suites offer private terraces overlooking the rooftops of Rome.
The Spa: The De Russie Spa is a perfect indulgence after a long day of sightseeing, offering a saltwater hydropool and world-class treatments.

Member recommendation

These recommendations come from Roman resident and club member Maria Jakus, a financial advisor with a keen eye for the city's best-kept secrets.