Whilst October still feels like summer – this can be both disconcerting and pleasant. People sitting outdoors enjoying an espresso in the sunshine, others laying in the park sunbathing and some, even hitting the beach on the weekend for a swim and a spaghetto alle vongole, just like in July. So while the sunshine still graces us with its presence, we have selected eight things to do in Rome this season from house-museums and exhibitions to delicious food spots and spa treatments.

Behind closed doors, it appears as your usual Roman apartment but as you enter you’re walking into a 3d canvas, painted in the purist form of futurism. The Artist, Giacomo Balla, was born in Turin but he moved to the city in early 1900’s initially in the Parioli district and later, in 1929, in Via Oslavia 39B. He lived here alongside his wife Elisa, a seamstress, and their two daughters Luce and Elica, also artists. His house, now a museum, is a testimony of his creativity; a project that lives and breathes experimentation and continuity with the implementation of the futurist manifesto, inspired by the idea of ​​colour, movement, lights and contrasts. The house is open to the public through a 45 minute guided tour until 28 January 2024. Tickets must be booked in advance here.

Back in 1924, Antica Norcineria Iacozzilli opened in Rome. Almost one century later, Piero Iacozzilli and his son, Federico, continue the legacy, continuing to sell the best porchetta in town; it comes to no surprise the media have named Piero as King Porchetta. Whilst pork is the heart of the shop (alongside porchetta you must also try the dried pork strips), this historic, family led butchery also sells carefully selected Italian delicacies from Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano Reggiano 36 months to Pizza Scrocchiarella from a local, secret bakery. Pop in to purchase some treats or perhaps stay a minute or two and request a tasting – there is no formula, simply chose what you wish to try and it will come alongside a glass of paired wine. WEBSITE

Ninù is the nickname they used to call Alessandra Marino, architect and interior designer who has opened the doors to her home in Via della Frezza. The concept is simple: a calming space to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a cup of coffee, a long, lazy meal, a cocktail and even a sleepover in one of the three rooms. The design is welcoming: a mix and match of styles such as french antiques, marble tables, market finds, designer furnishings and an art collection gathered over the years by Alessandra. The kitchen is the reign of chef Marco Gallotta who has curated a mediterranean inspired menu with the addition of a few traditional roman dishes such as the much loved classic: saltimbocca alla Romana. Don’t miss a chance to pop by this season for an aperitif on the outdoor terrace, a breezy-but-still-warm time of day to enjoy the signature Aperol based cocktail. WEBSITE

Until the 28th January 2024 you can immerse yourselves in a funky, interactive experience at the Museum of Dreamers in Rome. The MOD features 21 immersive installations with a strong contemporary aesthetic and great visual impact that combine entertainment, design, creativity, and technology. The exhibition unfolds in an emotional journey with the use of projections, sounds, lights and interactive elements all linked to a motivational message with one clear ambition: to re-educate and enhance the culture of dreams. WEBSITE

There is something about the autumn season where your body needs to be revitalised and energised post summer glow. Usually, we would look for something warm and cosy but this year, temperatures are still high and therefore something refreshing is perhaps what we need. The Hotel de la Ville has released the ultimate Olive Oil Body Ritual that ticks all the wellness boxes; a two-hour treatment that brings a slice of Sicily to the city with a star ingredient: olive oil made in the Rocco Forte sister property Verdura Resort. You begin by dipping your feet in a bath of fresh citrus fruits and mint followed by a foot massage that stimulates all the meridians. This is followed by a full body scrub home made with salt from Trapani, olive tree leaves and olive oil, opening the pores and ridding your skin of all dead cells. After a warm shower experience a one-hour, full body massage with fragrant orange blossom oil. Here is the recipe to help achieve the ultimate state of relaxation. WEBSITE

Casadora is a pasta lab located in the central Prati district of Rome. It combines the traditional values of hand making pasta from scratch with a more contemporary, fun and bright look and feel. Here, you’ll find flavours that remind you of home cooking – like the gnocchi Italian aunts would make on a Sunday – reimagined in a modern and captivating way. You have three options (and walking out empty handed is certainly not one of them): the first is to purchase fresh egg pasta to enjoy at home (perhaps with ready made sauce), take away a pasta-based lunch, purchase products exclusively selected from Italian brands and small companies as well as taking a seat in the restaurant area and select the wide array of options that range between Italian and international pasta (yes they also have gyozas!). WEBSITE

The “Alt Stazione del Gusto” project is based on 3 Michelin star chef Niko Romito’s catering model. The concept is a menu, from breakfast to dinner, that caters for the traveller, the motorcyclist, a family, those who stop for a business lunch in an informal atmosphere or those who want a snack, freshly baked bread or fried chicken. A cuisine that reinterprets street food in a fun, creative and contemporary way. The space is located on Viale America in the popular district of Eur at the Enlive Service Station so take a seat, or take away. WEBSITE

Sabrina Corbo, an Italo-British creative director with a passion for art, architecture and interior design, created an innovative concept that revolves around contemporary Italian cuisine. There are four rooms that match the four moments of the day (yes in Italy we eat four times a day if you include aperitivo nibbles) with a mix and match decor that represents the finest British and Italian craftsmanship. Pastry chef Mario di Costanzo looks after the breakfasts whereas for lunch and dinner it’s executive chef Daniele Creti and sous chef Marco Melatti behind the cooker. The drinks list on the other hand has been designed by Alessio Navacci and Riccardo Martellucci. So, whatever mood you’re in, be sure to find a moment of simple pleasure in the proper area. WEBSITE

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