TRAVEL
Practicing ‘Il Dolce Far Niente’ in Rome
Embracing the ‘Sweetness of Doing Nothing’ on Holiday
You’ve heard of La Dolce Vita, the sweet life — all those Fellini films, Audrey Hepburn on a Vespa, afternoons melting into endless pasta dinners. But have you heard of the Italian il dolce far niente? Translated, it means “the sweetness of doing nothing.”
It’s that blissful feeling that washes over you when you allow yourself to simply sit still or move unrushed, not thinking about what the next day will bring — just enjoying the beauty of the present moment, wherever you are.
In Italy, this concept is not just an idea but a way of life, an art form perfected over centuries. Il dolce far niente is the art of slowing down, Italian style.
Our world is busier and noisier than ever. We race from meeting to meeting, emails piling up faster than we can answer them. When it comes to our holidays, we feel the same pressure to cram in every sight and experience a place has to offer.
But what if there was another way?
Enter slow travel, a movement inspired by this very Italian philosophy. It’s about letting go of the jam-packed itineraries and replacing them with a more relaxed approach to experiencing a destination.
Here’s a Rome itinerary with only one thing on your to-do list — il dolce far niente.
Waking up early in Rome is a revelation. The city, usually bursting with life, is calm and serene.
Have you ever seen the Trevi Fountain at dawn? It’s magical.
Without the usual throngs of tourists, you can truly appreciate its beauty. The soft morning light plays off the marble, making it glow. You toss a coin in, your wish of returning to Rome again, echoing in the stillness.
Walking through the empty streets, you notice things you’d miss in the rush of the day. The quiet allows you to hear your thoughts and to breathe.
There’s no honking, no chatter, just the gentle hum of the city waking up.
Find a charming café, and order a cappuccino and a cornetto. Instead of rushing off, you sit and savour. The coffee is strong, the pastry light and flaky. People start to emerge, heading to work or school, and you watch them go by. Each moment is precious and unhurried.
This is il dolce far niente. The sweetness of simply being.
Instead of braving the crowds at the Vatican Museums, where the sheer number of visitors can make it hard to breathe, choose a different path.
The Capitoline Museums or Palazzo Altemps are perfect alternatives. These lesser-known gems offer an equally rich cultural experience without the chaos. The halls are quiet, allowing you to linger and appreciate each piece one at a time, from classical statues, Renaissance art, and stunning frescoes.
Here, in these smaller museums, the atmosphere is intimate and slow-footed.
Take your time, letting the history and beauty of the art seep in. There’s no need to rush and no pressure from the crowds making it much easier to be present — to truly enjoy and absorb the experience.
This, too, is il dolce far niente — finding joy in the stillness, in the simplicity of a quiet moment surrounded by art and history.
Next, it’s time to linger over a meal in a tucked-away trattoria, where the atmosphere is cozy and unpretentious. Find the kind of place where the menu is entirely in Italian and the choices are few. Ordering specialità del giorno (daily special) is a nod of confidence in the chef’s expertise.
Dining in Rome is more than just eating; it’s an experience to be cherished. Conversations flow easily, laughter fills the air, and there’s no rush to finish. This leisurely pace allows you to fully appreciate the meal, making it a memorable part of your day.
In Italy, food is enjoyed and savoured, a celebration of life’s simple pleasures.
This is il dolce far niente in its purest form — finding joy and contentment in the present moment, one delicious bite at a time.
In the afternoon, let yourself get lost in the winding streets of Rome. Without a map or a plan, wander aimlessly, soaking in the city’s charm.
A stop for gelato is a must. With a creamy cone in hand, find a spot in a busy piazza, like Rome’s finest Piazza Navona, and watch the lively scene unfold around you. Parents chase after toddlers who chase after pigeons, and the chatter of locals fills the air.
Walk a little more. Take the off-the-beaten-path route finding hidden gems. Maybe it’s the serene gardens of Villa Sciarra, quaint water fountains that seem to appear out of nowhere or skilled artisan shops passed down through generations.
As the afternoon light softens, it's aperitif time. Over a strong sweet cocktail and salty nuts, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your day.
Despite having no set agenda, this day, filled with simple pleasures and unplanned adventures, has been the most delightful way to experience Rome.
This day, with its leisurely pace and unexpected discoveries, embodies il dolce far niente. The sweetness of doing nothing, yet feeling completely fulfilled.
A reminder that the best moments often come from simply being present and allowing the day to unfold naturally.
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Want to practice il dolce far niente on your next European trip? Download my “15 Practical Tips to Slow Travel”.
