They say when in Rome do as the Romans do, and a traveller couldn’t ask for better advice. Rome is a magnificent city, with a history going back more than two thousand years. Here you’ll find a wealth of art, architecture and culture to satisfy any visitor. But what’s the best way to really make the most of a trip to Rome? The answer is to do as the Romans do – look beyond the tourist hot spots and more famous attractions and instead take a detour and see what the locals love most about their city.
Eat drink and be merry
Italy knows how to do food, and people living in Rome know where to find the best. Get your taste buds tingling with these beloved eateries:
- Sample the finest olive oil and freshest produce at the Campo de’ Fiori market. Shop with the locals at this popular venue and get a real taste of what makes Italy so popular among gastronomes.
- Enjoy real pizza, Roman-style. If you’re in Italy you absolutely must sample a really good pizza. Pizzeria Remo in the Testaccio offers a lively, authentic experience that you won’t forget.
- Head off the beaten track to Da Cesare al Casaletto. This popular Trattoria is off the main tourist stretch and easily reached by tramline. The relaxed atmosphere is the perfect setting for the most delicious local food.
Take in some culture
Rome is rich in culture and history. There’s a lot to see and do, but if you seek out the lesser-known areas you’ll discover treasures that are often overlooked by the guidebooks. Take a step off the beaten track and enjoy Roman culture the local way:
- When booking tours in Rome, don’t forget the opera. The performances at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma (Roman Opera House) are not to be missed, but locals also know you can catch great performances at the Church Of St Paul’s Within the Walls and the Flaiano Theatre.
- Enjoy a film like the locals in the family-run Cinema Farnese. While tourists flock to well-advertised evening shows, you can enjoy a film in this lovingly restored and welcoming cinema.
- Take in the atmosphere of the real Rome by hanging out at the Piazza della Madonna dei Monti. This is where the locals go to chat, enjoy coffee and wine, and partake in the lively atmosphere. It’s a real buzz that you won’t get in any of the tourist traps.
See the sights
Of course you can’t spend time in Rome without a little sightseeing. Avoid the most expensive and crowded tourist spots in favour of these lesser known, but no less impressive, beauties:
- The Giardino degli Aranci, or Garden of the Oranges, offers you a panoramic view of Rome seen from a lush setting. Why pay to get to the top of the Victor Emmanuel monument when you can enjoy such a view for free?
- Get close to Rome’s ancient history with a visit to Ostia Antica. This beautifully preserved ancient port will give you a glimpse into the past, with houses, streets, and even a restaurant and theatre that you can still view today.
- San Clemente. This lesser-known Basilica is a feast for the eyes, with stunning architecture, parts of an early Christian church, detailed frescoes and even the remnants of a Pagan temple.
If you want to make the most of your time in Rome, seek out the places that the locals know and love, so you too can enjoy the authentic atmosphere and sights of the real Rome.
