How to experience Rome like a local? The answer is in this quick guide.
Romans are a fun-loving bunch, always ready for a good time. From bustling piazzas to zipping around in their tiny cars, they’re proud of their beautiful city and eager to share it with everyone. So come on in, join the fun and experience Rome like a local!
- More Info: Visiting Rome: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
Experience Rome like a local
Where to Drink like a Local
When in Rome, do as the Romans do and indulge in their love for coffee. Join the locals for the morning and afternoon coffee rituals by ordering un caffè and sipping it while standing at the bar. Just remember, cappuccinos are strictly for breakfast only! For the best coffee in town, check out Caffè Sant’Eustachio or Sciascia Caffè.
As the evening rolls around, it’s time for aperitivo – the perfect pre-dinner drinks tradition. Join the fashionable crowd at Gatsby Café or Momart, or go for a classic Roman drink like a Negroni. Whatever you choose, there’s no shortage of great spots to enjoy an aperitivo in the Eternal City.
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Rome
There are many of the Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Rome, each with its unique vibe and charm.
Trastevere Neighborhood
Trastevere is a classic choice for locals and tourists alike, with its cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and bustling nightlife. You’ll find plenty of bars, cafes, and trattorias to choose from, and it’s a great place to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere.
Ostiense Neighborhood
If you’re looking for a more offbeat destination, Ostiense might be just the ticket. This former industrial district has undergone a renaissance in recent years, and now boasts trendy clubs, hip bars, and a thriving cultural scene. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional trattoria or a cutting-edge art exhibit, Ostiense has something to offer.
Pigneto Neighborhood
Pigneto, with its colorful street art and lively bars, has become a hub for young and creative locals. Stroll down its pedestrianized main street, Via del Pigneto, and discover a plethora of bars, cafes, and restaurants to suit any taste. Join the hip crowd for an aperitivo or catch live music performances in one of the many venues.
Testaccio Neighborhood
Testaccio, on the other hand, is a food lover’s paradise. This former working-class neighborhood has evolved into a gastronomic destination. Here you can savor traditional Roman cuisine in its trattorias. Or enjoy fresh produce at its market. Or grab a slice of mouthwatering pizza at the legendary Pizzeria Da Remo. Walk around its charming streets, visit its contemporary art museum, and soak up the local atmosphere.
Italy’s daily Passeggiata: Evening Stroll
As the sun sets over the eternal city, locals and visitors alike take part in the passeggiata, a beloved Roman tradition. During weekends, the streets come alive with the vibrant colors of families, friends, and lovers, as they take to the boulevards to indulge in gelato and peruse the shop windows.
To immerse oneself in this spectacle, venture to Via del Corso around 6 pm or find a perch atop the Spanish Steps to witness the theatrics unfold before you on the Piazza di Spagna. The display is a true feast for the senses, with a myriad of scents, sights, and sounds vying for your attention.
Football at the Stadio Olimpico
Football ignites a fervent passion among the people of Rome, with allegiances split between the city’s two local teams: Roma and Lazio. These two teams play their home matches at the grand Stadio Olimpico. Which served as the centerpiece of Rome’s Olympic Games.
When attending a match, it’s crucial to ensure that you don the correct colors.
- Roma dons the red and yellow stripes, with their fervent supporters positioned in the Curva Sud (South Stand).
- On the other hand, Lazio adorns itself in sky blue, with their zealous fans filling the Curva Nord (North Stand).
Well, we’ve reached the end of our journey together. But fear not, dear readers, for your adventure in Rome has just begun! Remember, to truly Experience Rome like a local, you must embrace the quirks and idiosyncrasies of the city. Dive headfirst into the unknown, and who knows what hidden treasures you may uncover! So grab your sense of adventure, and get ready to discover Rome like you’ve never seen it before. Let’s go on an epic adventure, experience Rome like a local, and make memories that will last a lifetime!
