Where To Eat, Wander, and Take Day Trips

Rome is steeped in history and packed with visitors drawn to landmarks like the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Trevi Fountain. While these sites are iconic, they’re also crowded. For a local perspective on Rome that feels more grounded in daily life, explore lesser-known neighborhoods and places where Romans spend their time.

Car hire is a simple solution if you’d rather view the city on your terms. Localrent, an aggregator of independent car rental firms, makes it easy to rent cheap and dependable transport so you can have the freedom to explore lesser-known spots in and around Rome.

How To Avoid Typical Tourist Traps

Steer Clear of Restaurants Near Top Attractions

Rome’s restaurants near the principal tourist attractions are geared to attract tourists, not locals. They charge exorbitant prices for unremarkable food.

Go instead to the Trastevere or Testaccio neighborhoods, where restaurant meals have high-quality Roman ingredients. Seek out trattorias whose menus are written in script and full of Italian conversation (a good indicator that the establishment serves fresh fare).

For top-notch carbonara, head to Roscioli—a longtime favorite known for taking Roman pasta to the next level. Craving fried rice balls (the famous supplì)? Supplizio is the go-to spot, beloved by locals and insiders alike.

Beware of Overpriced Gelato

Not all Roman gelato is created equal. Tourist-heavy gelaterias often use artificial flavorings and display their gelato in unnaturally bright, towering mounds.

For the real deal, look for shops that use fresh ingredients, usually stored in stainless steel containers with more muted, natural colors. Del Teatro Gelateria and Fatamorgana are reliable bets for authentic, homemade gelato.

Don’t Overpay for Coffee

When buying a coffee in Rome, how you buy it counts. Sitting at a table in a tourist cafe costs two to three times as much. Instead, like the Romans, buy a caffè (espresso) at the counter and sip it while standing. You’ll get the same excellent Italian coffee for a lot less money.

Sant’Eustachio il Caffè, just around the corner from the Pantheon, is a great place to try this traditional ancient Roman one.

Sights Worth Discovering

Quartiere Coppedè: Rome’s Fairytale Quarter

Tucked away from the crowds, Quartiere Coppedè is a whimsical neighborhood known for its unusual architecture. Designed by Gino Coppedè, the area blends Art…