Pack your bags, grab your passport, and prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey to the Eternal City. But this time, we’re skipping the long lines at the Colosseum and bypassing the throngs of tourists in St. Peter’s Square. Instead, we’re going to veer off the beaten path and explore Rome like a true Italian. In this article, we’ll offer a guide to non-touristy things to do in Rome – immersing yourself in the local culture, eating as Romans do, and exploring the city’s less-known locales.
The Local Hangouts: A True Taste of Roman Nightlife
To live like a Roman, start by exploring their favorite hangout spots. Begin your journey at Trastevere, a beautiful neighborhood bathed in warm, ochre tones and brimming with history. This place buzzes with local bars, quaint piazzas, and trattorias, which are thronged by Rome’s vibrant community of artists, students, and long-time residents. Enjoy a glass of house wine as you watch locals meander through the cobblestone streets and join in the lively talks over dinner.
Next on the itinerary is Testaccio, a working-class neighborhood boasting of authentic Roman cuisine, bustling markets, and a thriving nightlife. This area, once a bustling port and slaughterhouse district, has transformed into a trendy local hotspot brimming with hip bars and clubs.
Making the Most of Local Life: Walking Off the Beaten Path
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it sure wasn’t designed only for tourists! Forget about taking that bus tour; instead, roam through the city’s diverse neighborhoods (quartieri) on foot. Start with San Lorenzo, a bohemian neighborhood coated with chic graffiti and packed with vintage shops. It’s a blend of Rome’s impactful past and its constantly evolving present.
The Pigneto district boasts an array of colorful street murals that could rival those on display in renowned art galleries. Quartiere Coppedè, an architectural marvel hidden in the heart of Rome, features fantasy, art nouveau, and neoclassical designs that will leave you awestruck.
Indulging the Taste Buds: Eating as the Romans do
One cannot truly experience Rome without tasting its culinary delights. Why stick to the standard pizza and pasta when Rome offers such an exquisite bouquet of flavors? Begin your day like the locals with a fresh, warm cornetto paired with a shot of espresso at the local café.
When in doubt, order saltimbocca, a classic Roman dish featuring thin slices of veal wrapped in prosciutto and sage, lightly marinated in wine and butter. Couple that with supplì, fried risotto balls filled with mozzarella and meat sauce, or carciofi alla romana, artichokes Roman-style.
No Roman culinary tour is complete without a taste of the classic pasta dishes like cacio e pepe, simple yet flavorful with pecorino cheese and black pepper, or amatriciana with its spicy tomato sauce and crispy guanciale.
And finally, to end your day like a true Roman, stop by one of the local gelato shops to sate your sweet tooth. Try unconventional flavors like ricotta and fig, or stick to classics like stracciatella. Remember, when it comes to gelato, the Romans believe the more, the merrier!
The Treasure Hunt: Browsing for Antiques at Porta Portese
Turn your Sunday morning into an exciting treasure hunt at Porta Portese Flea Market. You will find an array of antiques, vintage clothing, records, and memorabilia that you can’t find anywhere else. Remember, bargaining is the name of the game here!
Underrated Wonders: Visit St Paul Outside the Wall
Escape the tourist traffic and head to the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls. Its awe-inspiring Byzantine mosaics, towering pillars and quiet charm offer an unparalleled view of Rome’s rich religious history.
Flavors and Aromas: Testaccio Food Market
Visit the Testaccio food market, where Romans buy fresh produce from friendly vendors. It’s a feast for the senses with a dazzling array of colors, flavors, and smells. Don’t forget to sample Rome’s famous sandwich, Trapizzino, from a stall here.
Dine Outdoors: Picnic at Parco degli Acquedotti
Pack a picnic and head to Parco degli Acquedotti, where you can marvel at ancient Roman aqueducts while basking in the sunshine. Bring a local cheese, fresh bread, and fruits from the market, and enjoy dining al fresco like a true Roman.
Fairy Tale Marvels: Step into the Coppedè District
Coppedè, a lesser-known district in Rome, boasts architecture that seems to have leaped out of a fairy tale. From Art Nouveau to Greek, Gothic to Baroque, the houses of Coppedè district are a fusion of architectural styles that will leave you mesmerized.
After Hours Exploration: Ponte Milvio’s Lively Nightlife
For a slice of real Roman nightlife, visit Ponte Milvio, a vibrant district known for its bars, restaurants, and clubs. Here, the jovial chats of locals blend with the clink of wine glasses to create an enchanting Roman night.
Contemporary Rome: Fascist Architecture in EUR
Step into EUR, an area brimming with grandiose Fascist architecture. Its stark, symmetrical buildings like the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana offer a unique glimpse into Italy’s historical past.
Witness the culture and history of Rome in its rawest and most authentic form. Leave those touristy checklists and give Roman life a shot. Walk around neighborhoods rich in art, history, and culture; indulge your taste buds with local cuisines; and feel the infectious Italian spirit take over your soul. Savor every moment and let Rome’s magic unveil itself the way Romans experience it daily. As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day, so why rush when you can enjoy every moment lingering in its charm and grandeur?
Take a step outside the world of touristy Rome and delve into the heart of what makes it so beautiful – its local culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and authentic neighborhoods filled with storied history. To truly enjoy Rome like a local, leave the map behind, open up your senses, and let the Eternal City surprise and enchant you with its hidden gems. Experience Rome the way Romans do and indulge in its non-touristy side. After all, “When in Rome, do as Romans do.”
