How to Travel Like a Local in Rome

Considering a trip to Italy? This article has just about everything you need to know about the famous capital of Rome. What to do, where to eat and drink and how to travel like a local in Rome. You may just blend in with the Italians if you follow these trusty tips. 

Ah Italy. While the jaw dropping coast line garners the most attention as of late, Rome is a city that deserves more credit these days. Dubbed as a tourist destination and not much else, many travelers flock elsewhere in Italy, but they are missing out. It’s easy to travel like a local in Rome and avoid the touristy hubbub if you do it right. 

 Rome has an extremely rich history, and with it, impeccable and intriguing culture and food. While places like Vatican City and the Colosseum may be a must, there is so much more to see and eat here than the tourist hot spots. Even if you only have a short trip, there are ways to explore and eat your way through Rome that are more authentic. 

We were only in Rome for six days, but we can’t wait to go back. Instead of just hitting all the tourist hot spots, we took a very local and unique tour, and utilized our guides’ suggestions and advice for the rest of our trip; as well as doing some more extensive digging. The result? Finding so many hidden gems that did not come up in my research prior. 

Rome was also surprisingly affordable, and if you plan the season right, you can avoid many of the tourists. If you want to travel like a local in Rome, and see an entirely different side of the city, I have some tips for you. 

Stay Like a Local 

Airbnb is always your best bet at getting the most “authentic” experience in any destination. Rome is no different. The options on Airbnb are incredible, with some amazing apartments, filled with unique European furnishings and a great price point. 

While we were looking at apartments in Monti and Trastevere, which I think would be your best bet during peak seasons, we were headed there in January. This meant costs were low and tourists were nil.

So we ended up choosing this incredible loft right in the center. Only steps from the Pantheon, we could visit the major monuments all on foot. We would stroll over to the Trevi Fountain at sunrise, and get it mostly to ourselves. 

Our airbnb was super cute and quaint, with luxurious and classic furnishings and an amazing bedroom loft. As digital nomads, we found it perfect to work in, with great wifi and lighting. It was also right across from a local grocery store, so we could cook a few meals in. 

I think this is the best way to live like a local in Rome. I love checking out the local bodegas and markets to see the local brands, treats and available options. 

Plus, with only Italian neighbors, we really felt like we were a local in Rome, having our nightly strolls, and morning espressos like everyone else. 

Eat Like a Local in Rome

If you’re going to do literally any tour while you’re there, I cannot recommend this tour enough. Blending archeology and food, RomaEat provided the perfect, most in depth and yummiest way to get introduced to the whole city. 

With over seven courses, broken up with tours to historical places in the centro and its history, we were so satisfied and learned so much, by the end of the night. Plus it was the gift that kept on giving when it came to our food for the rest of the trip.

We had so many recommendations, we kept trying local spot after local spot and definitely never went hungry. All this, for almost no effort on our part. 

While there is a never ending stream of restaurants to try, I’ve broken down the classic food items and our favorite place to find them instead. 

Must Try’s:

Limoncello: Anywhere and everywhere! 

Trapizzino: Trapizzino Trastevere

Gelato: Il gelato di San Crispino or Hedera

Roman Pizza: Ai Marmi 

Carbonara: Luciano Cucina Italiana.

The chef won a Michelin star for his carbonara. 

Cheese: I Formaggi di Gianna e Paola.

This little cheese shop smack in the center has the best cheese and meats to pick up and try everything.

Gluten Free:

Thankfully Italians actually do an amazing gluten free scene, with options at most places. I was so surprised and ecstatic.

Rumor has it that celiacs actually get a stipend for gluten free products, since this is such a staple in Italian cuisine. While there are options aplenty, there are also completely gluten restaurants like Voglia Di Pizza that you can choose from.

Socialize Like a Local in Rome

Aperitivo:

Italians love to eat, and they love to socialize. These things are almost exclusively enjoyed hand in hand. You can’t just drink without food, and you can’t really eat without a little something to drink. Where westerners have our “happy hours” Italians have a whole other thing: the Aperitivo.

This begins as an after work drink, but it’s so much more than that. Many restaurants provide *free* small plates of food while you order drinks, and these become elaborate spreads. As long as you’re drinking, you’re still eating.

Italians may hit several spots before returning home and this still wouldn’t be considered necessarily your entire dinner. Aperitivo’s can also be replicated at home; they are not just for dining out occasions.

Late Dinner:

As such, Italians also eat quite late. Don’t expect the restaurant to be empty if you go to eat at nine pm. On the contrary, it will be at its peak business. 

Counter Service:

A lot of cafes and gelato places have several areas to dine in and always filled with empty tables- but be warned, you can’t just sit. There is counter service, which most people are doing, and then there is table service. To sit, you will be charged. You don’t get access to a table and chairs just because you ordered something; we had to wrap our heads around this.

Most locals will come in the morning and grab their espresso and bread or pastry, then stand at the busy counter and chat before walking away. Same with your after lunch gelato, or your after dinner tiramisu.

It’s kind of nice though as you’re usually only a stones throw away from some gorgeous monument. This is a much better setting to enjoy your snacks than a normal table and chairs. 

Explore Like a Local in Rome

The Centro:

As mentioned, depending on the season you may or may not want to stay in the Centro. If it’s off season, go for it, it’s the best location to see everything. But if it’s peak season, try the two neighborhoods mentioned below, just outside the center. 

Either way, this area deserves to be explored, on foot, in order to see everything. This is the best way to stumble across the many hidden gems your tour or tourist blogs won’t mention. 

Trastevere:

Just across the river is the thriving and gorgeous Trastevere neighborhood. The Airbnb’s here are more spacious and more affordable, and it’s so convenient. It’s also quite easy to get to the Vatican City from over here. 

Cute bodegas and cafes, wonderful restaurants and bars, but you’ll also get a taste of the normal Italian culture, while it’s still quieter and more residential.

If you don’t stay in Trastevere, make sure to spend some time eating and exploring on this side of the river. It’s the best way to experience life as a local in Rome. 

Monti:

This is another great area right outside of the main centro that will show you another side of Rome. Packed with restaurants and businesses, Monti has more energy up in the hills, and you’ll feel the hustle and bustle of life.

You’re right above the Colosseum, Roman Forum and close to one of my favorite places to see the sunrise: Piazza Venezia. It’s also one of the oldest neighborhoods in Rome.

This area is very convenient to see the main monuments, but also has access to the main central market and transit. 

Jewish Quarter:

Don’t miss this gem of a suburb, also known as the Jewish Ghetto. If you’ve crossed the river from Trastevere back toward the centro, and you’re on the east bank, you’ll suddenly stumble into this area. 

It’s a mixture of new and old, filled with kosher eateries that are absolutely fantastic. This gives you a look into an entirely different subculture that is the Jewish Italians. While this area is now prime real estate, and filled with life and gorgeous architecture, this did not used to be the case.

Back in the day, Jews were forced into this area, which used to be a smelly fish market, because they couldn’t live anywhere else. Now, they’ve built it into something else entirely, filled with synagogues, historical monuments and a hot spot for eating and drinking. You could easily miss this area on your trip, but it’s an absolute must. 

Day Trip:

Last but not least, you should get out of the city and take advantage of Rome’s amazing mass transit. Take the train to the hills, neighboring nature preserves or coast if you have the time. You have so many options from Rome’s central location. 

Some Handy Local Tips to know Before you Go: 

Plan Your Airport Transfer:

Our biggest shock when arriving in Rome was the cost of airport transfer. Holy moly, I’ve never come across a price so high- not even in the U.S. It was 70 euros for a cab OR an Uber.

Since the airport is quite far from the city center, taking mass transit with our huge suitcases and so late in the evening, really wasn’t an option for us. So we sucked it up and paid that exorbitant cost.

Once we got into the city, we saw many little advertisements from local transport companies advertising rides for only 20 euros, so we booked one in advance for our ride back.

Moral of the story: If you’re packing light, 100% do mass transit. But if you’re not, book your ride in advance through a reputable company or prepare to be ripped off. This was also off season, so I cannot imagine what the cost is in peak season. 

Plan your tours at the start of your trip:

This is something I suggest for any place you go, but you should book your tours the first or second day you arrive. This will give you a lay of the land, feel for the city, and allow you to meet some locals and get handy tips for the rest of your trip.

Our food tour guide was an angel and gave us a three page guide to the city that we utilized a lot during our trip. I would suggest using Airbnb Experience or Get your guide.

Visit the Monuments Early:

Sunrise is the best time to hit any of the main tourist attractions or monuments. Sunset doesn’t help slim the crowds, as everyone is trying to get their sunset picture. Another alternative is taking a late evening stroll, but this doesn’t help you get that instagram photo.

Vatican City:

I went at 2:30 pm and there was literally one person in line, and I had the place almost to myself. It was amazing. I would suggest going late afternoon to beat the crowds but be warned: If you want to see the Sistine Chapel specifically, they do close entrance to it at one pm.

Most people start the day at the Museums and move to the Basilica after, so if you are set on doing the entirety of Vatican City, I would plan accordingly. If you have to start your day super early, then just switch the order. If you can stagger though and wait until mid day, even better. 

Get Cash:

This is a cash heavy city. You need your euros if you want to enjoy all the really local foods and the delicious tiramisu referenced above. 

---