Rome is not another city. It is filled with ancient history, charismatic Romans, great local cuisine and of course wine. For my third visit to the Italian capital, I decided to venture beyond tourist destinations and see more Rome From a local perspective, I recruited my friend Simone from Access Italy to show me around the city’s current hotspots, new openings and the best secrets of Rome.
1. Terraza Boromini
The hottest tables in town (if you manage to get them) can now be found on Terraza Boromini, a large terrace overlooking the city with the best sunset views of Rome.
Di Santa Maria Dell’amima, 30, via Rome
2. Fendi Casa
Rome is a Mecca that worships fashion designers and fashionistas, so a visit to Fendi Casa should appear on the list if you are looking for an exclusive taste of life that is higher than Fendi’s flagship.
Largo Carlogodoni, 420, 00187 Rome RM, Italy
3. Private access to the Vatican city
Most people know very little. Inside the Vatican, there are several ways to “go beyond the scenery” within the Vatican, including private tours and visits to mosaic studios. Access Italy offers a variety of exclusive tours in the Vatican. Book you Vatican tickets In advance to save time for the day.
4. Testaccio Nearby for the best local cuisine
If you came to Rome for food and were not impressed, the only explanation is that you didn’t know where to go. Foodies delight: the whole neighborhood is waiting for it to be explored, and it goes by the name of testaccio. For its classic homemade Italian reservations, check out Agustarello and La Torricella. Both are unofficial and serve the most authentic home-cooked dishes in the city. If pizza is your style, head straight to Da Remo’s thin crust pizza. Take it from me, this is one of the most protected secrets in Rome.
Testaccio district of Rome
5. Via Margutta
As you wander around the city of Rome, it’s easy to fall victim to the crowds and the anxiety associated with them. However, some of Rome’s most romantic side streets are often adjacent to busy pedestrian streets. This is through Margutta, one of Rome’s best secrets.
Via Margutta, Rome
6. Behind the locked room
For a glimpse into Roman life and lifestyle, turn your eyes to the courtyard of the residence and the open doors and gates that show the secrets behind it. This is one of my favorite games when visiting European capitals like Paris.
7. Ponte Umberto i
Rome is the perfect postcard waiting to happen on almost every corner, but less than the river scenery and classic backgrounds offered by Ponte Umberto I.
Ponte Umberto i
8. Pingyan Hill
One of the best views in Rome is that it is above Pinsian Hill. So, if your sneakers allow a little extra walking a day, make sure to venture to the top. There is a beautiful garden nearby, where you can enjoy and escape the bustle of the city below.
Viale Gabriele D’Annunzio, 00187 Rome
9. Rooftop Burgarden
If sunset views and ingenious cocktails are your style, you can enjoy the best sunset views in Rome than the rooftop bar in Hotel Eden.
Garden, Hotel Eden, Rome
10. Colosseum at sunrise
Although this place is far from a secret, the secret to visiting the Colosseum just before sunrise still seems to be quite well maintained! At this point, you will often find only one or two other photographers, and you will be able to enjoy almost all of the monuments to yourself. As the sun begins to rise, arrive just before the sunrise with magical yellow lights. Book you Colosseum tickets In advance to save time at the gate.
11. Giolitti for the best ice cream in Rome
One of the main questions about my heart in Rome was simple. Where can I find the best gelato? After tasting almost every gelato on offer in Rome, we can say with confidence that the best gelato in Rome will be found in Giotti, located in the heart of town. My favorite flavor combos were dark chocolate and raspberries… drooling!
Vichal’s Degri Office, 40, 00186 Rome
12. Recently renovated Spanish stairs
Another monument that is completely different when you visit at sunrise is the recently renovated Spanish staircase. Other places in Rome don’t look like a vibrant and uplifting, especially without the crowd to enjoy it all to yourself!
Bonus: Aventine Keyhole
Perhaps our favorite is to call it the most underrated view of Rome in all, peering into Aventin’s keyhole. This secret view of the dome of St. Peter Villa del Priorato di Malta.