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.
Table of Contents
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 Nouveau, Baroque, and medieval styles into a dreamlike setting. Fountain of the Frogs is a wonder, and the quarter is perfect for a serene, scenic walk.
The Keyhole of the Knights of Malta
To experience a secret, one-of-a-kind panorama of St. Peter's Basilica, go to the Aventine Keyhole on Aventine Hill. Looking into the tiny keyhole gives an exquisitely framed view of the Vatican dome between the neatly trimmed garden promenade. The panorama is free to enjoy and not crowded.
Basilica di San Clemente: Layers of Roman History
While the typical tourist walks straight to the Pantheon or St Peter's Basilica, the Basilica di San Clemente is Rome's most fascinating and underrated church.
The Basilica di San Clemente reveals layers of Roman history. It is a 12th-century basilica built atop a 4th-century church, which stands on a 1st-century Roman home. Exploring its underground levels is like walking backward through centuries of Rome's past.
Villa Doria Pamphili: A Serene Oasis
Take a break from Rome's frenetic pace at the Villa Doria Pamphili, the city's biggest landscaped park. This vast green space on Gianicolo Hill is perfect for a picnic, a jog, or a stroll. While the very touristy Villa Borghese is always mobbed, this park is rarely busy. It's a serene spot with stunning views of Rome.
Beyond Rome's City Limits
Rome has plenty to offer, but renting a car gives you the freedom to explore nearby towns and historic sites that most visitors overlook.
Ostia Antica: The Miniature Pompeii
Drive 15 miles southwest of central Rome to reach Ostia Antica, one of Italy's best-preserved ancient towns. Often compared to Pompeii but without the crowds, this archaeological site offers an incredible window into daily life in ancient Rome. You can stroll through baths, bakeries, and even a remarkably well-preserved amphitheater, all relatively quietly.
Castelli Romani: A Foodie's Paradise
Castelli Romani, a line of charming hill towns about 20 miles southeast of Rome, is famous for wine and good food. Frascati and Ariccia are reported to have the region's best porchetta (delicious roast pork) and local white wines.
Romans flock to these hill towns on the weekends to dine on the simple, honest fare at fraschette, casual restaurants where giant meals and lavish wine servings are provided.
Civita di Bagnoregio: The Dying Town
Perched on an eroding plateau about 80 miles north of Rome, Civita di Bagnoregio is one of Italy's most surreal destinations. Dubbed "La città che muore" (The Dying Town) due to its foundation eroding slowly away, this tiny medieval town is only accessible by a footbridge.
Its centuries-old stone buildings, breathtaking views, and peaceful streets are among the region's least anticipated features.
Tips for Seeing Rome Like a Local
Walk as much as possible: Rome is best explored on foot. Its most charming spots are tucked away in small alleyways, easily missed by car or bus.
Learn a few Italian phrases: Even a simple "Buongiorno" (Good morning) or "Grazie" (Thank you) can go a long way in making a good impression with locals.
Dine late: Italians dine later than most foreign tourists. Restaurants start getting busy around 8 p.m., and the most popular tables are hopping after 10 p.m.
Make reservations for trendy attractions: If you must see high-profile attractions such as the Vatican Museums or the Colosseum, reserving online tickets may save you hours of waiting in lines.
A Different Side of Rome
Rome is more than a city of famous ruins and crowded piazzas. It's a living, breathing metropolis with local traditions worth exploring. By getting away from tourist paths and embracing Rome like a local, you'll discover a city that is even more charming, authentic, and rewarding.
Whether you're sipping coffee at a quiet café, wandering through ancient back streets, or driving out to a nearby hilltop village, the real magic of Rome is found in the moments beyond the postcard images.
_____
This story is provided in partnership with Localrent.com.
