La Dolce Vita: Exploring the Treasures of Rome with a Local

La Dolce Vita: Exploring the Treasures of Rome with a Local - Insider's Guide to Rome's Best Kept Secrets

Beyond the Colosseum and the Vatican, Rome holds centuries of secrets just waiting to be uncovered by intrepid travelers. Venture off the beaten path to discover hidden gems known only to locals.

One such treasure is the Protestant Cemetery. Nestled behind the Pyramid of Cestius, this verdant graveyard holds the remains of poets like John Keats and Shelley. Meander past their moss-covered tombstones and under the shade of cypresses for a tranquil escape from the hustle of the city.

For magnificent panoramic views, head to the Orange Garden on the Aventine Hill. Its sweeping vistas of the city below have earned it the nickname "Rome's Most Secret View." Arrive at sunset to watch the Eternal City bathe in golden light.

The Quartiere Coppedè neighborhood conceals a wonderland of Art Nouveau buildings adorned with twisted spires, giant lanterns, owls, and frogs. Let your imagination run wild as you get lost in its fairy tale-like lanes.

Discover the Basilica San Clemente, where centuries of history lay beneath your feet. Descend into the crypts and catacombs to explore remnants of a 4th-century church and 1st-century pagan temple.

For more subterranean adventures, take a tour of the Case Romane del Celio. These aristocratic Roman villas underground transport you back thousands of years to walk where Claudius once walked.

La Dolce Vita: Exploring the Treasures of Rome with a Local - Off the Beaten Path: Hidden Gems in the Eternal City

Beyond the iconic landmarks of Rome lie hidden treasures few tourists discover. Venture off the well-trodden paths to uncover secluded gems that offer a glimpse into the city's storied past. Wandering these overlooked spots lets you experience the magic of the Eternal City far from the crowds.

One such hidden gem is the Protestant Cemetery tucked behind the Pyramid of Cestius. Tree-lined paths under shady cypresses lead to the gravesites of John Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley and other luminaries. Moss-covered tombstones and towering marble walls overgrown with ivy exude ethereal beauty and tranquility. It's a pastoral escape from the bustle of Rome and a pilgrimage for literature lovers.

For stunning panoramas over terracotta rooftops, head to the Orange Garden on the Aventine Hill. Its lofty perch earned it the nickname "Rome's Most Secret View." Arrive at dusk to watch the sun set over the city in a golden haze. The sweeping vistas are utterly spellbinding.

The whimsical Quartiere Coppedè district enchants with its fairy tale-esque Art Nouveau buildings. Frog fountains, lanterns adorned with owls, twisted spires and other architectural flights of fancy transport you to a world of magic and fantasy. Meandering its Instagram-worthy lanes feels like getting lost in a storybook.

Descend into the underground Case Romane del Celio to walk in the footsteps of Caesar. These aristocratic villas beneath today's streets provide an astonishing window into ancient Roman life. Mosaic floors, frescoed walls and millennia-old artifacts immerse you in the world of Claudius and his contemporaries. It's ancient Rome frozen in time.

La Dolce Vita: Exploring the Treasures of Rome with a Local - Eat Like a Local: Authentic Roman Cuisine and Where to Find It

Rome dazzles with artistic masterpieces and ancient ruins, but the Eternal City’s culinary delights also captivate travelers. Beyond the many fine establishments dishing out pastas and pizzas, hidden trattorias offer authentic Roman cuisine passed down for centuries. Venturing to these local eateries lets visitors savor the true flavors of Roma like an insider. After all, the dining table opens a window into any culture.

To sample authentic Roman specialties, head to Flavio al Velavevodetto. Housed in a former pontifical prison, this lively trattoria attracts in-the-know locals. Dive into cucina Romana classics like cacio e pepe, guanciale-topped pastas, and coda alla vaccinara, oxtail stewed in tomatoes and celery. Don't overlook their melt-in-your-mouth artichokes and fiori di zucca, fried zucchini blossoms.

For a memorable meal, book a table at Armando al Pantheon, footsteps from the Pantheon itself. Amid exposed brick walls hung with caricatures of politicians, sample exquisitely-prepared Roman favorites. Highlights include abbacchio, melt-off-the-bone roasted lamb, and buzz-inducing Roman artichokes. Cap off the feast with a velvety panna cotta.

Near the Campo de’ Fiori, Roscioli dishes out exceptional handmade pasta, rich carbonara, and seasonal specialties. Savor their crisp pizzas while watching the chefs work their magic through the open kitchen. For wine-pairing perfection, visit their neighboring enoteca.

Off the tourist track, Trattoria Monti riffs on classics using quality ingredients. Indulge in their egg-forward carbonara, pork-cheek-stuffed ravioli, and carciofo alla Romana, crispy fried artichokes. Save room for a slice of their decadent homemade cheesecake.

Tucked down an alley, Da Enzo fulfills cravings for cucina povera, the soulful, vegetables-focused “poor people’s food” once eaten by Roman commoners. Highlights include pasta sauced with zucchini flowers and anchovies, stewed oxtail and tender stuffed artichokes. Its welcoming vibe outshines the simple decor.

For a food tour de force, reserve a spot at supper club L’Asino d’Oro in Monti. Florence-born Lucio Sforza elevates traditional Roman flavors using high-quality ingredients and clever techniques. His constantly changing tasting menu explores his creative riffs on local classics. It’s Rome meets haute cuisine in an intimate, rustic-chic setting.

La Dolce Vita: Exploring the Treasures of Rome with a Local - When in Rome, Drink as the Romans Do: Top Bars and Cafes

Beyond the ruins and museums, Rome seduces with intimate enotecas and lively cafes perfect for whiling away hours watching the world go by. After all, la dolce vita roughly translates to “the sweet life”, so be sure to slow down and savor a few libations like a true Roman. This city perfected the evening stroll, or passeggiata, when locals flood the piazzas dressed in their finest. So follow their lead and soak up the scene over smooth vino, bitter espresso or perhaps an aperitivo spritz.

Want to drink where Audrey Hepburn sipped espresso in Roman Holiday? Pull up a tiny marble-topped table at Rosati in Piazza del Popolo. Little has changed since 1922 at this casual cafe where locals and celebs watch the square bustle under the shadow of the Aurelian Walls. Grab a cappuccino at the bar with the suits or unwind for hours with a cool glass of Frascati wine. Don't miss their creamy gratinati sandwiches oozing with mozzarella.

For artistic vibes and vintage cocktails, finagle your way into L’Ombra del Colosseo. Ring the unmarked doorbell to access a cozy den crammed with books, art and chairs upholstered in cinema theater seats. During apèritivo hour, mingle and nibble on small bites from the enticing buffet. After dark, their expert mixologists shake up killer Negronis and Spritzs. Regular cultural events, like live jazz or poetry readings, attract a friendly crowd of locals and expats.

Tucked behind the Pantheon, Salotto 42 mixes serious cocktails while DJs spin eclectic beats. Snag a seat in the sultry main lounge to watch the mixologists playing with liquid nitrogen and crafting smoky, shareable concoctions. For a quieter vibe, slip into the Red Room with its velvet walls and romantic flickering candles. If hunger strikes, their tasty tapas perfectly pair with the drinks.

Toast to the good life on the rooftop of Hotel Forum. Gaze at the floodlit Ancient Rome ruins and St. Peter's dome while sipping well-made classics from their bar. Their knockout vino list showcases small-batch biodynamic wines. Time your visit for sunset when the Eternal City unveils her magic as day slips into night. A perfect spot for a date or small group.

La Dolce Vita: Exploring the Treasures of Rome with a Local - Wander Through the Centuries on Rome's Ancient Streets

Rome stands unrivaled as one of the world's most magnificent open-air museums. The Eternal City contains layer upon layer of history just waiting to be uncovered. Simply wandering aimlessly down Rome's cobblestoned backstreets and alleys transports you back centuries with ancient ruins lurking around every corner. Meandering through the vestiges of imperial Rome's former glory comes alive thanks to details that fire the imagination about how life unfolded thousands of years ago.

One delightful area to begin your stroll through the ages is the twisting lanes of Monti. Here surprising remnants of Ancient Rome literally lay beneath your feet thanks to Monti's location atop several Republican and Imperial Forums. In between its funky boutiques and third-wave coffee shops, keep your eyes peeled for informational plaques marking excavation sites that allow passersby to peer through metal grates down into the past. Spot fragments of imperial buildings, old roads and other archaeological treasures far below without ever entering a museum.

Over in Trastevere, take in a bit of Renaissance and Medieval ambience around Piazza di Santa Maria. The cobblestone square hasn't changed much since artists like Raphael once lived in the neighborhood. Have a espresso at one of the outdoor cafes and note T-shaped crosses inset into the paving stones. These medieval markers indicated places where fresh water flowed, a useful bit of information for pilgrims arriving to St. Peter's back in the day.

Nearby, don't miss the verdant little Piazza Mattei and its showstopping Renaissance fountain depicting four youths supporting an ancient basin. This hidden jewel offers a refreshing oasis of tranquility in the bustling district. And just a short stroll away immerse yourself in the splendor of Baroque Rome at Piazza Navona, crowned by Bernini's extravagant Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi with an ancient obelisk rising from an array of marble figures.

In the city's centro storico, traverse the Roman Forum's sprawling ruins from imperial days. Wander past the landmark columns of the Temple of Saturn and the Arch of Septimius while trying to imagine the impressive buildings that once towered overhead instead of their mere foundations. For an equally striking peek into Ancient Roman engineering, check out the vast brick remains and towering walls of the Baths of Caracalla. Climbing the ruins' grassy slopes almost allows you to vividly envision how grand this luxurious bathing complex for the citizens of Rome would have looked at its peak.

La Dolce Vita: Exploring the Treasures of Rome with a Local - La Passeggiata: Experiencing the Evening Stroll Like a Local

One of the great pleasures of visiting Rome is partaking in the beloved tradition of la passeggiata, the evening stroll. This ritual offers a window into the Roman way of life and the chance to see the Eternal City at its most magical. As the sun begins to set each night, locals emerge to promenade through the piazzas, past glowing monuments and down lively streets. Joining in this age-old custom connects you to centuries of Romans who also shared in beloved passeggiata.

During la passeggiata, Rome crackles with energy as its citizens don their finest apparel to see and be seen. Friends greet each other with kisses on both cheeks, children zip around the squares on scooters while mothers push passegginos (strollers), and groups of teenagers cluster together, laughing and snapping selfies. Multigenerational families, arm-in-arm couples and solitary elders all bask in the golden hour, smiling and nodding buona sera to fellow passeggiata-goers.

As you amble past crowded cafes, admire how the Romans look impeccably put-together even for an ordinary weeknight stroll. In this style-conscious capital, la passeggiata offers the citizens a prime opportunity to debut their latest fashions.

Weaving through the crowds, you may witness flirtatious glances exchanged by teenagers or a courtly genteel bowing to kiss a signora's hand. Three-cheek kisses greet old friends while lingered two-cheek kisses hint at newer relationships kindling.

Of course, no evening passeggiata would be complete without a stop for refreshments. As the sun sinks, aperitivo hour begins and lively bars spill onto the streets and piazzas. Join Romans standing in sociable clusters or sitting on outdoor patios, chatting over rosé spritzes, crisp lagers or glasses of vino rosso. When hunger strikes, take your pick from spreads of small bites laid out buffet-style, a tasty accompaniment to cocktails.

Prime spots for an evening wander include several iconic piazzas. Spanish Steps draws dressed-up locals and tourists who use the iconic staircase as stadium seating to observe the spectacle. The electric energy buzzing through Piazza Navona intoxicates as night falls over Bernini's elaborate fountain and the artist stands packing up their wares after a day spent painting and sketching. And Piazza di Santa Maria perfectly encapsulates theTrastevere district's village-like charm on balmy nights filled with bohemian crowds.

As darkness descends, the theatrical lighting of Rome's monuments heightens the magic. The illuminated Fontana di Trevi glitters while a full moon rises over the solemn Pantheon facade. The dome of St. Peter's Basilica glows from within, a beacon above the joyous crowds circulating below.

La Dolce Vita: Exploring the Treasures of Rome with a Local - Soak in the Dolce Vita Lifestyle at Rome's Piazzas

Rome's iconic piazzas have served as gathering places for Romans to see and be seen for centuries. Strolling through these vibrant squares allows visitors to soak in la dolce vita and feel the heartbeat of this stylish capital. As showcases for Roman social life through the ages, people watching from a sunny piazza cafe transports you back to the Grand Tour days when artists and elites flocked here. Grab an espresso or aperitivo and become part of the scene at these storied squares.

On most tourist itineraries, the Spanish Steps draw crowds who sit on the iconic staircase for a prime spot to observe passeggiata and modelworthy locals. Order a cappuccino at the adjacent Bar Canova and cue up some "Roman Holiday" daydreams. Or join the hip young things sipping cocktails at the buzzy bars at the base of the steps as the fashion parade begins each evening. For a picture-perfect Roman backdrop without the crowds, explore lesser-known gems like whimsical Piazza Mattei with its Renaissance Turtle Fountain.

Presiding over religious and civic life for centuries, monumental piazzas like St. Peter's Square and Piazza Navona mesmerize visitors. Circling Bernini's towering Egyptian obelisk, fountains and colonnades at St. Peter's feels like stepping into the pages of a history book. The lavish details continue to wow while St. Peter's magnificent facade and Michelangelo's soaring dome keep your eyes skyward. Nearby, Piazza Navona charms with its elaborate fountains by Bernini, most famously the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi whose figures symbolize four major rivers. Grab a table at Caffe Sant'Eustachio, reputed to serve Rome's best coffee, to watch street performers and children splashing under the fountains on hot Roman afternoons.

For a taste of Rome's bohemian side, Trastevere enchants after dark. Students and creatives meet for beers at impromptu happy hours that spill out onto Piazza di Santa Maria. Browse the weekend art and craft market during the day, then return at night when street musicians serenade the crowds beneath the square's towering bell tower. Soak up the buzzing vibe over pizza al taglio, Rome's addictive freshly-baked pizza by the slice.

La Dolce Vita: Exploring the Treasures of Rome with a Local - Day Trips from Rome: Venturing Outside the City for More Treasures

Though Rome dazzles visitors with its artistic treasures and ancient ruins, the surrounding Lazio region also beguiles with fairy-tale hill towns, Etruscan sites and beaches offering relaxation or water sports. Fortunately for travelers, Rome makes an excellent launchpad for easy day trips to discover the area’s highlights. Venture beyond the city’s congested streets to soak in la dolce vita pleasures from hilltop vineyards to cerulean seas.

Picturesque Tivoli tops many visitors’ side trip wishlists, and for good reason. This hill town’s Hadrian’s Villa and Villa D’Este count among Italy’s most spectacular attractions. At the sprawling ruins of Hadrian’s palatial estate, explore baths, temples, libraries and other sites spread across lush gardens and olive groves. Then ascend to the Renaissance splendor of Villa D’Este, whose fanciful fountains and gardens bloom with dazzling color. Wander past musical fountains and through fragrant lemon groves for vistas overlooking the countryside below.

Or head west from Rome to the sea at Fregene, a popular summertime escape. Stroll its pine-shaded boardwalk and sink your toes in the sand before enjoying fresh seafood at a trattoria’s beachside tables. Adrenaline junkies can parasail or learn to kitesurf on Fregene’s breezy blue expanse. Beach bums will appreciate the chill scene compared to chaotic Ostia.

Culture hounds shouldn’t miss a quick train ride to Ostia Antica’s ruins, ancient Rome’s seaport. Mosaics, baths, bakeries and an old synagogue transport you back to life in an imperial Roman port city. Climb to the theater’s upper tiers overlooking the excavated city below for views combining ancient engineering and natural beauty.

Or escape the crowds completely in Cerveteri, whose UNESCO-listed Etruscan necropolis holds remarkable painted tombs. Descend into the eerie underground tombs to discover frescoes and artifacts left exactly as the Etruscans did 2500 years ago. Above ground, explore the hill town’s medieval corners before sampling local olive oils and wines.