Rome

Rome — the city of ancient stones, big ideas, chaotic streets, and hidden calm. I’ve spent the last six months living there, wandering through different neighborhoods, sipping €1 espresso, finding new places and seeing old ones with fresh eyes. This guide is for anyone who wants to explore Rome beyond the obvious: beyond the Colosseum, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, and Vatican. There’s a whole other side of Rome — messy, magical, modern, and full of surprises.

Stroll & Explore

Pyramid of Cestius & Protestant Cemetery
A pretty unexpected sight — a full-on pyramid in the local Testaccio area. Next to it is one of the most peaceful and beautiful cemeteries in the city.

Tiber Island
A tiny island in the middle of the Tiber River, connecting Trastevere with the old city. Standing on the bridge and seeing the water rushing trough.

Parco degli Acquedotti
Massive Roman ruine aqueducts stretching across green fields. It feels like time stands still out there. Great for a picnic or just a slow walk. My go to park to have a good run.

Monti
One of my favorite neighborhoods in the center — full of small alleys, vintage shops, cute cafés, and local life. A great area to just get lost in.

Via Veneto to Villa Borghese
A bit more classic Rome — grand old cafés, film history vibes, and a nice walk that leads you straight into the greenery of Villa Borghese.

Photo 1: Mercato Escoladile, Photo 2: Pantheon, Photo 3: Detail in the Center, Photo 4: Parco Villa Borgehse

SECONDHAND SHOPPING:

Città Ecosolidale
If you’re into thrifting and sustainability, this place is a goldmine. Cheap finds, good vibes. Double-check the opening hours :)

Borghetto Flaminio Market
A vintage market with quality stuff — designer pieces, coats with stories, and everything in between. Only on Sundays and only cash !

Photo 1: Piramide, Photo 2: City Center, Photo 3: Parco Villa Borgehse, Photo 4: City Wall

Photo 1: Foro Italico, Photo 2: Auditorium Parco della Musica, Photo 3: MAXXI

Art & Architecture & Culture

Mattatoio (Former Slaughterhouse)
A big old industrial space turned cultural center. Exhibitions, events, and working spaces — and the building itself is super cool.

Cinema Barberini
Comfiest seats, good movies (some in the original language), and a nice break from walking all day.

Borromini vs. Bernini
If you’re into architecture: compare San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane (Borromini) with Sant’Andrea al Quirinale (Bernini). Baroque drama at its finest. Which church do you prefer?

Auditorium Parco della Musica
A Renzo Piano project with strong modern architecture vibes. It's not easy to sneak in to admire the architecture, so you should definitely get a ticket for either a cool or classical concert.

Foro Italico
Massive, surreal fascist-era architecture. Weirdly impressive. Worth the walk. It is near the MAXXI.

Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana (EUR)
The EUR area is a strange and striking place—slightly dystopian and very photogenic. It's worth taking a walk through this planned part of the city, originally designed for the 1942 World Exhibition, which was never held due to World War II.

MAXXI
Modern architecture by Zaha Hadid and contemporary art in one visit. The building itself is worth the trip, and there's always a permanent exhibition as well as rotating ones.

MACRO
Rotating free exhibitions and a good café to sit and work or just take it slow. Creative, local, never boring.

Tony Cragg Exhibition
If it’s still around — go. His sculptures are beautifully integrated into the exhibition space.

Photo 1: Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana (EUR) - Photo 2: Termini (Trainstation inside), Photo 3: Tony Craigg Exhibition, Photo 4: MACRO

Views & Panorama

Gianicolo Hill
Probably my favorite sunset spot. With panoramic views, fewer tourists, and a lovely hike from Trastevere up the hill down to Vatican City.

Vittorio Emanuele Monument
Yes, it’s massive and a bit much — but reach the top and the views are totally worth it.

Pincio Terrace (Villa Borghese)
Classic postcard view over Piazza del Popolo. Romantic, even if you’re just there for the light.

Capitol Hill
Overlooking the Roman Forum from above — quiet, powerful, and just around the corner from the chaos of downtown.

Photo 1-2: Parco degli Acquedotti, Photo 3: On top of Vittorio Emanuele Monument, Photo 4: Pincio Terrace

Food & Beverage

Testaccio Market
A market full of local food, snacks, and life. Great place to taste everything.

Mostro Café
Good for a glass of natural wine, great coffee, or a casual DJ night.

Faro Café
For proper, serious coffee lovers. They really know their stuff here. The Wi-Fi password is “nozucchero”.

Biblo Bar
Chill little bar by Castel Sant’Angelo. Grab an Aperol and sit on the wall by the river at sunset.

Antigallery
My go-to for a local-style aperitivo in a little piazza with good energy.

Blackmarket Hall
Retro vibes, strong cocktails, and sometimes live music. A great mix.

Vicolo 9
One of my favorite restaurants in Monti. Real Roman food with lots of heart.

Photo 1: Trapizziono Photo 2: Pastificio Guerra ( near the spanish steps ) Photo 3: Tramezzino Photo 4: Bibilio Bar

Other must-try bites: Trapizzino (stuffed pizza pocket), Supplì (fried rice ball), Pizza Romana (thin & crunchy), Tramezzini (triangle sandwiches), Millefoglie (flaky dessert), and of course — Tiramisù.

Yes, you can still get a decent coffee for €1 in the center.

Bonus tips:

If you're looking for a quiet, inspiring place to read or write, check out Casa Dante — it's elegant, cool, and peaceful.
If you're an architecture student, many cool exhibitions and monuments are FREE! Just ask.

There’s so much more to say about Rome, but honestly — just go and find your own version of it. <3