11 Authentic Ways to Experience Rome Like a Local

Everyone dreams of visiting Rome, but few truly get to know it. In this guest post, longtime resident Massimiliano Miglio shares what it’s like to experience Rome like a local. You’ll discover the hidden corners, daily rituals, and the quiet beauty most travelers miss.

If you’re planning a trip to the Eternal City, or simply want to see it through a local’s eyes, read on for inspiration to discover the real Rome, as shared by Max. You’ll want to visit the iconic landmarks, of course, but don’t miss the everyday places and authentic moments that reveal the heart of the city.

11 Ways to Visit Rome Like a Local

by Massimiliano Miglio

Rome isn’t a city you just visit. It’s a place that seeps into you, stays with you.

You feel it under your shoes, in the smell of espresso drifting through the air, in the voices of people who somehow shout and laugh at the same time.

I’ve lived here most of my life, and yet Rome still finds ways to surprise me. It’s a ray of light over the rooftops, the echo of the noon cannon from Gianicolo Hill, or a plate of pasta that tastes exactly like home.

If you want to truly know my city, forget the checklist.

Let me take you through eleven experiences that capture the Rome we locals live every day. It’s romantic, chaotic, full of history and soul.

1. Gianicolo Hill

Experience Romance, History, and a View You’ll Never Forget!

Some say Gianicolo Hill isn’t one of Rome’s seven hills.

True.

But for us Romans, it’s one of the most romantic spots in the city, like a terrace suspended between history and sky, where tradition and emotion meet the most breathtaking view imaginable.

Every day at noon, since 1847, the cannon fires a single shot that echoes across the city.

When I was a university student, that sound was my alarm clock…precise, deep, unmistakable. It still makes me smile; it’s the heartbeat of a city that never forgets its rhythm.

Around you, the Aurelian Walls stand as the eternal mark of a great empire.

Nearby rises the statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi, once exiled, later hailed as a national hero for uniting Italy.
And below, sparkling in marble and water, is the magnificent Fontana dell’Acqua Paola, affectionately called Il Fontanone.

Its cascading white fountains framing one of the most poetic views in all of Rome.

Editor’s Note: Gianicolo Hill, or Janiculum Hill, is a ridge west of central Rome, rising above the Trastevere neighborhood. It offers one of the best panoramic views in Rome. You can walk or take a taxi from Trastevere. Time your visit for the daily noon cannon or sunset over the city. Cost: FREE.

2. Castel Sant’Angelo

From Emperor’s Tomb to Papal Refuge

Built as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum, Castel Sant’Angelo carries two thousand years of layered stories.
According to legend, an angel appeared above it to signal the end of the plague, giving the fortress its name.

In later centuries, it became a papal residence, connected to the Vatican by the fortified Passetto di Borgo. In this secret corridor where popes once fled for safety during sieges, it’s easy to imagine the echo of hurried footsteps along those ancient walls.

Today, you can stroll through the park surrounding the castle, where couples and families rest in the shade, listening to the city hum in the distance.

From the upper terrace, St. Peter’s Dome glows against the skyline while the Tiber shimmers below — timeless, serene, endlessly Roman.

Travel Tip: This is a perfect stop to include in a customized itinerary with a luxury limo car service in Rome, especially at sunset, when the city begins to glow.

Editor’s Note: Castel Sant’Angelo, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, is a cylindrical fortress on the banks of the Tiber River, just outside Vatican City. Originally built in the 2nd century as Emperor Hadrian’s tomb, it was later transformed into a papal stronghold linked to the Vatican by the Passetto di Borgo passageway. Today, you can tour its museum, climb to the rooftop terrace for sweeping views of St. Peter’s Basilica, or relax in the surrounding park. Plan to spend about an hour here, and go near sunset for photos, when it’s especially beautiful. Tickets cost about €15. If you buy them online, you can skip the line.

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3. Campo de’ Fiori

Discover Markets, Legends, and Everyday Life in the Square

Campo de’ Fiori is alive from dawn till night. It’s loud, colorful, unapologetically real.

In fact, it’s the only square in Rome without a church, and perhaps that’s fitting, because here the true religion is food and daily life.

Once the stage for public executions, it’s now watched over by the statue of Giordano Bruno, the philosopher burned at the stake in 1600 for his beliefs. His bronze figure still stares defiantly toward the Vatican.

Not far away lived Mastro Titta, Rome’s most famous executioner. This dark legend who somehow became part of our folklore.

By morning, the square fills with chatter and color: vendors calling out, fruit shining in the sun, and the smell of herbs and cheese hanging in the air.

It’s easy to imagine the grandmothers of old shopping here, bargaining for zucchini and stories in equal measure.

You can still taste that authenticity, through cured meats, local cheese, limoncello, and maybe a scoop of gelato made the way it used to be.

For pasta lovers, a short walk away you’ll find Maccarone, a tiny eatery where simplicity reigns: Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, Amatriciana, and Gricia.

Few realize that Amatriciana and Gricia, now symbols of Roman cuisine, actually come from the nearby mountain towns of Amatrice and Grisciano.

My mother’s family is from that region — maybe that’s why Carbonara and Amatriciana have a special place in my heart.

And don’t miss the nasone, one of the small iron fountains shaped like an old man with a hat and a big nose, pouring fresh water day and night. There are over two thousand of them across Rome, and yes—only true Romans know the trick to drinking from them without getting soaked!

Travel Tip: Try it yourself on a local food and culture tour with this limo service in Rome — a perfect way to taste and live the city like we do.

Editor’s Note: Campo de’ Fiori sits just south of Piazza Navona. Browse the morning market, then return later for dinner or drinks once the stalls close. Visit in the early morning for the market at its liveliest, or return after dark to enjoy its cafés and vibrant local energy. Cost: Free, plus shopping, food, and beverage expenses.

Related: Rome for Foodies: What Are the 25 Best Food Experiences in Rome, Italy?

4. Tiber Island

Walk Through History on Tiber Island, the Jewish Ghetto, and Teatro Marcello

Cross the Cestio Bridge and you’ll reach Tiber Island, a peaceful refuge floating in the heart of the river.
Once dedicated to the god of medicine, it still carries a sense of calm and healing.

A few steps away lies the Jewish Ghetto, one of the city’s most soulful quarters.
Here, history and flavor intertwine. The famous carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style artichokes) are golden, crisp, and unforgettable.

Continue walking and you’ll stumble upon Teatro Marcello, the Colosseum’s elegant little cousin.
When the evening light hits its arches, it feels like time is pausing for a moment just to admire itself.

Editor’s Note: This three-stop walk (Tiber Island (Isola Tiberina), the Jewish Ghetto, Teatro Marcello) shows you centuries of Roman history in a compact loop. Start on Tiber Island, cross into the Ghetto for its culture and cafés, then end at Teatro Marcello, the 1st-century BC theater that inspired the Colosseum. Allow about two hours on foot, with time for a meal or a riverside break. Cost: Free, plus food and beverage expenses.

5. Aventine Hill

Find the Garden, the Keyhole, and the Ancient Walls

The Aventine Hill is where Rome slows down.

The air smells of oranges, and the Giardino degli Aranci opens up to a breathtaking view over the city.
Hidden nearby is one of the oldest relics of Rome — a section of the monarchic-era wall, a silent witness to nearly 3,000 years of history.

And then there’s the famous Keyhole of the Knights of Malta.

You’ll wait in line, lean forward, peek — and just like everyone before you, you’ll whisper “wow.”

Some views never lose their magic.

Editor’s Note: Aventine Hill, on Rome’s southern side near the Circus Maximus, is one of Rome’s original seven hills. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and commanding views, it’s an easy uphill walk or short taxi ride from the historic center. Allow about an hour to visit its highlights, including the Orange Garden and the celebrated Keyhole of the Knights of Malta. Late afternoon offers the best light and fewer crowds. Cost: Free, plus transportation.

6. Pincio Terrace

Take In Elegance, Holiday Light, and a Hint of Nostalgia

Above Piazza del Popolo, with its twin churches and Renaissance symmetry, the Pincio Terrace offers one of the most stunning panoramas in Rome.

From here, rooftops glow in shades of gold and terracotta, and the city feels beautifully endless.

Take a slow walk through the park behind the terrace. You might lose track of time.

And if you’re visiting in December, the whole area transforms into a Christmas village, filled with lights, carousels, and roasted chestnuts.

It’s pure Roman charm, wrapped in winter magic.

Editor’s Note: The Pincio Terrace sits above Piazza del Popolo at the edge of Villa Borghese. You can reach it from the Spanish Steps or through the park paths. Spend 30–45 minutes enjoying the view, especially at sunset, or extend your walk through Villa Borghese. Cost: FREE, plus shopping expenses.

7. Trastevere

Cross the River to the Heart of Authentic Rome

Cross the Tiber and you’ll find Trastevere, the first district annexed to Rome by Emperor Augustus — and still its most authentic.

It’s a tangle of cobblestone alleys, laundry lines, colors, and stories whispered through open windows.

By day, locals stroll and chat; by night, street artists, music, and laughter spill into the streets.
Here, every corner smells like dinner.

Try a trapezzino stuffed with meatballs in tomato sauce. It’s the street-food version of my grandmother’s Sunday sandwich. And don’t skip the supplì: hot, crispy, and oozing with mozzarella!

Add a glass of wine and a friend, and you’ve got the essence of Rome.

Editor’s Note: Across the Tiber on Rome’s west side, Trastevere is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. Wander its lanes, browse shops, and eat in its trattorias. Go in the evening when music fills the streets and plan a couple of hours to explore at your own pace. Cost: FREE, plus food and beverages.

8. Piazza Sant’Eustachio

Enjoy a Local Coffee Spot with Real Roman Flavor

Just behind the Pantheon lies Piazza Sant’Eustachio, a small square many tourists rush past without noticing.

But locals know where to go: a tiny, intimate bar tucked just off the main café.

Here, the coffee is thick and creamy, more like dessert than caffeine.

Try the Caffè Caffè, made with espresso, coffee cream, and dark or white chocolate, or the Caffè al Pistacchio, with pistachio cream so smooth it feels sinful.

Coffee in Rome is like punctuation. It ends one story and begins another.

Editor’s Note: Piazza Sant’Eustachio is a small square tucked between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona in central Rome. Stop mid-morning or mid-afternoon for a short break, and follow local coffee customs: pay at the register first, drink your espresso standing at the bar, and order cappuccino only at breakfast time. Cost: FREE, plus beverages.

Related: 25 Most Popular Coffee Drinks Around the World You’ll Want to Try at Home

9. Welcome to Rome

See 2,500 Years of History in Just 45 Minutes

If you’re short on time but long on curiosity, this immersive 3D museum is your answer.

In just 45 minutes, you’ll travel through 2,500 years — from ancient Rome to the imperial age and into the papal era — all through realistic projections and sound.

It’s engaging, educational, and unexpectedly emotional, even for locals.

Editor’s Note: Welcome to Rome, near Piazza Venezia, condenses 2,500 years of history into a 45-minute 3D show. Tickets cost about €15, with discounts for students and children. Visit early in your trip or choose a hot or rainy afternoon for this indoor experience.

10. Gladiator School

Step Into the Arena

Here’s something different: the Gladiator School, where you can learn to fight like an ancient Roman.

It’s fun, interactive, and surprisingly educational.

Kids love it, couples laugh, and everyone walks away with a story worth telling.

Editor’s Note: At the Gladiator School on the ancient Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) near the Colosseum, you can join a one- to two-hour class that teaches ancient combat with instructors in costume. The session suits adults and kids and costs about €60 per person. Book online, especially in summer, and allow extra time afterward to walk part of the Appian Way, lined with ancient tombs and ruins.

11. The Villas of Rome

Where Time Slows Down

When Romans need a break from the noise, we escape to our villas — Villa Doria Pamphili, Villa Borghese, or Colle Oppio.

They’re not just parks; they’re living rooms under the sky.

We jog, read, picnic, or simply breathe.

From Colle Oppio, the view of the Colosseum is pure theater — especially at sunset when the light turns the stone to gold.

In Villa Pamphili, the city fades away entirely, and in Villa Borghese, the skyline unfolds between the pines.

It’s where you realize that even in a city of noise, peace still has a place.

Editor’s Note: Rome’s villas are former aristocratic estates turned public parks. Visit Villa Doria Pamphili west of the center, Villa Borghese near Piazza del Popolo, or Colle Oppio beside the Colosseum. Entry is free. Go in the morning or late afternoon, and plan one to two hours to walk or relax before continuing your sightseeing. Cost: FREE.

Final Thoughts on Experiencing Rome Like a Local

Rome is meant to be lived.

You can’t visit in a hurry.

It’s not a checklist. It’s a living conversation.

Every corner tells a story, every aroma brings back a memory.

If you want to truly live Rome, truly experience Rome like a local, then take your time.

Walk, linger, taste, listen — or let someone who loves this city as much as I do show you around.

With a private, customizable tour — on foot or by car — you’ll discover the icons and the secrets, the laughter and the legends.

Start planning your perfect Roman experience with romelimostours.com, and you’ll see the Eternal City through the eyes of those who call it home.

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