Explore Rome’s hidden gems like a local

Every seasoned traveller knows the pain of arriving at their holiday destination to find it overcrowded and impossible to navigate. It can certainly be said about the city of Rome, the famous Italian capital. Visiting the most well-known attractions (such as the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain) can be a stressful experience.

One thing you can do to avoid the crowds, though, is to take in some of the many hidden gems scattered throughout this historic city. There are dozens and dozens of buildings, monuments, restaurants, and sights that are relatively quiet and tourist-free.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at a few of the hidden gems you can visit in Rome to evade the hustle and bustle of the usual attractions.

Where to Visit?

If you’re wondering where you can explore without running into throngs of other tourists, here’s a quick list of some amazing attractions:

  1. Gianicolo (also known as the 8th Hill of Rome and Janiculum Hill) is a gorgeous area of Rome that you’ll be able to admire in peace. It’s just South of Vatican city and offers a spectacular view of Rome. Of course, you’ve got to make the walk up there first!
  2. Villa Borghese is the largest park in Rome, but it’s surprisingly quiet and peaceful. If you need to get away from the masses and relax properly, you’ve got to visit. In it, you’ll find a grand lake, a small zoo, dozens of fountains, and even several museums.
  3. Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo al Celio (quite the name) is an historic church with spectacular and unusual architecture. Considering Rome is home to 900+ churches, it’s quite telling that this is the one we’re recommending. It dates back to the 5th century and features many authentic frescoes and sculptures.

Where to Eat?

We all know that Italian food is the best kind around, but as Rome is such a tourist hotspot, it’s all too easy to fall foul of pale imitations and less-than-perfect pizza. If you truly want to see the real spirit of Rome (and eat like a local), you have to visit the district of Trastevere.

Trastevere is just across the Tiber river and is true, authentic Italy at its finest. The Piazza di Santa Maria (the main square) can get busy at times, but step a few streets away and you’ll be transported to an entirely different world.

You’ll find multiple restaurants that cook simple and delicious Italian dishes. If you’re staying in self-accommodation, you can even visit the outdoor food market at Piazza di San Cosimato and purchase some fresh ingredients for yourself!

As you can see, it’s easy to discover the real Rome. Escaping the crowds needn’t be a headache when you know where you’re going. Plan out your adventure in Rome today and take advantage of the huge discounts available on hotel stays when you book via ENTERTAINER getaways on your ENTERTAINER app. All you have to do is click on the ‘Travel’ tab in your ENTERTAINER app. And don’t forget to tag us in your Rome snaps!

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Amanda Rosowski