Who has not seen the movie with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck from 1953? I am pretty sure that even if you haven’t you know all about it. This is one of the movie that makes people want to travel, see the filming location or even try to drive a scooter. This is somehow my own story as I am a big fan of this movie and I dreamed about visiting Rome ever since.
How on earth Rome can be off the beaten path destination?!
This is one of the most frequently visited city in the world. True. But even in cities like Rome you may find places rarely visited by the tourists. If you hate crowds, like I do, you may consider Rome to busy for you and easily resign
So, what’s the trick?
Visiting Rome many times and working there for more than a year made me think that the main clue to visit this city is to walk it. Yes, this is a very large city and even the touristic center is pretty large itself but there is an idea on how to deal with it. Pick up one interesting location, like Piazza di Spagna and go there using underground in early morning. Stay around for the whole day limiting yourself to a walking distance. Don’t get tempted to see everything in one day! Go and see the famous Spanish Steps more than once. Watch it in the morning light, at noon and in the late afternoon or in the evening. You’ll see not only the beauty of this monument but also the way people use it as a public space.
Trinita dei Monti, Piazza di Spagna
Check for the attractions nearby, write it down and go there during the day. Antico Caffe Greco, All Saints Church, Via Marguta, Villa Medici, Via del Corso, San Carlo del Corso, Chiesa di San Giacomo in Augusta- this is more than enough for a one day walk. Start your day with a cappuccino in Antico Caffe Greco where- surprisingly- the price for it isn’t any higher than elsewhere despite the fact of being old and famous. Continue hanging around, buying fruit in a small shop at the corner. Eat your lunch in a trattoria and sit in a proximity of the Steps to watch people go by. Get refreshed in a nearby garden, dip your hands in a fountain and enjoy the weather.
I can assure you that one day like this will show you more about the city than racing around and watching all ‘first class’ monuments. What you absolutely need to remember is to not to visit remote location after dark. Before you decide where to go check in a guidebook whether the place is considered dangerous for foreigners after dark.
Rome is splendid but I know another place worthy to pay a visit: Ferrara, my favorite Italian town! And today you can also join me to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site together! Click here for more details!
Attractive locations- my choice
Aventino, Circo Massimo and Colosseo. Start with luxurious part of the Aventine Hill and walk towards Circo Massimo. When you arrive at Colosseo take the small street behind called Via degli Annibaldi. At certain point, after you cross large Via Cavour, you arrive at a little church of Santa Maria ai Monti. Just opposite of this church there is a very nice pizzeria called Wanted that I can recommend. I had a pizze there and it is really good and the price is reasonable as for the city center.
Foro Romano seen from Musei Capitolini
Trastevere. This is a fascinating part of the city, full of narrow streets and very off the beaten path. Santa Maria in Trastevere is a good starting point for a long walk around this district. It has few very nice parks and delicious restaurants. Don’t go there after dark, however, especially if you’re not good in walking with map and finding the right direction.
Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo de Fiori. This the the heart of touristic Rome but you can still get a local flavor. Start your walk with Lungotevere and then you can hanging endlessly around. Remember: never ever eat in a restaurant near Piazza Navona.
And here is the recent photo gallery from Rome!
San Paolo Fuori Le Mura
I love Ferrara – alternative way to spend your holiday
Have you ever thought about visiting Italy? Here is an alternative way on how to visit Italy and get really close to the Italian way of life. I created a project ‘I love Ferrara‘ so you could join me and experience how beautiful and tasty Ferrara is. If you wish to immerse in Italy book your holiday now!
