Rome, the so called "The Eternal City" has a lot to offer, but often and willingly the attractions that are indicated as essential are only traps for tourists.
There are activities and places to see that can not miss the visit, and not only: Rome is also customs, habits and things to do at night. You want to know what you can’t possibly miss? Here is a list of activities that you won’t find on any tourist guide, but that have been recommended directly by the locals!
Nighttime Pastry
In most Italian cities, pastry shops or bakery shop close at a very close time to dinner. In Rome, however, there is a tradition: "nighttime pastry", that is, night bakery that remain open until late in the morning and that turn out hot and tasty croissants filled with any cream.
Some typical places to try these delights are: "Pasticceria Lambiase" and "Maritozzaro" where you can also eat the maritozzi of the Roman tradition (a pastry packed full of whipped cream).
Sport Event
In Italy football is an extremely popular sport, and one of the strongest and most important teams in the nation is undoubtedly Roma. The team, from which we remember being born and raised the all-time champion Francesco Totti, is always very active and during the season of the championship you can attend these sporting events from the inside of the Olympic Stadium.
In particular, it is beautiful to see the derby Lazio vs Roma, two teams that are historic enemies. Their history can be breathed in the streets of Rome, as well as rivalry. But it is not only football the protagonist of the Roman sports scene, in fact you can watch rugby matches in the Flaminio stadium or the Internazionali BNL d'Italia of tennis that take place in May in the Foro Italico. For sports fans it is therefore possible to come to Rome just to take this kind of appointments.
Aperitivo at Pigneto
One of the liveliest neighborhoods in Rome is definitely the Pigneto. It is a place that is often represented inside the films especially for the way it looks outside. In particular, it is a perfect venue for hipsters or artists. It is a place frequented by students, workers and foreigners alike. Here diversity meets and transforms into culture and enrichment, with an unprecedented atmosphere.
Thanks to the proximity to La Sapienza University and metro C, Pigneto has generated a certain fame and the level of attendance has increased. Here you can also find LGBTQ friendly places and a market that (except on Sundays) is open to the sale of many cheap items.
More than anything else, however, is famous aperitif, which offers in addition to the drink also great food and an excellent alternative for vegans and vegetarians.
Janiculum belvedere
One of the most romantic and panoramic points of Rome is undoubtedly the "Gianicolo". It is a viewpoint overlooking Rome from above, and is known by the (official) name of Janiculum. From this vantage point you can observe all the architectural beauties at a glance, and you can then take breathtaking photos and watch the sunset. If you arrive at 12 o'clock you can also witness the typical cannon shot wanted by Pope Pius IX in 1847 as a signal to coordinate the Roman bells.
Roman street food
As in every other part of Italy, in Rome there is a lot of street food to try: the famous "zozzone" (a person who works in a food truck) is almost an emblem of the typical Roman citizen. With little money you can eat industrial quantities of food, paying them very little. We do not speak clearly about gourmet cuisine, nor about the famous carbonara that is absolutely eaten in typical trattorias, but these are authentic experiences that must be done anyway.
A street food typical of Rome is definitely the "pizza with mortazza" (mortadella) or the classic pizza slice on the go that stands out for being very crisp and thin and full of fresh and tasty ingredients. Typical Roman street food is also the "supplì" which is very similar to the Sicilian arancino but does not contain meat inside (only tomato and mozzarella). Still, they often eat fiori di zucca fritti (fried courgette flowers) or baccalò fritto (fried cod). Still, away from the center of Rome you can taste the famous panino con la porchetta (a sandwich with roast pork); and even if it is not a typical food of the Roman tradition there is absolutely to try the kebab (Alibaba is one of the most famous vendor in all Rome).
Shop in the local markets
Local markets are the most intimate essence of Rome. In particular, these are a cluster of colors, cultures and flavors that come together to create an experience like no other.
The Testaccio Market is the most authentic of all, with mcaellai, fishmongers and fruit vendors. Here you can try the real Roman artichokes and the real Roman pecorino, always sold fresh and at market prices. Another market to try is definitely the Trastevere Market, smaller but very famous.
Porta Portese Market is a very famous market, but it does not sell food: here you can find clothes, accessories and everyday objects. Here you can also find old books, newspapers and antiques. The Porta Portese market has existed since 1947 and was first used as a black market.
For those interested in vintage clothes, the Via Sannio Market is highly recommended.
