When travelling in Rome, I tried to look for things that weren't stereotypical touristy things to do.. Rome has so much to offer. I wanted to see all of the well-known monuments, but I also wanted to stumble across the lesser known parts of Rome. So, I indulged in one too many cannolis and found these eight amazing places.
1. I Dolci di Nonna Vincenza
Assortment of pastries at I Dolci di Nonna Vincenzia
I Dolci di Nonna Vincenza is the delicious pastry shop where you’ll find the gelato sandwiches. It’s only a five minute walk from the Pantheon! You can stuff hazelnut, chocolate, strawberry, pistachio, or nugget flavor Sicilian style between a brioche. If you’re crazy and, for some ungodly reason, you’re not up for gelato, there are plenty of other pastries to try: cannolis, tarts, cookies, or cornetta (the Italian crescent roll) are just a few. Once you have a taste, you’ll definitely want one of their gorgeous flowery boxed goodies to have a snack on the road or bring home for your parents.
2. The Trevi Fountain.
I know what you're thinking. The Trevi Fountain is one of the most well-known fountains in Rome. I just can't emphasize how stunning the fountain looks at night enough. The fountain is one of the most magnificent baroque fountains in Italy. At night, you can see the fountain in its full glory. The lights projected on the sculpture accentuates its beauty against the dark blue sky. Also, there are fewer crowds to block your view and your throwing arm if you want to toss coins into the pool of the fountain. Throw one to come back to Rome, two if you want to find your lover, and three if you want to get married in Rome.
The Trevi Fountain
3. Scholar's
After spending a long day on the streets of Rome, I felt that I deserved a drink…or two. I loved Scholar's. I recommend the Italian beer Perino at Scholar’s—the best Irish Pub in Rome. Many locals come here to hang out with friends, practice their English with Americans, or have a bite to eat. It’s a great environment to meet people: mostly everyone knows a little English.
4. Campo dei Fiori Market
Campo dei Fiori Market
Europeans are known for buying fresh fruits and vegetables from the market on a daily basis. When in Rome, do as the Romans do; check out the market in Campo Dei Fiori. Cherries, tomatoes, squash, asparagus, strawberries, peaches, and apricots are only a few examples of options you can buy from their extensive selection at the market. You won’t regret trying to buy something. Bartering for fruit amongst the locals is exhilarating. Plus, everything is juicy and full of flavor.
5. Santa Maria dell'Anima
Santa Maria dell’Anima
Santa Maria dell’Anima is a gorgeous church hidden on the backstreet of the famed Piazza Navona. Tourists often pass it by hunting for nearby restaurants, but this is a church that shouldn’t be overlooked. In the 15th century, it became the National Church of the Holy Roman Empire. It’s still the National Church of Germany and a hospice for pilgrims of all nationalities. It may not have Bernini or Caravaggio, but it has intricate paintings from floor to ceiling.
6. Vestiti Usati Cinza
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I LOVE thrift shopping, so I was thrilled when I came across Vestiti Usati Cinza—a quaint thrift shop with well-kept clothing and accessories from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Pink velvet rompers, clunky clogs, and flirty 50s dresses are stuffed in the drawers and hanging on the walls. Playing dress up in the old clothes and searching for hidden gems with my friends abroad with so much fun. If you make time to see this thrift shop, you just may be able to add a punky punch to your style with their vintage leather bags and rocker T’s, or you could find some groovy glasses to free your inner hippie.
7. Ketumbar
Ketumbar is one of the less familiar restaurants in Testaccio, which is the best dining neighborhood in Rome. This restaurant has a hip, modern atmosphere: photographs of singers and rock bands hang from the white stucco walls. A multitude of wines line the shelves behind the bar; the waiter will gladly help you choose one to go with your meal. Because I'm obsessed with cheese, I had the cheese platter for an appetizer. It's divine. Also, you should be adventurous and try the stinko. It's a honey glazed pig shin atop baked apples. I found the texture strange but the glaze was deliciously sweet.
8. Campagnia del Pane
9. Fontana dell’Acqua Paola
Climbing to the top of Janiculum hill to see the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola that the Trevi fountain was based off of is a must. Until 1707, people used the fountain for swimming. I do not recommend that you embrace your inner Roman by jumping in, but you should definitely check it out. The fountain itself is extraordinary, but the view from the fountain is incredible. In front of the fountain there is a scenic overlook to see one of the prettiest views in the entire city. From here you can see all the way from the domes of the famous basilicas all the way to the stunning mountains in the distance.
Details
- I Dolci Di Nonna Vincenza, Piazza di Montecitorio, 116, 00186 Roma, Italy, open Sunday-Satuday 10:00 am-8:00 pm, http://www.dolcinonnavincenza.it/
- Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma, Italy, Lights turn on around 8 or 9; dependent on nightfall.
- Scholar’s, Via Del Plebiscito 101,00186 Roma, open daily 11 am-3:30 am, http://scholarsloungerome.com/
- Campo Dei Fiori, Piazza Campo Dè Fiori, 00186 Roma, Italy, open Monday- Saturday 7 am- 2 pm
- Santa Maria Dell’Anima, Via di Santa Maria dell’Anima, 64, 00186 Roma, Italy, open 7:30AM-1PM and 2PM-6PM, http://www.pisma.it/
- Vestiti Usati Cinza, Via del Governo Vecchio 45, Piazza Navona, Rome, open Mon-Sat 10 am- 8 pm, Sun 2-8pm
- Ketumbar, Via Galvani, 24 Testaccio Roma, open daily 11:00 am – 2:00 am, http://www.ketumbar.it/
- Campagnia Del Pane, Viale di Trastevere, 52, 00153 Roma, Italy, open Sunday-Saturday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Fontana dell’Acqua Paola, Via Garibaldi, Roma, Italy
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