Discover the Side of Rome Most Tourists Never See
Most visitors in Rome spend their entire trip between the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Vatican City. But some of the best experiences in Rome happen far away from the crowded tourist areas.
Beyond the famous landmarks, the city hides authentic neighborhoods, local restaurants, quiet streets and places where Romans actually live their daily lives.
If you want to experience a more authentic, affordable and less touristy side of Rome, these hidden gems are exactly where you should start.
Hidden Gems in Rome Beyond the Tourist Areas.
Hidden gems in Garbatella
Garbatella was founded in 1920 as a working-class neighborhood modeled after the “garden city” concept, featuring low-rise buildings, courtyards, and plenty of green space.
Did you know?
The name “Garbatella” may derive from a kind (“garbata”) innkeeper who welcomed travelers along Via Ostiense.
Food & Drink
Here you’ll find Roman trattorias, historic bakeries, and incredible gelaterias that many tourists never discover.
To discover the area’s authentic spots, check out the Rome Experience premium section
Testaccio
It was once the neighborhood of workers from Rome’s river port and slaughterhouse.
Did you know?
Monte dei Cocci is an artificial hill made up of millions of fragments of Roman amphorae used to transport oil in ancient times.
Food & Drink
It is one of the most important neighborhoods for authentic Roman cuisine, featuring historic trattorias, pubs, and food markets.
All selected venues are listed in the Premium Roma Experience section.
Rione Monti
It is one of Rome’s oldest neighborhoods, inhabited as far back as Roman times and transformed over the centuries.
Did you know?
In the Middle Ages, the neighborhood was called Suburra, a lively, working-class area famous for its markets and taverns.
Food & Drink
Today, Monti is full of small pubs, wine bars, bakeries, and creative spots frequented by Romans and artists.
All the hidden gems are in the Premium Roma Experience.
Esquilino
The Esquilino was one of the hills of ancient Rome and became an elegant residential neighborhood in the 19th century.
Did you know?
In Piazza Vittorio, there is a magical 17th-century gate rich in esoteric symbols: the famous Porta Alchemica.
Food and Drink
Today, the neighborhood is one of the most multicultural in the city, with authentic restaurants, bakeries, and gelaterias that are rarely visited by tourists.
You can find all the best spots in the Premium Roma Experience section.
Borgo
Borgo is the medieval neighborhood between the Vatican and the Tiber, originally built to accommodate pilgrims heading to the basilica.
Did you know?
There is a secret passage called the Passetto di Borgo, used by popes to escape from the Vatican to Castel Sant’Angelo.
Food & Drink
Hidden among the streets of Borgo are bistros, pastry shops, and gelaterias frequented more by Romans than by tourists. Discover them all in the Premium Roma Experience section.
The most authentic Rome isn’t always on postcards. It’s in the neighborhoods where life moves slowly, among small shops, trattorias, and everyday stories. If you want to discover the places truly frequented by Romans, explore the Premium Roma Experience guide.