Discover our locals' 152 hidden gems in Rome

Andiamo! Discover Rome beyond the Colosseum with Spotted by Locals! From hidden piazzas to local trattorias and gelaterias, our Spotters share the city's best-kept secrets. Experience Rome through the eyes of true locals.

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Things to do in Rome

Osteria Dar Bruttone

In the name of tradition

"Osteria Dar Bruttone" in Rome makes some of tastiest carbonara (with or without artichokes) you can get your hands on. Also try their Porchetta...

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Restaurants

By

Max

Giudice

Feb 17, 2025

Cecilia Metella's Tomb

A peaceful garden

"Cecilia Metella's Tomb" is a bit outside Rome's city center, but I love coming here to write among the ancient buildings & the Appia Antica road...

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

By

Max

Giudice

Feb 17, 2025

Pasticceria Boccione

Historic Jewish bakery

"Pasticceria Boccione" in Rome is not for you if you're after pretty, Instagrammable desserts! But every pastry is just delicious in this Jewish bakery...

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Snacks

By

Alexandra

Turney

Feb 17, 2025

La Fraschetta

Cheap wine and a friendly welcome

"La Fraschetta" is a neighborhood hangout in Rome for the locals -- Sandro doesn't get many customers who aren't Italian men in their fifties or older!

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Bars
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Snacks

By

Alexandra

Turney

Feb 17, 2025

Trajan's Market Walkway

A path through history

"Trajan's Market Walkway" in Rome is a useful shortcut that takes you to Monti, but I use it primarily as a place to stop & soak up the ancient atmosphere.

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

By

Alexandra

Turney

Feb 17, 2025

Via Piccolomini

An optical illusion

Ride a scooter on "Via Piccolomini" in Rome and, as you get closer to St Peter's Basilica, you'll actually see it shrinking instead of growing closer!

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

By

Alexandra

Turney

Feb 17, 2025

Via Casilina Vecchia

The aqueduct neighbourhood

"Via Casilina Vecchia" is, for me, one of the most intriguing neighbourhoods in Rome. It feels invisible to the rest of the city & forgotten by modernity.

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

By

Alexandra

Turney

Feb 17, 2025

Bar Giolitti

A Testaccio institution

"Bar Giolitti" is one of my favorite places in Testaccio, Rome, for a gelato or a coffee at the bar. I also like sitting at one of the tables outside...

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Bars
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Coffee & tea

By

Alexandra

Turney

Feb 17, 2025

Chourmo

Cosy bar in Torpignattara

"Chourmo" is a cosy, tiny bar in Certosa, Roma. It's a place to mingle, meet your neighbours over a Campari or a glass of wine. Jazz nights on Saturdays...

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Bars

By

Alexandra

Turney

Feb 17, 2025

Villa Farnesina

Renaissance splendour

"Villa Farnesina" in Rome isn't exactly unknown, but few tourists visit it. Come here to experience Raphael in peace & tranquility in a Renaissance villa.

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Art & culture

By

Alexandra

Turney

Feb 17, 2025

Bentu e Soi

A taste of Sardinia in Pigneto

"Bentu e Soi" in Rome is a Sardinian restaurant. The food here is to die for, and everything comes with an explanation -- even the bread...

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Restaurants

By

Alexandra

Turney

Feb 17, 2025

Villa dei Quintili

Atmospheric Roman villa

"Villa dei Quintili" is an archaeological site on Rome's Appia Antica. Important scenes of my novel 'In Exile' take place here; it's just so atmospheric.

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

By

Alexandra

Turney

Feb 17, 2025