Rome Like a Local: Insider's Itinerary

• Arrival at Fiumicino Rome Airport

• Transfer to your hotel

• From Fiumicino, I recommend taking the train to Termini, just 32 minutes.

7:30 pm - Dinner:

• Felice a Testaccio or Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 in Trastevere. Both are known for their authentic Roman cuisine.

9:00 pm - Evening stroll:

• Head to Piazza Trilussa in Trastevere, then wander through the charming alleys of the neighborhood, soak in the lively atmosphere and enjoy the lights along the Tiber River. Try Bar San Calisto o Freni Frizioni.

8:30 am - Breakfast:

• Stop by Antico Forno Roscioli for a quick bite of pizzette or croissants.

9:30 am - Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica:

• Take Metro Line A to Ottaviano.

• Visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel — book tickets online in advance. The visit lasts around three to four hours.

• At St. Peter’s Basilica, climb up to the Dome for a breathtaking view of Rome. The Dome opens at 7:30 am and it's better to visit before 10:00 am to avoid crowds.

12:30 pm - Lunch:

• Bonci Pizzarium near the Vatican, famous for its gourmet pizza by the slice.

2:00 pm - Stroll to the Gianicolo:

• From the Vatican, take the Sant'Onofrio climb to the Belvedere of Gianicolo for panoramic views of Rome. If you’re there at noon, watch the traditional cannon shot.

• Don’t miss the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola and the Church of San Pietro in Montorio — open 3:00 to 4:00 pm or until 12:00 pm in the morning. Also, visit Bramante's Tempietto at the Spanish Academy, open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

• 4:30 pm - Descend to the Botanical Gardens in Trastevere and take a relaxing break surrounded by nature.

7:00 pm - Dinner:

• Options: Enzo 29, Da Fortunata, Trapizzino or Tonnarello in Trastevere — all offer authentic Roman cuisine.

• Pre- or post-dinner drinks at Freni e Frizioni, Bar San Calisto, Borgo Ripa or other bars around Trastevere.

8:30 am - Breakfast:

• Have breakfast near your hotel or in a local café.

9:30 am - Colosseum and Roman Forum:

• Walk to the Colosseum. Visit the Colosseum — book tickets in advance. Then, explore the Roman Forum and Capitoline Hill for views over the city.

• Explore Piazza Venezia, and don’t miss the Vittoriano for a rooftop view or take the elevator.

• Wander through Monti — my former neighborhood. Visit Via dei Serpenti and Via Urbana. Take a break at Pasticceria Regoli for coffee and dessert.

12:30 pm - Lunch:

• Osteria da Fortunata in the city center.

2:00 pm - Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps:

• Walk to the Spanish Steps, then head to the Trevi Fountain.

• Other stops: Church of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, Via Margutta, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi for Caravaggio paintings.

4:30 pm - Galleria Borghese and Villa Borghese for sunset:

• Enjoy a stroll in Villa Borghese. If you wish to visit the Galleria Borghese, book tickets in advance. End the day at the Pincio Terrace for a sunset view over Piazza del Popolo.

7:30 pm - Dinner:

• Recommended restaurant: Somewhere near the Pantheon or Piazza di Spagna.

• After dinner: Consider Voodoo Bar, The Sanctuary or Black Market for drinks. For a sunset drink, Spritzeria Monti is a great spot.

8:30 am - Porta Portese Market:

• Stroll through the flea market at Porta Portese, open from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm.

12:30 pm - Lunch:

• Flavio al Velavevodetto in Testaccio, a classic spot for Roman cuisine.

2:30 pm - Aventine Hill and Surroundings:

• Walk to the Non-Catholic Cemetery and the Pyramid of Cestius.

• Head up Aventine Hill to visit the Orange Garden for panoramic views, and peek through the Keyhole of the Knights of Malta for a unique view of St. Peter’s Basilica.

• Finish at Teatro Marcello, Circus Maximus and the Mouth of Truth.

6:30 pm - Parco degli Acquedotti — optional sunset spot: You need to take some transportation to get here.

• Take a stroll in the park, especially magical at sunset.

8:00 pm - Dinner:

• Head to Testaccio for a final meal at one of the excellent local restaurants, offering authentic Roman cuisine to end your trip on a high note.

Morning - Light Breakfast & Departure:

• Have a light breakfast near your hotel before heading to the airport.

Shopping: Stroll along Via Condotti or Via del Corso. Visit Rinascente for shopping and rooftop views.

Sunset times in October: Sunset is around 6:30 pm. Plan visits to scenic viewpoints like Gianicolo or the Pincio Terrace accordingly.

Comfortable shoes: Wear comfortable shoes as Rome’s streets are cobblestoned.

Where to eat:

Roman Cuisine:

• Armando — Pantheon

• Enzo al 29

• Felice a Testaccio

• Sora Lella

• Trapizzino

• Al Velavevodetto

• Antica Pesa

• Da Fortunata

Pizza:

• 180g

• Dar Poeta

• Bonci

Coffee:

• Sant’ Eustachio

• Pasticceria Regoli

• Dar Maritozzaro

Gelato:

• Gelateria Fata Morgana