How to Experience Rome Like a Local

And still see touristy sights

Leona Françoise Caanen
3 min readNov 3, 2023
Piazza del Popolo, Rome (Image credit: Leona Françoise Caanen)

A city like Rome is most fun when you get to experience life as the locals do; that is, a local Roman during a sunny weekend — that is when their best side comes out.

Often only one plan is made for the day as you never know where each encounter will take you, nor how much time your lunch or coffee date will truly take. Italians are not ones to eat a quick lunch, nor dinner for that matter.

There are plenty of good places to stay in Rome, but my favourite is in the area by Ponte Milvio. This square filled with Romans and their frequented cafés feels nothing short of authentically Italian.

As you sip your cappuccino at Café Ponte Milvio (remember, only before noon, after is considered a crime), you might be in the mood for something sweet. Pass by Mondi’s for a pastry or some of the best gelato in the city. Or, if you’re more of a tiramisu lover, head over to Pompi’s.

The beauty of Rome is that their appreciation for food does not translate to exorbitant prices, rather, anyone can feast on the Italian taste palette.

If you decide to stay in the city centre, you could start your morning off at the ever-fabulous Canova. A café that sits right on the corner of Piazza del Popolo, you can watch the tourists and…

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Leona Françoise Caanen
Leona Françoise Caanen

Written by Leona Françoise Caanen

2x published author. World-traveller. Amsterdam. Passionate about travel, people, nature, reading, & writing.

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