A Local's Guide to Life in Italy

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Your Guide to Rome and Beyond

Ready to plan the ultimate trip to Italy? Or are you hoping to experience Rome like a local?

Welcome to your essential guide to Rome, Italy and beyond – from someone who actually lives here. You will find hundreds of personally vetted recommendations for what to do in Rome, where to eat, how to get around, and what you shouldn’t waste your time or money on.

I started this blog because I was so tired of seeing bad information and outdated guide books. Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but there is so much more to it than just the Colosseum. In the same way, life in Italy goes beyond Venice, Florence and the other major cities. This blog is a personal homage to that diversity and the hidden gems that are waiting if you just know where to look. 

Whether you are looking for the best food tour in Rome, or want to find the coolest neighborhood, and then get reservations at the best restaurants in town. This curated guide to Rome is constantly updated with new Italy content added three times a week.

Not enough? Then join the monthly newsletter for more tips about experiencing Rome like a local, our get the Discover Rome app for more offline maps and recommendations at your fingertips.

THings to do in Rome

There is a lovely saying about Rome that when it comes to the city, “non basta una vita” – a lifetime is not enough. The Eternal City is built in layers, full of ancient wonders, Renaissance opulence, gorgeous Italian fashion and design, and modern spaces and eateries.

Whether you want to find the best tour guides or customize your own trip with insider tips, these are the best things to do in Rome on any budget.

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Where to Eat

Crazy about Italian food? Find out about the hottest new openings in Rome, or read reviews of the perfect, traditional old school trattorias to plan you entire eating itinerary neighborhood by neighborhood. 

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coffee dessert in front of the Pantheon in Rome

Book Ahead

There are a record number of visitors in Italy these day. Rather than waiting at the most popular museums and cultural sites, it is best to book ahead. Some landmarks, like the Colosseum, even require it. Use these step-by-step guides on how to purchase Skip the Line tickets for the most popular sites in Italy, including the Colosseum and Vatican in Rome, and Michelangelo’s David in Florence.

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Reliable Airport Transfers

Avoid taxi scams in Rome by pre-booking an airport transfer for the same price as an official cab. Have a driver waiting with all your arrival and destination information to the take the hassle out of trips to the airport.