Travel diaries to Rome, part 3:Things I learned about Italians + Favorite, Unknown Places in Rome, Chosen by locals

Hello everyone! Just to inform you, there are a few parts to this Rome travel diaries, so if you missed any of them, just click here (part 1) and here (part 2). As someone who loves traveling and exploring places, I’m often exposed exclusively for the very known, popular sightseeing places, but I think that the best way to really explore a place is to try to live like a local. And that’s why I decided to chat with some amazing Italians, that will tell us about their favorite places that locals absolutely love. But before that… let me start with things I learned about Italians during my previous and last trip to this lovely country.

Things I learned About Italians

+ They smile a lot. They are very warm, kind-hearted and friendly.

+They look amazing!

+They drive like ITALIANS, obviously! I like this confidence, although with some Italian drivers it can get scary 🙂

+ They love to love. Italians are super romantic & sweet. Romance everywhere in the beautiful city of Rome- no wonder that when you spell Rome backward- you find the word AMOR.

+ They take their food seriously. I mentioned this fact in part 2 of my guide.

+ They can get super angry sometimes! especially when driving.

+ They take good care of themselves- men and women. All are dressed up and look like they went out of a photoshoot

+ They are super stylish, and most of them really have a good sense of style and they know how to rock it.

+ They are very, very loud.

+ They take their Wifi passwords really seriously. no 123456 here!

+ They like their pasta AL DENTE- a bit firmer. I really like it this way too, after getting used to it

+ They are very honest. If they think a certain way or want to tell you something- they will let you know.

+ They are intense, but in a good way. Ruled by their emotions and follow their heart

Favorite, Unknown Places in Rome, Chosen by locals

Pier Paolo Bordin’s choice: Orange Garden

On my way to Rome, I met a sweet flight attendant- Pier Paolo Bordin, and I figured there isn’t a better person to ask about the best unknown, local-favorite place in Rome then a person who was actually born and lived in Rome most of his life.

Paolo Immediately mentioned the Orange Garden, a huge park located on the Aventine Hill. “It’s such a beautiful, romantic park, lots of couples go there and it offers such a lovely view of the city”, he said. Well, on my next trip to Rome I will definitely visit there too!

Marco Leoni’s Choice: Castelli Romani

I met Marco in Rifugio Romano, a vegan-friendly restaurant in Rome that I have mentioned in my previous post. After 3 visits to the restaurant, it’s only natural to become friends, isn’t it?

I asked Marco what’s his favorite, unknown place in Rome and he immediately answered: “my favorite place is actually in the southeast of Rome, where I was born, where I grew and where I had the best time of my life. I’m talking about all the Castel Gandolfo lake, located in the beautiful Castelli Romani. There I feel like I try my best to love and enjoy life! My favorite spots are Albano Laziale, Mariano Laziale, Castel Gandolfo, Pavona, Genzano, and Nemi- all the small cities around the lake look so awesome!”.

Lily Todisco: Ladispoli

Lily Todisco is a lovely, Italian reader of my blog and her favorite spot is 57km far from the center of Rome. “I have been to Rome, and my favorite unknown place is called Ladispoli. You can take a 45-minute train from the center of Rome to arrive at this lovely seafront. The unique thing about this beach is the presence of ‘Sabbia nera’ which means black sand! it is an amazing spot!”

 

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post!

what are your favorite spots in Rome? and what did you learn about Italians?

oh, and let me know which of those places is your favorite in the comments!

See you soon,

Noa

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