Piazza Testaccio Rome
As Roman as Rome gets
The two features I look out for the most while travelling to other cities are character and authenticity. Alright I guess that's a pretty obvious thing to say, but still, that's not always easy to find, especially when in a very touristy city.
So you are in Rome, and as beautiful as the Spanish Steps may be, sitting with hordes of agitated, selfie-stick swinging tourists somehow does not sound appealing to you? Well, then let me propose my much adored "Piazza Testaccio"!
The Testaccio "square" is, as the name may give away, the heart of the Testaccio neighbourhood. The Testaccio on the other side is what most Romans would describe to you as the most "Roman" neighbourhood in Rome, and I'd strongly agree... and no, this does not mean it's full of amphitheaters and gladiators, I'm talking about contemporary Rome.
Just visualize the perfect stereotyped Italian piazza, et voilà. It's all there; Children playing football in the streets, old men sitting on benches all day long doing whatever and mothers calling their husbands and kids in for dinner from their windows. In fact every time I come here I just sit down for some time and watch the comings and goings of people, simply enjoying the atmosphere.
But also architecturally the square and the surrounding neighbourhood are stunningly beautiful, with most of its splendid structures built at the end of the 19th century. Honestly, to me this is one of the most aesthetically attractive places in all of Rome.
About this spot
Piazza Testaccio
- 24 hours daily
€
no-price
Find your way with 152 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Rome
SiTenne
Dressing the past
"SiTenne" in Rome isn't just a vintage clothes shop. I wouldn't have fallen in love with it if it was. You'll always find a perfect, friendly ambience here
by
Rudy
Di Giacomo
CSOA eXSnia
Fight for a better Rome
CSOA eXSnia in Rome is in my opinion one of the most culturally vivid and beautiful places in the city, a 'self-managed occupied social center'...
by
Matteo
Mueller-Thies
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...
by
Max
Giudice
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...
by
Max
Giudice
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.
by
Alexandra
Turney
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.
by
Alexandra
Turney
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...
by
Alexandra
Turney
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!
by
Alexandra
Turney
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.
by
Alexandra
Turney
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...
by
Alexandra
Turney
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...
by
Alexandra
Turney
Heading to Rome?
152 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 152 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Relaxing
Our team loves Rome
Get to know our other Spotters from Rome
As featured on:
