There is a lot more to Rome than simply ticking off a ‘must see' list of places to visit. Discover how to enjoy Rome like a local.
By Diliff – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2065989
Enjoy Rome Like A Local
Rome
is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people visit in order to see the main attractions such as the Vatican and Colosseum, the Pantheon, Trevi fountain, and much more.
How many of those people get a TRUE taste of what Rome is about though?
When you are on a tight schedule, it can be hard to step outside of the tourist bubble and get a more genuine feel for the city. Unless, of course, you plan your next trip to Rome slightly differently.
By Diliff – Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2067974
One way to do this, is by connecting with local communities. The couch surfing community used to be a great way to do this. You could stay with a local for a few days, and they would show you around so that you could get a taste of local life.
The problem with Couchsurfing, and particularly in a place like Rome, is that places to stay can be hard to find. Thankfully, there are other alternatives though.
Researching Trips to Rome
For example, when researching into a forthcoming trip to Rome later in the year, I came across this website WithLocals which offers local experiences in Rome. It has that individual touch which I like, and offers far more than just main highlight tours in Rome.
In fact, rather than offering tours, I would say that it offers experiences. It has a range of these, including food tasting, off the beaten path walking tours, landscape tours, and even cooking classes.
They seemed an ideal choice for me, as I want to enjoy Rome like a local, as well as see the main sites. Food, music, and lifestyle are such an essentially important part in visiting any country, after all.
A few days in Rome
As I intend to spend a few days in Rome, I would probably organise one of these experiences for the first day. There is a very good reason for this.
During my recent trip to Albania, I took a walking tour in Tirana to see the Tirana tourist attractions. Not only was it a great tour, but I also had the chance to ask the guide every possible question I could think of. This meant that I had the benefit of being shown around the city, but also of finding out more about onward transport to other destinations in the country, road conditions, latest news, and public opinion. You don't get that sort of information from a guidebook!
How do you travel?
When you travel abroad, do you prefer to see things yourself, or do you take tours? Have you ever tried an alternative tour, or a ‘with locals' type experience? Do you have any advice on places I should see whilst in Rome that might be a little bit more off the beaten track than the traditional highlights? As always, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
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