Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Like a Local
Gregarious and convivial, the Romans enjoy their city. They love hanging out in
its piazzas and speeding around the streets in small cars; they like to dress up
and they adore going out. They know theirs is a beautiful city, but they're not
jealous and everyone is welcome.
Drink Like a Local
Coffee
What tea is for the Brits, coffee is for the Romans, and no day starts without one. As a rule,
locals will stop at a bar for a coffee twice a day: in the morning before work, and then
again after lunch to ward off any post-prandial drowsiness. During the working week 'go-
ing for a coffee' is a quick business that's usually over in a matter of minutes, but at the
weekend the pace slackens and the ritual is more leisurely.
To have coffee like a local, ask for
un caffè
(the term
espresso
is rarely used) and drink it
standing at the bar. Also never order a cappuccino after lunch. For a taste of Rome's finest
head to Caffè Sant'Eustachio (
Click here
) or Caffè Tazza d'Oro (
Click here
) near the
Pantheon.
Aperitivo
Hit many of the capital's bars in the early evening and you'll find crowds of animated Ro-
mans chatting over cocktails and plates of finger food. The
aperitivo
custom has really
taken off in recent years and bars across the city compete to put on the most extravagant
buffet displays. Hot bars include Freni e Frizioni (
Click here
) in Trastevere and fashion-
able Ostiense bar Doppiozeroo (
Click here
).
Cool Neighbourhoods
Trastevere
A picturesque district full of bars, cafes and trattorias, Trastevere (
Click here
) has long
been a foreigners' favourite. But Romans love it too, and amid the tourist bustle you'll find
some characteristic city haunts. Come early evening for an aperitif, followed by dinner and
cool tunes.
