Ask any Roman who knows their city well, and you’ll probably get different stories. But Federica Tommasi? She cuts to the chase. Her picks skip the tourist traps and jump right into the places that feel real—those spots you remember long after your trip.
She’s not just repeating guidebook highlights, either. You’ll find places here that fill up with locals, spots you might walk right by unless someone points them out. Ready to see Rome like you live there, rather than getting stuck in endless lines for landmarks? This is your shortcut.
Let’s get into her top five places you can’t miss, plus tips on how to enjoy them with less hassle and more flavor. Whether it's dodging crowds or finding the best espresso on a side street, here’s the kind of help you actually want while exploring the city.
There’s a reason people are always asking Federica Tommasi for Rome recommendations. She grew up on Via Giulia, right in the heart of the historic center, and her family’s been here for three generations. That alone gives her a hometown edge most travel bloggers just can’t fake.
But she’s not stuck in the past either. Federica hosts a local radio show where she talks about old-school traditions and new city trends every week. She’s got a knack for mixing real insider info with today’s best city finds.
Over the last five years, she’s also built up a loyal social media following (around 80,000 on Instagram at last count) mostly because she posts quick video tours and honest reviews. She’s known for calling out overpriced or overrated spots. Don’t expect sugarcoating from Federica Tommasi.
What really sets her apart? She spends weekends hunting out hidden cafes and forgotten courtyards—sometimes with her grandmother tagging along to judge a carbonara. That family insight gets you past the flashy fronts and straight to what’s real.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes her picks solid:
Listening to her isn’t just safer than guessing—her choices help you skip tourist rip-offs and focus on stuff that locals trust and love. If you want the real Roman spots, you can’t do much better.
Most tourists tick Trastevere off their list after a stroll through Piazza Santa Maria. Federica Tommasi? She heads straight past the crowds and takes the backstreets. The real Trastevere shows up in the places where laundry hangs above cobbled alleys and trattorias don’t have English menus taped to the window.
Start with Vicolo della Torre, a tiny lane that’s easy to miss but loaded with old-school charm. According to Federica, “This is where you catch the city waking up — grocers unloading crates, old men arguing over football.” No need for a map. Just wander. The best parts here don’t have addresses; you’ll know when you’ve found them because you’ll spot more locals than tourists.
Favorite tip? Slip into the Orto Botanico di Roma right on the edge of Trastevere. It’s Rome’s main botanical garden, and it feels like nature took a deep breath right in the middle of the city. You pay a small fee, but you dodge the crowds and get peace and shade, even in July.
Here’s something few talk about: graffiti in Trastevere isn’t about tagging, it’s almost like a running commentary from the locals. Look out for the stenciled faces and cryptic messages. It’s another layer of how people voice themselves, and you won’t see it much in the center of Rome.
| Trastevere Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | Weekdays before 8 p.m. |
| Orto Botanico entry | €4 adults / Kids free |
| Average espresso price | €1.50 |
Federica says you should ditch any plan to "see everything." Trastevere is all about soaking up the vibe. If you find a lively square with a band playing or an old man selling fried artichokes out of a cart, stop and hang out. That’s the good stuff.
If you want to dodge crowds and soak up real Roman vibes, Palazzo Altemps is the kind of spot only the locals seem to talk about. Tucked behind Piazza Navona, this quiet museum is loaded with hidden surprises, but the real star is its secret courtyard. It’s totally different from the crowded plazas nearby—here, you can actually hear yourself think.
This courtyard isn’t huge or flashy, but it’s one of those places where you can sit with a coffee, catch your breath, and see some actual history. The place dates back to the late 1400s and has been through countless Roman scandals and transformations. Federica says if you’ve ever wanted that Roman ‘pause’ without bumping elbows with tourists, this is where you get it.
What’s cool is that while the Palazzo Altemps museum houses world-famous Greek and Roman sculptures, you don’t need to buy a ticket to appreciate the architecture of the courtyard itself—just step in and enjoy the calm. The walls are decorated with faded Renaissance frescoes, and there’s often a quiet fountain trickling in the background. No tour groups, no jostling to take a selfie.
If you’re into art, the museum’s sculpture collection is one of the most underrated in Rome. It’s home to the famous Ludovisi Throne and the “Gallic Suicide” statue—a powerful piece you won’t find in many travel blogs. Even if statues aren’t your thing, the building itself hits differently than any touristy spot around.
Here’s quick info to know before you go:
| Opening Hours | Ticket Price (Museum) | Quietest Day |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday - Sunday, 11am-6pm | €13 (free under 18, discounts over 65) | Wednesday |
Skip the pushy crowds and get a bit of Roman calm. Federica puts this on her top five list for a reason—it’s a pocket of history where you can actually chill.
If you know your espresso, Sant’Eustachio is where you want to end up. This isn’t just another Roman coffee bar. Open since 1938, Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè is tucked away between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, and locals swear by it. The secret is the wood-roasted blend and, honestly, a bit of mystery—they guard their methods like it’s the family jewels.
One neat detail: baristas there are famous for hiding your espresso-making from view. If you stand at the bar, you won’t see the shot pulled. They say it’s all about keeping the process exclusive. Nobody except their staff knows exactly how they get the crema so thick and sweet, even without sugar.
Ordering here isn’t complicated, but timing matters. Mornings are packed with regulars grabbing their first fix, so if you want to skip the wait, show up between 10:30 and noon. Also, you’ll pay slightly less if you stand at the bar instead of sitting outside—classic Roman system. Don’t bother asking for a cappuccino after noon unless you want some side-eye from the barista. Romans take their coffee rules pretty seriously.
For those obsessed with stats, on a normal day this place pulls well over 1,000 coffees—and a big chunk goes to Italians, not tourists. That says it all.
If you want a view that actually makes you stop and stare, Gianicolo Hill is the spot. Locals and in-the-know travelers swear by it for one simple reason: you can see all of Rome laid out in front of you, without elbowing through crowds like you would at the Forum. Federica Tommasi picks this place for sunset for a reason—it delivers every single time.
Gianicolo (that’s Janiculum in English, but nobody really calls it that) isn’t one of the legendary seven hills, but it’s got the best view, hands down. On a clear day, you’ll spot everything from the dome of St. Peter’s to the rooftops of Trastevere. Bring your camera or just your phone—this is the kind of spot where every shot looks good, no filter needed.
Here’s how to get the most out of sunset at Gianicolo Hill:
| Best Time for Sunset | Estimated Visitor Count |
|---|---|
| April-Sept (19:30-20:30) | ~100-200 |
| Oct-March (16:30-17:30) | ~50-100 |
Pro tip from Federica Tommasi: Skip posting on social while you’re there. Just enjoy the view. Then, when you show someone your photos later, it’ll feel like you let them in on one of Rome’s best-kept secrets. Gianicolo Hill isn’t just about what you see—it’s how you feel soaking in the whole city at your feet.
Federica doesn’t waste time on mediocre meals. When she’s craving classic Roman food, these are the places she actually shows up. They get busy, so it’s smart to book ahead or show up early if you want a seat with the locals.
Federica always swears by the basics: Rome is a city where eating well doesn’t mean spending big if you know where to go. She skips places with English menus plastered on the door (her personal tip: if the menu’s just in Italian, you’re in the right place).
| Restaurant | Neighborhood | Signature Dish |
|---|---|---|
| Roscioli | Campo de’ Fiori | Carbonara |
| Trattoria Pennestri | Ostiense | Cacio e Pepe |
| SantoPalato | San Giovanni | Tiramisù |
| Pizzarium | Prati | Pizza by the slice |
These are not places you’ll forget once you’re back home. Ask about daily specials, and don’t skip the bread; good meals in Rome often start simply. And if you get lost wandering the old streets, just follow the aroma—Federica’s favorite Roman food spots have a way of pulling you in.
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