Experience the best of Rome with Withlocals

Rome's Gelato Secrets with Expert Tips

Rome isn't just about ancient ruins – it's also the paradise for all things sweet and frozen. Get ready to dive into the world of gelato, guided by local insights that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Here's the scoop: with a local guru by your side, you'll explore the best gelaterias tucked away in the city's charming streets.

We've got some expert tips up our sleeve. First off, trust your senses. A good gelateria will have a vibrant display of flavors, each looking as irresistible as the next. And speaking of colors, they should be all-natural – no neon blues or funky shades. Next, observe the texture. Authentic gelato is creamy, not overly fluffy. If it's piling up like a mountain, it's probably not the real deal. Lastly, keep an eye on the containers. Legit gelaterias store their icy creations in covered metal tubs, not mountains of towering mounds.

Local tipGo to Gelateria Artigianale Corona for some of the best ice cream Rome has to offer

Castelli Romani Getaway

Craving a break from Rome's buzz? Buckle up for a day trip to Castelli Romani, a charming countryside oasis just a train ride away. Think traditional villages, fresh air, lakes, and unbeatable homemade food and wine – all waiting for you.

Your local guide and private driver rolled into one is waiting for you. Castelli Romani's got it all – from Castel Gandolfo, where the Pope summers, to the heights of Rocca di Papa for killer views and wine tasting that's next level. And don't miss Nemi's charm and Frascati's picturesque stroll.

Local tipGot more places on your Roman countryside bucket list? Let your local know – your day trip, your way.

Get a historical tour with a local

One of the best things to do in Rome is exploring its well known history. There are lots of places to see, but a local host will make sure you get far more than simple views. Every scratch of a building has a story worth listening to! Don’t miss them!

Two of the spots you should include in your tour, no matter what, are the Colosseum and Pantheon. Yes, it’s true that they are very touristy, but there’s a reason why they are so visited, they’re amazing!

The Colosseum’s size itself is mind blowing. The queues can get long, but who cares about them when listening to all the fascinating gladiator tales? Now, go back in time through The Pantheon. Remember, you’re walking on the steps of Romans from 2000 years ago. Rome is full of amazing highlights, so let us share with you their true history!

Learn to make authentic Pasta

There are many local things to do in Rome, and the Pasta Making workshop is top notch. You get to enjoy the activity and the yummy food at the same time.

Making the pasta is not a big fuss, you’ll only need a few fresh ingredients and a steady strong hand to help you out. Now the sauce part is another story! Train your senses to recognize different tastes. Learn different recipes and play with them! With our cooking classes, a host will help you in discovering what flavors you should combine, which herbs work best for certain dishes and how to cut your pasta in for the perfect shape.They'll share their own learning experience with you, just like any true teacher would!

Have fun creating your unique pasta and chat along with your host!

Discover the dark side of Rome

OK, so there are many beautiful places, delicious meals and gorgeous art elements in Rome, but what about its darker hidden side? A city becomes much more interesting when you get to see its mysteries next to the popular highlights. If you want to experience a different type of thing to do in Rome, far less known by most travelers, try out the Dark side of Rome tour!

In the city’s history there have been crazy myths and rumors, known only by the curious Romans, including our hosts. Many of those were about famous people, country rulers or religious leaders turned bad. Some are more mystical, or even “di fantasmi”, as locals would say. Get carried away in the intriguing nighttime atmosphere of the mysterious city! See our night tours.

Go on an off-the-beaten path tour

Plan a unique, totally personalized tour with a local host, who can show you many parts of Rome that most tourists don’t ever see.

You visit the Colosseum, The Pantheon, the hills, the churches, but what if Rome is more than that? You can always find unknown spots and unusual things to do in any city, so why should Rome be an exception?

You’ll hear more about the real Roman lifestyle and the local history. The non-touristy Rome has many small streets, less chaos, the cool Monti district and small boutiques with everything you wish to shop for. Take a look at the places that inspired some of the most popular Italian movies. Get a cool ride with a Vespa! Let your imagination go wild and we’ll make sure to give you the experience you’re looking for!

Enjoy the Municipal Rose Garden

Young Roman lovers head to the Municipal Rose Garden, which is by far one of the most romantic and peaceful spots in Rome. You can savor a more quiet time here because it is not packed with tourists. So escape the chaos and take in the stunning panoramic views.Your host can show you the most perfect photography shoots. Make sure your memory lasts forever!

You’ll be able to walk around the park and take in the intoxicating aromas of the 1,100 different rose varieties. Take a moment to admire the views of Palatine Hill in the distance and listen to a story or two about the place. Ask your guide about other beautiful landscapes he can show you and lovely things to do in Rome!

Get a look at the sailboat church

Not your typical church in Rome, we must admit! Jubilee Church is a totally modern cathedral which only dates back to 2003. If you decide to visit it, you’ll see that it is completely unusual for a spiritual sanctuary. We would say that it looks more like a modern art museum. And believe it or not, it’s shaped like a sailboat made of a special white cement.

Your host will tell you more about how it’s used as a community center and serves eight thousand residents of the Tor Tre Teste. Visit it to get a very different vibe than what you’ll normally experience in Roman churches.

Climb the Palatine Hill

The Palatine Hill is strongly connected to the mythology of Rome. It is said to be the place where Romulus decided to build the famous city after killing his twin Remus in a terrible fight. Of course, this hasn’t ever been proven, but the area was populated at that time, so maybe some of it is true, right?

The area used to also be one of the most exclusive neighborhoods of Rome in the Middle Age. It was the place of castles, churches and many striking legends. Hear all about them and other interesting facts in your visit! Your host will make you feel being part of history.

We assure you that the area is one of the most beautiful sights of Rome. Let us bring Rome’s past to you!

Visit the Vatican city

Your last item on the things to do in Rome list, should definitely be the famous Vatican City. Many travelers say that this is their favorite part of visiting Italy, just because the place has so much art and history that it’s impossible not to love.

As you might already know, the papal residence includes 11 Museums and the beautiful Michelangelo Sistine Chapel. The question is “How do you get the true sense of the place?”. You’re gonna want to hear about the all the insights and the city’s rich history, otherwise you’ll just be another lost tourist in The Vatican.

Make sure you book a private vatican tour with a guide whom you can enjoy each moment there. Let him share with you his vast knowledge of the place while you are wowed by its beauty.