Episode #307: A Perfect Day in Rome with a Local

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Ever wondered what a perfect day in Rome looks like from a local point of view? Step beyond the tourist checklist and discover hidden neighborhoods, unforgettable food stops, and everyday rituals that reveal the true rhythm of the Eternal City. From quiet riverside walks and lively markets to authentic Roman flavors and street art-filled backstreets, we invite you to experience Rome as it’s really lived – layered, vibrant, and endlessly captivating.

Contents

Summary

In this episode, we introduce Manuela Valenti, a Rome native and beloved Untold Italy tour guide, who shares her perfect way to spend a day in the Eternal City. Get ready to experience Rome like a local – from tranquil riverside strolls and bustling neighborhood markets to mouthwatering Roman specialties and vibrant street art. Through Manuela’s eyes, you’ll explore hidden corners, savor authentic flavors, and see firsthand how daily rituals and layers of history make Rome an ever-evolving tapestry.

What you'll learn in this episode

Local Manuela's experience of Rome day to day, shaped by deep family roots, food traditions, neighborhood life, and a sense of responsibility toward the city rather than just its famous monuments
Discover why Rome is best understood as a city of layers, where ancient history, multicultural influences, and modern creativity stack together like a “lasagna,” with each neighborhood functioning as its own village
Slow down and explore Rome beyond the crowds, using walking routes like the Tevere (Tiber) riverbanks and wandering through lesser-known areas to uncover hidden churches, artisan streets, and everyday Roman rituals
Food reveals Rome’s identity, from morning coffee and pizza bianca to Testaccio’s market culture and traditional dishes rooted in working-class history and cucina povera
Rome is evolving, with neighborhoods like Pigneto and Tor Pignattara showing the city’s contemporary, multicultural energy through street art, casual aperitivo spots, and local gathering places – as well as still be where you can find the best traditional Roman dishes

Timeline Overview

04:37 Exploring how food, family, and personal memories shape a deep, emotional connection to Rome and influence the way locals experience and share the city
08:45 Seeing Rome through a local lens, revealing how everyday life, neighborhoods, and traditions create a richer experience beyond famous landmarks
14:17 Discovering quieter sides of Rome, including peaceful walks along the Tiber River that offer a slower, more reflective way to enjoy the city
19:08 Uncovering the character of Trastevere, from its village-like atmosphere to its food culture, history, and role in Roman daily life
28:57 Exploring evolving neighborhoods like Pigneto and Tor Pignattara, showing how Rome constantly reinvents itself while staying deeply rooted in its past

About our guest – Manuela Valenti

Manuela was born and raised in Rome and is proudly obsessed with everything edible. She studied History and Conservation of Cultural Heritage, originally imagining a life in museums, before realising that Rome itself is her true museum and its greatest masterpieces are found on the plate.

For more than 10 years, Manuela has been guiding travellers around Rome and across Italy, sharing the country’s authentic gastronomic heritage. She hosts food-focused experiences and cooking classes where guests cook as Romans really do – no shortcuts, no nonsense – and she also leads tours for Untold Italy.

Somewhere between lockdowns, homemade pasta and a few too many glasses of wine, she became a first-level sommelier. She now also creates bespoke itineraries in Sardinia, where her roots and fondest food memories lie.

Follow Manuela here

Italian places, foods and concepts mentioned

Places

Monteverde – neighbourhood of Rome, where Manuela is from
Trastevere – district in central Rome, south of the Tiber, with a great vibe and gorgeous surroundings
Tevere – the Italian name for the Tiber River that runs through the heart of Rome
Gazometro/Gasometro – 90-meter-high industrial iron structure nicknamed ‘Modern Colosseum'
Bar San Calisto – popular neighbourhood bar in Trastevere. Run by Marcello Forti, this bar has been the same since the 50s
Piazza Trilussa – piazza in Trastevere named in honour of the Roman poet Carlo Alberto Salustri
Santa Maria in Trastevere – historic Basilica in Trastevere
Ponte Sisto – Sixtus bridge – named for Pope Sixtus, joins Trastevere to the Rione Regola district
Rione Regola – this district revolves around Via Giulia, a Renaissance street lined with palaces, including Palazzo Farnese, which is now home to the French Embassy
Via degli Ombrellari/Via del Chiavari/Via Dei Cappellari – streets named after the trades you would find there; umbrella street/key street/hat street
San Salvatore in Onda – a small church in Rione Regola, where you can access, underneath a 2nd-century home
Ghetto Ebraico – the Jewish Quarter
Aventine Hill – one of the Seven Hills on which ancient Rome
Testaccio – the kitchen of Rome. A neighborhood not far from the Centro Historico to enjoy amazing food
Mercato Di Testaccio – incredible market where you'll find the stall started by Sergio and run by his son Giuliano, preparing traditional beef sandwiches
Pigneto, Tor Pignattara – Roman neighborhoods
Necci 1924 – cafe that has been around since 1924
Osteria Bonelli – great place for traditional Roman pastas

Food / Drink

cafe con panna – coffee with whipped cream on top
ciambella – a round breakfast cake with a hole in the center
Pizza Bianca – the Roman classic bread, delicious on its own, but with mortadella made with pistachio and black pepper… even better
quinto quarto – the fifth quarter, which means the offal of the animal
suppli – Roman version of fried, stuffed rice balls with only mozzarella as the stuffing
carbonara – the original. Not the creamy version you may find outside of Italy, but the simple, delicious version made with just a few ingredients, coming from Rome. Find out more in our Roman pastas episodes: A Tale of Roman pastas – Part One and Part Two

Words / Concepts

accompagnatrice turistica – a professional tour guide/escort in Italy
fil rouge – French phrase meaning, literally, a red thread, but meaning a common thread or unifying theme
Rome wasn't built in a day – song by Morcheeba from the year 2000

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Podcast episodes, Rome