Danika Mori’s Top Roman Haunts: Must-Visit Spots in Rome

Rome is crazy busy, but Danika Mori knows how to weave through the city and dodge the tourists like a pro. Ever wonder where someone like Danika actually grabs coffee, strolls for a breath of fresh air, or just chills after work? You’re in the right place.

You won’t find only the obvious touristy places here—no Trevi Fountain selfies or jam-packed piazzas unless there’s a twist. This is about spots Danika actually returns to, places that still feel a bit undiscovered. Whether it’s the way she picks early-morning bakeries or her go-to hole-in-the-wall trattorias, these picks can turn your trip into something a little more local.

Want to avoid places drowning in souvenir vendors and pushy crowds? Want to know where the food and conversation are actually worth your time? Stick around for the real scoop on Danika’s most-loved corners of the Eternal City.

• Why Danika Loves Rome
• Cafés and Breakfast Spots She Swears By
• Hidden Local Hangouts
• Where to Catch the Best City Views
• Tips for Enjoying Rome Like Danika

Why Danika Loves Rome

Danika isn't just another fan of Rome—she actually lives and breathes this city. What pulls her in again and again? It’s not just the beauty or the food—though those help—but the rhythm of daily life that somehow always feels fresh. For Danika, it’s about how the city mixes old and new without missing a beat. She’s talked in interviews about loving the offbeat Testaccio neighborhood more than postcard classics like the Spanish Steps. She’s also waxed on about street food from local friggitorias, far from the crowds and overpriced menus.

When Danika has a packed filming schedule, she swears by Rome’s casual pace and those sunset walks along the Tiber to clear her head. The city’s public parks—like Villa Borghese—make it easy for her to relax or meet friends without needing a reservation or spending a lot. And it helps that locals treat her like another Roman, not a celebrity.

Want to know what gets Danika pumped about Rome? Check out this quick rundown of what she always mentions in interviews:

• The easy access to real, homemade food—she raves about suppli and artichokes in season.
• Neighborhood markets where she can blend in, especially in San Giovanni and Trastevere.
• Walking everywhere—she does over 10,000 steps a day just running errands or exploring.
• Hidden courtyards and quiet piazzas (her Instagram often highlights tucked away spots rather than huge landmarks).
• Rome’s friendly but no-nonsense locals—she loves that people speak their minds.

Here’s a snapshot of the places and experiences she’s publicly recommended:

For Danika Mori, Rome is about living in the moment, saying yes to spontaneity, and eating like you mean it. She’s not here for stuffy tours or anything that doesn’t feel real. Want Rome the way Danika loves it? Follow her favorites and you’ll see the city’s real side fast.

Cafés and Breakfast Spots She Swears By

If there’s anything Danika Mori is picky about, it’s her morning routine in Rome. She skips the generic chains every time and heads straight for spots locals love. Her all-time favorite? Roscioli Caffè on Via dei Giubbonari. You’ll find her there on slow mornings, dunking a cornetto in cappuccino—classic Roman breakfast at its best. Roscioli has been around for decades, and even on a busy day, staff remember regular faces. That says a lot in a city with thousands of cafes fighting for your attention.

For those late wake-up days, Danika’s backup is Barnum Café, tucked on Via del Pellegrino. This place has a low-key vibe and does a killer avocado toast if you’re craving something besides pastries. Their coffee beans are locally roasted, and you can taste the difference. Plus, it’s right near Campo de’ Fiori, so you can walk off breakfast in an area buzzing with life—but somehow still grab a quiet table here if you time it right.

She’s not big on waiting, though, so here’s a pro tip from her: show up before 9am to beat the late rush. Italians don’t linger long over breakfast, but tourists do, so the earlier, the smoother the experience.

• Roscioli Caffè (Via dei Giubbonari): Top pick for fresh pastry and real Italian coffee.
• Barnum Café (Via del Pellegrino): Best for a chill vibe and breakfast with a twist.
• Panella (Via Merulana): Known for creative breads and pastries, loved by locals on weekends.

Not into coffee? Danika sometimes goes for fresh juice at Vivi Bistrot in Villa Doria Pamphili. It’s a bit out of the center, but you get to enjoy breakfast in the park—nice break from the urban rush.

Price-wise, you won’t break the bank. Here’s a quick breakdown of typical breakfast costs at these spots:

If you want to do breakfast like Danika, avoid sitting at a table unless you’re in no rush. It costs extra. Stand at the bar, order confidently, and say “un cappuccino e un cornetto, per favore.” You’ll blend in—and save a few euros. For anyone chasing that real Danika Mori Roman morning, there you go.

Hidden Local Hangouts

When Danika Mori’s in town, she skips the big-name squares and tourist traps. She’s got her own map of hangouts that only real locals or their friends ever talk about. This is where you’ll spot her grabbing a drink, people-watching, or just sitting with friends late into the evening.

One of her favorite clubs is Danika Mori’s go-to: Club Alcazar in Trastevere. It’s a converted old cinema that serves killer cocktails and often hosts movie nights and indie concerts. What’s cool is, nobody minds if you show up in sneakers, and their Negroni is hands-down the best under ten euros. Weeknights are more chill; Fridays and Saturdays pack out with a young local crowd.

For daytime wandering, Danika’s often spotted in the Testaccio district, especially at the Mercato di Testaccio. It’s packed with real-deal food stalls and no-nonsense lunch counters. Folks in this neighborhood still line up for the trapizzino—a cross between a pizza and a sandwich, stuffed with everything from oxtail stew to eggplant parm.

If you want something quieter, the Orto Botanico (Rome Botanical Garden) in Trastevere is her favorite hideaway. It’s rarely crowded, costs just a few euro to get in, and has winding paths that feel miles from the city noise. This is where she goes to relax, read, or just escape for an hour.

Danika’s also big on small, locally-owned bars like Il Sorpasso near Via Crescenzio. You’ll spot journalists, students, and off-duty artists there—plus the charcuterie board is a solid deal. Perfect for a late-night snack without the fuss of a sit-down meal.

Here’s a quick rundown of Danika’s hidden picks:

• Club Alcazar: Laid-back, cool events, no pretentious dress code
• Mercato di Testaccio: Street food heaven, especially trapizzino
• Orto Botanico: Quiet green escape, beautiful at sunset
• Il Sorpasso: Classic drinks, quality snacks, local vibe

If you want to blend in and not stand out as a tourist, these places are your best bet. Just remember, these aren’t flashy Instagram spots—this is the side of Rome people like Danika never get bored of.

Try these spots and you’ll see why Danika calls them her Roman favorites. And if you see her there—keep it cool.

Where to Catch the Best City Views

Rome’s skyline keeps surprising people, even if you’ve seen it a hundred times. Danika swears by a handful of places when she wants a real look at the city, away from the mob. You get the domes, the classics, and that golden late afternoon light—without needing to push past a million tourists to get there.

Start with the Gianicolo Hill. Locals call it Janiculum, and it’s a bit out of the way (on the west side of the Tiber). You get an open view of Rome’s rooftops and St. Peter’s dome. Danika likes it here for early morning walks or when she needs a break—there’s a reason many Romans wind up here just to think. According to the Italian tourism board, Gianicolo is one of the top five overlook spots for photos in the city.

But not all views mean climbing hills. If you want something with a short walk and lots of character, Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) on Aventine Hill is a classic. There’s a reason it shows up in so many influencer stories—it’s free, open late, and has benches nobody ever seems to sit on for long. Check out the view right before sunset, and watch the rooftops turn gold. Here’s what the travel guide Lonely Planet says:

"The Orange Garden serves up a peaceful vibe and a killer panorama—no wonder locals keep it mostly to themselves."

You can also skip the hills and head to the top of Vittoriano (aka the "wedding cake" building in Piazza Venezia). Not everybody knows you can actually pay a few euros to ride the glass elevator up for a full 360-degree view. It’s not cheap, but it’s hard to beat for quick city orientation. Early evening is the best (no school groups, no blinding sun).

If you’re craving something extra, Hotel Minerva’s rooftop bar (just steps from the Pantheon) isn’t cheap, but you can nurse one drink and watch the sky change colors. Just don’t show up in flip-flops—dress a little smarter if you want good service.

Whatever spot you pick, the vibe is never about the view alone. It’s about getting a piece of the city for yourself. Want more tips from Danika Mori? Make sure you’ve got your camera but don’t forget to take a minute and just soak it all in—photos are nice, but Rome’s real energy is up there, waiting for you.

Tips for Enjoying Rome Like Danika

If you want to see Rome through Danika’s eyes, forget the typical schedules. She’s all about mixing with locals, trying real food, and fitting right in with the city’s slow pace. Here’s what you actually need to do if you want your Roman trip to feel less like a checklist and more like a series of discoveries.

• Danika Mori usually skips the big tourist rush—she hits the city early. Want the Colosseum almost to yourself? Show up before 8:30 AM, and you’ll get those golden-light photos without a crowd in sight.
• For food, she avoids spots with English signage shouting for tourists. Instead, Danika checks out small neighborhood markets like Mercato Testaccio, especially for street food and seasonal stuff. Grab a supplì (fried risotto ball) or pick up some fresh buffalo mozzarella.
• She swears by using buses and walking instead of paying for taxis. Sure, metro lines are limited in Rome, but the #64 bus gets you from the Vatican to Termini and passes loads of real, lived-in neighborhoods along the way.
• Want time to chill? Danika’s found that most locals nap or take a break between 2 and 4 PM—perfect time to relax at Villa Ada or Villa Borghese parks, away from the blazing sun and city noise.
• You’ll always find her in Trastevere after sunset; it’s way more fun to get lost in the winding streets here and try natural wines at smaller enotecas (wine bars) like Spirito di Vino.

Quick reference for those who like numbers: here’s what average costs look like in Danika’s favorite areas (2025 data):

Here’s one more tip: Danika always tells people to bring a reusable water bottle. All over Rome, you’ll see those little fountains—called nasoni—pouring out cold, drinkable water, and it’s 100% free. It might not sound like a big deal until you’ve saved five euros on bottled water in a day.