Rome Unveiled: Eveline Dellai’s Treasures

Ever feel like every guide to Rome just copies the same old bucket-list? Let’s flip the script. Eveline Dellai knows places in Rome you won’t see on glossy travel blogs or Instagram feeds clogged with Colosseum selfies. Spending time here with her, you stumble into corners where locals actually hang out, and that’s where the city feels alive.

This isn’t about skipping all the big “must-sees,” but if you want the inside track—where to slip away for the creamiest gelato, or which side street has a view better than any from a rooftop bar—you’re in good company. Practical details? You bet. Keep reading and you’ll walk away with unique spots to try, snack recommendations, and some hacks for dodging the tourist crowds. Let’s get specific—no fluff, just real talk and tips you can actually use on your next Roman adventure.

• Beyond the Usual: Eveline’s Secret Rome
• Local Eats and Sips You Can’t Miss
• Art, Oddities, and Unexpected Finds
• Tips for Navigating Rome Like a Pro

Beyond the Usual: Eveline’s Secret Rome

Everyone knows Rome for the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, but when you ask Eveline Dellai where she actually chills, it’s a different map. She’s got a thing for spots where locals actually spend time—places that feel authentic, not staged for Instagram.

Start with the Coppedè district. Hardly any tourists make it here, but it’s packed with funky art nouveau buildings and lamp posts shaped like giant spiders. Take Via Dora and keep an eye out for the Villa Torlonia, where Mussolini once lived. Now, it’s mostly students, artists, and families soaking up the vibe or chilling in the quirky garden café.

Ever heard of Rome’s Protestant Cemetery? Sounds odd, but it’s surprisingly peaceful and full of famous names, like poet John Keats. Next door, you’ve got the Pyramid of Cestius—a literal Roman pyramid. Not only is it cool for photos, but if you time it right, you might catch one of the few days a year when they open it for tours. Bring some cash for entry since cards aren’t always accepted.

For a killer view that beats the crowded Spanish Steps, Eveline recommends climbing up the Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo). No tickets, no lines, just one of the city’s best vistas. Locals show up for sunset with snacks or a quick takeout pizza from the nearby neighborhood of Trastevere.

• Pro tip: In the Testaccio district, discover the Non-Catholic Cemetery, small trattorias where nobody speaks English, and Rome’s original food market. Try the local maritozzo (a sweet cream bun) if you’re into breakfast treats.
• If you’re up for something bizarre, duck into the Capuchin Crypt on Via Veneto. Yes, it’s decorated with real human bones, and no, it’s not as creepy as it sounds.

Here’s a quick table comparing crowd levels at classic spots vs. these hidden gems based on visitor data during last summer’s high season:

Bottom line: If you want something different from your Rome trip—something that locals like Eveline Dellai actually enjoy—try some of these spots. Less crowds, more real experiences.

Local Eats and Sips You Can’t Miss

If you’re rolling with Eveline Dellai’s picks on food in Rome, get ready to ditch tourist menus. We’re talking mom-and-pop spots, street snacks, and bars where the owner remembers your name by your second visit. Here’s where local experiences come alive.

Trastevere is ground zero for honest Roman meals. Check out Da Enzo al 29, a teeny spot that’s always crowded for good reason. Their carbonara slaps, and the fried artichoke is next level. Order wine by the carafe and don’t even try asking for pineapple pizza here—you’ll get an eye roll and a quick lesson in real Roman food.

Love street food? Testaccio’s Trapizzino is a game changer. It’s like a pizza pocket but packed with local flavors—think juicy chicken cacciatore or tender oxtail stew. It’s quick, filling, and costs less than a gelato in the tourist traps around Trevi Fountain.

Speaking of gelato, skip the neon stuff in the city center. Go to Gelateria del Teatro, tucked behind Piazza Navona. They churn everything fresh daily. Try the ricotta and fig—it’s a flavor you’ll seriously remember.

When you need a coffee break, locals head to Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè near the Pantheon. An old-school spot that’s been serving up thick espresso since the 1930s. If you want to look like you know what’s up, drink your coffee at the bar, not at a table (table service costs extra and singles you out as a tourist).

Wine or spritz fans should hit up La Vineria in Trastevere. They’ve got a cheap, solid house red and a vibe that’s chill but never snooty. If you ask, staff will point out local wines from Lazio that never show up on big lists.

• For authentic Roman bites, remember: dinner starts late (after 8 pm) and no one rushes you out.
• Reservations matter for most sit-down spots. Calling ahead or booking online can save you a long wait.
• Most Romans skip dessert at the restaurant and grab gelato or a pastry from a nearby bakery instead.

If you want to know how the city eats, just watch the locals. They’ve got an unspoken code about where to get the best Rome travel tips when it comes to food: follow the crowds with little old ladies, and you’re golden.

Art, Oddities, and Unexpected Finds

This is where Rome surprises you. Sure, you’ve heard about the Vatican and the Pantheon, but Rome’s hidden spots really take things up a notch. Eveline loves the Centrale Montemartini—an old power plant filled with Greek and Roman statues. Imagine marble gods staring you down alongside rusty machinery. You won’t see busloads of tourists here, just a wild mix of art and industry that somehow works.

Head up to the Quartiere Coppedè for weird architecture you’d never expect from this city. Think fairy-tale houses mixed with art nouveau swirls and a dash of crazy fountains. It’s a quick walk from the city center, but most guidebooks skip it, so no crowds—just crazy photos for your feed.

If odd museums are your thing, the Museo delle Anime del Purgatorio (Museum of the Souls in Purgatory) is as quirky as Rome gets. Here you’ll find burned fingerprints on prayer books, a leftover from supposed visits by souls trapped in purgatory. Wild story, right? Even the staff tells you:

“People come looking for the afterlife, but they stay talking about history and old Roman legends,” says Paolo M., one of the curators.

Art isn’t just tucked away. Some of the best stuff is out in the open. Stroll down Via del Governo Vecchio, and you’ll spot hidden street art between vintage shops and classic trattorias. Rome’s local artists turn bland walls into colorful, photo-worthy backdrops.

Into something interactive? Try the Non-Catholic Cemetery near Testaccio: poetry, ancient gravestones, a pyramid, and shade—pretty handy for summer. Percy Bysshe Shelley and John Keats are buried here, but it never feels like a tourist trap.

Here’s a quick breakdown of three must-see odd spots and how much time you’ll need at each:

Most of these places don’t need reservations, and you can hit all three in a single day if you’re up for it. Keep your eyes open—sometimes the best finds in Rome aren’t even marked on a map.

Tips for Navigating Rome Like a Pro

Rome looks packed and confusing, but you can tackle this city without missing a beat if you’re prepared. Eveline’s best advice? Skip big taxi lines and use public transit—Rome’s buses, trams, and Metro are cheap, reliable, and run almost everywhere you’d want to go. Grab a Roma Pass at any big station; it gives unlimited transit trips and free entry to some museums. Handy if you’re planning to hit a bunch of spots in a day.

Walking is your friend in Rome, but cobblestones are brutal if you’re wearing thin-soled shoes. Pack sneakers or comfy sandals. Don’t waste time hunting for free WiFi—download offline maps (Google Maps or Citymapper work well) before heading out. Italians typically don’t eat dinner before 8 p.m., so aim for an early evening stroll (“passeggiata”) when the crowds thin and the city glows.

Here’s a quick breakdown of transit options for your Eveline Dellai-inspired adventure:

• Metro: Three main lines (A, B, C). The A-line gets you to sights like the Vatican and Spanish Steps. The B-line hits places like the Colosseum. Trains run from about 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. most days.
• Buses/Trams: They go everywhere the Metro doesn’t. Grab tickets at tobacco shops, newsstands, or Metro stations—don’t buy from bus drivers.
• Electric scooters: Easy to rent by app but watch out for uneven roads and traffic.

Here’s a little cost rundown, so you don’t get ripped off:

One last tip—always validate your ticket in the yellow machines as soon as you get on public transit. Fines aren’t cheap, and conductors do random checks. For those using rideshare apps, Free Now and Uber work in central Rome, but regular taxis can actually be cheaper, especially at night. If you want to avoid scams, only use official taxi ranks or call ahead by app.

Armed with these Rome travel tips, you’ll skip hassles and maybe even impress a few locals with your smooth moves.