In this episode of French People Arr. Rude, we break down the stigmas, rules, and unspoken truths about visiting Rome. Sean and Brandon compare first impressions, guest Manuel gives a local’s take, and we tackle everything from what not to order to how to survive crossing the street. Plus, the best way to eat, drink, and spend 48 hours in the Eternal City.
Pro Tip: Rome is best experienced with some planning (but not too much). Save this post in a browser folder along with our guide to visiting Rome, where you’ll find everything you need. Also, check out our article on the best Rome tours to take.
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What We Cover in This Episode
- The stigmas of Rome, and if they’re true
- How to eat like a Roman
- Tips for planning your trip to Rome
- How to spend 48 hours in Rome
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
- Rome Guide Book
- Best Restaurants in Rome
- Where to Stay in Rome
- Best Food and Drinks to Try in Rome
- Top Things to Do in Rome
Not ready to book a tour? Find out if Rome tours are worth it.
Rome Podcast: German Vandals, Fendi, Overcooked Pasta, and Bloody Sandals
Segment 1: A Local’s Take on Rome
- Meet Our Guest: We’re joined by Manuel, our Senior Ground Ops Manager in Rome, who sets the record straight on what this city is really like.
- First Impressions: Sean skipped the tours and spent more time at the bar, while Brandon remembers when you could walk into the Colosseum for free.
- Stigma #1 – It’s All About Wine: Romans love their wine, but it’s far from their only drink of choice. Spritzes are popular as an aperitivo, cocktails are a go-to for a night out, and the city even has an up-and-coming craft beer scene.
- Stigma #2 – It’s Just for Tourists: Tourists may flood the historic center, but so do locals. If Piazza Navona, Trastevere, and Campo de’ Fiori are good enough for Romans, they should be on your list too.
- Stigma #3 – Drivers Will Run You Over: Rome’s streets look chaotic, but drivers are paying attention. Use the crosswalks and you’ll be just fine.
- Stigma #4 – No Nightlife Because of the Pope: Just because it’s the City of the Popes doesn’t mean it’s quiet or that drinking is frowned upon. Rome has a thriving nightlife, and if you want to stay out late, you won’t be drinking alone.
Not ready to book a tour? See our best Rome tours to take and why.
Segment 2: Eat Like a Roman
Rome isn’t just about eating—it’s about eating right. Here’s how to do it like a local.
- Breakfast: Typically fast, sweet, and at the bar. A cappuccino and cornetto costs €3.50–€5, and if you’re feeling fancy, go for a centrifugato (fresh juice). Avoid eggs as they’ll likely be overcooked.
- Typical Lunch: Lunch kicks off at 1 pm, no earlier, and a proper Roman meal starts with pasta and ends with coffee. Expect to pay around €15.
- Aperitivo: A drink before dinner, usually a Spritz or Americano, served with salty snacks. Don’t pick a place based on food—the best spots are about the atmosphere and view.
- Dinner: Romans eat dinner around 8 pm, and meals are long and meant to be shared. For the full experience, order an antipasto, pasta, a main, dessert, and finish with an amaro.
- How to Find a Restaurant: If the menu has ten languages and hosts are waving you down, keep walking. If it’s filled with old Romans and paper tablecloths, sit down.
- Food Rules: No cappuccino after breakfast. No cheese on seafood. Save gnocchi for Thursdays. No fish on Monday. And never, ever cut your pasta.
- Four Must-Try Roman Pastas: Cacio e Pepe (cheese, black pepper), Amatriciana (tomato, guanciale), Carbonara (egg, guanciale), and Gricia (guanciale, Pecorino Romano).
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Best Food Tours to Take in Rome and Why article.
Segment 3: How to Plan Your Trip to Rome
Things to Know:
- Rome is walkable, but you will be on your feet a lot—bring comfortable shoes.
- Get a guide. Even a half-day tour will save you hours in lines and make the experience better.
- Limit yourself to one big activity per day, then take your time exploring nearby.
When to Visit:
- Go in April, May, or October for warm weather and smaller crowds.
- Skip August (too hot) and Easter week (extremely busy).
Where to Stay:
Below, you’ll find our favorites mentioned in the podcast. For a full list, check out our article Where to Stay in Rome.
- Monti – Lively, central, and close to the Colosseum.
- Prati – Near the Vatican, quieter and more residential.
- Spanish Steps – Luxury stays and high-end shopping.
- Regola – A good mix of boutique hotels and apartments.
- Skip Trevi Fountain— Too busy and touristy.
Things to do:
Below, you’ll find our favorites mentioned in the podcast. For a full list, check out our article on the Best Things to Do in Rome.
- Tour the Colosseum and Vatican – Two of Rome’s biggest draws, and worth doing with a guide.
- Watch the sunset from one of Rome’s hills – Gianicolo, Aventine, or Pincio Terrace all offer stunning views. Grab a drink at a pop-up bar and settle in for the sunset.
- Discover Rome’s famed Keyhole – On Aventine Hill, a tiny keyhole perfectly frames St. Peter’s Basilica.
- Explore Appian Way – One of Rome’s oldest roads, built in 312 BC. Rent a bike or walk past ancient tombs, aqueducts, and catacombs.
- Test your bravery at the Mouth of Truth – Stick your hand in the Bocca della Verità, a massive marble face said to bite off the hands of liars.
- Go underground in the Catacombs – Miles of tunnels lined with ancient tombs, including early Christian burial sites dating back nearly 2,000 years.
- Wander through Ostia Antica – A perfectly preserved Roman port town, often called a quieter, more authentic Pompeii.
Segment 4: Rome 48 Hour Itinerary
Day 1: First Tastes of Rome
- Kick Things Off: With a hearty Carbonara, Amatriciana, or Cacio e Pepe, plus an espresso to shake off the jet lag.
- Afternoon: Stay awake with a long walk through Rome’s most iconic piazzas, stopping at the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps.
- Evening: Take a food tour through Trastevere or the Jewish Ghetto to sample traditional dishes and hear the stories behind them.
Day 2: Vatican, Art & Aperitivo
- Morning: Book a Vatican tour to see St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.
- Lunch: Sip wine at Caffè Perù, a local-favorite bar with classic Roman charm.
- Afternoon: Explore Museo di Palazzo Altemps, then visit the Pantheon and Santa Maria sopra Minerva.
- Aperitivo & Dinner: Enjoy drinks in Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, then dine at Taverna Trilussa before ending the night in Campo de’ Fiori or Trastevere.
Not ready to book a tour? Find out if Rome tours are worth it.
