one great block
trestevere
take a trip across the river to rome’s most charming neighbourhood packed with restaurants, vintage shops and secret gardens
Green escapes
If the frenetic, vibrant streets of Trastevere get a little tiresome for you, you can step into a world of bliss and serenity at Orto Botanico, Rome’s botanical garden. With more than 7,000 international plant varieties and a Japanese tea garden, it’s a little zen den hidden among the madness.
ortobotanicopd.it
Old relics
Italian designer gear not your thing? Trestevere houses many independent outlets like Twice Vintage a quirky vintage haunt that celebrates the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s. You’ll find psychedelic-printed shirts alongside glamorous frocks.
twicevintage.com
Sunday fun day
The enormous Porta Portese Sunday flea market sells everything from clothes to antiques – so prepare to bargain with the stall owners. It’s a Rome institution for both residents and visitors, just be careful with your own belongings while you shop.
Piazza di Porta Portese, 00153, portaportese.it
Glorious food
Head over to the historic bakery La Renella, where you can pick up traditional biscotti and ciambelloni. Alternatively, pull up a bar stool and order pizza by the slice and watch the masters work next to their wood-fired ovens. The smell is incredible.
panificiolarenella.com