Yes — it\u2019s just a few steps from the Colosseum and the surrounding archaeological sites.
Discover Authentic Rome: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for Rome, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?
Our map pins local favourites such as the Coppedè district, the Orange Garden keyhole and Porta Portese market, alongside our Mercure hotels.
Top 5 Things to Do in Rome
Testaccio Market
Over 100 stands in Rome\u2019s working-class food market, where locals shop for the day\u2019s ingredients rather than souvenirs.
Mordi e Vai
A legendary panino stall inside Testaccio Market, run by a former butcher — order the trippa alla Romana or picchiapò filling.
Monti neighbourhood
A small, low-key district with its own rione market — a fish stand, a butcher, a deli and a fresh pasta counter, all in one modest space.
The Colosseum and archaeological sites
A few steps from the hotel, visible from the rooftop pool terrace when it\u2019s open (May to September).
Mordi e Vai\u2019s picchiapò
A slow-cooked Roman beef dish, served here as a panino filling — one of the more honest tastes of the city, away from the set-menu trattorias near the ruins.
Explore Rome's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Rome
We've mapped local spots across Rome, from the Colosseum to the city's hidden corners. Ready to explore?
Classic Rome
Rome historic centre walk
Start at the Colosseum, follow Via dei Fori Imperiali to the Altar of the Fatherland, then on to the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Piazza del Popolo. Rome in one glorious walk.
City centre · Walking route · Perfect for first-time visitors
Jewish Ghetto
Narrow medieval streets and ancient synagogues tell the long story of Rome's Jewish community. Try the carciofi alla giudia while you're here.
Near the Tiber · Historic quarter · Made for history and food
Orange Garden and the Aventine keyhole
On the Aventine, the Orange Garden looks out over Rome – and nearby, the famous keyhole frames the dome of St Peter's among the trees. Peek through.
Aventine Hill · Garden and viewpoint · Great for views
Baths of Caracalla
The majestic ruins of one of ancient Rome's largest bath complexes. Imagine the steam.
Aventine · Archaeological site · Ideal for history
Colosseum
The great amphitheatre of ancient Rome, the city's best-known symbol. Book a timed ticket and skip the queue.
Colosseo · Ancient monument · Perfect for first-timers
Imperial Forums
A sweep of ancient ruins along Via dei Fori Imperiali, between the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia. Come at sunset, when the stone turns gold.
Via dei Fori Imperiali · Archaeological site · Made for ancient history
Altar of the Fatherland (Vittoriano)
The white marble monument to Victor Emmanuel II on Piazza Venezia, symbol of Italian unity. Take the lift to the top for the panorama.
Piazza Venezia · Monument · Great for views
Spanish Steps
The famous staircase climbing from Piazza di Spagna and the Barcaccia fountain to Trinità dei Monti. Pause halfway and watch Rome go by.
Piazza di Spagna · Landmark · Perfect for people-watching
Trevi Fountain
Rome's most spectacular Baroque fountain. Toss a coin over your shoulder and, so the story goes, you'll be back.
Trevi · Fountain · Ideal early in the morning
Pantheon
An ancient Roman temple turned church, famous for its vast dome and the beam of light falling through the oculus. Stand beneath it and look up.
Piazza della Rotonda · Ancient temple · Made for architecture
Piazza Navona
Centro Storico · Square · Perfect for an evening stroll
Piazza del Popolo
A grand oval square with twin churches and the Porta del Popolo gate. Climb to the Pincio terrace for views over the city.
Piazza del Popolo · Square · Great for views
Off the beaten track
Coppedè district
Where Art Nouveau meets surrealism: an architectural fantasy far from the usual sights. Look up – everywhere.
Trieste district · Architecture · Made for architecture lovers
Non-Catholic Cemetery
Among lush greenery, the graves of poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley. Quiet, green, moving.
Testaccio · Cemetery · Perfect for a quiet visit
Porta Portese market
Rome's iconic Sunday flea market: colourful stalls, vintage finds and local flavours. Haggle with a smile.
Trastevere · Flea market, Sundays · Made for bargain hunters
Little London
A curious street of English-style houses in the Flaminio district. London, Roman-style.
Flaminio · Curiosity · Great for photography
Food & drink
Da Vittorio
Since 1988, Rome's most celebrated dishes made with carefully sourced ingredients.
Trastevere · Restaurant · Perfect for Roman food
Baccano
A Mediterranean bistro and oyster bar between the Trevi Fountain and Via del Corso.
Trevi · Bistro · Ideal for seafood
Il Marchese
Roman cooking with international touches – and a serious cocktail bar.
Restaurant · Made for cocktails
Frigidarium
Artisanal gelato a few steps from Piazza Navona. Get the house cone.
Navona · Gelato · Perfect for a treat
FAQ
No — it\u2019s seasonal, open from May to September.
Testaccio Market and the smaller Monti rione market are both working food markets used by residents rather than aimed at visitors.
A keyhole near the Orange Garden on the Aventine that frames a view of St Peter's dome.
In Rome's Non-Catholic Cemetery in Testaccio.
A small Rome neighbourhood of fantastical Art Nouveau architecture, off the usual tourist trail.
Where to Sleep in Rome
These Mercure hotels appear on our map:
- Mercure Rome Termini Center
- Mercure Rome Colosseum Centre
- Mercure Rome Piazza Bologna
- Mercure Rome Corso Trieste
- Mercure Roma West
- Mercure Rome Leonardo da Vinci Airport
- Mercure Rome Cinecittà