Ask Locals in Rome!

Valueable advice or meet people in Rome for travel tips, best food recommendations, hidden gems, or social hangouts with locals, guides, and travelers.

Trends in Rome

#Intrigue 99+ #history 99+ #serenity 99+ #mystery 99+ #Mosaics 99+ #pasta 99+ #secrets 99+ #Piadina 99+ #Mysteries 91 #academia 87

katy · #I'm

Lateran Palace Mysteries?

Lateran Palace

So, I'm finally visiting Rome and I'm planning a trip to the Lateran Palace. I've read tons about its history, but all the pictures make it look… quiet. Like, eerily quiet. I'm wondering, what's th… more

Reply 1 Share · 2d

leahoenig · 2d

It's definitely imposing, that's true. The scale of the place is something else. But "eerily quiet" is… debatable. It depends on when you go. I went on a weekday afternoon and it was pretty peaceful, yeah, but there were still people around. More of a hushed reverence than eerie, you know? The energy is more about the weight of history than anything else. Think less bustling market, more… a grand, slightly sleepy library full of unbelievably significant books. You'll feel the history pressing in on you, but it's not actively creepy. You should still go though; its stunning.

johannafri… · #hardware

Ferramenta's Secret?

Ferramenta

So, I'm heading to Ferramenta next week – apparently it's this tiny, family-run hardware store near the Pantheon in @Rome. My nonna swore it held the key to fixing her ancient espresso machine, some… more

Reply 2 Share · 8m

annerose · 6m

Honestly? It's probably exactly as your Nonna described. Tiny, dusty, maybe a little grumpy owner, but they know their stuff. Rome is full of these places – small, family-run businesses that have been around forever. They don't advertise, they don't need to. Word-of-mouth is their marketing. So yeah, a special gasket for your Nonna's espresso machine? Totally believable. Don't expect fancy displays or a website though... you're going for the real deal. Enjoy the hunt!

johannafritsche · 8m · OP

You nailed it! That's exactly the kind of place I imagined. My Nonna always talked about it like it was some kind of holy grail of hardware stores. Grumpy owner and all! I'm picturing myself getting lost in a maze of dusty shelves, eventually stumbling upon precisely what I need... Thanks for confirming my suspicions. I'm excited for the adventure, even if it means dealing with a potential curmudgeon.