S1 E11 - ROME: How to Best Experience the Eternal City

Andy Steves Travel Podcast

Learn the secrets to maximizing your visit to ROME. Sean Finelli, co-founder of The Roman Guy, shares insider tips on top restaurants to taste, sights to see, and immersing into the Italian way of life.

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LA BELLA FIGURA: THE ITALIAN WAY

La Bella Figura is the driving force behind that “cool” Italian way of life. Translating to “the beautiful figure”, it is essentially “the idea that you always have to be the best you can possibly be. This why the Italians start smoking when they’re young , they drink coffee all the time, sitting at their cafés… and they dress to the nines for every occasion . It’s about keeping up appearances.”

FOODIE TIPS

In Rome, you'll often be lucky enough to stumble upon restaurants that . "I hate choosing food. In the states, I ask a waiter what I should order and they get flustered. In Italy, they'll just say 'this this and this'. Sometimes I'll just be like 'we're hungry just get us some food, and they'll do your whole meal for you. At my favorite, Le Mani in Pasta, you don't even need to look at your menu, and they'll set you up."

JUST DO IT

“I have a rule for myself: if the activity looks cool, and other people are doing it, then DO the activity. Don’t wimp out. If it’s expensive, just try to cut somewhere else, so that you can see the sights you’re supposed to see.”

IMMERSING INTO ITALIAN CULTURE

“Italians love Americans in general, but they also have a resentment towards Americans when they visit with their ‘American’ style and ‘American’ culture, the Italians say, ‘no- you can’t do it this way’. It goes beyond can’t have a cappuccino after 1pm, it translates to the point where the Italians will give bad service out of resentment. We [at the Roman Guy] let know how things are done here. If you want to put grated cheese on your fish pasta, that in Italy is completely taboo. We let you know what’s publicly accepted and what’s not. “

Co- owners Sean and Brandon during Trasterere Food Tour

Sean on his scooter in Italy

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LINKS & INFO

- The Roman Guy is a team of creative travel & Italy vacation experts operating small group & private tours, day trips, shore excursions, complete vacation packages and trip planning services across Italy.
- Food Tours in Rome
- Hotel Tonight app: Last-minute deals on top hotels
- Trastevere food highlights: Le Mani in Pasta (13:30) , Il Gabriello (14:10)
Podcast featured by:
- Andy Steves' Europe: City-Hopping on a Budget Europe essentials & Guidebook- View on Amazon

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