A Roman Finale: A Perfect Last Day Exploring Hidden Corners of Rome

Itinerary:

• Trevi Fountain

• Campo de Fiori

• Breakfast

  • Barnum Roma

• Rome Jewish Ghetto (it's on the other side of the street from Campo de’Fiori)

• Isola Tiberina (Tiber Island) connect Trastevere to the Jewish ghetto

  • Ponte Fabricio, a bridge, connecting the island to the Jewish ghetto, the oldest standing bridge in Rome

• Via Del Portico D'Ottavia - the main drag and the Jewish ghetto

  • Teatro Marcello

  • La Sinagoga

• Castel Sant'Angelo

  • Fontana Delle Tartarughe (Turtle Fountain)

  • Largo Di Torre Argentina - famous cat sanctuary in Rome

• Trastevere

  • The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere

  • Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere

• Gelato - Fatamorgana Via Roma Libera, 11, 00153 Roma RM, Italy - closes 10:30P

• Dinner: L' Orso 80

  • Via dell'Orso, 33

    
    

Our final full day in Rome gifted us with perfect weather—no rain, a gentle breeze, and warm golden sunshine that made every photo glow. With a sense of wonder and a little nostalgia, we set out to explore a side of Rome I'd never seen before.

Early Morning at the Trevi Fountain: Rome Without the Crowds

We started early to visit the Trevi Fountain, hoping to beat the crowds. If you’re planning your own Roman adventure, arrive before 7 AM for a quieter experience. We arrived around 8:30 AM—it wasn’t packed, but there were already clusters of early risers. Thankfully, the barricades had been removed, and we got right up close for those iconic Instagram shots. Yes, we tossed in our coins—on the wrong shoulder, apparently—but who's to say superstition doesn’t still work in our favor?

Campo de’ Fiori: Not What I Expected

A stop I’d been looking forward to was Campo de’ Fiori. I’d always pictured it as a lively flower market thanks to Rick Steves' travel shows. But what we found was more of a tourist-focused flea and farmers market with only a small corner dedicated to flowers. It was underwhelming, especially with spring in full swing. Perhaps we were too early in the season? Still, it had its charm.

Barnum Café: A Western Touch in a Quiet Roman Corner

One of our breakfast options that day was Barnum Café. I had picked it out ahead of time, curious about its reputation for great coffee and pastries. Tucked into a part of Rome that felt a bit more residential, the café delivered a Western-leaning menu with a strong French pastry influence. Even though most of the customers were clearly fellow tourists, the food was delicious and the ambiance was calm—a relaxing break from the bustling streets.

A Quiet Walk Through the Jewish Ghetto

Another area of Rome I wanted to visit, thanks to Rick Steves’ influence, was the Jewish Ghetto. At that time of day, it definitely felt slower. Fewer people around—and I loved that. It looked totally different from the hustle and bustle of ancient Rome.

We didn’t run into any bakeries, which was disappointing because I really wanted to try some biscotti or a local snack. But the Roman ruins? They weren’t small, like I imagined. Rome doesn’t do small. These were hidden gems.

Discovering the Turtle Fountain and Easter Treats

When we reached the Turtle Fountain, that whole square was just so cute. There was a café open, so we stopped for a light snack and to regroup. The café turned out to be a great stop—they had Colomba di Pasqua, a traditional Easter bread in Italy that I’d heard about from our Viator guide. This was my chance to try it, and I really liked it.

I was grateful for the stop—not just for the snack, but for the chance to soak in the newness of that area and keep it in my mind’s eye.

Back to the Vatican—With a Mission

I needed to return to Vatican City—I had underestimated how many souvenirs I needed for our big Catholic family and was reminded of that a day too late. So I rearranged our plan and dragged Darwin back to Vatican City

Since we were already nearby and had a little time to spare, we decided to walk over to Castel Sant’Angelo. We didn’t go inside the fortress, but just standing in its shadow and crossing the Ponte Sant’Angelo—that ancient Roman bridge steeped in history—was enough to feel the gravity of the past. I couldn’t help but imagine the secret escape routes once used by popes in times of danger. Those must’ve been some wild, turbulent times.

I’ve only ever driven by this fortress, either on a tour or in a taxi. I wasn’t interested in touring the inside, and Darwin didn’t seem too invested either.

Trastevere: A Lively Local Scene with a Dash of Noir

Our final neighborhood stop was Trastevere. It felt authentic, lived-in, and deeply Italian—like a flashback to the 1920s or 30s. Lively yet laid-back.

It was definitely more local than touristy, which was a refreshing change of pace. One thing that stood out: unlicensed street vendors. They set up shop where there was high tourist foot traffic, using cardboard boxes or blankets to display their goods.

Apparently, this neighborhood is a regular beat for undercover police. Right in front of us, we saw a few incidents where one vendor alerted another that the police were nearby. Some vendors grabbed what they could and bolted, dropping items without stopping. We even saw a plainclothes arrest. It felt like we were in a noir film. A wild, colorful glimpse into everyday life—a sobering reminder of the city’s everyday realities.

We stayed close to Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, assuming the neighborhood was mostly concentrated on that side of the landmark. It wasn’t until later that I realized Trastevere extended much farther—there was a whole other section across the main road that we never explored. Still, getting a little lost in this charming corner of Rome was its own kind of adventure. I’d honestly love to use this neighborhood as a home base next time we visit Rome—though it is a bit removed from the heart of ancient Rome that first-time visitors usually gravitate toward.

A Power Nap and a Late Dinner

Back at the hotel, I told Darwin, “Let’s go to dinner around 7:30 PM to avoid eating too late.” He agreed. After some pre-packing, I took a power nap. By the time I woke up, it was already 8 PM.

I looked over—Darwin wasn’t asleep. As usual, he was casually playing a game on his phone. With the last ounce of patience I had left, I reminded him, “I said let’s go to dinner at 7:30.” His response? A nonchalant, “Oh yeah, that’s right.”

It was our last night, and at that point, all I could think was: It’s almost over. The trip is almost over.

Final Thoughts

Rome has a way of sneaking up on you—its history, its people, its surprises around every corner. On this last day, we embraced the unexpected, and in doing so, found magic in both the grand and the everyday. If you’re planning your trip, don’t be afraid to veer off the tourist trail. The memories often linger longer in the quiet squares, hidden cafés, and small surprises you never saw coming.

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