A Taste of Rome - Discover Testaccio

Overview

Start the tour outside an eye-catching pyramid and hear about the city’s 3rd century city gate and Aurelian walls. Learn about the ancient routes of Via Ostiensis and the River Tiber as we delve into the eating habits of Ancient Rome.

Pop into Caffe Guilietti for one of Rome’s best espressos. Coffee and the coffee bar are a huge part of Italy’s history and culture and, whilst they certainly did not invent coffee, they have been importing it since the 16th century. Learn about Luigi Bezzara’s invention, a machine that used pressurised steam and forced hot water through coffee grounds in seconds, creating a quick, small, hot drink that made coffee break shorter.

Head through the city gate and into the ancient part of the city. Poke your head into one of Rome’s best traditional restaurants, Flavio al Velavevodetto, and pick from Rome’s four famous pastas: the Carbonara, the Gricia, the Cacio e Pepe, and the Amatriciana.

Visit what once the largest butchery of its time in Europe, somewhere that remained the abattoir of Rome until 1975. Learn what defined Old Testaccio and how this part of Rome became a place for the people.

Wander into the Mercato di Testaccio, the number one place to pick up the very freshest artichokes or source the best salty Pecorino Romano. Take in the sights, the smells, the sounds, the good-natured ease of neighbours drinking at the super-cool Chicchi & Lettere, the ebb and flow of market life in this old area.

Say hello to the cooks at Food Box, who serve mainly Roman street food with other regional dishes like Suppli and Carciofi alla Guidia. Learn about Rome’s relationship with fast and slow food.

Learn about Quinto Quarto, a cuisine known throughout the city and famous at Mordi e Vai. This stall is owned by the retired butcher Sergio Espesito, who takes one freshly baked crispy panino, chooses which offal dish to fill it with and, as the name says, go!

Casa Manco is known all over Testaccio afield as some of the finest Roman pizza in the city. While Italy cannot claim to be the birth of pizza, people have been putting toppings on flatbread since time immemorial and Italy can claim the birth of the modern pizza, in 18th century Naples

Weave into Piazza Testaccio, the old location of the market and home to a wonderful water fountain. This is also home to L’oasi della Birra or ‘the oasis of beer’. There are over 500 types of beer there and it’s an equally great location to grab cured meats like prosciutto or that lovely guanciale pig cheek that makes carbonara what it is! You can get cheese, chocolate or even wine!

Panna & Co's Gelato is stunning, made on site, fresh and tasty – with seasonal flavours of fruit or a simple taste of ecuadorian chocolate or pistachio.

The Vidi Guides experience is enriched with on-screen photos and videos. We also point out where to take the perfect Instagram photos during the tour, and include recommendations for food, drinks, and local attractions. Don't worry, none of our recommendations are sponsored - they are simply favourites of the locals who helped craft the experience.

Vidi Guides creates immersive audio experiences that are like podcasts. This is a self-guided audio tour that can be started or stopped at your own convenience. Download the Vidi Guides app & your tour to explore the area independently and safely! Make sure to download your tour before your visit to streamline your trip!