The Rome Less Traveled

                I’ve gone through the list of some of the most popular attractions, cafes, pastry shops, gelato shops, but now it’s time to take a look at the Rome less traveled.  You’ve seen the Pantheon and stopped for lunch at Caffè Sant'Eustachio; now you want to see the beauty and taste the food that the tourists may not know about.

The Botanical Gardens in Trastevere

The quiet and shady Orto Botanico in Trastevere is said to be one of Europe's finest botanical gardens. The greenery stretches over 30 acres and is situated on the lower slopes of the Gianicolo Hill. Many locals love this quietly kept secret of over 3,000 species of plants from all around the world. Take a break from the hustle of the city and escape into a nature lover’s paradise.

Da Enzo

After working up an appetite walking around the gardens, swing by Da Enzo for a nice lunch. Da Enzo is touted as one of Rome’s best kept restaurant secrets and is cherished by all the locals.  It is a genuine Roman trattoria which focuses on the quality of their ingredients.  The olive oil comes from an area only a few miles away, and all of their produce is gathered from nearby farms.  If you are lucky enough to have a meal here, try one (or more) of their most well-known dishes: carciofi judia, cacio e pepe, stuffed zucchini blossoms, and baccalà

Whatever you choose to do with your time in Rome, remember to take a breath, look around, and immerse yourself in their history and culture.