For those who would like to read more about Rome than just guidebooks, I’ve put together a list of books that go further into Rome’s culture and food. These books can be useful and fun for first-timers, repeat visitors, or anyone just interested in reading about Rome. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying book purchases, which helps defer the cost of bringing you this free information.
Eating in Rome
One of the pleasures of visiting Rome is enjoying its food. These books will lead you to the right places for good foodie experiences.
- Eating Rome: Living the Good Life in the Eternal City
Elizabeth Minchilli, who has lived in Rome for many years, takes readers to her favorite places to eat, food markets, bars, bakeries, and coffee and gelato shops. Elizabeth takes readers on a journey to discover the foods, traditions, and neighborhoods of Rome. For first-timers and repeat visitors, Eating Rome is an excellent resource. It’s also full of beautiful photos.
- Eating & Drinking in Rome, 2nd Ed: An Insider’s Guide to the City’s Best Food & Drink
In Katie Parla’s e-book, Katie shares her views of the best places to eat and drink in Rome. She also gives tips for ordering and eating like a local, tipping, ordering coffee, and eating on Sundays and holidays. There’s also a glossary with helpful words.
- 100 Locals in Rome: Reveal their favorite restaurants, coffee bars, and secret spots
Do you want to eat and hang out with the locals? 100 Romans share their favorite places to eat and drink beyond the usual recommended spots. This book helps readers discover places and neighborhoods beyond the historic center for those who have time to do more in Rome than just see the tourist sights.
More Tips from Locals
- The Revealed Rome Handbook: Updated for 2020: Tips and Tricks for Exploring the Eternal City
Amanda Ruggeri helps readers explore Rome like a local with lots of helpful tips. From how to find good places to eat, budget accommodation, and best places to shop to tips for taking public transportation, finding bathrooms, and avoiding pickpockets, Amanda answers many questions commonly asked by tourists.
- Un Amico Italiano: Eat, Pray, Love in Rome
If you read Elizabeth Gilbert’s book you probably remember Luca Spaghetti. Yes he’s a real person and in his book he shares stories about daily life, language, food, and soccer in Rome.
Rome Memoirs
Take a look at Rome through the eyes of Americans who lived in the eternal city:
- She Seduced Me: A Love Affair with Rome
Mark Tedesco relates his experiences in Rome as well as taking the reader back in time for glimpses of life in ancient Rome. Review
- Coins in the Fountain: A Midlife Escape to Rome
Discover the Eternal City through the eyes of a former expat as she shares the adventures of her midlife move to Rome in the late 20th century. Read my review of Coins in the Fountain.
- Times New Roman: How We Quit Our Jobs, Gave Away Our Stuff & Moved to Italy
Martha Miller spent 21 months living in Rome’s lively Trastevere neighborhood. Her experiences, both good and bad, come to life in her entertaining book. Review of Times New Roman.
Not the Usual Guidebook
If you’ve been to Rome and seen the top sights, try these books.
- Rome the Second Time: 15 Itineraries That Don’t Go to the Coliseum
Explore Rome beyond the usual tourist sites with this guide by Dianne Bennett and William Graebner. Discover art galleries, rooftop bars, music spots, film locations, and neighborhoods outside Rome’s center with easy to follow directions.
- Quiet Corners of Rome: Cloisters, Gardens, Archaeological Sites, Piazzas, Fountains, Villas, Architectural Ruins, Courtyards
David Downie helps you escape the hustle and bustle of Rome with a look at more than 50 less-busy but beautiful places to visit. Beautiful photographs by Alison Harris make this a great gift book, too.
Plan Your Visit to Rome
See these Rome Tours, from exploring ancient Roman sites and visiting the Vatican to day trips and food tours – including some virtual tours you can take from home.
Where to Stay:- JK Place, near the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon, is a top boutique hotel.
- Hotel Residenza in Farnese is a comfortable hotel on Piazza Farnese, near Campo de Fiori.
- See and compare more top Rome hotels.
Book these museum and site tickets before you go and discover how to get around Rome with this transportation guide
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