The ancient neighborhood of Testaccio (top), a district of shops, homes and the site of one of the city's liveliest food markets (above), is the place to see a Roman's Rome.

By Diane Vadino

Testaccio is an ancient neighborhood in Rome that takes its name from a man-made mountain of discarded clay jars that date to the area's origins as a bustling marketplace. The area is gentrifying, but Testaccio is still a great place to get a local's view of the city. There are many restaurants here offering traditional Roman fare, and you can browse an array of shops. The area is also known to locals for its nightclubs. The lively food market in Testaccio is a great place to buy locally grown ingredients like strawberries, tomatoes and artichokes so you can prepare your own meal, whether it’s a multicourse meal in your hotel suite or a picnic lunch at the gardens of Villa Borghese. You can shop and eat like a Roman in Testaccio.

Go to Rome City Guide.