Skip to main content

Rome: Esquilino and San Giovanni

Head east of the Colosseum and you’ll encounter two different, yet charming neighborhoods. With its cobblestone streets and intricate cathedrals, San Giovanni has a distinctly old-world vibe. Nearby, Esquilino offers a cosmopolitan alternative with its large, diverse market and café-lined streets.

PRINT GUIDE
 


WHAT TO SEE

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

As the largest Roman church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore has historical, religious, and architectural significance. According to legend, Pope Liberius was inspired to build the basilica after seeing Mary in a dream.
Piazza di S. Maria Maggiore, 42, Rome, 00100

Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
 

When in Rome, don’t miss your opportunity to visit the official church of the Pope. Constructed in the 4th century and renovated multiple times, the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is known for both its historical and aesthetic richness. While there, check out the large bronze doors, which originally lived in the ancient Roman Senate House. The basilica is free but there is a fee to enter the cloisters, so consider bringing multiple forms of payment, including cash.
Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, 4, Rome, 00184

For an ATM locator: DOWNLOAD OUR APP
 


WHAT TO DO

Museo Storico della Liberazione

Once a makeshift prison used during World War II, the Museo Storico della Liberazione now stands as a testament to those who resisted the German occupation. Beyond the photos and historic documents, you can still see the prisoners’ writings on the cell walls. Entry is free but donations are encouraged, so consider having cash handy.
Via Tasso, 145, Rome, 00185

For an ATM locator: DOWNLOAD OUR APP

Nuovo Mercato Esquilino

If you’re inspired to do some cooking of your own, Nuovo Mercato Esquilino is a great place to pick up spices, seafood, choice cuts of meat, and vine-ripened produce. You’re also likely to hear a variety of languages, as many of the vendors originate from the Middle East, China, India, and beyond. Cash can make shopping easier, so consider bringing more than one type of payment.
Via Filippo Turati, 160, Rome, 00185

For an ATM locator: DOWNLOAD OUR APP
 


WHERE TO SHOP

Local & Imported Styles

If you’re looking to do some shopping in this iconic city, consider visiting some of these retailers:
Casadei, Piazza di S. Lorenzo in Lucina, 40, Rome, 00186
MaxMara Roma Via Nazionale, Via Nazionale, 28-29-30-3, Rome, 00184
Mitsukoshi Roma, Via Nazionale, 259, Rome, 00185


 WHERE TO EAT

Casual & Fine Dining

Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or fancier fare, consider paying a visit to some of these restaurants:
Merulana Café, Via Merulana, 138, Rome, 00185
Hostaria da Vincenzo, Via Castelfidardo, 6, Rome, 00185
Ristorante Il Secchio, Via Daniele Manin, 30/40, Rome, 00185
Antica Bohéme, Via Napoli, 4, Rome, 00184
Mamma Angela’s Trattoria, Via Palestro, 53, Rome, 00185
La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali, Via della Madonna dei Monti, 9, Rome, 00184
 


 EXPLORE OTHER ROME GUIDES

Aventino & Testaccio

Piazza del Popolo

Navona
 

 

The information provided herein is sponsored by Diners Club International®. It is intended for informational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Content on this website may contain information from third parties and/or links to third-party websites. Diners Club International bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of this information.