If you’ve ever wandered into Rome and felt like you’d stumbled into the world’s most beautiful history book, you’re not alone. My friend Renee, a frequent traveler who studied abroad in Rome, joined me on the Mixtape Travels podcast to talk about one of her favorite cities in the world. Rome has a way of getting under your skin—and Renee gets why.
When I asked Renee what keeps pulling her back to Rome, she didn’t hesitate: vibrancy and connection.
“Italians live life out in the open. There’s a joy in just being together. And there’s something about that that feels deeply human,” she said. No one’s rushing to the next achievement. They’re sitting in the piazza, chatting with neighbors, maybe sharing a bottle of wine. And that’s enough.
It’s not just about the food (though, of course, the food is amazing). It’s about the way people live. With intention. With each other.
Whether you’re planning your first Roman holiday or just daydreaming about a return to the Eternal City, you won’t want to miss my conversation with Renee.
🎧 Click on the above link to listen to the interview or listen on “Mixtape Travels” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Highlights from our conversation include:
First Impressions: Ancient Layers
Renee was just 15 on her first trip to Rome, but one thing stuck with her: the sheer age of the city. A guide pointed to a “new” bridge built 700 years ago—and it blew her mind. That feeling has never left. “Rome is like history layered upon history, and you can go deeper and deeper into it,” she said.
Where Life Happens: Community, Connection & the Town Square
If there's one thing Renee misses most when she leaves Rome, it's the sense of community. The real, in-person kind. The kind that happens in piazzas—town squares—where grandparents, toddlers, teenagers, and everyone in between gather without planning. Where the act of being together is the point, not a scheduled event on a calendar.
“It’s what I crave,” she told me. “The old guys sitting on benches, the little kids running around, the families catching up. You don’t drive to community—it’s right outside your door.”
Rome reminds her of what American cities often lack: built-in opportunities to connect. Not on a screen, not in a Slack channel, but on the street. It’s messy and beautiful and human.
She even told me about her Italian dad, who moved to small-town Alabama and still managed to recreate his Roman rhythm: one butcher, one fish guy, one pharmacist—each a relationship, not just a transaction.
Beyond the Postcard Sights
Yes, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Vatican are iconic—but if you want to feel the real Rome, Renee recommends wandering the lesser-known streets. Her favorite? Via Giulia, a leafy, historic stretch that bridges Trastevere and Campo de' Fiori. Keep an eye out for the cobbler whose family has worked there for generations.
Another local gem: the Catacombs. Creepy? A little. Fascinating? Absolutely. Renee visited with her Roman aunt, and it remains one of the most memorable experiences she’s had in the city.
Neighborhoods to Know
Trastevere: Renee lived here while studying abroad. It's lively, young, and full of character.
Monti: Think of it as Trastevere’s more grown-up cousin. Upscale boutiques, intimate trattorias, and less chaos.
Where to Eat (and Eat Again)
Rome is full of unforgettable meals—especially if you get off the beaten path:
Taverna Romana: A tiny, family-run restaurant in Monti that welcomed Renee back three nights in a row. She was practically part of the family by night three.
Enoteca Corsi: A hidden gem where she accidentally tried to pay in pesos. Pro tip: no English on the menu usually means you’ve found a winner.
Trattoria Da Enzo: A local favorite known for handmade pastas and classic Roman dishes.
Rome in the Off-Season
Want to avoid the crowds and oppressive summer heat? Renee swears by visiting during the Christmas holidays. The city is decorated, the weather is mild, and even some normally closed basilicas are open. “It felt like we had the city to ourselves,” she said. “It was magical.”
Local Life Lessons
Renee had a few reminders for travelers:
Dress up a little. Italians care about fashion and craftsmanship, and it’s worth showing respect.
Walk the neighborhoods. Ditch the itinerary and follow your curiosity.
Follow the rhythms. Eat later, sip your espresso at the bar, linger over meals, and lean into the slowness.
Travel by train when you can. It’s efficient, affordable, and part of the experience.
Soundtrack of the City
If Rome had a theme song? Renee picked Rondo Veneziano—a lively classical piece she grew up listening to with her Italian father. “It’s dramatic, beautiful, and alive,” she said. Just like the city.
Planning Your Own Roman Holiday?
Make time for the big sights, but don’t skip the side streets. Say yes to the second espresso. Accept the free glass of wine. Wander aimlessly. And maybe leave room in your suitcase for a pair of handmade Italian boots.
Meet Renee Frojo
Renee Frojo is a brand strategist, storytelling coach, and former journalist who helps founders and solo business owners build reputations people trust. Her specialty is turning raw, personal experiences into powerful brand narratives. By day, she builds story-driven brands; by night, she wrangles two kids as a single mom and dreams up her next trip. Growing up in Cancun, Mexico with parents from around the world, Renee has traveled to over 30 countries and counting.
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