Local's Guide to Rome: private tour of the city's best Bookshops and Literary Sites

Rome is a place where history, culture, and art converge at every corner. In this Local’s Guide to Rome we will discover the best literary gems offering you a chance to explore the city through the eyes of its great writers and poets. Ready?

Local’s Guide to Rome – Keats-Shelley House

Our literary journey begins at the Keats-Shelley House, a museum dedicated to the Romantic poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley. Located near the Spanish Steps, this museum offers a glimpse into the lives and works of these iconic writers. You can see their original manuscripts, letters, and personal belongings.

The museum also hosts readings and events, making it a must-visit for poetry enthusiasts.

Local’s Guide to Rome – Campo de’ Fiori

Next, we head to the lively Campo de’ Fiori, a bustling square where Giordano Bruno, an Italian philosopher, poet, cosmological theorist towards the Copernican model was executed for heresy in the 17th century. Today, this square is home to a vibrant market in the morning and a gathering place for locals and tourists alike in the evening. It’s a spot that captures the spirit of Roman life and provides a setting that’s been featured in many novels and films.

The square also hosts one the most charming bookshops in town: Libreria Fahrenheit 451. A must-visit for book lovers!

Local’s Guide to Rome – Antico Caffè Greco

For a taste of literary history with your coffee, visit Antico Caffè Greco, one of Rome’s oldest and most famous coffee houses. Since its opening in 1760, it has been frequented by countless writers, artists, and intellectuals, including Stendhal, Lord Byron, and Goethe.

Sip an espresso and soak in the atmosphere while surrounded by portraits of the luminaries who once sat at the same tables.

Local’s Guide to Rome – Biblioteca Angelica

If you crave a quiet retreat for reading and research, head to Biblioteca Angelica. Founded in the late 16th century, it’s one of the oldest public libraries in Europe. With its stunning frescoes and an impressive collection of rare manuscripts, it’s a haven for scholars and a testament to Rome’s enduring intellectual legacy.

Biblioteca Angelica is located next to the beautiful Basilica of Sant’Agostino, just a few steps away from the Pantheon.

Local’s Guide to Rome – Bookshops in Trastevere

Cross the Tiber River to the charming neighborhood of Trastevere, where you’ll find a cluster of quaint bookshops.

A special mention to Almost Corner Bookshop, much loved by locals and expats in Rome along for its carefully curated selections of English-language books. Whether you’re looking for classics, contemporary fiction, or local poetry, this fascinating shop has you covered.

Local’s Guide to Rome – Villa Borghese Gardens

Take a leisurely stroll through the lush Villa Borghese Gardens, a vast park in the heart of Rome. It’s not only a serene oasis but also a setting that inspired many writers and artists.

Find a quiet spot to sit with a book or enjoy the picturesque scenery that once captivated the likes of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry James.