The Eternal City has just become more accessible than ever before to residents of Falkirk, thanks to new winter routes from Glasgow taking off next year, and the city has plenty to offer those who take advantage of the new connection.
Flying from Glasgow to Rome Fiumicino Airport from February 2, 2026, EasyJet’s new winter route will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and will make it easier for Falkirk locals to swap the Antonine Wall for other well-known Roman structures in the Italian capital.
The city is well known for its culinary heritage, stunning architecture, and places of historical interest, and the relatively flat terrain means that taking a free walking tour of Rome can be an enriching experience to physically stroll through streets with so much heritage on show.
But how can Falkirk residents take advantage of EasyJet’s new routes this winter and experience Rome like a local? Let’s take a deeper look at some activities that deserve to be high on your itinerary for your next visit:
Find Tranquillity at Villa Borghese
Known as Rome’s most beautiful park, Villa Borghese is a spot of tranquility nestled between the historic centre of the city and the local neighbourhood of Parioli.
Adorned with plenty of water features and an artificial lake, the park is a great place to hire a rowboat and take in the peaceful surroundings.
Villa Borghese also features a historic hilltop terrace that provides some impressive views of the city, and landmarks like St. Peter’s Basilica and Castel Sant’Angelo are visible alongside some unmissable sunset panoramas.
Breakfast Like a Local
If you’re something of a foodie, maritozzo is the best way to start your day in the Eternal City, and there are plenty of places to enjoy the sweet treat in town.
Rome is a city with a sweet tooth, and maritozzo is one of its most popular dishes. Taking the form of a soft, sweet bun that’s filled with whipped cream, maritozzo has become a key part of Roman folklore.
One popular tradition is that on the first Friday of March, young couples pledge their love to one another by exchanging the delicacies in what’s known as Venerdì del Maritozzo.
If you’re looking to try out maritozzo, there are plenty of pasticcerie shops in the city that offer the treat, and places like Pasticceria Regoli, Pasticceria Panella, and Roscioli Caffè are all great options to enjoy maritozzo alongside some authentic Italian coffee.
Hit the Appia Antica on Two Wheels
Rome may be a great place to explore on two feet, but for getting to grips with the city’s illustrious history of Roman roads, two wheels can be a great substitute.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do, and this feat can be handily achieved by spanning the city’s oldest and longest road, the Via Appia Antica.
Built in 312 BCE as part of the expansive 400-mile-long Appian Way, most of the road is still formed with its original basalt stone and serves as one of the most picturesque bike rides Rome has to offer, with ancient monuments, Roman pines, and tombs all visible when taking to the road with your bike.
Food and Street Art in Testaccio
Another great way to live like a local in Rome is to visit the neighbourhood of Testaccio, which is just a stone’s throw away from the vibrant nightlife of Trastevere, but calm enough to relax and spend an evening.
Testaccio is quite literally a hub for locals to meet and hang out amid the scenery or to dive into the neighbourhood’s family-run restaurants for some exquisite Roman food.
This part of the city is certainly off the beaten path and is one of Rome’s hidden gems for tourists. If you’re not visiting for the authentic local food, be sure to check out the street art on show in Testaccio.
Try Your Hand at Market Hopping
Testaccio can also be an excellent starting point for a market-hopping trip through the best produce that Rome has to offer.
Testaccio Market offers a vast range of produce, like local cheeses, baked bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, and the very best Italian culinary delights to taste and try out.
After you’re done in Testaccio, take a trip to Porta Portese Market in Trastevere for antiques and vintage clothing. Mercato Trionfale, Rome’s largest market, is also well worth a visit.
Planning Your Roman Holiday
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long family holiday in the Italian capital, there’s plenty to do and see in Rome, particularly if you’re willing to leave the beaten path and discover life as a local.
With more accessibility to Rome than ever before coming early next year, now’s as good a time as any to plan your trip to the city, and whether you’re a foodie looking for local delights or an adventurer ready to explore a hub that’s packed with history, there’s plenty to discover on your next Roman holiday.