6 tips for living Trento and Rovereto like a local
Along the streets of the city centre on the lookout for the right place for an aperitif, an old workshop or a typical tavern
If it’s your first time in Trento, you won’t miss the magnificence of the Piazza del Duomo, with its fountain to Neptune, the majestic cathedral and of course the surrounding mountains. In Rovereto on the other hand, no visit is complete without a stop at the MART, the elegant museum of contemporary art.
But as you might imagine, these cities have a lot more to offer: they also propose history, unique natural environments, shopping sprees, handicrafts, culture and fine dining. But how can you find out more about these emblematic niceties? Well, become a local of course with the help of the Museum Pass. In this article, we’ll give you a few tips on how to get around Trento and Rovereto like a true native.
1. Enjoy the view from Sabbionara Castle in Avio
If you’re coming up from the south along the A22 motorway on your way to Trento or Rovereto, it’s worth taking a short detour to visit the Sabbionara Castle in Avio. With its imposing battlements, this old castle rises proudly among the surrounding mountains like a true guardian. This is one of the reasons it has recently been declared the most beautiful place in Italy by the Italian Foundation for the Environment (F.A.I.).
A “local” tip: climb to the top of the fortified tower for a splendid view across the Vallagarina valley.
2. Exploring Rovereto’s old city centre
Once in Rovereto, make sure you take the time to have a quiet stroll through the old city centre to get a feel of the place and its history. A planned 15-stage itinerary is available that brings you to palazzos and museums: from the Bell of the Fallen (“Campana dei Caduti”) to the War Memorial, passing through the Civic Museum along the way.
A “local” tip: the Zandonai theatre is not to be missed. Founded in 1783, it is the oldest theatre in Trentino!
3. Lunch in Rovereto
Time for a break! For eating well without spending too much, there are many good restaurants in the center of Rovereto. You can enjoy a risotto with Marzemino wine, or stragolapreti in one of the typical "osteria" or seated in Piazza Cesare Battisti with a pleasant view over Neptune’s fountain.
A “local” tip: after eating have a coffee! The Caffetteria Bontadi offers a range of blends from across the world and are particularly good if combined with some of the locally produced pastries.
4. Discovering the historical workshops of Trento
After lunch, take off again towards Trento. Before stopping for an aperitif, we recommend you take the chance to visit some of the historical shops and workshops in the city centre, a true heritage of this city. You can start from the Antica Trattoria Al Volt in Via Santa Croce and move up the street to the Zanella Furniture Shop. In Trento every workshop has a story to tell!
A “local” tip: stop at the Salumeria Belli in Piazza Vittoria and try some “luganega”, the typical Trentino sausage, or maybe some of their hand-cured speck, an award-winning smoked ham.
5. An aperitif with a view in Sardagna
After a long walk through the streets of the city centre, it’s time for an aperitif! A cocktail or a glass of Trentodoc? Wine or a mug of beer? The choice is yours. In the bars of Trento it’s possible to accompany your aperitif with some local cheeses and cured meats. We recommend you try the Bistrot Trento Alta in Sardagna, overlooking the city.
A “local” tip: the Bistrot can be reached by road or by cable car, which can be reached on foot from the city centre. Once you’re up there you’ll realise that a glass of wine has a richer taste with the splendid panorama of the city before you.
6. Dining in the Piazza del Duomo in Trento
Hunting out the secrets of a city can be hungry work, so why not stop to eat at any of the seven typical taverns of Trento and try the authentic taste of the local cuisine. The “Lo Scrigno del Duomo” restaurant for example, besides the refined traditional cuisine masterfully reinterpreted by the chef, also offers a romantic view across the Piazza del Duomo and the cathedral.
A “local” tip: try a glass of coveted liquor at the Mal’Ombra: not just a tavern but an experience!
Book your city break
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