Your first grocery run in Rome tells you a lot about what daily life here is really going to feel like.

In this episode of Rome Unfiltered, Walter sits down with Angie to talk about the reality of grocery shopping after moving to Italy. The conversation starts with confusion inside Roman supermarkets and quickly turns into something every expat family recognizes: learning store schedules the hard way, and showing up on Sunday to find everything closed.

The group breaks down the differences between supermarkets and the local mercato, how Amazon Fresh is not the go to solution, and the small systems that make life in Rome manageable once the trial-and-error phase ends.

They also share practical advice on: • Grocery delivery in Rome • Shopping with kids • Sunday closures and store hours • Hidden gems for international ingredients • Asian supermarkets near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II

This episode is part survival guide, part therapy session for expats trying to figure out everyday life in Rome.

Rome Unfiltered is made by expats, for expats. Real stories. Practical advice. Life in Rome without the filter.

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone moving to Rome or still trying to understand how grocery shopping here somehow turns into a full-day event.

ROME UNFILTERED — Episode 2: Driving in Rome Without Losing Your Mind

You think you know how to drive. Then you try it in Rome.

In Episode 2 of Rome Unfiltered, we sit down with Aimee to break down what driving in Rome actually looks like once you are behind the wheel. ZTL zones that lead to fines days later. Parking rules that change from one street to the next. A traffic system that runs on its own logic.

If you have ever circled the same block for 20 minutes, driven into a restricted zone by mistake, or found a ticket waiting on your windshield, this episode will feel familiar.

We cover:

• What ZTL zones are and how to avoid costly mistakes
• How parking really works in Rome
• The unwritten rules of Roman traffic
• Practical tips that save you time, stress, and money
• Tools and apps that help you drive with more confidence

This is one of those “only in Rome” experiences. The kind that sounds unreal when you explain it back home, but becomes part of daily life once you are here.

If you are moving to Rome, recently arrived, or still figuring things out, this episode will help you avoid common mistakes and unnecessary fines.

Rome Unfiltered. Made by expats, for expats. Follow for new weekly episodes and real stories from life in Rome.

You think you understand train travel in Italy… until you don’t.

In our first episode of Rome Unfiltered, Joanna shares the moment she missed her train to Milan and everything that led up to it. If you’ve ever stood in front of a departure board in Italy feeling unsure, you’ll relate to this.

We talk about what train travel is really like between Rome, Florence, and Milan, what catches most people off guard, and the small mistakes that can ruin your trip if you’re not paying attention. Plus, a few useful tips to help you on your first train ride in Italy.

This is one of those “only Italy” experiences, the kind that sounds unreal when you explain it back home, but makes perfect sense to anyone who’s lived here.

If you’re an expat, planning a move to Rome, or already here figuring things out day by day, this episode will save you time, stress, and at least one missed train.

Rome Unfiltered. Made by expats, for expats.

Follow the podcast for new weekly episodes and real stories from life in Rome.