Via del Governo Vecchio from Sadie Devane on Vimeo.

Il Piccolo. The perfect place for a quiet pitstop near Piazza Navona, this comfortable and welcoming wine bar is refreshingly “local”, with friendly staff and a largely Roman clientele. Il Piccolo is small, but boasts a good collection of wines which line the walls of its interior. Sit at a table outside, people-watch, and soak up the atmosphere in this authentic Roman setting. Open from 11.00 – 15.00, and later 19.00 – 23.00. Via del Governo Vecchio 74.

Vestiti Usati Cinzia. There are a lot of vintage shops on the street but this one is like a fashion time-capsule from the 1950s to 1980s. For a place so bursting with second-hand leathers, party dresses, costume jewellery and crazy shoes, it is surprisingly well-kept. It houses clothes for both women and men, and even a small section at the back for children. Old toys and trinkets decorate the interior, although not all are for sale. If you are looking for an original and wearable vintage outfit, this is the place for you. Via del Governo Vecchio 45.

Abbey Theatre Irish Pub. Taking its name from the renowned Irish theatre and adorned with some of its stage props and costumes, this pub is a slice of Dublin in Italy. There is a large range of Irish beers and whiskeys, as well as cocktails and wines, and Irish and Italian cuisine is served all day. Currently celebrating its 20th year, the Abbey Theatre is the go-to place in the area to watch televised sports, and the clientele is predominantly American. Via del Governo Vecchio 51.

Altroquando and Otherwise. Divided across two shops facing each other, the shop on the left, facing Piazza di Pasquino, is a visual culture lover's dream. Filled with hundreds of titles and spanning genres such as fine art, illustration, architecture and cinema, this shop is run by helpful staff. In Otherwise, the English-language bookstore across the street, you will find North American editions of novels, non-fiction titles, essay collections and literary journals in English. Via del Governo Vecchio 80, 82, 83.

Pizzeria Baffetto. The pizza at Baffetto is highly regarded by many, however, such is its popularity that it can get crowded in the evenings, so you may have to wait a while to be seated. Don't expect luxury – the interior is quite basically furbished, and the waiting staff can be brusque. Eat outside with a glass of the house wine for a more atmospheric meal. Pizzeria Baffetto's opening hours are midday-midnight. Via del Governo Vecchio 114.

Cul de Sac. Cul de Sac's wine list is so extensive it is contained in a book two centimetres thick. The staff are knowledgable and won't immediately jump to the most expensive recommendation. With delicious, reasonably-priced meals (Cul de Sac's lasagne is considered by some to be the best in Rome), you will come for the wine and stay for the food. Located on Piazza di Pasquino, near Piazza Navona, Cul de Sac is open from 12.00 – 00.30. Via del Governo Vecchio 73.

Da Tonino. Da Tonino is a good choice of trattoria for inexpensive and classic Roman food, with generous plates for around €8. The staff members are proud to tell you of the quality of the ingredients and the authenticity of their recipes. A small and informal place, most of the customers are locals, as tourists tend to pass by its unassuming exterior. Da Tonino is open for lunch 12.00 – 3.00, and for dinner, 19.00 – 23.00. Via del Governo Vecchio 18-19.

Sadie Devane