Are you unhappy, or are you simply not in Rome? Rome is definitely one of those cities that you always want and need to return to. Rome is a chaotic, amazing city where someone can spend their entire life without seeing all of it. Despite having so many things to do in Rome, this irresistibly vibrant city attracts more than 30 million tourists each year, many of whom visit the same popular attractions. But what about secret Rome?
You might wonder what there is to see in Rome beyond the usual attractions – the Colosseum, the Vatican, and every restaurant that goes viral. Well, you may be really surprised by all the hidden gems waiting to get discovered. I’ve been living in Rome for years, and I’m always finding unique and hidden spots!
TL;DR
Think you know Rome? Think again! Rediscover the Italian capital with these 16 unique, off-the-beaten-track things to do. From stunning viewpoints to beautiful basilicas, you won’t want to miss these cool, non-touristic hidden gems of secret Rome!
In this guide to off-the-beaten-path Rome, I’ll share some of the city’s best-kept secrets that most tourists never get to see. Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hidden gems you can find in secret Rome:
- Domus Aurea
- Mausoleo di Santa Costanza
- San Pietro in Montorio
- Fontana dell’Acqua Paola (Il Fontanone)
- The Gianicolo Cannon
- Case Romane del Celio
- Galleria Doria Pamphilj
- Giardino degli Aranci
- Quartiere Coppedè
- Isola Tiberina
- Basilica di San Clemente
- Via Appia Antica
- Sancta Sanctorum
- Perspectiva de Borromini
- Villa Giulia
- Parco dell’Acquedotto
16 Hidden Gems of Secret Rome
Once you visit Rome, the happy memories of La Dolce Vita are forever etched in your mind: a gentle touch of creamy carbonara, a walk treading on cobblestones that have witnessed hundreds of stories, and experiencing this open-air art museum with every step, at each monument, and on every corner.
In a city so well-loved, it’s hard to imagine that there might still be hidden gems unknown to the average tourist. But I’m here to tell you that there are a ton of places you can’t find on your average Rome itinerary.
I suggest taking a historical walking tour on the first day of your journey. Learning about Roman history will enrich all other experiences during your stay in the Eternal City!
Ready to get off the beaten path and explore secret Rome? Let’s check out these unique and non-touristy things to do in Italy’s stunning capital.
My favorite hidden gem in Rome: Mausoleo di Santa Costanza
One of Rome’s oldest and most captivating treasures. To be honest, when I first saw this secret Rome spot from the outside, I was a bit skeptical. Despite being an ancient, early Christian religious site, it seemed modest compared to its majestic reputation. But stepping inside, I was truly left in AWE.
Read next: Explore Italy’s Holy Epicenter: 7 Must-Visit Churches, Cathedrals, and Basilicas in Rome
This mausoleum was commissioned by Constantina (daughter of Constantine) between 340 AD and 345 AD, and she rests here along with her sister Helena. The humble exterior represents the earthly world, while the interior symbolizes the celestial realm. The Mausoleo di Santa Costanza has been so well-preserved because it became a church in 1254.
You absolutely have to visit during the day to appreciate the natural light playing off the stunning Corinthian columns, creating mesmerizing depth, and the original Roman-era mosaics that transport you back in time.
Admission fee: Free; Open to the public
Head to the Hills: Gianicolo
The best panoramic view of Rome is right here; all Romans know it but few of the tourists! Our second sight on our guide to secret things to do in Rome is Gianicolo – the eighth hill of Rome, and one with significant historical importance.
During the Republic, the plebeians left Rome to settle in Gianicolo, which was outside the city. Thanks to this exodus and the negotiations by the Patricians for their return, many foundations of Roman law were established. This elevated area offers several unique and cool places to explore:
San Pietro in Montorio: This is a Spanish Franciscan convent. Within this complex, you can find the Tempietto del Bramante: a Renaissance circular temple inaugurated in 1502 by Bramante.
Fontana dell’Acqua Paola (Il Fontanone): This is a monumental marble fountain created in the 17th century to celebrate the reopening of an ancient Roman aqueduct.
The Gianicolo Cannon: Here, something very curious happens: every day at noon, a cannon is fired. This tradition dates back to 1870.
Admission fee: Free; Open to the public
Case Romane del Celio
We’re talking about ancient Roman houses, perfectly preserved in their historic glory. Back in 1887, during an excavation of the cell where Saints John and Paul were martyred, this incredible first-century residential complex was found, completely intact.
Originally, the Case Romane del Celio was split into two parts: private baths on the ground floor with rooms above, and shops with additional rooms on top.
In the third century, a savvy owner combined the two, turning it into a luxurious complex. And guess what? Nowadays you can visit this unique and hidden gem of Rome, strolling through a captivating piece of Roman history.
Read next: On a Journey To See the Most Stunning Villas in Rome: Our 6 Favorites
Galleria Doria Pamphilj
Ever heard of Rafael, Velázquez, Caravaggio, and Bernini? Then you won’t want to miss this gallery. Galleria Doria Pamphilj was built entirely between the 15th and 19th centuries and today belongs to the original family (Doria Pamphilj), who opened its doors to the public to view the artwork.
This secret spot in Rome houses over 400 paintings from the 15th to the 18th centuries, maintaining the same order as the centuries changed. Despite not being economical, the experience of seeing a palace dating back to the 15th century and masterpieces like Caravaggio’s “Rest on the Flight into Egypt” or Raphael’s “Double Portrait” (1516) is well worth it.
Location: Via del Corso, 305, 00186 Rome, Italy
Quartiere Coppedè
Have you ever walked through a medieval neighborhood straight out of a fairy tale? Well, there’s always a first time. In Rome’s Trieste neighborhood, you’ll come across Quartiere Coppedè, a cluster of buildings known for their over-the-top extravagance.
This area is definitely off the beaten path most tourists tread in Rome and is like an architectural experiment gone wild, It mixes Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Gothic, and medieval styles, with some Greek and Roman art thrown in.
The arch you’ll see is the gateway to Piazza Mincio, a spot that used to be home to the elite at the start of the 20th century. Right in the center is the Fountain of Frogs, inspired by Bernini’s Turtle Fountain in the Jewish Ghetto. Even better? It’s super close to the essential Villa Borghese, so you can easily visit both in one day.
Admission fee: Open to the public
Giardino degli Aranci
The climb up this hill will totally make up for all the pizza and pasta you’ll eat in Rome! This hidden gem of a park, just a 15-minute walk from Circus Maximus, sits on Aventine Hill. Before it was a public space, it was the friars’ orchard next to the Basilica of Santa Sabina.
So, why is it called the Orange Garden? The park is full of bitter orange trees, giving it a unique citrusy scent. Besides offering some of the best views of Rome (sunset here is a must-see!), nearby you can find Il Buco della serratura dell’Ordine di Malta – Keyhole of the Order of Malta – a cool keyhole in the gate leading to the Villa of the Knights of Malta. Peek through it, and you’ll see St. Peter’s dome perfectly framed by the garden hedges.
As it’s off the beaten path up the top of a hill, the Giardino degli Aranci isn’t usually crowded, making it a truly special spot that completes your Rome itinerary.
Admission fee: Free; Open to the public
Read Next: Palatine Hill: One of Rome’s Hidden Gems
Isola Tiberina
While wandering through the winding streets of Trastevere, you might stumble upon something unexpected: an island right in the heart of the Tiber River and Rome itself.
Walking the 300-meter Tiber Island is one of the most unique things to do in Rome, where you can learn about a local legend. Two bridges connect the island between Trastevere and the Jewish Quarter, making it perfect for a post-lunch stroll.
The story of Isola Tiberina goes back to 509 BC after the Roman people overthrew their last king, Tarquin the Proud. The people were so mad at him that they threw a massive pile of his wheat into the Tiber.
This wheat piled up and eventually formed the island. For a long time, people thought the island was cursed and avoided it, making it a hideout for criminals. But over time, that superstition faded, and the island even became the site of an important hospital.
Tiber Island is a fantastic spot for a leisurely afternoon walk and a perfect place to relax on a summer day. It also hosts many film festivals, adding to its charm and cultural appeal, and making it one less touristy things to do in Rome.
Via Appia Antica
All roads lead to Rome, and without a doubt, to Via Appia Antica. This ancient road was built to improve military movement and communication since the older paths were in disrepair.
Today, Via Appia Antica is perfect for a leisurely bike ride surrounded by greenery, where you can discover important funerary monuments, villas, and catacombs. Grab your bike and check out these secret spots:
- Parco Regionale dell’Appia Antica
- Porta di San Sebastiano
- Chiesa del Quo Vadis
- Catacombe di San Sebastiano e San Callisto
- Villa dei Quintili
Visit the Domus Aurea
If we’re discussing the Roman counterpart to Versailles, we’re definitely diving into the Domus Aurea. In 64 AD, after a massive fire in the city, Emperor Nero built this palace, which boasted a vast complex with buildings, gardens, forests, vineyards, and even an artificial lake.
Inside, the Domus Aurea featured luxurious sulfur baths and rooms for banquets and receptions. It was truly one of the great wonders of the time, and now one of the historical hidden gems in Rome.
Today, only parts of its former grandeur remain, but it’s still well worth adding to your Rome to-do list.
Pro tip: There’s an immersive virtual experience that transports you straight to the opulence of that era.
Location: Viale Serapide nel Parco del Colle Oppio, Roma
Basilica di San Clemente
What if I told you that you’ve probably passed by the Basilica di San Clemente many times on your way back from the Colosseum? This is a Christian temple with more than three underground levels, making it one of the more unique things to do in Rome.
The first level has the basilica, the second the 9th-century paleochristian basilica, and on the third, there are Roman buildings from the Imperial Age and a Mithraeum.
The Basilica of San Clemente is really one of the best non touristy things to do in Rome. You can walk through all the different buildings that were built here over the centuries. It’s like stepping back in time, strolling through history.
Location: Piazza di S. Clemente
Take a day trip from Rome
Yes, a day trip means you’ll leave the city of Rome for a few days, but hear me out. While this city has a plethora of amazing historical sites, shops, and tourist attractions, there is also so much more to see in the surrounding areas.
Consider taking Italian public transportation for a day trip to Orvieto, a hilltop city surrounded by stone walls.
On warmer days, you can also take a train one hour south and check out some of the best beaches near Rome.
Other hidden gems in secret Rome
Want to see Rome off the beaten path? Luckily, this city is perfect for history buffs, foodies who love a great Roman restaurant, nightlife lovers, and every other travel type in between. Here are some other options to add to your Rome itinerary:
- Sancta Sanctorum
- Perspectiva de Borromini
- Villa Giulia
- Parco dell’Acquedotto
FAQs Things To Do In Rome
Are there any non-touristy things to do in Rome?
You could visit Rome a hundred times and still not see all the city has to offer. So, yes, once you’ve exhausted the usual suspects in the city, there are plenty of non-touristic things to do in Rome. As well as exploring the hidden gems outlined above, connect with locals during your trip who can reveal more of Rome’s secrets to you!
What’s the best time of year to visit Rome?
My favorite time to visit Rome (and Italy in general) is late spring, around May and June. Not only will there be fewer crowds and nicer weather, it’s generally a lot less expensive when you’re traveling off season. Summertime means more crowds and nearly double the price on hotels.
Is Rome walkable?
Yes, Rome is very walkable. You can generally get from one side of the historic city to the other in about 45 minutes on foot. Although there is no Uber in Italy, and there are bike-share options and a subway.
What’s the dress code for visiting churches in Rome?
When visiting churches, especially St. Peter’s Basilica, you must dress modestly. Both men and women need to keep their shoulders and knees covered, and you can’t wear caps or hats inside.
