Quartiere Coppedè – the hidden gem of Rome

This was one of my absolute favorite experiences in

Rome – walking down the regular busy street, turn
around the corner, and… WOW! There it was –
Rome’s smallest district – Quartiere Coppedè.

Quartiere Coppedè is a fairy-tale-like neighborhood

in Rome and is different from anything else I have
ever seen. The best place to start exploring is by
entering Quartiere Coppedè at the corner of Via
Dora and Via Tagliamento.

Coppede district is one of the hidden gems of Rome

Quartiere Coppede
Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo al Celio
Via Santo Stefano Rotondo, 7

There are more than 900 churches

in Rome, one more impressive
than another and it would be
impossible and somewhat
pretentious to just pick one
favorite. Santo Stefano Rotondo
made it to my list of the hidden
gems of Rome because it’s so
very different from the other
churches we visited in Rome.

Basilica of Santo Stefano Rotondo

is the oldest example of a centrally planned church in Rome. The church was built in the 5th
century and is famous for its 16-century graphic frescoes, portraying many scenes of martyrdom.
This church has impressed me by the unusual circular architecture, somber interior, and its truly
authentic feel.

There is plenty of history and very old buildings in Rome, but only a few places make you feel
like you traveled back in time. Santo Stefano Rotondo is one of them!

Basilica of Santo Stefano Rotondo is

located on Via di Santo Stefano Rotondo
7 (side street of Via Claudia), just 10-15
minute walk from the Colosseum.

This small church is a real secret gem of

Rome, literally hidden. If you don’t
know it’s there, it is quite easy to miss.

Basilica of Santo Stefano Rotondo is

open to the public from 10 AM to 1 PM
and from 2 PM to 5 PM (October to
March) and from 3 PM to 6 PM during
the summer months.

Santo Stefano Rotondo is literally hidden

Trastevere – pleasant atmosphere and some of the best food in Rome

Trastevere, just across the Tiber river from the

city center, is probably the most charming
district in Rome. Out of all the places on this
list, Trastevere is probably the most popular
one with the tourists. However, most travelers
seem to limit their visit to Piazza di Santa
Maria in Trastevere and a few streets around it.

The moment you leave the busy square next to

the church, the number of tourists decreases
dramatically. Just two-three blocks further and
you are left to explore the charming old neighborhood all on your own. There is also an outdoor
food market on Piazza di San Cosimato and, together with a couple of restaurants and a
playground, it’s a part of the city that gives you a truly local feel.

TIP: Book a Trastevere tour with a local and don’t miss any of the hidden gems of this authentic
piece of Rome.

Charming district of Trastevere

TIP: If you can, plan to have lunch or dinner in Trastevere as there are so many good local
restaurants in the area. Try to avoid places with pictures on the menu and look for the ones
where locals eat.

For an even more authentic experience, join this highly-rated Trastevere food tour with a local.

Traditional pastry for sale at Pasticceria Valzani in Trastevere

If you are interested, you can find some authentic food stores like
Antica Caciara selling some of the best cheeses in Rome or
Pasticceria Valzani selling traditional pastries.

There are more of these really old shops in Trastevere and while
they may look charming to one, somebody else may find that they bear lots of resemblance to the
old food stores in the communist countries three-four decades back in time… I find that small
neighborhood stores are well worth paying a visit in order to get a more authentic feel for the
place. It’s better than the souvenir stands anyway.
 Another great way to discover the local side of Rome and the
food of Trastevere is by doing a self-guided food tour of
Trastevere. It brings you to some secret places you wouldn’t
easily find on your own, while at the same time allowing you
to explore it all at your own pace.

Traditional Italian cheese for sale at Antica Caciara in

Trastevere

Gianicolo – Janiculum Hill – great views over the city of Rome

Gianicolo or the Janiculum Hill,

also called the 8th Hill of Rome, is
another beautiful area that is
overlooked by most travel guides.

Gianicolo is located South of

Vatican City, just above
Trastevere, and can be easily
reached on foot. It’s a bit of a
climb though, but the views over
the city of Rome are certainly
worth it. The main attraction is the cannon at Piazzale Garibaldi that fires each day at noon.
Make sure not to miss the 17th-
century Aqua Paola fountain
(Fontana dell’Acqua Paola) as well.
Gianicolo is an amazingly quiet
area and a good way to escape the
city and get off the beaten path.

TIP: One of the best ways to

explore Gianicolo and some of the
other further located areas is by
taking a bike. You can rent a bike,
join a highly-rated electric bike
small-group tour, or even spend the
whole day exploring Rome by bike
(lunch, wine, and even gelato included!).

Aqua Paola Fountain

Villa Borghese – the largest public park of Rome
Piazzale Napoleone I

Villa Borghese is the largest park in Rome

and it’s a great refuge from the hectic noisy
streets of the city. The park is huge and you
would probably need a day to see most of what
it has to offer, but it’s a nice place to escape
the city, even if just for a few hours.

The park is known as the ‘park of museums’,

the most famous one being the Galleria
Borghese which is located in the Villa
Borghese after which the park is named. But there is more to the park: the lake and many
fountains, the old fashioned puppet theatre, a small zoo, the beautiful gardens,…

TIP: If you want to visit the Borghese Gallery, you have to book the tickets in advance.

Galleria Borghese

Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5

Villa Borghese park is located to the North of

the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo and
is a bit outside of the regular tourists’ routes
and even outside some of the city maps, but
it’s not really that far. You can easily walk
there from the city center.

The best way to explore the park seems to be

by bike and there are several places where you can rent one. There is also a small tourist train
driving around the park. If you are visiting Rome with a family, you could rent one of the 4-6
seater bikes to explore the park.

I really enjoyed this oasis of green and quiet in the middle of the noisy city. It is the perfect place
to escape the heat in summer, to have a picnic, let your kids play, or just relax.
TIP: If you find the walk too long, join an organized Villa Borghese segway tour.

Villa Borghese gardens

So, these are a few hidden gems of Rome

that I think are really worth your time. If
you are looking for more hidden gems of
Rome or want to explore the more local side
of the city, but aren’t sure where to start, I
recommend you look into booking one or
several tours that bring you to the lesser
known places of Rome.

Here are some highly-rated local tours

that I selected especially for our readers. These are one by one tours that will show you a
different side of Rome, far away from the beaten tourist paths. Take a look:

Cat Sanctuary
Did you know that Rome is home to more than 300,000
cats, most of whom live outdoors? Over the last twenty
years many of these strays have taken refuge in the Torre
Argentina excavation site, being fed by local residents in
the area. A cat shelter opened there in the early
1990s housing more than 400 cats, pampered daily by
volunteers. The Roman Cat Sanctuary, Largo di Torre
Argentina. Open daily from noon until 18:00.

Keyhole

Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, 3

There is a large door in the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta

on the Aventine Hill. If you look through the keyhole
there is a surprise! It’s one of the least secret of Rome’s
unusual spots since you’ll have to get in the queue to
enjoy the view… Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta on the
Aventine Hill.

Keyhole on Aventine Hill

If you peer through the keyhole on Aventine Hill, you’ll be greeted with a fabulous view: the
dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, framed by garden hedges.

It’s a lovely spot… that we totally missed on account of (apparently) skimping on research.
When I had seen the many photos of this spot in the past, I mistakenly assumed that the
“keyhole” in the name was merely referring to the small break in the hedges that framed St.
Peter’s–but no, you do indeed peer through a literal keyhole to see it.

Don’t make our mistake and end up walking right by without checking it out!

San Lorenzo

This is THE alternative neighbourhood of Rome for

everything cultural and hip. Cheap bars thronged with
foreign and Italian students in the afternoon, pop-up
sidewalk cafes and festino – street parties. It’s where the
artsy types and intellectuals feel most at home, opposite
the Campo dei Fiori. You might say it’s Rome’s Dalston.
Enjoy Peroni for no more than a Euro. San Lorenzo
District, around the piazza Tiburtini, south of Termini
Station.

EUR

10,000 people live in the Esposizione Universale di

Roma district, located on the outskirts of the city.
The EUR was built in the 1930s at the height of
fascism. Now it’s an architectural curiosity featuring
a mixture of ancient Rome (a pillar of fascist
ideology) and modernist lines. The most
representative is the Square Coliseum, a cube with
216 arches. EUR, metro line B, station EUR (one
station before Laurentina).
Centrale Montemartini

Via Ostiense, 106

This impressive architectural museum was built in a
former power plant in Ostiense. It is the
newest addition to the Capitole Museums. Imagine
ancient statues displayed in an industrial
backdrop – not unlike the Tate Modern, but with all
the machinery still there. Centrale Montemartini,
Via Ostiense 106, open Tuesday to Sunday from
9:00 until 19:00.

Church of St. Ignatius Loyola

This baroque church was the second Jesuit

church built in Rome. It’s frescos and trompe
l’oeil paintings by Andrea Pozzo in 1685 alone
are reason not to miss this. The ceilings give
the impression that they’re vaulted, though they
aren’t – the churchyard neighbours didn’t want
shade in their garden at the time when the
church was built. Church of St. Ignatius
Loyola, Via del Caravita 8.

Porta Portese Market

This Roman flea market is definitely worthwhile on

a sunny day. It’s open Sunday from the early
morning until the afternoon. Sort through trinkets,
watches, pottery, bicycles, kitchen gadgets, Olivetti
typewriters, books and jewellery… Watching the
locals scouring for a good deal is also quite
entertaining! Porta Portese Market on Via
Poruense. Every Sunday morning.
Villa Doria Pamphili

Rome’s largest part (180 hectare), located atop

Gianicolo Hill, is curiously neglected by tour
groups. Its beautiful French-style gardens and huge
villa are popular with Romans for late afternoon
walks. It’s a great alternative if you’ve already
visited the Villa Borghese gardens. Admire the
fountains carved into the faces of the theatre
statues. Villa Doria Pamphili, entrance at Via
Aurelia Antica, west of Trastevere.

Appia Antica

Officially this is the first paved road in history,

dubbed the “Queen of Roads”. Construction
began in 312 BC and connected Rome to
Brindisi. 513 km in length, it passes beautiful
villas and ancient ruins. If you don’t have
enough time to follow its length in entirety,
admire part of it in Rome. The road starts at
the Baths of Caracalla.

Find flights to Rome with one click on

liligo.com. Several low-cost airlines fly to Rome from airports all over the UK, including
London, Bristol, Edinburgh, Manchester and Glasgow.

Galleria Sciarra
You don’t have to go far off the beaten
path in Rome to appreciate the Galleria
Sciarra–it’s hidden in plain sight, just a
couple minutes away from the stunning-
but-crowded Trevi Fountain.

Step inside the fairly unremarkable looking

(at least for Rome, that is) facade and
you’ll find an absolute treat in the
courtyard: enormous Art Nouveau frescoes
painted by Giuseppe Cellini in the late
19th century.

The frescoes have a very specific theme: women, or more specifically various female virtues.
Today, the building is used as an office building–what a cool view for the people with interior
windows, right?–but the courtyard is open to the public during business hours and you can walk
right in.

Basilica di San Clemente

Nowhere sums up just how many layers there are to Rome quite like the Basilica di San
Clemente, where you can admire them literally!

Not only can you step inside the lovely current basilica, you can also visit the fourth-century
church that today’s basilica was built directly on top of… and some of the ruins of the Roman
home that the fourth-century church was built on top of!

At less than a 10-minute walk from the Colosseum, the Basilica di San Clemente is an easy way
to get off the beaten path in Rome, even if you’re short on time.

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj is definitely near the top of our

personal list of the best hidden gems in Rome–and like the
Galleria Sciarra, it’s hidden in plain sight!

Set just steps away from the famous Piazza Venezia sits this
palace, whose exterior–while impressive–fades into the
scenery among all the beautiful buildings in Rome.

Once you’re inside, however, the palace is absolutely dazzling.

Whether you want to tour the impressive art gallery (the
collection is impressive, and so uncrowded as compared to the
more popular art museums in Rome), the family’s impressive
apartments, or both, definitely consider adding the Palazzo
Doria Pamphilj to your list of reasons to get off the beaten path
in Rome.

Capuchin Crypt
The Capuchin Crypt is truly one of the most unique, unforgettable sites in Rome–and as one of
the least-toured crypts (technically, it’s an ossuary) in the city, it is the very definition of
exploring Rome off the beaten path.

However, fair warning–it’s not for everyone.

In the 17th century, the Capuchin Crypt was slowly built with the skeletons of the friars that died
at this monastery.
Skeletons are arranged as works of art in several small chapels here, including everything from
altars made of human bones, to chandeliers made with human bones, to full skeletons in the
robes of a monk resting on a bed of bones (noticing a theme here?).

The chapels bear unsettling messages like: “As you are, we once were. As we are, soon you will
be.”

Clearly, not a place for small children or those not comfortable around the dead–but the level of
detail of the… art (for lack of a better word) is a sight to behold.

Domus Aurea
Want to feel like an explorer during your quest for hidden gems in Rome? Check out a historical
site that requires a hard hat!

Visiting Domus Aurea, a former palace of Emperor Nero, gives you a chance to visit a working
archaeological site while in Rome. Here, you can step into a fascinating piece of Ancient Rome
that hasn’t quite been cleaned up and optimized for tourism yet.

Because of the unique nature of visiting Domus Aurea, you need to plan ahead to visit: the site is
only open on the weekends, and booking your tickets in advance is essential..

Santo Stefano Rotondo

When you approach Santo Stefano Rotondo, you may

first wonder if you’re in the right place: off a quiet
road, behind a wall, and then behind a garden, sits one
of the most unique churches of Rome–specifically, the
National Church on Hungary in Rome.

The church itself is round, and in addition to its

unusual shape, it is known for its rather intense
frescoes of Christian martyrs being tortured–definitely
not one for those with a weak stomach.

The Keats – Shelley Memorial House

 Literally steps away from the Spanish Steps (see what I
did there?) sits the Keats – Shelley Memorial House, a
blink-and-you’ll-miss-it small museum to the British
romantic poets.

Keats briefly lived in the apartment the museum was

housed in before dying of tuberculosis (you’ll find the
cemetery where he’s buried, the Non-Catholic
Cemetery in Testaccio, located further down this list of
hidden gems in Rome), and today it stands as a
memorial to both him and the Romantic poets as a whole.

The library in the museum is absolutely beautiful, as are the views of the Piazza di Spagna and
Spanish Steps from the windows.

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

If you’re interested in Catholic history, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is an
unmissable stop in Rome. This is the site where St. Paul was once executed. After the execution,
the location became a shrine, and then later a beautiful church was built in its place.

The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (also known as St. Pauls’ Outside the Walls) is one of
the four major, ancient basilicas in Rome, but due to its slightly out-of-the-way location in
Ostiense, does not get nearly as many visitors, as, say, the popular St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican
City.

Villa Farnesina
Located close to the Tiber between Vatican City
and Trastevere, the Villa Farnesina is one of those
places that you step inside and immediately
wonder how on Earth there aren’t more people
there. Not only is it beautiful, it’s home to some
incredible frescoes by Raphael!

Yep–the same Raphael who’s work people

(including us) cram together to glimpse in the
Vatican painted some absolutely stunning frescoes
in this quiet mansion–and the rest of the home is
quite gorgeous, too!

Largo di Torre Argentina

 This set of ruins is home to two memorable things that are
wildly different from each other: the spot where Julius
Caesar was assassinated, and a cat sanctuary.

The ruins are open-air, laid out in the center of the square,
and are made up of the remains of various temples as well
as part of Pompey’s Curia (the Roman Senate) where Julius
Caesar was stabbed nearly 2,000 years ago.

And as bonus point of interest, the archaeological site also acts as a cat sanctuary!

There’s an organization onsite that works to feed and care for them, and I can only imagine that
they have a delightful life living in what is essentially the world’s most elaborate set of cat trees.

Tiber Island
As the only island in the part of the Tiber River that
flows through Rome, it makes sense that this tiny
island has a long and storied history.

Set between Trastevere on one side and the Jewish

Quarter on the other, Tiber Island has long been
considered a place of healing, and there’s an active
hospital on the island to this day.

As the legend goes, Ancient Rome was once hit by a plague, and send a delegation to Greece to
fetch a sacred snake to honor Asclepius, the god of medicine.

When the delegation returned, their boat sank by hitting Tiber Island, and the snake escaped by
curling around a tree branch–which is where we get the common symbol of a snake wrapped
around a stick that still symbolizes medicine today.

Clearly, the historical accuracy of that story is very much up for grabs, but Tiber Island’s history
of being a place of healing is certainly true!

In addition to being historically relevant, Tiber Island is also a peaceful, fun place to visit, home
to great views of the river, and is easily accessible due to its location between two popular areas
of Rome.

Portico of Octavia
 Rome is so full of ruins that it’s not unheard
of to simply stumble across them on your
way to visiting something else, which is
exactly how we ended up admiring the
Portico of Octavia!

Built in Ancient Rome as the site of two

temples and a library, the Portico of Octavia
is a fantastic example of how Rome continues
to grow over and through itself: now located
in the Jewish Ghetto, the site acted as a fish
market from the Middle Ages all the way up
to the 19th century.

Today, it is a tourist attraction, and an easy place to visit if you’re already checking our nearby
Teatro Marcello or Tiber Island.

Janiculum Terrace
Just a short (and steep) walk away from popular
Trastevere sits Janiculum Terrace, home to one of the
best views of Rome.

From here, you can see an enormous portion of the

city, including the Colosseum (you do have to look
closely to spot it), the Altar of the Fatherland, and an
incredible view of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Plus–a climb up the Janiculum Hill is the perfect way

to burn off the gluttonous meal you almost certainly ate in Trastevere before heading up, right?

Orto Botanico
Exotic flowers, greenhouses, Japanese gardens, and even a couple of waterfalls–there are oodles
of treasures waiting behind the gates of Rome’s botanical garden.

Located in Trastevere and home to more than 3,000 species of plants, the botanical gardens are
surprisingly quiet considering their beauty–and an easy way to enjoy cultivated gardens in Rome
while avoiding the crowds at the also beautiful, but far more popular, Villa Borghese.

Pyramid of Caius Cestius

 Did you know Rome is home to its very own 2,000-
year-old pyramid?

Like the Egyptian pyramids, this one was also built as a

tomb–fitting, as today it borders the Non-Catholic
Cemetery.

The Pyramid of Caius Cestius is the very definition of

unexpected, and absolutely belongs on any list of hidden
gems in Rome (though to be fair, it’s a bit arguable how hidden it is, given that you find it by
hopping off the metro at the Piramide stop!).

Villa Doria Pampili

Not to be confused with the Palazzao Doria Pamphilj discussed above (though yes, both
properties do come from the same family), this 17th-century villa is home to the largest
landscaped park in Rome.

Located in Monteverde, the Villa Doria Pampili is the perfect escape if you’re looking for a quiet
place to meander after paying a visit to nearby Trastevere.

Orange Garden
Manicured orange trees, a beautiful shady setting, and
stunning views of Rome–what more could you ask for
in one of Rome’s hidden gems?

Also known as Savelli’s Park and located on Aventine

Hill, the Orange Garden is the perfect place to relax
after exploring the highlights of Testaccio.

Rose Garden

Located near the Orange Garden, if you’re lucky enough to be visiting Rome while the roses are
blooming (late April to mid-June), you can’t ask for a better place to get some peace and quiet
than this little-known and beautiful garden.

Palazzo Spada

Though it is home to beautiful art, the Palazzo Spada is best known for its clever optical illusion.

Intrigued?
Inside the Galleria Spada sits a corridor of columns, dead-ending in a modestly-sized statue, that
is meticulously designed to appear nearly 4x longer than its actual 9m length.

Want to give your eyes a workout? Discover Rome off the beaten path with a visit to Palazzo
Spada.

Teatro Marcello

At first glance, this Ancient Roman theater looks a lot

like the Colosseum–just, you know, much smaller…
and also older! Julius Caesar himself ordered the land
to be cleared for construction of the theater, though he
was assassinated before it could be built (it ended up
being inaugurated by Augustus).

Today, it’s not possible to go inside, but it is well-

worth admiring the exterior while in Rome.

Be sure to note the windows at the top: the top half of the building is home to private apartments
today, and I have to admit, it’s hard to imagine a cooler place to live.

Offbeat Neighborhoods to Check Out

There’s no such thing as a neighborhood in Rome that is completely devoid of tourists–but once
you leave the hotspots of the Centro Storico and Trastevere, it is possible to enjoy a slice of
Roman life without crowds… and perhaps even surrounded primarily by Italians!

Here are a couple neighborhoods worth looking into if you want to get off the beaten path a bit in
Rome, but still be close to the action and somewhere with plenty highlights to discover.

Monti

Once upon a time, Monti was a slum and a red

light district in Rome–and like so many other
similar areas in the world, today it has morphed
into an under-the-radar hipster enclave of tasty
restaurants and cool boutiques, all surrounded by
beautiful cobblestone streets.

Monti is a big student area, so if you’re looking for

slightly-less-expensive cuisine, Monti is a great
place to look.
Ostiense

A cool street art scene and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls–those might seem like two
very different things for one neighborhood to be known for, but hey. That’s Rome for you!

Ostiense is a fantastic mix of the old and the new, is popular with students and self-described
hipsters alike, and a great place to check out Rome’s nightlife.

Quartiere Coppedè
Quartiere Coppedè, located within the greater
Trieste neighborhood, is the very definition of
whimsical.

This is a place where an outdoor chandelier frames

the entrance to the neighborhood, the architecture is
so over-the-top that it looks like a fantasy world,
and the streets are quiet.

Quartiere Coppedè isn’t necessarily a place you

need to spend very long in, but as far as hidden
gems in Rome go, it sure is a fascinating one.

Pigneto

With a working-class-neighborhood-meets-up-and-coming-area vibe, Pigneto isn’t so much a

hidden gem in Rome as one that most visitors simply don’t make it to–but if you’re looking for
trendy restaurants (perhaps even ones serving cuisines other than traditional Roman food, if you
want to shake things up during your trip), cool boutiques, and plenty of bars, a visit to Pigneto
might be a great way to spend one of your evenings in Rome.

Testaccio
 Home to the Pyramid of Caius Cestius, the Non-
Catholic Cemetery, the delicious (and fairly local)
Testaccio Market, and a beautiful, tree-filled
piazza, Testaccio is a great neighborhood to check
out if you would like to get off the beaten path in
Rome and still be surrounded by interesting
treasures.

It also borders Aventine Hill, making spots like

the Orange Garden and Keyhole at Aventine Hill
easy to access.

Getting Around Rome Off the Beaten Path

While Rome’s (limited) metro system tends to be sufficient for visiting the major attractions in
the city, if you want to properly experience Rome off the beaten path, you’ll need to think a bit
broader in terms of transportation.

We included a map of the hidden gems in Rome that we’ve outlined near the top of this post–
you’ll notice that while some of them are within walking distance of other unmissable places in
Rome, others are a bit harder to access.

If you’d like to stick to public transportation, look into trams and buses, both of which offer
more expansive networks than the metro.

Otherwise, we love the MyTaxi app in Rome–it’s cheaper and easier to use in the city than Uber
(Uber is in a back-and-forth battle for legitimacy and doesn’t have a lot of presence in Italy–it’s
only available at all in Rome and Milan), and far simpler than arguing over fares with Rome’s
notorious taxi drivers.

We’ve used MyTaxi to visit several of hidden gems in Rome, and highly recommend the service.

Top 10 Rome Attractions

The Italian capital is a city bursting with historic attractions, sites, landmarks and beautiful
places to visit in Rome and no visit ever feels long enough. To help you see the best Rome
attractions and use your time wisely, here are some top 10 things to do in Rome which won’t
have you maxing out your credit card. You don’t need to splash out to have fun and it’s easy to
make your travel fund stretch here, so visit Rome landmarks like the Coliseum for free, eat a
cheap local pizza and see some of the best views in the world without breaking the bank. Check
out our favourites below.
Colosseum

The Coliseum is one of the most iconic

landmarks in Rome and it’s a must-visit on
your trip to Rome. This should be first on your
list of Rome attractions to visit as a historic site
and one of the city’s most significant Rome
landmarks, where both emperors and
commoners came together as one. As the
former site where brutal gladiator fights took
place, tourists can now walk along the ancient
tiers and corridors that date back over 2,000
years and learn about what really went on as life as a gladiator through fascinating exhibits. See
the armour they used to wear and weapons each gladiator fought with depending on their rank
and training.

Address: Piazza del Colosseo , 00184 Rome

Metro: Colosseo (Metro line B)
Visit duration: 2 hours

Walk in The Steps of Gladiators Under the Colosseum Arena Floor

Want to experience the Colosseum from a gladiator’s point of view?
Then look no further than this guided tour of the arena floor and
third tier. Both sections are accessed by small private tours only, which
means you can enjoy the spectacle that is the Colosseum without the
crowds.
Below the arena floor you’ll see the subterranean backstage that was
completely filled in during the 5th century AD, as a result, has preserved
the area considerably. On the tour, you’ll see where slaves worked,
where wild animals such as lions, tigers, hyenas, and bears were kept
and see where gladiators rested, ate, and prayed.
Also included on the tour is special access to the third tier. Sitting at thirty-three metres high, this
area offers unique views unseen from anywhere else in the Colosseum. Enjoy an uninterrupted
view of both of the immense interior of the Colosseum as well as out across Rome.
Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is one of the most

impressive Rome landmarks and a
stunning testament to the beauty of the
ancient capital. Once a bustling market
place, you can walk along the cobbled
streets and see how the Ancient Romans
once lived their day-to-day lives as
merchants and traders. The historic
structure’s arches and pillars are a
reminder of the grand empire that once
was and it’s one of the most impressive
places to visit in Rome. Look out for the Arch of Septimus Severus, Temple of Romulus of the
main square.

Address: Via di San Gregorio, 30 - 00184 Rome

Metro: Colosseo (Metro line B)
Visit duration: 2 hours

Borghese Gallery
The Borghese Gallery is one of Rome’s finest art
galleries and anyone looking for cultural places to
visit in Rome should make this a priority. Set in the
heart of Rome’s most loved parks and beautiful
buildings, the Villa Borghese, the Gallery is the
oldest private collection of art – dating back to
Scipione Borghese in the 16th – 17th century – who
was also the patron of Caravaggio and Bernini
whose pieces feature heavily throughout.

Address: Piazzale del Museo, Borghese, 5 - 00197 Rome

Bus: Pinciana- Museo Borghese
Visit duration: 2 hours

Marvel at the Best Private Art Collection at Galleria Borghese

 They say the best museum in Rome is the city itself. But
situated in Villa Borghese park is the Galleria Borghese. Its
collections are housed in a magnificent 17th-century villa
with 20 rooms featuring masterpieces of the Renaissance and
the beginnings of baroque art. If you only have the time for
one art gallery in Rome, make it Galleria Borghese.
The collection was begun by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, the
most knowledgeable and ruthless art collector of his day.
Scipione Borghese was an early patron of Gian Lorenzo
Bernini and an ardent collector of works by Caravaggio.
Amongst the gallery’s gems are paintings by Caravaggio
including Boy with a Basket of Fruit and St Jerome
Writing and Sacred and Profane Love by Titian.
My personal favourite part of the collection is the sensational
sculptures by Bernini. Look out for Bernini’s “Ratto di
Proserpina” (Rape of Proserpina) and “Apollo e Dafne” (Apollo and Daphne).
Closed on Monday’s, the Galleria Borghese must be booked advance as admittance is set at two-
hourly intervals. This ensures you’ll have the pleasure of wandering around without having to
navigate through the crowd.

Eat a Gelato

You’ll never be short of a gelaterias in Rome.

The sweet ice cream and sorbets can be found
around the city, each vying to outdo each other
on their range of flavours. From the renowned
Giolitti situated around the corner from the
Pantheon to hidden away Gelateria del Teatro,
it’s worth trying every flavour you have room in
your stomach for - and believe us, there’s a wide
range. Why not experiment with lavender or
peach for a refreshing taste of summer or more decadent flavours like tiramisu and hazelnut?
Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums

The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican is one

of the best things to do in Rome – if not in
the world! Michelangelo’s The Last
Judgement is famous around the globe
and you must see it on your trip to the
Vatican City to appreciate the sheer skill
that went into its creation over 400 years
ago. Within the Vatican Museums you
can also see the history of the Papal
lineage – covering over 9 miles –
including busts, sculptures, tapestries and
paintings. As one of the best places to visit in Rome, it can get quite busy so be prepared to set
most of the day aside for this one.

Address: Viale Vaticano, 00165 Roma

Metro: Ottaviano-S.Pietro-Musei Vaticano (Metro A line)
Visit duration: 4 hours

St Peter's Basilica
St Peter’s Basilica is a stunning historic building in Rome
and one of the most important religious places to visit in
Rome, welcoming thousands of pilgrims a year. As one of the
most famous churches in the world, St Peter’s boasts the
largest dome in history, as well as a huge Baroque Baldachin
under which the Pope gives mass. Climb to the top of the
dome for breath-taking views over the city and St Peter’s
Square.

Address: Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City

Metro: Ottaviano-S.Pietro-Musei Vaticano (Metro A line)
Visit duration: 2 hours

Eat a Roman-style pizza

Rome and Pizza go together, hand in hand. And like

gelaterias, you won’t struggle to find a slice or two during
your visit. The Italians have pizza al taglio which simply
means by the slice so you can find a small, open countered
pizzeria and pay by the measure. That means you can try
more flavours, too! Alternatively head into one of the many
trattorias for a sit down pizza and you’ll fall in love with the
soft doughy crusts and melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella.
Discover the skyline of Rome

The Janiculum Hill (or Gianicolo) in Rome is the second tallest hill in the city. This means that
you are guaranteed unparalleled views from this western vantage point over Rome. This summit
is loved by visitors and locals alike who climb up to watch the sun go down, or visit at night, buy
a Peroni or two and take in the views over the city – illuminated in the dark.

Address: Passeggiata Del Gianicolo, 00165 Rome

Bus: Piazzale Garibaldi
Visit duration: 2 hours

Fontana di Trevi

The Trevi Fountain is one of the

most impressive Baroque sculptures
and Rome landmarks. Built in the
1760s it’s now one of the most
famous fountains in the world and
frequently tops lists like this one as
one of the best places to visit in
Rome. Legend has it that if you
visit and toss a coin over your left
shoulder, you’re guaranteed to
return to Rome! Visit it at night and
you can see the white marble and
pool illuminated – a great photo opportunity.

The Palatine Hill

This is the third point of interest
included in the Colosseum ticket.
Palatine Hill, one of the 7 hills of
Rome, is according to mythology the
place where the city was founded by
Romulus and Remus. As you might
know, they are the two twins who
would have been found and suckled
by a wolf in a cave. At the top of
Palatine Hill, you will have access to
this cave and ruins of the residences of historical figures such as Augustus, the first Roman
emperor.

Piazza Venezia
 Not far from the Roman Forum, at the other end of
Via dei fori impierali, you can find piazza Venezia,
one of Rome’s main squares. From there, all the
streets leads to Rome’s main tourist attractions!

This is where you can admire the Monument to

Victor Emmanuel II, also called “Altare della
Patria” or “Vittoriano”, a huge white marble building
dedicated to the first king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel
II.

Next to the square, there is also the famous Trajan’s column, with bas-reliefs retracing the
military conquests of the Emperor Trajan.

Monument to Victor-Emmanuel II, Piazza Venezia

Piazza del Campidoglio (Capitol Square)

Climb the broad staircase leading to the

Monument to Victor Emmanuel II and you
will arrive on Capitol Square. Designed by
Michelangelo himself, it was formerly the
political and religious heart of Rome. On
Capitol Square, you can see:

 The Palazzo Senatorio or Senatorial

Palace
 The Palazzo dei Conservatori or Palace of the Conservators
 Palazzo Nuovo or New Palace, which now houses the Capitoline Museums and the
Museum of Art and Archaeology. One of the most famous art piece you can find there is
the Capitoline Wolf statue: The one with the mythical she-wolf suckling Romulus and
Remus. You may have already seen it, it’s in almost all history books! Don’t forget to buy
your tickets in advance here.

Piazza del Campidoglio

The Pantheon

The Pantheon is the best preserved ancient building in

Rome and another must-see touristic attraction to add
to this list!

Originally dedicated to all mythology divinities, it

became a Christian church in the 7th century. Don’t
hesitate to enter, the visit is free of charge, which is
rare enough to mention it!

Inside, admire the immense dome and the oculus

(the opening in the dome), giving the place a unique
lighting.

In the Pantheon, you can also see the tombs of Raphael (the famous artist) and Victor Emmanuel
II (1st king of Italy, as mentioned above when I talked about the beautiful building dedicated to
him on Piazza Venezia)

And if you want to get more historical information, you should get an audioguide. It can be
booked here.

The Pantheon, a free visit you shouldn’t miss in Rome

Piazza Navona
The Piazza Navona is located in the heart of the
historic center, not far from the Pantheon. it’s one of
the most beautiful and famous square of Rome! There,
you can admire the 3 following fountains:

 The Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi

 The Fontana del Nettuno
 The Fontana del Moro

It’s a great place to have a drink or eat ice cream on one of the many terraces, but beware, since
this place is very touristic, the prices are too!

The piazza Navona

Piazza di Spagna

The Via Condotti will take you straight to the

charming Piazza di Spagna, certainly one of the most
popular squares, thanks to the beautiful perspective it
offers.

The Piazza di Spagna is located at the foot of the

monumental staircase leading it to the Trinità dei
Monti church. The flowery staircase is the perfect
place to take a short break for tourists and Italians alike.
A popular gathering place!

On the square, you can also see the Barcaccia fountain ,which adds to the charm of the place.

Piazza del Popolo

The Piazza del Popolo or People’s Square is
located near Villa Borghese. It’s one of the largest
squares of Rome. It’s a major point of interest, with
its fountains, 3 churches and obelisk. From the
square, climb the stairs to the top of the hill, you
will have a beautiful view up to the Vatican.
Piazza del Popolo

The bridge and Castel Sant’Angelo

From the piazza, you can then follow the Tiber to
the Sant’Angelo bridge and the castle of the
same name located on the opposite bank.
The bridge is decorated with 10 statues
representing angels, all designed by Bernini.
From the bridge, you will have a magnificent
view of the city and the river.
The Castel Sant’Angelo, on the other hand, was
built by Emperor Hadrian to serve as a mausoleum. Later on, it started to play an important
military role: it even served as a place of refuge for the popes during invasions! They have even
created a direct access to the Vatican.
You can visit the castle, see the tombs and the ancient popes apartments. You shouldn’t miss the
great view from the rampart walk.
St. Peter’s Square
You will enter the Vatican through the famous St.
Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro in Italian). Every
year, millions of pilgrims and tourists comes to see
this square!

St. Peter’s Square was designed with the following

principle in mind: they wanted to allow the greatest
number of people to see the Pope give his blessing
from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Two colonnades surround the square, consisting of

nearly 280 columns and 145 saints statues. In the center of St. Peter’s Square stands an
Egyptian obelisk surrounded by 2 large fountains. The long waiting lines to visit the basilica start
from this square.

The huge St Peter’s Square, in the Vatican city

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Visit a Three-Tiered Complex at St Clement Basilica Dating Back to 64 AD

(Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano)
Passage leading to a 1st century Roman house
From the outside, St Clement Basilica looks like another basilica, but
once inside you’ll be lead on a fascinating journey into the history of
Rome.
In 1857, the Dominican Friar Mullouly who lived in the monastery at
San Clement began excavating beneath the relatively modern church,
which dates back to the 1200s. He was rewarded with one of the most
interesting discoveries of his time; an early Christian basilica dating
back to 350 A.D. Mullouly continued digging and discovered yet
another, more ancient, layer from 1 A.D. All of this is located just a
short walk from the Colosseum!
 Upon entry, you will see the beautiful interior of St
Clement Basilica which features a marvelous 12th-
century apse mosaic depicting the “Trionfo della
Croce” (Triumph of the Cross) and wonderful
Renaissance frescoes in the Chapel of St Catherine.
For a small admission fee, you can explore the
excavations of the lower two levels. Take the steps
down to the 4th-century basilica which was mostly
destroyed by Norman invaders in 1084. Look out for
the faded 11th-century frescoes illustrating the life of San Clement.
Continue down another level to see a 1st-century Roman house and a dark, 2nd-century temple
to Mithras which features an altar showing the god slaying a bull. To add to the atmosphere, you
will hear the eerie sound of a subterranean river flowing through a Republic-era drain. This place
is NOT to be missed!

See the Magical Optical Illusion of St Peter’s Dome

The view of St. Peter’s from Via Niccolò
Piccolomini is awesome. Every time I head up there
I’m fascinated and gobsmacked by the illusion that
unfolds here. A special feature of this street is that it
is perfectly aligned with the dome of St. Peters.
From the far end of this long hilltop road, the dome
appears large and imposing, but as you walk
towards the dome you’ll begin to see the optical
illusion. The nearer you get, the smaller the dome
appears to the point where it looks tiny. Wondering how the illusion works? Well, it’s said to be
attributed to the layout of the buildings in the street.
The illusion is best enjoyed and more dramatic when viewed from a moving vehicle. It’s an ideal
spot to end your day out in the city centre.

Wander Through Ancient Thermal Baths at the Baths of Caracalla (Le Terme
di Caracalla)
 Granted, this one may have made its way on to
your list, but it’s worth mentioning. The Baths of
Caracalla are the largest surviving ruins of an
ancient baths complex in Rome. This is a must-add
item to your list of things to do in Rome. The
crumbling complex of brick walls, broken
archways, and the remains of floor mosaics extends
over an impressive 33 acres.
Commissioned by Septimius Severus before his
death, the baths were named after his son, emperor Caracalla who reigned from AD 211-221.
Caracalla is remembered as one of the most notorious of emperors due to the massacres and
persecutions he authorised and initiated throughout the Empire. Despite his threatening
demeanour, Caracalla proved to be a strong administrator evidenced by his granting Roman
citizenship to all freemen throughout the Roman Empire.
The Baths of Caracalla were fed by a dedicated
aqueduct that accommodated a staggering 1,600 bathers
at a time. The baths provided two basic functions for
ancient Romans; sanitation and an opportunity to
socialise. There were two palaestra (gyms), two
libraries (one for Greek texts, one for Latin texts), and
plenty of shops.
Be sure to have a guided tour of this marvel. You’ll be
fascinated to learn how the temperature of the water was controlled, and how each of the three
major baths (tepidarium, calidarium, and frigidarium) were used.
If you’re visiting during the summer months you can even see live performances. The baths
create a superb and dramatic backdrop while watching an opera.

Move over, Baths of Diocletian–the better preserved and

far more vast (in their modern form, anyway) Baths of
Caracalla are where you want to go to admire the ruins of
what were once the second-largest set of public baths in
Ancient Rome.

The sheer scale of these ruins is hard to describe, and while it

does take a bit of effort to reach them (they’re about a 10-15
minute walk beyond Circus Maximus), they’re a delightful–and generally uncrowded–peek into Ancient
Rome

Take Stroll Along the Oldest and Longest Road of Rome, Via Appia Antica
 Casal Rotondo, the largest mausoleum on Via
Appia Antica.
Remember the old saying “All Roads Lead to
Rome”, well this road stretched all the way to the
southeast of Italy in Brindisi! The Appian Way or
Via Appia, was one of the earliest and strategically
most important Roman roads of the
ancient republic.
It was named after Appius Claudius Caecus, a
Roman censor who began and completed the first
90 kilometres as a military road to the south in 312 BC during the Samnite Wars. The Appian
Way was the first long road built specifically to
transport troops outside the smaller region of
greater Rome.
Via Appia Antica is a gorgeous cobbled road
surrounded by towering pine trees, grassy fields,
and dotted with ancient wonders. While you may
not be able to visit all 300km, three major
catacombs (San Callisto, San Sebastiano and Santa
Domitilla) are open for guided tours. Wondering
why there are so many catacombs here? Well,
Roman law forbade burial places within city limits
so the early Christians buried their dead in 300km
of underground catacombs.
Another interesting fact is that Spartacus and six
thousand of his slave rebels were crucified here in
71 BC. After the catacombs is Circus Maxentius
which is much better-preserved compared to
Circus Maximus. From here is the Tomb of Cecilia
Metella, a round mausoleum which was later
converted into a fortress.
The best time to visit is on a Sunday and public holidays when the whole area is closed to traffic
thus becoming Rome’s biggest pedestrian zone. As you explore the ancient road you will you be
rewarded with stunning views of the remains of seven Roman aqueducts dating back to the
Republican and Imperial age. The ancient house, Villa dei Quintilli, situated here was so
desirable that emperor Commodus murdered the owners to have it for himself.

“All roads lead to Rome,” and one of the most important of them is the Appian Way (in Italian,
Via Appia Antica).
Though the road was particularly important for transporting troops in Ancient Roman times,
today it is known as a great place to escape the busy pace of the city–especially on Sundays,
when the area is closed to traffic and makes an especially lovely place for a walk or bike ride.

Near the Appian Way is also where you’ll find some of Rome’s best-known catacombs,
including the Catacombs of San Sebastiano and the Catacombs of San Callisto.

Since the Appia Antica is long, joining a small tour group like this electric bike tour is a great
idea.

Take the Pope’s Secret Escape Route at Il Passetto di Borgo

The Passetto di Borgo, or
simply Passetto meaning small passage,
is an elevated passage that links
the Vatican City with Castel
Sant’Angelo. This corridor, located in
the district of Borgo, was erected in
1277 by Pope Nicholas III and extends
for approximately 800 metres (2,600 ft.).
On several occasions, it served as an
escape route for Popes in danger.
In 1494, Pope Alexander VI crossed it
when Charles VIII invaded the city.
Then in 1527 during the Sack of Rome, Clement VII escaped to safety through this passage
when troops of the Holy Roman Emperor massacred almost the entire Swiss Guard on the steps
of St Peter’s Basilica.
This has to be one of the coolest things I’ve done in Rome. By walking in the footsteps of Pope’s
who sought safety when Rome was under threat, you get a sense of how they must’ve felt as they
fled along this passageway. Unfortunately, Il Passetto is only open in the summer for guided
tours during the event “Notti d’Estate a Castel Sant’Angelo” (Summer Nights at Castel
Sant’Angelo). Be sure to book your tickets here!
Visit Quartiere Coppedè, a Hidden Fairy-Tale Neighbourhood
Unknown to most tourists and even the locals,
Quartiere Coppedè gets its name from Gino Coppedè,
a Florentine architect who designed and built the
quarter between 1913 and 1926.
Upon entering this tiny neighbourhood from Via
Tagliamento and Via Dora, you’ll see Tuscan turrets,
Liberty sculptures, Moorish arches, Gothic gargoyles,
frescoed façades, and palm-fringed gardens.
I was told of this magical place by my landlady,
Rosaria who shared my passion for hidden Roman treasures. After mentioning my visit to my
Italian friends, they were surprised they had never
heard of it before. From then on they sought my
advice on other hidden corners of Rome. The best
way to get here is by taking trams 3 or 19 to Piazza
Buenos Aires.

Explore a Baroque Palace at Palazzo Barberini

Looking up Borromini’s staircaseThis gem was
commissioned to celebrate the Barberini family’s rise
to papal power in the 16th century, every inch of this
palace will impress you. Starting with the large
squared staircase by Bernini and the helicoidal
staircase by Borromini. Upon entering the salon,
your eyes will be drawn to the large and spectacular
ceiling fresco by Pietro da Cortona called “Il Trionfo
della Divina Provvidenza” (Triumph of Divine
Providence) it was finished in just three years.
 There are so many great paintings on display here that I’ve visited
the palace at least four times already. Don’t miss the three works by
Caravaggio including “San Francesco d’Assisi in meditazione” (St
Francis in Meditation), “Narciso” (Narcissus) and the horrific
“Giuditta e Oloferne” (Judith Beheading Holophernes).
Perhaps the most famous of paintings here is Raphael’s “La
Fornarina” (The Baker’s Girl), a portrait of his mistress who worked
in a bakery in Rome’s Trastevere neighbourhood.

Walk around the prettiest streets in Rome

Located on the other side of the Tiber River is Trastevere, originally the
home of the working class this neighbourhood boast some of the most
beautiful streets in Rome. Imagine rustic orange buildings draped in
vines and quiet narrow cobbled streets. That’s Trastevere.