Rome is an incredible European capital, full of well-preserved history, beautiful architecture, stylish people and delicious food. The Eternal City has so many well-known tourist attractions, such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum, Spanish Steps and of course Vatican City. You could probably have a full few days visiting all of these sights without even needing to look up what to do in this famous city! But there are so many more fascinating historical discoveries to be made, as well as unknown viewpoints, and spaces to relax and people-watch. Rome is worth visiting over and over again, as there will always be something new to do, and more fantastic Italian cuisine to try. Here are a few suggestions outside of the most famous Rome attractions, if you’ve already covered these, or if you fancy making your visit a little less touristy but equally as exciting.

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Vicus Caprarius

A visit to Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain is on many travellers’ bucket lists, but most don’t know about the ancient water city that lies below the Trevi district. Vicus Caprarius is an archaeological site dating back to the 1st century that was only very recently discovered. A tour of this underground complex will allow you to view the homes of the upper class of ancient Rome, as well as artefacts such as pottery, coins, mosaics and figurines. The most interesting part of a visit is the pools of water that are still filled from Aqua Virgo, one of the aqueducts that fed the water system of the ancient capital. This aqueduct still feeds the Trevi Fountain today, meaning the water you see in the pools on this tour will later make its way into the famed fountain above.

Baths of Caracalla

Yet another of Rome’s awe-inspiring ruins, the remains of the Baths of Caracalla are so grand they inspired the architecture of New York’s Grand Central Station and many other iconic buildings around the world. Built in the 3rd century, the massive complex housed a number of public pools, a sauna, shops, a library and more across an area of 25 hectares. Make sure you have enough time to take in the sheer size of this archaeological site, the enormous columns and arches, and the remains of beautiful and intricate mosaics. In the summer months, the Rome Opera performs here, and it is well worth finding out what might be on, as this ancient venue adds a whole new level of magnificence to the brilliant performances.

Testaccio Market

It’s impossible to talk about a trip to Italy without talking about food. Testaccio neighbourhood is an important part of Rome’s culinary roots, having once housed the largest slaughterhouse in Europe, where workers were paid in leftover animal parts! Today the bustling market is a highlight for local and visiting foodies, with grocers, fishmongers, bakers and street food vendors. I recommend Casa Manco for pizza by the slice, with all toppings sourced from other vendors at the market. For the best sandwiches in the whole city, head to Mordi e Vai, and try the traditional slow-cooked tripe and tomato, or the seasonal artichoke and pecorino. Grab your preferred lunch and head to the seating area at the centre of the market to watch life go by while you eat.

Doria Pamphilj Gallery

Art lovers should make sure this lesser-known museum is at the top of their list. The Doria Pamphilj Gallery houses Rome’s largest private collection of artwork and is a treasure trove of over 400 fantastic paintings and sculptures, including works from Raphael, Bernini and Velazquez. The collection has been curated by some of the most important Italian noble families throughout the centuries and is found in a 15th-century palace that is still owned by one of these families: the Doria Pamphiljs. A visit here is therefore not just an art viewing, but also an exploration of the splendour in which these families lived, with everything inside placed exactly as it was in the 18th century.

Bonci Pizzarium

While Rome is full of restaurants that boast extremely high standards, Italy’s most famous food is best enjoyed at one of the many small takeaway joints. Pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) is an unmissable meal on any trip to Rome. Here the pizzas do not come pre-sliced into the triangles we’ve come to expect, instead you simply gesture the size that you want and it will be cut on the spot, usually in a rectangle shape, and then weighed and priced accordingly. There are many of these fast food establishments across the city, and most do not have their own seating, so it’s best to head to the nearest piazza to take in the sights while you enjoy your slice. Rico Forno Roscioli is loved by locals and tourists alike, and I Suppli is another top choice. If you’re near the Vatican, Bonci Pizzarium is said to be the best pizza by the slice in all of Rome.

Giardino Degli Aranci

The ancient city of Rome was built on seven hills, and today Parco Savello sits on top of one of these: Avantine Hill. The scenic park is filled with orange trees, and locals are much more likely to know the name ‘Giardino Degli Aranci’ (Garden of Oranges) than the park’s real name, Parco Savello. Thanks to its position, it offers excellent views of modern-day Rome and is a beautiful place for an afternoon stroll or a peaceful break from the bustle of the city below. I recommend visiting at sunset, where the orange glow over St Peter’s dome is a sight you won’t forget.

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Piazza Navona

Rome is full of squares and piazzas, and this is undoubtedly the most famous. It is built on the remains of the Stadium of Domitian, which was used for gladiatorial and other athletic events when the Colosseum was unavailable. Above ground, there is very little of the stadium still visible, but you can visit an underground museum here which displays remnants of the ancient stadium. Nowadays, the piazza is a hubbub of activity, lined with cafes, restaurants and shops, as well as the fascinating Museo di Roma and beautiful baroque church Sant’Agnese in Agone. In the middle of the space, you can find 3 fountains and an obelisk monument, along with many street artists and performers in the summer months, or a scenic Christmas market in winter. In any season, it is an excellent place for people-watching. Top tip: head to Terrazza Borromini’s 6th-floor rooftop bar for refreshing drinks, a relaxing atmosphere, and a birdseye view of the piazza below.

Monument To Victor Emmanuel II

The Roman Forum is a must-visit, and once you’ve explored it at ground level, head to this spectacular terrace to see it from above, along with panoramic views of the entire city. The Vittoriano Emmanuel II Monument is a grand marble landmark honouring Italy’s first king, but the most impressive aspect is the glass elevator inside. The 1-minute ride to the viewing platform will provide a unique experience of soaring up to 70 meters above the streets, watching Rome fall away beneath you. The terrace itself provides breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of the whole cityscape, framed by two enormous bronze chariots pulled by four horses each and carrying angels meant to represent the unity and freedom of Italy.

Gelateria Dei Gracchi

No trip to Italy would be complete without a taste of gelato, and I recommend trying a few different spots while in Rome, just to get the full experience. Gelato is made with more milk and less cream than ice cream, making it healthier for you, in case you needed an excuse to try more! It is also churned slower, meaning it is denser with a richer flavour. One of the best places to try high-quality gelato is Gelateria dei Gracchi, which uses fresh seasonal ingredients and can cater for many food allergies and intolerances. This company has a few shops across the city, but the options easiest for tourists to access will be the one fairly close to the Spanish Steps, or the location just across the river close to the Castle. Also try Gunther’s, located close to the Pantheon, where the gelato comes with optional whipped cream and a crunchy biscuit on top. If you’re close to Piazza Navona then Gelateria del Teatro is a well-known and delicious option. The staff here will often allow you a small taste of a few options before you decide on one to buy. Once you’ve picked your favourite, enjoy the scenic location right on the Piazza and watch the world go by with your classic Italian sweet treat.

Antica Farmacia S. Maria Della Scala

In the 1700s a pharmaceutical school was opened next to the Santa Maria della Scala Church. It was run by a group of 30-40 friars, who became such experts in creating medicines that in the 1800s it became the official pharmacy of the popes. Though the pharmacy eventually closed in 1954, the order of friars that ran it still exists, and are happy to provide tours of this fascinating location. Today, entering this old apothecary is like stepping back in time. You will be met at the door by a friar who will give you the full story of the place, and show you the medicines that were left behind when it closed, some of which are over 200 years old. There are even recipes dating back to ancient times when the personal doctor to the emperor Nero created a potion that went on to be used for over 1000 years. Situated above a modern pharmacy and only available to be toured by prior arrangement, this old little shop is one of Rome’s true hidden gems.

“Hidden Gems of Historical Rome” was originally published on Wanderdash (follow me @rosroundtheworld).

Booking Resources

Hotels: Booking.com is my go-to anywhere in the world, and in Europe it’s definitely the place with the widest selection and best prices. If there’s low availability, you can also try agoda for last minute deals.

Hostels: Hostelworld is always the best site for hostels, and many are also on booking.com.

Tours: Check both viator and getyourguide for a huge range of tours to suit everyone!

Trains: trainline.eu searches all rail companies for all routes in Europe, and sometimes shows buses too.

Buses: Flixbus has a great european network. If needing to search and compare other companies, I use busbud.

Car hire: I usually use localrent.com to search both international and local companies for the best deals. For hiring a car with a driver for transfers and sightseeing, check out daytrip.

Flights: For finding the best routes, Kiwi is my favourite tool to search multiple airports at once. To find the best prices, I use google flights or skyscanner.

Insurance: It’s always a good idea to have insurance. I recommend safetywing for full coverage.

eSim: Especially if hopping between countries, an esim that covers the whole region is a great idea. I recommend airalo.​

Consultation: For expert advice and planning assistance, get in touch! I have travelled Europe extensively and can provide personalised recommendations, as well as great deals, 24/7 customer service, and financial protection. Contact me here.

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