While the Vatican and Colosseum are essential, it’s a mistake to think they define Rome; the city’s true magic is found in its quiet, unassuming corners. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and experience the Eternal City like a local, you’ve gotta veer off the well-worn path. Here are the most unique things to do in Rome, from ancient roads to hidden gardens.
Table of Contents:
- Appian Way & Roman Catacombs
- Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli
- Centrale Montemartini Museum
- Capitoline Museums
- Borghese Gallery
- Palazzo Spada
- Aventine Hill
- Terrazza Parrasio
- San Pietro in Vincoli
- Per Grazia Ricevuta
- Non-Catholic Cemetery of Rome
- Castello Orsini-Cesi-Borghese
- Shopping Near the Spanish Steps
- Spas in Rome
Unique Things to Do in Rome Map
You don’t have to work hard to find Rome’s hidden gems. These unusual things to do in Rome are both rewarding and easy to reach. Think of them as the city’s best “bonus round” experiences—easy to tack on to a day of sightseeing without adding stress.
Ancient Rome Experiences Beyond the Colosseum
While the Roman Forum is a must-see, Rome is filled with less-crowded ancient sites that offer a more intimate look at the city’s past. Here are our favorites:
1. Walk the Ancient Appian Way & Explore the Roman Catacombs
The Appian Way was built in 312 B.C. and it’s the road that held the empire together. Soldiers marched here, traders passed through, and even gladiators walked this stretch toward their fate.
Today, it’s a peaceful escape from the city hustle. A walk or bike ride along the Appian Way feels like a journey back in time.
For a fascinating and slightly spooky experience, head underground to explore the nearby Catacombs. These ancient burial sites are one of the most unusual places to visit in Rome and offer a glimpse into Rome’s “darker side.”
- Why it’s one of the best unique things to do in Rome: You’ll be miles away from the crowded city center, surrounded by history and nature.
- Location: Via Appia Antica, 136
- Getting there: Take the metro to Piramide (B-line) and catch the 118 bus to the Catacombs of San Callisto. You can also take the metro to Colli Albani (A-line) and then the 660 bus to Cecilia Metella.
- Pro Tip: Book a guided tour for the best experience. Many tours include transportation and a visit to other nearby sites.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the best Catacombs tours to take and learn more about how to visit the Catacombs.
2. Take a Day Trip to Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli
Escape the city for a day trip to Tivoli, a charming town in the hills east of Rome. It is home to Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana), a vast archaeological complex that was once the private retreat of Emperor Hadrian.
The villa is a testament to the emperor’s passion for architecture and travel, featuring impressive ruins of palaces, temples, theaters, and baths inspired by places he visited across the empire.
- Why it’s off the beaten path: Most visitors don’t leave the city center, making this a perfect way to experience the Roman countryside and see a lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Location: Largo Marguerite Yourcenar, 1
- Getting there: Take a direct bus from Ponte Mammolo metro station (B-line) or a regional train from Rome’s Tiburtina station.
- Hours & Admission: Hours and prices vary by season; head to the official Hadrian’s Villa website for up-to-date information or book yourself on a Tivoli Fountains & Hadrian’s Villa Private Tour from Rome.
Hidden Artistic & Architectural Gems in Rome
Experience Rome’s artistic genius without the long lines. These museums and architectural feats offer stunning beauty in a more intimate setting.
3. Admire Art in a Power Station at Centrale Montemartini Museum
A 19th-century power station turned art museum, this place holds one of the best collections of Greek and Roman statues.
It’s the kind of museum that makes you feel a little cooler just for being there, and is one of our favorite unique Rome experiences.
- Why it’s one of the best unique things to do in Rome: It’s rarely crowded, giving you plenty of space to enjoy the exhibits. It’s also just a 5-minute walk from Doppiozeroo, one of the best restaurants in Rome!
- Location: Via Ostiense, 106
- Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (closed Mondays).
- Admission: €11
- Pro tip: Check the official Centrale Montemartini Museum webpage for specialty exhibits.
4. Swap the Vatican Museums for the Capitoline Museums
The Capitoline Museums are often overshadowed by the Vatican Museums, making them one of the best alternative things to do in Rome.
Located on Capitoline Hill, the museum complex is considered the world’s first public museum, opening in 1734.
It houses an extraordinary collection of ancient Roman artifacts, sculptures, and masterpieces, including the bronze statue of the Capitoline Wolf and the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius.
- Why it’s off the beaten path: You get the same level of historical importance as the Vatican Museums but with a fraction of the crowds.
- Location: Capitoline Hill, a short walk from the Roman Forum and Piazza Venezia.
- Hours: Every day, 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Last entry is one hour before closing).
- Admission: €13 for a standard adult ticket, €20.50 for exhibitions + museum
Not ready to book a tour? Check out more underrated museums in Rome.
5. See Masterpieces in Peace at the Borghese Gallery
While not a complete secret, the Borghese Gallery is less crowded than the Vatican Museums and offers an unparalleled collection of art in a more intimate setting. Housed in a former villa, the gallery displays masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael.
The number of visitors is strictly limited, so you must book your tickets in advance for a specific time slot, ensuring a peaceful and unhurried experience.
- Why it’s one of the best unique things to do in Rome: Strict timed entry makes it feel like a private viewing.
- Location: Located within the Borghese Gardens. You can walk from the Spagna metro stop or take a bus.
- Booking is essential: Tickets sell out weeks in advance, so plan ahead.
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Ticket office closes one hour prior to closing.).
- Admission: €13 for a standard ticket, but booking fees apply.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on how to visit the Borghese Gallery.
Are you a museum person? You’ll want to check out these underrated museums in Rome!
6. Check out the Borromini Perspective at Palazzo Spada
Tucked away in Rome’s historic center, the Palazzo Spada is a beautiful gallery featuring a mind-bending architectural illusion.
The architect Francesco Borromini created a forced-perspective corridor that appears to be over 100 feet long but is actually only 29 feet.
- Why it’s off the beaten path: A true hidden gem that many visitors walk right past without noticing.
- Location: The entrance is on the side of the building, at Vicolo del Polverone, 15b.
- Hours: Wednesday–Monday, 8:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. (closed Tuesdays)
- Admission: €5 for adults over 25
Secret Gardens and Off-the-Beaten-Path Views of Rome
For a dose of tranquility and breathtaking views of the city, head to these spots that locals love.
7. Catch the Sunset on Aventine Hill
For a breathtaking view and a dose of tranquility, head to the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) on Aventine Hill.
This walled park is famous for its panoramic view of Rome, including St. Peter’s Basilica.
Just next to the garden is the Basilica of Santa Sabina, a stunning example of a 5th-century Roman basilica. Its simple, elegant interior provides a peaceful contrast to the more ornate churches of Rome.
- Why it’s one of the best unique things to do in Rome: It’s a quieter escape with one of the best sunset views in the city.
- Don’t miss: The nearby “Keyhole” (Il Buco della Serratura) on Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, where you can peek through and see a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Dome.
- Location: Orange Garden | Basilica of Santa Sabina
- Getting there: Take the metro to Circo Massimo (B-line) and walk uphill.
8. Enjoy a Rooftop Aperitivo in Trastevere
If you’re an American in Rome, the practice most comparable to aperitivo is happy hour, but with complimentary snacks and a more relaxed vibe.
This takes place after work but before dinner, and it’s an awesome way to get into the flow of daily life in Rome.
We have an entire list of great rooftop restaurants in Rome, or head to our favorite, Terrazza Parrazio.
- Why it’s off the beaten path: This is a truly local tradition and a fantastic way to slow down and enjoy the city’s rhythm.
- What to order: Try a classic Italian cocktail like a Negroni or Aperol Spritz, or go for a glass of Prosecco.
- Location: Via di Porta S. Pancrazio, 32/a
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our guide to the best rooftop restaurants in Rome.
Hidden Churches & Sacred Sites in Rome
While St. Peter’s Basilica is majestic, Rome’s smaller churches hold unique treasures and provide a more authentic look at the city’s spiritual life.
9. Get Spiritual at San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains)
Tucked away on a quiet street near the Roman Forum, the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli is a hidden gem that houses one of Rome’s most famous sculptures: Michelangelo’s Moses. While the church itself is a beautiful example of early Christian architecture, the centerpiece is the powerful statue of Moses, which was created for the tomb of Pope Julius II.
You’ll also spot the actual chains said to have bound St. Peter—relics that give the church its name and make the visit more than just about Michelangelo.
- Why it’s one of the best unique things to do in Rome: A less-visited church that holds a Michelangelo masterpiece.
- Location: Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli, 4/a
- Getting there: It’s a short walk from the Cavour or Colosseo metro stops.
- Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (7 pm in summer)
- Pro Tip: Explore with a historican on our Mamertine Prison and the sacred sites tied to Peter the Apostle tour.
10. Don’t Walk Right Past Per Grazia Ricevuta
A quintessential hidden gem in Rome, this shrine to the Madonna, or Virgin Mary, is on a main street in popular Trastevere, yet most people walk right by.
The shrine, which is a wall of inscriptions, gives thanks to the Madonna for the blessings people have received. Whether or not you’re religious, it offers a powerful look at the role faith plays in the daily life of this city.
- Why it’s off the beaten path: A small, easily missed shrine that offers an authentic cultural insight.
- Location: Via di Portonaccio, 568
- Tip: Check out this unique shrine before joining our Trastevere food tour to get a feel for the neighborhood’s authentic culture.
Unique Experiences in Rome & Countryside Escapes
Go beyond the monuments and try these off-the-beaten-path experiences in Rome for a truly memorable trip.
11. Find Poets at The Non-Catholic Cemetery of Rome
Tucked away in the quiet Testaccio neighborhood, this cemetery is a peaceful and historically rich site that offers a unique glimpse into a lesser-known side of Rome.
It’s the final resting place for many famous poets and thinkers who found a peaceful final home here, including John Keats and Percy Shelley.
- Why it’s off the beaten path: A quiet, serene contrast to the city’s lively pace.
- Location: Via Caio Cestio, 6
- Getting there: The cemetery is easily accessible by metro to Piramide (B-line) or a bus to the Via Marmorata/Caio Cestio stop.
- Hours: Open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
12. Escape to Castello Orsini-Cesi-Borghese
One of the most unique things to do in Rome is to venture to the small medieval town of San Polo dei Cavalieri, home to the impressive Castello Orsini-Cesi-Borghese.
This fortress-like castle was built in the 11th century and has been passed down through some of Italy’s most powerful families.
- Why it’s off the beaten path: This is a fantastic stop on a scenic drive through the Roman countryside, perfect if you’ve already seen the main sights.
- Location: Via S. Lucia, 00010 San Polo dei Cavalieri RM
- Getting there: The best way to reach this area is by car. It’s about a 45-minute to one-hour drive northeast of Rome.
- Check ahead: Since it’s a private residence, it’s not regularly open to the public, so check for special events or tours before planning your visit.
13. Get Some Shopping In Near the Spanish Steps
While the Spanish Steps themselves are a major tourist draw, the surrounding streets offer a more authentic Roman shopping experience.
Instead of just walking past the storefronts, step inside the boutiques on Via Condotti and Via del Babuino.
You can often find designer items for less than you’d pay in the US, and there’s also plenty of new Italian brands to discover.
- Why it’s off the beaten path: It’s about how you approach a popular spot, going beyond the surface to find unique items and better prices.
- Tip: Check out our curated Rome shopping itinerary and make a day of it!
14. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day in Rome
Let’s be honest, a spa day in Rome is an outstanding way to overcome jet lag after a long plane ride. From taking a dip in some Turkish baths to getting a massage, enjoying Rome’s spas is a great way to connect to the history of this ancient city.
After all, public baths were the social media of ancient Rome—where people went to talk politics, do business, and gossip while soaking.
Check out our favorites:
Best Off-The-Beaten Path Tours of Rome
For a deeper dive into Rome’s secrets, a tour with a local guide is an excellent way to uncover the city’s hidden layers. Here are some of the best tour options that focus on the lesser-known side of Rome.
Rome’s Appian Way, Aqueduct Park, and Catacombs by E-Bike
5 Hours • €€
Cruise through the historic Appia Antica, visit Catacombs of St. Callixtus and enjoy a light lunch.
Book Now!
Trastevere Local Food Tour in Rome
3 Hours • €€
Join a culinary guide to savor authentic Roman food, such as tasty cheese, pasta, gelato, and wine.
Book Now!
Private Jubilee Tour of Saint Peter in Chains
2 Hours • €€€€
Discover the Mamertine Prison and the sacred sites tied to Peter the Apostle.
Book Now!
Rome Evening Cocktail Tour with Local Guide
3 Hours • €€€€
Experience Rome’s cocktail culture as you stroll by the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trastevere!
Book Now!![Skip-the-Line Borghese Gallery Tour](/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Skip-the-Line-Borghese-Gallery-Tour-.jpeg")
Skip-the-Line Borghese Gallery Tour
2 Hours • €
Join an intimate small-group tour and uncover Baroque masterpieces with an expert guide.
Book Now!Not ready to book a tour? Read more about if tours in Rome are worth it.
Unique Things to Do in Rome FAQs
The ancient Appian Way and Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli are two excellent alternatives to the more crowded Roman Forum and Colosseum. These sites offer a more tranquil and intimate look at the city’s past while still showcasing incredible Roman engineering and architecture.
Yes, the Centrale Montemartini Museum and the Borghese Gallery are fantastic choices for art lovers seeking a more peaceful experience. Check out our guide on the best underrated museums in Rome!
The Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) on Aventine Hill offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, including St. Peter’s Basilica. For an even more unique view, you can peek through the famous Aventine Keyhole for a perfectly framed shot of the dome.
Absolutely, a day trip to places like Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli or the medieval Castello Orsini-Cesi-Borghese is a great way to experience the Roman countryside. These excursions provide a deeper dive into the region’s history and offer a tranquil escape from the bustling city.
Yes, some of the most authentic and delicious Roman food is found in local neighborhoods like Trastevere or Testaccio. Look for restaurants without English menus and enjoy a classic Italian tradition like an evening aperitivo at a rooftop bar.
Where To Stay in Rome
Rome has a rich cultural history and many iconic landmarks to explore. Plan where to stay in the magnificent Eternal City in the best neighborhoods.
Very informative been 9 times and never saw any of that
Some great ideas. Some of these I’d never heard of at all and will be included next Covid free trip. Thanks so much.