Hidden Gems In Rome: 19 Off The Beaten Path Rome Gems

Do you think you’ve seen it all when it comes to Rome? Think again!

This ancient Italian city hides countless secrets that even the most seasoned traveler has yet to discover. From unique eateries tucked away in alleyways to hidden monuments with jaw-dropping views, there are some incredible hidden gems in Rome. Join us as we uncover some of Rome’s best kept secrets and explore its many overlooked attractions – you won’t be disappointed!

Hidden Gems in Rome

Rome is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for good reason. The city is home to some of the most iconic sights on earth, from the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican. However, as with any major city, Rome can be crowded and expensive. If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience in Rome, here are some of our favorite hidden gems worth checking out.

Whether you prefer lesser known Rome museums, panoramic viewpoints or restaurants popular with the locals, put these top secret Rome places on your bucket list.

1. Villa Medici

Home of the French Academy in Rome, the villa has a fantastic location near the Spanish Steps, overlooking the whole city. Built in 1540, it was bought by Ferdinando dei Medici in 1576 and then by Napoleon in 1801.

Although it’s an unknown Rome attraction to most overseas visitors, it has been frequented by many creative Europeans over the years. The best French artists, composers and sculptors came here to study, including Boucher, Fragonard, Berlioz, Debussy and the architect of the French opera house, Charles Garnier.

These days there are up to 19 French-speaking artists and musicians in residence, and the villa hosts regular exhibitions and performances.

Villa Medici Rome visit
Villa Medici

There are 18 acres of beautiful gardens to explore on the guided tour, and you’ll also see the cardinal’s painted apartments. There’s an elegant café selling panini and other snacks.

Villa Medici Garden Rome
Villa Medici gardens – Rome off the beaten path

And now for that view, one of the best Rome secret spots. From this angle you can spot the huge white Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele I to the left but there’s a panoramic, unencumbered view from all sides.

Panoramic Rome view
Panoramic view of Rome

Address: Villa Medici, Viale della Trinità dei Monti, 1, 00187 Comune di Roma RM, Italy

Nearby, take lunch at Ginger Sapori e Salute, Via Borgognona 43, for healthy salads and people watching. Walk down the Spanish Steps and check out the luxury hotels on via Condotti on your way. This light and airy restaurant focuses on Mediterranean food and 70& of the menu is organic.

If you’re also visiting Villa Borghese, we can highly recommend the fine dining at Pauline Borghese, Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa’s beautiful restaurant.

Ginger Rome restaurant
Ginger restaurant

2. Borromini’s Perspective

Something of an oddity, Borromini’s Perspective is one of the most fascinating secret Rome places. The gallery has been designed to make you believe that it carries on far longer than it really does.

Giving the illusion of a length of around 37 meters, it’s actually only 8 meters long. The effect is created by a rising floor, descending ceiling and lateral columns gradually becoming smaller, and the Roman warrior at the end is 60 centimeters high.

Housed in a shady courtyard filled with orange trees in the Palazzo Spada, this optical illusion was commissioned by Cardinal Spada. He asked Baroque architect Francesco Borromini to create it with the help of a mathematician.

Address: Borromini’s Perspective, Piazza Capo di Ferro, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Borromini's Perspective Rome
Borromini’s Perspective

The Palazzo Spada itself is one of the best Rome hidden gems. This interesting place is filled with paintings, sculptures and furniture from Cardinal Spada’s private collection. There are works by Rubens, Titian, Caravaggio and Brueghel the Elder to admire, hung in the 17th century style, frame to frame.

Palazzo Spada Roma
Palazzo Spada

Address: Palazzo Spada, Piazza Capo di Ferro, 13, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Grab a quick snack close by in very casual surroundings at Dar Filettaro for a Roman take on fish and chips! This fried, salted cod treat called filleti di baccala  is a favourite with locals. It’s meant to be eaten with your hands not cutlery, so dig in and enjoy.

Address: Dar Filettaro, Largo dei Librari, 88, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Dar Filettaro a Santa Barbara
Dar Filettaro restaurant in the city of Rome

3. San Luigi dei Francesi

The French have certainly been active in Rome, as this magnificent church is dedicated to St Louis IX, King of France. It is also known as the Church of St. Louis of the French.

One of the most outstanding Rome hidden treasures is the trio of Caravvagio paintings in the Contarelli Chapel. Created from 1599-1600 they depict the life of St Matthew with striking contrasts of light and shade.

To the left is The Calling of St Matthew and to the right is The Inspiration of St Matthew. The other painting is The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew.

These were Caravaggio’s first important church commission, and greatly reinforced his reputation. Today, entrance to the church is free but you’ll be wise to spend a few coins in the slot machine to light up the paintings and see these baroque gems in all their splendour.

Address: Church of St. Louis of the French, Piazza di S. Luigi de’ Francesi, 00186 Comune di Roma RM, Italy

San Luigi dei Francesi - hidden gems in Rome
San Luigi dei Francesi – hidden places in Rome

4. Rome Rose Garden and The Garden of the Oranges

Savello Park, or Garden of the Oranges, has a fantastic view across the Roman hills. On the walk up Aventine Hill, you’ll come across the lovely Rome Rose Gardens, one of our favourite Rome secrets.

Open from 21 April to 14 June, if you’re lucky to visit between those dates you can admire 1,100 varieties of rose and some of the best views of Circus Maximus and Palatine Hill.

Rose Garden Rome
Rome Rose Garden

Once at the top of this beautiful site in Rome, you’ll see lots of oranges on the trees and also on the ground – we couldn’t resist trying our hand at juggling! There was originally a castle here in the tenth century and its medieval walls still surround the park.

This charming area is one of the best Rome secret places to watch the sunset over the monuments.

Address: Orange Garden, Piazza Pietro D’Illiria, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

The Garden of the Oranges in Rome
The Garden of the Oranges

Eat at Marco Martini Roma down the hill from the Orange Garden. This Michelin starred Rome restaurant serves delicious food in a shady courtyard. There’s a stylish Rome boutique hotel, The Corner Townhouse, above if you don’t feel like going home.

Address: Marco Martini, Viale Aventino, 121, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Marco Martini restaurant, Rome
Marco Martini Roma restaurant

5. The Mouth of Truth

The Bocca della Verità or Mouth of Truth is an image of a face, housed in the entrance to the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. No one knows what the sculpture originally was, some say it was part of an ancient Roman fountain or even a manhole cover.

This famous Rome landmark may represent the god of the river Tiber. From the Middle Ages onwards, people believed that if you told a lie with your hand in the mouth of the sculpture, it would be bitten off.

In the classic film, Roman Holiday, Gregory Peck improvised a scene there with Audrey Hepburn, pretending that his hand had indeed been bitten off! For lunch or dinner afterwards, Corner Townhouse is very close by.

Address: Mouth of Truth, Piazza della Bocca della Verità, 18, 00186 Comune di Roma RM, Italy

Mouth of Truth Rome
Mouth of Truth – best things to do in Rome

6. Trastevere

This picturesque area on the other side of the Tiber is hidden Rome at its best. In fact it takes its name from the Latin trans Tiberim which means beyond the Tiber. You can reach Trastevere by crossing Ponte Sisto, a picturesque pedestrianized bridge.

Take time to explore the narrow lanes and cobbled streets, and to enjoy the restaurants and lively nightlife. Once a working class neighbourhood, today it’s a popular area for tourists and locals alike. Many people congregate in the Piazza di Santa Maria, the heart of the area, to listen to the street performers at night.

Experience a hidden Rome food tour, which includes multiple tasting stops followed by a delicious dinner and wine. This fun tour is led by an expert English speaking guide.

We also recommend visiting one of the best gelaterias in Rome – look for the sign “Artigianale” above the door which means that it’s all home made. There are lots of great eateries on our tour, but if you want the inside scoop, do take their tour.

Hidden gems in Rome: Trastevere - this area has lots of cool restaurants and shops
Hidden gems in Rome: Trastevere

7. Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla are ancient Roman baths that are thought to have been built between AD 212 and 216. In use until around 530, they are named after Emperor Caracalla who ordered their construction.

One of the largest bathhouses in Antiquity, Caracalla had three bathing rooms – a hot pool, cold pool and tepid pool. Today, the baths are surprisingly well preserved. Visitors can see segments of original walls and mosaic floors.

The Baths of Caracalla, Rome, Italy
The ancient Rome Baths of Caracalla

8. Quartiere Coppedè

The area of Coppedè is Rome’s smallest district yet it has a lot of historic charm. Designed by the architect Gino Coppedè in Art Nouveau style, the buildings are rich in floral and mythological symbolism.

The Fontana delle Rane, or Fountain of Frogs, is where the Beatles took a dip after playing a concert in Rome. Enter the area via an archway on Via Tagliamento, noticeable thanks to its large outdoor chandelier.

Quartier Coppede - one of the best hidden gems in Rome
Quartier Coppede – one of the best hidden gems in Rome

9. Villa Farnesina

The Villa Farnesina is a unique place built in the 16th century for banker Agostino Chigi. Located in the Trastevere district of Rome, this Renaissance building is now home to an art museum.

Designed by the architect Baldassarre Peruzzi, Villa Farnesina features an impressive fresco by Renaissance artist Raphael, the Lodge of Cupid and Psyche.

Villa Farnesina - hidden gems in Rome
Villa Farnesina – hidden gems in Rome

10. Ponte Sisto

This charming medieval bridge crosses the Tiber River and offers lovely views of Rome’s skyline. It’s less crowded than other bridges in Rome and makes for a great spot to take photographs.

Connecting Piazza Trilussa in Trastevere to Via dei Pettinari in Regola, Ponte Sisto was built between 1473 and 1479.

Ponte Sisto on the River Tiber in Rome
Ponte Sisto on the River Tiber in Rome

11. Vicus Caprarius

Also known as the City of Water, Vicus Caprarius is a series of underground tunnels beneath the Trevi district. This archaeological site is a Rome hidden gem that many locals don’t know about.

The complex includes an imperial era domus and the path of the Virgin Aqueduct that supplies water to the Trevi Fountain. There are also some interesting archaeological finds such as African amphorae and the bust of Alessandro Helios.

Vicus Caprarius, the City of Water
Vicus Caprarius, the City of Water

12. Galleria Sciarra

Architecture lovers will be impressed by this hidden Rome courtyard at Piazza Santi Apostoli. Built in the 19th century, this masterpiece of Art Nouveau style was painted by Giuseppe Cellini.

The gallery’s vibrant frescoes features wealthy Roman women as well as the female virtues of kindness, modesty, patience and strength. There is also one painted man, the writer Gabriele d’Annunzio.

The covered passage of the Galleria Sciarra building
The covered passage of the Galleria Sciarra building

13. Tiber Island

Known in Italian as Isola Tiberina, this small island on the river Tiber has the shape of a boat! It is connected to the mainland by two bridges, Ponte Cestio and Ponte Fabricio.

In Summer, the Isola del Cinema film festival takes place here. You will also find Fatebenefratelli Hospital on Tiber Island. During World War II, the hospital manager, Dr Borromeo invented a contagious, deadly disease on the island to prevent the Nazis from deporting Jewish people who had sought shelter there.

Tiber Island Rome night view panorama

14. Appia Antica

The Appian Way, or Via Appia Antica in Latin, is an ancient Roman highway that leads from Rome to Southern Italy. Work on this historic road began in 312 BCE, under the supervision of statesman Appius Claudius Caecus.

The important thoroughfare is the origin of the famous phrase, “All roads lead to Rome“. Portions of the road have been preserved as part of the Parco Regionale dell’Appia Antica or Appian Way Regional Park.

The second largest urban park in Europe at 4,580 hectares, it’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The Appian Way section starts at Piazzale Numa Pompilio and stretches for around 16 kilometres.

The Appian Way - one of the top hidden gems in Rome
The Appian Way – one of the top hidden gems in Rome

15. Largo di Torre Argentina

Located on the site of the former Campus Martius (Field of Mars), this lesser known Roman landmark was built in the third century by Gaius Lutatius Catulus.

There are four Roman Republican temples and the ruins of The Theatre of Pompey. One of the most distinctive features of this square is the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary. Founded in 1993, the shelter houses around 350 cats who roam freely around the Romain remains. This is one of the best places to visit in Rome for cat lovers.

Largo di Torre Argentina square in Rome, Italy
Largo di Torre Argentina square in Rome, Italy

16. Basilica di San Clemente

Just a short walk from The Colosseum, The Basilica di San Clemente in Rome is a real hidden gem because of its unique historical and architectural significance. This ancient church is built on top of a 4th-century basilica, which in turn was constructed over a 1st-century Roman house.

Visitors are able to explore multiple layers of history as they descend through the church’s lower levels, including a well-preserved ancient Roman street and buildings. The basilica’s rich history, beautiful mosaics, and layered architecture make it a fascinating and lesser-known attraction in Rome.

Basilica of San Clemente, a beautiful church in Rome
Basilica of San Clemente, a beautiful church in Rome

17. Palazzo Massimo alle Terme

Palazzo Massimo alle Terme is an impressive museum in Rome, Italy, renowned for its extensive collection of ancient Roman art and artifacts. The National Roman Museum houses a diverse array of sculptures, frescoes, mosaics, and other archaeological treasures.

It offers visitors a comprehensive look into the artistic and cultural achievements of the Roman Empire. Notably, the museum’s collection includes renowned sculptures such as the Boxer at Rest and the Discus Thrower.

As a significant cultural institution, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme is one of the best places to visit in Rome for history enthusiasts and art aficionados alike.

Marble altar dedicated to Mars and Venus
Marble altar dedicated to Mars and Venus, Wikimedia

18. Antica Farmacia della Scala

The Antica Farmacia della Scala is often regarded as one of the hidden gems of Rome due to its unique historical significance and intriguing offerings. This ancient pharmacy, located near the Spanish Steps, has been in operation since the 17th century, making it one of the oldest pharmacies in the world.

Visitors are drawn to its charming interior, which has been meticulously preserved to reflect the pharmacy’s rich heritage. The pharmacy also houses an intriguing collection of antique pharmaceutical tools, vases, and documents.

They provide a fascinating glimpse into the history of medicine and apothecary practices. Additionally, the pharmacy continues to sell a variety of traditional herbal remedies and skincare products, adding to its allure as a hidden gem for those interested in history, culture, and traditional medicine.

19. Palazzo Farnese

Palazzo Farnese is a stunning Renaissance villa that is now the French Embassy in Rome. It was originally constructed for the influential Farnese family in the 16th century.

The palace’s exquisite design, adorned with beautiful frescoes and intricate details, reflects the opulence and grandeur of its era. This stunning Italian palazzo is open to the public on guided tours only.

Don’t miss the palace’s breathtaking courtyard and the renowned Carracci Gallery, which showcases magnificent frescoes by the Carracci brothers. Palazzo Farnese’s restricted access adds to its allure, making it a true hidden gem for those seeking to explore a lesser-known architectural and artistic marvel in the heart of Rome.

Palazzo Farnese in Rome
Palazzo Farnese in Rome – Myrabella, Wikimedia

Places to Stay in Rome

There are some very luxurious hotels in Rome, many with tranquil courtyards or rooftop terraces. We particularly like the newly renovated Hotel Eden, the Intercontinental de la Ville Roma and the Parco dei Principi.

In Conclusion: Hidden Gems in Rome

If you’re looking for a city break that will take your breath away, the Eternal City is the place to go. While it can be touristy in some areas, there are plenty of unusual places waiting to be discovered if you know where to look. It’s also a great place to explore with travel companions who enjoy culture and history.

We’ve given you a few tips on our favorite spots in Rome, but there’s so much more to explore. Whether you have a day in Rome or a week, put some of them on your bucket list. These are some of Rome’s lesser known attractions, however you’ll want to make time to visit the Colosseum as well as the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s and the Vatican.

Be sure to check out our other Italy travel articles for more ideas on what to see and do while you’re in this beautiful country. You can easily combine a visit to Rome with a day trip to Milan which is 3 hours away by train. Another great option is a trip to Lake Como, four hours by train from Rome.

And if you like getting off the beaten path, do check out our recommendations for hidden gems in London, Ibiza, Paris and Venice.

Are there any other epic hidden gems in Rome that you would recommend visiting?

You might also enjoy:

Like these Rome hidden attractions? Pin for later or share with friends.

15 Unmissable Hidden Gems in Rome
Best hidden gems in Rome

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Suze and Paul Renner

Suze and Paul are the founders of LuxuryColumnist, one of the leading luxury online magazines worldwide.

74 thoughts on “Hidden Gems In Rome: 19 Off The Beaten Path Rome Gems”

  1. Candice Petersen

    Rome has always been one of the places ive always wanted to visit some say… These all look amazing and rich of culture that intrigues me

    Candice Beauty Candy Loves

    1. The amazing thing in Rome is that even little churches are full of treasures and there are so many ancient ruins worth seeing too

  2. Angie SilverSpoon

    Oooh I’ll bear some of these in mind for next time, the rose garden looks gorgeous and I want to spend more time in the Trastevere.

    Lots of love,

    Angie

    SilverSpoon London

    1. We were lucky to catch the rose garden at the right time of year, it smelt gorgeous. We didn’t get all that much time in Trastevere either

  3. Oooh that pic of The Rose Gardens – the view and I love the pic of you juggling oranges! I went to the Travastere and enjoyed a good walk around – I loved it, but I would love to visit these other areas.

    1. LuxuryColumnist

      The Rose Garden is so lovely. Apparently the oranges are very bitter, we didn’t try eating them! Glad you had fun in Trastevere, Holly

  4. Oh wow, looks like I definitely have to go back to Rome just to see and go to all of the above! Great post.

    x- Naomi in Wonderland

    1. Glad you liked it Naomi, I’ve been to Rome twice and still feel like I’m only scratching the surface of all there is to see!

  5. A lovely mixture of food and art – great to see another side to Rome away from the well-trodden tourist trail. Impressive juggling skills too!

  6. LuxuryColumnist

    I know, so much to see – we would have loved to take a day trip to the Villa d’Este!

  7. Wonderful post, can’t wait to read the next one!!

    Thanks a bunch for your support on my blog,I am glad you liked my recent post on My Pan AM Experience:

    MyLyfeMyStory

  8. Oh how lovely! Italy (Rome, Venice, Milan & Florence) is to be our trip away next autumn – some splendid suggestions to include here!

    www.countrymouseclaire.com

    1. Lucky you, I’ve visited Milan and Florence too so need to write those up, Florence is gorgeous and Milan has a lot more going for it than people realize.

  9. Wow there’s a lot more to see in Rome.

    I love it and can’t wait to go there soon

    The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin | Snapchat: bandwagonchic

    1. On this trip we really got a feel for the size of the place as we got up to the hills, I hope you get to visit soon, Zarrah

  10. This is a fab post lovely, I always feel like I miss out on so many hidden gems when I holiday so this is amazing. I’m actually thinking of booking a trip to Rome so it’s safe to say that this has been bookmarked 🙂

    Elle
    www.theellenextdoor.com
    xx

    1. Oh thank you Ellie, there really is a lot to see and some of it we came upon by chance like the rose garden

  11. ♫ Alison M ♪

    Some gorgeous spots there, Villa Medici looks amazing. I would love to live in a house like that! With servants of course!

    1. The artists and musicians that get to live in Villa Medici are very lucky, there’s a great cafe too!

  12. I somehow managed to miss every single one of these…. hmm I guess I shall just have to go back then 😉

    Ash | Liakada

  13. Borromini’s Perspective has certainly peaked my curiosity – if I ever find myself in Rome again, I’ll be sure to take a look! I really love your white dress with the rope-belt by the way, it looks as though it were made for you 🙂

    Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice

    x

  14. Belén Muñoz

    Wow, I need travel!! Every place look amazing! I love your white dress:) I hope ser more photos like this!
    xx
    www.onlybmh.com

    1. Thanks very much Belen, glad you enjoyed it and looking forward to checking out your blog, Belen

    1. I hadn’t heard of Frosinone but I’ve googled it and it looks lovely especially at night

  15. It’s been many years since I went to Rome but I never came across these! They look fantastic!

    1. We’d both been before so we didn’t need to spend as long on the main sights, though we did enjoy those too

  16. Carmen's Luxury Travel

    It’s been a few years since I’ve been to Rome. It’s such a great city with so many interesting places to see. I didn’t get a chance to go see the Month of Truth, but I’ll definitely go next time.

    1. There was a huge queue so we just had a quick look at it, as you say there’s so much to see, Carmen

  17. The country is very beautiful and fulls of historical places. I need to visit one day 🙂

    1. You definitely should Gail, I’m lucky as I’m returning to Italy in September for a friend’s wedding

  18. Such an interesting post. I’ve been there, but never visited these places! May be next time, so thank you for sharing them with us!
    Have a nice day, Suze!

    xx

    cvetybaby.com

  19. Ally // Digital Diva

    Rome is my favourite city in the world and I’ve been a few times….I’ve only been to a few of these though! Great tips!!

    www.digital-diva.co.uk

    xx

    1. Thanks Ally, there’s so much to cram in, isn’t there! Hope you’re having a great Summer

  20. I seriously need to go back as i definitely missed some of these!

    Also just wanted to point out that Filetti di Baccala just means fried fish and the restaurant is actually called “Dar Filettaro”. (i know, confusing!). Such a cute hidden gem that I’m glad we didn’t miss!

    Tahira x

  21. Such wonderful stylishness! It almost makes you wonder why anyone would go anywhere else, Suze. I might not make it past Villa Medici 🙂

  22. It was a fantastic opportunity and the Colosseum visit in particular is one I’ll always remember

  23. Michele {Malaysian Meanders}

    Well, I guess I need to return to Rome. I didn’t have a chance to see most of what you listed. That optical illusion arcade is my favorite.

    1. It’s weird because even though you know it’s an illusion, it still really fooled me well!

  24. Frankie | TheMayfairy.com

    Rome is such a beautiful city. Would love to return on a photography mission. PS – you are a babing juggler! 😉

  25. Maaike - travellousworld.com

    How great! Pinning this on my ‘next stop’ board as I’ll be going to Rome in 1,5weeks. I’ll be living in the Trastevere area for about 2 weeks, so also the food tour tip is most welcome! Thank you!

    1. How cool that you’ll be staying in Trastevere, Maaike – can’t wait to read your posts

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  28. I love this post Suze! The orange gardens were a highlight of my tour around Rome. I do love the photograph with you juggling the oranges, how many attempts did it take to get that shot I wonder 😉

    Lovely post and great suggestions!

    Laura xo

    www.shehearts.net

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