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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
- Italian Design Classics
- Outdoor Dining in Milan
- Romeo and Juliet in Verona
- Slow Travel in Tuscany
- The Best Coffee Shops in the World
- The Prettiest Cities in the World
- Visiting the Dolomites Mountain Range
- Weekend in Florence
- Weekend in Verona
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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
The amazing thing in Rome is that even little churches are full of treasures and there are so many ancient ruins worth seeing too
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
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
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.
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
I hope that you get the chance to visit, Sjoukje. Have a great Sunday
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
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!
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!
I can’t juggle at all but it looks like I can in the photo 😉
I know, so much to see – we would have loved to take a day trip to the Villa d’Este!
Great photos ! 😛
www.fashion-utopia.com
Glad you liked them Wioletta
So cool! I want to visit!
Melanie @ meandmr.com
You really should visit Rome, Melanie – so much to see!
I’m dying to visit Rome! Come with me, someone!
Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
Even if you go alone, you’ll meet a lot of people there – they’re very outgoing!
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
Glad you enjoyed it Harija
The Mouth of Truth!! So Roman Holiday!! i will save this post until i visit to Rome!
I love that film, must watch it again!
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
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.
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
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
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
Oh thank you Ellie, there really is a lot to see and some of it we came upon by chance like the rose garden
Some gorgeous spots there, Villa Medici looks amazing. I would love to live in a house like that! With servants of course!
The artists and musicians that get to live in Villa Medici are very lucky, there’s a great cafe too!
You miss www.facebook.com/burroalici?fref=ts
Thanks for the tip
I somehow managed to miss every single one of these…. hmm I guess I shall just have to go back then 😉
Ash | Liakada
It’s a good excuse to go back, Ash – hope you’re having a great Summer
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
Thanks Gabrielle, it was sweltering hot so the dress was sticking to me by the end!
Wow, I need travel!! Every place look amazing! I love your white dress:) I hope ser more photos like this!
xx
www.onlybmh.com
Thanks very much Belen, glad you enjoyed it and looking forward to checking out your blog, Belen
Wow ! I went in Rome last year but only for one day because I was in Frosinone ! So beautiful <3
_Aishettina_
I hadn’t heard of Frosinone but I’ve googled it and it looks lovely especially at night
It’s been many years since I went to Rome but I never came across these! They look fantastic!
We’d both been before so we didn’t need to spend as long on the main sights, though we did enjoy those too
Great job, Amazing pics!!!!
xo Paola
Expressyourself
My Facebook
Thanks very much Paola, loving your Sardinia pics
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.
There was a huge queue so we just had a quick look at it, as you say there’s so much to see, Carmen
Glad you liked it Patricia, and hope you get to visit Rome soon
The country is very beautiful and fulls of historical places. I need to visit one day 🙂
You definitely should Gail, I’m lucky as I’m returning to Italy in September for a friend’s wedding
I need to visit Rome someday…looks like such an amazing place!
You’d find plenty of ruins to feature there Valerie!
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
My pleasure Cvetina, hope you’re having a great week so far
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
Thanks Ally, there’s so much to cram in, isn’t there! Hope you’re having a great Summer
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
Oh thanks for pointing that out Tahira, I’ll update my post!
Such wonderful stylishness! It almost makes you wonder why anyone would go anywhere else, Suze. I might not make it past Villa Medici 🙂
Ha ha, wouldn’t mind moving into the Villa Medici myself Jo!
It was a fantastic opportunity and the Colosseum visit in particular is one I’ll always remember
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.
It’s weird because even though you know it’s an illusion, it still really fooled me well!
looking forward to these when we return to rome!!
xoxo welltraveledwife.com
Ooh have fun, will look forward to reading about it
It’s a brilliant place for a short break, Ira
Indeed! 😉 Thanks for your reply, Suze!
xoxo Ira
Rome is such a beautiful city. Would love to return on a photography mission. PS – you are a babing juggler! 😉
I’m the world’s worst juggler known to mankind!
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!
How cool that you’ll be staying in Trastevere, Maaike – can’t wait to read your posts
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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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