Rome is an amazing city that is not only bursting with history and famous architecture but also tourists and tour groups. You can easily get caught up in the mad dash to see all the top sights and never get a chance to see, feel and taste the hidden charms that make this “Eternal City” such an incredible destination. Here are 10 unique and overlooked things to do in Rome.
1. Smell oranges and peek through a keyhole on Aventine Hill
Just a short walk uphill from the Circus Maximus you will find Aventine Hill, a quiet neighborhood of monasteries, gardens and amazing views. Il Giardino Deli Aranci or the Garden of Oranges, not only features countless orange trees and gurgling fountains but also one of the best views of Rome, without an entrance fee or the crowds. It is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic in the late afternoon.
Just beyond the garden, further up the hill, you will find the gate of the priory of the Knights of Malta. You will notice the wear marks around the keyhole. If you peek through the keyhole you will find a perfectly framed view of St. Peters. Yet another reason to love this often overlooked hill.
2. Block out the noise and catch up on your reading
Nestled just off a very busy and noisy road not far from the Piazza Navona you will find the Biblioteca Angelica or Angelica Library. This gorgeous baroque library was founded in the 1500s and features over 200,000 books on literature, theater, and philosophy. It is one of the first public (free) libraries in the Roman empire. For anyone who loves books, history and calm quiet spaces the Angelica Library is a must see.
3. Take a bike ride back in history
An easy bus or taxi ride outside of the Roman city center, the Appian Way or Via Appia Antica is one of the oldest roads of the Roman Republic era. The majority of this ancient cobblestone road is closed to through traffic, making it a wonderful place to explore on bike. Pick out the perfect two-wheeler and explore the ancient ruins, secluded villas and sweeping pastures that now line the Appian Way. For more details on exploring this fascinating highway by bicycle, check out our Appian Way blog post.
4. Keep hydrated with a little history
Very little in Rome is free these days, but there is no need to spend anything for water. Throughout the city, you will find over 2500 public water fountains with water that is not only safe to drink but cool and refreshing. These fountains are not well-marked, so you will need to keep your eyes open in the courtyards and corners. Some of them are plain in design while others can be fanciful with intricate sculptures and inscriptions.
Rome has recently added modern technology in its quest to keep everyone hydrated. For something a little fancier, over 100 big green kiosks or water houses offer icy cold still or sparkling water throughout the city. While sparkling water is lovely, nothing beats the filling your water bottle from the same spouts Romans have been using for hundreds of years.
5. Tour the city by scooter
Rome seems made for a scooter. There are miles and miles of narrow, angled streets and alleys beckoning to be explored. Every turn is a picturesque pastiche of centuries gone by. Sure you could walk them all but you’d need a couple months. A more convenient and exhilarating method is hiring a guide to drive you on a Vespa.
Being driven around the city by scooter enables you to immerse yourself in a way that walking or riding in a car cannot provide. It’s fast, it’s flexible and it’s fun. There are numerous services but Scooter Roma should fit your needs nicely. Check out the video on their homepage.
6. Walk around an ancient chariot racing stadium
Below Pallantine Hill lies the Circus Maximus. At one time this huge stadium could hold 150,000 spectators. Today it is a public park enjoyed by couples, dog walkers, and families. Many people view this ancient stadium from above but few people actually visit the site in person.
There are very few structures remaining on this site but the general shape and outline are there. With a little imagination, you can walk the circumference of this ancient track and visualize the crowds of Romans along with the deafening roar as horses and chariots raced around it.
7. Sneak out of the city to the hilltop fortress of Orvieto
Although there are endless activities within Rome sometime you just need to get away to the countryside for the day. Orvieto is the perfect Italian hilltop town that checks all of the boxes for picture-perfect charm, unique sites, interesting history and delicious food. Hop and a train and in a little over an hour you will be transported to this jewel-box city. For more details on discovering the charms of this nearby town, check out our Orvieto blog post.
8. Enjoy an afternoon in the park with the locals
Rome’s Borghese Garden is the Central Park of the city. Sprawling over 226 acres, on sunny weekends it is filled with families enjoying picnics on the lawns, dogs frolicking among the shady trees and couples renting paddleboats to explore the small lake. The park also has a few museums, a puppet theater, and a small zoo.
9. Fuel up with delectable Italian delights
(Photo by Kate Hopkins / Flickr)
When most people think about Italian dolce, tiramisu is top of the list. Although Sicilian in origin, the Cannoli is still one of the most delicious, yet overshadowed sweets. Look for it on the dolce menu or when you are stopping off for an afternoon espresso.
10. Admire the Roman Forum from above
While the tour groups are walking among the Forum ruins, the locals are capturing it from above. Behind the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II and up a few steps, you will find a terrace that overlooks the entire Roman Forum. Join the school groups, young couples, and locals at sunset for the gorgeous view and photo opportunity.
Conclusion
Rome can be overwhelming with all of its must-see sights. But don’t forget to slow down, look around and discover some of the hidden charms of this amazing city.
What do you think? Feel free to share your hidden Roman gems!
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