Rome Off the Beaten Path -

This church is FREE and is one that is often skipped, but surely worth a visit. It is located near Piazza Navona in Rome, and is absolutely breathtaking. Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi is a Catholic Church dedicated to the patron saints of France: Virgin Mary, Dionysius the Areopagite and King Louis IX of France. It was opened in 1589.

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Museo Nazionale Romano, Palazzo Altemps

15th-century palace housing Renaissance artworks & antiquities, Greek & Roman sculptures & library.

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Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo al Celio

A very beautiful 5th-century church in Rome known for its circular plan, vibrant frescoes & chair of Pope Gregory the Great that holds one of the most beautiful rotunda’s. Located on a hill just adjacent to the baths of Caracalla and Colloseum lies this beautiful church. It’s well worth the visit and the views are quite stunning!

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Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere

Come see The Last Judgment, 14th-century painter Pietro Cavallini's masterwork, one of the most famous examples of Roman Naturalism. inside the fifth-century Basilica di Santa Cecilia. This church is really worth visiting.

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Domus Aurea

After a large fire in 64 A.D., Emperor Nero wanted to build a palace complex inspired by Hellenistic models to outshine everything that was there before. The palace consisted of 300 rooms, decorated with intricate frescoes, mosaics, and semi-precious stones. There were fountains, an artificial lake, and Nero’s famous coenatio rotunda, a self-rotating dining room.

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Palazzo Nuovo

The 17-century Palazzo Nuovo stands opposite the Palazzo dei Conservatori, on the splendid Piazza del Campidoglio, designed around the mid-16th century by Michelangelo, commissioned by Pope Paul III, and dominated in the background by Palazzo Senatorio.

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Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

The Doria-Pamphilj Gallery is situated in a Palace built between the middle of the fifteenth and the beginning of the eighteenth century, that previously belonged to the Della Rovere family, then became property of the Aldobrandini family from 1601 and of the Pamphilj family from 1647, after the marriage between Olimpia Aldobrandini and Camillo Pamphilj. It includes paintings by Raphael (Portrait of Andrea Navagero), Titian (Salome with the head of St. John the Baptist), Domenichino (Susan and the old men), Parmigianino (Madonna with the Infant, Nativity), Caravaggio (Rest during the flight to Egypt, St. John the Baptist, and Magdalene), Annibale e Ludovico Carracci (Satyr and shepherd, Madonna with the Infant, St. Sebastian), Mattia Preti (Magdalene repentant, St. John the Baptist, Christ conducted on the Scala Santa),Guercino (Erminia finds Tancred wounded, Allegory of springtime, Return of the prodigal son, St. Joseph), Guido Reni (Madonna adoring the Infant, St. Peter repentant, Sacred and profane love), Velazquez (portrait of Innocent the Tenth), Brueghel the Elder (Landscapes), Gaspard Dughet (Landscapes).

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Catacombe di San Callisto

The catacombs of St. Callixtus are among the greatest and most important of Rome. The catacombs are located just outside the center, on the right of the Appian Way ( the oldest rode in Rome), after the church of "Quo Vadis". This space was once part of a cemeterial complex, in the 3rd century AD, for the Church of Rome. Around half a million Christians were buried here, among them many martyrs and 16 popes.

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Chiesa Santa Maria Addolorata

Commissioned and sponsored by Argentinian priests and bishops, this was the first South American national church in Rome. It took 20 years to build and was inaugurated in 1930, but trust me when I say, this church is worth adding to your list of places to visit in Rome. It is exquisitely beautiful, with mosaics on the outside that change color depending on the light, and on the inside there are 2 levels and a Neo-Byzantine interior with more mosaics. It's free to enter and open daily.

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Galleria Sciarra

Located just 2 minutes from the Trevi Fountain, you likely won't accidentally stumble upon this beautiful building. The brilliant courtyard today is located in the middle of an office building, but it was originally commissioned by Prince Maffeo Barberini-Colonna di Sciarra in the late 19th century to connect many different properties of his together. Now it is used as a shortcut for Romans to walk through the city. The courtyard is decorated in Art Noveau style with an iron and glass ceiling that lets in light to beautifully strike the frescoes.

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Vicus Caprarius-the Water City

Rediscovered in 1999, these underground ruins date back to Ancient Rome and are located just a few minutes from the Trevi Fountain.

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Capuchin Crypt

Warning - this is not for everyone - but if you're looking for an off the beaten path discovery in Rome, then this ossuary is just that. In the 17th century, the Capuchin Crypt was slowly built with the skeletons of the friars that died at this monastery. Skeletons are placed as works of art in several small chapels here, including everything from altars made of human bones, to chandeliers made with human bones, to full skeletons in the robes of a monk resting on a bed of bones.

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Villa Borghese

After lots of museums and exploring, take a moment to relax with the gorgeous serenity of Villa Borghese.

Tempio di Esculapio

Located in the gardens of Villa Borghese, the Temple of Aesculapius was built between 1785 and 1792 by Antonio Asprucci and his son Mario Asprucci, with help from Cristoforo Unterperger. Take one of the little boats and enjoy the views.

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Villa Borghese

Villa Borghese was once Cardinal Scipione Borghese’s residence and secret garden. Now it's open to the public to enjoy. Rent a rowboat for a fun and relaxing family-friendly activity in one of Rome’s most beautiful parks. The boats cost €3 for 20 minutes PER PERSON, and there are discounts for kids.

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Views

Tiber Island

Did you know there was an island right in the middle of Rome's center? Isola Tiberina is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the world and is about 20 minutes walking from the Colosseum. The island is home to the Basilica di San Bartolomeo, which dates back to the 10th century, and was built on an ancient temple. Inside the church, you can even see relics from Catholic martyrs that were chewed up by lions in the Colosseum. It is also home to a hospital and one restaurant.

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Giardino degli Aranci

The Giardino degli Aranci, or Parco Savello, sits atop the Aventine Hill and offers fantastic views of Rome. The garden was once the site of a fortress owned by the Savello Family, and you can still spot the remains of the fort walls surrounding the garden.

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Janiculum Hill

The 8th hill of Rome is located south of the Vatican, just above Trastevere. Head to the top of this hill and you'll have an exquisite view overlooking the city.

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Parco della Caffarella

Only a 15 minute walk from the Collosseum, this park will have you thinking you are not in the city of Rome anymore. You can find simply stroll the park, find Roman ruins, a cheese-farm factory, and enjoy!

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Monument to Victor Emmanuel II

You can enter this monument for free up until the 5th floor, however, I highly recommend paying the 10 euro (cash) to take the elevator to the top floor for the most fantastic view of Rome.

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If you're a fan of cinema

Mouth of Truth

For any fans of cinema, or Audrey Hepburn, live out your "Roman Holiday" and follow in Hepburn's footsteps with a visit to La Bocca della Verità, also known as the Mouth of Truth, where the famous "Roman Holiday" scene took place. Bocca della Verità, made out of marble, is situated against the outside of the Santa Maria Cosmedin Church. Said to bite off the hand of those who have lied, people line up to stick their hand inside the Mouth of Truth, to test their validity. There are many different legends told, but one popular myth is the legend that a woman who committed adultery was brought to the mask by her husband. She fainted, scared her hand would be bit off by the mouth. This scene is mimicked in The Roman Holiday, when Audrey Hepburn's character is brought there and told by Gregory Peck's character the legend that if one is lying and sticks their hand into the mouth, the mouth will not return the hand.

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Cinecitta

An easy trek via the metro to the outskirts of the city centre, you'll feel transported to a past of Fellini. Cinecittà Studios, is a large film studio in Rome, Italy. It is the largest film studio in Europe, and is considered the hub of Italian cinema. The studios were constructed during the Fascist era as part of a plan to revive the Italian film industry and makes for a great visit, where you can walk among many sets of famous films.

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The Aventine Keyhole

Buco della serratura dell’Ordine di Malta

While you won't be in luck to capture a good photo with just an iPhone, the beauty you can capture from your naked eye is spectacular from this tiny, little peephole on the big doors on Aventine Hill, overlooking the dome of St. Peter's. They say you can technically see three countries - really it's two nation states, the Vatican, Rome, and the doorways inside are technically the Priory of the Knights of Malta. The space within the walls of this doorway is technically not considered "Italy".

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Relax at some Funky Cafes

Lumiere

This atmosphere will leave you surrounded by funky, mismatched lamps and cool lights, with a quirky, yet fun vibe.

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Chiostro del Bramante

This cafe is a special place to go for a cup of coffee. You can even see frescoes from Raphael from a special window

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Libreria Caffè Bohémien

In the heart of the Monti district, Libreria Caffè Bohemien is cozy, surrounded by books, and plush comfy seats. It's not huge but it's regal decor makes for a perfect place to pause and enjoy.

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Explore an Italian Cat Cafe

Romeow Cat Bistrot

If you're a cat lover, this place will be paradise, with delicious food and friendly cats hanging and walking around. This cat cafe is probably it's most unique kind in Italy, where cats come, hang out, lounge, sleep, and even come say hi.

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Relax at a Roman Spa

Six Senses Rome

This hotel has a day spa, offers a modern take on the ancient art of Roman bathing. For 55 euro you can spend an hour and fully immerse in the Roman bathing circuit

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Day Trip to Tivoli

Tivoli

Tivoli is a town and comune in Lazio, 30 kilometres north-east of Rome, at the falls of the Aniene river where it issues from the Sabine hills. The city offers a wide view over the Roman Campagna and is a perfect town to visit for half a day - a day from Rome. You can admire so many beautiful villas and gardens here, not to mention it has been the scenery of many films, including the Lizzie McGuire Movie

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Villa d'Este

Villa d'Este is a 16th-century villa in Tivoli, famous for its terraced hillside Italian Renaissance garden and its numerous fountains. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Hadrian's Villa

Hadrian's Villa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising ruins and archaeological remains of a large villa complex built around AD 120 by Roman Emperor Hadrian. It is the most imposing and complex Roman villa known to man.

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Villa Gregoriana

Villa Gregoriana is a park located in Tivoli. The park is located at the feet of the city's ancient acropolis, which was commissioned by Pope Gregory XVI in 1835 to rebuild the bed of the Aniene River, which had been damaged by the flood of 1826. It's a great place to walk around and admire the glorious views, like the many waterfalls.

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Ristorante Sibilla

After a lot of exploring, you'll have worked up a huge appetite. This restaurant offers fantastic views over the villas and gardens.

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Other Easy Day Trips from Rome

Castel Gandolfo

You can easily take a train to Castel Gandolfo from Rome, and so it makes for a wonderful day trip. The town itself is charming and has amazing views of Lake Albano. Make sure to visit the Papal Palace and gardens. If you are a fan of art history discover the Museo Diocesano as well.

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Ponza

Ponza is a popular vacation destination, especially for Romans and Neapolitans, since it is an easy ferry ride away. It is often referred to as the "Capri without the tourists", as it is ruled by locals instead. This gem of a town is full of steep white cliffs and crystalline water.

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Lake Albano

While it's best to arrive here with a car, another option could be to take the train from Rome to Castel Gandolfo, 25km southeast of Rome. You can visit the lake, take a walk around it, have some lunch, go swimming, or even go kayaking!

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Orvieto

Orvieto is a perfect day trip from Rome. Located about an hour away from Rome, enjoy the charming and breathtaking town. Take the funicular up to the center of Orvieto, explore the Pozzo della Cava, the Pozzo di San Patrizio, and admire the views from the Communal Gardens of Orvieto.

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Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica are a compilation of ancient ruins, about half an hour by train from central Rome. It was once an ancient Roman city and the port of ancient Rome located at the mouth of the Tiber River. It is near modern Ostia, 25 kilometres southwest of Rome. Now it sits 3km from the sea, due to water pollution and the invasion of sand.

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Lake Bracciano

Lake Bracciano is a lake of volcanic origin in Lazio, 32 km northwest of Rome. It is the second largest lake in the region and one of the major lakes of Italy. If you're looking for a perfect getaway during the hot summer heat, then this lake is it! It's an hour drive from the city, and has many opportunities for water sport lovers.

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Discover Rome's Beautiful Rooftop Bars

This is a list of the best rooftop bars in Rome, Italy. If you're looking for a place to relax, have a drink, and enjoy some of the best views overlooking Rome, then check out this guide! This guide includes 16 rooftop bars + 1 speakeasy that will give you plenty of options for Rome's best views

Rooftop Bars in Rome

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And Make Sure to Eat like a Local

Testaccio market

Explore a food market in Rome

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Flavio al Velavevodetto

Definitely call ahead for a reservation. This place has some of the best carbonara!

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Supplì Roma

This place is perfect for street food! The supplì are simliar to arancini, as they are fried rice balls, filled with tomato sauce and ground meat, mixed with the rice.

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Vinoteca 900

Just minutes from the Pantheon, this square, Piazza delle Copelle, has a bunch of great food/drink options!

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Felice a Testaccio | ROMA

Located in the Testaccio neighborhood, this place is a staple for the traditional Cacio e Pepe.

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Osteria dal 1931

This was one of my favorite at home style lunches in Rome. A little outside the center of Rome, but completely worth the trek. You can reach this restaurant by car, taxi, or public bus. Frequented by Anthony Bourdain this little hole‑in‑the‑wall was absolutely to die for.

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If you need some other food recommendations please email me, daniellerosemarketing@gmail.com for a discount code if you'd like to purchase my full guide on where to eat in Rome like a local.

For purchasing this guide, I will throw in a free service for personal bookings, and I'll be happy to call up to 3 restaurants for reservations for you.

Where to Eat Like a Local in Rome

Rome is a great place for history, art, but especially for food! After visiting so many incredible sites and walking so much, you will surely gather up a big appetite, and you are in the perfect place for that! Home to the carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and gricia pasta, Roman artichokes, and supplì ‑ you are in good hands if you want to eat. 😋 This guide includes 16 restaurants, 1 gelateria, 1 cafe, and one speakeasy bar (and always updating). These are all delicious and local spots to try in Rome, avoiding the touristy places. I recommend making reservations at these following places ahead of time!

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Relax in Some Funky Cafes

Instagram Worthy Cafes in Rome

Check out this guide for the most fun and unique, "Instagramable" and photographable cafes in Rome, Italy. This guide includes 7 incredibly unique cafes that make for a fun place to stop, have a drink/coffee and enjoy Rome's cool cafe scene.

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