Published 8th Aug. 2023
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The Ancient Romans called it the ‘Eternal City’, believing the relentless power of their Empire meant Rome would go on forever. And although the Roman Empire might be a thing of the past, they were certainly onto something, as the capital of Italy remains as captivating as ever. Like all eternally enticing destinations, Rome receives millions of visitors each year (2.78 million at the last count in 2022). So, to help you discover some (almost) secret spots in this tourist-tempting and enduringly lovely city, here’s our pick of the best hidden gems in Rome, including churches, museums, parks and our favourite Roman neighbourhood.
While queues snake across the paving stones of the Vatican to enter the world-famous St. Peter's Basilica, the lesser-known Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli doesn’t draw the same swarms of sightseers. Although close to the often-crowded Colosseum, you can enjoy the treasures of this fifth-century church in relative solitude. Its name – meaning ‘St. Peter in chains’ – comes from the chains displayed beneath the altar, said to be the shackles that held St. Peter while he was captive in an Ancient Roman prison. For art lovers, Michelangelo’s Moses is another reason to plan a pilgrimage here. The Renaissance master completed his magnificent marble sculpture of Moses in 1515 and unlike the showstopping ceiling of the Sistine Chapel (his more renowned work in Rome) you shouldn’t have to queue to see this astounding piece of art in person.
The saying goes that all roads lead to Rome. And that’s certainly true for the Via Appia Antica (or the Appian Way). It’s one of the oldest Roman roads; a strategic route originally stretching from Rome to Brindisi in southern Italy. Today, traversing the ancient cobblestones (still marked by carriage tracks) is a great way to see some of the hidden gems in Rome, including the catacombs, tombs and archaeological sites that litter the route. Whether walking, cycling (we recommend hiring an electric bike for almost effortless pedalling) or saddling up for a horseback tour, there are miles of monuments to discover, all linked by this historic highway.
Choosing where to stay is always tricky the first time you visit a city. And in a tourist hotspot like Rome, seeking out a quiet, quirky or quintessentially local neighbourhood can make the difference between holiday hassle and holiday heaven. Our pick of secret spots is the Quartiere Coppedè, close to the beauty of the Villa Borghese and its gorgeous gardens. Named after Gino Coppedè (the architect who designed its buildings), this fairy-tale-like district is a beguiling blend of Art Nouveau, Baroque, Greek and Roman architecture. It’s a charming mishmash of styles that you can’t help but point a camera at. And although the Quartiere Coppedè itself is tiny, the Trieste Salario neighbourhood it sits in is one of Rome’s most delightful residential areas. Located off the main tourist trail, it’s a relaxing place to stay the night, yet just a 30-minute walk or short bus ride to Rome’s historical centre.
Steps from the Trevi Fountain (a landmark that’s firmly on the beaten path), the Galleria Sciarra is a hidden highlight of the city. This opulent courtyard, with colourful Art Nouveau frescoes covering the four-storey walls, was built in the late 19th century to be a shopping centre. That idea never came to fruition, but the courtyard remains; now predominantly used as a pretty cut-through by pedestrians. Spend a while looking up at the lavishly adorned walls, where the frescoes celebrate Roman women and the female virtues of kindness, modesty and patience. The Galleria Sciarra only requires a short pitstop as you pass by, however it’s one of the most charming hidden gems in Rome.
Between the churches, museums and to-die-for food, it can be easy to spend too much time indoors during your trip to Rome. For an outdoor interlude, visit the Parco della Caffarella. Close to the Appian Way, this large park has scenic forests, rolling hills and fields of grazing sheep. In fact, the only reminders that you’re still in Rome are the ruins that scatter the park. From the hiking and biking trails to the peaceful picnic areas, this is a popular place for locals to escape the busy city streets. And with almost 470 acres to explore, there’s plenty of space to share with your fellow peace-and-quiet seekers.
There are more museums in Rome than you can shake a guidebook at, but big hitters like the Vatican Museums are frequently beset by a backlog of visitors. The Capitoline Museums are jam-packed with archaeological artefacts, ancient finds and art (including two works by Caravaggio), yet rarely jam-packed with tourists. And because this vast and varied collection remains relatively under the radar, you can sample a spot of culture without the crowds. Situated atop the Capitoline Hill (one of the famous Seven Hills of Rome), the museum complex also offers commanding views of the Eternal City.
Trendy Trastevere appears in almost every round-up of hidden gems in Rome, so much so that you could argue that this neighbourhood across the Tiber River isn’t all that hidden anymore. But it’s still a gem, and one we simply couldn’t miss from our list. Cobbled lanes lead between ivy-clad, ochre-coloured buildings, inside which you can find some of Rome’s finest bars and restaurants. Trastevere comes alive at night, when its largely car-free labyrinth of lanes fills with revellers drawn by the district’s distinctly bohemian vibe. Come for drinks, stay for dinner, then linger a little longer for another drink or two. You won’t be the only traveller who crosses the bridge to come here, but this is one spot that shines when it’s bustling and busy.
Italy is a holiday hotspot (for good reason), so our help in navigating the crowds is invaluable. From snapping up hard-to-come-by Vatican tickets (at the quietest times of day) to organising an archaeologist to guide you around Pompeii, our consultants have the insider intel to make your trip unforgettable. Stuck on where to stay? Our vetted accommodation options range from family-run ‘trullis’ in Puglia to big-name hotels in Venice. So, whether you're an adventurous family or a couple on a romantic retreat, we can find the version of Italy to suit you.
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