Unique Things to Do in Rome that Most Tourists Miss
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Rome, you’re in the right place. While the Eternal City is famous for landmarks like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City, there’s so much more to discover beyond the typical tourist attractions.
We’ve been lucky enough to visit Rome eight different times over the years. Some visits were spent staying with local friends, while others were during our time working on cruise ships, when we’d dock nearby in Civitavecchia and spend the day exploring the city. Each trip has shown us a different side of Rome, from hidden churches and family-run restaurants to unforgettable experiences that many visitors never even hear about.
While many of these experiences are perfect if you’ve already checked off the best things to do in Rome for first-time visitors, you don’t have to be a repeat visitor to enjoy them. If you’re looking to experience a different side of the city and discover some of our favorite hidden gems, then this guide is for you.
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Our Travel Planning Recommendations
Before Exploring the Most Unique Things to Do in Rome
Before diving into some of our favorite hidden gems and unique experiences, here are a few things to know to help you plan your trip.
🇮🇹 Is Rome Worth Visiting More Than Once?
Rome is one of those cities that we never get sick of visiting! While most people come to Rome for its famous landmarks, we’ve found that the city gets even better with each visit.
After eight trips, we’re still discovering new neighborhoods, restaurants, churches, and experiences that make us fall in love with Rome all over again.
If you’ve already explored the city’s iconic attractions, don’t worry. There are plenty of lesser-known places and unforgettable experiences that are well worth adding to your itinerary.
📅 How Many Days Do You Need to Experience a Different Side of Rome?
If you’ve already visited Rome before, we’d recommend spending at least three or four days exploring beyond the main attractions. This gives you enough time to slow down, wander through neighborhoods you may have missed, try a few unique experiences, and even take a day trip into the countryside.
If it’s your first time in the city, don’t feel like you have to choose between the famous sights and these hidden gems. Many of the experiences in this guide can easily be combined with the city’s iconic attractions.
🎟 Should You Book These Experiences in Advance?
While you can visit many of Rome’s churches, galleries, and neighborhoods without planning ahead, some of the more unique experiences do require advance bookings. Activities like cooking classes, wine tastings, candlelit dinners, and special tours often have limited availability, especially during the busy spring and summer months.
If there’s something you’re particularly excited about, we’d recommend reserving it ahead of time so you don’t miss out.
The Most Unique Things to Do in Rome
While Rome’s iconic attractions deserve all the hype, some of the city’s most memorable experiences are the ones that fly under the radar.
Whether it’s discovering a hidden church, enjoying a one-of-a-kind dining experience, or seeing the city from a completely different perspective, there are plenty of ways to experience Rome past the typical tourist trail.
Here are some of our favorite unique things to do in Rome that we think are well worth adding to your itinerary.
🖼 Explore Rome’s Underrated Galleries
The Vatican Museums may be at the top of every Rome itinerary, but they’re far from the only place to admire incredible artwork. If you’re looking to escape the crowds while still experiencing some of the city’s finest collections (and some gorgeous architecture), these galleries are a must
🏛 Discover Rome’s Hidden Churches & Architecture
While everyone flocks to St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome is home to hundreds of beautiful churches that often get overlooked. Here are a few that we think are super beautiful and worth adding to your itinerary.
🍝 Try One-of-a-Kind Food Experiences
Italian food is reason enough to visit Rome, but aside from the traditional trattorias are some truly unforgettable dining experiences. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill or enjoy a meal you’ll be talking about for the rest of your life, here are a few unique food experiences to add to your itinerary.
🕯️ Enjoy a Candlelit Dinner Among Ancient Ruins
If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a memorable evening, you should definitely book this unique experience – a candlelit dinner set among ancient Roman ruins. Combining incredible food with a historic setting, it’s one of the most romantic and unique dining experiences you can have in the city.
🍴 Dine at a Pistachio-Themed Restaurant
If you love pistachios, this is one stop you won’t want to miss. Eden Laboratorio has created an entire menu inspired by the famous nut, with everything from appetizers and pasta dishes to desserts featuring pistachios in creative ways.
Although it’s located outside the historic center, we can confidently say it’s worth the trip. Two of our favorite dishes were the fried burrata and the beef tartare, both topped with generous amounts of pistachio. It’s one of the most unique restaurants we’ve visited anywhere in Italy, and absolutely all the rave!
🧑🏻🍳 Hire a Private Chef
If you’re staying in an apartment or vacation rental, why not bring dinner to you? You can hire a private chef, allowing you to enjoy a personalized Italian dining experience from the comfort of your accommodation.
It’s the perfect option for families, groups, or anyone celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or special trip. Plus, you’ll often have the chance to learn more about each dish and the local ingredients directly from the chef.
🍽️ Prefer to have an experience like this outside your accommodation? You can also treat yourself to a four-course chef’s tasting menu.
🍄🟫 Go Truffle Hunting in the Roman Countryside
If you’re willing to venture beyond the city, truffle hunting is one of the most unique foodie experiences you can have near Rome. Join an expert guide and specially trained dogs as you search the countryside for one of Italy’s most prized ingredients before sitting down to enjoy a meal featuring your fresh discoveries.
🍷 Go Wine Tasting in the Roman Countryside
Just outside the city, you’ll find beautiful vineyards producing excellent local wines. A wine tasting is the perfect excuse to escape the crowds for a few hours while learning about the region’s winemaking traditions. Many experiences also include vineyard tours and food pairings, making for a relaxing afternoon.
🍹 Learn to Make Italian Cocktails or Limoncello
If you’re looking for a fun evening activity, you can take a cocktail or limoncello-making class. You’ll learn the history behind some of Italy’s most iconic drinks while creating your own under the guidance of local experts. It’s a unique experience that combines culture, great drinks, and plenty of fun.
🚗 Explore Rome from a Different Perspective
While wandering Rome on foot is one of the best ways to experience the city, there are plenty of unique tours that let you see the Eternal City from a completely different perspective.
Whether you’re looking for fun ways to get around Rome or simply want a memorable experience, these tours are well worth looking into.
🚙 Tour Rome in a Vintage Fiat 500
One of the most iconic ways to explore Rome is in a classic Fiat 500. These charming vintage cars are iconic in Italy, making them the perfect backdrop for cruising through the city’s historic streets.
Many experiences also include stops at scenic viewpoints and a professional photoshoot, so you’ll leave with some incredible memories and even better photos.
🏎️ Drive a Ferrari Through the Italian Countryside
For something completely different, why not get behind the wheel of a Ferrari? Several experiences allow you to leave the busy city behind and take one of Italy’s most famous sports cars for a drive through the surrounding countryside. It’s a bucket list experience for car lovers and an unforgettable way to see a different side of the region.
If you’re looking for even more ways to explore Rome, you can also book:
🚲 An e-bike tour to cover more of the city with ease.
🛺 A tuk tuk tour for a fun and relaxed sightseeing experience.
⛳ A golf cart tour that’s perfect if you’re short on time or want to avoid walking in the summer heat.
🎨 Learn a New Skill in Rome
One of the best ways to connect with Italian culture is by trying something hands-on. Instead of simply sightseeing, why not leave Rome with a new skill and a one-of-a-kind souvenir?
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🎭 Experience a Different Side of Rome
Rome’s history goes way beyond museums and archaeological sites. If you’re looking for an experience that’s entertaining, interactive, or simply unlike anything you’ve done before, these activities are sure to make your trip truly unique and interesting.
⚔️ Train Like a Roman Gladiator
Step back nearly 2,000 years by joining a gladiator school, where you’ll learn the basics of ancient Roman combat from trained instructors. It’s a fun, interactive experience that’s great for families, history buffs, or anyone looking to do something completely different during their time in Rome.
☠️ Visit the Capuchin Crypt
If you’re looking for one of the most unusual things to do in Rome, don’t skip the Capuchin Crypt. Located beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, this fascinating site is decorated with the bones of more than 3,000 Capuchin friars.
While it may sound a little creepy, the crypt was created as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life rather than something intended to frighten visitors. As you walk through the different chapels, you’ll find intricate designs made entirely from human bones, creating one of the most mindblowing and unique attractions in Rome.
Before entering the crypt, be sure to explore the museum, which shares the history of the Capuchin Order and provides important context that makes the experience even more meaningful.
💡 Make sure to cover your shoulders and knees while visiting.
🗡️ Discover Rome’s Scandalous Past
History doesn’t have to be boring! A scandalous Roman history tour combines wild stories of emperors, affairs, betrayals, and political drama with stops for drinks along the way. It’s one of the most entertaining ways to learn about the city’s colorful past.
🎤 Spend an Evening at the Opera
Even if you’ve never been to an opera before, Rome is one of the best places to experience one. From grand theaters to intimate performances in historic churches and palaces, it’s an amazing way to immerse yourself in Italian culture while enjoying an grand evening.
🌿 Venture Beyond the City
Rome has plenty to offer, but if you have an extra day or simply want to escape the crowds, there are some incredible adventures waiting just outside the city. From soaring above the countryside to exploring Italy’s natural landscapes, these experiences are perfect for travelers looking to see a different side of the region.
🎈 Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, consider taking a hot air balloon ride over the Italian countryside. Watching the sun rise over rolling hills, vineyards, and historic villages is an incredible way to appreciate the beauty surrounding Rome and is easily one of the most unique experiences you can have during your trip.
🌊 Experience Rome from the Water
Most visitors experience Rome by wandering its historic streets, but very few ever get to see the Eternal City from the Tiber River. If you’re looking for a completely different perspective, these water-based adventures are some of the most unique things to do in Rome.
Go Urban Rafting on the Tiber River
Looking for an adventure you won’t find in many other European capitals? Urban rafting lets you experience Rome from a perspective that very few visitors ever get to enjoy.
As you float down the Tiber River, you’ll pass beneath historic bridges and admire some of Rome’s iconic landmarks from the water, all while learning about the city’s history from experienced rafting guides. Since the Tiber isn’t open to recreational boating, this guided rafting experience is one of the only ways to navigate this stretch of the river, making it a truly one-of-a-kind activity.
Go Kayaking
If you’d rather enjoy a slower-paced adventure, kayaking is another great way to experience the natural beauty surrounding Rome. Whether you’re paddling along a peaceful river, lake, or nearby coastline, it’s a fun way to escape the busy streets for a few hours and enjoy a different side of Italy.
