Veritably drenched in history as far back as, well, almost forever. It’s easy to see why people come from all corners of the globe to experience the delights found within this Italian capital. Whether it’s the ornate and bountiful fountains found throughout the city such as the Trevi Fountain (Romans are obsessed with fountains) or the desire to climb the Spanish Steps, Rome’s place as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe is definitely not a statement without evidence and should be on anyone’s travel wishlist. But, there’s more to life than fountains. We’re all huge Rome fans here at Global Grasshopper and in partnership with Trip4Real, here’s our collective selection for 12 different, unusual things to do in Rome….
Cycle to Castel Sant’Angelo at sunset
What’s better than cycling around Rome on a balmy evening after a little aperitivo? With the sun setting in front of you as you ride a bicycle towards the famous Castel Sant’Angelo. You’ll have the opportunity to see the Tiber River, ancient and enchanting bridges and, of course, the sublime sunset. What are you waiting for? Book a fabulously cool hotel in Rome and get on yer bike!
Visit the Museum of the Souls in Purgatory
This museum is found within another museum. Museumception. The Museum of Souls in Purgatory is situated in the vestry of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This is a place in Rome which is really off the beaten path and isn’t full of tourists. The amazing thing about this place? It’s just a simple room full of scorched papers, books and bibles of people’s faces – representing souls trapped in purgatory. Not bad, Rome. Not bad at all. Looking for more interesting places to visit like this one? Here are some of the best tours in Rome.
Go for an espresso in a historic cafe
Italians know their coffee. No, like, they really know it. There isn’t a Starbucks in sight in Rome. Anyway, back in 1945 a man called Achille Gaggia invented what is known as the modern espresso machine in Milan and before long everyone was crazy for the caffeine. But to have a really delicious espresso like the Romans, pop to Caffè Sant’Eustachio. It opened in 1938 and the original furnishings are still largely there. Awesome.
Take a gelato class in Trastevere
Gelato is to Rome what cheese is to France, it’s what oxygen is to my lungs. Necessary. A requirement. And what better place to get your gelato fix then in the capital of Italy. Gelato is a serious affair and not to be taken lightly. A class at the Gelato School in Trastevere will have you learning the basics of this indulgent ice cream including the importance of the consistency between dairy and water. The ingredients are organic and fresh so I suppose that makes it all slightly less guilt-inducing for the dieters amongst us.
Make friends with cats
Miaow. Rome is home to many cats without homes. But there’s a shelter found within the city just for them. So if you’re feline particularly lonely and want to surround yourself with an abundance of cats then Largo Argentina is the place for you. Whilst a cat sanctuary is no unusual thing what makes this one special is its set upon the ruins of Pompey’s Theatre. Trust cats to set up camp in such a majestic way.
Explore Pigneto’s street art
Paris has Belleville, London has Shoreditch, New York has Williamsburg and Italy has Pigneto. It’s the alternative neighbourhood that’s bursting with enough street art to throw a stick at. Local artists flock here from all over and the decorated buildings are a feast for the eyes. So for the hipsters amongst us, this is certainly a place to go and get lost in the streets. In this little corner of Rome there’s also a cinema and a food market making it one vibrant and cultural district worth witnessing.
Visit one of Rome’s flea markets
Whilst Rome is typically known for its high fashion from the likes of prestigious designers like Armani, Prada, Gucci and Versace, you’d be surprised of the treasures hidden within the various Roman vintage markets. A stone’s throw away from the Colosseum is the Monti Market which strikes a balance between vintage fashion and bright and wonderful furnishing. It’s full of many old and unloved items begging to be given a new lease of life.
People watch
Free things to do in Rome? Hello, people watching. This is great because you don’t pay a penny and it’s fascinating. Everyone in Rome, whether it’s students, families, kids, anyone they congregate in piazzas and public places making for the perfect excuse to sit and see Italian life happen right before your eyes.
Go horse riding on the Appian Way
Yep. Horse riding. Totally possible. Completely fun. Firstly, the Appian Way is beautiful whether you manage to find a horse or not. It’s an ancient Roman road that connected the capital city to Brindisi. The long length of the road matched with the verdant vistas make it a perfect excuse to grab your hiking boots and go for a day long walk. Although, if you manage to walk the 350 miles in one day, I’ll eat my hat. But, in the spirit of doing things slightly differently, grab a horse (preferably find one from a registered horse riding company) and see the history unfold before your eyes.
Learn how to make pasta with a local Italian family
The glutton in us cannot help but throw another foodie thing to do in Rome. Italy basically has pasta coming out of its ears. It’s everywhere. Left, right and centre. And we love it. Tagliatelle, farfalle, fusilli, spaghetti, fettuccine… it’s like poetry. Tasty, tasty poetry. But imagine doing it in an authentic Italian family home with an authentic Italian wood oven? Buon appetito!
See art by Caravaggio
Caravaggio is almost synonymous with Italian baroque art. At the Galleria Borghese you can feast your eyes on the works created by this genius alongside others such as Titian. It’s really worth it if you’re huge art fan and it’s really worth it if you’re not because either way you’ll leave knowing a little more about Italian culture. And, that’s never a bad thing. Right?
Follow in Audrey Hepburn’s footsteps
Ahh, Audrey Hepburn. Such class. Such refinery. As the princess in the film Roman Holiday, she escapes her royal duties and goes off on her own to really discover Rome. On her discoveries she visits the Mouth of Truth or La Bocca della Verità in Italian. Its purpose is to “eat” the hands of liars when you slide your hand into its mouth. Try it! Although, unlike Audrey, it’s doubtful you’ll win an Academy Award during your visit.
With a thousands of really interesting things to do in Rome, no longer does heading to the typical monuments (I’m looking at you Spanish Steps!) have to be a priority. Take your time, try one of these unusual things to do in Rome and you’ll be experiencing the city a little more like a local. After all, isn’t that what we all want?
Written by Steven Douglas from Trip4real. Trip4 real connects travellers from across the globe access to more authentic and enriching experiences, trip4real’s technology enables locals to list activities with the click of a button and for travelers to book them just as easily.
24 Comments
Nisha
15 June, 2018 at 7:24 amBeautiful, Thanks for sharing this…
Kathryn
17 December, 2017 at 4:16 pmYour article made me fall in love with Rome.
Leah
4 October, 2017 at 10:21 pmOh Rome, always such an inspiring city with so many things to do! Thanks for putting together this list, I’d love to have a nontypical Roman experience!
Susan Eisenbarth
4 February, 2017 at 10:02 amI was privileged as a teen to travel to Rome! So now as an older adult I want to take my husband, and children to see Rome. You gave me several good ideas to explore!
Thank you,
Susan Eisenbarth
Erica
24 March, 2016 at 1:28 amThis is such a lovely post! I love Rome and have been a handful of times and I love these suggestions! Thank you!
Meredith
5 March, 2016 at 2:04 pmWould love to go to the vintage market in Monticello! Next time…
feli79
28 October, 2015 at 10:28 pmwow roma ♥
Renuka
20 August, 2015 at 5:28 amGreat tips! Although Italy is my dream destination, Rome doesn’t intrigue me much. But after reading this post, I think I would like to spend some time in Rome, too!
Sand In My Suitcase
10 August, 2015 at 3:46 pmRome is such a culturally rich city! When we visited, we spent a whole day in the Vatican, and felt we’d barely scratched the surface. We’d love to return (in shoulder season, when there are fewer crowds and the weather is cooler). The Galleria Borghese resonates with us, and how fun it would be to cycle to Castel Sant’Angelo!
John Berg
21 July, 2015 at 1:58 amWhat a cool list! I’m always looking for alternatives to do in cities while traveling! I’m planning to visit Rome in the spring so will bookmark this!
Escape Hunter
9 July, 2015 at 8:22 amOne humble thing I did was to taste genuine Italian pizza. It’s so good, yet so simple!
There’s nothing like the real thing…
Just don’t make a fool out of yourself by asking for a “ketchup” 😛
Becky Moore
20 July, 2015 at 1:56 pmHa ha yes a bit of a faux pas! 😉
Emma
28 June, 2015 at 7:55 pmLove all these ideas, I want to go back to Rome and do them all!
Becky Moore
28 June, 2015 at 9:41 pmYes Emma, hope you make it over there again soon!
Scott
28 June, 2015 at 7:52 pmI’ve been to Rome loads of times and even lived there but this has given me some very good ideas! Nice article!
Becky Moore
28 June, 2015 at 9:41 pmThanks Scott pleased it’s given you some fresh ideas such a great city!
Dax
28 June, 2015 at 3:15 pmOne of my friends told me about the historic cafe. So I am going to visit Rome in my next vacation with family. And I really wanna have espresso on historic cafe. And I will bookmark this article and visit all of the above places. Thanks.
Becky Moore
28 June, 2015 at 9:42 pmThanks Dax hope you enjoy the experience when you make it over there!
Suze The Luxury Columnist
25 June, 2015 at 4:32 pmWhat a fantastic round up! I’ve just been to Rome and I’ll probably be writing about some hidden gems but mine are different to these apart from following in Audrey Hepburn’s footsteps. Goes to show how much there is to do, love the gelato making idea!
Becky Moore
28 June, 2015 at 9:44 pmThanks Suze, a good excuse for another trip 😉
Marc
23 June, 2015 at 5:23 pmYes, those are some under the radar things to do. I will keep those in mind for later. Love making friends with Cats. 🙂
Becky Moore
28 June, 2015 at 9:44 pmYes we loved the cat sanctuary on our visit!
Tiana
23 June, 2015 at 3:11 pmNot sure what’s a cooler place to visit! Great shots and tips.
Becky Moore
28 June, 2015 at 9:44 pmThanks Tiana!