From incredibly stunning ancient ruins to monuments to underground jewels, Rome is full of incredible treasures. The city is so popular that even those who’ve never been there can tell its main features, including the iconic Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica. While many tourists keep exploring its most famous attractions, its off-the-beaten path is straight-up lovely. Whether looking for lesser-visited museums or restaurants only known by the locals. Some of these places also boast some of the most breathtaking views. Here are the 10 truly hidden gems in Rome you shouldn't miss.
10 San Clemente Basilica
Located near the world-famous Colosseum, San Clemente is one of the hidden travel gems in Rome. Even though this church is just as old as its neighbor, it remains one of the least explored churches in the city. There is a fascinating story behind the existence of this beautiful church. It's nestled in a spot used by the earliest Christians to pray when the religion was unacceptable in Rome. Excavations done in the past revealed two layers, dating back to the first and fourth centuries.
- Opening hours: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Mondays to Fridays, and 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm Saturdays & Sundays
- Cost of entrance: $10.74
9 Quartiere Coppede
A few travelers who’ve been to this small neighborhood in Rome will tell you how beautiful the experience is. When in Quartiere Coppede, it feels like a fairy tale since its features are out of this world. The district is the tiniest in the city, and vacationers will hardly find any towering buildings around, but it possesses a unique charm that makes it worth visiting. It is completely off the beaten path, and one can only find a few tourists. Travelers can choose to explore the neighborhood on their own or join a guided tour that allows them to discover more incredible Roman hidden gems.
8 Villa Medici
Constructed in 1540, Villa Medici, on the Pincian Hill overlooking the city, and the French Academy of Rome. While it's an off-the-beaten-path in Rome, it is one of the most incredible complexes in the city, thanks to its stunning architecture, fascinating history, and amazing culture. The complex offers numerous art exhibitions and is popular among scholars and artists. It's been used as a center for knowledge acquisition by some of the most iconic French artists, sculptors, and scholars. Villa Medici is a lesser-known destination among overseas travelers. But it's a bit popular among Europeans.
7 Trastevere
Another lesser-known district in Rome, Trastevere, is located in the central part of the city, boasting a unique atmosphere and an incredible culinary scene. This neighborhood is arguably the most charming in Rome and is a bit popular, but since many vacationers mostly visit Piazza di Santa Maria and only a handful of places within, it is still considered one of Rome’s hidden travel gems. Trastevere boasts a food market, a playground, and a few restaurants that serve some of the most delicious eats.
Trastevere’s restaurants are truly special. When looking for a place to grab some food, consider only spots popular among the locals. And for a more authentic culinary experience, join a food tour guided by a local, and discover the best of the neighborhood’s culinary delights.
6 Aventine Hill
Aventine Hill is the southernmost part of Rome's Seven Hills. The place is among the hidden travel gems in Rome, and tourists will hardly find anyone around but brimming with incredibly stunning hidden gems worthy of exploring. It is a perfect spot to get away from the city’s crowds to relax. Aventine Hill is a significant part of the Roman past that is now home to some of the most beautiful churches, impressive gardens, and stunning architecture. One of this area’s main highlights is the 8,00-square-meter Orange Trees Garden, one of the city’s largest parks.
5 Borromini’s Perspective
Located in Palazzo Spada, a magnificent lesser-known palace in the Regola district, Borromini's Perspective is a spectacular gallery known for its beautiful optical illusion. The perspective gallery is in the palace's courtyard. The actual gallery is very different from how it appears in pictures. Its corridor is a bit shorter, and the impressive sculpture is smaller. But a visit to this secret spot in Rome guarantees unforgettable experiences. Cardinal Spada commissioned the optical illusion and asked Barromini, to design it with some help from a mathematician.
4 Via Margutta
Via Margutta is a gorgeous street between the Spanish Steps of Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo. The street is lined with impressive buildings, full of wealthier Italians. This place gained recognition when the movie, 'Roman Holiday,' came out in 1953. After that, some of the most famous people made the place their home, making it one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Rome. The street is still one of the hidden travel gems in Rome, full of bucket-list-worthy treasures.
Romantic Holiday fan? Visit Via Margutta 51 and find the palazzo where the movie star, Joe Bradley, stayed.
3 San Luigi Dei Francesi
San Luigi dei Francesi is a beautiful church, sometimes referred to as the Church of St. Louis of French, dedicated to King St. Louis IX. What to see in the church? One of the most striking sights in the church is the façade decorated with beautiful statues and carvings. When done admiring the facade, vacationers can take in the gorgeous views of the golden interiors. The interiors are adorned with impressive sculptures, ornate ceilings, and magnificent carvings, creating an incredibly awesome result.
- Opening hours: 10:00 am – 12:30 pm, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Closes on Thursdays.
Visitors can arrange private group tours on Thursdays with the church administration. One of the church’s priests may also show someone around if they are available.
Put on appropriate attire because this is a place of worship. Vacationers must have their shoulders covered and avoid wearing short skirts. One can bring something to cover themselves when undergoing the beautiful tours in the church. Those not well-dressed are sent away by the church staff.
2 Gianicolo Hill
It’s going to take a lot to achieve the incredible rewards of Italian hidden gems. That’s the case with Gianicolo Hill, which offers some of the most beautiful views of Rome. To get here, travelers need to stroll west from River Tiber and climb the hill to Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi. Located above the charming historic Trastevere, visitors can join walking tours.
Some Travestere food and private driving tours dedicated to exploring Rome’s most scenic overlooks make a stop at this spot. Join one of these tours.
1 Doria Pamphilj Gallery
Doria Pamphilj Gallery is one of the most stunning hidden treasures of Rome. It’s home to some of the most impressive furnishings and paintings, making it one of the city’s best museums. It has art pieces from the family of Doria Pamphilj representing different historical periods. Some of the most iconic painters' works, including Titian and Velazquez, are housed here. Another thing to admire in the museum is its gorgeous interior, adorned, and travelers will be impressed with the architectural features.
- Opening hours: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (last entrance is allowed up to 5:30), Mondays to Thursdays, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (last entrance allowed up to 6:30), Fridays to Sundays
Vacationers can only visit the gallery by booking a ticket only for the opening hours. The ticket office operates from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm between Mondays and Thursdays & from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm between Fridays to Sundays. It's closed on the third Wednesday of every month, New Year's Day, Easter, and Christmas Day.