30 Unique Things to Do in Rome (Hidden Gems & Fun Ideas)

Last updated on August 27th, 2026

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Looking for inspiration to fill in the gaps in your Rome itinerary? This compilation of unique things to do in Rome has you covered—from hidden bars and cool shops to secret frescoes and unique tours, there’s something for everyone.

Rome is without a doubt one of the most fascinating cities in the world, and its universal charm lies in its mind-blowing history and magical ancient feel—it truly transports you to another era.

And while learning all about its history is incredibly interesting, there are plenty of other things to do besides visiting the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel.

After visiting Rome multiple times over the years, and currently living in it with my circus job for almost two months, I’ve compiled this list of unique things to do in Rome to help you discover the city in a new way.

Let this be the perfect source of inspiration for when you just can’t figure out what your next step is after yet another historic tour.

From amazing Roman cheap eats, locally approved activities, secret bars, and some lesser-known historical sites, there’s a little bit of everything here.

So let’s get into it!

30 Fun and Unique Things to Do in Rome

1) One of the most unique things to do in Rome for spritz lovers is to visit the scenic Rooftop Spritzeria Monti and try some of their creative concoctions. We tried four different ones, and they were all delicious!

2) Something not to skip while visiting Rome is to taste Rome’s incredibly fresh aqueduct water that continuously flows out of the local drinking water fountains all around Rome. You might be skeptical to try it at first, but it’s perfectly potable and so refreshing!

3) A new addition to my ever-growing list of unique places to visit in Rome is the charming Spazio Sette Libreria, a cozy bookshop with a wandering cat, a second-floor café, and unexpected, beautiful frescoes, casually tucked away in the Historic Center. This is why I love Rome: ordinary things being extraordinarily beautiful. I spent many days working from their café, soaking in the unique space.

4) If looking for unique things to do in Rome, then visiting a specialty coffee shop is probably one of them. In Rome you’ll find no shortage of incredible, casual, neighborhood cafés. But if you’re a specialty coffee lover and would like to try a local one, then you must visit Barnum Roma for a delicious latte, pastries, and great brunch. This was my go-to spot for when I needed a latte in the late afternoon and didn’t feel like being judged by Italian baristas.

5) There are so many incredible gelato shops in Rome, but for a more unique gelato experience, make sure to stop by Frigidarium, where your gelato will be dipped in quick-drying melted chocolate, kind of like at Dairy Queen… but better.

6) One of my absolute favorite things to do in Rome that a lot of travelers miss is to explore the underrated, charming Monti neighborhood, a picturesque, quieter residential area just behind the tourist-packed Roman Forum, where you’ll find a few boutique shops and cute cafes.

7) If you’re looking for a fun evening plan, visit the Jerry Thomas website, find the password, ring the right doorbell, and be rewarded with some of the best cocktails in Rome at Jerry Thomas Speakeasy—this is one of my favorite unexpected, unique things to do in Rome.

8) A unique thing to do in Rome that will leave you reaping the rewards long-term is taking a cooking class. We did this Italian cooking class near Piazza Navona, and loved it! During it, you’ll learn to make ravioli, fettuccine, and a classic tiramisu from scratch, before sitting down to eat the fruits of your labor with a glass of wine. A perfect afternoon plan!

9) If you’re looking for unique tours in Rome, this small-group Rome highlights moonlight walking tour might be just what you want. As someone who loves exploring cities at night, this Rome evening tour is a great way to safely wander around the city, get unique insider knowledge, experience way fewer crowds, and enjoy a quieter Roman historic center.

10) A unique stop to add to your Rome itinerary that many visitors miss is the peaceful Giardino degli Aranci—understandably so, as it’s a little bit off the beaten path, but that’s what we are after, right? So, stop by a bakery for a panino, grab some snacks, have a picnic, and enjoy the panoramic view of the city.

11) For one of the most unique churches in Rome, visit Basilica Parrocchiale di Santa Maria del Popolo, a humble-looking parish by Piazza del Popolo housing incredible, free-to-see Caravaggio and Raphael masterpieces. This was a recent discovery from my most recent stay, and I’m shocked I didn’t know about it sooner.

12) While we’re in the area, climb the stairs to catch sunset at Terrazza del Pincio and get an unobstructed view of Piazza del Popolo and the rest of the city. You can even see Saint Peter’s Basilica in the distance.

13) While exploring the classics around the Roman Historic Center, make sure to wander off the main road of the Roman Forum and visit the gorgeous Piazza del Campidoglio, a Renaissance-style hilltop square designed by Michelangelo.

14) For one of the most unique things to do in Rome, find the tucked-away entrance to Via Campo Carleo through Monti, and get a closer look at the Forum of Augustus for free. One of my favorite insider tips!

15) Enjoy a drink with a view at Biblio Bar, a cozy outdoor bar by the river with a view of Castel Sant’Angelo. This is one of my absolute favorite places in Rome, a place I visit every time I’m in town and will take everyone and anyone who will join me. The drinks are always amazing, whether it’s a classic Spritz, a Negroni, or even a craft gin & tonic, and the vibes are so chill—the perfect spot for aperitivo after a day of exploring.

16) Line up early in the evening to dine at one of the best places to eat in Rome, the locally loved Tonnarello, a casual spot for true Roman dishes. This is another must-visit when in Rome, as it was highly recommended by my born-and-raised Roman friend as the restaurant her family visits most weekends. I love both their carbonara and Amatriciana.

17) If you’re looking for unique things to do in Rome, how about a visit to the Botanical Gardens in Trastevere? This is the perfect respite from the city center crowds. Pack a small lunch and wander through the garden’s different sections, such as the bamboo garden and the cherry blossom trees, before settling on the grassy area to picnic and enjoy the quiet.

18) For main character vibes, pick up a delicious panini to go at La Salumeria and head to the Tiber River for lunch with a view of Castel Sant’Angelo. Good memories don’t need to cost a fortune.

19) While visiting Piazza Navona is a classic, I bet you didn’t know that you can also visit the underground of it? Here’s where you’ll find the remains of the original stadium that used to exist under Piazza Navona, the Stadium of Domitian. Definitely one of the most unique places to visit in Rome that most people skip, even though it’s right there under everyone’s noses.

20) If you’re looking for a fun day trip out of Rome, one of the best things to do is to visit the gorgeous Villa d’Este to live out your 90’s Lizzie McGuire fantasy. Sing to me, Paolo! And even better if you arrive when there’s daylight, unlike us.

21) For sculpture and beauty lovers, one of the things you cannot miss while in Rome is a visit to the prestigious Galleria Borghese. The rooms alone are a work of art, with incredible marble combinations, but the highlight here is the unbelievable flesh-like marble sculptures by Bernini. While this is by no means a super unique idea, I believe it deserves a shout-out, as many people still miss it during their trip, and I think that’s a mistake.

22) To do as Romans do, join the young crowds in Trastevere for the evening. Pick a spot at a terrace bar; my favorite one in the area is the cozy Hilda Public Bar, and watch the neighborhood come alive with a glass of wine in hand and a tasty board, as the sun sets.

23) If you truly want to get off the beaten path, visit the young and artsy Pigneto in Rome, a student neighborhood offering a variety of international eats and casual student bars, like the lively Mezzo Vermuteria, which serves delicious cocktails.

24) Have the most scenic commute of your life by taking the local bus line 81, which passes right by the Colosseum and Circo Massimo. It’s like an unintentional tourist bus but way cheaper!

25) If you’re looking for unique, long-lasting souvenirs, head to Manufactus Made in Italy for a wide variety of high-quality leather goods. Here, you’ll find everything from personalized leather journals and keychains to small coin pouches, book dividers, and more.

26) Spend a full day, or weekend, of relaxation at the beautiful QC Terme Roma, a luxurious spa right by Fiumicino airport. They offer different types of saunas, steam rooms, and pools. This is something that’s still on my bucket list since, according to our local friend, this is one of the best spas in Italy.

27) One of my favorite things to do in any new destination is to explore the local supermarkets and marvel at the amazing selection of cheeses and cold cuts, as well as their cookies—which Italians will have for breakfast with a coffee.

28) Enjoy a glass or two of Italian wine at a cute enoteca, like the tucked-away L’Angolo Divino Enoteca Vineria. The space is cozy and romantic; their food menu is small but carefully crafted, and of course, the highlight here is the extensive Italian wine list, which you can try by the glass or the bottle.

29) Witness the pettiest fight in Rome between the famous architects Bernini and Borromini, who are believed to have hidden messages in their respective works for Piazza Navona, the Fiumi Fountain, and Sant’Agnese in Agone Church.

30) When in Rome, visit the Bialetti store and buy an authentic Made in Italy Moka pot to make your espresso at home Italian style. As someone permanently on the road, I always travel with my little moka pot.

Final thoughts on unique things to do in Rome

After visiting the Italian capital more times than I can remember, I can with all certainty say that there’s a never-ending list of fun and unique things to do in Rome.

Even if we’re only trying to cover the tourist basics, there’s a lot to do. Once you step away from that and start looking at all the snug alleys with cute shops, cozy neighborhood cafes, hidden churches, and locally loved bars, there’s simply so much to discover.

To this point, even with all my trips to the Eternal City, I still have so many Google Maps pins that I haven’t visited. I’m telling you, exploring Rome never ends… luckily!

And while, yes, planning your trip to Rome can seem overwhelming at first, I hope that this guide on unique things to do in Rome helps you fill in the gaps in your itinerary to create an unforgettable trip.

Which one of these unique things to do in Rome are you most looking forward to adding to your trip? Let us know in the comments.