30 Fun And Unique Things To Do In Rome

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A compilation of fun and unique things to do in Rome to perfectly complement your activity-packed Rome itinerary!

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 the magical ancient feel of the city—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 have compiled this list of unique things to do in Rome, that you won’t find in the typical guides.

The perfect source of inspiration for when you just can’t figure out what your next step is after 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 Rooftop Spritzeria Monti and try some of their creative concoctions. We tried four different ones and they were all delicious!

2) Taste Rome’s incredibly fresh aqueduct water that continuously flows out of the local drinking water fountains all around Rome.

3) Head out early to Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè, grab a table outside, order a gran cappuccino and a pastry or two, and enjoy the Roman morning going by.

4) One of the most fun things to do in Rome is to pretend to be in a movie, and for complete main character vibes, pick up an individual portion of the locally loved Pompi Tiramisu and enjoy it al fresco on a bench at the closest little plaza.

5) Get your gelato fix at Rome’s oldest gelateria, the long-standing Gelateria Fassi in Esquilino Rome.

6) Explore the underrated quaint neighborhood of Monti, a picturesque quieter residential area just behind the tourist-packed Roman Forum.

7) Find the password, ring the right doorbell, and be rewarded with some of the best cocktails in Rome at Jerry Thomas Speakeasy—definitely one of the most unique things to do in Rome.

8) Try the delicious Roman pastry that Romans have enjoyed since medieval times, the creamy Maritozzo, the best one in town is from Regoli Pasticceria.

9) One of the most fun things to do in Rome—especially at night—is to head to the Colosseum and Fontana di Trevi after midnight for the best and most empty view—I do this every time I visit.

10) Visit the peaceful Giardino degli Aranci, bring a panino, and enjoy the panoramic view of the city.

11) Come hungry to the modern Mercato Centrale in Esquilino Rome, right inside the Termini Train station, to feast on all the local artisan food.

12) Climb some stairs to catch the sunset at Terraza del Pincio and get a beautiful view of Piazza del Popolo and the rest of the city.

13) Make sure to wander off the main road of the Roman Forum and explore the gorgeous Campidoglio, a 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.

15) Sip on a craft gin and tonic at Biblio Bar, a cozy outdoor bar by the river with a view of Castel Sant Angelo, and one of my favorite places in the city!

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, like their famous pasta Tonnarelli.

17) Explore the charming streets of Trastevere during the day before the crowds start rolling in for the evening.

18) Get yourself a tasty panini to go at La Salumeria and head to the Tiber River for the perfect picnic spot.

19) Visit the remains of the original stadium that used to exist under Piazza Navona, the Stadium of Domitian.

20) Live out your 90’s Lizzie McGuire fantasy and take a day trip to the gorgeous Villa d’Este.

21) Have the absolute best panino of your life at All’Antico Vinaio, a famous Florentine icon now available in Rome, that truly lives up to the hype!

22) Join the young crowds in Trastevere, pick a spot on a terrace, like 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) Get off the beaten path and go bar hopping in young and artsy Pigneto Rome, where you can also try a variety of tasty international cuisines.

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.

25) When there’s no time to waste waiting in line for lunch, stop by Suppli Rome to snack on the popular Roman fried street food, Suppli.

26) Get a postcard-worthy photo in front of the Colosseum or Fontana di Trevi by booking a session with a professional, like the lovely Maria at PhotoshootRome. She did our engagement photoshoot and she was amazing!

27) 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 L’Angolo Divino Enoteca Vineria.

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) Visit the Bialetti store and buy an authentic Made in Italy Moka pot to make your espresso at home, Italian style.

Hope you enjoyed my list of fun and unique things to do in Rome, and I truly hope it helps you plan out your days in this magical city. Let me know if you end up visiting any of my recommendations, or doing any activities. I would love to hear!