Rome is celebrated worldwide for its ancient monuments, particularly the Colosseum, sacred locations such as the Vatican and St Peter’s Basilica, and its renowned Italian gastronomy, showcasing diverse pasta dishes and pizzas.
The city earned its moniker the ‘Eternal City’ owing to its historical and cultural importance stretching across millennia. Situated at Italy’s centre, Rome stands as a beloved travel destination attracting millions of tourists annually.
According to Turismo Roma, visitor numbers reached record levels in 2024 with 22.2 million international arrivals, marking a 5.63 per cent rise from the previous year. Federica, an Italian travel content creator, has offered suggestions for exploring Rome beyond the conventional tourist attractions.
She shared a TikTok video featuring short clips of stunning Roman locations, captioning it: “Don’t go to Rome if you’re going to skip places like these.” In her video description, she elaborated: “If you’re planning a trip to the Eternal City, save this Rome itinerary – it’s based on my full seven-day guide and packed with more than just the classics.
“From rooftop cocktails to secret palazzos, here’s what you actually want to do in Rome.bBeyond the Colosseum and the Vatican, I’ve included some of the best hidden gems in Rome – like Galleria Doria Pamphilj, the Lateran Palace (where popes lived before the Vatican!) and beautiful churches.
“Whether it’s your first days in Rome or your third visit, these secret spots in Rome will change how you see the city.” Federica offered recommendations for dining, sightseeing and sunset viewing, with some of her top picks listed below.
1. Galleria Doria Pamphilj
The Galleria Doria Pamphilj represents an extensive private art collection situated within the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj in Rome, Italy, nestled between Via del Corso and Via della Gatta. Dating from the 16th century, Palazzo Doria Pamphilj combines art with history, whilst the gallery houses the majority of the Doria Pamphilj family’s private art collection masterpieces.
2. Lateran Palace
The Lateran Palace stands as an ancient palace from the Roman Empire era which then, served as Rome’s primary papal residence, as noted by Federica. Visitors can explore Christianity’s history in Rome, as it forms part of an extensive complex encompassing the basilica of St John Lateran, the baptistery, the Holy Stairs and the Sancta Sanctorum chapel.
3. Cycle down Ancient Appian Way
Cycling fans can consider Federica’s recommendation to pedal along the Ancient Appian Way. This represents one of Rome’s most ancient thoroughfares, constructed by Appius Claudius Caecus from 312 BCE onwards to enable military movements and commerce between Rome and Brindisi.
Ancient ruins, catacombs, tombs and villas line the Ancient Appian Way, creating a favoured destination for walkers and cyclists alike.
4. Carbonara at Cecilia Santa Cucina
Federica shared that her favourite carbonara comes from the Cecilia Santa Cucina restaurant in Trastevere. This eatery offers a variety of starters, main courses and desserts, including cuttlefish, lamb, pork and a dark chocolate ‘cigar.’
5. Enjoy the sunset at Giardino degli Aranci
Many people relish watching the sunset from picturesque locations, and Federica recommends witnessing the sun set over Rome from the Giardino degli Aranci. This expansive park and garden in Rome, also known as the Orange Garden due to its abundance of orange trees, is said to offer breathtaking views over the city.