Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world. And for a good reason. You can spend months just trying to explore the official museums, ruins and parks in the city and you will still be surprised to learn that you missed some hidden gem. Not to mention all the delicious cuisine and luxury shopping opportunities that available all over the city. Most visitors to the city have been attracted by the world renowned sights of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Vatican City’s St. Peters Basilica and Sistine Chapel, but if you have already visited these must see sights you should venture on and explore some of Rome’s lesser known areas.
Immediately west of Vatican City is the Prati neighborhood. The area often gets overlooked by visitors to the city even though it is walking distance to all major attractions in the city. The area has many small cafés and restaurants that are predominately visited by locals rather than visitors to the city. If you want a quick, delicious bite on the go or just a casual sit-down place to sip your coffee and soak in the surroundings you should stop at Il Gianfornaio. The restaurant offers smoothies and coffee as well as pastries and flatbread pizzas. If you rather enjoy a sit-down meal just a few blocks away is the Flavio al Velavevodetto al Quiriti which serves Roman cuisine. The rigatoni alla carbonara is a delicious dish and the restaurant is open relatively late. Prati can also call itself home to one of the best gelatarias. The Neve di Lattte is an experience that is a must for anyone who enjoys ice cream in any form and finds themselves anywhere near Rome. The gelato is made only from the best ingredients and the price is surprisingly affordable for a major city.
Walking south from Prati towards the Tiber River you will undoubtedly run into Castel San Angelo. While it is hard to call the castle a hidden gem the building does get underestimated a bit. Walking around the building you will notice a large contrast between the initial stages of your self-guided tour as opposed to the later parts of the building. The original impression that the castle gives off is of a plain medieval fort. However once you start getting towards the top you find yourself in lavish apartments covered in Renaissance art used by Pope Paul III. But the real reason to visit is the view that you will discover once at the top of the building. The circular design of the structure allows you to see as far as you can in every direction. A small coffee shop at the top allows you to sit down and enjoy the view towards St. Peters square.
Walking a few minutes south across the Tiber River you will find a large square. Piazza Navona is a square that perfectly represents the image of an Italian square. The square is enclosed by beautiful building including the Sant’Agnese in Agone cathedral. The square is lined by numerous cafes and restaurants and in the middle there are three spectacular fountains. To the east of the piazza you should stop for a quick cup of coffee at the famous Sant’ Eustachio il Caffe. The coffee is very smooth and creamy which provides a unique Italian café experience. Nearby you will find the oldest building in what is one of the oldest cities in Europe. The Pantheon was a pagan temple that has been converted into a Christian place of worship. The large size and open area of the building make it easy to visit. The lines are not too long and its one of the few attractions that are free to visit. The area north of the Pantheon is made up of small cobble stone streets packed with spectacular restaurants and bars only rivaled by the famous Trastevere neighborhood.
East of Prati and over the Ponte Regina Margherita Bridge is Piazza del Popolo. As many of the other destinations on this list the piazza was heavily featured in Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons book and movie. Specifically the Piazza del Popolo is unique due to its numerous sphynx statues, oldest obelisk in the city and Egyptian hieroglyphics. Above the piazza is the Terraza del Pincio which offers great views of the city as well as the Borghese Park which offers a good escape from the heat during the summer.
Finally you should make time to visit the Trevi Fountain. While Rome is covered with fountains the Trevi is something in category of its own. The size, sounds and lighting of the fountain create an extraordinary atmosphere which will take your breath away. A short walk away are the another iconic spot for people in love, the Spanish Steps. And if you rather spend some time exploring the high-end stores on Via di Condotti that shouldn’t be a problem since the street ends at the bottom of the steps.
Rome has an abundance of restaurants, sights and attraction which will satisfy all of your senses. Rome was not built in a day and it is certain that you will not be able to see everything in a day, a month or a trip, but you should consider adding as many of these attractions to your itinerary. You will never forget the experience.
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