Rome Travel Guide

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Hidden Gems and Secret Spots

While Rome is known for its iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and St. Peter’s Basilica, the city also hides a trove of lesser-known treasures just waiting to be explored. These secret spots in Rome are perfect for those who want to get away from the crowds, discover something new, and experience a side of Rome that only locals really know. Ready to uncover some of Rome’s best-kept secrets? Here are the hidden gems you won’t want to miss.

1. Villa Doria Pamphilj

Nestled in the heart of the city, this stunning park is an oasis of greenery, offering both a peaceful escape and a slice of Roman history. The villa itself dates back to the 1600s, and its vast grounds are dotted with fountains, statues, and hidden corners perfect for a quiet picnic or leisurely stroll.

  • What to expect: A serene atmosphere, fewer tourists, and beautiful baroque gardens. The villa’s interior is closed to the public, but the expansive grounds are perfect for relaxation.
  • Tip: You’ll find this park in the Gianicolo district, about a 20-minute walk from Trastevere. The park’s southern entrance is closest to Trastevere station, and you can also take buses from Piazza Venezia.
  • Address: Via di S. Pancrazio, 00152 Roma.

2. Via Giulia

For a taste of medieval Rome, head to Via Giulia. This picturesque street is one of the oldest and most charming in the city, lined with Renaissance palaces, boutique shops, and antique dealers. With far fewer crowds than Rome’s major shopping streets, it’s a wonderful spot to enjoy the city’s quieter side.

  • What to expect: Beautiful architecture, hidden courtyards, and a relaxed pace of life.
  • Tip: Make sure to stop by the Farnese Palace (Palazzo Farnese) at the end of the street. It’s the official residence of the French Embassy in Rome, and while you can’t visit the interior, the building itself is an architectural marvel.
  • Address: Via Giulia, 00186 Roma.

3. The Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci)

Tucked away on the Aventine Hill, this tranquil garden offers sweeping views of Rome’s rooftops and St. Peter’s Dome in the distance. The garden is famous for its orange trees, providing a fragrant and peaceful spot to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

  • What to expect: Lovely panoramic views, sweet-smelling citrus groves, and a quiet atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
  • Tip: While you’re in the area, don’t miss the Aventine Keyhole. If you peer through the keyhole of the Priory of the Knights of Malta, you’ll be treated to a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
  • Address: Piazza Pietro d’Illiria, 00153 Roma.

4. The Protestant Cemetery (Cimitero Acattolico)

This peaceful cemetery is one of the city’s hidden gems. Nestled near the Piramide Cestia, the cemetery is the final resting place of poets Keats and Shelley, as well as many other non-Catholic foreigners. It’s a serene, beautifully kept spot filled with history and artistry.

  • What to expect: A serene atmosphere, beautiful tombstones, and the haunting beauty of the garden. One of the more mystical secret spots in Rome.
  • Tip: The Pyramid of Cestius, an ancient Roman tomb, is nearby, and the Testaccio neighborhood is also worth exploring if you’re in the area.
  • Address: Via Caio Cestio, 6, 00153 Roma.

5. Banca di Roma (The Secret Garden of Via dei Giubbonari)

Not many visitors know that hidden in plain sight is the Secret Garden behind the Banca di Roma. Once the grounds of a Renaissance palace, the garden is a tranquil escape from the busy streets of the Jewish Ghetto. Though the garden is usually only accessible to employees, there are rare occasions when it opens for public events.

  • What to expect: An atmospheric garden with a secluded, private vibe.
  • Tip: Keep an eye on events or look for hidden access spots — sometimes, the bank will hold public exhibitions that allow you to step inside and experience the garden.
  • Address: Via dei Giubbonari, 29, 00186 Roma.

How to Get to These Hidden Gems

While these secret spots in Rome are off the beaten track, they’re all still relatively easy to reach via public transport or a leisurely walk from central landmarks.

  • Villa Doria Pamphilj: Take Bus 44 from Piazza Venezia or walk from Trastevere Station (around 20 minutes).
  • Via Giulia: This charming street is located in the heart of Centro Storico, a short walk from Piazza Navona. The nearest bus stop is Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
  • The Orange Garden: Located on Aventine Hill, it’s a 10-minute walk from Piramide Station (Metro B).
  • The Protestant Cemetery: Take Metro B to Piramide Station and walk 5 minutes to the cemetery.
  • Banca di Roma: Head to the Jewish Ghetto and look for the entrance at Via dei Giubbonari, just off Piazza Venezia.

Final Tip:

For those who want to avoid the crowded tourist spots, these hidden gems are perfect for discovering the “real” Rome. Whether you’re searching for peace in the Orange Garden, exploring the poetic resting place of Keats in the Protestant Cemetery, or strolling through the quiet streets of Via Giulia, these spots offer a glimpse into a slower, quieter, and more authentic side of the Eternal City.