Exploring Rome off the beaten path
Rome is probably one of the most Visited City in the World. Pretty much everyone knows its main Tourist attractions. But the list is pretty much endless even for those willing to explore a bit deeper of off of the beaten paths.
In this guide we will cover some of the (many) less known memorable experiences and attractions of Italy’s Capital City:
Before starting..
New to Rome? Head to my Starter guide to Visiting Rome post for an overall introduction
Visit a Food Market
Food markets are always my favorite target wherever I go, an Rome surely has some of the best ones!
The most famous is surely Campo dei Fiori, held every morning in the homonym plaza in Trastevere district. Despite it is very cute to check out, it is also pretty touristy.
If you are looking for a more genuine experience, you surely won’t be disappointed by the next two:
Mercato Trionfale.
Located not far from the Vatican, in the Prati neighborhood. It is surely one of the best places to go shopping with the locals. You can find out more in this post
Mercato Testaccio
Slightly less cheap and furnished than the first one, talking about shopping. But if you are looking for an amazing meal, that’s the place! Inside Testaccio market you will find some of the best eateries of the city, with an offer ranging from freshly made pasta, delicious pizzas, traditional sandwiches and piadinas, just to name a few
Look for the best Bargians
Other than food, in Rome you will find plenty of shopping opportunities. And not only in the famous and fancy stores spread all around the city Center.
Flea markets are a really big thing in Rome, and they surely worth the visit. Even if you are not thinking to buy anything.
Porta Portese
The main and probably most famous in the city. Held every Sunday morning from 8am to 2pm near Trastevere. It is mainly about clothes, shoes and bags, both new and used. But there is also an area dedicated to vintage books, housewares, furniture, jewels and various (odd) kinds of items. I am sure you will find some useless stuff you cannot avoid buying. Just watch for pickpockets!They seem to exceptionally enjoying the market. Like many other busy places.
Borghetto Flaminio
Another sunday flea market is just a few hundred metres north of Piazza del Popolo. Definitely more upscale than the first one, it hosts stalls of quality second hand clothes and goods, mostly branded. Probably also to keep it quieter than Porta Portese, it is also required to buy a small entrance fee of about 1,60 €.
And if you are not sure about which one to visit, not worry too much! This market will be open until 7pm, so you have plenty of time to visit the both!
Other options are the stylish Monti Market, open every weekend in the same district, and also several fascinating second hand shops
You will also find plenty of thrift shopping opportunities pretty much in every plaza and street corner around the city. Whether you are looking for Books, Clothes, bags, furniture, or just something to explore. They surely won’t disappoint you!
Discover hidden artwork masterpieces
There are no secrets. Rome, like many other Italian cities, is a real open air museum. Not only for the many beautiful buildings, statues and ancient ruins spread everywhere. But also for some more art wonders usually admirable only by visiting a museum.
Unsurprisingly, most of them are hidden inside Churches and Cathedrals. Therefore, completely free to visit. Good news for all budget Travellers!
Some of the most remarkable ones are:
The Paintings from some of the best artists of all times.
First and best example is probably CARAVAGGIO, nown for the very peculiar use of light and shadows and the realism of his painted figures. Three of his beautiful works are kept in a corner of San Luigi dei Francesi, not far from Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. Other Paintings are in the nearby curch of Sant’Agostino, and in the beautiful cathedral of Santa Maria del Popolo, in the homonymous plaza
Remember to check the opening hours for visits, as many churches close their doors between noon and 3 pm, after 6 pm and during religious service
Realistic marble statues
Like the beautiful Ecstasy of saint Teresa from Gian Lorenzo Bernini, in the Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria. And the Moses from Michelangelo Buonarroti, housed in the San Pietro in Vincoli basilica. Other than the many other memorials and fountains all over the city.
Beautiful frescoes and detailed mosaics
A deceiving example of the firsts is the flat dome of Sant’Ignazio da Loya. Apparently ordinary at first glance, thanks to a masterful usage of some prospective techniques, but actually only painted on a circular canvas. The story says they ran out of money during the construction of the church. But since it seemed not possible to build one without a dome, they decided to apply an optical illusion to create one.
Also the beautiful ceiling before the dome is slightly tricky, as the use of a similar method shows it apparently taller than it actually is.
See Saint Peter’s Dome from different perspectives
the majesty of the Cathedral and its tall dome makes them admirable from several places all around the Capital. At the point that I’ve also been used it for orientation walking around Rome!
Among all of them, there are some with particular features to check out:
il buco nella serratura
Literally translated as the hole in the lock. It is basically a closed gateway to a private garden. With a tiny hole from which admire a tunnel-shaped hedge leading right to the beautiful dome.
I’ve discovered it very randomly. I was walking back home through a more residential area, when I saw some people lining in front of a big closed door. As always, I couldn’t keep myself from finding out why, and the result has been surprising. Lucky found!
The Garden of Oranges
A few hundred metres from the door above, a beautiful garden offer a totally different way to enjoy the same view. And also a lovely corner where taking a rest under the pine trees shade on a busy walking day. Get some fresh water, take a nap and enjoy the amazing view above the Dome and the surrounding city.
Of course you will also be surrounded by orange trees and their pleasant scent. Just notice it is forbidden to pick the fruits. Which, by the way, are of the bitter kind.
Via Piccolomini and its tricky view
Another optic illusion around the City. This time is a street located on the northern edge of the beautiful park of Villa Doria Pamphili, and facing the iconic building. The tricky part comes walking the path towards the dome, which seems to get further (and smaller) as closer you get. Reason of the illusion seems to be the surrounding buildings, gradually left behind to leave space to the sky emptiness. Which makes the dome seem smaller.
Explore very unique shops and items
Going shopping is one of many traveller’s highlights. Luckily, Rome really has anything for any possible budget. From the crazily fancy boutiques of via Condotti. All the way to the most inexpensive markets and second hand shops. Passing through the wide and various offer of shopping malls and places like via del Corso.
Not only clothes, food and souvenirs! Hanging around Rome’s streets you will easily find some peculiar shops selling very unique and funny items. Both new and second hand. Here are some examples:
SPACE – Vintage & Original Objects
I came across this place randomly walking along Giulio Cesare boulevard. And really couldn’t escape a visit. I called it shop but it can easily defined as a Modern Design Gallery. Both because of the wide offer of stylish Vintage objects and their prices, not really for cheap bargains.
If you are in the area, take a look inside and dive into the XX century art: from old cameras to Flippers, road signs, phone booths and much more! They also have a SPACE store website
Also, the shop (in the cover picture) is located inside the basement of and old building. Creating, together with the peculiar lights, an even nicer atmosphere
The most ancient MAGIC SHOP
Another interesting shop to visit is called Eclectica. It is located in the heart of the city center. pretty much half way between the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain.
It is the most ancient magic shop in the City, other than one of the most interesting shops to visit. Offering a wide variety of tricks and entertainments items, accessories for magicians and funny collectors stuff.
But simply walking around the streets you will surely find plenty of cool places to explore. Whether you are looking for Clothes, furnishings, pottlery, souvenirs.. and obviously even FOOD!
Kickstart your Day
Last point of the list, but actually the first step: get an amazing local breakfast.
In Italy there is no morning raising without a good coffee. And Rome really offer some great companions. The most local is the Maritozzo, a fluffy bun with raisins and freshly wiped cream inside. But you will also find plenty of croissants and any kind of pastries. And pizzas, if you are more up for a salty breakfast.
You can find more about the other attractions in the “Foodie Corner” of the my other post about Rome
So this is the list of my Roman discoveries for now. But no trip to the city has ever eneded without at least a new one. And I am pretty sure you will add some new one too!
Thank you for taking the time to read this post!
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