10 best non-touristy things to do in Rome

The old adage "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" couldn't be more apropos when you're trying to decide what to see and do in the Eternal City.

Yes, you're absolutely going to want to visit some of the ancient city's renowned sights, but once you’ve ticked off spots like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain from your list, there’s a world of lesser-known, but incredibly fascinating things left to explore in the captivating city.

So do like the Romans do, and head off the well-beaten tourist path to uncover these hidden gems and attractions in Rome.

Think of Teatro di Marcello as the understated sibling of the Colosseum, sans the crowds. The theater is not without a tragic history: Julius Caesar began construction of the monument, which halted due to his death. It was then resumed by Emperor Augustus, who named it after his nephew Marcellus—who unfortunately also met his demise before the project was finished.

The theater was completed in 13 B.C. with a whopping capacity of 11,000 people. Now, it functions as one of Rome’s few structures that is half-privately and half-publicly owned. The bottom of the theater belongs to Rome, but the top is occupied by private apartments.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to explore the theater itself, but take the time to walk among the ruins. In the summer, the theater also plays host to Roman Nights, a series of classical concerts that are part of Estate Romana, a music festival from June to early October.

Bet you never expected there to be an island in the middle of Rome. Isola Tiberina is one of the world’s smallest inhabited islands, and is only about the size of three football fields. The island is home to a restaurant, a 400-year-old hospital, and the 10th-century Basilica di San Bartolomeo.

Every summer, Isola Tiberina is transformed with a film festival that takes place on its shores. When dusk falls, the island also comes alive with scores of pop-up bars.

Just a 15-minute walk from the Colosseum, Park Caffarella is a sanctuary away from the city’s chaos.

Pack a picnic, spot animals like sheep and foxes, take a stroll along the tranquil Almone River, or visit the Casale Della Vaccareccia cheese factory. You can also discover the Old Mill Farmstead, venture into the Tomb of Annia Regilla, or explore Roman ruins.

Roman ruins are everywhere in the city, but don’t miss out on the Baths of Caracalla. Inaugurated in 216 A.D., they were Rome’s second largest public bath for around 300 years. At its prime, it boasted an Olympic-size swimming pool, cafés, hot and cold baths, a gym, and more.

The best part? You can see how it all looked with a virtual reality headset, which can be rented at a nominal fee. In the summer, the area plays host to a series of concerts too.

Just 15 minutes away from the Baths of Caracalla by bus, the Appian Way was previously used as one of the key routes for the Roman Empire, stretching from Rome to the coastal town of Brindisi. Today, the Appian Way is 38.5 miles long and is also Europe’s longest straight road. Interesting fact: some parts of the road still preserve the original Roman cobblestones.

Visit on Sundays, when the road is closed to traffic. You can choose to walk or rent a bike. Explore the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus, the ruins of Roman Villa di Massenzio, and refuel at the multiple cafés along the way. If you’re pressed for time, this Ancient Appian Way, Catacombs, and Roman Aqueducts electric-assist bicycle tour might be just up your alley.

Gladiators and Rome are synonymous; now, here’s your chance to step into the shoes of these mighty warriors at the Gladiator School of Rome .

Don a traditional tunic, and learn fighting techniques using real weapons. You can even take it up a notch by choosing to participate in a gladiator tournament, where the best of the lot takes home a prize. Complete the experience with a complimentary admission to the Gladiator School of Rome Museum.

Stray away from the touristy eateries, and dig into authentic Italian dishes at some of the best local restaurants in Rome.

For pastas, visit Osteria Trattoria da Fortunata, where you can watch fresh pasta being handmade through the front window; Flavio Al Velavevodetto, which has some of the city’s best traditional pastas; or Al Ceppo to try their special carbonara, which comes topped with a raw egg yolk and shaved black truffle.

La Fraschetta di Sandro is a darling family-run tavern that serves only wine from the family farm located outside of Rome. Sweet tooths and caffeine addicts will love Sciascia il Caffe, which offers coffee nestled inside a shell of melted chocolate.

Emma Pizzeria serves a mean pizza, which you can round off with a creamy scoop of gelato from Gunther Rohregger Gelato. They have more than 30 types, with at least 10 of the chocolate variety. Unconventional flavors are the draw here—think strawberry and balsamic vinegar, or buffalo milk with pink peppercorn.

Spend an afternoon wandering around Quartiere Coppede, Rome’s smallest district. Think of it as Barcelona’s Gaudi, but the Rome version. Enter via a high archway below an iron chandelier with seahorse motifs. Pass by the Fontana delle Rane (Frog Fountain), or the Palazzo del Ragno (Spider Palace), which has a large spider decoration above its doorway.

Don’t miss out on Villino delle Fate, otherwise known as the fairy houses. Learn all about the district’s history on this Villa Torlonia and Coppede Art Nouveau private tour.

Head out to the Roman countryside for a breather, and enjoy a different perspective on a tandem paragliding flight with Sky Experience.

A pilot is allocated for every two passengers, ensuring the utmost safety and exclusivity. Feel on top of the world as you gaze down at rolling valleys, mountain ranges, and idyllic rivers while soaring through the air.

Put your aprons on, there are tons of cooking classes in Rome to choose from: learn how to make pasta and tiramisu at the same time, make your own pizza with a local chef, attend a gelato-making workshop, or attend this 3-in-1 fettuccine, ravioli, and tiramisu cooking session.

Looking for more ways to discover Rome like the locals do? There’s just so much to do: hang out with cats at the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary, discover the haunted side of Rome, or have a drink with a view from the Eitch Borromini rooftop bar (which also has opera concerts from time to time!). Stroll down Via Margutta, one of Roman’s loveliest streets—which also shot to fame due to the movie Roman Holiday.

See how much street art you can find at Ostiense, or at Rovescio on a walking tour. You can even go on a horse-riding tour through the ancient ruins of Ostia Antica. Catch a glorious sunset from the Park of the Aqueducts, or discover Centrale Montemartini, an unconventional art gallery housed in a former power station, which is also home to railway carriages and steam turbines.