Rome isn’t just another city, it’s a way of life. You don’t simply visit Rome; you feel it, breathe it, taste it. At every corner, history, gastronomy, and the Italian dolce vita blend together to offer unforgettable moments.
Exploring Rome goes far beyond checking landmarks off a list. It’s about soaking up the soul of the Eternal City, trolling through a quiet piazza at sunrise, sipping a cappuccino in a local café, or cruising through cobbled streets in a vintage Fiat 500. That’s how we love to experience cities today.
In this guide, we share our Top 10 most memorable and off-the-beaten-path experiences in Rome, the ones that let you truly embrace the Roman dolce vita. From unique Vespa rides and street food discoveries to hidden cultural gems and romantic sunsets, get ready to fall in love with Rome all over again.
➡️ Click here to read our practical travel tips for Rome
➡️ Click here to discover the must-sees in Rome for first-timers
TABLE OF CONTENTS :
| Discover Rome at sunrise in a Vespa sidecar
There’s no better way to start the day than riding through Rome’s early morning streets in a Vespa sidecar. With your helmet and audio guide on, you’ll cruise past iconic sites like Piazza Navona and its Four Rivers Fountain, bathed in golden light. Your guide will share plenty of fun facts and anecdotes along the way. The ride includes a stop for a cappuccino, pure bella vita!
→ Book your sunrise Vespa sidecar tour here , a unique and intimate way to explore Rome before the crowds
| Enjoy a sunset tour in a vintage Fiat 500
Want to feel like you’re in a classic Italian movie? Hop into a vintage Fiat 500 for a 2.5-hour ride through Rome with your private driver. Cruise by the Colosseum, the Tiber River, and Saint Peter’s Basilica, and stop at a scenic overlook for a glass of prosecco. It’s the perfect romantic activity, especially at sunset!
→ Book your Fiat 500 sunset tour here for a guaranteed Dolce Vita vibe
| Experience Rome without the crowds
Rome is magical in the early morning, especially when you have its iconic landmarks to yourself. Join a local guide at 7 AM for a 2.5-hour walking tour through the city’s most beautiful squares, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. The tour ends with a delicious Italian breakfast. A peaceful and unforgettable way to discover a different side of Rome.
→ Discover Rome without the crowds, guided tour and breakfast included
| Explore Rome’s vibrant street art scene
Rome isn’t only about ancient ruins and Baroque churches. It’s also one of Europe’s emerging street art capitals. Join a guided tour through lesser-known neighborhoods like Ostiense, Testaccio, or Quadraro, where colorful murals and contemporary art transform the cityscape. A creative and unexpected way to see modern Rome.
→ Book a street art walking tour of Rome and uncover a different side of the Eternal City
| Uncover the Hidden Side of Rome
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Discover the Aqua Virgo aqueduct beneath Trevi Fountain
Did you know that ancient Rome still exists beneath your feet? Go beyond the classic sites like the Colosseum or the Pantheon and explore the underground aqueduct that still supplies water to Trevi Fountain and other Roman fountains. Built over 2,000 years ago, the Aqua Virgo is a stunning feat of engineering that reveals the Romans’ ingenuity in bringing fresh water to the city. Plus, it’s a refreshing escape when the Roman sun gets too intense.
→ Visit the underground Aqua Virgo aqueduct a hidden gem of Ancient Rome
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E-bike tour to the Catacombs and Appian Way
Escape the city for half a day and discover the Appian Way, the oldest Roman road, by electric bike. This scenic ride through the Roman countryside leads you to the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus, underground burial sites carved in the 2nd century AD by early Christian communities. Back when Christianity was forbidden, these tunnels were sacred spaces for worship and remembrance. The tour finishes with a delicious lunch of local products, an immersive and peaceful Roman escape.
→ Ride along the Appian Way and explore the catacombs by e-bike , an unforgettable Roman countryside experience
| Learn the Secrets of Italian Cuisine
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Take a pasta or pizza-making class in Rome
Love pasta as much as we do? Why not learn how to make it like an Italian mamma? It’s easier than you think and the taste is next-level. Rome offers plenty of cooking workshops, especially in the neighborhoods of Trastevere or Monti, where you’ll learn to make fresh pasta or authentic Roman pizzas with a final tasting, of course. We took the class with our 10-month-old son Gabriel, and it was a hit! Prefer to toss pizza dough like a real pizzaiolo? That’s an option too!
→ Join a hands-on pasta-making class in Rome a perfect family-friendly activity
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Taste the real Roman carbonara
Each Italian region has its signature pasta dish, and Rome is proud of its carbonara and no, it doesn’t include cream, bacon, or grated Emmental! The authentic version is made with pecorino cheese, guanciale, egg yolk, and black pepper that’s it. Try it at Salumeria Roscioli, a market-style eatery near Campo de’ Fiori that requires booking in advance. Another great option: La Carbonara in Monti (with a name like that, you know what you’re getting!). For a timeless classic, head to Armando al Pantheon, a family-run favorite since 1961.
→ Discover the best carbonara in Rome and taste the real deal
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Try the iconic Tartufo dessert
Head to Tre Scalini on Piazza Navona and indulge in a Tartufo a rich, dense chocolate ice cream dessert shaped like a truffle and coated in a crunchy chocolate shell. It’s a Roman specialty not to be missed, especially with a view of the Four Rivers Fountain.
| Enjoy a Magical Evening in Rome
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Attend Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in a historic venue
Spend an unforgettable evening surrounded by music and history. Vivaldi’s Four Seasons is performed in magical settings such as the Evangelical Methodist Church, near the Gardens of Sallust in central Rome. Let the enchanting melodies of one of Italy’s greatest composers sweep you away. Tickets sell fast, so booking ahead is essential!
→ Book a Vivaldi concert in Rome a magical classical evening in the Eternal City
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Dolce Vita in Rome
Rome isn’t just a city to visit — it’s a city to live, to feel, and to fall for. By venturing off the beaten path, you’ll discover a vibrant, surprising, and truly authentic side of the Italian capital. These 10 unforgettable experiences in Rome are your invitation to dive into the dolce vita, from scenic Vespa rides to underground wonders, delicious dishes, and timeless cultural moments.
Whether you’re an art lover, a foodie, a history buff, or a traveler seeking unique moments, Rome will charm you. So, let yourself be swept away by the atmosphere, the flavors, and the eternal beauty of this remarkable city.
➡️ Click here for our practical travel tips for Rome
➡️ Click here to discover the must-see highlights of Rome
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