'Secret' hidden gems in popular tourist hotspot will 'change how you see the city'

Rome is recognised globally for its ancient ruins, most notably the Colosseum, religious sites like the Vatican and St Peter’s Basilica and its famous Italian cuisine, featuring a variety of pasta and pizza. It earned the name the ‘Eternal City’ due to its historical and cultural significance spanning centuries.

Located in the heart of Italy, Rome is a popular tourist destination that welcomes millions of tourists every year. According to Turismo Roma, tourism was at an all time high in 2024 with 22.2 million international arrivals, a 5.63 per cent increase from the previous year.

Federica, a travel content creator from Italy, has shared some recommendations of where to go in Rome beyond the classic tourist hotspots.

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She posted a video on TikTok with short clips showing some beautiful sites in Rome, writing: “Don’t go to Rome if you’re going to skip places like these.”

In the caption of her video she added: “If you’re planning a trip to the Eternal City, save this Rome itinerary - it’s based on my full seven-day guide and packed with more than just the classics. From rooftop cocktails to secret palazzos, here’s what you actually want to do in Rome.

“Beyond the Colosseum and the Vatican, I’ve included some of the best hidden gems in Rome - like Galleria Doria Pamphilj, the Lateran Palace (where popes lived before the Vatican!), and beautiful churches.

“Whether it’s your first days in Rome or your third visit, these secret spots in Rome will change how you see the city.”

Federica gave suggestions of where to go to eat, sightsee and watch the sunset, and you can find some of her recommendations below.

1. Galleria Doria Pamphilj

The Galleria Doria Pamphilj is a large private art collection housed in the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj in Rome, Italy, between Via del Corso and Via della Gatta

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, dating back to the 16th century, is a blend of art and history and the gallery is where most of the masterpieces of the Doria Pamphilj family’s private art collection are held.

2. Lateran Palace

Lateran Palace is an ancient palace of the Roman Empire and later became the main papal residence of Rome, as Federica mentioned.

It allows visitors to learn about the history of Christianity in Rome and is part of a larger complex that includes the basilica of St John Lateran, the baptistery, the Holy Stairs and the Sancta Sanctorum chapel.

3. Cycle down Ancient Appian Way

For those who enjoy bike riding, Federica recommends cycling down Ancient Appian Way.

This is one of the oldest roads in Rome and was built by Appius Claudius Caecus starting in 312 BCE to facilitate troop movement and trade between Rome and Brindisi.

There are ancient ruins, catacombs, tombs and villas along Ancient Appian Way, making it popular for walking and cycling.

4. Carbonara at Cecilia Santa Cucina

Federica revealed that she gets her favourite carbonara from the Cecilia Santa Cucina restaurant in Trastevere.

It offers a variety of starters, first courses, main courses and desserts, including cuttlefish, lamb, pork and a dark chocolate ‘cigar.’

5. Watch the sunset from the Giardino degli Aranci

Many people enjoy watching the sunset from scenic places outside and Federica suggests seeing the sun set over Rome from the Giardino degli Aranci.

This is a large park and garden in Rome, also known as the Orange Garden, as there are lots of orange trees. The public outdoor space is said to offer spectacular views over the city.