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Hidden Gems in Rome – Discover the Secrets of an Ancient City

With a history that spans centuries, Rome is a city that takes a lifetime to discover. No matter how many times I go to Rome, I always find something new. It seems to contain an infinite number of secrets and sights to behold. While many are well-known and are on the top of most travelers’ bucket lists, this capital city has its share of secret places that even the locals overlook or sometimes they help you find!


Top Secret Things to do in Italy!



My time in Rome is always a delight with new discoveries. Read on to discover a few hidden gems in Rome for a different perspective of the Eternal City, including some amazing foodie places!8 Hidden Gems in Rome revealed in this post! Looking for secret spots and delicious food in Rome? Check out my list of hidden gems in Rome and visit Rome off the beaten path! | Top unusual things to do in Rome | lesser known things to do in Rome | secret spots in Rome you didn't know existed | what to do in Rome that is less touristy | Rome travel tips | Rome travel guide | Secrets of Rome | Rome secrets | #rome #italy

Hidden Gems in Rome

Where to find a street food tour?

I have got to tell you about my food tour. I have taken this tour and nothing could be better than this tour. I completely enjoyed the flavors of Rome. First off, we went on a guided street food tour. You will literally taste your way through the iconic Jewish Quarter OR you can opt for a tour of Trastevere. Try local delicacies such as supplì, pizza, and gelato!

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Where to Find the Best Pizza?

Let’s talk about food!


Hidden gems in Rome, Rome off the beaten path

Doesn’t everyone come to Italy to taste the food? I was making my way to the best gelato in all of Rome (that is a secret within itself) as I turned into the secret hidden entrance. I was a bit taken aback. What had happened to it? Now I saw a sign for a pizza joint instead and I was heartbroken. With one big gulp, I peeked my head in to question the pizza guy in my broken Italian, when suddenly, I stopped and stared at the wonderful pizza that was before me.  

8 Hidden Gems in Rome revealed in this post! Looking for secret spots and delicious food in Rome? Check out my list of hidden gems in Rome and visit Rome off the beaten path! | Top unusual things to do in Rome | lesser known things to do in Rome | secret spots in Rome you didn't know existed | what to do in Rome that is less touristy | Rome travel tips | Rome travel guide | Secrets of Rome | Rome secrets | #rome #italy

This was no ordinary pizza joint and I could tell that right away. So I decided to order pizza for takeaway since I was on the lookout for gelato instead. I chose the one with pine nuts, blood oranges, prosciutto, salami, arugula, black olives, and Parmesan shaved chunks of cheese.

 Hidden gems in Rome, Rome off the beaten path

Pizza from La Pizza del Teatro, Rome, Italy

I figured I could eat it after I found the perfect gelato! Well, guess what?  When I tasted it, it was out of this world!  There were also many other types of Pizza to choose from.

 Hidden gems in Rome, Rome off the beaten path

Pizza from La Pizza del Teatro, Rome, Italy


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Hidden Gems in Rome

Where to find the BEST GELATO?

Gelateria del Teatro

 Hidden gems in Rome, Rome off the beaten path

Pizza del Teatro, Rome, Italy

Don’t freak out about the gelato, as I found it later! Apparently, the gelateria has moved next door to a new, larger location on the corner of Via Dei Coronari and Via di San Simone. And now you can even take a gander thru the glass window to see how they put together their flavors. They make this delightful concoction (cultural note: Italians don’t eat gelato when it’s cold outside, as this American tourist delights in it during the day, night, rain, wind, or snow!)

I find eating gelato is a great way to spend time in Rome and this Rome “off the beaten path” place is perfect for that.

 Hidden gems in Rome, Rome off the beaten path

Gelato from Gelateria del Teatro, Rome, Italy

Gelateria del Teatro is Simply the Best!

At Gelateria del Teatro, they produce what I call “edible art” – mind-boggling gelato flavors made daily from organic local ingredients. Each bite is a Raphael, a Van Gogh, or a Renoir. They have flavors ranging from dark chocolate and red wine to rosemary honey lemon and Sicilian almond.

The complex inspired flavors are seasonal; a crisp fall day might yield a scoop of creamy chestnut; on a sweltering August afternoon, tangy white peach. For an easy breezy day like I had in late April: Four Chocolate with bits. The flavors are intensely real, there’s no other way to describe the sensation that washes over the mouth with one tiny green plastic spoonful.

Giolitti, too!

However, I would like to mention that Giolitti in the center of town – a short stroll from the Pantheon has some good gelato too! Located over on Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40, 00186 in Roma.

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Read here about a Unique Italian Gelato Culture in the Calabria Region of Italy.



Hidden gems in Rome, Rome off the beaten path

Foodie Tour for more Foodie Finds

Bonci Pizzarium

While on my Ultimate Authentic Rome Food Tour walk, we ended up at what the docent considered the “best pizza in town, Bonci’s Pizzarium.”  I told the docent that I had just been bragging about what incredible pizza I had had the day before, telling her it was from the La Pizzaria del Teatro, when she mentioned to me that that pizza place was from the same owner! How I had stumbled upon La Pizzaria del Teatro was only a miracle.

Apparently, this world-famous pizzaiolo, author, and TV personality Gabriele Bonci had opened La Pizzaria del Teatro, just off Via dei Coronari in the former Gelateria del Teatro space. I was lucky enough to try both Pizzarium and La Pizzaria del Teatro in one visit to Rome!


And as Bonci says “My mission is to return people the taste of eating good and conscious”


Here are some photos of the pizza from Bonci’s Pizzarium:

 Hidden gems in Rome, Rome off the beaten path

Pizza from Pizzarium, Rome, Italy

Pizza from Pizzarium, Rome, Italy, one of the Hidden gems in Rome, Rome off the beaten path

Pizza from Pizzarium, Rome, Italy

 Hidden gems in Rome, Rome off the beaten path

Pizza from Pizzarium, Rome, Italy

 Hidden gems in Rome, Rome off the beaten path

Pizza from Pizzarium, Rome, Italy

One last thing I wanted to say about the way they “do pizza” was the way they cut it.  I loved this idea and would like to see their counterparts doing this in America. They actually cut it with scissors.  That way you can get as much or as little as you like and it is based on weight! What a great concept.

Hidden gems in Rome, Rome off the beaten path


And if you are looking for that perfect place to watch the sunset or take a date…

IL GIARDINO ROOFTOP BAR

Il Giardino Rooftop bar is the perfect place for sunset views and truly unique cocktails. The rooftop bar inside Hotel Eden is a great place for a nice date with really good food, cocktails, and some of the best sunset views in Rome.


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Eat. Drink. Be Italian.


Hidden Gems in Rome

Favorite Street to Photograph

Now you have even more of a reason to go to this area off of the Ponte Saint Angelo Bridge, why?  Because not only is it my favorite street in all of Rome to take photographs on, now you can go have the best Pizza in all of Rome there as well. You can spend even more time in Rome wandering the streets and exploring.

 Hidden gems in Rome, Rome off the beaten path

Gelateria del Teatro

Hidden Gems in Rome, Rome off the beaten Path

Rome Off The Beaten Path

The Aventine Keyhole

From a whole different perspective, having nothing to do with food, but instead, with a few secrets, I have found during my time spent in Rome on my travels. After a few visits to Rome, when you have “been there and done that”, I suggest that you start to find little hidden gems each time you go so that your time in Rome is memorable each time you come here. Take for instance the Aventine Keyhole.

Hidden Gems in Rome, Rome off the beaten Path

Ok, well by now maybe we can call it a semi-secret! Just what exactly is the Aventine Keyhole? It is the keyhole in the door of a small church known as the Santa Maria del Priorato. Santa Maria del Priorato is located at the headquarters of the Order of the Knights of Malta on Aventine Hill. This 18th-century church was built by the architect named Giovanni Battista Piranesi, whose architectural motifs in the building evoke sailings and the sea.

Apparently, he was inspired by the longstanding tradition of Aventine Hill being compared to that of a ship. The keyhole allows you to peek inside to see 3 countries perfectly framed in the hole: Italy, the Vatican, and the Order of the Knights of Malta. The keyhole’s view lines up with the St. Peter’s Dome in the distance. No one seems to be able to know whether this was planned or just a lucky coincidence!

Hidden Gems in Rome, Rome off the beaten Path

Hidden Gems in Rome, Rome off the beaten Path

Too bad my photo of the keyhole is not that good!  Google it and you will see lots of great photos, so now I have to go back just to get a better image!

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Rome off the Beaten Path

Pyramid of Cestius

The pyramid of Cestius is located on Via Raffaele Persichetti and is almost 118 feet tall and 95 feet wide. And one of the most impressive sights to see in Rome. In fact, this pyramid is super special because it is Europe’s only ancient pyramid.

Who knew that Rome has a pyramid, built as a tomb for Gaius Cestius, that is over 2000 years old? The pyramid was renovated in 2015 and eventually opened, so you cannot go inside the Pyramid of Cestius on certain days of the week. Be sure and make a stop here when looking for secret places to go in Rome!

The Only Island in Rome

Tiber Island

Who knew there was an island right in the middle of Rome? I certainly didn’t, even though I had visited this island before on previous visits! I simply didn’t realize it was not attached to either side of the banks of the Tiber River! It is called Isola Tiberina, or Tiber Island. It is the world’s smallest inhabited island.

To get there, you only have to cross Rome’s oldest original bridge, the Ponte Fabricio, which was built in 62 BC! I have written an article about my intriguing time spent in Rome one night on this tiny island!

 Hidden gems in Rome, Rome off the beaten path

View from INSIDE the only apartment on Tiber Island!

Hidden Gems in Rome

The Mouth of Truth

The Bocca della Verità or Mouth of Truth is an image of a face carved into a tall stone disc with hollow holes for eyes and a gaping mouth. It is housed at the entrance to the church of Santa Maria. Many say that this sculpture was part of an ancient Roman fountain that represents the god of the River Tiber. It is possible that it could be a drain covering!

People believe that if you tell a lie with your hand in the mouth of the sculpture, it would be bitten off, so today, for some reason, people line up to have their photo taken standing beside the Mouth of Truth with their hand near the mouth! In Roman Holiday, a classic film with Gregory Peck, he improvised a scene with Audrey Hepburn pretending that his hand had been bitten off by the Mouth of Truth!

Mouth of Truth, Hidden gems in Rome, Rome off the beaten path

Hidden Gems in Rome

Quartiere Coppedè

Visit the hidden world of whimsical and strange beauty in the smallest district in Rome, known as Quartiere Coppedè. It is literally a secret neighborhood in Rome. It is tucked behind the main streets of Quartiere Trieste between Piazza Buenos Aires and Via Tagliamento. Architect Gino Coppedè mixed together art nouveau, medieval, baroque, and some Greek styles to create Quartiere Coppedè. It is literally reminiscent of Gaudi’s architecture in Barcelona!

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✦ Another Hidden Gems in Rome

Via Margutta Street

When you are wandering the magical streets of Rome, you can easily find crowds pretty much everywhere. But I have a secret street that I love and is probably one of the most romantic side streets in Rome. It is located adjacent to a busy pedestrian street – and its name is Via Margutta, one of the best-kept secrets in Rome I would say.

✦ Yet Even More Hidden Gems in Rome

Via Piccolomini

And yet, I have another place for you to think about visiting on a scooter at night! You may know about Borromini’s famous prospettiva within Spada Gallery, right? But let me tell you about another lesser-known optical illusion that I think is totally worth a visit.

Tucked away behind Villa Doria Pamphili Park, Via Piccolomini is an unassuming street. As you drive towards St. Peter’s dome, there is a perspective you may not have seen. As you drive towards the dome, the illusion recedes into the background and becomes smaller. But as you drive away, it seems to get larger in size and rises up from below. So grab that scooter and drive around in circles to experience this fascinating phenomenon.

✦ When to Visit the Uffizi Gallery 

Once you step into the Uffizi Gallery, you won’t be disappointed. It literally has artworks from around the world. With its outstanding collections of ancient sculptures and paintings from the Middle Ages to the Modern period. And everything in between. They have ancient sculptures from Beato Angelico, Botticelli,  Caravaggio, Correggio, Piero Della Francesca, Giotto,  Leonardo, Filippo Lippi, Michelangelo, Mantegna, Raffaello, and Simone Martini.  They also have invaluable collections of ancient statues and busts from the Medici family as well.

✦ When is the Best Time to Visit Rome?

Spend time in Rome, Italy from October to April. This is when most of the tourist crowds have disappeared. Plus the room rates are lower and you can find better deals. But bring a coat, as it tends to get cooler.

For the warmer weather, but without the throngs of tourists and the sweltering humidity — spend time in May or September – the shoulder season, when the kids are not quite out of school yet or are already back. During this time the average temperatures are between 75-84 Farenheight.

 Hidden gems in Rome, Rome off the beaten path

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Hidden secrets of Rome Revealed, Rome Secrets

Disclosure: My tour with the tour company was sponsored by them, but my love of pizza and gelato was inspired by my travels! There are affiliate links in this post.

 

Amy

Tuesday 5th of November 2019

I love Rome! Your post makes me miss it (and the pizza and gelato) even more. Thanks for sharing!

Cacinda Maloney

Tuesday 5th of November 2019

Glad you enjoyed it! I love Rome too!

Chanel @ La Viajera Morena

Sunday 4th of May 2014

Yummy yummy! I am definitely adding these two places to my Rome itinerary! :D Thanks for sharing!

Cacinda Maloney

Sunday 4th of May 2014

If you find other great places, let me know!

Karla

Thursday 1st of May 2014

Thank you for reminding me about this awesome Gelatoria. It was the most amazing place, and wow the flavors combinations! I would go back to Rome just for this place. And next time I'll try the pizza above also.

Cacinda Maloney

Thursday 1st of May 2014

That's what I did, for the gelato and then picket up pizza too! SCORE!

Kalboz

Wednesday 30th of April 2014

Cindy, not sure about the name but the owner operator was an older lady with an African gentleman doubling as her waiter/busboy. They served lunch only until late afternoon for the vegetable market visitors and vendors. Delicious food while watching the bustling street market that extends to Campo de' Fiori, a block away.

Cacinda Maloney

Wednesday 30th of April 2014

thanks for the tip!

Kalboz

Wednesday 30th of April 2014

The Pizza looks amazing, Cindy, thanks for sharing the secrets. Will file this under what to eat when in Roma.

One of the best spots for the Spaghetti alla Carbonara was a little hole in the wall place at Piazza Farnese, if you are into that kind of food

Cacinda Maloney

Wednesday 30th of April 2014

Kalboz, of course I am, I just haven't gotten there yet! Do you remember the name of it? I still have dinner tonight before I leave!

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